Transcript Highlights:

• Arizona already has a two-thirds vote requirement for the legislature to raise taxes under Proposition
• Requiring a two-thirds legislative vote every time these adjustments are needed would add unnecessary
• We're looking at the whole entire state voting for this sort of two-thirds majority, and you're right
• , like low voter turnout... ...state voting for this sort of two-thirds majority, and you're like low
• But if the voter sees a list of fees that, oh, these won't go up except by a two-thirds vote, it might

Bills: SB1142, SCR1028

Keywords: scholarships, tax credit, education funding, nonprofit organizations, Arizona Revised Statutes, constitutional amendment, state revenue, tax policy, legislative approval, two-thirds vote, 1182, all

Summary: The House Ways and Means Committee heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 1028, which would send to voters a constitutional change narrowing an existing exception to Arizona’s two-thirds vote requirement for tax increases. The resolution would require legislative approval for increases in state revenue through fees and assessments that are authorized by statute before January 1, 2027, and set by a state officer or agency without a prescribed formula, amount, or limit. The sponsor argued the measure would close a loophole that has allowed agencies to raise fees without direct legislative accountability, while opponents said it would make it harder for agencies to adjust fees for inflation, operations, and regulatory costs and could shift costs to taxpayers or slow services. After testimony and debate, the committee voted 5-3 with one absent to return SCR 1028 with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1142, which would have Arizona opt into a federal tax credit program for donations to scholarship-granting organizations. Supporters said the measure would bring new private scholarship funding into Arizona at no cost to the state, expand school choice, and help students with tutoring, special needs services, transportation, and other educational expenses. Opponents argued the federal program was not yet fully written, lacked clear guardrails, and could further strain public schools by diverting resources away from the majority of students who remain in the public system. Committee members debated whether the program would benefit Arizona students without affecting state funds, and whether more transparency and rules were needed before adoption. After discussion, the committee voted 5-3 with one absent to return SB 1142 with a do pass recommendation. Several members explained their votes on both measures, with supporters emphasizing voter choice, accountability, and limiting fee increases, and opponents emphasizing the need for revenue, public school funding, and caution about the unresolved federal scholarship rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll vote that out in a little later when we have a quorum.
• We just have two resource witness cards from the AG's office and two of them from the AG's.
• We have two of those bills today.
• Uh, so members we're gonna go ahead and vote. Chair lays out, oh no, we're not doing that.
• Senator Hinojosa, would you recognize me on my two bills, please?

Bills: HB104

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tax rate election, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, de minimis rate, local government, special district, tax increase, tax notice, public hearing, tax code, Health and Safety Code, Texas property taxes, taxing unit, election threshold, two-thirds vote, majority vote, budget approval

Transcript Highlights:

• budget better than you do, but I've spent my career thinking about how money grows, and I want to offer two
• It's a vote of confidence for the future of Texas innovation.
• And, um, remember, I might add, there, there's two kinds of risks.
• And the third is this 2604 grant, and that's truly the most important piece of this for all departments

Bills: HB104

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tax rate election, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, de minimis rate, local government, special district, tax increase, tax notice, public hearing, tax code, Health and Safety Code, Texas property taxes, taxing unit, election threshold, two-thirds vote, majority vote, budget approval

Transcript Highlights:

• That plan is currently going to be updated in two years. 2027.
• We're a two-year cycle, right? People think in two-year segments.
• Two real quick things.
• At the state level, Texas faces two water infrastructure challenges.
• Now, but we will go ahead and vote out H.C.R. 2.

