Bills: HF1082, HF1042, HF1295, HF1686, HF1998, HF1775, HF1163

Keywords: public safety, law enforcement, mental health, domestic violence, appropriations, criminal justice, Minnesota corrections, victim services, task force, personal safety, Independent Use of Force Investigations Unit, criminal sexual conduct, sexual assault, peace officers, law enforcement oversight, Minnesota National Guard, U.S. armed forces, military installation, armory, air base

Bills: SF1959, HF2444, SF2298, HF2445, SF2216, HF2443, HF2130, HF1943, HF2436, HF2442

Keywords: veterans, military affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Military Affairs, omnibus veterans bill, appropriations, National Guard, state active service, armory, State Armory Building Commission, veterans homes, veterans cemeteries, county veterans service office, Minnesota GI Bill, Gold Star families, Blue Star families, Secret War in Laos, Hmong veterans, Laos veterans, special guerrilla units

Bills: SF1959, HF2444, SF2298, HF2445, SF2216, HF2443, HF2130, HF1943, HF2436, HF2442

Keywords: veterans, military affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Military Affairs, omnibus veterans bill, appropriations, National Guard, state active service, armory, State Armory Building Commission, veterans homes, veterans cemeteries, county veterans service office, Minnesota GI Bill, Gold Star families, Blue Star families, Secret War in Laos, Hmong veterans, Laos veterans, special guerrilla units

Transcript Highlights:

• Generally, when we build a new armory, the state has a cost share of that, depending on the armory and
• Generally, when we build a new armory, the state has a cost share of that, depending on the armory and
• Generally, when we build a new armory, the state has a cost share of that, depending on the armory and
• Generally, when we build a new armory, the state has a cost share of that, depending on the armory and
• Generally, when we build a new armory, the state has a cost share of that, depending on the armory and

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Generally, when we build a new armory, the state has a cost share of that, depending on the armory and
• armories and modernizing our facilities.
• You can see this is what it costs to build an armory.
• <00:08:28.039> any million cannot build an Armory any million cannot build an Armory any longer
• Minnesota State Armory building Minnesota State Armory building commission<00:12:33.880> is<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• breaking ground on the Amory Armory. breaking ground on the Amory Armory. Great. Great. Great.
• Uh we've got an add there Haven Armory.
• to the armory there in Carthage as well. to the armory there in Carthage as well.
• Um, so I'm track with with our armories.
• So forward big beautiful armory there.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 15 January, 2026; 9:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard an update from the Mississippi National Guard leadership on deployments, operations, and the Guard’s budget request. The general described ongoing missions involving Mississippi units at the southern border, the National Capital Region, and Operation Safe and Beautiful, as well as the Guard’s role in Operation Midnight Hammer through the Meridian refueling unit. He also noted continued training of international partners at Camp Shelby and emphasized the Guard’s statewide, national, and global reach. The budget presentation focused on a modest increase over the prior year, including funding for state employees and the Youth Challenge Academy, the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum, the state education assistance program, readiness center maintenance for armories, and an increase in AC escalation authority from $164 million to $225 million to allow spending of federal funds on approved projects. The general said federal investment in Mississippi National Guard activities totaled $784 million in FY25, with $384 million for payroll, and explained that most permanent positions are federally reimbursed. Members discussed the state education assistance program, which the general said has helped stop recruiting losses to neighboring states by making Mississippi more competitive on tuition benefits. He said the program especially helps retain midcareer noncommissioned officers and supports younger service members who may lack health coverage when called to state active duty. Senators also asked about Camp Shelby Youth Challenge facilities and armory projects; the general reported that recent appropriations have improved the campus, that the program remains among the top three nationally, and that armory work is moving forward in Amory, Southaven, Corinth, and Carthage. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with expressions of appreciation and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the current debt on our Minnesota State Armory bonding commission fund is about $5.1 million.
• The only armory that we are paying on right now is the Lever Armory, which was finished about two years
• in 2032 uh when when the inoa Armory in 2032 uh when when the inoa Armory could<00:37:09.640>
• to avoid state investment in armories moving forward.
• to avoid state investment in armories moving forward.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Soldiers work and train at 65 armories or buildings.
• additional design phase, uh, projects for 6 additional armories.
• Um Our armories are, are slowly falling behind. Um, we have 65 armories.
• And these armories are, um, the state's responsibility.
• What it doesn't pay is for the armory where they go and meet every month.

