Transcript Highlights:

• be an executive session because we won't have the contract signed at that point in time and get authorization
• And so it's like, here is the fund value, here's the daily market value, and it's broadly bonds, but
• What we need is an updated accounting system, so I'll be coming and asking for authorization for that
• the in-state investment itself, that if it's not called for, it just stays in an investment, either bonds
• And also recycling the money, because even if it's a relatively long-term bond, eventually the capital

Summary: The committee met to approve prior minutes and receive updates on the Legacy Fund transparency website and fund performance. Staff reported the website procurement was in contract negotiations, with a planned go-live around November 1, and that the site would provide downloadable, more transparent information on fund holdings, allocations, history, and legislative appropriations while protecting confidential data. The investment office then reviewed performance through January 2026, describing strong returns relative to benchmarks, noting real estate and fixed income as weaker areas, and explaining that the fund’s diversification and internal management had helped offset market volatility, including recent geopolitical impacts. Members also discussed the in-state investment program, especially the Bank of North Dakota’s CD-match allocation. Several members questioned whether the program had been static for years and whether the uncommitted balance should remain parked there if it was not being used. The committee voted to pause further transfers into the program until the Bank provides a report and the committee can consider possible statutory changes; the motion also requested a cost-benefit analysis from RVK, and it passed by roll call vote. In the afternoon, RVK presented its review of the investment policy statement as it relates to the in-state investment program. The consultant said it found no major policy impediments, and that implementers and stakeholders generally felt the program was proceeding as intended. RVK emphasized best practices such as third-party due diligence, competitive risk-adjusted returns, diversification, pacing, and exit strategies, while cautioning that required lower-return investments or spending commitments can create pressure on the fund’s long-term real value. The consultant also raised ancillary concerns about state-level concentration risk, the need to distinguish between public and commercial infrastructure, and the lack of a central repository for all state funding commitments to the same projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are requesting $453,83,21 in spending authority. behavioral health programs.
• We are requesting $453,83,21 in<00:03:11.200> spending<00:03:11.599> authority<00:03:12.800
• It's in the bond bill, but um request.
• It's in the bond bill, but um we<00:12:40.320> didn't<00:12:40.480> have<00:12:40.560><
• c> year,<00:12:41.680> so we didn't have a bond bill last year, so we didn't have a bond bill

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 29 January, 2026: 8:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Department of Mental Health presented its FY27 budget request and described its statewide responsibilities, including more than 600 grants totaling about $140 million, 11 community mental health centers, and state-operated programs for mental health, substance use, and intellectual/developmental disabilities. The request included $291.2 million in general funds, about $33.4 million above the current year, plus spending authority tied to ID regional programs and the IDD waiver. Major components included funding to enroll 250 additional people in the IDD home- and community-based waiver, a projected waiver rate increase, and added support for state-operated 24/7 programs facing staffing and operational shortfalls. The agency also asked to continue selected ARPA-funded services before those dollars expire, including 988 call center support, peer respite sites, court liaison positions, intensive community services for children and youth, and adolescent offender programs. Other requests covered salary adjustments and longevity increases for hard-to-fill positions, electronic health record support, IT security upgrades, a Jackson County crisis stabilization unit expansion from 8 to 16 beds, capital needs such as generator and boiler/chiller replacements, inflation-related increases for community mental health center grants, and restoration of general funds under a Joint Legislative Budget Committee recommendation. Officials emphasized that community-based care now accounts for 58% of funding and that the goal is to keep people out of institutions unless they need the highest level of care. Committee members asked about ARPA balances, forensic referrals, Jackson County’s request, and county support for community mental health centers. The department said about $25 million in ARPA funds remained and should be spent by September 30, with some delays due to reimbursement revisions. On forensic services, officials reported the new 81-bed maximum-security unit at State Hospital has cut the wait list roughly in half, but admission orders are up 51%, and some referrals may be unnecessary or used to delay proceedings. Members also discussed county contributions to community mental health centers, which the department said total about $9–10 million statewide, with most counties now meeting their obligations and only a few using small in-kind contributions.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Border Authority.
• My name is Gerardo Fierro, Executive Director of the New Mexico Border Authority.
• But welcome to the New Mexico Border Authority.
• To that end, about a year and a half ago, the border authority.
• authority and the Border Development Act that has never been exercised.

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't space not otherwise authorized?
• from federal immigration authorities from federal immigration authorities that<01:09:59.679>
• I just wanted to ask the author if you've considered putting this in a bonding request.
• Um putting this in a bonding request.
• bringing it in bonding? bringing it in bonding?

