Video & Transcript Research : 'surplus appropriation'
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NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (01/27/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- And so one of the real models for lowering cost is to provide the appropriate price signals, which the
- from a situation where they could do a scaled project, four or five megawatts, and when they have surplus
- And so one of the real models for lowering cost is to provide the appropriate price signals, which the
- <01:07:28.720>
price is to provide the appropriate price is to provide the appropriate price - be able to and when they have surplus be able to sell<01:08:44.319>
it <01:08:44.719>locally
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Commerce May 11th, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Please fill out the appropriate card, indicate if you wish to speak, and submit it to the sergeant at
- No, I was just going to say that at the appropriate time, I move favorable. Okay, duly noted.
- No, I was just going to say that appropriate time I move favorable. Okay, do we note it.
- Just at the appropriate time, Mr. Chairman, I wanted to move favorable.
- So about 100 hours would be appropriate to... okay, we can maybe discuss that, Mr.
Summary:
The House Committee on Commerce met on May 11, 2026, with a quorum present and took up a series of Senate bills, a resolution, and one House bill. The committee reported favorably Senate Bill 79 to recreate Louisiana Economic Development, Senate Concurrent Resolution 5 to establish the Louisiana-Ireland Trade Commission, Senate Bill 375 on firefighting foam with amendments clarifying use in declared emergencies, Senate Bill 398 moving manufactured and modular housing oversight under the Contractors Licensing Board with technical and substantive amendments, Senate Bill 163 on virtual currency business licensing with an amendment providing for federal preemption if Congress enacts a national licensing regime, and Senate Bill 287 on virtual currency kiosks with consumer-protection provisions and technical amendments. The committee also reported favorably House Resolution 197, as amended, urging the Public Service Commission to study distributed energy generation and storage resources with LSU involvement, and Senate Bill 54, which would allow estheticians to blow-dry hair after certain services; that bill drew extensive testimony from supporters and opponents in the cosmetology and aesthetics industries before being reported favorably.
Several bills prompted detailed discussion and testimony. On Senate Bill 398, the sponsor and Contractors Licensing Board representatives said the change would improve enforcement and consumer safety for manufactured-home installation, especially tie-downs, leveling, and foundation blocking, while not affecting HUD-regulated construction. On the virtual currency bills, OFI said it currently licenses 37 virtual currency businesses with 33 pending applications, and supporters described the kiosk bill as a response to fraud complaints by requiring clearer disclosures, refund procedures, live customer support, and reporting to OFI. For House Resolution 197, the sponsor, PSC officials, and energy stakeholders said the study would examine the value of distributed energy resources, including rooftop solar and battery storage, in light of rising demand and grid reliability concerns; PSC staff and LSU energy experts described the study as focused on market value and avoided-cost benefits.
House Bill 744, which would have shifted regulation of certain New Orleans utilities from the city council to the PSC, generated discussion about constitutional history, rate impacts, and utility consolidation. PSC officials and the sponsor said the current city-council regulation is a constitutional exception dating back to 1921, and they argued that PSC regulation could reduce costs and simplify oversight, but the sponsor ultimately moved to defer the bill rather than force a floor fight, and the committee agreed. The committee then began consideration of Senate Bill 386, the Louisiana Data Privacy Act, adopting technical amendments and then a larger amendment package that revised definitions and compliance provisions; the transcript ends while that bill’s amendment process is still underway, with no final action shown in the excerpt.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
January 15, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- property assistance, which manages motor vehicle operations in addition to acquiring and disposing of surplus
- Happy to answer questions at the appropriate time. Thank you. Thank you very much, Secretary.
- And with that, I'll conclude my remarks there and welcome any questions at the appropriate time.
- I'm happy to answer any questions at the appropriate time. Thank you.
