Transcript Highlights:

• Monies in the account come from actions of the Legislature to transfer funds into that account through
• Jed: Yes, there’s enough money in the Climate Commitment Act accounts to transfer the funding into this
• There is sufficient funding in the Climate Commitment Act accounts to afford the transfer.
• Yeah, there's enough money in the climate commitment accounts to transfer the funding into this.
• There is sufficient funding in the climate commitment accounts to afford to transfer.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on January 29, 2026, to consider a gubernatorial appointment, three public hearings, and two executive-session bills. Kristen L. Frazier was introduced as the governor’s appointee to the Board of Tax Appeals. She described her background in legislative fiscal analysis, constitutional law, and tax adjudication, and said the board is working on faster residential review and settlement processes. Members praised her service and said the appointment would be voted on at a future meeting. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5893, which would transfer $65 million from the Natural Climate Solutions Account to the Wildfire Response, Forest Restoration, and Community Resilience Account to fully fund wildfire response and forest health work. Committee staff explained the Climate Commitment Act funding source and the account history, and the Department of Natural Resources said the money would support forest health treatments, firefighting readiness, and partner pass-throughs. Forest industry representatives and DNR supported the bill, arguing wildfire work reduces emissions, protects communities, and prevents larger future costs; one member questioned why DNR had not submitted a decision package for the funding. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 6229, which would subject gains from the sale of qualified small business stock to Washington’s capital gains tax. Staff said the bill would affect about 260 taxpayers, raise about $1.2 million in fiscal year 2027, and cost the Department of Revenue about $1.1 million over four years to implement. Startup founders, venture capital and tech industry representatives opposed the bill, warning it would discourage investment, founders, and job creation in Washington; a Budget and Policy Center witness supported it as a way to make the tax code less regressive and argued the exemption mainly benefits the wealthiest taxpayers. The committee also heard House Bill 1376, which would allow taxpayers to prepay capital gains tax up to six months early without interest on any later refund; staff said it had no revenue impact and a small administrative cost, and the lone public witness opposed it as penalizing success. In executive session, the committee received a briefing on the proposed substitute for Senate Bill 5395 on prior authorization transparency and AI use in health care, and on Substitute Senate Bill 5860 regarding school board compensation. The committee adopted the proposed second substitute for SB 5395 and voted it out of committee with a do pass recommendation to the Rules Committee, subject to signatures. Substitute SB 5860 was moved out of committee without recommendation. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is representing a transfer from the special revenue fund of $14 million in fiscal year 2026.
• On line 112, this is another transfer move for the emergency emerging developer fund program.
• So this is a $14 million cost from the special revenue fund, and that's a transfer out to the general
• emerging transfer move for the emergency emerging developer<00:08:43.760><c> fund</c><00:08:44.159><
• </c><00:09:50.080><c> out</c> revenue fund and that's a transfer out revenue fund and that's a transfer

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the</c> um of a general fund transfer out to the um of a general fund transfer out to the housing<00:
• in that account will transfer into the general fund starting in fiscal 25 and then ongoing in fiscal
• in that account will transfer into the general fund starting in fiscal 25 and then ongoing in fiscal
• in that account will transfer into the general fund starting in fiscal 25 and then ongoing in fiscal
• in that account will transfer into the general fund starting in fiscal 25 and then ongoing in fiscal

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It amends Section 17 by removing the inability to transfer funds to the county jail reimbursement fund
• Code. ...transfer funds to the county jail reimbursement fund that conflicts with special language that
• currently exists in the appropriation acts that allows us to transfer funding to county jail reimbursement
• to be only transferred in.
• into the fund.