Bills: HB3077, HJR2, HJR7, HJR7

Keywords: alcohol, taxation, reporting requirements, sales, distribution, death tax, inheritance tax, estate tax, property transfer, constitutional amendment, water fund, Texas water supply, state revenue, infrastructure, HJR 7, Texas Legislature, quorum, majority quorum, two-thirds quorum, legislative procedure

Bills: HB287, HB340, HB412, HB440, HB514, HB515, HB521, HB543, HB553, HB570, HB961

Keywords: HB 287, Louisiana Tax Commission, ad valorem, property tax, property assessment, assessment fees, fee extension, sunset extension, public service property, utility property, insurance company property, financial institution property, tax administration, R.S. 47:1838, Act 296, reappraisal, ad valorem tax, valuation, Louisiana tax law, homestead exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• to know your budget better than you do, but I've spent. about how money grows, and I want to offer two
• Remember, I might add, there's two kinds of risks.
• program. ...for venture capital where they require if a dollar is invested into an underlying fund, two
• So when you are in an area like I represent and you have departments with two to four trucks.
• And the third is this 2604 grant.

Bills: HB 104, HB2054, HB3459, HB3745, HB4486, HB4488, HB4601, HB104

Keywords: Texas Future Fund, investment review board, economic stabilization, innovative technology, national defense, HB 2054, Texas volunteer fire department assistance fund, Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, volunteer fire departments, wildfire mitigation, wildland fire, rural fire protection, insurer assessment, insurance premium tax, state appropriations, firefighting grants, emergency services, high-risk wildfire areas, Texas Comptroller, Texas Government Code

Transcript Highlights:

• Down the bill, and you have two minutes.
• We'll vote that out a little later when we have a quorum.
• You have two minutes. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• We just have two resource witnesses. Cards from the AG's office and two of them from AG's.
• We have two of those bills today.

Bills: HB104, HB2434, HB2529, HB2688, HB3161, HB3486, HB3487, HB3745, HB4044, HB4226, HB4945, HB104

Keywords: Texas Future Fund, investment review board, economic stabilization, innovative technology, national defense, retirement, service credit, Employees Retirement System of Texas, employee benefits, pension reform, salary supplement, county judges, judicial functions, state law, government compensation, public retirement systems, municipality pensions, firefighters, police officers, retirement age

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so you're doing two or three a year.
• Two things that the.
• And two, some of them are abandoned, and then somebody else will purchase it later on.
• This is the third and final bill, and you'll notice there's a a trend here.
• So if you didn't like those two before, you're gonna love this one because it.

Bills: HB 1089, HB 1163, HB 1177, HB 1238, HB1318, HB1400, HB1407, HB1532, HJR7, HJR7

Keywords: coastal protection, environmental management, Gulf Coast, storm risk management, funding, Texas General Land Office, healthcare, insurance reform, patient access, insurance regulation, affordable care, health insurance, consumer rights, coverage transparency, claims process, insurance regulations, aggregate production, environmental impact, financial responsibility, reclamation

Transcript Highlights:

• And third, it's consistent with other models.
• And third.
• Texas Farm Bureau supports HB 1400 basically for two reasons.
• So for those two reasons, that's why Texas Farm Bureau supports this.
• And only two of those actually have taxing authority.

Bills: HB 1089, HB 1163, HB 1177, HB 1238, HB1318, HB1400, HB1407, HB1532, HJR7, HJR7

Keywords: coastal protection, environmental management, Gulf Coast, storm risk management, funding, Texas General Land Office, healthcare, insurance reform, patient access, insurance regulation, affordable care, health insurance, consumer rights, coverage transparency, claims process, insurance regulations, aggregate production, environmental impact, financial responsibility, reclamation

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:29.759> changes the other change the other two changes the other change the other two
• Um, in the state of is two years. Okay.
• Um, our two-year lobbying ban has never been challenged, you know, but when they instituted the two-year
• lobbying ban, at that time the legislature met every two years.
• Reducing that cooling-off period from two years to one year.

