Transcript Highlights:

• So that's just a general overview for you all.
• This is only talking about the general fund.
• Right now, there is no general fund to appropriate.
• But there is general fund in other places.
• the general fund. So it's an increase.

Transcript Highlights:

• effective at after the 2027 general effective at after the 2027 general session<00:14:20.800>
• Uh the compromise was general funds.
• I'm being generic about that.
• generic about that. generic about that.
• you say two millions left in the general you say two millions left in the general fund<00:24:24.960

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first addressed an unintended consequence in the Joint Conference Committee report involving dual and concurrent enrollment funding. Staff explained that a dollar-for-dollar reduction tied to Senate File 81 would have fully funded public school dual/concurrent enrollment while leaving no funds for non-public school students. Senator Salazar moved to strike that provision, the motion was seconded, and it carried. Budget and Fiscal Administrator Don Richards then walked through the conference committee report and the major adopted amendments. He reviewed Senate and House amendments affecting items such as sign language interpreters, rural veterinary education, predator management authorization, petroglyphs and pictographs, senior services, community college funding, school district entitlement payments, the School Foundation Program reserve transfer, a tourism-related rodeo museum change, archaeological work on human remains, a jet airplane reduction, abortion-related language, livestock ear tags, provider rates for developmental disabilities, student-athlete endorsement restrictions, a forensic audit for the Wyoming Business Council, and the Yellowstone tree inscription. He also described several deleted sections and policy changes, including removal of spending-policy provisions, flex authority language, and other budget sections. Richards further summarized new or revised appropriations and conditions, including funding for local cybersecurity, stormwater fees, the Wyoming Natural Resource Trust Fund, lab services, IT modernization, Wyoming Public Television, matching funds, cloud services, and restored governor FTE requests. He noted a compromise on the outdoor trails matching program, a conditional $10 million University of Wyoming operational review appropriation tied to future cost savings, and a stablecoin appropriation. He also explained that the report retained the base-bill reversion language, discussed the remaining general fund balance and statutory reserve, and said the committee would circulate the amendment and signatures for floor action later that day. The meeting then adjourned without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Generally accepted auditing standards and the statutes of other inspectors general and auditors allow
• They would, but the Inspector General finds that, okay?
• That was the whole point of creating the Inspector General.
• It is at the discretion of the Inspector General.
• And, for example, it didn't even include an inspector general.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:02:03.680> you're General Ellison, I believe, you're General Ellison, I believe, you're
• >> Yeah, attorney general. >> Yeah, attorney general.
• <00:30:10.000> Uh assistant attorney general. Uh assistant attorney general.
• ><00:30:50.000> general<00:30:50.320> context<00:30:50.640> of general again in
• the general context of general again in the general context of gun<00:30:51.120> violence<00:30

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 3407, authored by Chair Pinto, which would restore Minnesota’s prior serial-number requirement for firearms after a recent Minnesota Supreme Court decision narrowed the existing law, while also creating a method to serialize firearms that do not already have serial numbers. Supporters said the bill is needed to close a loophole involving ghost guns and to aid investigations, background checks, and trafficking enforcement. Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, and former ATF official Mariana Mitchum testified in favor, citing increases in unserialized gun recoveries, the difficulty of tracing such weapons, and examples of crimes where serial numbers helped identify traffickers. Opponents argued the bill conflates different categories of firearms and could burden lawful gun owners. Mariah Day of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Anna Ley of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, and Brian Gosh of the NRA said privately made firearms are distinct from illegally altered guns, warned about vague definitions and possible First Amendment issues, and said the bill could criminalize lawful conduct or create confusion for owners who modify firearms. They urged a no vote. Representative Bliss offered a DE1 amendment to replace the bill’s serialization approach with increased penalties for people who use guns in crimes. Chair Pinto and others opposed it, saying it would remove the bill’s public-safety benefits and likely create a fiscal impact. The committee took a roll call and rejected the DE1 amendment, 8-9. Afterward, members discussed the bill further, including questions about the difference between unserialized guns and guns with removed serial numbers and comments both supporting and criticizing the proposal.

Transcript Highlights:

• General. All right. Uh any objection General. All right. Uh any objection hearing? None.
• No major general using previous role. No major general using previous role. No objection.
• House Bill number 158 General Fund. House Bill number 158 General Fund.
• House bill number general fund. House bill number general fund.
• from Finance Taxation General committee from Finance Taxation General Fund.

