Transcript Highlights:

• But I will say this: as I have visited each of our 39 counties, I've spoken to thousands of Washingtonians
• Thank you, Tracy, and thanks to the Treasurer and Senator Cortes for their leadership on this ongoing
• I just want to thank the leadership of the Treasurer...”
• I’ll turn it back to the Treasurer.
• “As I was saying, I have visited each of our 39 counties.

Summary: Treasurer and legislative supporters held a press event to announce pre-filing of legislation that would require financial education for Washington students as a graduation requirement. Treasurer said the goal is to give young people a foundational understanding of personal finance so they are not dependent on their parents’ money knowledge and can better navigate loans, credit, interest, taxes, housing, and other financial decisions. Senator Adrian Cortes said he is leading the effort in the Senate and described the bill as important for preparing students for adult life and supporting working families and future small business owners. Testimony from an educator, a financial education nonprofit leader, and a credit union representative all backed the proposal. Vanessa Medina, a Vancouver public school teacher, said students need practical skills for student loans, car loans, leases, and job benefits. Christy Johnson said the financial system is increasingly complex and that financial literacy is a life skill and social justice issue, especially given the wealth gap and the pressures facing young people. Tracy Godat said her organization already has free materials and professional development ready for educators, and Joe Atomack said credit unions see the need every day and can help expand access through school branches and student work experience. In response to questions, Cortes said the new bill differs from a previous House-passed version mainly by reducing reporting requirements and therefore lowering fiscal impact for districts and OSPI. He said the bill would align with the State Board of Education’s Future Ready process and could take effect by 2033 or earlier, depending on integration. The treasurer said the issue has broad bipartisan support and argued that Washington is behind other states in not already requiring financial education.

Transcript Highlights:

• Making sure their other, like the treasurers, the counties, weren't negatively impacted by this, but
• Overall, the county commissioners, or the treasurers, I'm sorry, were in favor of this bill, but they
• This is a sincere concern by our local elected officials, specifically the treasurer of El Paso County
• </c><01:25:18.880><c> um</c> my treasurer uh from El Paso County um my treasurer uh from El Paso County
• </c> Paso County along with other treasures. Paso County along with other treasures.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They obviously transmit the certified results at the county level up to the SOS.
• county recorders, and we are requesting your support for SB 1237.
• The statute only names county boards of supervisors in the drafting process.
• Chairman Gillette, members of the committee, Dana Lewis, Pinal County Recorder, here...
• County recorders are responsible for early voting.

Committee: House House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference

Summary: The Committee on Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections heard and voted on several election- and campaign-related bills. SB 1006 would raise the threshold for itemizing in-state individual contributions on committee campaign finance reports from $100 to $200 and require aggregate reporting of smaller contributions; it passed 4-3. SB 1029 would treat a candidate committee as intending to terminate upon the candidate’s death and allow designated individuals to serve as treasurer and close out the account; a Town of Queen Creek representative testified in support, describing difficulties after the deaths of two council members, and the bill passed unanimously 7-0. SB 1038 would require county election officials to transmit the cast vote record to the Secretary of State and prohibit alteration of that record except as otherwise allowed by law. Testimony and debate focused on whether the CVR is already a public record and whether the bill was needed to prevent counties from changing release practices; it passed 4-3. SB 1237 would add county recorders and the chair and ranking members of the House and Senate election committees to the list of officials the Secretary of State must consult when prescribing the Elections Procedures Manual. The Arizona Association of Counties and Pinal County Recorder Dana Lewis supported the bill as a way to ensure recorder input and reduce litigation; it passed 4-3. SB 1057 would require vendors providing ballot paper fraud countermeasures to meet specified ISO certifications and include at least three listed security features. Members discussed the standards and whether the bill needed further safeguards, with one member noting possible floor amendments and another objecting that ISO is an international standard; it passed 4-3. Several other bills were held, including measures at the sponsor’s request and the remaining items on the agenda, and the committee adjourned without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• And one of the things that I keep hearing from our county treasurer is they're struggling with their
• Following receipt, the county must distribute funds to taxing districts within the county according to
• I'm the county assessor for Jefferson County.
• I'm the county assessor for Jefferson County.
• I'm the county assessor for Jefferson County.

