Transcript Highlights:

• Lowcost financing for following areas.
• <00:40:44.640> The<00:40:44.880> lenders to finance these projects.
• The lenders to finance these projects.
• of the New Hampshire Housing Finance of the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority<00:48:49.280
• > affordable finance uh multif family affordable finance uh multif family affordable rental<00

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Housing Committee opened with a public hearing on HB 196, which would repeal the Housing Champion program. Representative Matt Drew, the prime sponsor, argued the program is an unnecessary and poorly targeted subsidy, saying it rewards municipalities after projects are completed and may not be limited to new housing production. He questioned the transparency of the program, cited difficulty finding required annual reports, and noted a fiscal note suggesting the state could recover up to $3 million if obligations are terminated. Committee members and witnesses debated whether the program’s criteria amount to political favoritism or a standard grant process; supporters said the rubric is specific and that municipalities are evaluated against objective requirements. Representative Priest, Nick Taylor of Housing Action New Hampshire, and Karen Benfield of Stay Work Play New Hampshire all opposed repeal, saying the program encourages local zoning and regulatory changes, helps smaller communities participate, and supports housing supply and young people’s ability to stay in the state. The hearing on HB 196 was then closed. The committee then opened a hearing on HB 1405, a bill establishing an affordable housing guarantee program within the Housing Finance Authority. Prime sponsor Representative Chris Muns said the bill would reduce lender risk by guaranteeing up to 80% of principal on qualifying loans for affordable housing, with a cap of $30 million per lender per year and $300 million outstanding at any time. He described the measure as a low-cost public-private partnership backed by the full faith and credit of the state, and said it was identical to a prior Senate bill that had received unanimous bipartisan committee support before dying later in the process. He framed the bill as one part of a broader housing package aimed at financing, infrastructure, workforce, zoning reform, and other housing-related issues. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided. The only formal actions were opening and closing the public hearing on HB 196 and opening the public hearing on HB 1405, with testimony continuing on HB 1405 at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because it allows communities to access financing to meet new growth needs upgrading existing facilities
• The city utilized the program to finance the Inner Harbor project and as a result will save a hundred
• When I read your bill, it looks like it's a finance mechanism.
• The bank finances projects up to 62 miles.
• We have financed over 300 projects with a total investment of over $12 billion.

Bills: HB 1089, HB 1163, HB 1177, HB 1238, HB1318, HB1400, HB1407, HB1532, HJR7, HJR7

Keywords: coastal protection, environmental management, Gulf Coast, storm risk management, funding, Texas General Land Office, healthcare, insurance reform, patient access, insurance regulation, affordable care, health insurance, consumer rights, coverage transparency, claims process, insurance regulations, aggregate production, environmental impact, financial responsibility, reclamation

Transcript Highlights:

• ; non-FN bills approved for referral to Finance by the day's FN report to the Committee on Finance; and
• <00:29:23.919> Non-FN to the committee on finance. Non-FN to the committee on finance.
• bills approved for referral to finance bills approved for referral to finance by<00:29:26.960>
• c><04:19:45.040> Committee reasons, the Education Finance Committee reasons, the Education Finance
• The Senate Finance Committee 2033.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Listen to the Committee on Finance.
• I recognize the to education finance.
• So I appreciate the Finance get.
• recommended by the committee on finance. recommended by the committee on finance.
• proposed by the committee on finance. proposed by the committee on finance.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't need to refer this back to the State Government Finance Committee.
• and Policy and be re-referred to the Committee on Human Services Finance and Policy.
• The motion prevails. the committee on health finance and the committee on health finance and policy<01
• This is a bill that was misdirected to Human Services instead of Health Finance and Policy.
• <01:19:15.400> and finance and finance and policy<01:19:17.199> I<01:19:17.360> recognize