Bills: SCR 4, SCR 18, SCR 43, SB 227, SB 269, SB 330, SB 434, SB 437, SB 438, SB 463, SB 528, SB 584, SB 604, SB 663, SB 668, SB 682, SB 747, SB 841, SB 912, SB 968, SB 1013, SB 1020, SB 1044, SB 1137, SB 1138, SB 1143, SB 1164, SB 1169, SB 1200, SB 1236, SB 1244, SB 1299, SB 1325, SB 1335, SB 1369, SB 1410, SB 1418, SB 1422, SB 1455, SB 1468, SB 1495, SB 1534, SB 1579, SB 1580, SB 1612, SB 1624, SB 1667, SB 1734, SB 1745, SB 1746, SB 1760, SB 1784, SB 1860, SB 1862, SB 1864, SB 1896, SB 1898, SB 1920, SB 1940, SB 1952, SB 1998, SB 1999, SB 2004, SB 2032, SB 2052, SB 2068, SB 2073, SB 2121, SB 2127, SB 2141, SB 2145, SB 2161, SB 2167, SB 2196, SB 2207, SB 2216, SB 2246, SB 2323, SB 2332, SB 2395, SB 2429, SB 2431, SB 2439, SB 2443, SB 2581, SB 2601, SB 2629, SB 2702, SB 2705, SB 2717, SB 2798, SB 2873, SB 2881, SB 2964, SB 3034, SCR 4, SCR 38, SB 39, SB 227, SB 240, SB 330, SB 401, SB 407, SB 467, SB 506, SB 512, SB 527, SB 584, SB 618, SB 619, SB 636, SB 648, SB 663, SB 715, SB 732, SB 758, SB 801, SB 843, SB 847, SB 870, SB 957, SB 1013, SB 1020, SB 1065, SB 1152, SB 1164, SB 1181, SB 1183, SB 1257, SB 1283, SB 1299, SB 1325, SB 1349, SB 1395, SB 1433, SB 1455, SB 1490, SB 1558, SB 1574, SB 1624, SB 1626, SB 1640, SB 1717, SB 1718, SB 1727, SB 1734, SB 1756, SB 1757, SB 1789, SB 1832, SB 1845, SB 1868, SB 1920, SB 1924, SB 1964, SB 2004, SB 2018, SB 2031, SB 2037, SB 2052, SB 2073, SB 2075, SB 2080, SB 2111, SB 2117, SB 2154, SB 2161, SB 2196, SB 2206, SB 2253, SB 2268, SB 2322, SB 2323, SB 2349, SB 2533, SB 2540, SB 2570, SB 2623, SB 2626, SB 2658, SB 2660, SB 2692, SB 2705, SB 2717, SB 2722, SB 2742, SB 2743, SB 2753, SB 2788, SB 2877, SB 2900, SB 2920, SB 3031, SB 5, SB 260, SB 1786, SB 1, HJR 4, HB 135, HB 1109, SJR 36, SJR 50, SJR 63, SJR 84, SJR 59, SCR 12, SCR 39, SCR 38, SCR 4, SCR 18, SCR 43, SCR 46, SCR 48, SCR 19, SB 2023, SB 1257, SB 240, SB 1727, SB 870, SB 618, SB 62, SB 666, SB 847, SB 284, SB 854, SB 1073, SB 810, SB 1505, SB 583, SB 1502, SB 507, SB 1026, SB 1349, SB 1433, SB 1434, SB 1376, SB 1585, SB 1772, SB 2016, SB 1163, SB 619, SB 1122, SB 732, SB 731, SB 397, SB 508, SB 1436, SB 287, SB 261, SB 1882, SB 393, SB 1791, SB 529, SB 209, SB 2429, SB 1999, SB 511, SB 2309, SB 510, SB 1860, SB 2037, SB 1924, SB 2253, SB 2018, SB 2206, SB 1299, SB 841, SB 668, SB 584, SB 1085, SB 2431, SB 1490, SB 1868, SB 2314, SB 434, SB 2046, SB 1667, SB 2127, SB 1975, SB 1760, SB 1734, SB 1335, SB 2246, SB 2439, SB 1624, SB 1244, SB 1468, SB 2717, SB 1612, SB 1262, SB 604, SB 2395, SB 1832, SB 1745, SB 1746, SB 2207, SB 1784, SB 1524, SB 528, SB 437, SB 269, SB 1137, SB 968, SB 636, SB 747, SB 1325, SB 1455, SB 2056, SB 1940, SB 2052, SB 1579, SB 2068, SB 3034, SB 1920, SB 1558, SB 1236, SB 1044, SB 884, SB 463, SB 227, SB 517, SB 1200, SB 1410, SB 1626, SB 1845, SB 1863, SB 2216, SB 2681, SB 1717, SB 2141, SB 2323, SB 2200, SB 2332, SB 2199, SB 1757, SB 2050, SB 1138, SB 2458, SB 1864, SB 2201, SB 1862, SB 1055, SB 2660, SB 1898, SB 2662, SB 2161, SB 