Transcript Highlights:

• The legislative appropriations, of course, are unchanged from the session, except that we did adjust
• Then our appropriation, this contingent appropriation you authorized, will be adjusted, and we'll make
• So the first request coming to you from the Emergency Commission is Request No. 2164 from the Department
• Fund appropriation.
• Chairman, we have a request. With that, Mr. Chairman, we have a request for the Budget Section.

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:

• The legislative appropriations, of course, are unchanged from the session, except that we did adjust
• Request number 2164 from the committee. Chairman, I move a do not pass on request 2164.
• request number 2164 from the committee. Chairman, I move a do not pass on 21st, request 2164.
• Fund appropriation.
• Chairman, we have a request... With that, Mr. Chairman, we have a request for the Budget Section.

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.

Bills: SB3123, HB1853, HB1961, HB1965, HB1962, HB1959, HB2505, HB2576, HB1801, HB1804, HB1864, HB2319, HB2314, HB2115, HB1854, HB2062, HB1511, HB1535, HB2614, HB2282, HB1870, HB1695, HB1626, HB1643, HB1972, HB1550, HB1974, HB1966, HB1973, HB2545, HB1946, HB1939, HB1721, HB1741, HB1700

Keywords: conditional gifts, private education, scholarships, donor conditions, Hawaii education law, HB1853, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, cognitive impairment, memory care, memory clinic, Hanai Memory Network, Executive Office on Aging, aging services, kupuna, caregiver support, long-term care, elder care, geriatrics, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• President, at the appropriate time, I ask that their names be inserted into the journal.
• President, at the<00:05:45.320><c> appropriate</c><00:05:45.640><c> time,</c><00:05:45.840><c> I</c><
• 00:05:45.880><c> ask</c><00:05:46.040><c> that</c><00:05:46.200><c> their</c> the appropriate time, I
• ask that their the appropriate time, I ask that their names<00:05:46.680><c> be</c><00:05:46.800><c>
• </c><00:09:08.080><c> seminars,</c> Institute's annual legislative seminars, Institute's annual legislative

Bills: SB3123, HB1853, HB1961, HB1965, HB1962, HB1959, HB2505, HB2576, HB1801, HB1804, HB1864, HB2319, HB2314, HB2115, HB1854, HB2062, HB1511, HB1535, HB2614, HB2282, HB1870, HB1695, HB1626, HB1643, HB1972, HB1550, HB1974, HB1966, HB1973, HB2545, HB1946, HB1939, HB1721, HB1741, HB1700

Keywords: conditional gifts, private education, scholarships, donor conditions, Hawaii education law, HB1853, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, cognitive impairment, memory care, memory clinic, Hanai Memory Network, Executive Office on Aging, aging services, kupuna, caregiver support, long-term care, elder care, geriatrics, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• :05:14.800><c> subcommittee</c><00:05:15.520><c> on</c> request is made, the subcommittee on request
• Nothing in rule 55.2 legislation.
• </c><00:07:45.039><c> is</c> Even if the proposed legislation is Even if the proposed legislation is
• </c> question presented uh in my request question presented uh in my request whether<00:09:40.720><c>
• </c> request is. request is.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you flip to page three, it is a breakdown of our FY 26 appropriation request by category.
• That the highest consideration be given to our appropriations request, because that may ease the burden
• We had seven total one-time appropriation requests that we'll discuss later in the presentation.
• Folks are still trying to figure out when's the appropriate time to make those requests.
• They're the ones who are making the request, so it's appropriate for them to address or not to address

Transcript Highlights:

• Authorizes HHFDC to make recommendations to appropriate legislative bodies.
• </c><00:04:25.360><c> appropriate</c><00:04:25.919><c> legislative</c> to appropriate appropriate legislative
• to appropriate appropriate legislative bodies.<00:04:27.520><c> Requires</c><00:04:28.080><c> HHFDC<
• </c><00:19:04.880><c> Part</c><00:19:05.120><c> two</c> legislative appropriations.
• Part two legislative appropriations.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Housing heard and then took action on a series of housing-related bills concerning HHFDC, HPHA, inclusionary zoning, nonprofit housing trusts, housing project exemptions, the rental housing revolving fund, and a new for-sale housing program. Testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC and HPHA, with additional support from groups such as Hawaii YIMBY, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, Hawaii Appleseed, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Holo Collaborative, the Kobayashi Group, and others. On SB 2424, the Kobayashi Group argued the bill would help open housing to a broader pool of local households, including buyers slightly above income limits who still cannot afford market-rate housing. On SB 2342, the chair asked HHFDC for final figures on rental housing revolving fund appropriations since 2016 and was told the amount was about $1.1 billion, including conveyance tax revenue. In decision-making, the committee recommended passage of SB 2189 with amendments, noting concerns about transparency and accountability in HHFDC’s loan-award process; SB 2190 with amendments; SB 2234 with amendments; SB 2177 with amendments; SB 2194 unamended; SB 2342 with amendments; SB 2060 with amendments; and SB 2070 with amendments. The committee deferred SB 2195 and SB 2196 after testimony comments, and deferred SB 2063 because the chair said SB 2060 would be used instead as the vehicle for mixed-income subaccount changes. SB 2424 was discussed in hearing but then deferred in decision-making pending legal advice on issues including owner-occupancy, county income restrictions, buyback rules, and county council approval. The committee also heard testimony on SB 2062 and its proposed SD1, but deferred that measure because the relevant changes had already been incorporated into SB 2060 SD1.

Transcript Highlights:

• . appropriately. appropriately.
• </c> agencies to submit requests to MMB. agencies to submit requests to MMB. requests<00:03:56.400><c
• </c> requests on our website. requests on our website.
• <00:30:18.240><c> appropriations</c><00:30:18.960><c> for</c> appropriate appropriations for appropriate
• request.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I request capital leaves for Senators Brooks and Kiefer and legislative leaves for Senators
• Senator Costa requests capital leave for Senators Muth and Piscatano and legislative leave for Senators
• I request the legislative leave for Senator Ferry. Thank you, Mr. President.
• I request the legislative leave for Senator Ferry.
• Senator Pittman requests legislative leave for Senator Ferry.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then received committee reports from Banking and Insurance and Judiciary. Several leaves of absence were granted, and the chamber took up calendar and procedural motions, including re-referrals and tabling actions on multiple bills. House Bill 1102 and Senate Bill 911 were re-referred to Appropriations, House Bill 96 and Senate Bill 599 were briefly laid on the table and then returned to the calendar, and House Bill 2400 and Senate Bill 746 were also sent to Appropriations. The Senate later agreed to consider a discharge-related motion on minimum wage, but the motion to make it a special order of business failed by a vote of 23-27. On final passage, Senate Bill 1182 passed 50-0 after Senator Boscola described it as a modernization of the Board of Vehicles Act to address software-based vehicle features, warranty reimbursement, data protections, loaner vehicles, and related dealer/manufacturer issues; she noted amendments had been adopted to address stakeholder concerns. Senate Bill 1334 also passed, 29-21, after the Senate rejected Amendment A44049, which would have exempted certain cardiology technicians from licensing requirements if credentialed and supervised; supporters argued the exemption reflected existing practice and credentialing, while opponents said the bill was needed for patient safety and consistent oversight. Senate Bill 1372 passed 50-0, and House Bill 2426 was re-referred to Appropriations. The latter part of the session focused heavily on minimum wage and budget timing. Senators Tartaglione, Hughes, and Costa argued Pennsylvania had gone 20 years without raising the minimum wage and urged action on a House-passed minimum wage measure, while Senator Pittman said Republicans were willing to “meet in the middle” but opposed the House proposal as written. Members also discussed the state budget, the rainy day fund, and whether the Senate should remain in session; after debate, Senator Pittman’s motion to recess to the call of the President pro tempore was adopted 27-23, and the Senate stood in recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 942, by the Appropriations Committee, an act relating to the appropriation from the Idaho
• That would be, in future years, legislative appropriations, donations, and contributions made to the
• I request unanimous consent to waive further reading of House Bill 927. That has been requested.
• Will this piece of legislation fix that? Will this piece of legislation fix that?
• This legislation does.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, received messages from the Senate and governor, and moved several enrolled bills and memorials through routine referral and signing actions. The chamber concurred in Senate amendments to House Bills 494, 728, and 703, and later concurred in Senate amendments to House Bills 825 and 788. Committee reports also advanced multiple measures, including House Bill 939 from Resources and Conservation, House Bills 940-942 for printing or referral, and House Bill 892 to second reading. House Resolution 29, changing call-of-the-House procedures, and House Joint Memorial 21, urging faster permitting for a tungsten mine in Lemhi County, were also taken up and passed. On the floor, the House passed Senate Bills 1266, 1316, 1288, and 1339. Senate Bill 1266 made technical foster-care corrections, removed extended foster care language, and expanded expedited placement to include kinship caregivers. Senate Bill 1316 updated newborn screening consent language so parents may simply decline certain newborn procedures without stating a medical or religious reason. Senate Bill 1288 created a funding mechanism for high-need special education students, drawing from driver’s education funds and interest from the Idaho Career Readiness Fund; supporters framed it as necessary to meet federal and constitutional obligations, while opponents argued it would create an ongoing spending commitment and reduce funds for other programs. Senate Bill 1339 replaced continuous improvement planning with longer-term strategic performance planning for public schools, with supporters emphasizing accountability and reduced reporting burdens. The House also passed House Bills 706, 888, 894, and 927. House Bill 706 allowed a single stairwell in certain four- to six-story condo and apartment buildings, with added fire-safety requirements, to reduce housing costs; supporters cited affordability and housing supply, while some raised safety concerns. House Bill 888 revised the state IT procurement framework to bring more agency technology purchases under the Office of Information Technology Services, with some agencies exempted. House Bill 894 required open meetings to allow recording, photography, and video with exemptions for corrections, parole, and executive sessions. House Bill 927 restored consequences for unpaid traffic infractions, including license-related enforcement after notice and a 60-day cure period, and was presented as a public safety and fiscal responsibility measure. The House then recessed and later resumed to continue the calendar and committee business.

Transcript Highlights:

• We think, as your staff at LESC, that this is an appropriate request of recurring funding that is responsive
• A lot of those appropriations were actually multi-year appropriations that you all made from the general
• Those appropriations have declined. appropriations in House Bill 2 or community schools.
• Chair, due to some of the executive requests or... ...due to some of the executive requests and things
• This does not include an appropriation.

