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

Transcript Highlights:

• program supplements appropriation to an appropriation that was created for the Public Protective Services
• Appropriation to DPI's professional development for science teachers appropriation. Thank you.
• -26 from the appropriation for federal-aid state operations to one SEG position in the appropriation.
• program supplementation appropriation to the SEG annual Live 9-1-1 appropriation funded by the 911 fund
• DMA requests a one-time transfer of $33,500 GPR appropriated under 465.3A from 2025-26 to 2026-27.

Keywords: 970, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But what we wanted to show historically from what our agency has requested to the House bill to appropriation
• Well, my understanding is they did add some money to our special appropriations request.
• The only amendments were in the appropriations that we requested. So I mean, House Bill 2 is out.
• But the supplemental appropriation that we requested will make us whole and could give us the green light
• HAFC Action also created a non-recurring appropriation to fund some of the agency's IT requests, a notable

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a request for $35,400. This is a request for $35,400 for replacement of computer hardware.
• And in fact, in the year 2025, we ran out of appropriation, not money. We ran out of appropriation.
• The appropriation provides for an additional $25,893,000 to the maintenance appropriation provided to
• appropriation to the legislative branch, appropriating money to the legislative branch for the Legislative
• the appropriation to the judicial branch, appropriating money to the judicial branch.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate convened with 34 members present and began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the journal. It then moved through committee reports, including referrals and enrollments of several bills, gubernatorial appointments to the Idaho Endowment Fund Investment Board, and messages from the Governor and House. The chamber also introduced a large number of new bills, mostly appropriations and policy measures, and advanced several items to later orders of business. On the floor, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 117 recognizing Idaho’s ties with Italy and the opening of an Italian honorary consular office in Boise, and later adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 114, which adds a new joint rule limiting the number of bill drafts and RSs a legislator may bring each year, with exceptions for budget bills, amendments, trailer bills, interim committee legislation, and leadership-approved additional requests. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Memorial 115, urging action on pelican impacts on Idaho fish and fisheries, and Senate Resolution 120 honoring State Police K-9 Kimber for her service. House Concurrent Resolution 30, directing the Medicaid Legislative Review Panel to study and advise on implementation of comprehensive Medicaid managed care, was adopted on a roll call vote of 20-10. The Senate passed several appropriations bills, including Senate Bill 1380 for the Endowment Fund Investment Board, Senate Bill 1381 for the Idaho State Lottery, Senate Bill 1383 for the Division of Veterans Services, Senate Bill 1384 for the Public Utilities Commission, Senate Bill 1385 for the Industrial Commission, Senate Bill 1386 for the Commission of Pardons and Parole, and Senate Bill 1382 for the Department of Fish and Game. Debate on these bills focused on small enhancement requests, dedicated-fund spending, IT and equipment needs, veterans’ services, workers’ compensation administration, parole review workload, and fish and game habitat and depredation programs. Most passed on majority roll call votes, with some dissent from members concerned about budget cuts, dedicated-fund use, or the size of the requests. The Senate also passed House Bill 723, which revises child care licensing and oversight for residential care facilities serving vulnerable children. Supporters said it responds to an OPE study documenting abuse and oversight failures by requiring stronger inspections, unannounced visits, better interviews, and a bill of rights notice for children; some senators supported the intent but objected to the use of the word “rights,” warning of possible litigation. The chamber then returned to committee reports, introduced additional bills, and recessed with announcements about upcoming committee meetings and more budget bills to be considered later in the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> hb2 and with regard to the requested hb2 and with regard to the requested change<00:11:45.399><c
• </c> funds in our efficiency budget request funds in our efficiency budget request to<00:12:22.760><c
• appropriate place.
• That appropriation was non-APS.
• </c> satisfy a request and again a request satisfy a request and again a request doesn't<03:17:15.760