2964, SB 2881, SB 1065, SB 801, SB 2743, SB 2533, SB 2073, SB 3014, SB 3013, SB 2702, SB 2629, SB 2443, SB 2349, SB 2167, SB 2145, SB 2121, SB 758, SB 648, SB 647, SB 512, SB 438, SB 1721, SB 2268, SB 1495, SB 2705, SB 2366, SB 1422, SB 1369, SB 1013, SB 682, SB 2692, SB 2570, SB 2797, SB 2111, SB 1896, SB 1164, SB 1020, SB 663, SB 2371, SB 1152, SB 2196, SB 2383, SB 2581, SB 2798, SB 330, SB 646, SB 843, SB 1998, SB 1418, SB 2788, SB 1169, SB 2873, SB 1754, SB 1534, SB 1718, SB 2779, SB 2004, SB 1143, SB 1756, SB 912, SB 2119, SB 2032, SB 527, SB 1580, SB 1952, SB 2601, SB 2322, SB 2448, SB 1777, SB 1283, SB 407, SB 2392, SB 2076, SB 2786, SB 3031, SB 2877, SB 2876, SB 2284, SB 2225, SB 1540, SB 2920, SB 2929, SB 1395, SB 1972, SB 2540, SB 1183, SB 2742, SB 2595, SB 2217, SB 2117, SB 715, SB 2330, SB 1964, SB 1383, SB 500, SB 1640, SB 39, SB 2001, SB 2080, SB 2722, SB 506, SB 2514, SB 2623, SB 2658, SB 1574, SB 2900, SB 2753, SB 2398, SB 401, SB 1241, SB 2927, SB 2173, SB 2538, SB 898, SB 467, SB 1449, SB 2529, SB 1531, SB 2846, SB 2476, SB 2031, SB 986, SB 1181, SB 2075, SB 2154, SB 2864, SB 31, SB 2880, SB 1359, SB 2386, SB 771, SB 2844, SB 2550, SB 1351, SB 1423, SB 1931, SB 2245, SB 2589, SB 2707, SB 2807, SB 2351, SB 410, SB 659, SB 816, SB 2776, SB 2693, SB 2580, SB 1980, SB 1886, SB 1234, SB 739, SB 482, SB 456, SB 127, SB 1666, SB 2843, SB 2801, SB 800, SB 2055, SB 784, SB 2986, SB 735, SB 1012, SB 324, SB 2926, SB 2938, SB 2007, SB 2138, SB 1242, SB 843, SB 1152, SB 1164, SB 1299, SB 1349, SB 1868, SB 2037, SB 2349, SB 2788, SB 39, SB 1183, SB 1717, SB 1832, SB 2743, SR 429, SR 432, SCR 38, SB 39, SB 240, SB 618, SB 870, SB 1183, SB 1257, SB 1717, SB 1727, SB 1832, SB 2743, SB 2, SB 3058, SB 3059, HB 6, HB 14, HB 43, HB 100, HB 136, HB 149, HB 204, HB 206, HB 307, HB 467, HB 685, HB 1130, HB 1393, HB 1644, HB 2027, HB 2118, HB 2176, HB 2468, HB 2488, HB 2525, HB 2596, HB 2890, HB 2894, HB 3077, HB 3114, HB 3204, SCR 4, SCR 18, SCR 43, SB 269, SB 330, SB 434, SB 437, SB 438, SB 463, SB 528, SB 604, SB 663, SB 668, SB 682, SB 747, SB 841, SB 912, SB 968, SB 1020, SB 1044, SB 1138, SB 1143, SB 1236, SB 1244, SB 1325, SB 1335, SB 1369, SB 1418, SB 1422, SB 1455, SB 1468, SB 1495, SB 1534, SB 1579, SB 1580, SB 1612, SB 1624, SB 1667, SB 1734, SB 1745, SB 1746, SB 1760, SB 1784, SB 1860, SB 1862, SB 1864, SB 1896, SB 1898, SB 1920, SB 1940, SB 1952, SB 1998, SB 2032, SB 2052, SB 2068, SB 2073, SB 2121, SB 2127, SB 2141, SB 2145, SB 2161, SB 2167, SB 2196, SB 2207, SB 2216, SB 2246, SB 2323, SB 2332, SB 2395, SB 2431, SB 2439, SB 2443, SB 2581, SB 2601, SB 2629, SB 2702, SB 2705, SB 2798, SB 2873, SB 2881, SB 2964, SB 3034, SB 227, SB 584, SB 1013, SB 1137, SB 1169, SB 1200, SB 1299, SB 1410, SB 1999, SB 2004, SB 2429, SB 2717, SB 3058, SB 3059, HB 6, HB 14, HB 43, HB 100, HB 136, HB 149, HB 204, HB 206, HB 307, HB 467, HB 685, HB 1130, HB 1393, HB 1644, HB 2027, HB 2118, HB 2176, HB 2468, HB 2488, HB 2525, HB 2596, HB 2890, HB 2894, HB 3077, HB 3114, HB 3204