Committee: All JBC-SPECIAL LANGUAGE

Summary: The special language subcommittee met for its first meeting of the session and reviewed several governor’s letters containing special language for appropriations bills. Members were reminded that the subcommittee only handles special language, while personnel and appropriation items go to other budget committees. Most items were explained by DFA Secretary Jim Hudson and agency representatives, with no major opposition raised. The committee adopted amendments for the Department of Finance and Administration to require administrative costs for pregnancy help organization grants to stay under 25%; for the Department of Correction to remove conflicting language about county jail reimbursement funds and make a technical fund-name correction; and for the Department of Education to designate the Department of Agriculture as the child nutrition agency and to implement Act 909 of 2025 changes related to EBD employer contributions and phasing out teacher equalization funds. It also adopted language allowing the CFO to waive the 3% state central services fee for agricultural promotion boards, allowing Department of Public Safety revenues from Camp Robinson facilities to be used for maintenance, and authorizing shared administrative services billing under the Arkansas Ford Initiative while removing duplicative reporting language. Additional adopted amendments designated Arkansas Rehab Services as the state unit for the vocational rehabilitation grant and capped the reimbursement rate for the used tire program at $2.31 effective July 1, 2026, to stabilize funding. One item was skipped because a later governor’s letter superseded it. All amendments considered were adopted, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• and then further fund the legal defense fund, how can we be most helpful to you, Chair, representing
• to be able to transfer water.
• in the transfer.
• of the fund and rulemaking for the fund.
• is designed to be a revolving fund.

Committee: House House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee began by announcing that House Bill 2094 would be held and not heard that day, then received a lengthy update from Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzky on Colorado River negotiations and post-2026 operating rules. He described Arizona’s legal position, the basin’s water allocations, current shortages, conservation efforts, and the state’s view that the Upper Basin should share more of the reductions and move more water from reservoirs above Lake Powell to Lake Mead. Members asked about tourism, recreation, tribal water rights, public outreach, and the role of the state’s delegation and the federal government. Buschatzky said Arizona has already made major conservation cuts and that further reductions are likely, whether by agreement or federal action, and emphasized ongoing negotiations and public meetings. The committee then heard House Bill 2758, which would expand McMullen Valley groundwater transfer rules to allow eligible entities, including private water companies, to withdraw and transport groundwater under specified conditions, with ADWR oversight and reporting requirements. Supporters argued the bill would provide a lawful, regulated way to move water for urban growth and housing needs, while opponents from La Paz County and rural advocacy groups said it would accelerate aquifer depletion, harm private wells, and benefit a New York hedge fund at the expense of local residents. After debate over guardrails, stakeholder outreach, and the impact on rural communities, the committee adopted the Griffin amendment and passed HB 2758 as amended on a 6-4 due-pass vote. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 2098, which revises bonding authority and public hearing notification requirements for county water augmentation authorities and allows such authorities to enter into local repayment agreements with WIFA. Pinal County officials and related stakeholders testified in support, saying the changes would help the Pinal County Water Augmentation Authority finance future water and infrastructure projects, including possible augmentation efforts tied to Bartlett Dam, and would clean up statutory language to match the authority’s needs. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 2098, before any committee vote on that bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> they comply with in-person transfer they comply with in-person transfer mandates<01:34:33.600><c
• </c> intent of of transferring a a barrel. intent of of transferring a a barrel.
• Then 51% of the portfolio, which is $67 billion, is funded at a 69% funding rate, meaning we are 69%
• funded of all future liabilities.
• </c><02:48:27.359><c> rate</c> which is funded at a 69% funding rate which is funded at a 69% funding

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, on 164, Dana Cole volunteered to work with them on the fund transfer that they did to the general
• c> did</c><00:07:56.879><c> to</c> on on the fund transfer that they did to on on the fund transfer that
• is just a &gt;&gt; but this dedicated fund is just a &gt;&gt; a<00:24:23.279><c> transfer</c><00:24:
• But this was funds are transferred from the escrow account. >> Yes. >> So we were the revenue. >> But
• Um, and we would recommend going to probate court and ending the fund and transferring the money to Fund

