Video & Transcript Research : 'Senate Joint Resolution 2'

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MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

MS House Floor - 2 April, 2026; 10:00 AM

Mississippi House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, on yesterday, Senate Bill 2828,...
  • Item number four, Senate Bill 2848, I move to table.
  • We will recess until 2:00.
  • Anyway, we're going to recess now until 2:00. We're going to recess now until 2:00.
  • I move that the House stand in recess until 2:00 p.m.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

MS House Floor - 29 March, 2026; 2:00 PM

Mississippi House Floor Meeting

MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Technology - Room 216, 18 March, 2026; 2:00 PM

Technology

Transcript Highlights:
  • once we we go through the Senate once we we go through the Senate confirmation.<00:03:50.799>
  • >> Thank you, Senator, for being here. >> Thank you, Senator, for being here.
  • Senator Delino? Senator Delino?
  • >> And now I'm going to go back to Senate >> And now I'm going to go back to Senate
  • Thank you, Senator Delano.
Summary: The committee first considered the reappointment of Thomas Allen Wicker to the IT Board. Members praised his long service, industry knowledge, and the importance of the state’s information technology operations. After a brief question about his past as editor of the Daily Mississippian, the committee voted to advise and consent, and the nomination was reported out. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to confirming the initial members of the new Mississippi Emergency Communications Authority board created under the next generation 911 law. The chair reviewed the board’s duties under Section 6 of the act, including budgeting, grant administration, setting and revising technology standards, improving interoperability and consolidation of 911 systems, recommending standards for public safety answering points, collecting performance data, coordinating technical assistance, addressing GIS mapping and standards, and developing a CMRS grant program for NG 911 implementation. The chair and Senator Deleno emphasized that the board will be responsible for statewide planning, sustainable funding, and helping local governments understand the costs and benefits of NG 911 and shared GIS infrastructure. The committee then heard brief statements from the nominees, who described backgrounds in emergency communications, law enforcement, GIS, EMS, county administration, and local government. Nominees included Danna Diaz, Chief Chad Norman Dorne, Eric Hollingsworth, Paul Sheffield, Scott Trapalino, Terresa Windham, Paul Mosley, Matt Haley, Brian Roberts, W. Willis Willard Johnson, Beatatric Prior, and Sheri Hoampamp. One nominee, Paul Sheffield, had a self-reported bankruptcy from 2002 that had been resolved in 2004, but the committee still moved forward. Each nominee was asked if there were questions, and the committee repeatedly voted to advise and consent, with no opposition recorded. Senator Deleno closed by stressing that the board’s work is critical to the future of first responders in Mississippi, especially the development of a statewide GIS standard and a grant framework for using NG 911 funds responsibly. He said the legislature wanted to avoid piecemeal purchases and instead ensure accountability, efficiency, and a sustainable funding source. The chair thanked the nominees and Senator Deleno, and the meeting concluded after the confirmations were completed.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

MS House Floor - 3 March, 2026; 2:00 PM

Mississippi House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • They're all House resolutions. resolutions. resolutions.
  • Questions on item four, House Resolution 75. resolution, indicate by saying I resolution, indicate by
  • You are recognized to explain the Senate Concurrent Resolution. >> This is congratulating the Ole Miss
  • > Resolution.
  • the Senate Concurrent Resolution. the Senate Concurrent Resolution.
Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then dispensed with the reading of the journal and introductions. The session included many gallery introductions recognizing Jackson State University Day and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Day, along with visiting university officials, alumni, students, community leaders, and other guests. Members also offered remarks honoring JSU achievements and several individuals, including a doctor of the day, a mayor, military personnel, and a legislative intern. One member asked for adjournment in memory of two West Bolivar students who died in a house fire, and the chamber observed that request. On the calendar, the House took up several House resolutions in blocks. Items 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 were adopted without objection, and House Resolution 72 and House Resolution 75 were each adopted by voice vote. The chamber then considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 526, described as congratulating the Ole Miss Rebels; it was adopted by a recorded vote of 121 yeas and 0 nays. A request was made for immediate release on that resolution, and there was no objection. Members also discussed adding the full House membership as co-authors on House Resolution 78, which was noted as honoring an outstanding Jackson State baseball player. Several announcements were made about committee meetings and events, including Medicaid, Judiciary, State Affairs, and Accountability, Efficiency, and Transparency meetings, though State Affairs was later announced not to meet that afternoon. Members also announced a legislative reception hosted by the Mississippi Tourism Association and Game and Hospitality Association, and a 100-year anniversary event for the Mississippi Forester Commission. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 10:00 a.m. the next day.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