Summary: House Finance held public hearings on two Senate bills. On Senate Bill 5252, staff explained that the bill would remove the one-acre limit on a property tax exemption for nonprofit public assembly halls, beginning with property taxes due in 2027. Staff said the fiscal impact would be minimal, with no loss to the state levy and only a small local property tax shift, though the Department of Revenue anticipates a one-time administrative cost. Senator Shoemaker and a grange representative testified in support, saying the change would help rural granges that serve as community gathering places and are facing rising costs and property tax burdens. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5994, which would change how timber tax revenues are distributed to school districts. Staff said the bill would extend distributions to districts that had qualifying levies in either of the prior two years, even if they do not have such a levy in the current year, and that it would take effect immediately with no state revenue impact but an indeterminate effect on school district funding. A county assessor testified that he supported the policy but was concerned the immediate effective date would disrupt current levy distribution calculations and suggested a January 1, 2027 effective date instead. No votes were taken, and both hearings were closed before the committee adjourned.

Bills: SB2347 , SB2911 , SB2033 , SB2158 , SB2993 , SB2778 , SB2672 , SB2014 , SB3144 , SB3096 , SB3097 , SB2968 , SB2363 , SB3154 , SB2400 , SB3313 , SB2896 , SB3279 , SB2614 , SB2687 , SB2754 , SB2549 , SB3325 , SB2658 , SB2659 , SB2602 , SB2611 , SB2877 , SB3063 , SB2615 , SB3232 , SB2875 , SB3272 , SB2854 , SB3203 , SB2803 , SB2804 , SB3302 , SB3229 , SB2969 , SB2412 , SB2657 , SB2880 , SB2540 , SB2414 , SB3142 , SB3202 , SB2281 , SB2852 , SB2272 , SB2479 , SB2589 , SB2936 , SB2720 , SB2730 , SB2749 , SB2688 , SB2798 , SB3040 , SB3107 , SB3010 , SB3109 , SB3140 , SB3187 , SB2057 , SB2377 , SB3048 , SB3083 , SB3182

Keywords: tenant rights, landlord obligations, housing crisis, eviction prevention, multilingual access, intoxicating liquor, direct shipment, breweries, distilleries, Hawaii, renewable energy, grid-ready homes, interconnection process, electric utility, energy independence, surcharge, customer access, energy storage, smart inverters, veterinary workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• Sutton, NAACP, and Lillian Sutton from San Antonio, Texas, Bexar County.
• They also get a per diem when they live outside of Maricopa County.
• and as you know, the county commissioners do get paid.
• We are a historic village under Santa Fe County zoning, I believe.
• Will the gentlelady from Burlington County please yield? I do yield.

Bills: HB145 , HB164 , HJR6 , HR1 , HB20 , HB65 , HB66 , HB80 , HB166 , HB295 , HB306 , SB29 , SB37 , HB99 , HB206 , HB213 , HB270 , HJR5 , SB104 , SB193 , HJM2 , HJM3 , HJM1 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM32 , HM13 , HM47 , HM20 , HM51 , HM1 , HM31 , HM35 , HM36 , HM46 , HM53 , HM54 , HM39 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50

Keywords: high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, lobbying, transparency, public records, government oversight, accountability, constitutional amendment, legislative sessions, veto override, New Mexico legislature, session length, House Resolution 1, HR1, House investigatory subcommittee, special committee, legislative investigation

Transcript Highlights:

• In Eddy County.
• and as you know, the county commissioners do get paid.
• , and as you know, the County General Lady, some of the questions we've had, I was a county commissioner
• before this, and as you know, the county commissioners do get paid.
• We are a historic village under Santa Fe County zoning, I believe.

