Bills: HB2431, HB2583, HB2278, HB2584, HB2610, HB2615

Keywords: HB 2431, Washington property tax, nonprofit exemption, public assembly hall, meeting place, fundraising activities, charitable organizations, property tax exemption, RCW, tax exemption, nonprofit hall, event venue, scheduled fundraising, limited use, rental of exempt property, loan of property, sunset clause, temporary tax law, Ways & Means, Finance Committee

Summary: House Finance heard several local tax and public-service bills. HB 2278 would remove the July 1, 2027 expiration on the extra $3-per-room-night tourism promotion area lodging charge; staff said it would increase local revenues by about $4 million in the 2027-29 biennium, and supporters from destination marketing groups said the funds have produced strong returns for tourism and events. HB 2224 would let certain cities form single-city fire protection districts with revised levy treatment and a partial exemption from the $5.90 aggregate property tax limit; city and fire interests supported it as a more workable funding tool, while firefighters and hospital districts raised concerns about governance and prorationing impacts. HB 2583 would expand which cities can impose a 4% special lodging tax and change public facilities district lodging-tax rules; Vancouver and SeaTac supported it for tourism and regional attractions, hospitality and short-term rental witnesses raised concerns about stakeholder input and equity, and one arts nonprofit said the bill was duplicative of an existing Vancouver performing arts center effort. The committee also heard HB 2431, which would increase from 15 to 50 days the number of days nonprofit public assembly halls and meeting places may be used for regularly scheduled fundraising without losing their property tax exemption; the sponsor and the Grange supported it as a practical fix for community halls. HB 2325 would create a statewide tourism self-supported assessment program under the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority, funded by industry assessments and overseen by a ratepayer board after a business referendum; tourism, hospitality, wine, and brewing groups supported it, while members asked about impacts on Seattle neighborhoods and other communities. After public hearing testimony, the committee moved into executive session and passed HB 2584, HB 2610, and HB 2615 out of committee with due pass recommendations by 14-0 votes, with one member excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• The last thing to mention is Year 27 for their rulemaking activity.
• Infrequent or occasional fundraising events are not subject to the 15-day limitation.
• It's for another entity to use it for fundraising.
• With the additional days, we have additional fundraising activities such as monthly Taco Tuesday and
• This bill has no fiscal note and is supported by active Granges across the state.

Bills: SB6003, HB2353, HB2431, HB1983

Keywords: capital budget, funding, infrastructure, state projects, budget allocation, HB 2353, predesign thresholds, capital construction, major capital projects, Office of Financial Management, OFM, Washington state, state agencies, infrastructure planning, construction costs, inflation adjustment, capital facilities, project review, allotments, lease approval

Transcript Highlights:

• the amendment modifies the definition of insurance business by removing a reference to insurer activities
• Upon which the insurer earns or receives premiums, and replacing it with a reference to insurer activities
• House Bill 2431 increases the maximum annual limit for regularly scheduled fundraising activities for
• Our tourist activities, by some measures, are lower than the regions around us.
• Our tourist activities, by some measures, are lower than the regions around us, and the places where

Bills: HB2713, HB2730, HB2297, HB2487, HB2382, HB2089, HB2431, HB2451, HB2590, HB2325, HB2278, HB2224, HB2322

Keywords: private detention facilities, business tax, occupation tax, financial impact, state revenue, aerospace, tax preferences, effectiveness, economic impact, grocery stores, underserved communities, food access, incentives, economic development, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, excise tax

Transcript Highlights:

• fees with the other half going activity fees with the other half going to<00:01:52.960><c> student</
• </c> to participate through reduced activity to participate through reduced activity fees. fees. fees
• </c> fine arts activities that they love. fine arts activities that they love.
• ><00:03:38.240><c> are</c><00:03:38.320><c> also</c> student activity fees, there are also student activity
• </c><01:20:31.520><c> involved</c> owner, as I said, I am actively involved owner, as I said, I am actively