MS House Floor - 2 March, 2026; 4:00 PM

Mississippi House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:06:58.560> Aba Representative uh, Dwise, Senator Aba Representative uh, Dwise, Senator
  • /c> I anticipate we'll come in at 2 I anticipate we'll come in at 2 tomorrow.<00:10:41.760> Um
  • So, we'll come in at 2 and afternoon.
  • him, but tomorrow we'll commend it at 2. him, but tomorrow we'll commend it at 2.
  • until 2 p.m. tomorrow. until 2 p.m. tomorrow.
Summary: The Mississippi House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then confirmed a quorum and dispensed with the reading of the journal. There were no select committee reports, and the chamber moved through routine introductions, including a guest introduction from the lady from DeSoto welcoming her husband, Dr. Gaya Remac. No bills were debated on the floor during this portion of the meeting. Members used the announcements period to share several committee and event notices, including upcoming meetings for Energy, Judiciary A and B, Appropriations A, Public Health, Insurance, Gaming, Youth and Family, Rules, State Affairs, and AET. The clerk also announced that tomorrow was the committee deadline day for Senate bills, with the House expected to come in at 2 p.m. and then work Senate general bills on Wednesday and Thursday. One member noted a ticketed Mississippi Tourism Association/Mississippi Gaming Hospitality event, and another reminded members of the Capital Prayer Group meeting. The House also paused for a moment of silence at the request of a member who referenced three military members lost over the weekend and others seriously injured overseas, and another member asked for prayers for Representative Earl Banks after the death of his mother, Miss Evelyn Banks. A separate adjournment-in-memory request was made for Miss Mary Everett, described as a longtime community leader. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 2 p.m. the next day.
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session, 3/2/2026 #1

Maryland House Floor Meeting

MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

MS House Floor - 26 February, 2026; 2:00 PM

Mississippi House Floor Meeting

MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Technology - Room 216, 25 February, 2026; 2:30 PM

Technology

Summary: Chair Bart Williams opened the Technology Committee meeting with five of seven members present and said the committee had two bills before it. House Bill 1723 was described as a companion bill establishing a baseline definition of artificial intelligence, modeled on federal language to provide consistency. The committee asked no questions and then moved to pass the bill, approving it by voice vote. The committee then took up House Bill 1754, described as a procurement bill with cyber-related elements. Chair Williams said the bill followed hearings held the previous day and reflected ongoing committee interest in procurement and cybersecurity issues. He asked members to keep the bill alive as it would move on to AET. After no questions, the committee voted to pass the bill by voice vote. At the end of the meeting, a motion was made to rise and report, and the committee adjourned.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

MS House Floor - 24 February, 2026; 2:00 PM

Mississippi House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Resolutions, petitions, memorials, and other papers. We have none, Mr. Speaker. All right.
  • And his body will lie in interment at Hawthorne Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. in Columbia, Mississippi, on
Summary: The House convened with a prayer by guest minister James Colepepper, who asked for wisdom, unity, discernment, and justice in the legislature’s work, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. After confirming a quorum, the House dispensed with the reading of the journal and the reading of bill introductions, and there were no select committee reports or resolutions. The body also recognized the week’s pages, including Nora Grace Grubbs, and several guests in the galleries, including the Mississippi Lead Group, West Harrison High School students, and advocacy visitors from Six Dimensions focused on maternal health. Most of the meeting consisted of introductions and recognitions. Members welcomed family members and visitors, noted a birthday for Rep. Cedric Burnett, and recognized Dr. Madu Munger for work empowering women and girls. There were also memorial announcements for retired Mississippi Highway Patrol Master Sergeant Roger Dale Blackman and for Oliver Short, the father of Rep. Tracy Rosebud, with the House pausing in their honor and members invited to be added as co-authors on the memorial. The clerk announced committee meeting times for Ways and Means, Military Affairs, Technology, Universities and Colleges, Corrections, Energy, Marine Resources, and Drug Policy, along with a cancellation for the Education meeting. Members also promoted several caucus and association events. No bills were debated or voted on, and the only formal action taken was adjournment, with the House voting to stand adjourned until 10:00 a.m. the next day.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