Keywords: Pflugerville, Trail Capital, health and wellness, outdoor recreation, community connectivity, patriotism, town designation, community engagement, Trophy Club, Texas Town of Patriotism, Port Aransas, Mustang Island, Fishing Capital of Texas, Texas fishing, coastal tourism, charter fishing, deep-sea fishing, bay fishing, pier fishing, angling

Transcript Highlights:

• So when we met last time for the General Revenue Conference in August, we had data General Revenue Conference
• And then whatever is over and above that, they generate a return.
• So we subtracted those pandemic-related transfers into general revenue to generate an orange line, which
• So you'll see in the last several years the state general revenue... ...state general revenue growth
• In the slides that began update on general revenue, slide number three, where it says, Update on general

Summary: The Senate Committee on Finance and Tax met for its first meeting of the session, with a quorum present and several members excused. Chair Avila opened by framing the committee’s main focus as property tax relief and housing affordability, noting the complexity of any changes to Florida’s long-standing property tax structure and emphasizing the need to preserve funding for schools and local public safety. He also introduced new committee staff member Tamisha Black and thanked staff for summer work supporting analysis of potential proposals, including constitutional amendment concepts and other property tax relief ideas. Staff director Azar Khan then presented an update on the General Revenue forecast, explaining that collections remained above estimate but at a slower pace than the prior year, with recent economic indicators slightly weaker than earlier forecasts. He said the new forecast mostly reflected modest adjustments, with a notable share of the increase coming from earnings on investment rather than the usual drivers such as sales tax or corporate income tax. Khan also gave a detailed presentation on ad valorem millages, explaining the different millage types used by school districts, counties, municipalities, special districts, and water management districts; the rollback rate; TRIM notice and hearing timelines; voting thresholds for adopting higher millages; and long-term trends showing millage rates declining over time even as total taxes levied have increased. Members used the presentations to discuss property tax relief options and the relationship between local property taxes and state revenue. President Passidomo praised staff and Senator Bernard’s summer work on proposals. President Gaetz asked about converting homestead property tax revenue to sales tax and was told the rough equivalent could be around a 2.8-cent sales tax increase, though with important behavioral and distributional caveats. Senator Rouson asked about the decline in corporate income tax estimates, and Khan said it likely reflected changes in national corporate profit expectations and collection patterns, promising a follow-up. The Department of Revenue’s Lizette Kelly confirmed that TRIM data, including adopted millages, rollback rates, and maximum millage calculations, are collected by jurisdiction and can be provided to the committee. No bills were taken up and no votes occurred beyond adjournment, which was adopted by motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Major General Shawn Mankey, I'm the adjutant general of the Minnesota National Guard, and I think Representative
• Major General Shawn Mankey, I'm the adjutant general of the Minnesota National Guard, and I think Representative
• Major General Shawn Mankey, I'm the adjutant general of the Minnesota National Guard, and I think Representative
• Major General Shawn Mankey, I'm the adjutant general of the Minnesota National Guard, and I think Representative
• Major General Shawn Mankey, I'm the adjutant general of the Minnesota National Guard, and I think Representative