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from the September 24 and September 27 meetings unanimously. It then reviewed a spreadsheet and draft report tracking the status of various dedicated funds, with members deciding which items should be kept active, removed, or flagged for follow-up next year. Several funds were identified as no longer needing action because they had been repealed, terminated, or were already handled elsewhere, including mosquito-related funding, child care licensing, and the prescription drug affordability board item. In other cases, members agreed to keep the fund on the list but remove question marks and add notes for future review or for another committee to address. A number of funds drew more detailed discussion. Members agreed that the Fish and Game fee increase issue should not be handled by this committee directly, but that staff should notify the relevant sponsor/department that a legislative change would be needed. They also discussed a medical cannabis fund that was running down significantly; the committee agreed to keep it active, note the concern, and send a letter to the department and Representative McDonald suggesting that HHS review whether fees or another revenue source should be changed, with the possibility of a late bill if needed. The lead poisoning prevention fund was also kept, with a note that the department should take action if it wants changes, and the committee discussed a grants-and-aid escrow-related item, concluding it should remain active and be kept on the list. Members also discussed several legacy or special-purpose funds. They agreed to recommend deleting the broodstock reference, to keep the emergency fund while asking for a better explanation of its funding source, and to retain the building maintenance fund as active. The Recovery Monument fund was identified as inactive and likely eligible for transfer of its remaining $1,000 to the addiction treatment and prevention fund. The Matthew Elliott Trust Fund prompted the most extended discussion; members concluded it should not continue as-is and agreed to draft a letter to the Attorney General recommending that the fund be closed through probate court and the remaining $5,657 transferred to Fund 122, or otherwise handled as unclaimed property if appropriate. The committee also discussed a firemen’s association-related transfer and agreed it should remain, while noting that any broader change would require legislation and a sponsor in the relevant policy committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> for the emerging developer fund program. for the emerging developer fund program.
• </c><00:15:01.120><c> funding</c> the Workforce Development Fund funding the Workforce Development Fund
• ><c> in</c> transferred to the general fund in transferred to the general fund in fiscal<00:15:42.800
• Looking on page creation fund.
• And fund.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that any Department can transfer clarify that any Department can transfer lands<00:04:37.240><c> to<
• </c><00:08:23.759><c> would</c> this resource of revolving funds would this resource of revolving funds
• </c><00:09:38.279><c> um</c> legislature and appropriates funds um legislature and appropriates funds
• </c><00:15:34.560><c> to</c> home loan assistance revolving fund to home loan assistance revolving fund
• transfer claiming the tax credits.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several housing-related measures, with most witnesses supporting bills aimed at expanding affordable housing tools and financing. SB 1169, creating a Community Land Trust Equity pilot program, drew support from HHFDC and Nahal UI, which said revolving funds would help community land trusts build permanently affordable housing more efficiently. SB 1200, establishing a workforce housing regulatory sandbox within HHFDC, also received support from HHFDC and others, though HHFDC noted concerns about whether the measure could be read to preempt county permitting and zoning powers. SB 511, which would require county legislative bodies rather than HHFDC to approve certain housing project exemptions, prompted HHFDC to suggest revised language and a possible processing deadline for applications; the discussion focused on avoiding indefinite delays and clarifying county and state roles. SB 1283, creating an emergency home loan assistance revolving fund, was introduced with comments from the Department of Budget and Finance and HHFDC. SB 612, on rent-to-build equity agreements for exempt housing projects, drew support and questions about how many affected projects are rentals versus for-sale units. SB 944, extending and expanding low-income housing tax credit provisions, received support from Sugar Creek Capital, Hawaii Housing, and the Chamber of Commerce, while the Tax Foundation raised a technical concern about inconsistent use of the term “taxpayer.” HPHA-supported bills SB 1413 and SB 1412 were also heard, along with SB 1632, which would direct DBEDT to develop a comprehensive action plan for a local housing market; testimony on that measure was strongly supportive but included calls to examine constitutional and legal issues and broader market-structure concerns. The committee also began discussion of SB 1033 and noted it was closely related to SB 1131, with the chair indicating an inclination to move only one of the two similar tax proposals forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• No, though there has not been a direct transfer of academic or academic institutional funds to the athletic
• Section 2 is the fund transfer. It just deletes that section and renumbers the section.
• Section 2 is the fund transfer. It just deletes that section and re-numbers the section.
• The fund, the GAD fund transfer went away with the amendment. It's appropriation.
• Um, the matching funds are raised. We have a transfer restricted reserve.