- PERC issues bargaining unit certifications, which includes determining which employees are appropriate
Summary:
The State Administration Budget Subcommittee met for an introductory overview of the agencies under its jurisdiction and their current-year budgets. Chair Vicki Lopez welcomed members and staff, and each member briefly introduced themselves and identified areas of interest, with recurring themes including fiscal restraint, insurance regulation, revenue administration, condominium issues, and government efficiency. The chair then outlined the subcommittee’s overall budget, about $3.1 billion, and noted major recent policy areas affecting the budget such as condominium legislation and emergency communications funding.
Agency heads then presented high-level summaries of their missions and budgets. The Department of Revenue described property tax oversight, tax administration, and child support enforcement; the Department of Management Services reviewed state purchasing, telecommunications, fleet, state insurance, retirement, and digital services; DBPR highlighted licensing, enforcement, condominiums, and building code work; DFS covered insurance consumer services, risk management, unclaimed property, fire marshal functions, and criminal investigations; the Gaming Control Commission discussed pari-mutuel and tribal gaming oversight and enforcement; OIR explained insurer solvency and rate review; the Lottery emphasized education funding and record sales; OFR described regulation of banking, securities, lending, and money services; DOAH outlined administrative and workers’ compensation adjudication; PSC covered utility rate regulation and consumer complaints; PERC described labor relations and career service appeals; and FCHR summarized discrimination complaint investigations and outreach.
Several members asked questions about utility returns, insurance regulation staffing, DMS’s state employee health plan deficit and prescription drug formulary management, agency recommendations for reducing regulatory burden, and state facilities usage. Responses generally emphasized that utility rates and insurer filings are determined through evidentiary and actuarial processes, that OIR has reduced vacancies but still seeks specialized staff and a Tampa office expansion, and that DMS acknowledged rising health plan costs and said the issue likely requires broader budget-level discussion. The chair also pressed multiple presenters to stay focused on agency operations and budgets rather than broader policy issues. No votes or formal actions were taken in the meeting.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
January 15, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- budget cycles ago, you funded the Northwest Florida Community Land Trust with about a $1.3 million appropriation
- that boost up, we are working with our counties, we are working with the city of Pensacola to take surplus
- know, as the state housing finance agency, one of the demographic groups is that we split our appropriations
- Okay, so who's doing the appropriations in IT? Because we need better internet.
- Okay, so who's doing the appropriations in IT? Because we need better internet. Okay.
Summary:
The committee met to hear a panel on workforce and attainable housing, with presentations from Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, Wendover Housing Partners, the City of Tallahassee, and Escambia County. Speakers described how state and local tools such as SHIP, the Live Local Act, land trusts, accessory dwelling units, infill development, and public-private partnerships are being used to expand housing supply and preserve long-term affordability. Several panelists emphasized that housing demand is rising across income levels, that workforce households often need subsidy to buy or rent, and that housing location, transportation access, and proximity to jobs and services are critical. They also highlighted challenges including rising construction costs, limited land, insurance, NIMBY opposition, and the need for more flexible financing tools and employer participation.
Members asked about area median income thresholds, whether current programs are reaching the households most in need, and what additional tools might help. Florida Housing said its traditional rental programs generally serve households at or below 60% AMI, while need is increasingly reaching up to 80% AMI statewide and higher in some regions; staff also provided examples of AMI levels by county. Other discussion focused on the impact of local government opt-outs, tax abatements, corporate ownership of single-family homes, insurance costs, Fortified construction standards, and whether bonuses or other income calculations can unintentionally disqualify applicants. Panelists urged more political will, more local flexibility, and additional incentives for employers and landowners to support housing near jobs.
The committee also used an anonymous interactive polling exercise, and members identified partnerships, SHIP funding, local government action, cost, and insurance as key issues. In closing, the chair said the committee would continue a member-driven process and likely hold a workshop on housing-related topics. No formal votes or bills were taken up in the meeting, and the session adjourned after the discussion.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appr/Sub-Health and Human Services Feb 4th, 2026 at 09:45 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to the second version of the Senate Health and Human Services subcommittee for appropriations
- The money that had been appropriated for capital was solely at the school for the deaf.
- no cuts, if there's no changes, and there's no appropriations.
- I think with the executive branch and with you guys in terms of the appropriations.