Summary: The committee first heard a detailed staff presentation on the LESC FY27 public school support recommendation. Staff reviewed the budget structure and explained that, despite a downward revision in state revenue estimates, the recommendation still relied on recurring and non-recurring revenue to support educator compensation, insurance, transportation, literacy, math, special education, and other school programs. Major recurring items included a 3% compensation increase, funding for an 80-20 health insurance cost share, insurance premium growth, and transportation adequacy funding. Staff also flagged a possible supplemental need of up to $35 million for virtual education tied to rapid enrollment growth in Chama and Santa Rosa, and members raised concerns about the quality, accountability, and funding model for virtual programs. Members asked questions about transportation for rural districts, the Martinez-Yazzie lawsuit fees, the treatment of enrollment declines in the school funding formula, and whether the word “average” in salary language should remain in the budget. Staff explained that the SEG should remain whole, that the insurance and transportation recommendations applied to all public school employees but not contractors, and that the budget included multiple math-related investments spread across several lines rather than one single appropriation. There was also discussion of out-of-school learning grants, school meals, literacy center operations, special education training, and the Public Education Reform Fund, including the use of multi-year, evaluation-based appropriations for high-impact tutoring and community schools. After discussion, the committee adopted the LESC budget recommendation. The committee then moved to endorsed legislation proposals. It endorsed a bill allowing the secretary to suspend an individual school board member, with notice and appeal procedures clarified, and a bill creating an 80-20 health insurance cost-share requirement for public school employees, along with a study of the sustainability of public school insurance programs. It also endorsed a bill on attendance provisions for students with severe medical conditions, which would keep those students from being classified as excessively absent. Finally, the committee discussed a teacher residency bill that would raise stipend levels, allow residents to complete service anywhere in New Mexico, and remove the requirement that sponsoring schools must hire them, though the bill did not include an appropriation. Members also raised questions about bilingual, Hispanic, and Black education funding, cultural and linguistic supports in teacher preparation, and where various programs should be placed in the budget or PERF framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then item six on the next page is the request. requesting a modification to rider 36.
• Item 7 is an agency request for a new rider for appropriation for interlocal cooperative contracts.
• of article appropriations, and item six is request to show unexpended balance authority for the lease
• Item nine, they requested. that a rider to appropriate revenue from interest earned on distributions.
• GR, to request additional.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are various temporary appropriation requests. There's only one on the agenda.
• Section C, these are Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act appropriation requests.
• Section D, these are appropriation and/or fund transfer requests.
• These are cash fund appropriation requests.
• This is pay plan appropriation and Performance Fund requests.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, my understanding is they did add some money to our special appropriations request.
• The only amendments were in the appropriations that we requested. House Bill 2 is out.
• HAFC action also created a non-recurring appropriation to fund some of the agency's IT requests.
• HAFC action also created a non-recurring appropriation to fund some of the agency's IT requests.
• We've requested, as is typical, a $5 million contingent appropriation from the appropriation contingency

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations from the Secretary of State, the State Land Office, the Attorney General, and the State Auditor. The Secretary of State said its requested general fund budget of $15.88 million was intended to maintain baseline operations, replace lost federal cyber and election support, and address a 12% vacancy rate. Officials warned that the House recommendation still left major gaps for election security, tabulator replacement, campaign finance system upgrades, overseas and military ballot services, ballot tracking, and a new tax lien filing system. Senators pressed about the election fund, county burdens, and the risk of underfunding election administration; the office said the House had provided $15 million for the election fund for the primary and another $15 million for the general election, but not enough for operations or all capital needs. The State Land Office said it was satisfied with the House budget action and had no additional request. Staff described the office’s record revenues, low vacancy rate, clean audits, and proposed new positions tied to forestry, economic development, petroleum, geothermal, and royalty compliance work. Senators asked about long-term revenue trends, forest thinning and biomass opportunities, and bookkeeping around the land maintenance fund; the office said the new positions were intended to generate revenue and support land management, including fire mitigation. The Attorney General’s office presented a budget built around a 0% general fund increase, greater use of the Consumer Settlement Fund, and $4.5 million in special/extraordinary litigation funding. The AG emphasized active litigation and investigations involving consumer fraud, Medicaid fraud, federal funding cuts, Meta and other technology platforms, AI and child safety, gaming compacts, tobacco, and possible litigation over abandoned uranium mine cleanup. Senators asked about scam enforcement, the structure of settlement funds, and whether the office could take on uranium-related litigation; the AG said the office could prepare a litigation budget but warned such efforts would require sustained funding. The State Auditor said the House budget added only modest increases while the office faced about a 40% vacancy rate, difficulty recruiting auditors, and a shrinking pool of public accounting firms, creating risks for constitutional audit responsibilities.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you recall, coming into the legislative session, ISP requested $12.6 million from the Law Enforcement
• Have unanimous consent request. Any objection?
• So that is the request. So that is the request in front of the committee this morning.
• So what is that appropriate level?
• And I think that we determine the appropriation. ...so what is that appropriate level?

