Bills: SSB1205

Committee: Joint Ways and Means

Keywords: Iowa Economic Development Authority, economic development incentives, tax credits, business incentives for growth, BIG program, seed investor tax credit, venture capital, startup investment, research and development tax credit, R&D credit, film production incentive, movie production, sustainable aviation fuel, SAF, renewable fuels, advanced manufacturing, bioscience, technology and innovation, high quality jobs program, Endow Iowa

Transcript Highlights:

• should really think about quantum as a platform to all of our other areas, whether it's agriculture, bioscience
• Areas where there's agriculture, bioscience, energy, batteries, healthcare, there's so many applications

Bills: SB151 , HB8 , SB177

Committees: Senate Senate Finance , Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: corporate income tax, franchise tax, gross receipts tax, tax credit, tax deduction, controlled foreign corporation, CFC, bonus depreciation, interest expense, apportionment, unitary group, high-wage jobs tax credit, local journalism, news media, newspaper printer, physician incentive, health care workforce, affordable housing, multifamily housing, construction materials

Bills: SB151 , HB8 , SB177

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: corporate income tax, franchise tax, gross receipts tax, tax credit, tax deduction, controlled foreign corporation, CFC, bonus depreciation, interest expense, apportionment, unitary group, high-wage jobs tax credit, local journalism, news media, newspaper printer, physician incentive, health care workforce, affordable housing, multifamily housing, construction materials

Bills: SB20 , SB21 , SB166 , SB177 , SB181 , SB189 , SM6

Committee: Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Keywords: prior authorization, pharmacy benefits manager, PBM, health insurer, prescription drugs, step therapy, formulary, auto-adjudication, electronic portal, appeals, medical necessity, serious mental illness, mental health, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, substance use disorder, addiction treatment, cancer, autoimmune disorder

Bills: HB253 , HB153 , HB255 , HB287 , HB371 , SB151 , HB8 , SB177

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: distance learning, virtual instruction, public education, student enrollment, school funding, education standards, pandemic education response, low-carbon construction, construction materials, rebate, environmental product declaration, EPD, embodied carbon, carbon intensity, greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonization, industrial incentives, clean manufacturing, cement, concrete

Bills: SB151 , HB8 , SB177 , HB253 , HB153 , HB255 , HB287 , HB371 , SB151 , HB8 , SB177

Committees: Senate Senate Finance , Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: corporate income tax, franchise tax, gross receipts tax, tax credit, tax deduction, controlled foreign corporation, CFC, bonus depreciation, interest expense, apportionment, unitary group, high-wage jobs tax credit, local journalism, news media, newspaper printer, physician incentive, health care workforce, affordable housing, multifamily housing, construction materials

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Executive Director of the New Mexico Bioscience Authority.
• So, just moving on, a brief overview of what the Bioscience Authority is.
• This program is going to pair a bioscience student with a business student and then put them into a bioscience
• bioscience industry.
• The bioscience sector at Los Alamos, which was really great.

Committee: House New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Money that's coming into health care—68% is going into bioscience.
• of the Bioscience Authority.
• Chair and Senator, in the bioscience sector, it's high.
• That's considered bioscience.
• For bioscience development and research.

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• The average salaries of people in bioscience are $80,000 plus.
• He has started several bioscience companies; he's the chair of the board.
• That would be the state, Senator Hickey and the Biosciences.
• The biosciences department or the bioscience was done a couple years ago by the young gentleman who just
• We work to help authorize the Bioscience Authority.

Transcript Highlights:

• And in that bill, it would have repealed the bioscience innovation program, but since that bill failed
• There's still funding in this biennium that is going out in bioscience grants.
• There's $129,000 left, and this amendment is going to take it out of the bioscience program and put it
• So all this additional amendment is doing is adding that transfer of the bioscience innovation grant
• So all this additional amendment is doing is adding that transfer of the bioscience innovation grant