Transcript Highlights:

• Soldiers work and train at 65 armories or buildings.
• Our armories are slowly falling behind. Sixty-five armories, the average age is 55 years old.
• And these armories are... the state's responsibility.
• Thank you. or when I was answering your question on the armories.
• But for the most part, the armories are a state requirement.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and for about a year and a your armories and for about a year and a half<00:08:22.160> we<00:
• into our armories.
• I mean, generally when you have an armory, an armory is on like 5 to 10 acres of land, and we are just
• It's, uh, the armory is merely a warehouse, if you will. Nothing more than that.
• <00:27:07.360> as so don't don't think about armories as so don't don't think about armories

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The work session focused first on SP 492, a bill intended to give the New Hampshire Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services authority to lease or license property for housing and related uses. Major General David Mikolitis testified that the bill is aimed at addressing affordable housing for junior enlisted service members, especially those assigned to Pease Air National Guard Base who currently face long commutes because of the Seacoast housing shortage. He said the most likely uses would be converting limited barracks space in Pembroke or Stratford into apartment-style or extended-stay housing, and possibly allowing office/co-op space for federal civilians, though he emphasized the primary purpose is housing for junior ranks. He also said any development would likely be done by a private developer through an RFP, with costs borne by the developer rather than the department. Committee members asked about whether the bill could apply to commercial uses, how taxes would work, whether revenues would go into the general fund, and whether the concept could be expanded statewide. Mikolitis said the intent was housing only, not commercial development like a Starbucks, and that any developed property would be taxable locally rather than remain tax-exempt. He said revenues would go into a dedicated Veteran Services Property Fund and be used for facilities, not the general fund. He also explained that the department has about 20 armories statewide but sees only a few viable locations for this concept, mainly Pembroke, Stratford, and possibly one other site, because the goal is to serve personnel within roughly a 45-minute drive of Pease. He noted that a proposed seven-acre parcel near Pease had already been approved by the Pease Development Authority but still needed FAA approval, and he was not optimistic about using that land for housing because of contamination and redevelopment costs. Committee discussion ended with members indicating support for OTP, but the chair said the vote would have to wait until 11 o'clock and then closed the work session on SP 492. The committee then opened a work session on SP 627 and heard testimony from Jim Jelbert, owner of CJ Bus Lines and chair of the legislature’s transportation council, who spoke in support of the bill. Jelbert argued that the measure would allow New Hampshire to raise tolls and generate significant revenue for the 10-year highway plan without directly taxing citizens, and said the money could address congestion and safety problems, including work on I-93 in Manchester and other statewide projects. He estimated the bill could generate substantial revenue over time and said toll credits could help leverage federal matching funds. He also said improved roads would benefit businesses like his by reducing vehicle wear and improving efficiency. The transcript cuts off before any committee action on SP 627 is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• The average age of an armory in Texas is 55 years old.
• of an additional six armories.
• of an additional six armories.
• This had to do with your East Texas regional armory.
• Chair: Is the closest armory located in that area?

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the only other one I could potentially think of is our Porsch Armory.
• And the reason why is it's Armory.
• Just like when we used to rent out the Manchester Armory, that rental income goes back into our armories
• It's, uh, the armory is merely a warehouse, if you will.
• It's, uh, the armory is merely a warehouse, if you will.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our largest one is the Manchester Armory at over 100,000 square feet.
• Projects three, four, and five all deal with armories throughout the state of New Hampshire.
• Again, we have 16 armories throughout the state of New Hampshire.
• Three of them are classified as armories.
• Seven miles away, we have a Berlin Armory.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Doors open at the Armory down the street at 10 a.m. this morning. Lunch will be provided.
• There's a presentation at noon, followed by a march from the Armory to the State Capitol.
• <00:01:21.439> to followed by a march from the armory to followed by a march from the armory
• authority in the Minnesota State Armory authority in the Minnesota State Armory Building<00:15:33.920
• And don't forget, the program starts at the Armory at 10:00. Oh, that's correct. Yeah.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Doors open at the armory down the street at 10 a.m. this morning. Lunch will be provided.
• There's a presentation at noon followed by a march from the armory to the State Capitol, and if you have
• also a Representative Olson bill, House File 1443, which increases the bonding limit for the state armory
• This is also a House File bonding limit for the state armory building commission.
• Don't forget, the program starts at the Armory at 10 o'clock. Oh, that's correct.