- And there has been utilized cash reserves so that we don't appropriate more money into the base.
OR
Oregon 2026 Regular Session
Joint Emergency Board 06/17/2026 8:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- I do have some questions, if that would be appropriate.
- We're looking at selling $4 million worth of surplus property.
- It didn't get appropriated when we needed it. Everybody recognizes that it's useful.
- Comments when appropriate. Thank you, Representative. We'll proceed to discussion.
- . rural Oregon right now who we can relieve with this appropriation.
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.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- And for FY25, the Legislature appropriated $4.17 billion to the state.
- And so they all wait while you're deciding on that appropriation.
- So when you appropriate money for teacher pay, school districts spend that money on teacher pay.
- We have stopped doing that appropriation and that intervention, but it was something that there was a
- As you said, Madam Secretary, these decisions can appropriate the money, but to...
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Gun Violence Prevention Working Group - 09/15/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It's appropriate. We have very vigorous debate here, but bringing guns into the Rooms.
- My understanding was nonpublic schools did ask for money for security, and we had an $18 billion surplus
- think if you do the research, sometimes these mass shooters look for gun-free zones. $18 BILLION SURPLUS
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 069 Mar 24th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And the appropriations committee report. To the appropriations committee report.
- And the appropriations >> Oh, yes. And the appropriations committee<00:54:53.280>
report. - for your support of the appropriations for your support of the appropriations committee<00:55:10.559
- blowing through a $4 billion uh surplus. blowing through a $4 billion uh surplus.
- <01:44:33.679>
and subject to available appropriations and subject to available appropriations
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Investments and Pensions Oversight Jul 18th, 2025
Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Appropriation from the fire protection fund to fund a pension for volunteer firefighters.
- Which is state police and adult correctional officers, they actually have a surplus.
- I mean, their contribution rates were funded appropriately when these plans were established.
- It's tied in appropriations, but it is something we'll continue to do, understanding it's not enough.
- The retiree health care fund was created, consisting of premiums, appropriations, and investments.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (02/19/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- appropriately appropriately I<02:09:21.599>
would <02:09:21.800>like <02:09:22.000> - the investigation with appropriate the investigation with appropriate experts<02:21:14.399>
and - It is appropriately positioned in the offices of vocational rehab.
- <02:50:26.160>
positioned of oplc it is appropriately positioned of oplc it is appropriately - impacted the numbers um and the surplus impacted the numbers um and the surplus of<03:16:31.560>
Summary:
The subcommittee first took up House Bill 702, which would change how extra or special duty pay for retired police officers is treated for retirement and work-limit purposes. Supporters argued the bill would let retirees work more special-duty hours, helping municipalities fill traffic-detail and similar assignments without added state cost, and said it would not prohibit retirees from working but would simply stop those hours from counting toward the return-to-work threshold. Opponents argued the change would be inconsistent with the retirement system’s 2011 reforms, could increase pension liabilities, and would treat the same compensation differently for active employees and retirees. Members also discussed whether the bill would affect current and future retirees, the role of municipalities, and whether the policy amounted to “policing for profit.” The subcommittee ultimately voted 3-2 to recommend inexpedient to legislate (ITL) on HB 702, sending it to the full committee with that recommendation.
The committee then discussed House Bill 581, which would create a Group Three retirement plan for new state employees hired after the bill’s effective date. The chair outlined a housekeeping amendment to delay implementation, moving the effective date to January 1, 2026, and noted a sponsor amendment addressing health insurance group inclusion and medical and surgical benefits so those benefits would not be put at risk for the new group. Testimony and discussion focused on the shift from defined benefit to defined contribution, with supporters citing Michigan examples and arguing the bill would help recruit and retain employees while giving them more flexibility. Opponents said the change could weaken retirement security and increase unfunded liability, though supporters responded that the bill still requires employer contributions toward accrued liability and is intended to keep the state on track to pay off its unfunded liability by 2039. The transcript ends with continued discussion of the bill and no final vote shown on HB 581.