Bills: SB2225 , HB1619

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met to clear several remaining bills and discussed scheduling around upcoming conference committees. The chair noted that full committee meetings would likely be held after floor session, while Thursday and Friday mornings were being reserved for conference committees. Members also discussed how conference committees would be scheduled and where they would appear on their dashboards. The committee first took up House Bill 1577, relating to wastewater facility grants. Amendments were adopted to create a loan/line-of-credit mechanism through the Bank of North Dakota and the Department of Environmental Quality to keep two canceled federal BRIC-funded projects moving: a lagoon project in Fezenden and a wastewater treatment project in Lincoln. Members emphasized the language was intended to apply only to those projects and to preserve the possibility of federal reimbursement later. The amendment passed 16-0, and the bill as amended received a 15-1 do pass recommendation. The committee then reconsidered House Bill 1009 and adopted an additional amendment transferring the remaining balance in the bioscience innovation grant fund to the general fund, rather than issuing another round of grants. That amendment passed 16-0, and the bill as amended also received a 16-0 do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 1619, creating a long-term care facility loan fund and adjusting an existing medical facility loan program. After discussion, members amended the bill to reduce the long-term care fund cap to $10 million per project, set the interest rate at 2%, extend repayment to 30 years, and align the medical facility loan program to 2% with a 30-year term. The amendment passed 14-2, and the bill as amended received a 16-0 do pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• We show you registered as Victoria Ford on behalf of the Texas Healthcare and Bioscience Institute testifying
• My name is Victoria Ford, and I'm the president of the Health Care and Bioscience Institute.
• North Carolina has one of the largest bioscience industries in the country, and they have proven that
• By leveraging various funding options, we can ensure that Texas remains competitive in the bioscience
• And that helps grow the industry, particularly in bioscience and biotechnology.

Bills: HB1654 , HB1691 , HB2545 , HB2652 , HB3799 , HB4144 , HB5008

Committee: House S/C on Workforce

Keywords: peace officers, firefighters, employment protection, worker's compensation, job security, maximum medical improvement, government employment, firefighter cancer benefits, emergency medical technicians, compensation claims, cancer exposures, firefighting hazards, workforce training, rural development, grant program, job-specific training, Texas Workforce Commission, child care, single-parent, subsidized

Transcript Highlights:

• Budget: An act for the UAMS Reynolds Center on Aging, Bozman College of Public Health, Arkansas Biosciences
• Arkansas Biosciences Institute and the Area Health Education Center in Helena appropriation for the 2006
• House Bill 1067 by Joint Budget: An act for the Arkansas State University Arkansas Bioscience Institute
• Bill 1075 by Joint Budget: An act for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Arkansas Biosciences
• Arkansas Biosciences Institute appropriation for the 2006–2007 fiscal year.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's in the biosciences in the 2024 report.
• Economic impact of Pegasus Park, a bioscience research hub in my district.
• Across the state, other bioscience hubs exist in Houston, Lubbock, College Station, and San Marcos.
• I represent the Texas Healthcare and Bioscience Institute, and we are in favor of the bill.
• It's beyond bioscience.

Bills: SB209 , SB529 , SB1265 , SB1592 , SB1728 , SCR37 , SCR38

Committee: Senate Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• Mexico at the state level: agriculture, bioscience, energy initiatives, water resource, and technology
• We also do research in biosciences.
• have been here longer than nine minutes, and I just, it's great to see representatives from the Bioscience
• In fact, some of the examples provided in the appendix directly speak to biosciences related to defense
• I also don't want to leave out public health and biosciences.

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Louis County, co-founder of Centio Biosciences, as an example.
• He said Centio Biosciences is one of the few key ingredient manufacturers developing key ingredients
• national security and helps ensure the future is safe from negative implications. co-founder of Centio Biosciences

Committees: House Commerce , House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• Life science and bioscience—that's an emerging industry that's growing. If you haven't heard, L.A.
• But then we take a look at bioscience here again: the continued investment that's been brought to the
• that lead to sustainable wages... ...within bioscience that lead to sustainable wages.
• Live science and bioscience, that's an emerging industry that's growing.
• share them with assembly member Wong who can share with you as well but then we take a look at bioscience