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Joint Finance and Corporation Committee met with a quorum from both chambers and first approved a $6.5 million federal supplemental appropriation for the Military Division to replace failing climate control systems in Idaho Air National Guard buildings at Gowen Field. The committee then considered Idaho State Police funding tied to three revenue measures: a beer excise tax distribution change, a new specialty license plate, and a liquor account distribution change. Members discussed the impact on cities and counties, with several noting the shift away from local governments, but the motion to appropriate $6.695 million in dedicated and federal funds for ISP personnel costs passed and received a do-pass recommendation. The committee next took up two pieces of language related to Idaho Digital Learning Academy. One trailer language item tied to House Bill 940, which would change course fee limits for non-graduation and graduation-required courses, was adopted by unanimous consent. A second proposal to restore IDLA’s access to PSIF after a large appropriation reduction failed after members raised concerns about allowing access before the academy spent down its cash balance and about weakening the budget cap. Members then approved language redirecting about $12 million from the Strategic Initiatives Fund to the local highway distribution formula instead of LTAC grants, after debate over whether formula-based distribution or competitive grants better served local needs. Finally, the committee adopted language preventing an automatic transfer from the Budget Stabilization Fund to the General Fund when the fund exceeds its 15% cap, preserving the fund balance unless the legislature acts otherwise. The meeting adjourned after the final do-pass recommendation was approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• The General Appropriations Bill, or HB 1, is how the state appropriates funds for its general operating
• This year's appropriations breakdown follows.
• ; Legislative... ...Legislative Auditor's Office, $15.3 million; Budgetary Control Council, $13 million
• This bill also makes the standard appropriation of self-generated revenue to the Legislative Auditor's
• This year, that appropriation is $25.1 million.