Bills: HB145 , HB164 , HJR6 , HR1 , HB20 , HB65 , HB66 , HB80 , HB166 , HB295 , HB306 , SB29 , SB37 , HB99 , HB206 , HB213 , HB270 , HJR5 , SB104 , SB193 , HJM2 , HJM3 , HJM1 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM32 , HM13 , HM47 , HM20 , HM51 , HM1 , HM31 , HM35 , HM36 , HM46 , HM53 , HM54 , HM39 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50

Keywords: high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, lobbying, transparency, public records, government oversight, accountability, constitutional amendment, legislative sessions, veto override, New Mexico legislature, session length, House Resolution 1, HR1, House investigatory subcommittee, special committee, legislative investigation

Summary: The House of Representatives held an African-American Day celebration recognizing the second Friday in February as required by state statute and honoring the contributions of African Americans in New Mexico and nationally. The program included the national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Pledge of Allegiance, an invocation, and remarks from Representative Janelle Anyanoru and others. A central feature was recognition of the “Talented 10,” ten African American women leaders in New Mexico, including officials and community leaders in city government, education, the judiciary, business, and public service. The chamber also recognized numerous guests and community leaders, including Senator Harold Pope, the first African American elected to the New Mexico Senate, and concluded the celebration with a musical performance and closing remarks about diversity and inclusion. After the celebration, the House moved into announcements and then messages and committee reports. Members recognized guests and community efforts, including organ donation awareness, the New Mexico Community Foundation, and a Beclavito Chapter House delegation. The House received a Senate message transmitting Senate Finance Committee substitute for Senate Bill 241, the Child Care Assistance Program Act, which was referred to the House Appropriations and Finance Committee. Several committee reports were adopted, including House Bill 132, House Bill 199 via a committee substitute, Senate Bills 38, 101, and 58 as amended, House Bill 38 via a committee substitute, House Memorial 59, House Bill 256, House Memorial 43, Senate Bill 64 as amended, House Bill 93, House Bill 254 as amended, and House Memorial 29. The chamber then began third reading debate on House Joint Resolution 5, a proposed constitutional amendment to provide legislative compensation tied to New Mexico’s median household income. Supporters argued it would modernize the legislature, broaden access to working people, and improve accountability; opponents questioned the timing, amount, and fairness of paying legislators while many constituents struggle economically. The debate continued with no final vote shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you're here from Collin County, please stand. Let's all welcome our friends from Collin County.
• that is my home county, Collin County, it is a thriving county in the heart of North Texas, one of the
• I represent another 14 counties and you help in various in many of those counties by distributing food
• in those smaller counties.
• County.

Bills: SJR 12 , SCR 39 , SB 7 , SB 8 , SB 27 , SB 29 , SB 125 , SB 241 , SB 371 , SB 396 , SB 406 , SB 464 , SB 568 , SB 578 , SB 608 , SB 617 , SB 660 , SB 689 , SB 693 , SB 707 , SB 731 , SB 732 , SB 763 , SB 779 , SB 836 , SB 854 , SB 857 , SB 875 , SB 878 , SB 879 , SB 906 , SB 920 , SB 921 , SB 922 , SB 942 , SB 965 , SB 985 , SB 996 , SB 1029 , SB 1035 , SB 1036 , SB 1059 , SB 1084 , SB 1098 , SB 1101 , SB 1185 , SB 1188 , SB 1321 , SB 1332 , SB 1366 , SB 1388 , SB 1396 , SB 1453 , SB 1484 , SB 1494 , SB 1536 , SB 1563 , SB 1596 , SB 1610 , SB 1619 , SB 1737 , SB 1738 , SB 1741 , SB 1816 , SB 1822 , SB 1841 , SB 1939 , SB 2155 , SB 2188 , SB 2230

Keywords: parental rights, education, constitutional amendment, school choice, child education, border security, southern border, federal immigration policy, illegal immigration, cartels, transnational cartels, fentanyl, drug trafficking, human trafficking, Operation Lone Star, Texas border, National Guard, state guard, border wall, border barriers

