Transcript Highlights:

• <03:39:37.920> need it's we oh we have to okay we need need it's we oh we have to okay we
• I need to... I've been reading it, and now I need to understand it better.
• I need to... I've been reading it, and now I need to understand it better.
• I need to... I've been reading it, and now I need to understand it better.
• to we need to do a better job a need to we need to do a better job a funding funding funding education

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The public hearing opened on HB 728-FN, which would authorize video lottery terminals at charity gaming facilities and repeal historic horse racing licensing. Representative Om explained that the bill would convert the current historic horse racing terminals into true video lottery terminals/slot machines and change the revenue split, reducing the operator share from 75% to 70% while increasing the state share from 25% to 30%. He also noted the bill would increase the amount going to charities and other state beneficiaries. Former State Rep. Pat Brammy, who had served on the Charitable Gaming Study Commission, testified in support of the bill’s basic structure. He said a consultant’s report found historic racing machines cost facilities 12% to 18% more to operate because of totalizer and track-related fees, and that slot machines would be cheaper because there are more manufacturers and more competition. He argued that although the operator share drops by 5%, facilities could still benefit from lower operating costs, and he said the commission concluded that moving to slot machines would increase revenues to facilities, charities, and the state. He also said the bill would create a more stable stream of funding for problem gambling, since the current HHR “breakage” funding mechanism is limited and dependent on a single vendor. Brammy also discussed the commission’s concerns about market concentration in HHR machines, saying the commission found the market was dominated by only a few manufacturers and recommended legislation to address that issue under Article 83 of the state constitution. He interpreted the bill as allowing a phase-in of slot machines upon passage, with the remaining HHR provisions phasing out by January 1, 2028, and said facilities would likely transition as leases expire. Committee members asked about HHR contracts, machine programming, testing, and whether removing HHR would reduce competition; Brammy said he believed leases were likely short-term, machines are tested by a lab, and the legislature could decide whether the change is appropriate. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• legislatively you would need to look at. legislatively you would need to look at.
• they need. they need.
• It would need a deep dive.
• We we just basically we eat burdensome. We we just basically we eat the<02:23:26.319> cost.
• for um like a basically emergency fund. for um like a basically emergency fund.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The commission met to approve the May 18, 2026 minutes and then focused on how SB 57’s special education cost study should inform HB 1099, which creates a separate study committee on residential placements and related education costs. Members discussed sending the commission’s minutes and findings to that new committee, noting the short timeline for its work and the need to be specific about unresolved issues so the new group does not duplicate the same questions. A major topic was the cost and responsibility for students placed at Spalding and similar residential programs, especially transportation and whether costs are paid through the Department of Education’s episode-of-treatment (EOT) fund, local districts, DHS, or Medicaid. Staff explained that for students with disabilities, EOT funds cover special education and transportation costs tied to the placement, while students without disabilities are handled through DHS care-management and best-interest meetings. Members raised concerns about whether some students at Spalding are receiving no schooling, whether transportation costs are substantial, and whether Medicaid reimbursement could offset some expenses. The commission also discussed confusion over district responsibility when students placed in residential programs attend school in another district, using Winnisquam as an example. Several members said the receiving district was not notified that DHHS-approved programs could bring in additional students and costs, and they suggested DHHS or its care-management entity should notify both the district of residence and the receiving district when a program is approved. The group agreed this notification issue, along with transportation funding, privacy concerns in Medicaid-to-schools billing, and the distinction between special education placements, EOT placements, and other voluntary residential placements, should be passed to the HB 1099 study committee for further work.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:34:49.720> need<02:34:49.880> some need to be corrected you need need some need
• So we just feel like we need the form. We like the form. We need the form.
• So we just feel like we need the form. We like the form. We need the form.
• a form, not need a form.
• a form, not need a form.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do need to get another motion on that and a second on the sub.
• We do need to All right, thank you, sir.
• as they do that, this bill basically as they do that, this bill basically says<00:04:33.960>
• , so he needs to have oversight so he can come down and take a look at what's going on.
• Yeah, basically this is a grandfather clause for a couple of industries we got here.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the investigation from uh basically the investigation from uh basically reaching<00:03:40.480>
• Um, do we need to read it again?
• Um, do we need to read it again? >> Okay.
• Um, do we need to read it again? >> Okay.
• Is there an basically just a yes or no.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 3542 was heard in committee and moved forward with a recommendation to be re-referred to the Children, Families, Finance, and Policy Committee. The bill would change current law so that the commissioners of Human Services and Children, Youth, and Families must disclose the existence of an investigation, rather than may disclose it, with the stated goal of increasing transparency to the public and legislature. Members and agency officials discussed concerns that mandatory disclosure could tip off subjects of investigations, especially in fraud cases, allowing them to destroy evidence, coordinate stories, or otherwise interfere. The Department of Human Services and the Inspector General said disclosure can compromise investigations and noted that providers are typically notified when payments are reduced, suspended, or withheld, though federal law can sometimes require delayed notice. Representative Pinto offered an A2 amendment to require disclosure within 30 days unless it would compromise an investigation, but it was rejected. Representative Hudson then offered an oral amendment stating that disclosure would be required if the commissioner has taken action to reduce, suspend, or withhold payments to the subject of the investigation. The chair waived the rule to allow the oral amendment, and it was adopted. Staff clarified that the bill would only require disclosure of the existence of an investigation, not underlying details, and would not address trade secret redactions. After the amendment, the committee approved the motion to re-refer the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• BUT WE NEEDED THE DORMS AND THE BEDS.
• INSTITUTIONS WITH THE LOWER LEVELS OF TENURE SOMETIMES NEED MORE STAFF.
• WE NEED MORE JUDGES BUT WE NEED TO BE REALISTIC ABOUT WHAT WE'RE DOING HERE AND IT'S NOT JUST THE SALARY
• I BELIEVE WHOLEHEARTEDLY ARE VICTIMS NEED ADVOCACY BUT WE NEED TO BE REALISTIC ABOUT WHAT WE GET OURSELVES
• MAY BE SEND THEM TO THE CAMPS THAT NEED THEM.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Brian: ...we have a protocol where inmates with heat needs, basically, if they have any vulnerability
• We need help and we need expertise. Chair: ...This is not my arena.
• We need help, and we need expertise.
• We need help.
• We need help.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we need to, and we can explain that.
• I agree that we need to spend money on our roads. We need to fix our roads.
• So not just us, but with DOT and us and say, okay, so what do we really need? We need X dollars.
• You need to be part of this. We need to work together."
• They said, you need to get down to the state legislature because there's a bill that is basically promoted