Bills: HF1323, HF3500

Keywords: undocumented, financial aid, state policy, higher education, noncitizen eligibility, funding, storm damage relief, Bemidji State University, reforestation, state appropriations, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, it authorizes the DSS, the Department of Social Services, to transfer funding between child
• It extends authority for courts to conduct remote court proceedings in specified cases to January 1,
• In the final budget, yes, $90 million with authority to augment $50 million more.
• The total cost of that bond that voters were told was $33 to $45 billion.
• Chris McAley here on behalf of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of the authority debt service on bonds of the authority debt service on bonds of the authority to be
• the bank to providers. to authorize the bank to providers. to authorize the bank to issue bonds under
• of the authority debt service on bonds of the authority debt service on bonds of the authority to be
• Television Foundation Authority to use funds to secure Authority to use funds to secure Authority to
• of the authority debt service on bonds of the authority debt service on bonds of the authority to be

Keywords: 920, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for a state general obligation bond.
• ratings the interest rates the time bond ratings the interest rates the time of<01:35:45.639> the
• To date, the legislature has authorized a total of $50 million for the new prison.
• Forty million of this authorization was in the form of long-term debt that is yet to be issued.
• The question was whether this should be Highway-funded bonds or General-funded bonds.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Department of Administrative Services presented its capital budget process and priorities, explaining that it maintains and operates 96 state buildings and uses annual facility walkthroughs, condition assessments, and rough cost estimates to rank projects for the governor’s capital budget. Officials described how requests are triaged, how the governor’s office and Public Works refine estimates, and how the resulting capital budget book serves as legislative intent for approved projects. They also noted that this year the governor’s office asked for estimates on all selected projects, which increased workload but reduced detail. The department highlighted several requested projects, including $1.5 million for the ERP system sustainability fund, which officials said is critical because the state is upgrading its core financial, HR, and budget system to the cloud. Other priorities included courthouse HVAC and boiler work, brick repointing at the State House annex/main building, window replacement at the Spalding building, and elevator replacement on the hospital campus. Officials also said the governor’s proposed capital budget included fewer DAS projects than in past years and asked the committee to consider funding closer to historic levels. The committee then reviewed lapse and reallocation items. DAS said most older projects are still in design, bid, or construction because projects now take four to six years rather than two to three, in part due to ARPA-related workload and post-COVID construction backlogs. Members discussed lapsing $81,000 from the completed Spalding roof project and redirecting small remaining balances from several 2019 projects toward the Hillsboro County South cell block project through the Capital Project Overview Committee. Officials also confirmed ARPA-funded projects are expected to be completed before the December 2026 deadline and explained that the ERP system is the main state IT exception outside DOIT’s usual centralized control, though it still requires DOIT consultation and approval.

Transcript Highlights:

• but in my conversation with them this morning, they said that they believe that they do have the authority
• The bonding-out process does have to go to Bond Commission.
• We felt that through the Bankers Association, as well as bond counsel on the commission, that that is
• And I also want to thank Representative Wiley and Representative Ken Brass for co-authoring our bill
• Provides relative to the authority of the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget.

Bills: SB25, SB250, HB22, HB27, HB33, HB47, HB233, HB290, HB308, HB324, HB382, HB533, HB559, HB575, HB980, HB1157, HB1207, HB1236, HCR45

Keywords: registrar of voters, parish registrar, chief deputy registrar, confidential assistant, election administration, elections, salary schedule, compensation, merit evaluation, population-based pay, census-based pay, Department of State, Secretary of State, State Board of Election Supervisors, redistricting, senate districts, Senate District 33, Senate District 34, Senate District 35, precincts

Transcript Highlights:

• information or citizenship, information about citizenship or immigration status with immigration authorities
• With immigration authorities.
• There was some confusion at the time over, you know, what authority certain documents held.
• when there are new federal laws and guidance around mandatory immigration detention without access to bond
• and with no mechanism for release, access to... ...access to bond and with no mechanism for release,