Transcript Highlights:

• For reference, the Texas Military Department has a total of 65 armories, with the average age of an armory
• and the design of an additional six armories.
• larger armories that house multiple units.
• This had to do your East Texas Regional Armory.
• This had to do with your East Texas regional armory.

Bills: SB1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The committee heard a Legislative Budget Board presentation and then testimony from the Department of Public Safety on the Article 5 public safety budget. LBB said DPS’s 2026-27 recommendation totals $3.7 billion, down from the prior base, while FTEs rise by 856.7. Major items included increased funding for driver license services and customer support, new trooper funding and recruit schools, crime lab operations, border security, and reductions tied to one-time facility, vehicle, and aircraft spending. The committee also discussed new riders, including one to lapse unused trooper funds and require reporting after recruit schools. Members focused heavily on driver license operations, questioning why prior staffing increases and a prior efficiency study had not solved long wait times, high call abandonment, and appointment delays. DPS and LBB said the agency receives about 22,000 calls per day, answers only about 9 percent, and is seeking more staff plus technology upgrades such as automation, kiosks, and better online processing. Senators also raised concerns about rural access, REAL ID document requirements, and whether the department should rethink its processes rather than simply add employees. DPS leadership then described needs for the Williamson County training academy, additional troopers, Capitol and Alamo security, border operations, aircraft and vehicle replacement, and regional headquarters in El Paso and San Antonio. Members asked about Operation Lone Star costs, overtime, pursuit safety, border crime, oilfield theft, and sexual assault kit and toxicology backlogs. DPS said border deployments remain focused on criminal threats, that overtime is partly driven by deployments and staffing shortages, and that the sexual assault kit backlog is down to 118 cases with a goal of zero by April. The committee later recessed and began the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission budget presentation, where LBB outlined a $115.1 million recommendation and noted ongoing costs for the AIMS technology project.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:04:08.280> or Hampshire, like our armories or Hampshire, like our armories or readiness
• So, for an example, we used to do armory rentals out of the Manchester armory.
• :07:35.600> armory.
• And it out of the Manchester armory.
• old armories. Line 17. Line 17. old armories. Line 17. Line 17.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's to do our long-range planning statewide armory master plan.
• our long range planning statewide armory our long range planning statewide armory master<00:10:48.800
• That's Shelbyville Armory.
• Six, that's construction of Armory Four. That is where the band's currently located at.
• Number Seven, that's Ashland Armory. That is the oldest armory in our inventory.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:09 Approval of Minutes 00:01:10 Welcome New Members 00:01:26 Information Items 00:01:49 COT Special Report 00:02:38 Review of Executive Branch Agency Plans 00:07:41 A. Department of Military Affairs 00:08:07 B. Department of Veterans’ Affairs 00:20:34 C. Kentucky Infrastructure Authority 00:25:54 D. Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet 00:35:05 E. Transportation Cabinet 00:55:53, 958, all