Bills: SB251, SB150, SB154, SB73, SB111, SB172, SB76, SB181, SB235

Keywords: horse racing, program training, program owning, state licensing, racehorses, regulation, local news, newspaper printing, journalism, media tax credit, print media, digital news, news publisher, newsprint, press operator, printing industry, local journalism, tax credit, income tax, corporate income tax

Transcript Highlights:

• The Commission acknowledged it needs to update the rule.
• I mean, to basically audit, you know, how effective they've been.
• Is there anything else that needs to be done?
• I think we still need some time to sort of evaluate how we move forward.
• Third, contracts need to be clear, and agencies must actively monitor for compliance.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee subcommittee heard three State Auditor’s Office performance audits: implementation of the Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act, Washington’s digital equity planning, and the Department of Commerce’s Digital Navigator Program. In the law enforcement training audit, the State Auditor found the Criminal Justice Training Commission had developed most required training content but had not developed all required topics, lacked a systematic project management approach, and had weak tools to ensure participation and compliance. Auditors said most officers had not completed the required 40 hours, patrol tactics training was a major bottleneck, and the Commission’s reporting did not clearly show statewide compliance. The Commission said it generally agreed with the recommendations and had begun implementing some changes. Committee members raised concerns about staffing, liability, incentives, and whether the law had enough enforcement “teeth.” In the digital equity audit, auditors said Washington lacked a comprehensive, unified statewide plan, a designated leader, and reliable funding for digital equity efforts. They said existing plans were fragmented, with the NTIA-approved plan the most complete but no longer fully funded after federal changes. The State Auditor recommended the legislature establish oversight authority and require a lead organization to coordinate and evaluate statewide digital equity efforts and develop a unified plan. The Department of Commerce and Office of Equity agreed with the need for clearer leadership and coordination, and a public witness described ongoing coalition and local planning work. Committee members asked about best practices from other states and whether the auditor could provide additional research on coordination models. In the Digital Navigator Program audit, the State Auditor concluded Commerce did not consistently follow core grant-management practices, including competitive award processes, vetting of grantees, clear contracts, performance monitoring, and reimbursement controls. Auditors said Commerce expanded grants without a new competition, lacked adequate documentation and reporting, and paid out millions without sufficient support; they also cited management decisions that overrode staff concerns. Commerce said it had already begun major contract-management reforms, created a new contracts and compliance structure, and was working on risk assessments, documentation standards, and staff training. Members pressed Commerce on accountability, possible recoupment of improper payments, ethics issues, and whether the agency had clear performance metrics for the program. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended after public testimony and committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• So basically you're assisting any federal, state, city, or municipality.
• That's a million ducks gone, basically, in a 15-day period.
• The bulk of mallards are only going to fly as far as they need to.
• I mean, he's doing what he needs to be doing for his state.
• I'm here to help you, Chris, whatever you need, buddy.

Summary: The committee first heard from Arkansas State Police leadership about the agency’s role in federal immigration enforcement. Colonel Mike Hager said State Police has completed 287(g) training for all but 12 officers and is authorized to assist ICE in limited circumstances, but is not an immigration enforcement agency. He emphasized that troopers only make immigration-related notifications after lawful stops or arrests for other offenses, and that the agency uses discretion and chain-of-command approval for any planned operation. Members asked about how immigration status is determined, whether stops are tracked, whether local agencies are participating, and whether there are costs or reimbursement mechanisms; Hager said the agency began tracking encounters in September and had 48 detentions since then, most tied to