Summary: The Tribal Relations Committee held a work session on the Keep Washington Working Act, hearing first from the Office of the Attorney General, then the Office of the Governor, and finally advocates from the ACLU of Washington, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, and One America. The Attorney General’s office described the 2019 bipartisan law as limiting state and local involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement, emphasizing minimal data collection, privacy protections, definitions in the statute, model policies for agencies, and the role of court orders and federal funding exceptions. Committee members asked about consistency in legal guidance, possible federal challenges, and whether the law has been litigated in Washington or elsewhere; the office said it has not been challenged in Washington and cited similar laws in other states that have been upheld or dismissed in litigation. The governor’s office said the administration is implementing the law across agencies through case-by-case review of data-sharing requests, coordination with the Attorney General and privacy officials, and a new executive order creating an immigration sub-cabinet to improve agency coordination and community input. Officials said the state will continue to protect immigrant communities, avoid using state resources for civil immigration enforcement, and comply with federal funding requirements where necessary, citing Medicaid and other programs as examples. They also discussed recent court rulings in Washington that blocked federal grant conditions tied to immigration enforcement and said agencies are being trained to review data privacy and sharing practices. Advocates argued that Keep Washington Working is grounded in anti-commandeering principles and is meant to ensure state resources are used for state purposes, not federal immigration enforcement. They said the law helps immigrant communities trust police, schools, and public services, but warned that data sharing and aggressive federal enforcement are eroding that trust and harming families. The panelists described cases involving alleged unlawful local cooperation with federal immigration authorities, family separation, detention, and due process concerns, and suggested possible improvements such as stronger enforcement mechanisms, a private right of action, and broader limits on data sharing. No votes or formal actions were taken; the committee closed the hearing after members thanked the presenters and invited follow-up on implementation issues and potential legislative changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Madam Author, for bringing this legislation. So as I read this— Thank you.
• I'm the author for bringing this legislation.
• I'd like to ask the author of the bill if he would allow that, since it says bill.
• from the Oklahoma Energy Producers Association that allows for a three-year phase-in to the surety bond
• from the Oklahoma Energy Producers Association that allows for a three-year phase-in to the surety bond

Bills: HB4338, HB3977, HB2100, HB2975, HB3056, HB3406, HB3720, HB4316, HB3405, HB1907, HB3142, HB3173, HB3270, HB3728, HB2440, HB2596, HB3466, HB3469, HB4338, HB3977, HB2100, HB2975, HB3056, HB3406, HB3720, HB4316, HB3405, HB1907, HB3142, HB3173, HB3270, HB3728, HB2440, HB2596, HB3466, HB3469

Keywords: HB4338, Oklahoma Brine Development Act, brine unitization, produced water, produced water unit, oil and gas wastewater, produced water recycling, reclaimed water, constituent elements, brine rights, solution gas, Corporation Commission, unitization, royalty interests, surface owner, oil and gas produced water, recycling and reuse, wastewater disposal, mineral extraction, lithium extraction

Transcript Highlights:

• We have authorities that a court does not.
• We issue bonds.
• We issue bonds. not needed immediately. We issue bonds.
• actual expense 25 adjusted authorized actual expense 25 adjusted authorized and<01:34:10.159>
• in fiscal year 25 adjusted authorized in fiscal year 25 adjusted authorized and<01:46:56.560>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for the bill author or for the<00:22:40.840> committee?
• <00:28:35.360> That Selcer was the chief author that.
• That Selcer was the chief author that.
• I'd also like to thank my co-authors, you, Mr.
• <00:59:00.680> Chair, co-authors, you, Mr. Chair, co-authors, you, Mr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some discussion about the bond rating for the state, and we've heard people say, "Oh, we can't give you
• rating to reduce, and in fact, the bond rating is scheduled to go up.
• It totally overcompensates for any negative impact to the bond rating that would have resulted from the
• Here, apparently, is what it looks like because why else are they going to increase the bond rating?
• In law and statute, we don't have the authority to create a return to work program by rule.

Transcript Highlights:

• and percentage bonds.
• I've reached out because I don't know bonds or anything about them.
• Doesn't the governor have the authority?
• He wouldn't have been the one who authorized the advertisement.
• She just used a previous authorization.

Bills: HB202, HB42, HB146, HB492, HB285, HB7, HB454, HB42, HB7

Keywords: law enforcement, immunity, civil liability, use of force, recruitment, bail reform, cash deposit, judicial discretion, criminal justice, Alabama law, youthful offender, capital murder, public safety, victims' rights, juvenile offenders, delinquent acts, juvenile court, nonfelony offenses, water safety offenses, HB285

Transcript Highlights:

• Can I ask you why the regional transit authorities are just now... Thank you.
• Can I ask you why the regional transit authorities are just now considering joining?
• Most recently it was the Cape Ann Regional Transit Authority.
• So are some regional transit authorities part of the state system and some are not?
• First Assistant City Solicitor from the City of Taunton, Lisa Bond.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several public service and retirement-related bills. Senator Kelly Dooner and Rep. O’Rourke supported a Taunton home rule petition to extend Chief Walsh’s service during the city’s transition to a new public safety facility, citing the need to manage new equipment, cameras, and 911 systems smoothly. Senator Lovely testified in favor of bills expanding retirement savings access through the SMART Plan and the CORE Plan, arguing that automatic enrollment and broader eligibility would help state, municipal, and nonprofit workers save for retirement. No questions were raised on the Taunton petition, and the hearing later moved through the remaining testimony without any votes taken during the transcript. Mary Waldron of the Old Colony Planning Council and Jeffrey Walker of the Southeast Regional Planning and Economic Development District urged support for legislation protecting regional planning agencies from being required to make retroactive payments to the State Retirement Board for past employer contributions. They warned that the costs would be unsustainable, could force layoffs or closures, and would jeopardize their ability to provide transportation, housing, economic development, and planning services. Bill Keith and Patrick Charles of PEREC testified on several retirement administration bills, including measures to ease statement-of-financial-interest filing rules, require payment for certain creditable service purchases, and clarify the definition of wages to include sick, vacation, and personal time; committee members asked questions about regional transit authorities joining retirement systems and about adding local retirement board representation to a proposed commission. Jonathan Osimo and Rob Fabino of the Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System supported bills to penalize delinquent pension reporting by employers and to create a special commission to study retirement credit purchases, saying better reporting would improve retirement processing and that a broader review could improve fairness and sustainability. Eddie Boynton of the Braintree Education Association backed the SMART Plan bill, describing how automatic enrollment and low-fee fiduciary oversight could protect educators from high-cost supplemental retirement products. Matthew Nugent testified for a bill to divest public pension funds from firearms and ammunition. After the final witnesses, the chairs asked if anyone else wished to testify, heard none, and then adjourned the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any questions for the bill author? All right, thank you, Representative Curry.
• Scopes of authority, twice in Section 3 of the Constitution, the general jurisdiction is described as
• the Special Court of Review, which are not appealable to the Texas Supreme Court, and you have authorized
• Discretionary review, if those things aren't authorized by this section.
• Bond violations, bond was set at $120,000 per decade, should have been $20 million.

Bills: SB 53

Keywords: voter registration, election procedures, provisional ballot, change of address, residence requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, any questions for the bill author? All right, thank you, Representative Curry.
• and I would like you to consider the constitutional concerns that this might raise regarding the authority
• The Jurisdiction Clause, which authorizes the Supreme Court to have final jurisdiction under all appeals
• the special court of review, which are not appealable to the Texas Supreme Court, and you have authorized
• There were bond violations; bond was set at $120,000 for decades, when it should have been $20 million

Bills: SJR27, SB53, SB311, SB1164, SB2807, SB1574, SB 53

Keywords: judicial conduct, state commission, judicial misconduct, commission membership, constitutional amendment, mental health, court proceedings, notice requirements, legal filings, electronic documents, Texas Supreme Court, writ power, mandamus, quo warranto, certiorari, procedendo, extraordinary writs, Government Code Section 22.002, separation of powers, judicial authority

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not change amendment authority.” “The bill does not change amendment authority.
• Bond authorization creates a legal commitment, but it does not create the current tax burden until the
• <07:36:19.760> It relative to an approved bond. It relative to an approved bond.
• caps by creating a loophole for bond caps by creating a loophole for bond debt.<07:38:11.360>
• increased spending by exempting bond increased spending by exempting bond debt<07:40:16.080>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That is the three-minute rule for authors testifying, as well as for members' and witnesses' questions
• That is the three-minute rule for authors testifying, as well as for members' and witnesses' questions
• It provides relative to the removal authority process with respect to domestic offenders.
• And if the DA won't dismiss, the judge has no authority to.
• Obviously, the author has requested a deferral. Do we have a substitute motion? To...