MS House Floor - 18 February, 2026; 2:00 PM

Mississippi House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'll Concurrent Resolutions in block.
  • If you favor the resolutions, vote aye. If you favor the resolutions, vote aye.
  • <00:14:03.800> He on these resolutions? Final passage. He on these resolutions?
  • ,<00:14:06.680> indicate If you favor the resolutions, indicate If you favor the resolutions
  • <00:16:05.200> Jeff<00:16:05.520> Tate, Senator Jeff Tate, Senator Jeff Tate, Ms.<00:16
Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, confirmed a quorum, dispensed with reading of the journal, and moved through routine introductions and gallery recognitions. Guests included court reporter Kim Almer, representatives of the Mississippi Faculty and Staff Association of Community Colleges, YMCA visitors, the Madison County Youth Council, members of the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association and the University of Mississippi veterinary school, Holmes Community College guests celebrating the college’s 100th anniversary, Enterprise Consolidated High School students and educators, George Stewart, and Petal High School Ambassadors. Members also made several announcements about upcoming meetings and events, including committee meetings after adjournment, an electric co-op day at the Capitol, a discussion on the recent ice storm catastrophe, a battlefield preservation lunch, and a Mississippi Health Care Collaborative reception. On the Rules Calendar, the House took up House Concurrent Resolutions in blocks. Items 1 through 3 were adopted by a vote of 121 yeas and 0 nays, and items 4 through 12 were also adopted. The House then gave immediate release to those resolutions. Later, the House considered concurrence on House Bill 580. The bill was explained as extending the qualifying deadline by seven days and removing the reverse repealer, with the sponsor stating affected parties were agreeable to the changes. The House concurred in HB 580 by a vote of 119 yeas and 0 nays. The chamber concluded its calendar work and announced that it would reconvene the next day at 10:00 a.m. to take up appropriations bills. The House then adjourned until 10:00 a.m. the following day.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

MS House Floor - 17 February, 2026; 2:00 PM

Mississippi House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Resolutions, petitions, that procedure.
  • Speaker, I make a motion that the House stand adjourned until 2 p.m. tomorrow.
  • House stand adjourned 2 p.m. tomorrow. house stand adjoin until 2 p.m. house stand adjoin until 2 p.m
  • /c><00:16:24.560> pm house stand adjourned till 2 pm house stand adjourned till 2 pm tomorrow.
  • House stand adjourn 2 p.m. have it. House stand adjourn 2 p.m. Tomorrow.
Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. Members dispensed with the reading of the journal, and there were no reports from select committees, no resolutions or memorials, and introductions of bills and constitutional amendments were handled without reading. The chamber also recognized several guests and pages, including a large group of nursing students from Alcorn State University, along with other visitors and constituents in the galleries. A number of members used the announcements period to highlight events and personal matters. Representative Powell asked that the House adjourn in memory of Pat Husler, the mother of a committee assistant, and the request was accepted. Representative Bell also asked to adjourn in memory of the late Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, describing him as an inspiration. Representative Fondren announced a Mississippi Association for Justice event later that evening, and Representative Wallace gave an update on the Sale of Champions, noting scholarships awarded, animals sold, and funds raised. The only formal committee action mentioned was an announcement that Appropriations A would meet at 10:00 a.m. the next day in room 2011A, and that the appropriations committee would also meet five minutes after adjournment to consider a bill that had been omitted earlier. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 2 p.m. the following day.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Medicaid - Room 216, 4 February, 2026; 2:00 PM

Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chairman and members of the Senate Medicaid Committee.
  • <00:18:05.520> My of the Senate Medicaid Committee. My of the Senate Medicaid Committee.
  • According to the CDC, 1 to 2% of Americans are diagnosed with epilepsy.
  • <00:20:12.400> of According to the CDC, 1 to 2% of According to the CDC, 1 to 2% of Americans
  • >> Senator Simmons. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr.
Summary: The committee heard presentations on several Medicaid-related topics. First, a pharmacy representative discussed nonopioid pain medications as a way to reduce opioid dependence and overdose risk, emphasizing that options such as acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and topical diclofenac can be useful for pain management. She cautioned that nonopioids can still have risks and said any policy should avoid requiring patients to step through opioids before accessing safer alternatives, while still allowing reasonable step therapy among nonopioid options. The presenter said the goal is to keep patients from being pushed toward opioids by cost or insurance design. The committee also heard emotional testimony from parents of a child with Prader-Willi syndrome, who described the condition as a rare genetic disorder that causes severe, lifelong hyperphagia and requires rigid supervision and ongoing treatment. They argued that alternative funding programs can disrupt access to medically necessary drugs such as human growth hormone, forcing families into costly and uncertain coverage gaps. They asked lawmakers to ensure insurance coverage remains stable for rare disease patients and thanked Senator Blackwell for prior support of rare disease legislation. Next, a Livanova representative urged the committee to support higher Medicaid reimbursement for vagus nerve stimulator surgery for drug-resistant epilepsy. He said inadequate hospital reimbursement has reduced access in Mississippi, causing patients to travel long distances or go without treatment, and argued that better reimbursement would improve outcomes and save money over time. He cited studies showing seizure reductions, lower ER use, and a projected $2.8 million in five-year savings for Medicaid based on 40 patients, and asked that hospitals be reimbursed at 100% of Medicare rates for the procedure codes. Finally, a Medicaid official gave a broad overview of hospital payment structure, including fee-for-service, managed care, MHAP, DSH, UPL, provider taxes, and related funding mechanisms. She explained that hospital payments are interrelated and have shifted over time, with major changes tied to managed care, MHAP/UPL increases, and provider taxes. At the end of the discussion, the committee was running short on time and asked her to skip ahead to the provider tax component; no votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Agriculture - Room 210, 3 February, 2026; 2:00 P.M.

Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:
  • Any questions, Senator B?
  • Senator<00:09:03.920> Hail, Senator Hail, Senator Hail, >> what<00:09:04.800> is<
  • recognize Senator Barry for a motion. recognize Senator Barry for a motion.
  • the day will be Senate Bill 2631. the day will be Senate Bill 2631.
  • are discussions on that, Senator. are discussions on that, Senator.
Summary: The committee first discussed a bill codifying herd-share/custom slaughter practices for small livestock producers. The sponsor proposed amending the bill to change “sale and/or purchase” to “deposit” and to allow pricing by live weight, dressed weight, or final weight. Members raised concerns that allowing payment by dressed weight could trigger federal USDA inspection requirements and conflict with existing federal rules. After discussion, the committee agreed to keep only the first change, striking “purchase” and inserting “deposit,” and to leave the weight-pricing language unchanged. The sponsor then withdrew the broader amendment, and the bill was reported out with a title-sufficient do-pass motion. The committee next took up a bill authorizing Mississippi State University Extension to assist poultry farmers with management plans, citing delays caused by short staffing at NRCS and DEQ. Members asked whether the extension service was comfortable with the role and were told the assistance would be voluntary and not mandatory. The bill was reported out on a title-sufficient do-pass motion. The committee also approved a bill to allow crawfish farms to be licensed, and a bill on district livestock shows that would let the northeast district show be held at any facility within the county rather than only at the Verona livestock center, which the sponsor said was no longer suitable for the children involved. The committee then considered a meat-labeling bill making technical amendments to last year’s law on cultured meat and related products. After an initial vote was set aside because of a communications problem, the committee reconsidered the bill and adopted an amendment changing a funding reference from “special” to “general fund.” The bill was then reported out as amended. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2631, creating a voluntary Mississippi Grain Indemnity Act to protect grain producers if elevators or buyers fail financially. The sponsor said the program would be funded by a per-bushel assessment, capped at $25 million, with possible state seed money still under discussion. Members asked about the source of any additional funds and the history of recent grain failures, and the bill was then moved forward on a title-sufficient do-pass motion.
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session, 2/2/2026 #1

Maryland House Floor Meeting

MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Gaming - Room 210, 2 February, 2026; 1:30 P.M.