other criminal violations such as DWIs or domestic violence. He also said there were no current planned immigration operations beyond assisting federal partners. The committee then received an update from Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Director Doug Schoenrock on wildlife management areas, waterfowl habitat, and related infrastructure. He reported that most moist-soil units and green tree reservoirs were flooded or near normal, with one new pump not yet operational and a vandalized Ed Gordon/Point Remove pump back in service since December. He also said the Lake Conway dam and water-control work were progressing, with a public meeting scheduled at Mayflower High School. Questions followed about dock removal notices, maintenance on other water-control structures, and a recent fatal boating accident at Baumito WMA, which Schoenrock described as a high-speed collision in flooded timber and said the agency was working on a safety memorial effort with the victim’s widow. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on duck season, drought conditions, and criticism of the Flyway Federation’s push to restrict hunting over standing corn. Schoenrock said Arkansas remains the nation’s top duck-hunting destination, but drought and warm weather have reduced water availability and caused ducks to move north; he cited survey numbers showing 1.4 million ducks in the state at the end of December but a much lower January count. He argued that standing corn is legal and that federal habitat and water policy, not Arkansas law, drives long-term duck populations. Members raised concerns about changing migration patterns, the role of private clubs, federal regulation, and the possible effects of wind turbines and solar panels on waterfowl; Schoenrock and Commissioner Chris Caldwell said the commission is studying those issues, including a University of Arkansas at Monticello project on avoidance behavior, and that no immediate regulatory changes were announced. The committee took no formal vote and adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• But trying seems like a need is there. Witness: There is definitely a need.
• Okay, it needs repairs.
• Okay, it needs repairs.
• It needs repairs.
• But we need both.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 20 January, 2026: 8:45 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard an update from the Mississippi State Port Authority at the Port of Gulfport on operations, finances, and recent developments. The port emphasized that it is an enterprise agency that does not seek state general fund support, and reported a regional economic impact of $3.8 billion, about $62 million in state and local taxes, and thousands of direct and indirect jobs. The witness highlighted growth in refrigerated cargo, especially efforts to bring more Mississippi poultry through Gulfport, along with continued container traffic and intermodal work. Several major investments and new business lines were discussed. Ports America is required under its lease to invest $43 million, and the port recently received a fourth crane, a $20 million investment that allows two vessels to be worked simultaneously. The port also announced American Cruise Lines stops in Gulfport, which is expected to bring high-end cruise passengers spending time and money locally. Additional updates included growth in technology and blue economy activity at the Roger F. Wicker Center, NOAA’s autonomous vessel operations center, Oceanero’s workforce expansion, and military moves that generated about 70,000 man-hours of local labor. Committee members asked about the FY27 budget, travel, and capital outlay requests. The port said the travel increase was for flexibility and that it spends conservatively, and explained that the larger capital figures reflect a strategic plan and potential private-sector and grant-funded projects rather than expected annual spending. The FY27 request was described as a slight decrease from the prior year, with the main salary increase tied to PERS and health insurance costs, and no special appropriations language was requested. Members also discussed the effort to regain chicken exports through Gulfport, including plans for a future freezer warehouse and the impact of the Kansas City Southern railroad merger, which the port said has had some hiccups but may help in the long run.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's basically how it's reform. That's basically how it's titled. titled. titled.
• So again, basically two parts.
• So again basically two parts. community. So again basically two parts.
• <04:02:14.000> to I need to do better, if others need to I need to do better, if others need
• "Do I need to turn off?" "Yes."