Committee: All JBC-SPECIAL LANGUAGE

Summary: The committee resumed consideration of several amendments to fiscal bills. It adopted Senator Johnson’s amendment to Senate Bill 15, which shifts responsibility for Keep Arkansas Beautiful-related functions and roadside litter cleanup coordination toward ARDOT, with the current commissioners becoming an advisory council. The committee also adopted Representative Perry’s amendment to Senate Bill 7, lowering from 50 to 25 the employee threshold for employers to request claims data from insurers for group health coverage, aimed at helping smaller businesses and municipalities obtain more competitive insurance quotes. Representative McKinsey’s amendment to Senate Bill 41, which would have blocked a University of Arkansas at Fayetteville athletic funding transfer and imposed a one-year rider, was rejected after questions about the university’s finances and whether such a transfer had ever occurred. Senator Hester’s amendment to House Bill 1051, intended to cap online sports betting free play at 5% of gross receipts, also failed after debate over whether the proposal was properly fiscal language and whether the free-play incentives constituted a subsidy. Representative Walker’s amendment to a Save the Children appropriation, which would have converted the funding into a matching grant to encourage private donations, failed for lack of a motion. Representative Vaught’s amendment related to an agricultural tax exemption for certain tractor parts and diesel exhaust fluid systems likewise failed, with concerns raised about drafting, enforcement, and whether it belonged in revenue tax committees. The committee then added two late items: Representative Johnson’s technical correction to a physician licensure pathway bill, which was adopted to broaden qualifying underserved-area definitions, and Senator Tucker’s amendment to Senate Bill 77, which deleted a fund-transfer section and created a matching appropriation mechanism to help Arkansas TV/PBS retain affiliation and pay dues. Senate Bill 77 passed as amended, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• may not be transferred except by petition to the State Board of Education.
• There's federal funding that's involved.
• They request the federal grant on capital funds for a new charter school.
• But the previous charter has already used those funds.
• those funds.

Summary: The Joint Administrative Rules Review Committee (JARC) met on July 31, 2026 to consider a citizen petition challenging the Washington State Charter School Commission’s April 2026 continuity of operations policy. Staff explained JARC’s authority under the Administrative Procedures Act and framed the issue as whether the Commission was using a policy in place of a rule, and whether that policy was within legislative intent. Staff also reviewed the Charter School Commission’s statutory framework, including limits on charter terms, transfer provisions involving the State Board of Education, and the Commission’s new process for identifying nonprofit operators to assume existing charter contracts when schools close or contracts are surrendered, revoked, or not renewed. The petitioner, Cesar Harrison, argued the Commission had created a new transfer mechanism through policy rather than rulemaking, potentially bypassing statutory procedures and extending charter authority beyond the five-year framework. Commission Executive Director Marcus Hardin responded that the policy was only a procedural framework for evaluating proposals, not a transfer of contracts or creation of new authority, and said the Commission had used similar discretionary processes before. Public testimony from the Washington Education Association supported the petition, emphasizing that the policy should have gone through formal rulemaking for transparency and public input. After discussion, committee members asked staff about the statute’s silence on contract continuation and the relationship between the Commission’s practice and legislative authorization. The committee then voted 7-0, with two members excused, to find that the Charter School Commission is using a policy or interpretive statement in place of a rule and that it is not within the intent of the Legislature as expressed by the statute. Staff explained that the finding will be sent to the agency, which must hold a hearing and then notify JARC of its intended action; JARC may later object to that action or take further steps. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So they are just asking for acceptance of the transfer. Thank you. Thank you.
• So that's a transfer to a new bank. And I'll second.
• The same-day wire transfers are a new transfer type within the BAI codes of the banking. ...within the
• So this was our workaround to put these federal funds into a separate account.
• This is a request to remove their resident funds fiduciary account from J.P.