Keywords: Part two will take place after first executive session., 958, all

Summary: The commission first returned from executive session and noted that discussions there were preliminary only and no final agency action was taken. It then approved the budget report, which staff said was within year-to-date budget parameters. Members discussed recommended changes to the code of ethics. Staff proposed four items: defining and prohibiting sexual harassment as ethical misconduct; two housekeeping changes related to lobbyist registration notice and campaign contribution language; and a possible reduction of the post-service waiting period for former legislators to become lobbyists from two years to one year. Members agreed the lobbying cooling-off period was a broader General Assembly issue and voted to recommend only the first three changes, leaving the fourth for later review. The chair noted the July 1 deadline for submitting ethics-code recommendations to the LRC. The commission also approved renewal of a $100,000 contract with Casey Bailey and Mains for Robert Jenkins to continue serving as enforcement counsel, with hourly rates of $125 for the attorney and $40 for the paralegal. Finally, it approved a 3% cost-of-living pay increase for General Counsel Steven Pium, discussed possible conference attendance and informal opinions, and adjourned after no further business.

Keywords: Part two will take place after first executive session., 958, all

Summary: The meeting briefly returned to open session to clarify the record, with a statement that all discussions in closed session were limited to confidential complaints and that no final agency action was taken during that closed session. The body then considered a motion to enter closed/executive session under KRS 61.810(1)(f) to discuss personnel matters. A motion was made and seconded to go into executive session for personnel issues, and the chair called for an aye vote. The transcript ends shortly after the motion was presented, with no further substantive discussion or final action captured in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• These segments of fees that we're asking the voters to consider if they want to raise to two-thirds majority
• . ...their normal course of business so it doesn't have to come to the legislature if we cannot get two-thirds
• In that instance, that would have to come back to... ...the legislature for a third vote, which would
• Four aye, two no, one not voting.
• Members, by vote of four to two, one not voting, you've passed Senate Bill 1290.

Bills: SB1180, SB1215, SB1270, SB1290, SB1292, SB1294, SB1430, SCR1028

Keywords: income tax, conformity, Arizona Revised Statutes, taxpayer, federal regulations, firefighters, occupational disease, workers compensation, cancer presumption, police officers, hazardous duty, SB1270, Arizona retirement system, public safety personnel, defined contribution plan, correctional officers, corrections officers, retirement contributions, supplemental contributions, retention incentive

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee approved the January 26, 2026 minutes and then heard several bills dealing with tax, retirement, and property assessment issues. SB 1215, as amended, was described as a technical “comma bill” that reorganizes the list of firefighter cancer conditions presumed work-related and removes mistakenly included peace officer language; it passed 6-1. SB 1180 would codify Arizona Department of Revenue’s practice of assuming federal conformity for above-the-line income tax items when preparing forms, with supplemental instructions if the legislature later acts differently; it passed 7-0 after discussion about whether it would affect executive-ordered changes. SCR 1028, a voter-referral measure to narrow the statutory exception allowing agencies to set certain fees and assessments without a two-thirds vote, drew sharp debate over majority rule versus limits on delegated fee authority and passed 4-3. The committee also advanced SB 1292, which clarifies that the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System’s 5% ownership cap applies only to publicly traded corporations; PSPRS said the change would avoid compliance problems and unnecessary costs, and it passed 7-0. SB 1294, restoring county assessors’ authority to prorate property values for property destroyed in any manner while preserving a five-year classification benefit only for property destroyed by verifiable accident, passed 6-1. SB 1430, the annual tax corrections act, passed unanimously after DOR said it mainly removes redundant language, fixes a cross-reference, and codifies current practice. The committee then considered SB 1270, which would let CORP employers make optional supplemental retirement contributions of up to $5,000 to Tier 3 correctional officers and related employees at specified service intervals. Supporters from the FOP said it is a flexible retention tool for hard-to-staff correctional jobs, while some members worried it could add costs for counties and not solve the underlying retention problem; it passed 6-1. Finally, SB 1290, which requires advance notice and inspection reports for certain property inspections and bars repeat agricultural inspections for three years, drew strong support from farm groups and strong opposition from county assessors, who argued it would create costs, limit their ability to verify new construction, and interfere with annual valuation duties. The bill passed 4-2 with one member not voting, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee Sub two to Senate Bill 197. Committee Sub two to Senate Bill 197.
• Substitute number two. Substitute number two.
• by a bipartisan vote of 73 to 14. by a bipartisan vote of 73 to 14.
• Explain your vote. Seeing none, all members having voted, there being 30 up.
• We have two deliveries to the governor. We have two deliveries to the governor.