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What are your needs? We go through those basic questions. What kind of support do you need?
• Needless to say, there are some basic fundamental investments that need to be made in our system, primarily
• and your family's needs.
• You've just got to know some of those basics. To know some of those basics.
• needs.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And when they actually need the water, it could be a while before they actually need that water.
• And when they actually need the water, it could be a while before they actually need that water.
• need that water. need that water.
• would need to consult with the AG on. would need to consult with the AG on.
• needing to get a second mortgage. needing to get a second mortgage.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on five housing-related measures. SB 2232 would create a three-year tiny home grant pilot program within HHFDC, with annual reporting to HHFDC and the Legislature; testimony was mixed, and the bill was later recommended for passage with amendments, including a full-time housing development specialist, a residential-use-only restriction for the tiny homes, and a blanked appropriation. SB 2192 would bar county down-zoning that reduces housing capacity unless equivalent capacity is added elsewhere in the county; it drew support from housing advocates and comments from planning officials, and was also recommended for passage with amendments. SB 2378 would clarify insurance requirements for single- and multifamily projects seeking expedited county permitting; engineers and housing groups supported it, while one testifier opposed it, and it was recommended for passage with a technical amendment. SB 2524 would appropriate funds to the City and County of Honolulu for housing-related departments to comply with prior acts; the Honolulu department supported it, and members asked about prior spending and funding sources. SB 2398 would require residential housing utility availability maps; the Honolulu Board of Water Supply opposed the bill as written, citing infrastructure security, accuracy, liability, and administrative burden concerns, while supporters said it would improve transparency for developers. The chair proposed amendments to make the maps broad and geographic rather than parcel-specific, remove contested-case and reliance provisions, allow disclaimer language, and change the date; the bill was then recommended for passage with amendments, with one member noting reservations. All five measures were ultimately passed out of committee with amendments, with votes recorded and some members excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then you need to decide what information you need. You need to reach out to your contractors.
• You need to talk to me. And then you need to decide what information you need.
• You need to reach out to your contractors. Do you need to talk to maybe an IT vendor?
• Basically, the users will... Basically, the users will...
• And as the legal counsel just mentioned, the basic idea would have been that... ...mentioned, the basic