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from the September 3, 2025 meeting and then considered a series of banking and account requests from state agencies. Most items involved opening new zero-balance or operating accounts, transferring existing accounts, or changing banks to improve payment processing, accessibility, or reduce fees. Agencies included the Department of Conservation and Energy, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Department of Health, Department of Justice, and Department of Public Safety and Corrections. Several Department of Health requests were approved, including new accounts for federal wire transfers, the state’s online interpreter registry, and Safe Drinking Water Program application fees. Members also approved a transfer of a resident funds fiduciary account from J.P. Morgan to Red River Bank because of policy changes affecting debit card use. The Department of Justice received approval to close a Regions Bank account and move to LaCap Federal Credit Union due to much lower monthly fees, and Public Safety and Corrections was approved to open an operating account for a new motor vehicle field office at Fort Polk. The committee also approved an escrow account for the Louisiana Evidence Control Unit under Public Safety Services to collect and settle seized evidentiary funds not pending forfeiture. After no further business, the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It looks like in the Senate version, the transfer amount was for up to $400,000 from special funds, and
• I forgot to bring that up, so is that just transferring from the Soldiers'?
• Chairman and conferees, it is a line item transfer authority to allow them to transfer funding from their
• salaries and wages line to their offerings To allow them to transfer funding from their salaries and
• We're just allowing them to transfer. I'm okay with that.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The conference committee on Senate Bill 2007 met to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill, which concerned funding and staffing flexibility for the Soldiers’ Home/Veterans Home. Members agreed to restore the FTEs to the pool and to keep the $200,000 and $100,000 items in the bill, with discussion noting that the money would come from the Soldiers’ Home fund and would only be used if needed. The main remaining issue was line-item transfer authority. Staff explained that the transfer provision would let the facility move money between salaries and wages and operating expenses, including contract nursing, to address staffing shortages at a 24/7 facility. Members discussed the difference between the House and Senate versions, with the House allowing up to $600,000 in transfers and the Senate version allowing $400,000. The committee concluded that the higher amount would provide needed flexibility without increasing overall spending authority. A motion was made to adopt the conference committee changes, including restoring the FTE pool and changing the transfer authority to $600,000, and then give Senate Bill 2007 a do pass recommendation as amended. The motion passed by roll call, and the conference committee hearing was closed.

Transcript Highlights:

• monies from the Strategic Initiatives Program Fund to the General Fund for fiscal year 2026, transferring
• monies from the Permanent Building Fund to the General Fund for fiscal year 2026, transferring monies
• from the Permanent Building Fund to the General Fund for fiscal year 2026, and transferring monies from
• monies from the Permanent Building Fund to the General Fund for fiscal year 2026, transferring monies
• from the Permanent Building Fund to the General Fund for fiscal year 2026, and transferring monies from

Summary: The House convened with 66 members present, approved the March 3, 2026 journal, and received gubernatorial and Senate messages, including notice that the governor had signed House Bills 502, 533, and 555. Committee reports advanced several bills and resolutions to second reading or printing, and the House introduced a new slate of bills, including measures on community infrastructure districts, auxiliary containers, minimum wage, voter registration at DMV offices, education, tobacco products, and fertility preservation services. The House then moved a number of bills to the Third Reading Calendar, including measures on Medicaid, libraries, insurance, LLCs, transactions, crimes, prisoners, bribery, urban renewal, taxation, reckless driving, state government, child protection, the state controller, and insurance. On third reading, the House passed House Bills 695 and 697, both dealing with criminal or election-related code revisions; House Bill 727, which sponsors described as strengthening Idaho’s response to sextortion and threats against minors; House Bill 678, aimed at making wolf trapping more effective and humane; House Bill 745, which would bar taxpayer funds from being used for union activities, with debate focused on teacher associations and exemptions for police and fire; House Bill 733, revising partnership tax audit procedures; House Bill 720, lowering the population threshold for district elections in cities, despite concerns about college-town representation; House Bill 723, implementing child welfare and oversight reforms for residential treatment facilities; House Bill 664, addressing differential speed limits for trucks and other vehicles; and House Bill 667, removing a state requirement to offer certain driver licenses to non-citizens, with supporters citing federal uncertainty and trucking safety concerns. Several other bills were held on the calendar for one legislative day. Debate on the bills was often substantive and partisan, with supporters emphasizing safety, taxpayer protection, local representation, and child protection, while opponents raised concerns about labor rights, college-town districting, truck safety, and the scope of regulation. The House also heard announcements about Idaho Day, America 250 activities, and upcoming committee meetings. The chamber adjourned until 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• , providing reappropriation authority for the General Fund, transferring cash from the Technology Infrastructure
• monies from the Permanent Building Fund to the Administration and Accounting Services Fund; appropriating
• and transferring monies from the Capital Maintenance Reserve Fund to the Capital Commission operating
• fund; providing reappropriation authority for the Idaho State Capitol Commission; providing a cash transfer
• monies from the General Fund to the Administration and Accounting Services Fund, appropriating additional