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, Deputy Attorney General Alyssa K. on behalf of the Department of the Attorney General
• general there's just good General general there's just good General accounting<00:37:16.680>
• So yeah, move it to general fund.
• So yeah, move it to general fund.
• So yeah, move it to general fund.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees first heard House Bill 229, which would establish a statewide speed restriction for motor vehicles under certain circumstances. Testimony on the bill was limited and came in support from the City and County of Honolulu’s transportation services, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. No one testified in opposition, and there were no questions. The committees then took up House Bill 860, which would grant immunity from liability to the state or counties when they repair or maintain a street whose ownership or jurisdiction is disputed between them. The Department of Transportation and the Department of Land and Natural Resources submitted written testimony, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee, Hawaii County Council member Heather Kimble, and the Iolani Homestead Community Association for Justice testified in support. The Ho Association for Justice opposed the bill, arguing the immunity was too broad and that the issue had already been addressed by prior legislation. In discussion, members raised concerns about liability and asked whether a different approach, such as extending the 2017 law transferring Oahu roads in limbo to the counties, would be acceptable; county representatives said that path could be considered if immunity were removed. House Bill 1161, which would authorize counties to use a road usage charge mechanism similar to the state’s, drew support from the Department of Transportation, the Energy Office, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, several county and city offices, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. Rental car companies and industry groups supported the concept but asked for amendments, including a flat fee instead of a per-mile charge, relief for plug-in hybrid vehicles, and a delayed implementation date. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii also supported relief for hybrids. Members questioned the rental car representatives about the flat-fee proposal, and they said a per-mile charge would be difficult to calculate and pass on to customers. At the end of the joint agenda, the committees deferred decision-making on HB 1161 to Tuesday, March 18 at 3:00 p.m., and the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee also deferred the three measures to that date and time. The Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee then began hearing House Bill 925, which would create a Performing Arts Special Fund, and House Bill 1378, which would establish a Performing Arts Grants Program and Special Fund and revise the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ responsibilities and funding sources. HB 925 received support from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and written support or comments from DBEDT, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, and others. HB 1378 drew extensive testimony and discussion focused on preserving arts funding while addressing concerns about the use of Works of Art Special Fund dollars for positions and programming. The Governor’s office said it supported the intent but had concerns; the Attorney General warned that the bill’s cap and transfer provisions were unclear and could affect the tax-exempt status of bond-funded dollars; and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts opposed the measure, urging an audit, tracking of deposits, and a shift of positions and programs to general funds instead of changing the law. The chair explained that the bill was intended to protect arts funding while tightening the legal guardrails around bond-financed dollars and preserving federal support, and asked testimony to focus on new points as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Technology. with an update on the Broadband Middle Mile Project, and finally, the Department of General
• To date, we've turned in the Benefits and Risk of Generative Artificial Intelligence report.
• As a first-generation college graduate, navigating higher education was not easy.
• For some little background, I am a second generation Mexican.
• And so should be generally a. Net one way or the other.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't have Inspector General Clark here today.
• Generally, again, Inspector General Clark would have more specific information, but generally action
• Generally, again, Inspector General Clark would have more specific information, but generally action
• The Office of Inspector General is their role.
• But in general, DHS, you know, has the ability...

Transcript Highlights:

• recommended for placement on the general recommended for placement on the general register.<00:04
• Uh yes, I do have a future generation with me.
• general register. Thank you, sir. general register. Thank you, sir.
• All placement on the general register.
• recommended for placement on the general recommended for placement on the general register.<00:24

Bills: HF3475, SF3832, HF3508, HF3917, HF3404, HF3593

Keywords: agriculture, education, leadership council, compensation, research institute, dairy assistance, investment relief, agriculture support, food production, economic relief, investment, relief initiative, farm support, medication repository, drug donation, healthcare, Minnesota Statutes, pharmacy, public health, controlled substances

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, General.
• Going back, General Guiyo, to...
• Admiral General, thank you all for being here. General, I enjoyed our conversation.
• General.
• General, give us...

Keywords: national security, China, Russia, cybersecurity, border security, military deployment, transnational crime, defense modernization, military strategy

Summary: In this meeting, key topics included national security concerns with an emphasis on threats from China, Russia, and transnational criminal organizations. Senior military officials provided testimony on the evolving risks posed by these adversaries, particularly focusing on cybersecurity and advancements in weaponry. The discussion highlighted the importance of a cohesive strategy among government departments to effectively respond to the challenges presented by these threats, emphasizing the need for modernization in defense capabilities. Committee members grilled the witnesses on border security and the implications of deploying military resources in domestic operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Current general salary growth assumption of 3.25%. Director Chapman C.
• This just shows you the impact of the general fund and local government.
• We adopt general salary... Is there a motion to adopt general salary growth of 3.5%? I move.
• Chair, just kind of ask, is there a general consensus?
• Yes, Senator Conway, I just have a general question.