Summary: In this meeting, significant discussions revolved around the passage and modification of various Senate Bills, including SB1388, which pertains to family support services under the Health and Human Services Commission. Senator Kolkhorst advocated for the bill, emphasizing its focus on pro-life, family-centered care. The committee passed the bill after thorough examination, showcasing a collaborative effort among the members to ensure its alignment with successful past initiatives. In another session, Senator Hughes presented SB942, aimed at retroactive child support linked to prenatal care, which sparked a constructive dialogue reflecting bipartisan support for maternal and child welfare.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know if the treasurer is here yet. We do have the Treasurer's Office.
• The committee, we're going to give the treasurer a minute or two to get here.
• Treasurer, welcome. We've been waiting. Treasurer, welcome. We've been waiting for your appearance.
• Treasurer, would this impact eligibility for financial aid or any public benefits? No.
• Furthermore, this exemption would be specific to Dukes County in our region.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony on a proposed Massachusetts baby bonds program, including H. 3429, S. 2146, and the Treasurer’s related bill H. 48. Treasurer Goldberg and a broad coalition of advocates, researchers, health professionals, and people with lived experience said the program would create trust accounts for children born into low-income families or in DCF custody, with funds available at age 18 for education, homeownership, business startup, or other long-term asset-building uses. Supporters argued the program would help close the racial wealth gap, improve economic mobility, and not affect eligibility for financial aid or public benefits. Committee members asked about administration, investment returns, eligibility, and withdrawal rules; the Treasurer said the accounts would be held in trust and managed by her office with an advisory board, with funds accessible at 18 and usable through age 35 if the beneficiary remains a Massachusetts resident. No vote was taken during the testimony shown. The committee also heard testimony on legislation establishing Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day, including S. 2666 and H. 4625. Senator Ross, Representative Badger, physicians, survivors, and advocates described invasive lobular carcinoma as difficult to detect because it often grows in lines rather than forming a lump, can be missed on mammography, and is underfunded and underrepresented in research and clinical trials. Witnesses said the bill would codify an annual October 15 proclamation to raise awareness, improve diagnosis, and encourage more targeted research and treatment. Committee members asked why the disease is so hard to detect, and medical witnesses explained the imaging challenges and the lack of lobular-specific protocols. The witnesses urged favorable reports. The committee then took testimony on H. 4648, a bill concerning the purchase or lease of Fenn Farm in Stockbridge by the Stockbridge-Munsee community. Representative Davis, the Stockbridge Land Trust president, and the tribal president testified that the bill would remove a conservation restriction tied to a state MVP grant so the tribe could manage the land without a restriction that they said would conflict with tribal sovereignty and Indigenous stewardship practices. They said the parcel is a sacred site connected to Monument Mountain and that the restriction is unnecessary because the land is already surrounded by conserved property. The witnesses asked for favorable action on the bill. Finally, the committee heard testimony on H. 3416, a resolution urging Congress to create a national infrastructure bank. Representative Senna and several advocates argued that an off-budget infrastructure bank could finance major repairs and upgrades to roads, bridges, rail, water systems, broadband, and housing without adding to the state budget, while creating jobs and supporting economic growth. Witnesses cited historical precedents for national infrastructure banks and said Massachusetts could benefit substantially from such a program. The transcript shown does not include a committee vote or final action on the resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• , in every township in Goodhue County, in every township in Winona and Olmsted County.
• in Goodhue County, in every township in Winona County, and in every township in Olmsted County.
• </c> um state aid federal aid you know County um state aid federal aid you know County and<00:24:44.960
• </c> involved those tend to be County involved those tend to be County functions<00:26:03.039><c> that
• </c> going to be looking at maybe County going to be looking at maybe County Commissioner<00:49:17.680

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These inconsistencies can create barriers to participation... ...counties.
• Ashley Walker with Nossaman on behalf of the Monterey County Board of Supervisors.
• I ran in a small city, and I was looking for a treasurer.
• counties have found the resources to contract for this option.
• As the committee analysis notes, Contra Costa County, one of the counties that offers this option to

