Transcript Highlights:

• The governor's H2 budget proposes...
• And this relates back to the budget as well.
• We also did a lot of budget exemptions.
• budget.
• budget.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Cal Fire's budget traditionally grows over time.
• that may grow over time, Cal Fire's budget, being specific operations budgets that may grow over time
• Cal Fires budget traditionally grows over time.
• So I'm trying to find the reasoning why putting it in the budget proposal, especially a budget that talks
• For the budget reasons, it's supposed to be related to the budget.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing focused on the governor’s May Revision, especially the proposed extension of the cap-and-trade program to 2045 as “cap-and-invest,” the related greenhouse gas reduction fund (GGRF) spending framework, and several trailer bill proposals. Department of Finance staff outlined budget solutions including a $1.5 billion annual General Fund-to-GGRF shift for Cal Fire that would grow to $1.9 billion by 2029-30, continued support for high-speed rail, climate bond implementation, and various environmental and water-related statutory changes. The administration also described proposals affecting the Delta Conveyance Project, water quality planning, groundwater bulletin timing, Exide cleanup funding, and other agency-specific items, though the chair repeatedly asked staff to keep the presentation high-level and save details for the next hearing. Members from both parties raised strong concerns about the cap-and-invest proposal, arguing that it could reduce or displace funding for transit, affordable housing, active transportation, wildfire prevention, zero-emission vehicles, and other previously committed programs. Several members questioned whether the administration was effectively shifting essential ongoing services like Cal Fire onto a temporary carbon market fund, how the General Fund backstop would work if auction revenues fall short, and whether the proposal would leave enough money for continuous appropriations and future awards. Members also criticized the inclusion of cap-and-invest reauthorization in the budget process and asked for clearer information on the impact to high-speed rail, transit, and other GGRF priorities. The Delta Conveyance Project and related trailer bill language drew significant opposition from members and public commenters, who argued the proposal would fast-track the project, weaken CEQA-related review, and authorize revenue bond financing without sufficient legislative oversight. Public testimony also included support for maintaining or expanding funding for transit, affordable housing, AB 617 community air protection, offshore wind infrastructure, and ignition interlock programs, while environmental and community groups opposed cuts to wildfire prevention, housing, and school climate-related programs. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and the chair said the committee would continue the discussion and receive more detailed responses at the follow-up hearing on Tuesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:13.399><c> the</c> wer in the previous budget the wer in the previous budget the governor's
• </c> we have a difficult time with the budget we have a difficult time with the budget I<00:17:23.679
• Further discussion. was the 2011 budget and I believe that was the 2011 budget and I believe that the
• This is a tough budget here, okay?
• Budgets reflect our values and our judgments, and in the end this budget is what reflects back to the

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division II work session considered several amendments to HB 2. The first two items were rejected: a proposal to add a new “Lakes” license plate with proceeds to the cyanobacteria fund failed 7-8, and Amendment 1040, which would have imposed a 5% administrative fee on certain dedicated funds to raise general fund revenue, failed 4-5. Representative Maguire explained the fee would apply only to new revenue going forward and would not change existing fund balances; he also described exemptions for federal funds, bequests, and other special cases. Representative Murray questioned the consistency of the approach and who currently pays administrative costs, while Maguire said the charges are often handled case-by-case by agencies or the treasurer. The committee then revisited revenue distribution changes in HB 2. Members first reconsidered and reversed prior acceptance of sections affecting the Education Trust Fund, then adopted Amendment 1381H, which changes the distribution of business profits tax and business enterprise tax revenue, along with related sections, to shift more money to the General Fund. Supporters argued the change was needed to address revenue shortfalls and to align with historical distributions; opponents said it reduced support for education. The reconsideration motion passed 7-3, and the amendment itself passed 5-3. The committee also adopted Amendment 1413H, incorporating the language of HB 741 on open enrollment and student attendance in public schools. Supporters said it was House policy and had sufficient policy and fiscal impact to belong in HB 2; opponents noted the underlying bill had been controversial and passed the House by a relatively close margin. Finally, the committee considered a USNH budget reduction proposal that would cut the University System of New Hampshire by $25 million per year net. Supporters said the cut was necessary to balance the budget and that K-12 obligations had to take priority, while opponents argued the cut would harm workforce development, the state economy, and student retention. The transcript cuts off during extended debate, and no final vote on the USNH item is shown in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• , &gt;&gt; budget, &gt;&gt; budget, &gt;&gt; right?
• </c> towards the geo bond budget. towards the geo bond budget.
• </c> the budget. the budget.
• </c> the budgeted amount? the budgeted amount?
• </c> &gt;&gt; budgeted amount. &gt;&gt; budgeted amount.