Bills: HF4906, HF3971, HF4777, HF2109, HF2988

Keywords: property tax, tax refund, taxpayer relief, Minnesota taxation, one-time payment, taxation, property valuation, Tax Court, evidentiary standards, Minnesota Statutes, disparity reduction, aid payments, local government, funding, Fillmore County, education funding, managed forest land, classification, forest management plan, agricultural land

Transcript Highlights:

• additional point of leverage, you may have free riders that can take advantage of this economic activity
• Landlord incentives are an eligible activity for the tenant readiness funds and can be used as necessary

Bills: HB158

Keywords: public funds, lobbying activities, political subdivision, government spending, transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• No, I'm saying there was fundraising going on by all people, right?
• They're okay with people in a special session fundraising, though.
• bill, and hold fundraisers?
• Maybe hold a fundraiser on him or go hold a fundraiser. or on some other issue that's before the body
• Still at the Capitol fundraising while there are bills before the body.

Bills: HB18

Keywords: HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance

Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on the discussions surrounding HB18, which aims to prevent legislators from financially benefiting when they break quorum. Chairman Shaheen emphasized that this bill addresses the integrity of the Texas legislature and responds to constituent concerns about lawmakers being absent and raising funds simultaneously. Throughout the meeting, members discussed the implications of enforcing penalties for breaking quorum and the balance between legislative strategy and financial transparency. Various representatives expressed their views, with some supporting the bill for enhancing accountability, while others argued that it imposes unfair restrictions on a constitutional tactic historically used by minority factions.

Bills: HB483

Keywords: decentralized, unincorporated, nonprofit, smart contracts, distributed ledger technology, governance, membership, economic activities, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Give me one second, but it goes to support education, civic, and community activities within the county
• , as well as tourism activities.

Bills: SB25, HB243

Keywords: SB25, community development district, community development districts, alcoholic beverage tax, alcohol sales tax, sales tax proceeds, county treasury, special fund, grant distribution, tourism funding, economic development, local grants, education grants, civic activities, community activities, tourism activities, Alabama Code 35-8B-5, county revenue, legislator recommendation, local government finance

Transcript Highlights:

• have in many communities the only place for youth clubs to be able to practice sports and do their activities
• one of them is some good language in C that says that we're not going to require a youth club or activity
• </c> practice sports and do their activities practice sports and do their activities is<00:01:33.439>
• that are not sponsored by the activities that are not sponsored by the district<00:02:51.599><c> that
• </c><00:04:04.879><c> not</c> require a youth club or activity not require a youth club or activity not

Bills: HB0023, HB0024, HB0025

Keywords: extracurricular activities, public school participation, enrollment, Wyoming, student access, charter schools, application process, authorizers, public hearing, community support, scholarship, education, eligibility, continuous enrollment, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll just give you a high activities.
• I can see that activities, including but not limited to those sanctioned by the high school activities
• activity sanctions are the high school activity sanctions are nothing<00:05:21.600><c> below</c><00:
• </c> activity per semester uh for uh school. activity per semester uh for uh school.
• </c> Um here you get all kinds of activities Um here you get all kinds of activities and<00:10:03.279

Bills: HB0023, HB0024, HB0025

Keywords: extracurricular activities, public school participation, enrollment, Wyoming, student access, charter schools, application process, authorizers, public hearing, community support, scholarship, education, eligibility, continuous enrollment, 916, all

Bills: HB 43, HB 3364, HB 3469, HB 3479

Keywords: agriculture, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, nuisance birds, local governance, regulation, outdoor activities, public safety, Rio Grande, vegetation management, border security, environmental regulation, Carrizo cane

Transcript Highlights:

• It authorizes rodeos and rodeo activities on various lands that are zoned for agriculture or pastoral
• It authorizes rodeos and rodeo activities on various lands that are zoned for agriculture or pastoral
• ’re in full support of this, and we’re in support of any measures that help create more economic activity
• ’re in full support of this, and we’re in support of any measures that help create more economic activity
• It authorizes rodeo and rodeo activities on various lands that are zoned for agriculture and pastoral