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met as a subcommittee until quorum was established, then heard a series of election- and public-trust-related bills. Early items included AB 2592, which would move lobbyist training from legislative ethics committees to the FPPC starting in 2029 and make it available online on demand; it drew support from the FPPC and an oppose-unless-amended request to make the training public and ensure lobbyists pay fees. AB 2573 would refine California’s confidential voter registration protections for candidates and elected officials, with support from the Secretary of State and county election officials after amendments narrowed some family-member coverage. AB 2753 would bar registered sex offenders from running for or holding local or state office; it prompted extended debate about public trust, second chances, and where to draw the line, but was ultimately advanced on a 5-0 vote with one member not voting. AB 2691 similarly would expand disqualifying felony convictions to include sexual assault and human trafficking, and it also passed 5-0 after testimony from victim advocates and discussion about survivors, restorative justice, and the power dynamics involved in public office. The committee also advanced AB 2413, which would prohibit public funds from being used for large-format ads featuring elected officials, and AB 2281, which would direct the Office of Election Cybersecurity to assess replacement resources after federal cybersecurity support cuts and allow consultation with academic researchers. AB 1664 would require local election officials to notify the Secretary of State and Attorney General within one business day of warrants, subpoenas, or investigations involving election records or voting systems; supporters said it would help the state respond quickly to improper seizure of election materials, and it passed 5-0. AB 2484, concerning San Diego MTS, would let voters authorize a local sales tax initiative for transit funding and exempt it from an existing cap; it drew support from transit leaders and labor, opposition from the Realtors, and a lengthy exchange over Prop. 13, Prop. 218, and whether the measure created a special deal, before passing 6-1. The committee then heard AB 2230, which would create buffer zones around voting centers and child care facilities to keep immigration enforcement away from those locations. The author said the bill was meant to reduce fear and intimidation for voters and families, while the opposition argued it was unenforceable, lacked evidence of a problem, and would interfere with federal officers doing their jobs. Members supporting the bill cited reported ICE profiling and intimidation in California communities, while others raised jurisdictional and practical concerns. The transcript ends during this debate, with no final vote shown for AB 2230.

Transcript Highlights:

• Treasurer. That would be just fine.
• Treasurer.
• Treasurer, for being here.
• Treasurer, we're doing good.
• Treasurer, ...of State Treasurer, and, Mr.

Summary: The committee first heard the Office of State Treasurer’s FY27 budget presentation from Treasurer Vivek Malik. He highlighted record investment earnings, growth in MOBUCK$ linked deposits, record unclaimed property returns, expansion of the MOST 529 plan, and changes to the MoABLE disability savings program. Members then focused heavily on two budget requests: $750,000 for the Show Me My Retirement Savings program and additional spending authority for the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (MOST Scholars) program, along with a staffing request for compliance and communications positions. Much of the discussion centered on MOST Scholars’ rapid growth, how applications are prioritized, whether income is reverified, how funds flow through educational assistance organizations, and concerns about marketing, geographic distribution, and the use of public dollars for private schools. The treasurer also answered questions about the 529 plan, the pending lawsuit over the ESA general-revenue transfer, and whether funds should be swept back to general revenue when unused. Several members raised policy objections to MOST Scholars, including concerns about discrimination by participating private schools, the lack of annual income requalification, and whether the program shifts money away from public education. Other members defended the program as a parent-driven choice option and asked about expanding access, improving outreach, and ensuring the program is fully funded. The treasurer said the office was following the statute as written, that the program’s demand could exceed available resources, and that the office would continue to seek more funding and better outreach. The committee then concluded the treasurer’s budget hearing. The committee next began the FY27 budget hearing for the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. Commissioner Bennett Boggs introduced the department’s leadership team and gave a brief overview of the department’s role in aligning postsecondary education with workforce needs through its coordinating board and strategic planning. The hearing had just started when the transcript ended, and no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• John Thurston, Treasurer of State. You're right. John Thurston, Treasurer of State.
• Thank you, Treasurer, for being here. Appreciate you coming.
• Treasurer. And Treasurer, thank you for coming, being under...
• Treasurer Thurston, thank you for reaching out to me yesterday.
• And if anyone's concerned, we have a beautiful facility in White County.