Summary: The committee approved the July minutes and then received an informational presentation from the Office of the State Actuary on the financial condition of the state retirement systems. The actuary reported that employer contribution rates are generally declining, helped by strong investment returns and reduced funding for PERS 1 and TERS 1, while funded ratios have continued to improve; on a combined basis the plans were reported at 100% funded in 2024, with open plans above 95% and legacy plans varying by system. The presentation also reviewed projected rates and funded ratios under current assumptions, noted that pension costs are taking a smaller share of the state general fund, and discussed risks from investment volatility, policy changes, and demographic experience. Committee members asked about savings from lower rates, deferred asset smoothing, and how Washington compares with other states. The committee then considered the state actuary’s recommendation on long-term economic assumptions and adopted all four recommendations by roll call votes: inflation at 3.0%, general salary growth at 3.5%, membership growth for Plan 1 funding at 1.0%, and investment rate of return at 7.25%. The actuaries explained that the inflation and salary growth increases were driven largely by higher long-term inflation expectations, while the investment return recommendation matched the current statutory assumption. Members discussed the timing of the Pension Funding Council’s decision, the effect of tariffs and inflation uncertainty, and how assumption changes would affect future contribution rates and budgets, particularly for open plans. Staff then gave an update on the LEOFF 1 study, explaining the difference between being “ahead of schedule” and truly overfunded, and summarizing responses received from DRS, the State Treasurer, and the State Investment Board on the merger and restatement proposals. DRS said both bills could be administered, though the merger bill’s COLA banking provision would be challenging until its new system is ready; the Treasurer urged caution, especially about the restatement bill and the use of one-time funds; and the Investment Board said removing assets from the trust would have some transaction costs but likely small impacts. The committee discussed whether to invite additional agencies and local government groups to testify, and staff said more responses, including from Ice Miller and the State Actuary, were expected for the October meeting. Finally, the committee heard a briefing on PERS 1/TERS 1 COLA policy and related bills from the last session. Staff reviewed the committee’s prior ongoing COLA recommendation, the SCPP-endorsed bills that would have created a one-time 3% COLA followed by an ongoing COLA, the Senate merger bill, and a separate ad hoc COLA bill. Public testimony largely supported Plan 1 COLAs and stable contribution rates, while several speakers urged caution about transferring LEOFF 1 surplus assets or merging legacy plans, and others raised concerns about climate risk and the pension fund’s investments. No further committee action was taken on the COLA item during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• General, quick question for you.
• We've got Major General Dennis Leach virtually. Major General. Sir, you may be on mute. I'm sorry.
• Yes, I'm Major General Dennis Leach.
• Thank you, General, for the testimony.
• The Adjutant General, as currently defined under Chapter 33 of the Massachusetts General Laws, holds