Bills: SB1, SB4, SB6, SB9, SB16, SB17, SB20, SB22, SB28, SB29, SB36, SB41, SB45, SB77, SB85, SB87, SB96, SB98, SB110, SB126, SB139, SB143, SB164, SB167, SB171, SB186, SB188, SB195, SB197, SB198, SB204, SB205, SB206, SB207, SB209, SB210, SB211, SB217, SB219, SB220, SB225, SB231, SB237, SB238, SB241, SB244, SB246, SB247, SB272, SB294, SB315, SB346, SB364, SB366, SB367, SB386, SB392, SB403, SB415, SB427, SB431, SB437, SB457, SB459, SB469, SB471, SB478, SB484, SB489, SB502, SB503, SB507, SB508, SB510, SB516, SB517, SB518, SB519, SB521, SB535, SB543, SB550, SB564, SB568, SB570, SB575, SB577, SB578, SB590, SB607, SB616, SB621, SB634, SB644, SB647, SB649, SB652, SB655, SB656, SB663

Keywords: agricultural lands, foreign ownership, state agriculture policy, real estate regulation, land conservation, SB4, Royal Mausoleum, Mauna Ala, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, OHA, Department of Land and Natural Resources, DLNR, stewardship, Hawaiian affairs, cemetery, burial site, ancestral remains, cultural preservation, state land management, agency transfer

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> chairman I as you can imagine our budget chairman I as you can imagine our budget is<00:25:10.720
• </c> Lottery commissions operating budget Lottery commissions operating budget here<00:26:15.120><c>
• </c> they'll bring in based on the budget they'll bring in based on the budget that<00:26:32.919><c>
• by cutting their budget, right?
• by cutting their spending their budget by cutting their budget<00:27:25.080><c> right</c><00:27:25.200

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a budget presentation from New Hampshire Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre and CFO Jim Durus. McIntyre said the Lottery has more than tripled its return to the Education Trust Fund since 2011, from $62 million to $207 million in FY 24, while keeping expenses relatively flat over time. He explained that the Lottery operates like a business, is heavily audited, and that the governor’s budget raises the FY 26-27 revenue estimate to $185 million, up about $12 million annually from prior estimates. He attributed FY 24’s unusually strong results to record Powerball sales driven by a spike in billion-dollar jackpots tied to higher interest rates, and said scratch tickets still make up most gross sales, though Powerball is the highest-margin product. Members questioned the Lottery about the difference between gross revenue and profit, the steep rise in operating expenses, and the reasons for requested budget increases. McIntyre said the main drivers were payroll, benefits, advertising, added regulatory responsibilities from expanded gaming, and a new Salesforce customer-tracking system. He also described requested capital needs, including an outdated security system, building access and ADA improvements, and upgrades to the front office for employee safety. He said the security system is still running on an old Windows 7-based setup and that the requested upgrade would modernize cameras and add redundancy. The discussion also covered staffing and gaming expansion. McIntyre said the Lottery has 84 employees including three commissioners, with 13 funded vacancies, and that it plans to fill positions as two new gaming rooms come online in Rochester and Derry. He said the Lottery’s revenue estimates were revised upward because sports betting in Massachusetts had less impact than expected and historic horse racing machines have been more profitable than forecast. He also explained the governor’s proposal to shift historic horse racing toward slot-style machines, saying the physical machines would look largely the same but the content and math would change, and that the state’s revenue share would increase under the proposal. No votes were taken; the committee mainly asked questions and received explanations about the Lottery’s budget and revenue assumptions.

Transcript Highlights:

• They post budgets, but we can't search budgets. They post budgets, but we can't search budgets.
• those budgets.
• those budgets.
• budget on the website.
• Why require budget exercise?