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met on April 13, 2026, and considered the main budget bills for fiscal year 2026-27. Members heard a broad overview of House Bill 1, the general appropriations bill, including the governor’s proposed budget, major funding items for education, workforce, corrections, health, and economic development, and a plan to use surplus funds to pay down LASERS’ unfunded liability. The committee discussed a 29-page amendment set that shifted savings from retirement and other areas into one-time expenditures, including FEMA Katrina debt, LSU, firefighter pay raises, crime victim reparations, rehabilitation services, and additional school choice support. Questions focused on the MFP per-pupil adjustment, the crime victim reparations shortfall, LSU funding, waiver slots, and whether the bill remained at a standstill overall. The committee adopted the amendments and reported HB 1 favorably as amended, making it Special Order No. 1 for April 16. The committee then took up House Bill 312, the supplemental appropriations bill, which also redirected the full $144.3 million surplus payment to LASERS and used savings from MFP, Medicaid forecast changes, and other reductions to fund statewide initiatives. Those included LED, corrections, DOTD road projects, public safety, IT modernization, school safety, firefighting equipment, community and technical college workforce programs, and DCFS shortfalls. Members raised questions about mental health funding and the retirement payment strategy; the amendments were adopted and HB 312 was reported favorably as amended and set as Special Order No. 4. House Bill 313, the funds bill, was amended to make additional deposits into the State Emergency and Response Fund, Voting Technology Fund, oil and gas regulatory funds, geological storage, reading enrichment, Imagination Library, and conservation accounts; it was reported favorably as amended and set as Special Order No. 5. House Bill 314, the revenue sharing distribution bill, received amendments inserting fiscal year 2027 distribution numbers and was reported favorably as amended and set as Special Order No. 7. The committee also advanced House Bill 383, the ancillary expenses bill, which covers self-generated, dedicated, and federal funds for agencies such as Group Benefits, Risk Management, Prison Enterprises, and Technology Services; a technical amendment updated accounting-standard references, and the bill was reported favorably as amended and set as Special Order No. 6. House Bill 983, the judiciary budget, was amended with a technical date correction and reported favorably as amended; members discussed funding for judges, staff pay, FINS, and whether pending legislation affecting Orleans Parish judges would later change the budget. House Bill 1126, the legislative branch budget, was reported favorably without amendment after brief questions about the Law Institute increase, and HCR 3, the hospital stabilization formula resolution tied to Medicaid hospital reimbursements, was reported favorably and set as Special Order No. 8. The committee also made HB 983 Special Order No. 9 and HB 1126 Special Order No. 10 for April 16, authorized technical corrections on adopted amendments, and adjourned after the chair thanked members and staff for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, our total request that you're seeing is less than the entire amount that was appropriated to
• Finally, we've requested LBB to make technical corrections to restore our authority to appropriately
• The recommendations modify the base request to conform with the terms of the new rider, which appropriates
• Texas 2036 respectfully requests that the Legislature make an additional appropriation to the SURF.
• Texas 2036 respectfully requests that the Legislature make an additional appropriation to the SURF.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The committee first heard the Legislative Budget Board and Secretary of State Jane Nelson on the Secretary of State budget. LBB said the recommendation would reduce the agency’s appropriation by about $40.3 million overall, with major changes including removing federal HAVA funding and one-time business system replacement money, adjusting the agency’s base request, deleting an outdated Interstate Crosscheck rider, and directing HAVA funds to be drawn down first. Secretary Nelson and staff defended the agency’s needs, emphasizing election security, business filings, international protocol, and the Texas Register, and requested additional staff, a new website, digitization of records, IT and cybersecurity upgrades, and renovation of the Rudder Building. Senators discussed voter-roll maintenance, cross-checking data, call-center response times, and the need for online voter registration and more efficient election administration. No votes were taken. The committee then took up the Office of the Governor and trustee programs. LBB outlined a $2.4 million decrease for the office proper and a much larger decrease in trustee programs, driven by unexpended balances and the removal of one-time federal and border-security items, while noting continued funding for disaster response, victim assistance, and $2.9 billion for border security at roughly the prior level. Governor’s staff said Texas remains focused on border security, economic development, and public safety, and discussed efforts to seek federal reimbursement for prior border spending. Members asked about the National Guard’s status, possible federal assumption of border costs, the music incubator program, the Semiconductor Innovation Consortium, the Governor’s University Research Initiative, defense economic adjustment grants, and a new $5 million nonprofit security grant proposal. Staff said the semiconductor program has 12 approved projects totaling about 948 jobs and $17 billion in capital investment, and that the nonprofit security request was added late to address threats to houses of worship and other nonprofits. No formal action was taken. Finally, the committee heard the Texas Facilities Commission and lease-payment recommendations. LBB said the Facilities Commission recommendation would reduce appropriations by about $2.0 billion, mainly by removing border wall construction funding and capital complex bond funding, while adding money for higher utility costs, Rudder Building refurbishment, and additional staff. The lease-payment recommendation would decrease general revenue by $9.3 million. LBB also noted new riders related to completing the State Library and Archives building, tenant communication during disruptions, and a space-utilization report. In agency testimony, members asked about border wall maintenance responsibility, total facilities-related debt, and the status of capital complex construction. The Rudder Building renovation and related security needs were repeatedly discussed as important one-time infrastructure investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• for the remainder of the special purpose appropriation.
• I do have some questions, if that would be appropriate.
• I will be supporting this request today.
• of House Bill 4045 from the 2024 legislative session.
• of House Bill 4045 from the 2024 legislative session.