Summary: The hearing opened the Select Committee on Effective Postsecondary Career, Technical Education, and Workforce Development Programs at Santa Ana College, with Assemblymember Mike Fong emphasizing the need for affordable, accelerated pathways into high-demand careers and noting his bill AB 1098 creating the California Interagency Education Council. Chancellor Marvin Martinez welcomed the committee and urged changes to AB 927 to remove the “duplication” barrier for community college bachelor’s degrees, arguing that applied baccalaureate programs can lead to high-wage jobs and expand access for low- and middle-income students. The first panel focused on statewide workforce trends and policy. California Community Colleges Vice Chancellor Anthony Cordova highlighted credit for prior learning, Strong Workforce funding, dual enrollment, and apprenticeship growth, asking the Legislature to restore and increase Strong Workforce funding and expand applied baccalaureate degrees. LAEDC’s Josep Bilayo described regional labor market data showing growth in health care, education, construction, bioscience, and clean energy, while stressing the need for employer-led, data-driven programs, wraparound supports, and flexible funding. Andrew Gonzalez of the Building and Construction Trades Council argued that registered apprenticeship must be paid, combine classroom and on-the-job training, and end in a portable credential; he also promoted apprenticeship readiness programs, community workforce agreements, and stronger exposure to trades starting in K-12. Eric Morrison Smith of the Alliance for Boys and Men of Color discussed the California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship Grant Program and related youth apprenticeship recommendations, including bridge programs, intermediary infrastructure, reduced employer barriers, and better coordination of state funding. A later panel highlighted Santa Ana College’s fire technology and firefighting academy programs. President Annabelle Neri and Vice President Jeffrey Lamb said the college is one of the state’s largest fire training providers, with strong partnerships with local fire agencies, law enforcement, and the U.S. Forest Service, and with high job placement and six-figure starting salaries for some graduates. They also described related certificates, advanced officer training, wellness services, and workforce preparation such as mock interviews and sponsorships. Throughout the hearing, members and panelists repeatedly stressed the importance of aligning education with labor market demand, expanding apprenticeships and work-based learning, and using regional collaboration to connect students to living-wage careers.

Transcript Highlights:

• She is the co-founder of Centio Biosciences.
• She is the co-founder of Centio Biosciences.
• They are one of the few key ingredient, man. co-founder of Centio Biosciences.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Summary: The committee first called the roll and established a quorum, then heard Senate Bill 1553, sponsored by Senator Curtis Gregory. The bill is aimed at reshoring critical supply chains to the United States through tax credits and related incentives for production of pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, materials, and metals. Gregory said the Senate version added clarifying language tying eligible materials to federal critical-materials and FDA lists. Witnesses in support described the bill as a national security measure and an economic development tool for Missouri, citing dependence on China and India for medicines and materials, forced labor concerns in cobalt supply chains, and examples of Missouri companies and institutions already working in pharmaceutical and mineral production. Several supporters noted the bill’s incentives would be difficult to use without additional federal support, and one witness said the transferable tax credits were a key strength, though the scope could be narrowed in the future. Support testimony came from Douglas Jost of Jost Chemical Company, Jared Hankinson of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Matt Thompson of the API Innovation Center, Michael Givens of Doe Run Company, and Matthew Smith of Associated Industries of Missouri. Their comments emphasized supply-chain vulnerability, national security, and Missouri’s existing manufacturing base. No opposition or informational testimony was presented, and there were no substantive questions after the witnesses. The committee then moved into executive session and voted unanimously, 9-0, to report Senate Bill 1553 do pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• Within line five, you will see a focus on defense technology, bioscience, and aerospace, giving them
• And if you care about advances in technology, whether it's bioscience, pharmaceuticals, or green energy
• So, the defense applications on the aerospace side are prolific, but also on the bioscience side.
• Well, the guy that created the bioscience is sitting right behind you. I think I carried the piece.
• And if we've got to get a new leader in biosciences, which we don't control.

Committees: Senate Senate Finance , Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm 23 years old, and my current major is in molecular bioscience.
• So I plan to get a bachelor's degree in that molecular bioscience.
• Is in molecular bioscience. So I plan to get a bachelor's degree in that molecular bioscience.