Summary: The subcommittee first took up HB 387 on ADS-B airport billing. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would stop airports and third-party vendors from using federally required automatic dependent surveillance broadcast data to calculate landing or touch-and-go fees, arguing the technology was intended for safety and collision avoidance, not invoicing. An amendment clarifying touch-and-go landings and other fee calculations was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably 15-0. Members then heard several local and policy bills. CS/HB 803 on private-provider building permits and inspections drew broad support from industry groups and was reported favorably 14-1. HB 451 and HB 4053, local fire-district assessment bills, were presented as relief for homeowners and churches facing higher non-ad valorem assessments; both were reported favorably after amendments, with testimony emphasizing impacts on houses of worship and local communities. PCS/HB 1329 on local government spending transparency prompted extensive debate over searchable budget formats, posting requirements, and possible unfunded mandates; supporters framed it as taxpayer access and accountability, while opponents argued many local governments already provide this information and that the bill could impose costs. It was reported favorably 8-4. The committee also advanced PCS/HB 927 on local land planning and development, which would allow qualified professionals to assist with pre-application reviews; local government representatives raised concerns about preemption and environmental restrictions, but the bill was reported favorably 13-2. HB 929 on chickee huts, PCS/HB 4081 on expanding a local water and sewer district by referendum, and HB 489 conveying the Trenton Train Depot to the city and county all passed unanimously or near-unanimously. HB 1211, a Department of Military Affairs bill updating leave and assistance-program provisions, was amended and reported favorably. HB 1041, creating business incentives for veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses, also passed 13-0 after amendment and supportive testimony from members and veterans. The final item shown was HB 1001, a bill restricting county and municipal DEI-related actions and contracting; the sponsor described it as a response to division and waste, and members began questioning its definitions, scope, and potential effects on training and civil actions, but the transcript cuts off before any vote or final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> WILL THE LEGISLATIVE BUDGET COMMISSION PLEASE COME TO ORDER. MS.
• MEMBERS, WE HAVE 12 BUDGET AMENDMENTS ON TODAY'S AGENDA.
• THAT IS THE BUDGET AMENDMENT. >> Rep. McClure: QUESTIONS? SENATOR PIZZO. ANYONE ELSE?
• THE BUDGET AUTHORITY AND THE AMOUNT OF $253,410,320.
• LIKE OPERATING BUDGET CAN.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We knew during the budget negotiations.
• There is funding in the budget agreement There is funding in the budget agreement uh<00:09:24.400><c>
• </c> more uh should we have uh budget more uh should we have uh budget surpluses<00:14:14.200><c> uh<
• So, budget reality shaped the it.
• </c> reserve fund from the budget reserves. reserve fund from the budget reserves.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:19:41.679><c> was</c> to make sure that the CIP budget was to make sure that the CIP budget was
• This is the judiciary budget.
• This is the judiciary budget. judiciary. This is the judiciary budget.
• </c> after we finish with the state budget. after we finish with the state budget.
• judiciary</c><00:24:31.520><c> budget</c><00:24:31.840><c> is</c> reconvene after the judiciary budget

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :48.399><c> as</c> that comes through their budget and as that comes through their budget and as much
• </c><00:02:34.599><c> incredibly</c> of taking this budget incredibly of taking this budget incredibly
• </c> June 30th currently um the state budget June 30th currently um the state budget is<00:03:38.959>
• budget.
• previously enacted budget.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The 09-11 budget, $210,000; the 11-13 budget, $210 million, sorry, $210 million.
• The 11-13 budget, $9.5 million... when we pass The 11-13 budget, $9.5 million.
• When we passed the budget, that was our projected ending budget—nine and a half million.
• The 13-15 budget, $91 million. The 15-17 budget, $66 million. The 17-19 budget, $247 million.
• And the 19-21 budget, $30 million—nowhere near... And the 19-21 budget, $30 million.

Keywords: 970, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have 19 non-IT budget change proposals, as well as the budget estimates for the program of WIC
• Overview Estimates and Budget Change Proposals. we have. overview estimates and budget change proposals
• We also have 19 non-IT budget change proposals as well as the budget estimates for the program of WIC
• from last year's budget act.
• proposed budgets cut the CDC budget in half last year, and currently propose over a 40% reduction.

Summary: The Assembly Subcommittee on Health heard an overview of the California Department of Public Health budget, including a $5.1 billion department budget and 19 non-IT budget change proposals spanning environmental health, healthcare quality, infectious disease, healthy communities, health statistics, preparedness, and laboratory sciences. CDPH also presented estimates for WIC and the Genetic Disease Screening Program, both of which were described as relatively stable, with WIC food costs rising mainly due to inflation and participation holding near 1 million monthly participants. Members and public commenters raised support for several proposals, including funding for the California Reducing Disparities Project, AB 1264 implementation on school food standards, childhood lead poisoning prevention, the hospital bed capacity registry, sickle cell care networks, and WIC protections amid federal policy changes and shutdown-related uncertainty. Dr. Erica Pond then presented the 2026 State of Public Health report, highlighting major gains such as record-low mortality rates, all-time high life expectancy, and the first decline in overdose deaths in 14 years, while warning about persistent disparities in maternal and infant outcomes, rising severe maternal morbidity, and worsening mental and behavioral health trends, especially among younger adults. She emphasized racial and geographic inequities, the role of social drivers like poverty and education, and the importance of prevention investments through the Behavioral Health Services Act. Members discussed the need for upstream public health spending, environmental health preparedness, and how to translate data into action, while public comment largely focused on sustaining community-based prevention and equity programs. In a separate update on federal actions and public health partnerships, Dr. Pond and CDPH staff described California’s response to federal funding threats, vaccine policy changes, and measles outbreaks. They outlined new collaborations such as the West Coast Health Alliance, the Governor’s Public Health Alliance, the WHO outbreak network, and the FACT Coalition, along with CDPH’s process for reviewing and updating immunization and preventive service recommendations under AB 144. Members questioned the rise in measles and declining vaccination coverage, and CDPH said it is using trusted messengers and tailored outreach while continuing to evaluate federal recommendations. The committee then heard an ADAP estimate showing lower projected budget authority needs due to reduced caseload and one-time funding expiring, followed by public support for using ADAP rebate funds to expand HIV prevention, PrEP, testing, and disease intervention staffing. The final issue focused on public health information technology systems, including Sapphire, CalReady, CalConnect, CARE, MyTurn, MyCAVAC, and the digital vaccine record. CDPH explained how these systems support disease reporting, contact tracing, immunization tracking, vaccine ordering, and outbreak response, while the Department of Finance said only Sapphire and CalReady are funded in the Governor’s budget and the rest are under review because of the state’s budget deficit and declining utilization. Local health department representatives strongly opposed losing the systems, arguing that lower usage reflects post-pandemic conditions and that the tools save staff time, improve outbreak response, and prevent a return to manual spreadsheets and phone calls. Members echoed concern that cutting the systems would undermine public health capacity and waste prior state investment, and urged the administration to present a funding plan that matches its stated commitment to public health.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then upon conclusion of House Bill 2, and hearing that budget request, we will hear the budget for
• Upon conclusion of House Bill 2, and hearing that budget request, we will hear the budget for the judiciary
• In the budget.
• So in the fiscal year 2026 budget, our current budget year, we overspent on this line.
• So congratulations, budget team.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first set of columns, ESSB 5167, is the budget as passed by the Senate.
• There had been a 3% rate increase in the House budget and no rate increase in the Senate budget.
• The conference budget funds Phase 1A for fiscal year 26 only.
• or done work on the budget.
• That’s what a budget document is. It’s a list of your priorities.