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Transfer in from the In Demand Careers Fund, $15 million from the Water Pollution Control Fund, $45 million
• The recommendation is to take $458,000 from the general fund and transfer that into the dedicated fund
• This committee has an opportunity to either budget for that directly from the general fund or to transfer
• We don't want to transfer any additional cash from our savings account into the general fund because
• recommended that we take those balances and transfer them back to the general fund.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee received a broad budget overview from Legislative Services staff on the state’s fiscal position, focusing on the general fund, structural balance, cash reconciliation, and the governor’s budget recommendations for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Staff explained that projected revenues are below the current budgeted level, creating a need for either budget reductions or the use of cash balances and reserve funds to maintain balance. They reviewed major drivers of spending growth over recent years, including Medicaid expansion, public schools, the State Public Defender, IT services, and water resources, and noted that these statutory and ongoing obligations are crowding out other spending. Members also discussed the governor’s proposed use of interest earnings and reserve balances from several funds, the Budget Stabilization Fund cap, and the policy question of whether changes to fund interest allocations would require legislation or could be handled through appropriation language. The committee also reviewed current-year adjustments, including supplementals, rescissions, deficiency warrants, and the governor’s proposed holdbacks. Specific items discussed included public school enrollment adjustments, the proposed rescission of Empowering Parents funding, Medicaid growth and provider rate changes, Department of Corrections costs tied to inmate placement and medical services, invasive species treatment funding, and a possible tax conformity impact tied to federal law changes. Members asked about fire suppression deficiency funding, the use of reserve balances, and the difference between current-law and governor-recommended spending levels. Staff emphasized that the governor’s budget relies on short-term money and reserve transfers to smooth the current deficit, while the legislature must decide whether to follow that approach or make deeper structural changes. Later, staff provided an overview of the budget hearing process and the Legislative Budget Book, explaining the standard reports, agency organization charts, fund analyses, performance measures, and five-year snapshots that committees will use during hearings. Another presentation clarified the difference between deficiency warrants and supplemental appropriations, noting that deficiency warrants cover certain last-year expenses authorized by statute, while supplementals adjust the current-year appropriation and can apply to general, dedicated, or federal funds. The committee then heard a detailed presentation on state health insurance costs, including rising medical claims, reserve balances, the 80/20 employee-employer cost split, and projected FY 2027 premium increases. Members asked about school district participation in the state plan, the role of the insurance carrier contract, and whether broader participation could lower costs. No votes were taken during the meeting, and the committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• , I'm just quick reviewing on transfers.
• to do the transfer.
• </c> eligible and they can make the transfer eligible and they can make the transfer now.<00:11:52.160
• </c><00:13:00.800><c> piece</c> nobody get put into this transfer piece nobody get put into this transfer
• Um that could fund grow, right?

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And bingo funds are a big part of that. So we appreciate you, Ms.
• The second thing is, most people don't know that bingo funds local charities.
• The second thing is, is most people don't know that bingo funds local.
• The second thing is, is most people don't know that bingo funds local charities.
• But that's not a transfer, that ends up being a sale.