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division 2 hearing took testimony from the director of New Hampshire Police Standards and Training on the agency’s budget request and operations. He described the agency’s role in setting hiring, education, certification, and discipline standards for police, corrections, probation and parole, and court security officers, and noted that the agency runs the full-time, part-time, corrections, and court security training programs. He also outlined the agency’s staffing, facility, and budget request for FY 2026-27, including a request to keep funding level with the governor’s recommendation while shifting funds to support an IT manager position by defunding a vacant administrative slot. The agency requested several statutory changes in Chapter 106, including clarifying the definition of police misconduct, allowing a temporary member on the Conduct Review Committee, clarifying reporting requirements for misconduct allegations, and codifying the Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission. The director also reviewed new responsibilities added in recent years, including crisis intervention training, statewide accreditation, the Conduct Review Committee, and increased annual in-service training requirements. He explained that crisis intervention funding is carried in a continuously appropriated, non-lapsing account and that some budget lines were reclassified, including software and janitorial services, to reflect actual spending needs. Members asked about national standards, the different academy tracks, crisis intervention funding, maintenance and contract changes, temporary positions, and the court security training program. The agency said it coordinates with national peers through IADLEST, that the part-time and corrections academies are longstanding programs, and that the new court security academy can be delivered either as a full academy or as in-service training depending on resources. The director also said the agency has been running extra full-time academies because of high vacancy rates, but expects to return to three full-time academies this year, with two corrections academies and one or possibly two part-time academies. He also explained the current approach to misconduct records and public disclosure, saying sustained findings under RSA 106-L are heard by the council and published, replacing the older, less standardized exculpatory list process.

Transcript Highlights:

• Perhaps it's appropriate To explore how to address that and maybe other legislative changes that may
• It's titled Section 7 Computer System Enhancement Fund Appropriation Requests.
• As a general overview for FY27, a total of 18 agencies requested $213.6 million for IT project appropriations
• Of the 32 appropriation requests, 11 are for continued projects, with the remaining 21 requests for brand
• request.

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, our total request that you're seeing is less than the entire amount that was appropriated to
• TFC is also requesting six new additional riders that are associated with appropriation authority, unexpended
• 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.

Bills: SB 1

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

Summary: The committee began with Article I budget items for the Secretary of State. LBB staff outlined recommendations that would reduce the agency’s appropriation by about $40.3 million, including changes to HAVA funding, removal of one-time business system replacement money, and a rider directing the agency to use Fund 5095 first. Secretary Jane Nelson and staff then defended several exceptional items, especially additional staffing for elections and business filings, a new website, digitization of records, cybersecurity tools, and renovation of the James Earl Rudder Building. Members focused heavily on election administration, cross-checking voter rolls, Harris County complaints, call-center response times, and whether online voter registration should be expanded. No votes were taken; the discussion was informational and budget-focused. The committee then heard the Office of the Governor and trustee programs. LBB presented a recommended $2.4 million decrease for the governor’s office proper and a much larger decrease in trustee programs driven by one-time funding and unexpended balances, while still preserving major border security funding and victim assistance funding. Governor’s staff emphasized Texas’ economic growth, the importance of border security, and efforts to seek federal reimbursement for the roughly $11 billion Texas has spent on border operations. Members discussed whether shifting National Guard deployment to federal control could reduce state costs, and they also reviewed the music incubator program, the Governor’s University Research Initiative, and the semiconductor innovation consortium. Staff highlighted a $5 million late-added request for grants to protect nonprofits from violence and terrorism. Again, the exchange was largely explanatory, with no formal action. Finally, the committee took up the Texas Facilities Commission and lease payments for revenue bonds. LBB recommended major reductions overall, including removal of border wall construction funding and capital complex bond funding, but added money for higher utility costs, renovation of the Rudder Building, and additional facilities staff. George Purcell also noted stable maintenance-and-renewal funding and new riders related to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission building, tenant communications, and space utilization. For lease payments, LBB recommended a smaller appropriation tied to revenue-bond costs allocated across agencies. The discussion was informational, with members asking about the Rudder Building renovation, border wall progress, and capital complex construction timelines; no votes were recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• This year's legislative budget request totals an estimated $600 million and consists of, I don't know
• comparison of the LBR request with actual appropriations, and the reasons for each.
• Well, I appreciate all of the time and effort you all put into reviewing these legislative budget requests
• We will continue to have these conversations. ...and look into not only the legislative budget requests
• We will continue to have these conversations and look into not only the legislative budget requests,

Summary: The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee met to hear member-led presentations on agency budget requests after prior meetings with the agencies. Representative Barnaby summarized the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ fiscal year 2025-26 request, highlighting major funding for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, Florida Forest Service wildfire and land management needs, citrus disease and research efforts, a new Conner Complex facility and lab, agricultural water and BMP projects, agricultural law enforcement staffing and equipment, maintenance and vehicle needs, and federal grant-related spending. No vote was taken on the department’s request during the meeting. Representative Bartleman presented the Department of Environmental Protection request and said the subcommittee supported it fully. The request emphasized Everglades restoration, water quality grants, springs, harmful algal bloom and red tide response, alternate water supplies, resilience and flood prevention, beach and coral reef restoration, land acquisition and state parks, and cleanup of petroleum, dry cleaning, and hazardous waste sites. Representative Alvarez asked DEP to provide a list of the most contaminated lakes, along with estimated costs, so the committee could prioritize cleanup efforts. Representative Black summarized the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission request, which included additional law enforcement funding in high-demand areas, oyster and reef restoration, habitat restoration, heavy equipment for land management and prescribed burning, a water survival training center, and red snapper data research. Representative Salzman then presented the Department of Citrus request, describing a lean agency budget focused on operations, PALM readiness, marketing and consumer awareness, greening-resistant plant material, and building repairs; the workgroup recommended fully funding the request. The meeting ended with members thanking the chair and staff for the more member-driven budget process, and the subcommittee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