Summary: The conference committee met on Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5167, the state operating budget, and received a detailed staff briefing on the proposed conference report. Staff explained how to read the comparison documents, the four-year balanced-budget outlook, and the main resource assumptions, including use of the March 2025 revenue forecast, exclusion of the statutory 4.5% growth assumption, revenue legislation totaling about $8.7 billion, numerous fund transfers, and reversion assumptions. They also noted the proposal does not include a temporary salary reduction or furloughs. The briefing highlighted major policy areas and their net five-year impacts, including increases for state and higher education employee compensation, K-12 education, long-term care and developmental disabilities, corrections, information technology, and other policy items. It also described net reductions in behavioral health, children/youth/families, higher education, natural resources, other human services, and health care/public health, with many of the changes tied to delayed programs, rate adjustments, fund shifts, and savings options from Governor Ferguson. The committee then heard member comments, with supporters emphasizing K-12 funding and fiscal responsibility, and Senator Gildon opposing the process and the closed-door nature of the budget development. A motion was made and seconded to recommend adoption of the conference report and pass the bill. The roll call showed one member voting do not recommend, one member excused, and the remaining members recommending adoption. By vote of the committee, the conference report was adopted, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• programs in the budget year. 4,745 positions to support the department's programs in the budget year
• So these are, these were implemented to address the budget challenges as part of the 2025 Budget Act.
• So the Prop. 35 is in calendar year, and then we budget obviously in budget year.
• as a budget solution.
• as a budget solution.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we acknowledge in our budget, our governor's budget documents, that we are working with counties to
• Our budget vice chair has decided to join us today, so welcome.
• That is part of the governor's budget proposals to live within the budget forecast that the Department
• We don't have anything in the governor's budget for counties.
• We're working very hard as a full budget committee.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Legislative Budget Office. Legislative Budget Office.
• c> the</c> management budget budget division in the management budget budget division in the development
• I've been Legislative Budget Office.
• original budget estimate, the law, the original budget estimate, the<00:15:14.000><c> actual</c><00:
• </c> is captured in the state budget is captured in the state budget forecast.<00:49:09.520><c> And</

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Sometimes we know about it through the budget process and put it in the, the, the budget, uh, House Bill
• all of the other things that build the state budget.
• General fund budgets about $10.8 billion.
• Of the federal budget that they're dealing with through budget reconciliation, the thing that you're
• budget.

Transcript Highlights:

• budget committee. to the budget committee member is that to the budget committee member is that they
• and to explain the budget to the budget committee, and the budget committee can make corrections.
• ><c> the</c><07:03:54.558><c> budget</c> budget committee and the budget budget committee and the budget
• be school budget or town budget, and we just have to stop.
• </c> budget shall be presented to the budget budget shall be presented to the budget committee<07:13:

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• are grappling with budget reductions.
• </c> honestly, it's for a two-year budget. honestly, it's for a two-year budget. and<00:09:00.560><c>
• And yet, at the same their budgets.
• ><c> Senate's</c><00:25:56.400><c> Judiciary</c> budget deficit, the Senate's Judiciary budget deficit
• </c> committees that will receive a budget committees that will receive a budget boost<00:26:10.080><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all