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• to finance. Is that correct? to finance. Is that correct?
• I know you're on finance, Senator Pratt's on finance, I am, as well as Madam Chair. All right.
• , with accepting it, you are on finance, with accepting it, you are on finance, and<00:58:39.440>
• I know you're on finance, uh finance.
• on finance, I am, as Senator Pratt's on finance, I am, as well<00:58:47.680> as<00:58:48.280>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• floor coverings, it's not financeable. floor coverings, it's not financeable.
• So, there's a it's not financeable.
• To finance. To finance. So, uh, can we talk about targets? Is this Yes.
• >> To<01:10:14.160> finance. >> To finance. >> To finance.
• >> To<01:10:15.360> finance. >> To finance. >> To finance.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Obviously, I'm not on the Finance Committee, so Finance is going to kind of do what they're going to
• Obviously, I'm not on the Finance Committee, so Finance is going to kind of do what they're going to
• Obviously, I'm not on the Finance Committee, so Finance is going to kind of do what they're going to
• Obviously, I'm not on the Finance Committee, so Finance is going to kind of do what they're going to
• Obviously, I'm not on the Finance Committee, so Finance is going to kind of do what they're going to

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 313, and Representative Perez moved to retain the bill, saying it needed work and was not ready as written. Representative Smith supported that approach, and the motion to retain passed 18-0. The committee then considered House Bill 391, an anti-SLAPP measure. Representative Smith and others argued the bill was too broad, could create litigation and discovery disputes, and might even be read to affect criminal cases. The committee voted 18-0 to retain HB 391 as well, and the chair agreed to place it on consent with a report to be prepared. The committee next heard House Bill 462, establishing a cause of action for unwarranted video imaging of residential properties. Representative McFarland moved to retain, saying the bill raised First Amendment and property-rights concerns. The motion passed 18-0. The committee then took up House Bill 509, a fiscal note bill requiring reporting related to forfeitures. Members on both sides discussed the bill’s cost, the burden of collecting and collating the data, possible duplication across fiscal years, and whether the information was already being collected. The OTP motion passed 11-7, and Chairman Lynn asked Representative McFarland to prepare the report; a minority report was anticipated. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 520, which would authorize Department of Education hearing officers to issue subpoenas. Representative Kuttab supported the bill, saying similar authority exists in other agencies and states. Opponents argued the DOE already can obtain information through the attorney general, that the bill would create an unbalanced internal enforcement process, and that the subpoena authority was not tied to the curriculum-related concerns raised in testimony. Representative Ter offered Amendment 0842H to shift subpoena authority from DOE hearing officers to the attorney general; the amendment failed 7-11. The committee then voted on the bill as amended, and the OTP motion passed 10-8, with a minority report also requested.

Transcript Highlights:

• Motion is to report to finance. Questions or comments on these?
• That bill is moved to finance. Next bill: Senate 1239E by Senator Kavanaugh.
• That bill moves to finance. Our next bill: Senate 4162 by Senate... We'll move to finance.
• That bill moves to finance.
• That bill moves to finance. Our last bill for this agenda...

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Agriculture Committee met for its first 2026 meeting and took up a full agenda of bills focused on food safety, agricultural programs, consumer transparency, and farm-related policy. Early measures included S.592 on a youth and agriculture entrepreneurship summer employment program, which was reported to finance without opposition, and S.1239E, the Food Safety and Technical Disclosure Act, which would require disclosure of certain food ingredients to the state and public and also ban three substances outright. Senator Kavanaugh described the bill as closing a loophole in federal food safety law; Senator Borrello opposed it as a state-by-state approach that could raise costs and disrupt the supply chain, while Senator O’Rourke supported it as a science-based measure with available substitutes. The bill was reported back to the board with one no vote and one without recommendation. The committee also advanced S.1783A on liquefied petroleum/propane fee disclosures, with supporters saying it would prevent consumers from being charged for improper or hidden fees and opponents arguing it should not single out state-related charges; the bill moved to the board. S.4041, creating a sanitary retail food store grant program, was reported to finance. S.4162, relating to the Fresh Connect program and local produce purchases, prompted discussion about whether state resources should instead be concentrated on the Double Up Food Bucks program; sponsors said both programs are needed and that Double Up has capacity limits, and the bill was moved to finance. Later, the committee advanced S.6286A, establishing an agricultural tax viability pilot program tied to agrivoltaics; supporters said it would address a need raised in recent hearings and work with farm groups, while Senator Borrello voted no. The final bill, S.7618 on food safety and quality date label requirements, drew debate over whether New York should act without a federal standard and whether the bill could create confusion or unintended costs, especially for dairy and other perishables. Supporters said the bill would reduce food waste and simplify the many existing date labels without forcing new labeling on those who do not already use it; members also discussed refrigeration references in the bill, and the sponsor said the language could be adjusted. The committee then adjourned and announced that future meetings will be held on the third floor in the new location.