Summary: The Capital Planning Advisory Board met with a quorum, approved the May 21 minutes, and welcomed a new executive branch member, Secretary Keith Jackson of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. The board also received two informational items: agency responses to prior questions and amendments made to capital plans after the last meeting. It then heard the Commonwealth Office of Technology’s report on executive branch IT capital project scoring, which reviewed 16 IT requests totaling about $330.5 million. COOT said projects were ranked through an independent panel using standardized criteria focused on feasibility, statewide alignment, readiness, impact, and risk; the CIO recommended moving an enterprise application and artificial intelligence inventory system from rank 11 to rank 4 because of its enterprise-wide impact and connection to Senate Bill 4. The Department of Military Affairs presented its capital plan, describing 43 million in projects for the current period and 13 projects totaling $65 million for 2026–2028, with most funding coming from federal sources and restricted agency funds and no general fund request in the latter period. Its projects included maintenance pool adjustments, a statewide Army master plan, the Somerset readiness center, Shelbyville and Ashland armories, a future home for the Kentucky Army National Guard band, and other facility upgrades. Members asked about the Somerset project’s cost growth and federal delay; the department said the project remains in conceptual design, is awaiting federal MILCON action, and would require a state match of about $9.8 million against $29.6 million federal funding if it is approved. Members also asked about staffing levels, and the department said state employee and Title 32 numbers have been relatively steady, while technician positions have declined. The Department of Veterans Affairs outlined seven projects for 2026–2028, led by a Radcliff Veterans Center HVAC replacement that needs an estimated additional $16 million to finish phase two after phase one was already funded. Other requests included a maintenance pool increase, renovations and exterior upgrades at Eastern and Western Kentucky veterans facilities, a cooling tower replacement at Thompson Hood, and parking lot and lighting improvements. The department said some projects were already in the six-year plan and that the Radcliff phase two could be bid in June 2026 if funded. Members confirmed that a columbarium wall project at Grayson is federally funded. The Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented its six-year capital plan, citing more than $3 billion in loan commitments since 1988 and over $5 billion in supported infrastructure projects. KIA requested $298.439 million in the first biennium, including $27.742 million in state match for federal clean water and drinking water revolving funds, $25 million for its state Infrastructure Revolving Fund, $185.697 million in federal capitalization grants, and $30 million in leverage bond authorization for each year of the two federally assisted loan programs. Members asked about drinking-water quality, and KIA said that function is handled by the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Water, not KIA. KIA also said its loan rates currently range from 0.5% to 2.25%, averaging just under 1%, and that its revolving loan programs have had no defaults. The Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet began its presentation at the end of the transcript, with staff identifying themselves, but no project details or board action from that presentation were included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said these facilities are not just armories; they are critical operations centers and logistics hubs
• These facilities are not just armories, they're critical operations centers and logistic hubs.
• Major General Haas said that these facilities are not just armories; they are critical operations centers
• So we're looking forward to new armories, new formations, and a larger formation.
• So we're looking forward to new armories, new formations, and a larger formation.

Summary: The committee met to hear the Governor’s proposed budget for the Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development silo and to consider one bill. The Governor’s Office outlined a $117.4 billion state budget, including $18.3 billion for the TED area, with major allocations for the Department of Transportation, Commerce, Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, State, Military Affairs, Emergency Management, and the Florida State Guard. Agency heads then presented their priorities, including housing and disaster recovery funds at Commerce; pay, vehicles, aviation, and data systems at Highway Safety; facility modernization, recruitment, retention, and maintenance at Military Affairs; election audit, conservation lab, and historic preservation funding at State; transportation, aviation, seaport, and safety investments at DOT; and emergency response, flood mitigation, grant systems, and alerting at Emergency Management. Members asked questions about Visit Florida’s private match, FHP’s role in immigration enforcement and body cameras, National Guard deployment tempo and staffing, State Guard staffing and facilities, arts grant rules, rail funding, and the number of detainees at the Everglades detention site. Several notable positions were expressed during questioning. Visit Florida said it met and exceeded its private match requirement and described the match as important to ensuring value from public dollars. The Highway Patrol said its aviation assets have been used more heavily in immigration enforcement and that in-vehicle camera systems were a higher priority than body cameras at present. The National Guard and State Guard both emphasized heavy operational demands, readiness needs, and the importance of additional funding for facilities, personnel, and equipment. The Department of State said its audit funding would help counties move to automated post-election audits and that its arts grant rule changes were intended to create more consistent scoring rather than reduce access. The committee then took up CS/SB 48 on accessory dwelling units. The bill requires local governments to allow property owners to voluntarily create ADUs, preserves homestead treatment for the primary residence portion, limits parking restrictions, and extends density bonus incentives to housing for military families receiving basic housing allowance. An amendment was adopted removing reusable tenant screening reports and clarifying that compliant ADUs are allowed by right without a separate hearing or permit. Testimony from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association supported the bill, especially the long-term rental requirement, as a tool to help workforce housing. The committee reported the bill favorably by a roll call vote, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• One, TMD is responsible for maintaining 65 National Guard armories or readiness centers.
• For reference, the Texas Military Department has a total of 65 armories.
• The average age of an armory in Texas is 55 years old.
• of an additional six armories.
• Military Department towards larger armories that house. multiple units.

Keywords: 1184, house, all