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Summary: The committee first reviewed a list of bills already ready for “do pass,” including several House bills (HB 1010, 1018, 1020, 1023, 1041, 1055, 1077) and Senate bills (SB 4, 16, 23, 24, 55, 59). It then took up the JBC Personnel Subcommittee report (B1), where a substitute motion to separate out the governor’s staff-related item for a separate vote was debated at length. Members raised concerns about transparency, a requested appearance by a governor’s staff member, and whether the administration should be compelled to testify. The substitute motion failed on a roll-call division vote, and the committee then adopted the subcommittee report as presented. The committee next questioned Treasurer John Thurston on House Bill 1034 and his office’s budget request, focusing on salary increases for his executive team, the size of raises under the new pay plan, office hours, and whether the increases were justified. Thurston said the request was to fully fund the approved pay plan, later reduced to a 10% increase after discussion with legislative leaders, and explained that salaries were set within the approved plan. Several members criticized the raises as too large or unfair, while others noted the compromise and thanked him for cooperating. The committee then adopted the HB 1034 letter. After that, the committee reviewed Schedule C and several special-language items, including amendments to SB 4, SB 58, HB 1052, and SB 77. It discussed a new item allowing DFA to establish a GAMP program for agricultural extension office improvements, with no funding attached, and adopted it. The committee then passed or adopted a series of measures, including SB 29, SB 51, HB 1034, and the remaining ready bills listed at the start of the meeting. SB 4 was set aside as not ready. The meeting ended with notice that the committee would reconvene in 15 minutes in another room to handle special language.

Transcript Highlights:

• I teach in Woodland High School in Yolo County.
• , Central Valley, LA County, and even Yuba County.
• SB 1078 allows the county to go to the voters.
• We are the second smallest county in the state.
• So it's a big deal in our county.

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You're going to find county information.
• </c> demographics you're going to find County demographics you're going to find County information<00
• Madam Treasurer, you are up next, and before that I'd like to just say the reason we have the treasurer
• </c><00:29:27.120><c> here</c> say the reason we have the treasure here say the reason we have the treasure
• </c><00:29:35.679><c> to</c> general rule we look to the treasurer to general rule we look to the treasurer

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Public Works and Highways committee held a capital budget orientation led by Legislative Budget Assistant Office staff, who walked members through the budget materials, the capital budget process, and the committee’s compare sheet. The presentation explained that agencies begin developing capital requests nearly a year in advance, submit them by May 1, and that the governor’s recommended capital budget is a reduced version of the much larger agency wish list. Members were told the agencies initially requested about $1.1 billion in projects, the catalog was trimmed to just over $400 million in general fund projects, and the governor’s recommendation in the pink book totals about $143 million in general fund capital appropriations. The committee also reviewed the prior capital budget and related statutes and committee procedures. Several specific projects drew discussion. The Department of Education’s CTE projects were explained as having been shifted into the operating budget in the prior cycle and now returning to the capital budget recommendation; members asked whether there was a backup CTE project and whether local approval had been secured for the named project. The Cannon Mountain tramway request was highlighted as a $20 million recommendation, with the presenter explaining that an earlier $18 million appropriation would be lapsed back to the general fund to help balance the budget. The Department of Corrections’ new prison project was also discussed; members were told the state has already appropriated $50 million for planning and site evaluation, but the governor’s current capital budget does not include a new prison construction appropriation because the project is not yet ready for that phase and may need to be funded differently, possibly through a separate, staggered appropriation. State Treasurer Monica Mezzapelli then presented on debt affordability and the state’s borrowing capacity. She said the state’s credit position has improved, with the debt-to-revenue ratio falling from 8.2% in 2015 to 3.8% in 2024, and explained that RSA 6-C limits debt authorization to 10% of unrestricted prior-year revenue. She noted that the Treasury’s planning assumes $60 million in annual bond issuance, with the prison-related $40 million now expected to be issued in 2026 rather than 2025 because the project is not ready to spend the funds. She said the state can still borrow more, but additional debt service must be paid from operating funds, and recommended keeping capital bonding in the $120 million to $130 million range to preserve affordability and the state’s credit rating. Members asked for clarification on the CTE funding shift, the prison schedule, and the meaning of the large agency request totals. The chair and treasurer discussed the governor’s $143 million recommendation versus the committee’s usual target range, and the treasurer said $130 million would be more comfortable than $140 million, with $135 million described as a possible compromise. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the portion provided; the meeting was informational and ended with the presenters offering to answer follow-up questions as agencies come before the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• The treasurer reviews it and approves it, or the charter school board, in that case, approves it.
• And then the treasurer deposits money with the bank.
• This is happening in 99% of the counties.
• Is that also from Pin County?
• I believe this is from a different county, but I'd be happy to share this with you if you'd like.