Gaming

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is a bill that Senator Michelle has dropped past few years and that we have passed at least a couple
  • Uh, and uh, I'll be happy to answer any questions from any members of the committee about Senate Bill
  • Uh, and uh, I'll be happy to answer any questions from any members of the committee about Senate Bill
  • Uh, and uh, I'll be happy to answer any questions from any members of the committee about Senate Bill
  • Uh, Senator Y has moved title sufficient do pass. So you're ready to vote.
Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 2369, described as a familiar measure that had been introduced in prior years and passed at least once before. The bill would allow the Department of Human Services to intercept certain casino gambling winnings, especially slot machine winnings over $2,000 that generate a tax document, and apply those funds toward unpaid child support obligations. The sponsor emphasized that more than $5 billion in child support remains unpaid and argued the bill would help collect those debts. No substantive questions were raised during the hearing. A motion was made that the title be deemed sufficient and the bill be reported do pass. The motion was opposed, and the committee then moved to rise and report.
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session, 2/2/2026 #2

Maryland House Floor Meeting

Summary: The House took up House Bill 444, Public Safety, Immigration Enforcement Agreements Prohibition, which would end 287(g) agreements and related formal understandings with federal immigration authorities. The main debate centered on whether the bill would interfere with the transfer of detainees to ICE and whether counties should be required to give advance notice before release. The sponsor argued the bill should be amended to require 48-hour notice and transfer of convicted detainees, saying it would protect public safety while respecting detainee rights. Opponents said the amendment was unnecessary because notice is already given in practice and that the bill would not allow holding anyone beyond a court-ordered release time. Members discussed a recent news story about a Prince George’s County detainee who was released after serving time and later picked up by ICE, using it as an example of why clearer procedures were needed. The floor leader and other opponents responded that the person had been released by court order and that the proposed amendment would not have changed that outcome. A delegate from Prince George’s County said the county followed standard correctional procedures, checked for detainers, notified ICE, and could not lawfully hold the person once the judge ordered release. A delegate from Baltimore County argued that formal agreements and MOUs with ICE are necessary because informal arrangements are inconsistent and detainers are often ignored; another member cited Baltimore County detainer statistics to support that point. The first amendment to HB 444 was put to a roll call vote and failed, with 36 votes in the negative. After that, a second amendment was offered that would ban arrest quotas, drone use in law enforcement, warrantless unmanned aerial surveillance, and no-knock warrants. The sponsor described it as a civil-liberties measure aimed at preventing quota-driven policing and intrusive surveillance. The transcript ends while that second amendment is being introduced and explained, before any final action on it is shown.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations - Room 216, 2 February, 2026; 1:30 PM

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate Bill 2189.
  • <00:09:38.959> Senator >> Thank you, Senator Williams.
  • Senator >> Thank you, Senator Williams.
  • Senator Deleno, >> Thank you, Senator Dri. Senator Deleno, you're<00:10:38.480> recognized.
  • Thank you, Senator Sparks. Senator DeLano, did you have a question?
Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2189, described as a transfer bill that brings forward code sections tied to the various funds used to compose the budget. With no questions, the committee adopted a title sufficient do pass motion and reported the bill. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2190, which would raise Mississippi’s rainy day fund cap from 10% to 15% of general fund revenue. The chair explained that the change would gradually build the reserve over time to a little over $1 billion, and clarified in response to questions that the figure did not include money being used for PERS or capex. The bill received a title sufficient do pass recommendation. Next, Senate Bill 2717 was presented as a modernization of the My Kids youth court information system, which was described as 35 to 40 years old and antiquated. Senator Wiggins said the bill follows an audit and would support an $8 million replacement effort, with a three-year implementation and training period, and that the new system would be cloud-based and allow better data sharing among youth court-related agencies while preserving county-level protections. Senators raised concerns about prior ARPA funding, disclosure of youth court records, and the effect of a repealer in current law; Wiggins and others said related disclosure issues were being addressed in separate Judiciary A bills. The committee then voted title sufficient do pass. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 2896, a DPS-requested measure tied to pay increases for highway patrol, Bureau of Narcotics, and Bureau of Investigation personnel, with the chair saying the proposal would keep the bill alive through a reverse repealer in the committee substitute. Finally, the committee considered companion bills Senate Bills 2898 and 2924 to provide $20 million to MEMA’s Disaster Assistance Trust Fund in response to the recent ice storm and to cover state disaster expenses. Members discussed federal disaster reimbursement rules, the distinction between individual assistance and public assistance, insurance requirements, and the need for local governments to document eligible expenses. Both bills were adopted by title sufficient do pass, and the committee also passed Senate Bill 2917, which changes Mississippi Valley State University’s request from a new residence hall to repair and renovation of existing residence halls. The chair then set remaining bills aside for a later meeting and the committee rose and reported.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Education - Room 216, 2 February, 2026; 1:45 PM