Transcript Highlights:

• We kind of facilitate that; we link them up with financing and so forth.
• You have to look at park finances. There is a lot of due diligence required before you buy a park.
• You have to look at park finances. You have to look at the leases.
• In addition to that, there are financing costs, commitment fees, etc.
• They have to secure financing. They have to be able to do that.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we're kicking it off with the Department of Finance.
• We'll kick it off with the Department of Finance.
• Alexanaevilasquez with the Department of Finance.
• We'll kick it off with Finance. Yes, Alex and I have Alaska's with the Department of Finance.
• We'll kick it off with finance. Yes, Alex and I have Alaska's with the Department of Finance.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held an oversight hearing on the California State University system covering enrollment, core operations, Title IX/civil rights, and basic needs. The Department of Finance said the Governor’s 2026-27 budget does not change CSU enrollment targets from the prior year and proposes a 5% ongoing General Fund increase for core operations as the final year of the compact. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended a lower resident undergraduate enrollment target than the Governor’s proposal, separate funding for enrollment growth rather than folding it into base, a smaller or no base increase tied more closely to inflation, earmarking some base funds for capital renewal, retiring deferred payments, and avoiding new multi-year compact commitments. CSU said enrollment has rebounded for three straight years, but growth is uneven across campuses, with several Northern California campuses still facing structural declines tied to demographics and community college pipelines. CSU described a multi-year reallocation plan shifting about 10,000 FTE and $89 million in ongoing funding toward higher-demand campuses, plus $40 million in one-time support, and said seven campuses submitted turnaround plans aimed at recovering enrollment over the next several years. The system highlighted strategies such as dual enrollment, guaranteed admission pathways with community colleges, outreach to high school students, retention and advising efforts, and new degree models for working adults and military-connected students. Members raised questions about how campus targets are set, whether the May Board of Trustees discussion will address a systemwide enrollment framework, and how CSU will manage future deficits if projected out-year funding does not materialize. On core operations and facilities, CSU said it faces about $320 million in mandatory cost increases in 2026-27 and is pursuing shared services, procurement consolidation, campus administrative sharing, and program redesigns to reduce costs. CSU and the LAO emphasized the system’s large deferred maintenance backlog, estimated at $8.6 billion, and discussed whether CSU’s bond/debt capacity is sufficient to address it; CSU requested up to $1.1 billion for deferred maintenance, while the administration did not propose new funding. The committee also heard CSU’s annual Title IX and civil rights update: CSU said it has implemented 15 of 16 State Auditor recommendations, has dedicated Title IX coordinators at every campus, is using a systemwide case management dashboard, and is piloting centralized investigations at five campuses. Finally, on basic needs, the Governor maintained current funding levels for food assistance/basic needs, rapid rehousing, and mental health. CSU reported heavy use of food pantries, CalFresh support, emergency housing, and counseling services, while warning that federal changes to CalFresh and related funding could make it harder to serve students in need.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration.
• Agency bars going forward, we have a new local government and board of finance module.
• Committee and the Senate Finance Committee.
• You have been very generous to the Department of Finance and Administration.
• To those entities that maybe aren't doing very well with their finances.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're really just focused on the upfront financing for charter schools.
• And the State Board of Finance, of course, the Treasurer.
• And the State Board of Finance, of course, the Treasurer is on that one as well.
• We financed Mother Spain by settling the country and sending money back to Spain.
• businesses when you guys decide to retire finances to me.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 121, Education Finance. This is the education omnibus budget trailer bill.
• How much funding are we talking about financing in this program?
• Jacob Kern, Department of Finance. of Finance.
• Megan Tokunaga-Block, Department of Finance: ...finance, so we can expect SB 131 to include two general
• The financing assistance statewide has proved to be very popular.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• David Evans, Department of Finance.
• David Evans, Department of Finance.
• Aman Melbourne, Department of Finance.
• Department of Finance. David Evans, Department of Finance. No additional comments. LAO.
• But let's hear from the... ...Department of Finance. Right, David Evans, Department of Finance.