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Government Affairs May 30th, 2025 at 03:30 pm
Government Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- This body has funded appropriations in the past. This is a high-level state solution.
- This body has funded appropriations in the past.
- That was a straight appropriation, knowing that in my opinion, being in this body, straight appropriations
- So it was, how much was the appropriation in '23? The direct appropriation?
- from it. ...area, which means it could be a surplus, but then you can also remove from it.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Press Conference 2/16/26
Transcript Highlights:
- Minnesotans have had a hard couple of years with Democrats spending an entire $18 billion surplus and
- heard just a little while ago from Leader Niska, as we have been talking about, we had an $18 billion surplus
Summary:
House Republican leaders outlined their agenda for the tied legislative session, saying their priorities are to stop fraud, make Minnesota more affordable, safer, and more competitive, and reduce mandates while raising education standards. They highlighted several planned bills, including an independent inspector general (HF 1), a “Fraud Isn’t Free” measure to impose consequences on agencies and commissioners that allow fraud, and statutory guidelines for high-fraud-risk programs. They also said they want to lower health care costs through a permanent reinsurance program and cost defrayal for new mandates, study property tax increases, conform state tax law to federal changes on tips, overtime, and scholarship tax credits, and avoid any tax increases.
On public safety, Republicans said they will pursue tougher penalties for repeat offenders and repeat gun crimes, judicial accountability, and a school safety package that would support public and nonpublic schools, school safety personnel, and facility improvements. In education, they emphasized school choice tax credits, reading proficiency, and curriculum focused on basic academic fundamentals. They also said they want to protect and expand mining, reform permitting, end the nuclear moratorium, and make the state more attractive to businesses. On housing, one member said they are working on a more targeted affordable housing package rather than a broad sweeping bill.
A substantial portion of the discussion focused on immigration and cooperation with federal authorities. Republicans said they want a statewide framework for local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, referencing House File 16 and saying they are open to changes and bipartisan work. They argued that local and state cooperation would improve safety and prevent situations where criminal suspects are released into the community. They also said Democrats have blocked similar efforts in committee and on the House floor.
In response to questions, leaders said there is no current appetite for sports betting, bonding will be discussed but there are no promises, and they do not support the 2024 omnibus bill model. They said they are not interested in vaccine mandates, but will consider Medicaid funding impacts and other health-related proposals if bills are introduced. They also said election integrity measures such as voter ID, provisional ballots, and voter-roll cleanup will remain priorities. Throughout, leaders said they expect a bipartisan process in the tied House and expressed hope that both parties can work together on some issues.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Press Conference 5/6/25
Transcript Highlights:
- you also had a smaller budget to work with, and I can foresee another session where there's a big surplus
- you also had a smaller budget to work with, and I can foresee another session where there's a big surplus
Summary:
House Fraud and State Agency Oversight Chair Kristen Robbins and Vice Chair Patti Anderson reviewed the committee’s first session, saying its work focused on exposing fraud, identifying gaps in statute and agency tools, and creating a public whistleblower portal (mnfraud.com). Robbins said the committee helped drive bipartisan opposition to legislatively named grants/earmarks, and that committee testimony from agencies, the Office of Legislative Auditor, and the Office of Grants Management led to late-session committee bills on issues such as a state kickback statute and required grants-management training. She also said the portal received 530 submissions in its first week, which the committee will review over the interim.
Members emphasized the need for stronger statewide oversight of grants and fraud prevention. Anderson said existing agency inspector general structures have not worked well and described a bipartisan effort to create a statewide Office of Inspector General with full investigatory authority. Robbins said the Senate version was moving through finance and expected on the floor soon, with the governor indicating he would sign it. Walter Hudson argued that hearings showed agencies often focus on paperwork and compliance checkboxes rather than actually preventing fraud, citing conflict-of-interest attestations and the Feeding Our Future-related testimony as examples. Jim Nash said the state government finance bill includes funding for anti-fraud efforts through the Office of the Auditor and related provisions.