Bills: HB 1301 , HB2278 , HB2776 , HB2820 , HB3848 , HB3920 , HB4172 , HB4215 , HB4284 , HB4285 , HB4463 , HB4517 , HB4690 , HB4765 , HB4766 , HB4767 , HB4768 , HB4769 , HB4773 , HB4830 , HB5506

Committee: House Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Keywords: alcohol, beverages, winery permit, restaurant, malt beverages, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, alcohol production, home brewing, family use, craft beverages, massage therapy, licensing, criminal offenses, sexually oriented businesses, public safety, bingo, charitable gaming, operating capital, regulation, funding

Summary: The Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures met with a quorum present, corrected the minutes from April 8, and then took up a long list of pending bills, most of which were reported favorably or left pending after hearing testimony. Early action included HB 1764 (accounting practice for certain out-of-state CPAs), HB 1788 (continuing education for barbers and cosmetologists on recognizing and assisting victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking), HB 2204 (land surveyor regulation), HB 2885 (local option elections on alcohol sales), HB 2996 (gambling offense definitions and prosecution), HB 3250 (real estate appraisals and appraisal management companies), HB 3352 (driver education on work zones), HB 3385 (farm winery permit), HB 3756 (powers of certain nonresident sellers’ permit holders who also hold a winery permit), HB 3816 (cruelty to livestock animals), HB 3913 (real estate licensing), and HB 3928 (electronic notice of towed vehicles), all of which were advanced with unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Several of these bills were reported with committee substitutes, and some were also sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars. The committee then heard testimony on HB 2278, which would legalize limited home distilling of spirits for personal or family use and add honey as an approved ingredient; supporters framed it as a consistency and freedom issue, and the bill was left pending. HB 3920, a TDLR workforce/CTE bill, and HB 1301, which would allow beer or malt beverages to be sold at certain wineries with on-site restaurants, were also laid out and left pending after discussion. HB 2776, aimed at tightening massage therapy licensing restrictions for people convicted of sexual and trafficking-related offenses and strengthening TDLR enforcement, and HB 3848, which would allow electronic filing of elevator and escalator inspection reports, were both heard and left pending as well. A major portion of the meeting focused on alcohol-related bills. HB 4215 would place delivery network companies under a statewide TDLR regulatory framework; Favor Delivery supported it, and it was left pending after the committee substitute was withdrawn. HB 4172 and HB 2820 would raise bingo reserve limits and update charitable bingo rules; supporters from veterans and nonprofit groups argued the changes would help charities, but both bills were left pending after the substitutes were withdrawn. HB 4463, a broadly supported bill allowing contract brewing and alternating brewery proprietorships, was also left pending. HB 4284 would remove the “excessive discount” prohibition in alcohol sales, HB 4285 would allow airlines to store alcohol within five miles of an airport in the same county, HB 4517 would create a complaint process for Texas distillers not paid by wholesalers, and HB 4773 would let breweries and brewpubs transport their own beer between facilities; HB 4773 drew the most debate, with supporters citing efficiency and opponents warning about unintended consequences and possible effects on the three-tier system, but it too was left pending. The committee also heard and left pending a series of TDLR cleanup bills and other measures, including HB 4765 through HB 4769, HB 4830 on service contracts for lease vehicles, HB 5506 giving civil immunity to ringside physicians at combative sports events, and HB 4690 on gasoline vapor pressure compliance. The meeting ended after all business was completed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It gets the fund started.
• The UMass Donahue transfer fee The UMass Donahue transfer fee report, which we are submitting to the
• To undertake this, we need the same funding tool as Aspen, the same funding tool as the Hamptons, the
• same funding The same funding tool as Aspen, the same funding tool as the Hamptons, the same funding
• Please allow the transfer fee to fund a year-round future for the seasonal communities. Thank you.

Bills: H5386

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies

Keywords: economic development, innovation, investment, housing, small business, global trade, infrastructure, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Fund, these are the two largest funds.
• Support is funded entirely by transfers within the agency, so from different programs to program support
• be transferred to HCA, so This one is a little bit tricky, so the health benefits fund was under the
• transferred the funds to HCA, we had outstanding invoices that we received, and because the fund Had
• fully transferred to HCA, we no longer had the fund, so we were not able to pay the invoices.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all