Summary: The hearing was an informational budget session on energy agency proposals, with no votes taken. Early discussion focused on Proposition 4 climate bond implementation, including funding for demand-side grid support, offshore wind development, and transmission financing. The Department of Finance said the budget includes allocations for demand-side grid support and offshore wind, but not yet for the $325 million transmission financing piece pending a required study. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the Legislature to consider whether to wait on offshore wind funding, whether to keep shifting funds into demand-side grid support, and how to direct future transmission financing. Members also raised concerns about local technical assistance for offshore wind, Salton Sea priorities, and the need for more information before final decisions. The California Energy Commission and CPUC then reviewed the broader energy package. The CEC highlighted the demand-side grid support program’s growth, distributed energy backup assets, long-duration storage, hydrogen grants, and the SIRP clean energy reliability program. CPUC testimony emphasized affordability, wildfire mitigation costs, rooftop solar cost shifts, and efforts to reduce rates while maintaining reliability and clean energy goals. Members questioned CPUC staffing, delays in proceedings, coordination with the CEC and CAISO, and the impact of rate increases on customers. The agencies also discussed the AB 3264 transmission financing study, with CPUC saying work on the study had already begun and was on track for the July 1 deadline. Several trailer bill and implementation items were also discussed. The committee reviewed a proposal to extend the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program surcharge, with members split over whether it should be handled in budget trailer bill language or policy legislation; the administration said the surcharge supports a critical program serving about three-quarters of a million Californians. The committee also heard a CPUC data-sharing proposal to allow nondisclosure agreements for transmission and reliability data, which members generally supported as a technical fix. DWR explained a proposal to clarify language for the Electricity Supply Strategic Reliability Reserve so it can potentially sell three gas-fired units it owns, and the CEC presented a federal transmission grant proposal tied to grid-enhancing technologies and ratepayer cost recovery. Finally, the committee discussed California Lifeline and possible broadband pilot reforms in light of uncertainty around federal Universal Service Fund support, with CPUC saying it is exploring a statewide standalone broadband option for eligible customers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sorry, um, Department of Budget and Finance with comments.
• We have Department of Budget and Finance with comments.
• also since um this is a finance also since um this is a finance committee<02:21:18.960> K
• <03:58:10.199> it going to pay for it heck yeah Finance it going to pay for it heck yeah Finance
• we weed whack it ourselves just Finance we weed whack it ourselves just Finance the<04:06:08.640

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill is reported to finance. Next bill is S-4529 by Senator Scarcella-Spanton.
• An act to amend the Military Law and the State Finance Law in relation to legal assistance for military
• Bill is reported to finance. Okay. Next bill is S-4530A by Senator Scarcella-Spanton. Brian?
• Bill is reported to finance. Any opposed? Is that right? Okay. Bill is reported to finance.
• This bill is reported to finance. And that concludes today's meeting.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs committee met on March 17 and considered six bills, all of which were advanced. S-109 would allow a veteran’s close friend or family member, if familiar with the veteran’s wishes, to request burial in a veterans cemetery. S-2071 would require the Department of Labor to maintain a list of careers and job listings for veterans. Both bills were moved without discussion and reported to the floor. The committee then approved several measures and referred them to Finance: S-2607, exempting certain veterans service organizations from sales taxes on beer, wine, and soda; S-4529, providing legal assistance for military families; S-4530A, exempting certain active duty military members based at Fort Hamilton and Fort Wadsworth from Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge E-ZPass tolls if they live in a city of one million or more; and S-605, establishing a Hire a Vet Grant Program with a sunset provision. Members present voiced no opposition on the bills, and each was moved by committee members before being reported onward. The meeting ended with brief closing remarks and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, Senator Richardy and members of the finance committee.
• Richardy and members of the finance Richardy and members of the finance committee.<00:03:32.159>
• Is this going to go to finance? Yes, it is. Finance. I'll support the motion for discussion.
• <00:43:19.680> And really think it will pass finance.
• And really think it will pass finance.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Steven Benson with the Department of Finance.
• Stephen Bentz with Finance. So the requirement is applicable to the whole bond.
• ; **Tess Shirkenbach**, Department of Finance.
• **Charles LaSalle**, Department of Finance: No additional comments.
• LAO, or I'm sorry, Department of Finance?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Finance, Department of Education. Uh I Finance, Department of Education.
• <01:27:41.440> Committee ago, the Senate Finance Committee ago, the Senate Finance Committee
• waved by the chair would go to finance. waved by the chair would go to finance.
• My testimony today is about finance and finance in relation to the education freedom accounts.
• finance in relation to the finance and finance in relation to the education<02:31:36.160> freedom

Keywords: 1191, senate, all