In response to questions, Robbins said the committee tried to remain bipartisan despite a 5-3 Republican majority, and that members had handed significant allegations to law enforcement when appropriate. She said the committee did not need subpoena power this session because it is an oversight body, not a law-enforcement body. On legislatively named grants, Robbins said the goal is to change legislative culture rather than impose a formal ban, and she expects future policy to require front-end risk review, 990 review, and capacity checks before such grants are approved. Anderson added that the House and Senate versions of the inspector general bill differ on branch placement and law-enforcement authority, and that the House will decide whether to accept the Senate version once it comes back from finance and the floor.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- I also welcome Secretary Gorkowitz, and I always appreciate that we all do our jobs appropriately.
- And that's a totally appropriate endeavor.
- And that's a totally appropriate endeavor.
- You would trade an estimate that is kind of sustainable and appropriate and not too high over getting
- We need to make sure we're appropriately accounting for places where there's revenue add-ons for what
Summary:
The Senate and House Ways and Means chairs opened the FY 2027 consensus revenue hearing by emphasizing the need for a balanced, fiscally responsible budget amid federal funding cuts, health care cost pressures, and uncertainty around the federal tax law changes referred to as OB3. They also noted the state’s current revenue performance is slightly above benchmark and paid tribute to the late Representative Anne Margaret Ferranti. Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew Gorkowitz echoed the call for caution, saying Massachusetts has protected core services while building reserves and that the FY27 budget process begins with a careful revenue estimate.
Department of Revenue Commissioner Jeff Snyder, along with DOR staff, presented FY26 and FY27 tax forecasts and identified major drivers and risks: OB3’s negative impact on state revenue, surtax collections, labor market conditions, capital gains, and corporate/business excise taxes. DOR estimated OB3 would reduce FY26 revenue by about $664 million and FY27 by about $282 million, while surtax and capital gains were expected to remain strong in FY26 but soften in FY27. Members questioned the outlook for surtax, capital gains, and the potential fiscal effect of a ballot question reducing the income tax rate from 5% to 4%; DOR said that proposal could cost roughly $4.2 billion to $4.8 billion annually, with a smaller but still significant impact in FY27 because of phase-in timing.
Treasurer Deb Goldberg testified next on the stabilization fund, lottery, PRIM, unclaimed property, and the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. She reported the rainy day fund at about $8.1 billion, said the lottery was on track for $1.5 billion in FY26 net profit and projected $1.25 billion in FY27, and highlighted that iLottery is expected to launch in summer 2026 with revenue beginning in FY27 and dedicated to child care initiatives. She also described strong PRIM performance and record unclaimed property returns, while members asked about the child care use of iLottery revenue, multilingual outreach, and the economic impact of expanded liquor licensing.
Mass Taxpayers Foundation President Doug Howgate and Tufts’ Evan Horowitz then offered differing revenue outlooks and policy warnings. Howgate projected modest growth, cautioned against overusing reserves for ongoing obligations, and urged caution on federal tax conformity changes and health care spending pressures. Horowitz projected higher FY26 and FY27 revenues than other witnesses, warned that the surtax and capital gains make the tax system more volatile, and said a 4% income tax ballot question could reduce FY27 revenues by roughly $800 million to $1 billion. He also flagged the rent control ballot question as a potential risk to municipal finance and suggested the state consider giving a permanent home to the independent revenue model used by Alan Clayton-Matthews.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 20 Mar 5th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Very appropriate point. Thank you.