Summary: The subcommittee of the Tax Reform and Relief Committee met to begin its study of the feasibility and desirability of revising the content of the real estate tax statement to improve property tax transparency. Legislative Council staff reviewed the study directive under House Bill 1176 and the statutory requirements for tax statements, including required line items such as true and full value, mill levy, legislative tax relief, primary residence credit, and the Legacy Fund portion of that credit. The Tax Department then explained how the current uniform statement is prescribed and approved, and noted that changes are typically driven by statute and implemented collaboratively with counties and vendors. County officials from the North Dakota Association of Counties described the full annual tax cycle, from county budgeting and valuation notices to budget hearing notices, levy certification, cap calculations, and final tax statement mailing. They emphasized that counties and auditors do extensive coordination with taxing districts and neighboring counties, and that the process is labor-intensive and often manual. Members discussed the limited public response to budget notices and tax statements, the difficulty of explaining the legislative tax relief line, the 3% cap and valuation issues, and whether more frequent assessments or different timing would improve understanding. Several members and witnesses noted that many taxpayers only engage when they receive their final bill, and that clarity may be more important than adding more detail. NDACO also presented a rough cost survey from eight counties, estimating an average tax statement cost of about 74 cents and a statewide total near $600,000 for printing and mailing tax statements alone, with outsourcing generally cheaper than in-house printing. Witnesses noted that House Bill 1176 added other mailings and notices, increasing county workload and cost beyond the statement itself. The committee then heard from software vendors, who explained how their systems handle tax billing, budget notices, valuation notices, primary residence credit processing, and tax levy calculations, and they identified the 1600/1685 primary residence credit and discount interaction as a current programming challenge. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational and focused on gathering testimony and identifying issues for possible future recommendations or bill drafts.

Transcript Highlights:

• to buy a gun in New Hampshire you need to buy a gun in New Hampshire you need to<00:03:00.720>
• Defending themselves should the need Defending themselves should the need arise<02:15:12.480>
• > to<02:34:01.720> be and you need to everyone needs to be and you need to everyone needs
• <02:34:35.680> to says a person really should needs to says a person really should needs to
• proven guilty and this is basically proven guilty and this is basically making<02:44:00.800>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of Basic all in Alabama who are in need of Basic all in Alabama who are in need of Basic Essentials
• the resolution okay I think we we need the resolution okay I think we we need the resolution okay yeah
• to think that's the place that we need to think that's the place that we need to be um that folks need
• to so just wanted to make if we need to so just wanted to make if we need to so just wanted to make
• you to quick so in that amendment I need you to quick so in that amendment I need you to go um go um

Bills: SJR 36, SJR 2, SB 4, SR 45, SR 47, SR 63, SR 66, SR 70, SR 85, SCR 14, SB 10, SB 11, SB 10, SB 11

Keywords: SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, constitutional amendment, homestead exemption, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, local government, Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislation has a very basic idea, but without a board or commission, you may not be able to have
• <00:18:10.480> to subsequent bill then would would need to subsequent bill then would would
• In addition to that, I and my colleagues feel that there is a longstanding need in Hawaii for welcome
• in Hawaii for welcome longstanding need in Hawaii for welcome centers<00:23:12.360> by<00:23:
• Chair, I think our comments is basically we support the intent of the bill.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this basically<00:19:53.520> leapfrogs<00:19:54.960> the basically leapfrogs the basically
• that the bill needs work. that the bill needs work.
• difference of what they need. difference of what they need.
• this bill needs work.
• and calculations needed.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, who's checked to see if these are things that are still needed? Thank you.
• There's a bullet point on why we need this is to close loopholes that allowed an agency executive to
• But we do understand that there may be instances in which that needs to happen.
• We just need to base everything on pecuniary factors and returning, maximizing that investment for all
• Basically, the group worked closely with the state auditor, her office officers, and legal staff.

Bills: HB3057, HB3279, HB4428, HB3420

Keywords: government reporting, information technology, child welfare, environmental policy, state agency compliance, employment restrictions, state officers, prohibited acts, government contracts, public service, public finance, pension, pension fund, retirement system, board of trustees, proxy voting, proxy proposal, shareholder vote, shareholder activism, fiduciary duty