Bills: HB2045, HB1703, HB2461

Keywords: La Hoihoi Ea, Sovereignty Restoration Day, state holiday, King Kamehameha III, Hawaiian history, self-determination, land use, rodeo, agricultural activities, ranching, paniolo culture, public art, cultural preservation, community identity, funding, art management, 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Culture and the Arts met on February 13 and heard testimony on HB 2045, which would designate La Hoʻihoʻi Ea Sovereignty Restoration Day as a state holiday in place of Statehood Day. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Naviʻoliʻoli Newi Foundation, and many individuals and students. Supporters said the bill would better reflect Hawaiian history, sovereignty, and self-determination, while a few agencies submitted comments. The committee recessed to allow more students to arrive and testify. After reconvening, additional student testimony continued in strong support of HB 2045. Students said the change would honor Native Hawaiian history and culture, recognize Hawaii as a sovereign nation, and provide a more historically grounded observance. Members thanked the students for traveling to testify and for sharing their perspectives. The committee then voted to pass HB 2045 with one amendment to defect the date; the motion passed unanimously with the chair, vice chair, and members voting aye, and one member excused. The committee also heard HB 1703 HD1, which authorizes rodeos and rodeo activities on lands zoned for agriculture or pastoral use. Testimony in support came from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, and the Iron Workers Stabilization Fund, with comments from the Hawaii Food and Policy group. Supporters described rodeos as cultural and social events that could boost local economies, create jobs, and provide youth and community engagement. The committee passed HB 1703 HD1 with technical amendments. Finally, the committee considered HB 2461, which would increase the ceiling for the works of art special fund and appropriate funds for preservation of the state’s public art collection and a collections manager position. After discussion, the chair said the measure would not move forward this year and recommended deferral; the committee deferred the bill and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill does this by prohibiting legislators from fundraising or making certain expenditures while absent
• Current law does not limit fundraising or expenditures during these unexcused absences, only during the
• certainly was a joint author with Senator Betancourt's bill, House Bill 19, which would prohibit any fundraising
• Um, I think that the better public policy is definitely banning all activity, uh, fundraising activity

Bills: HB18

Keywords: HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance

Transcript Highlights:

• No, I'm saying there was fundraising going on by all people, right?
• They're OK with people in a special session fundraising though.
• So, so your bill will limit all people from fundraising if a quorum breaks.
• When there's not a quorum, be able to go fundraise under this bill and hold fundraisers and maybe, maybe
• hold a fundraiser on hemp or go hold a fundraiser on some other issue that's before the body outside

Bills: HB18

Keywords: HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance

Transcript Highlights:

• districts: out-of-state or out-of-country teaching experience for a certified teacher, or its equivalent; active
• So school districts are now going to be paying their staff members to participate in religious activities
• rights of parents and students while providing schools a reliable framework to accommodate religious activity
• without fear of litigation. ...schools a reliable framework to accommodate religious activity without

Bills: HB4491, HB3240, HB4146, HB4158, HB4159, HB3718

Keywords: extracurricular activities, charter schools, student eligibility, virtual education, Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association, prayer, religious freedom, public schools, consent, First Amendment, school policy, paid maternity leave, school employees, public health, childcare, work-life balance, education, family leave, tuition, grant

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill does this by prohibiting legislators from fundraising. or making certain expenditures while
• were benefiting financially while preventing the legislature from conducting its work. not limit fundraising
• certainly was a joint author with Senator Bettencourt on Bill House Bill 19, which would prohibit any fundraising
• I think that the better public policy is definitely banning all fundraising activity in special sessions

Bills: HB18

Keywords: HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance

Transcript Highlights:

• They were very upset that there was fundraising by quorum members.
• No, I'm saying there was fundraising going on by all people, right?
• They're okay with people in a special session fundraising, though?
• ...and hold fundraisers, and maybe hold a fundraiser on hemp or go hold a fundraiser on some other issue
• Because, like, can Governor Abbott go host a fundraiser with pro-voting?