Bills:
HB3419, HB4153, HB3430, HB3791, HB3277, HB4119, HB4408, HB3905, HB3968, HB3835, HB3386, HB2650, HB3742, HB3588, HB3748, HB4303, HB4311, HB3028, HB4428, HB4429, HB4132, HB1889, HB3265, HB1739, HB4434, HB3313, HB3852, HB4263, HB3413, HB3414, HB3415, HB3416, HB3417, HB3418, HB3420, HB2116, HB2206, HB3625, HB2939, HB3721, HB1823, HB2425, HB4440, HJR1087, HB4003, HJR1077, HB1770, HB1675, HB3627, HB3891, HJR1067, HB3462, HJR1053, HJR1054, HJR1044, HB3472, HB1225, HJR1019, HB4145, HJR1081, HB1746, HJR1069, HJR1050, HB1638, HB3327, HJR1055, HB3127, HB4488, HB2955, HB3781, HB3783, HB3802, HB2471, HB2937, SCR16, HB2960, HB3466, HB3262, HB3269, HB3152, HB4140, HB4142, HB3148, HB3378
Keywords:
corruption, nonpublic information, government accountability, criminal law, public office, driver license, reading proficiency, minors, education requirements, alternative testing, attendance, remedial reading, public school, oath of enrollment, court financial obligations, cost hearing, payment plan, community service, court compliance program, debt relief
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Jan 19th, 2026 at 08:33 am
Transcript Highlights:
- As a result, these figures should be interpreted with appropriate caution.
- Director Salih, guide us to the appropriate tabs, please. So, Mr.
- There's not any surplus unspent money going into the fund anymore. Okay, okay, thank you, Mr.
- It's also related to a 25 million special appropriation for the funded program next fiscal year.
- We still got we need to appropriate. That $224 million came in from the feds.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Government Oversight Government Oversight will be meeting AFTER the Rules Committee Adjourns Apr 15th, 2026 at 11:00 am
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-HIGHWAY COMMISSION REVIEW AND ADVISORY SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 16th, 2026
ALC-HIGHWAY COMMISSION REVIEW AND ADVISORY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- There are four properties, four surplus properties, that we sold since the last meeting.
Summary:
The committee heard a presentation from ARDOT Director Jared Wiley, who introduced Highway Commission members and reported that the agency has completed the final five recommendations from its long-running efficiency review. He highlighted new public-facing maintenance and construction dashboards on the agency website, and noted quarterly reports on land conveyances, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding, annual revenue expenditures, and major projects were provided with no major questions or objections.
Members asked about ARDOT’s budget priorities, project delivery, and specific corridors. Wiley said roughly 75% of construction dollars go to maintaining the existing system, with additional maintenance and operations funding also directed to upkeep; he said Arkansas has about 16,300 centerline miles, nearly 40,000 lane miles, and about 73,700 bridges. He gave updates on Interstate 57 and Highway 5 work in Lonoke County, Interstate 49 public meetings in northwest Arkansas, passing-lane projects on Highway 412/62 in north central Arkansas, widening plans for Interstate 40, the Toad Suck Bridge flood mitigation project, and Highway 82 improvements in south Arkansas.
The director also discussed ARDOT’s litter control efforts, saying the agency spends about $8 million annually on litter pickup and is exploring future legislation. He said work-zone safety tools such as cameras and mobile work-zone enforcement are helping reduce dangerous driving, though distracted driving remains a problem. Wiley also announced new agency initiatives on human trafficking awareness training for staff, a “Street Smart” traffic-safety education program for students, and a spring cleanup effort in which ARDOT crews and some office staff will collect litter statewide. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 9 March, 2026; 4:00 PM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Ladies and gentlemen of the House, I know a lot of you received your surplus bills today.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. The journal reading was dispensed with, and there were no reports from select committees or resolutions/petitions. Members also introduced several guests and family members from the gallery, including relatives of Representatives Summers, Porter, Varner, and Ford, with the House offering welcomes and applause.
On the calendar, the House took up concurrence motions on Senate amendments. HB 719, dealing with prevention strategies for financial fraud and creating a study committee, was concurred in after explanation that the Senate had only added a representative from the Association of Banking to the committee; the motion passed 118-0. The House also concurred on HB 1076, which concerns veterans’ claims filing assistance and includes a Senate change capping fees at $12,500; that motion passed 121-0.
After the concurrence items, the House moved through routine parliamentary steps, including a motion to lay on the table subject to call, which passed. During member announcements, notices were given for the Capitol Prayer Group, requests to expedite surplus bills, the Turkish Mississippian Friendship Dinner, and the Trailer Trash Bash. The House then adjourned until 10:00 a.m. the next day.