Summary: The Emergency Board approved a series of consent federal grant applications from the Natural Resources and Public Safety subcommittees, along with several budget and position requests. The board approved grant applications for parks, transportation, judicial, emergency management, higher education, school nutrition, and other programs, including retroactive approvals where deadlines had passed. One member objected to the Natural Resources consent grants over concerns about future funding needs, but the motion still passed. The board also approved a one-time increase for Judicial Department court security, including digital privacy protections, circuit court security, and a statewide facilities assessment. A major discussion centered on Southern Oregon University’s financial stability. The Higher Education Coordinating Commission reported on SOU’s structural deficits, declining enrollment, and projected cash shortfall. The subcommittee recommended, and the board approved, allocating $7.5 million from the special appropriation for short-term stability, with a required update at the September 2026 Emergency Board meeting and a future request for the remaining funds. Members debated the broader crisis in higher education, with several saying SOU’s situation reflects systemwide enrollment and funding pressures and that long-term restructuring will be needed. The board also approved an AmeriCorps volunteer generation grant, an apprenticeship expansion grant, and a Department of Education nutrition equipment grant. In public safety, it approved funding for Oregon Military Department readiness facilities, a statewide evacuation planning tool, and a juvenile justice information system modernization report, while requiring a follow-up viability report. The Department of Justice received approval for additional antitrust positions and expenditure limitation, though several members raised concerns about the funding structure and incentives tied to settlement revenues; the motion passed despite objections. In natural resources, the board approved funding for the Water Resources Department’s well abandonment, repair and replacement grants, an assistant water master position in Washington County, groundwater data collection in the Lower Umatilla Basin, a wetlands remote sensing pilot, and parks-related grant applications for operations, maintenance, and capital improvements. Members generally supported the requests but raised concerns about geographic equity, long-term sustainability, and whether some county responsibilities were being shifted to the state. The meeting also included discussion of a Department of Emergency Management evacuation tool as an urgent wildfire preparedness measure, with members emphasizing its potential to save lives.

Transcript Highlights:

• appropriations...
• So this bill provides a one-time appropriation of $200,000 from the general fund to allow the legislators
• appropriation to the Office of the Attorney General, appropriating additional money to the Office of
• appropriation to the Office of the Attorney General, appropriating additional monies to the Office of
• This shows you the change between the total appropriation for 2026 versus 2027, total appropriation,

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate convened with 31 members present and approved the previous day’s journal. After committee reports and messages from the Governor and House, the chamber moved through several bills, including House Bill 968 being introduced and referred to Finance, and multiple bills being advanced to second or third reading. The Senate also took up House Bill 930 on campaign finance, which would require separate campaign accounts, restrict certain investments, and require self-loans over $1,000 to be deposited into campaign accounts. Supporters framed it as a transparency measure, while opponents raised enforcement and practical concerns. The bill passed 19-14. The Senate then considered budget and policy measures tied to education and state agencies. House Bill 949, consolidating the STEM Action Center into the Workforce Development Council and shifting related appropriations, passed 33-0. House Bill 950, a one-time $200,000 appropriation for a consultant to support the legislature’s Medicaid review work, passed 24-10. House Bill 952, the Secretary of State appropriation bill with a reduced ongoing general fund amount, passed 33-1. Senate Bill 1444, the public schools educational support program appropriation, passed 25-9 after debate over federal funds, endowment funding, and school health insurance costs. A major focus of the meeting was Idaho Digital Learning Academy. House Bill 940, a policy bill revising IDLA’s mission, limiting certain uses, and reducing funding for elementary, driver’s ed, private school, and fully virtual students, passed 31-3 after extensive debate about rural access, double-dipping, and the impact on enrollments. Senate Bill 1438, the companion appropriation bill, then passed 28-6, with supporters saying it aligned the budget with the policy changes and opponents arguing the cap and restrictions could limit access and local control. The Senate also passed House Bill 516, as amended, on a 20-14 vote after a lengthy debate over prohibiting public funds from supporting teachers’ union activities; supporters said it protected taxpayer dollars, while opponents said it was punitive and harmful to educators. The chamber then began consideration of House Bill 897, revising the Idaho information technology equipment sales tax exemption, with debate just starting as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislative appropriations, of course, are unchanged from the session, except that we did adjust
• Then our appropriation, this contingent appropriation you authorized, will be adjusted, and we'll make
• So the first request coming to you from the Emergency Commission is Request No. 2164 from the Department
• The appropriation was $408.9 million.
• Chairman, we have a request. With that, Mr. Chairman, we have a request for the Budget Section.

Keywords: 908, all