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

Summary: The Joint Finance and Corporation Committee met with a quorum 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 motion passed with a do-pass recommendation after brief explanation that the work would begin with design and contracting and the remaining funds would carry into fiscal year 2027. The committee then considered Idaho State Police funding tied to the Project Choice Fund. Staff explained three revenue sources supporting a $6.695 million personnel appropriation: a beer excise tax reallocation, a new specialty license plate, and House Bill 967, which would redirect additional liquor account distributions. Members discussed the impact on cities and counties, the need for stable public safety funding, and the fact that the proposal shifts some liquor revenues away from local governments. The appropriation motion passed and received a do-pass recommendation. Next, the committee took up two Idaho Digital Learning Academy-related language items. The first, a trailer to Senate Bill 1362, was adopted by unanimous consent to resolve a potential conflict with House Bill 940 regarding course fees. The second would have allowed IDLA limited access to PSIF after spending down cash balances, but members raised concerns about financial risk and whether the language was necessary; the motion failed in both chambers. The committee 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 local equity versus larger grant projects. Finally, the committee adopted language preventing an automatic transfer out of the Budget Stabilization Fund that would otherwise occur because the fund is at its statutory 15% cap. Members debated whether excess funds should instead flow to the general fund given budget pressures, but the motion passed and received a do-pass recommendation. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Helen Kirstean with the Legislative Analyst's Office continued: “Comes forward and requests a fee for
• So in terms of CARB's resource request, we in 2023 had originally requested, as part of SB 905 adoption
• requested as part of the adoption of SB 905.
• Furthermore, contrary to what legislative staff and the LAO have said, legislative oversight is not reduced
• We discussed this request in the past.

Summary: The committee hearing focused heavily on CARB’s broad trailer bill request for regulatory fee authority. Finance and CARB argued the proposal would let CARB develop fees to recover reasonable costs for implementing and enforcing regulations, while the LAO recommended rejection because the authority was too broad, could apply to an entire division of code, and would delegate core legislative taxing/fee-setting power without enough guardrails. Members from both parties raised concerns about the breadth of the authority, accountability, affordability impacts, and whether the Legislature would be put in an up-or-down position after CARB had already developed regulations. CARB responded that fees would still go through a budget change proposal and legislative approval before collection, and cited existing examples such as transport refrigeration units and commercial harborcraft fees. The committee then reviewed CARB’s request for permanent resources to implement SB 905 on carbon capture, utilization, storage, and carbon dioxide removal. CARB said the Legislature had previously authorized limited-term positions and funding, but it had struggled to recruit and retain staff with specialized regulatory and technical expertise, and that the work had included pre-rulemaking contracts, technology review, and permit-related preparation. Members questioned the pace of work, the use of limited-term positions, and whether additional permitting authority would be needed. CARB said it hoped to begin rulemaking later in the year if permanent resources were approved. Members also discussed the cap-and-trade spending plan, noting lower-than-expected auction revenues but higher interest earnings, and the need to monitor the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and possible May Revision changes. The committee then heard overviews of the zero-emission vehicle package, the Community Air Protection Program, demand-side grid support, and e-bike incentives. CARB described ongoing investments in community-based transportation equity, drayage trucks, harbor craft, and other clean technology demonstrations, while members pressed on affordability, program duplication, and whether enough funding was being directed to incentive programs. No formal votes were taken during the portion provided, and the chair repeatedly indicated that the hearing was intended to surface concerns for later budget negotiations.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a unanimous consent request. Any objections?
• The request for the appropriation would include $212,700 from the Fish and Game License Fund.
• The request for the appropriation would include $212,700 from the Fish and Game License Fund, $157,400
• This request would allow it...
• Replacement items requested by the agency were requested in the amount of $10,267,900 and included replacement