Bills: HB1590 , HB1242 , HB3818 , HB4305

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: education funding, linked deposits, education infrastructure, charter schools, nonprofit organizations, Oklahoma Education Infrastructure Program, HB1242, cervidae, deer, elk, sales tax exemption, agricultural exemption, livestock, ranching, farm tax, agricultural sales tax, Oklahoma Tax Commission, agriculture, producer sales, private treaty

Transcript Highlights:

• Ashley Walker with Nossaman on behalf of the Monterey County Board of Supervisors.
• I ran in a small city, and I was looking for a treasurer.
• counties have found the resources to contract for this option.
• As the committee analysis notes, Contra Costa County, one of the counties that offers this option to
• voters, has determined that it has been... ...notes, Contra Costa County, one of the counties that offers

Committee: House Elections

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It involved, at least in the underlying provision, both state and local county officials.
• It takes out the county officials. So the amendment simplifies that.
• It's found in eastern Washington and four counties in Washington.
• My name is Jason Mischo, and I'm a professional campaign treasurer.
• Tim Iman from Kirkland: anyone who agrees to be a campaign treasurer is a pure masochist.

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on several bills. On Second Substitute Senate Bill 6035, dealing with voting services for military, overseas, Native American, and disabled voters, members considered amendments affecting tribal meeting requirements and an electronic ballot portal; one amendment to study the portal rather than authorize it was adopted, while the tribal-meeting amendment was not. The bill was then reported out with a due pass as amended recommendation. Substitute Senate Bill 6081, concerning nondisclosure of sex designation records, saw an amendment adopted to limit the privacy protections to survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, but the amendment was later rejected on final passage and the bill was reported out due pass. Substitute Senate Bill 6034, codifying the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs, was amended to require Senate confirmation of the executive director and was reported out due pass as amended. Senate Bill 6084 on repeat voting was reported out due pass without amendment. Second Substitute Senate Bill 5968, implementing Executive Order 25-03 on agency credentials, had one amendment adopted on annual ORIA reporting and another rejected; it was reported out due pass as amended. Senate Bill 6137 on sports wagering was amended to restrict certain prop bets and to make threats tied to wagers a gross misdemeanor, then reported out due pass as amended. The committee then opened public hearings on a number of bills. The most extensive testimony was on Gross Substitute Senate Joint Memorial 8014, which calls for a U.S. investigation into the death of Aishanur Ezgi Eygi; family members, University of Washington students and staff, advocates, and others testified in support, emphasizing accountability and the need for an independent investigation, while one speaker opposed the memorial as a misuse of legislative time. The committee also heard testimony on Substitute Senate Bill 5840, which would change campaign finance reporting schedules and participation rules; Public Disclosure Commission staff supported the bill as a transparency and consistency measure, while campaign treasurers and compliance officers opposed it, arguing the added reporting would be burdensome and costly. Substitute Senate Bill 6049, expanding Public Records Act exemptions for certain survivors, anonymized demographic data, and Healthy Youth Survey responses, drew support from OFM and opposition from a public-records advocate who warned against adding more exemptions. Substitute Senate Bill 6160, reducing or changing the frequency of numerous agency reports, was supported by OFM as a way to right-size reporting requirements. The committee also heard brief testimony on Senate Bill 5000 designating “The Evergreen State” as the official state nickname, Senate Bill 5325 designating the state cactus, Senate Bill 6044 recognizing Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas as a legislatively recognized day, Senate Bill 6313 creating a Capital Centennial Stewardship Account, and Substitute Senate Bill 5827 expanding veterans’ preference documentation to include pre-discharge certification. No votes were taken during the public hearing portion, and the meeting adjourned after closing testimony on the final bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• He has worked with my constituent and the group of county treasurers who've been working on this bill
• I worked with the county treasurers and ACA and Senator Mesnard on Senate Bill 1431, I believe it was
• He has worked with my constituent and the group of county treasurers who've been working on this bill
• I worked with the county treasurers and ACA and Senator Mesnard on Senate Bill 1431, I believe it was
• If it were, the treasurer would simply do so.