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on May 6, 2026, and considered a series of juvenile justice, criminal procedure, public corruption, domestic violence, sentencing, and victim-notification measures. Early in the meeting, SB 396 was amended and reported favorably to allow children in Office of Juvenile Justice custody to attend review hearings by secure video conference, with OJJ staff also participating virtually. SB 181 was amended and reported favorably to create a limited raffle license for nonprofit health care organizations within a single health system. SB 81, a bill requiring prosecutorial consent before a defendant may waive a jury trial in a non-capital felony case, drew extensive debate; supporters said it would align Louisiana with federal practice and other states, while opponents argued it would give the state more power and reduce defendants’ control over their own trial rights. After testimony from district attorneys, defense lawyers, and advocacy groups, the committee reported SB 81 favorably by a 7-3 vote. The committee then took up SB 207, which extends the prescriptive period for prosecuting certain corruption offenses committed by elected officials and public employees to 10 years after they leave office. Supporters said it would help prevent officials from using their influence to avoid prosecution; opponents raised concerns about optics and scope. The bill was reported favorably by an 8-3 vote. SB 92, requiring district attorneys to submit sexual assault kits to the statewide tracking system, was also reported favorably without objection. SB 156, which increases the maximum penalty for negligent homicide and includes special treatment for cases involving children under 13, was reported favorably after sponsors said they would make a technical fix before floor debate. SB 58, imposing a mandatory minimum sentence for aggravated flight from a law enforcement officer and dedicating fine revenue to pursuit training and technology, was reported favorably after supporters cited fatal high-speed pursuits and law enforcement backing. Later, the committee approved SB 97, the constitutional amendment companion to SB 81, after similar testimony for and against the proposal; it was reported favorably by a 7-3 vote. SB 141, moving the Integrated Criminal Justice Information System Policy Board’s functions to the Louisiana Supreme Court, was reported favorably without objection. SB 410, increasing penalties for accessories after the fact to sex offenses, was also reported favorably. The committee then considered HB 251, which requires notice to victims or their families in resentencing proceedings; after amendments and testimony about post-conviction procedure and possible unintended consequences, it was reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee heard HCR 50, a resolution calling for reports on opioid abatement and treatment programs in correctional facilities and guidance on available funding; the sponsor described it as a study effort to improve access to treatment and recovery, and the resolution was moved favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• author that? Thank you. author that? Thank you.
• Secondly, RSA 33, municipal finance and bonds: the bill as filed doesn't create new borrowing authority
• commission is actually putting a bond commission is actually putting a bond warrant<02:45:46.479
• authority and transfer it over to DHS. authority and transfer it over to DHS. and<05:59:36.160><
• <06:00:23.120> I authority in a state agency. I authority in a state agency.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Municipal and County Government Committee met in executive session on February 17, 2026, to act on a series of bills. Early in the meeting, members agreed that they could consult the online submission summaries rather than have changing submission counts read aloud. The committee then took up House Bill 1386, which would have allowed citizens in a municipality to vote to require a financial audit of a local school district. Members opposing the bill argued that school districts already have audit authority and reporting requirements under existing law, and that the proposal was unnecessary and potentially burdensome. The committee voted 17-0 to recommend the bill inexpedient to legislate, placing it on the consent calendar. The committee next considered House Bill 1181FN on public hearing notice requirements for zoning board of adjustment appeals. Members who opposed the bill said newspaper publication provides independent third-party verification and archival value, and that removing that requirement would weaken public notice. The committee voted 17-0 ITL and sent the bill to the consent calendar. It also voted 17-0 ITL on House Bill 1327, concerning the definition of commercially zoned land, largely because the sponsor was absent and members said they could not do due diligence without hearing from the sponsor. The committee then acted on House Bill 1473FN, concerning the use of agricultural fairground property, and House Bill 1147, concerning the use of capital reserve funds. In both cases, members cited the sponsor’s absence and the need for more information as reasons to recommend inexpedient to legislate; both votes were 17-0 and both bills were placed on the consent calendar. House Bill 1220, which would have allowed municipal governing bodies to review and approve school budgets, was also recommended ITL by a 17-0 vote after members raised concerns about local control, legal conflicts between separate entities, and technical drafting problems. The committee recommended ought to pass on House Bill 118, which raises the amount of money municipal treasurers may hold before depositing it in the bank, with supporters saying the higher threshold would reduce unnecessary trips to the bank and improve efficiency. It also recommended ought to pass on House Bill 1151, a housekeeping bill correcting statutory references related to conservation commission appropriations, and it approved House Bill 1309 as amended after adopting Amendment 2026-0411H to clarify town meeting warrant language. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 1385, prohibiting negative property tax rates in certain municipalities, and recommended ITL by a 17-0 vote after testimony indicated the practice at issue had already ended and that a blanket prohibition could create problems for municipalities with excess revenues. The committee also began work on House Bill 1369, relating to posting warrants for special town meetings, and discussed an amendment to preserve newspaper notice while also allowing website posting where available.