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hybrid public hearing on seven House bills and seven Senate bills related to the Massachusetts National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserves. Opening remarks covered hearing procedures, livestreaming, testimony limits, and expected reporting dates, and chairs noted the committee’s focus on Guard and Reserve issues. Testimony then moved through several bills, including S. 2465 to expand the National Guard welcome-home veterans bonus to all deployed Guard members regardless of residency, H. 3876/S. 2462 to authorize military-style headstones for long-serving or deceased Guard members, and S. 2482/H. 3833 to establish a Massachusetts National Guard Museum in Salem. Supporters of the bonus and headstone bills argued they would correct inequities and better honor service; Senator Lovely described the museum proposal as a way to preserve the Guard’s history in Salem and potentially support federal funding for the project. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 3829/S. 2471, the “Defend the Guard” proposal that would bar Massachusetts National Guard deployments into active combat absent a formal congressional declaration of war. Supporters argued the bill would restore constitutional war powers, reduce repeated undeclared deployments, and protect Guard members’ mental health and state readiness. Opponents, including retired Guard leaders and current service members, warned it could conflict with federal law and Title 10 authority, undermine federal funding and training, and harm readiness, force structure, and unique Guard capabilities. Committee members repeatedly questioned the bill’s legal authority, constitutional basis, and practical effects under the Supremacy Clause and Title 10, and several witnesses were asked to submit additional written legal support. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3831, which would extend Chapter 115 benefits to currently serving Guard and Reserve members who do not meet federal veteran-status thresholds, and on related proposals to clarify Guard command structure and the duties of the Adjutant General. Supporters said these changes would improve access to benefits, reduce confusion in the chain of command, and strengthen discipline and responsiveness. Separately, the National Guard Association of Massachusetts backed H. 3860/S. 2458, the Guard Enlistment Enhancement Program, as a recruiting tool, while opposing the Defend the Guard bills. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• > Revenue general funds General General Revenue general funds General General Revenue budget<00:22
• Generally, we can.
• Generally, we can.
• Generally, we can.
• Page 9—oh, this is general. Same thing in general funds.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a work session on the Department of Business and Economic Affairs budget, with testimony from Chase Hegman and Kathy Frederickson. Early discussion focused on staffing and vacancies, including a senior planner position tied to FEMA requirements, a program assistant funded by federal ORID dollars, a program specialist being considered for reclassification, two Housing Champions positions to be funded in the next biennium, and temporary welcome center positions. Members also reviewed the commissioner’s office, indirect cost recoveries tied to federal program administration, and the structure and staffing of rest areas and welcome centers, including the Turnpike-funded locations and seasonal staffing patterns. Members then moved through economic development and federal grant-related accounts. Hegman explained that a large share of the agency’s funding is federal, with some programs requiring state match, including the Apex Accelerator, which supports government contracting assistance for businesses. He described Apex as a small team that helps businesses with DOD and other contracting opportunities through webinars, matchmaking, and one-on-one support. The Office of Workforce Opportunity was described as largely federally funded through Commerce-related workforce programs and subrecipients, with some general fund support for agency-wide needs. The Northern Borders Regional Commission dues and capacity grant were also discussed, with officials explaining the state’s required contribution and the federal funds used to administer the program. A major point of discussion was the proposed reduction to the Small Business Development Center, which officials said provides one-on-one technical assistance to new and small businesses and has a strong return on investment. Members questioned the cut, the federal funding sources, and whether there was a waiting list for services; officials said they would provide more detail on matching requirements and funding. The committee also reviewed travel and tourism accounts, including the joint promotional grant program and tourism advertising funds, both of which are proposed to increase. Officials said the tourism marketing formula is based on a percentage of meals and rooms tax revenue and argued that the spending generates significant visitor spending and tax revenue, citing an outside ROI study and examples of advertising in test markets. No votes were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assistant Attorney General Clare Ness. Assistant Attorney General Clare Ness.
• and a Deputy Solicitor General.
• We all generally know that.
• As far as the AI-generated, if you have an AI-generated image, we're treating that as child pornography
• As far as the AI-generated, if you have an AI-generated image, we're treating that as child pornography