Committee: Senate Senate Finance Committee of Reference

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee approved the March 16, 2026 minutes and then heard testimony on several bills, with the chair noting that votes would be taken in batches because members were coming and going. HB 2939 would increase the rural qualified facilities tax credit from $20,000 to $25,000 per job for certain projects with initial investment under $2 billion; Lucid Motors supported it as a rural economic development tool, while Senator Epstein questioned the fiscal note and whether the higher credit would actually attract new investment. HB 2950 would authorize tourism improvement areas funded by voluntary lodging assessments to support marketing and tourism promotion; the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association and Visit Phoenix backed it as a competitive tool for rural and urban destinations, and committee members focused on whether participation was truly voluntary and how the assessments would be administered. HB 2780 made technical conforming changes to Arizona’s property tax lien foreclosure and excess proceeds sale process, building on a prior law that created a mechanism for delinquent property owners to recover equity; the sponsor and a longtime constituent said the changes would fix timing and credit-bid language so qualified entity sales could work in practice. HB 2502 would let certain elected officials in ASRS retire at normal retirement age without resigning their office, with the employer paying the alternate contribution rate; ASRS said it was neutral, and the sponsor argued the bill would treat elected officials more like other ASRS members. The committee then adopted do-pass recommendations for HB 2502, HB 2780, HB 2950, and HB 2939, with each passing on split votes. The committee also adopted a striker to HB 2140, allowing the State Treasurer to invest up to 10% of state trust and treasury monies in physical gold or silver bullion held in secure U.S. depositories. The sponsor and the Sound Money Defense League argued it would diversify reserves and hedge against market disruption, while opponents said gold is volatile, costly to store, and not something taxpayers need the state to buy. HB 2140 then passed as amended on a 4-2 vote. Finally, the committee heard HB 2398, as amended, which requires commercial liability insurance for watercraft rentals and peer-to-peer boat sharing programs, with supporters saying it addresses uninsured rental boats and law enforcement concerns; the bill passed as amended on a 6-1 vote. The committee also heard HB 2999, a major housing-finance bill creating state affordability infrastructure districts to finance public infrastructure through bonds and assessments; proponents said it would lower housing costs by spreading infrastructure costs over time, while contractors and some senators raised concerns about payment risk, impact-fee treatment, and whether savings would reach homebuyers. After adopting a striker and hearing extensive questions, HB 2999 passed as amended on a 6-1 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• 23, by deleting the word the and inserting in lieu thereof the following language: 'if the city or county
• Instead of forcing the county or the city to accept responsibility or take over the property, we're just

Bills: SB248 , SB985 , SB1307 , SB1319 , SB1405 , SB1530 , SB1919

Committee: House A&B Natural Resources Subcommittee

Keywords: tourism, revolving fund, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, real property, fund management, Oklahoma Local Food for Schools, school meals, local food procurement, farm to school, school districts, Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, local producers, meat processors, reimbursement program, agriculture, nutrition, farmers, ranchers, local sourcing