Keywords: In an effort to stave off issues that may occur with long format live streams, we have split this stream into two parts., 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• orders of the day, read for the third orders of the day, read for the third time<00:07:05.840>
• So, Madam Clerk, do you have any nay or pass votes? Mr. President, there are no nay votes.
• This body may have voted to not impeach. This body may have voted to not impeach.
• , and I will vote no.
• about their vote and I will vote no. about their vote and I will vote no.

Keywords: In an effort to stave off issues that may occur with long format live streams, we have split this stream into two parts., 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There should be two. Oh, we're going to do two.
• Two, the respective caucuses. Two, the respective caucuses.
• Well, the day of the vote, it passed out of committee without a dissenting vote.
• Well, the day of the vote, it passed out of committee without a dissenting vote.
• no nay votes. no nay votes.

Keywords: In an effort to stave off issues that may occur with long format live streams, we have split this stream into two parts., 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On House Bill 425, there are three nay votes. Is that it?
• Again, this will be a voice vote.
• <01:24:11.960> the<01:24:12.080> words Page two, line 10, after the words Page two,
• I urge you vote to sustain the veto.
• chat cast change or explain their vote. chat cast change or explain their vote.

Keywords: In an effort to stave off issues that may occur with long format live streams, we have split this stream into two parts., 958, all

Bills: HB37, HB51, HB173, HB180, HB192, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB485, HB516, HB521, HB526, HB638, HB752, HB817, HB976, HB1006, HB1044

Keywords: HB37, expropriation, eminent domain, property rights, foreign entity, foreign corporation, limited liability company, LLC, reciprocal expropriation agreement, Louisiana property law, land acquisition, utility infrastructure, public utilities, railroad, waterworks, sewerage, natural gas pipeline, electric utility, telecommunications, carbon dioxide pipeline

Transcript Highlights:

• that<00:20:31.760> funding Third, um they noted that funding Third, um they noted that funding
• We have we have two other reports.
• We've people vote for it.
• We we've voted for this on the ballot.
• We've people vote for it. LCCMR.

Bills: HF624

Keywords: HF624, Minnesota fishing law, game and fish, walleye stamp, walleye stamp validation, angling, angler, fishing lines, two lines, four lines, open water fishing, ice fishing, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, fishing regulations, fish harvest, conservation, Minnesota Statutes 97C.315, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• What we are doing in this bill has two main points.
• My question is in regards to the same issue with what I call third-party carriers.
• grossberg permission to explain my vote grossberg permission to explain my vote briefly<00:23:56.880
• <00:27:33.440> party issue with what I call third party issue with what I call third party
• no no votes House Bill 210 does um votes no no votes House Bill 210 does um pass<00:30:50.080> and