Summary: The Early Learning and Human Services Committee held public hearings on three bills. HB 2468 would update the Revised Code of Washington to match DSHS’s 2025 reorganization, replacing references to eliminated administrations with the new Home and Community Living Administration and Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration, and also removing a 2028 sunset on the Dementia Action Collaborative, adjusting advisory committee membership, and eliminating a staffing mandate tied to no-paid-services caseloads. The sponsor and DSHS testified in support as a technical cleanup bill, while members raised questions about possible amendments, including whether to keep or remove the Dementia Action Collaborative sunset. DSHS said it was open to changes and noted some statutory references still need correction. No vote was taken. HB 2529 would rename the DCYF Oversight Board as the DCYF Accountability Board, move it to OFM for administrative purposes, narrow some duties, require at least twice-yearly engagement with affected communities, allow the board to request ombuds reports, broaden some membership qualifications, and change the annual report to an every-other-year report starting in 2027. Representative Dent, a board member, said the changes were intended to make the board less political, improve attendance and membership flexibility, and focus the report on more useful recommendations. A union representative asked for language ensuring a DCYF caseworker board member can attend meetings as part of job duties rather than using personal leave. Members also questioned whether the reduced reporting frequency was appropriate given recent fatalities and near-fatalities at the agency. No action was taken. HB 2455 would create a two-year pilot program providing rental assistance and related housing fees for 50 youth in extended foster care who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, beginning January 1, 2027, with a report due in 2029 and transition planning required before youth age out at 21. The sponsor and multiple youth advocates testified strongly in support, describing homelessness, instability, and barriers such as “double-dipping” restrictions that prevent youth from combining housing supports. Testifiers said the bill would help youth focus on school, work, and healing, and urged the committee to expand the program if possible. Members asked about the pilot timeline and whether an interim review might be useful. The hearing closed with no vote on the bill, followed by committee announcements about Friday’s 8:30 a.m. meeting and an agenda change removing HB 2200 from Friday executive session and moving it to possible executive session next week.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the automotive and energy and bioscience also fall under that sort of rethinking of how we want to
• but we do anticipate them to be spent before they lapse. year and the automotive and energy and bioscience
• The energy initiative and bioscience funds were removed from our appropriation for that year, along with
• The energy initiative and bioscience funds were removed from our appropriation for that year along with

Committee: House A&B Natural Resources Subcommittee

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce on its FY26 priorities, recent performance, and budget requests. Commerce said it had helped announce about 8,000 direct jobs and nearly $14 billion in investment year-to-date, while noting challenges such as tariffs, workforce recruitment, staffing/FTE management, and the condition of its 100-year-old office building. The agency highlighted projects and initiatives including a new Taiwan trade office, Route 66 Centennial planning, the National Main Street conference in Tulsa, Olympic-related coordination, census outreach, and continued improvements to its grants and CRM systems. Requested funding included $8.3 million for building repairs or relocation planning, census support, $300,000 for EDGE, $135,000 for IT/cybersecurity upgrades, $250,000 for the Taiwan office, and additional support for Head Start, senior nutrition, and the Strategic Air and Space Commission. Members asked about the meaning of the investment totals, the building condition, delays in senior nutrition distributions, and staffing vacancies; Commerce said the investment figures reflected formal company capital announcements, the building had significant facade and roof damage, delays were due to multiple contracting layers, and several open positions were expected to be filled soon. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department then presented its FY26 budget and goals. New director Amy Blackburn and special advisor Sterling Zearley said the department oversees 38 state parks, six lodges, seven golf courses, and nine travel information centers, and emphasized tourism’s economic importance. They reported savings from bringing marketing and tracking functions in-house and from shared services, but said the department faces more than $271 million in deferred maintenance needs, staffing shortages, and connectivity problems at parks. Their goals include increasing park visitation to 10.2 million, raising occupancy to 36%, and growing travel to Oklahoma, with major marketing tied to the Route 66 Centennial, America 250, the FIFA World Cup, the Olympics, and other events. The department also discussed a request to raise its purchasing exemption cap from $25,000 to $75,000, a possible TravelOK.com redesign, and efforts to improve restaurant operations at lodges through a new RFP structure. Members questioned the apportionment cap, the size and timing of deferred maintenance requests, park revenue, and the use of parking pass funds; tourism said annual park-related revenue is about $32 million to $34 million and parking pass revenue is about $2.5 million. Finally, the OSU Veterinary Medicine Authority presented its budget request and program updates. The authority said it supports the veterinary teaching hospital and related student training, and that its FY26 budget is entirely state-appropriated. It requested continued support for hospital operations, the large animal scholarship program, and a new $12.5 million annual payment tied to the $250 million Legacy Capital Fund authorization for the veterinary teaching hospital, along with additional funding to expand in-state enrollment. Officials said in-state enrollment had increased from 58 to 69 students after prior funding, with a goal of reaching 90 of 106 total seats, and that there were 195 in-state applicants this year. Members asked whether standards would be lowered; the authority said academic standards would not change and noted strong board-pass rates and retention outcomes. It also said accreditation concerns tied to faculty shortages and off-site teaching had been addressed by bringing students back to the main campus and improving staffing. The committee ended by thanking the presenters and announcing its next meeting date.