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee met with a quorum and first considered a trailer appropriation for House Bill 730, which changes how SNAP eligibility is determined. The committee heard that the bill would require $351,000 one-time from the General Fund for system changes in the Division of Welfare. One member argued the change was unnecessary because Idaho already has a low SNAP error rate and uses existing verification systems, but the motion passed in both chambers and received a do-pass recommendation. The committee then took up trailer actions for House Bill 898, moving the State Historic Preservation Office from the Idaho State Historical Society to the new Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination. Members discussed whether the move was requested by the governor and whether it would improve coordination and permitting efficiency; supporters said it would streamline federal review and the historical society director supported the move. The committee approved reducing the Historical Society budget by 12 FTP and $1,699,700, then approved adding the same staffing and funding to SMEC, and also adopted language exempting SMEC from certain transfer restrictions. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 128, creating the Idaho High Need Students Fund for extraordinary special education costs. The analyst explained that the recommended one-time $5 million dedicated fund appropriation would also require a $5 million cash transfer, and that increasing special education spending could raise the state’s federal maintenance-of-effort obligation. The committee approved the $5 million appropriation and two transfers: $1 million from the Idaho Career Ready Students Program Fund and $4 million from the driver training account, all with do-pass recommendations. Finally, the committee revisited the Department of Fish and Game budget. After discussion of habitat projects, Good Neighbor Authority work, fisheries inflation, wolf depredation, communications, OITS replacements, and replacement items, a substitute motion that would have funded a larger package failed in the House, and the original motion passed instead. The committee approved a reduced Fish and Game budget package and adopted language directing the $200,000 wolf depredation enhancement specifically to wolf trapping. The meeting ended with brief discussion of the next day’s agenda and timing, including pending items such as rural health transformation and state police-related legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Page 4-63 of your legislative budget book, there were some requests for language.
• That monies in the fund may be expended pursuant to legislative appropriation and shall be used for the
• Provides for an appropriation with the fund that has a continuous appropriation.
• Continuous appropriation.
• Looking at the code, it says that the monies in the fund may be expended pursuant to legislative appropriation

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The joint Senate Finance and House Appropriations committee met to revisit the Health and Human Services maintenance budget after the prior appropriation bill failed. Members debated competing FY 2027 budget motions that adjusted the Department of Health and Welfare budget, including reductions tied to House Bill 863’s residential habilitation provider rate changes. One substitute motion to cut the program more deeply failed, while the original motion passed and received a do-pass recommendation. Several members voiced concern about the size of the residential habilitation cuts and the absence of funding for ACT teams, peer support, and other services, while others argued the program’s rapid growth and federal funding dependence justified the reductions. The committee also adopted unchanged standard language from the prior bill and approved new language requiring the department to report by year-end on rules citing Idaho Code 56-202 and to justify or repeal any unsupported rule sections. The committee then approved language for the Department of Water Resources, including filing-fee language and reappropriation authority for ARPA State Fiscal Recovery Fund money, by unanimous consent. It next considered the Workforce Development Council budget, including consolidation of the STEM Action Center into the council and a budget-neutral transfer among expenditure categories; that motion passed. The committee also approved a FY 2026 supplemental reduction for the STEM Action Center and then a FY 2027 reduction that zeroed out the STEM Action Center’s standalone budget in connection with the consolidation, both with do-pass recommendations. Finally, the committee considered language for the Office of the Attorney General restoring about $980,000 from the Consumer Protection Fund. After discussion, members removed “continuous appropriation” wording and replaced it with a regular appropriation for a two-year period. Some members objected that the language would divert dedicated consumer-protection money and reduce general fund reversions, while supporters said it would help cover personnel costs and avoid layoffs. The amended language passed with a do-pass recommendation. The chair then announced the committee would meet the next day to address public schools and IDLA and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• This year's legislative appropriation does not include the RPSP, the 6.7 million as you can see.
• On the athletic travel request, very quickly, NMMI seeks an additional $515,000 in legislative funding
• Therefore, NMMI is requesting an additional $410,000 to increase the General NOLS Legislative Scholarship
• And then for Capital Outlay, of course, you all, as legislators, appropriate to specific communities,
• Wait, it's number 11 on the special appropriation reauthorization request.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Mitigation plan appropriation in our request this year.
• In the state for this purpose, we're requesting an appropriation of $1 million this year for that project
• So That's why we're here with this appropriation request.
• Last year, the legislature appropriated $5.4 million, which included our request for an additional $683,000
• We actually did cut our core appropriations request Last year, and it still shows about a $68,000 dollar

Keywords: 914, all