Bills: HB18

Keywords: HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance

Transcript Highlights:

• Bay and Corpus Christi Bay area encompasses and contributes to more than $1.2 billion of economic activity
• Last year was over $35,000 spent only for fishing activities. his guests' lodging, golf carts, and food
• Most of the fishing activity related to saltwater anglers is centered in Port Aransas, including the
• transforms into a playground for lovers of all things Halloween, with an array of fun and spooky activities
• These forests and preserves allow for activities such as hiking, bird watching, hunting, camping, and

Bills: HB1397, HB1886, HB3088, HB4187, HB4229, HB4230, HB5032, HCR6, HCR34, HCR50, HCR55, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR74, HCR75, HCR80, HCR86, HCR93, HCR100, HCR107, HCR116, HCR117, HCR6

Keywords: Texas Constitution, Declaration of Independence, victory or death letter, display, historic preservation, lifeguard requirements, public beaches, municipalities, county regulations, exemptions, Parks and Wildlife, procurement, goods and services, revenue generation, Texas legislature, historical preservation, Texas Historical Commission, fees, nonprofit organizations, fundraising

Transcript Highlights:

• The Attorney General is charged with ensuring charitable organizations, professional fundraisers, and
• Airbnb owners are being deemed for asking for identification, it has become a hotspot for illicit activity

Bills: SB1195, SB1245, SB1379, SB1420, SB1473, SB1534, SB1743, SB1769, SB1945

Keywords: nuisance, racing facility, racetrack, qualified defense, local property rights, noise regulation, legal claims, felony offenses, criminal justice reform, drug offenses, DUI penalties, residential treatment, human trafficking, victims, prevention, support services, Attorney General, pilot program, grant funding, public comment

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, the Attorney General is charged with ensuring charitable organizations, professional fundraisers
• owners are being deemed for asking for identification, it has been... ...been a hot spot for illicit activity

Bills: SB1195, SB1245, SB1379, SB1420, SB1473, SB1534, SB1743, SB1769, SB1945

Keywords: nuisance, racing facility, racetrack, qualified defense, local property rights, noise regulation, legal claims, felony offenses, criminal justice reform, drug offenses, DUI penalties, residential treatment, human trafficking, victims, prevention, support services, Attorney General, pilot program, grant funding, public comment

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met and advanced a series of bills covering charitable organizations, mental health guardianship, human trafficking funding, CareerTech legal counsel, short-term rentals, racetrack protections, DUI penalties, public comment procedures, and eminent domain rights. SB 1534 clarified charity registration and fundraising rules and passed 7-0. SB 1473, the Courtney Smith Act, was amended to require a guardian’s presence at a ward’s intake assessment at an inpatient mental health center, but members raised concerns that the language could delay treatment; the sponsor agreed to keep working on it, and the bill advanced 6-2. SB 1379 would create a two-year AG pilot program to directly fund certified human trafficking agencies; despite budget concerns and questions about the $10 million cost, it advanced 8-0. SB 1743 would let CareerTech hire outside counsel with education-law experience and passed 7-1. The committee also approved SB 1769, which would allow short-term rental owners or their designated managers to require identification from renters and cancel bookings for discrepancies without penalty; members questioned discrimination concerns and platform penalties, but the bill advanced 8-0. SB 1195, protecting racetracks that were established before nearby development, passed 8-0. SB 1245, removing the 10-year look-back for repeat DUI-related offenses, advanced 5-3 after questions about lifetime felony exposure for a second offense. SB 1420, requiring public comment periods to occur before a public body votes or transacts business when public comment is offered, advanced 5-3 after discussion about whether public comment should be mandatory. Finally, SB 1945, as amended, would require agencies seeking eminent domain to provide the landowner’s bill of rights at the first offer, give the owner the appraisal or damage assessment used, remove a transfer-to-another-agency provision that could bypass the owner’s right of first refusal, and require the Attorney General to update the landowners’ bill of rights every two years. It advanced 6-2 after questions about impacts on transportation and other agencies. The committee then adjourned after noting possible future meetings, including a statutory review of child support standards.