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:20 SB18 Discussion: 01:36 SB18 Vote: 05:07 SB24 Discussion: 06:37 SB24 Vote: 10:50 HB524 Discussion: 12:03 HB524 Vote: 13:55 HB421 Discussion: 15:13 HB421 Vote: 20:50 HB236 Discussion: 21:53 HB236 Vote: 23:34 HB210 Discussion: 25:40 HB210 Vote: 29:56, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up several insurance and health-related bills, beginning with Senate Bill 18, which was presented by Senator Girdler and insurance witness Adam Sheridan. The bill was described as addressing a shortage of garage liability insurance for used auto dealers in Kentucky, which has left many small dealers with only one or two coverage options and, in some cases, unable to obtain the insurance needed for a dealer license. The committee adopted a motion and second, then passed SB 18 unanimously and reported it favorably with the recommendation that it pass on the House floor. The committee then considered Senate Bill 24, also presented by Senator Girdler with testimony from Eric DeCampo of the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The bill was framed as an anti-fraud measure that would expand the definition of a fraudulent insurance act to cover misrepresentations about property damage and repair costs in property insurance claims. Testimony emphasized that insurance fraud raises premiums for consumers and that the bill would help deter inflated or fabricated claims. After a brief question about whether the bill created new felonies, the committee voted to pass SB 24 unanimously and report it favorably. House Bill 524, presented by Rep. Aaron Thompson with officials from the Office of the Controller and State Risk, would extend reinsurance requirements for the state’s fire and tornado/self-insurance fund from July 1 of this year to July 1, 2030, and rename the fund the Commonwealth’s Property and Casualty Insurance Fund. The bill was moved, seconded, and passed unanimously. House Bill 421, presented by Rep. Amy Neighbors, would require full coverage of FDA-approved bowel preps without out-of-pocket cost or prior authorization issues and update colorectal cancer screening coverage rules for high-risk patients by incorporating multisociety task force guidelines. Members discussed the bill’s personal importance and its minimal fiscal impact; it passed unanimously with a committee substitute. House Bill 236, presented by Rep. Adam Moore and Commissioner Sharon Clark, would cap annual out-of-pocket costs for epinephrine at $100. Members spoke in support, including personal remarks about the importance of access to epinephrine, and the bill passed unanimously with a favorable recommendation. Finally, House Bill 210, presented by Rep. Michael “Sarge” Pollock and Dr. Steve Robertson of the Kentucky Dental Association, addressed dental limited benefit plans and direct payment to dentists. Members asked whether the bill also affected vision/hearing arrangements or third-party administrators; the witness said it was intended for non-ERISA dental plans in Kentucky and suggested follow-up with the commissioner for further clarification. The committee adopted the committee substitute and then passed HB 210 favorably, with 15 yes votes and no votes against. The meeting then adjourned, with a reminder about the Banking and Insurance dinner later that evening.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I'll just make two quick points and then turn over to Rob Hardy.
• <00:04:53.680> quick chairman um I'll just make two quick chairman um I'll just make two quick
• Senator Hale, explain my vote, please. I'd like to vote aye, and I commend you on the work on this.
• I don't know if you're allowed to have two bills in one time. I'm not sure.
• <00:10:57.000> you<00:10:57.160> sir all two for two man thank you sir all two for

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:30 HB421 Discussion: 01:28 HB421 Vote: 02:19 HB184 Discussion: 03:20 HB184 Vote: 05:44 HB210 Discussion: 07:28 HB210 Vote: 08:14 HB415 Discussion: 09:05 HB415 Vote: 09:43 HB701 Discussion: 11:16 HB701 Vote: 13:42, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and moved quickly through several House bills related to health insurance, insurance regulation, dental benefits, and digital assets. Members repeatedly noted the need to keep testimony brief because of overlapping committee schedules and the late-session pace. The chair also reminded House members to coordinate floor sponsors since consent calendars were not being used this year. House Bill 421, presented by Rep. Amy Neighbors with support from Dr. Russell Williams, would require full coverage of FDA-approved bowel preps with no out-of-pocket cost and no prior authorization barriers. House Bill 814, presented by Rep. Mike Klein and explained by Sen. Girdler, would extend the insurance regulatory sandbox through December 2030; supporters said the committee substitute was a vetted NAIC model already adopted in 28 states. House Bill 210, presented by Rep. Pollock with Dr. Steve Robertson of the Kentucky Dental Association, would clarify assignment-of-benefit provisions so dentists are paid directly and with more transparency. House Bill 415, also by Rep. Pollock, would clarify that health insurance coverage mandates apply only to primary major medical policies. House Bill 701, presented by Rep. Adam Bowling with Ash Gun of Coinbase, would establish clearer rules for blockchain and digital assets, affirm Kentuckians’ right to hold and transact digital assets, align money transmission licensing with digital assets, and specify that certain crypto activities are not securities. Members discussed the bill in general terms, including a light exchange about crypto market volatility, but no substantive opposition was raised. Each bill received a favorable expression by roll call, and the committee adopted the committee substitute and title amendment on HB 814. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, and the chair said another meeting later in the week was possible.