Summary: The committee met as the Commerce and Legal Services Division and first approved the minutes, then received a Legislative Council overview of the Attorney General’s current budget status and a blue-sheet summary of the AG’s base budget for the next biennium. Staff highlighted compliance with legislative intent items, including FTE changes, one-time funding updates, litigation pool spending, opioid settlement receipts, and continuing appropriations. Members asked about specific funds such as the Missing Indigenous People Grant Fund and the Internet Crimes Investigation Fund, and staff explained the statutory basis and status of those items. The Attorney General’s office then presented an extensive overview of its divisions and budget pressures. Chief Deputy Attorney General Clare Ness described the office’s 14 divisions, the role of the office in defending the state and recouping funds, and concerns about attorney pay, recruitment, and retention. Members discussed whether attorney salaries should be benchmarked across state government and whether more legal work could be centralized in the AG’s office. The office also described challenges with the new-and-vacant FTE pool, operating expense cuts, leased office space, and the criminal justice information systems used to connect law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts. The Crime Laboratory director gave a detailed update on space and infrastructure problems, saying the current lab is overcrowded and outdated, with safety, workflow, air-handling, glycol leak, alarm, and maintenance issues that can delay casework and risk evidence integrity. She said a 2024 study projected a need for a much larger facility and that the preferred option would be a new building on the current health department site, at an estimated cost of roughly $40 million to $45 million. She also reported that backlogs have improved significantly in DNA, firearms, fingerprint, and drug cases, though toxicology had recently developed a small backlog after an air compressor failure. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, gaming division, and BCI also provided updates. MFCU’s new director said the unit is federally funded 75/25, focuses on fraud, abuse, and neglect, and is seeking two attorney hires while continuing to work with federal partners on cases and recertification. Gaming staff reported continued growth in charitable gaming and electronic pull-tab activity, with concerns about site competition, large trust balances, possible ineligible expenditures, and the need for more scrutiny as revenues have grown. BCI outlined its staffing, drug task forces, ICAC work, and the Missing Indigenous Person Task Force, which is using its $250,000 appropriation to help tribal nations develop emergency response plans and purchase alerting tools such as IPAWS. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• fund in the current bianium general fund in the current bianium which<00:18:16.000> is<00:18:
• against the general fund bottom line. against the general fund bottom line.
• Generally, these increases happen sort of at the start of every calendar year.
• The generally these increases year.
• So in general what when than expected.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Aaron Campbell, State Economist Dr. Tony Becker, and State Budget Director Anna Mingi presented the November 2025 budget and economic forecast. Campbell said the state now projects a nearly $2.5 billion surplus at the end of the 2026-27 biennium, about $575 million better than the end-of-session estimate, but also a projected negative balance of about $2.9 billion in FY 2028-29, reflecting a worsening structural imbalance. He said the budget reserve stands at $3.4 billion, with cash flow and budget reserves totaling $3.8 billion after a $244 million addition, and emphasized that Minnesota’s AAA bond rating and reserve policy remain strengths even as future sessions will need to address the long-term gap. Becker said the national economic outlook has changed only modestly since February, but growth remains below trend through the forecast horizon. He cited slower consumer spending, weak private investment, continued tariff uncertainty, lower projected immigration, and modest inflation that stays near 3% through 2026 before easing. Revenue forecasts for the next biennium were revised up to $66.3 billion, driven mainly by higher individual income tax receipts and other revenue, partly offset by lower sales and corporate tax forecasts. He also noted risks from federal policy changes, the recent shutdown’s effect on data availability, and possible equity market volatility. Mingi said general fund spending is projected to rise sharply, with current biennium spending up $3.4 billion from end-of-session estimates and planning-year spending up $1.9 billion. She attributed much of the increase to carryforward from prior one-time appropriations, discretionary inflation, and especially Medical Assistance. MA costs are projected to be about $2.5 billion higher over 2025-29, largely because managed care rates rose more than expected due to higher utilization and higher-cost services, including pharmacy costs, while long-term care and disability waiver costs also increased. In response to questions, officials said the federal reconciliation bill had only a relatively small effect on the health care changes, and that the carryforward amounts reflect unspent prior appropriations that now show up in later years rather than new spending.

Transcript Highlights:

• S.R. 128, S.D. 1, requesting the Attorney General to produce and provide a list of state lands currently
• Uh, first up to testify, Attorney General Miss Steed.
• Deputy Attorney General Miranda Steed said the Attorney General has comments on the resolution as drafted
• I am Deputy Attorney General members.
• Now the attorney general renewals.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs met on April 15, 2025, and heard several Senate resolutions. For S.R. 128, S.D. 1, which asks the Attorney General to provide a list of state lands leased to the United States or federal agencies, Deputy Attorney General Miranda Steed said the Attorney General had concerns with the resolution as drafted because it also seeks legal opinions on the legality of current and potential lease renewals. She noted the issue is important, especially with military leases expiring in 2029, but said the request was too broad and suggested legislators bring specific questions to the Attorney General after session instead of through a resolution. Committee members discussed the request, including concerns about language referencing the current administration, but ultimately recommended passage as is, with one member noting support with reservations. The motion to pass S.R. 128, S.D. 1 unamended was adopted. The committee then considered S.R. 204, requesting the Department of Law Enforcement to provide information on the disposal, detonation, and destruction of explosives, fireworks, and similar hazardous materials. There was no in-person testimony and no one on Zoom to testify, though one written testimony with comments had been received. The committee recommended passage of S.R. 204 as is, and the recommendation was adopted without opposition. Finally, the committee took up S.R. 184, requesting county police departments to increase enforcement against out-of-state vehicles operating on public roads without proper county registration. Again, there was no live testimony, only one written submission with comments. The vice chair recommended passage as is, noting a similar House resolution had not been scheduled on the other side. The committee adopted the recommendation and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• General of the United States.
• The Inspector General found that Mr.
• As I've argued in this committee, my Inspector General Access Act would allow the Inspector General to
• Now, and general counsels for advice.
• Vice of Offices of General Counsel.

Transcript Highlights:

• AND GENERAL OPERATING REVENUE FOR THE COUNTY.
• I IN GENERAL ON THE TECHNOLOGY OF WATER.
• THE GENERAL BODY CUSTOMERS WOULD PAY FOR THAT.
• COHEN SPOKE ABOUT SELF GENERATION.
• >> AS AND BRINGING THEIR OWN GENERATION?