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you, Senator DeLano. Any questions for Senator DeLano?
  • Thank you, Senator. Let's call up the next bill, Senate Bill 2244. And this deals...
  • Senator Hill: What was the amount that you said per student? Senator DeLano: 7,200.
  • question for Senator Rhodess. question for Senator Rhodess.
  • Senator Hill. >> Thank you Senator Wing. Senator Hill.
Summary: The committee first took up a bill on computer science and CTE. Senator DeLano explained that it updates prior law requiring computer science to be incorporated into curriculum and Carnegie unit credit, and now allows artificial intelligence to be included as a component of a district’s computer science offerings. The committee asked no substantive questions, and the bill received a title sufficient, do pass recommendation by voice vote. The next measure, Senate Bill 2244, would allow students in districts rated F for two consecutive years to transfer to another district or school, with the state covering transportation and related costs in addition to base student cost. Members raised concerns about the estimated fiscal impact, the authority of receiving districts to accept students, whether the bill should apply to individual schools within an F district, and whether a case-by-case or pilot approach would be better. The committee adopted a reverse repealer to keep the bill alive for further work, then voted title sufficient, do pass. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2235, which requires local law enforcement to notify a juvenile’s school district within 24 hours of a felony arrest. Senator Rhodes said the bill was prompted by school resource officers who wanted schools to know when a student had been arrested, especially after violent incidents, so schools could respond appropriately. Senators questioned whether the bill conflicts with youth court confidentiality and records laws, who exactly should receive the notice, and whether false arrests could harm students. The sponsor said the bill was intended to improve communication and school safety, and the committee adopted a reverse repealer and then voted title sufficient, do pass. The chair announced the committee would meet again later that day and rise and report tomorrow.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Finance - Room 216, 2 February, 2026; 3:00 PM

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • is Senate Bill 2894. is Senate Bill 2894.
  • Next is Senate Bill 2911. Senator Sparks.
  • Next is Senate Bill 2911. Senator Sparks. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
  • <00:21:04.480> Um, Senator Sparks. Um, Senator Sparks.
  • Yes, Senator. Okay. Um, paper. Yes. Yes, Senator. Okay.
Summary: The committee first heard a bill concerning tax increment financing (TIFs). The sponsor explained that the measure would not change the existing financing structure, but would add an optional arrangement cities could negotiate with developers: a revenue bond guaranteed by taxes generated from the development. The goal was to let developers guarantee the bond and access funds sooner on the front end of a project rather than waiting to see whether tax revenues meet projections. After no questions, the committee adopted a motion that the title was sufficient and reported the bill out do pass as a committee substitute. The next bill, Senate Bill 2873, came from the Department of Revenue and dealt with enforcement of the state’s vape registry law. The sponsor said the bill fills a gap left by prior legislation by creating a statutory forfeiture process for seized products valued at $20,000 or less, including notice, a right to contest, and rules for disposition of forfeited property. The committee then moved the bill title sufficient and do pass, and it was reported out. Senate Bill 2894 addressed local improvement projects funded in 2021 through 2024 that had not been executed or had unspent money remaining. The bill would require return of certain funds after a memorandum of understanding was not signed or after three years with unspent balances, require remittance of unspent interest, allow withholding of some city diversion or state aid road funds for noncompliance, and require periodic status reports to the Legislative Budget Office. The sponsor also offered an amendment giving entities 60 days from the bill’s effective date to request a one-time six-month extension; the amendment and the bill both received favorable votes and were reported out. Senate Bill 2910 would require employers in the PERS system to settle the books if a unit of government or other employer terminates participation. Senate Bill 2911 proposed a new return-to-work option for PERS retirees, shortening the separation period from 90 days to 30 days and allowing certain retirees to return to public employment at up to 80% of the stated salary, with employer-paid retirement contributions and possible health insurance support. The sponsor said the bill would exclude elected officials, K-12 superintendents, and IHL/community college administrators, and he discussed the bill’s expected effect on PERS funding with questions from members about actuarial impact and whether the proposal would affect existing retirement rules. Both bills were discussed but the transcript excerpt does not show final committee action on Senate Bill 2911.