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Committee HearingHouse

House Appropriations [Mar 20, 2026]

March 20, 2026 · Appropriations · 5,554 words · 13 speakers · 431 segments

John Armstrongother

. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Representative Josephassemblymember

The House Appropriations Committee will come to order. Ms. Curry, please call the roll.

Curryother

Representatives Basinacker.

Representative Basinackerassemblymember

Here.

Curryother

Bottoms.

Representative Bottomsassemblymember

Excuse.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Joseph.

G

Right here.

Curryother

McCormick.

Representative Richardsonassemblymember

Here.

Curryother

Soper.

Representative Richardsonassemblymember

Excused.

Curryother

Ms. Curry, please call the roll.

Representative Basinackerassemblymember

Representatives Basenekar.

Representative Bottomsassemblymember

Here. Bottoms.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Excused. Joseph. Right here.

Representative Richardsonassemblymember

McCormick.

G

Here.

Representative Richardsonassemblymember

Soper. Excused.

Representative Taggartassemblymember

Taggart.

Representative Titoneassemblymember

Here. Titone. I'm here. Titone. I said I'm here.

Representative Velascoassemblymember

Velasco. Sorry. Presente.

Curryother

Is that okay Excuse Madam Vice Chair here And Mr Chair Here All right thank you committee

Representative Josephassemblymember

Today we have 15 bills to hear. We will start with 1331. We have our sponsors in front of us. We are the committee of reference for the first three bills. Sponsors, would you like to start?

Representative Velascoassemblymember

Madam Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and good morning, committee members. we are here to speak to you about House Bill 1331. I want to thank our legislative management team, Director Castle, DeCecco, Directors Castle, DeCecco, our auditor Hunter and Director Harper, for their great work in helping us with this year's budget and certainly with two of the bills that you'll hear today are orbitals for the legislative branch budget. I'm also pleased to be here with my co-prime minority leader, Caldwell. This bill does something similar to what we did last year, and that is suspend all committees that meet over the interim for the 26, 20, for this next year, the 26 summer before the 27 legislative session. We are doing this much like we did last year in order to contribute to the state's budget challenges. This will save us roughly $400,000, and we eliminate 3.3 FTE. I want to emphasize that like last year, you'll see many of the same committees suspended for one more interim. We have also included the TLRC committee and water resources agricultural review committee as well this year in an effort to drive the greatest budget savings that we can. And with that, I'll pause and turn it over to my co-prime.

X

Mr. Minority Leader. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you, members of the committee. I don't have much to add to what Madam Speaker had said. You know, I know we, for those who sit on these committees and appreciate the work that is done by these committees, I just think that with the budget challenges, we have to, in desperate times, call for desperate measures. And so, unfortunately, you know, I think this is the right move. And so I'd appreciate an aye vote. Thank you.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Thank you, sponsors. Committee, do we have questions for our sponsors? Representative Joseph.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Madam Speaker and Minority Cowardwell for being here today. I have a quick question. We're looking at 1331, right? Yes. And my question is around the committee suspended during the 2026 interim. your majority leader passed house bill 25 1057 with representative Weinberg which was the interim the American Indian Affairs interim committee my understanding that bill had a five years timeline and that particular committee was would be suspended does that mean the time for the committee would be suspended as well or is it shortened meaning that if we never meet within in the next five years, that means the committee never...

Representative Josephassemblymember

Go ahead.

Representative Velascoassemblymember

Madam Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Representative Joseph, for the question. I will make the assumption that when that committee was established four or five years, it was set in statute with a specific year end. So the year that it expired or was repealed was put into statute. If that is the case, then yes, should the committees be able to resume meeting in the 27th session, it would have now three years for meeting. And certainly that could be revisited in statute during any regular legislative session.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Additional questions from the committee? Seeing none, we will move on to the witness phase. Is there anyone in the room or online who wishes to testify on House Bill 1331? Seeing none, the witness phase is closed. amendments uh madam speaker minority leader uh i understand we have a j amendment in our packet

Representative Velascoassemblymember

uh would you like the committee to move this amendment madam speaker thank you mr chair yes uh this would be the um appropriate amendment to help us save the four hundred thousand dollars

X

thank you very much madam speaker madam vice chair thank you mr chair i move j001 to house

Representative Josephassemblymember

bill 1331. Second. Seconded by Representative Velasco. Is there any objection to J001? Seeing none, J001 is passed. Is there additional amendments to 1331? Seeing none, the amendment phase is closed. Madam Speaker, Minority Leader, any additional

Representative Velascoassemblymember

comments? Wrap up. Madam Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just one last comment. It is difficult for us to suspend committees and not have that format for our work over the interim, it should not stop us from continuing dialogue around these important policy issues. We can still continue to meet both with other legislators and stakeholders, even if the format and structure of a committee is not available to us. So I hope that everyone will pursue a very rigorous schedule during the interim and keep the good work flowing. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I might take a vacation first, but okay.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Mr. Minority Leader.

X

Okay, I also want to recognize that Representative Sokai has joined us. And Representative Bottoms has now joined us as well. Thank you. In addition, we'll wrap up comments from the committee. Seeing none, Madam Vice Chair.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move House Bill 1331 as amended to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation. Second.

Representative Velascoassemblymember

Seconded by Representative Velasco.

Curryother

Ms. Curry, please call the roll. Representative Spassenecker Bottoms

Representative Bottomsassemblymember

Yes

Curryother

Joseph

Representative Josephassemblymember

Yes

Curryother

McCormick

G

Yes

Curryother

Taggart

Representative Taggartassemblymember

Yes

Curryother

Titone

Representative Titoneassemblymember

Yes

Curryother

Alaska

John Armstrongother

Yes

Curryother

Zocay

John Armstrongother

Yes

Curryother

Madam Vice Chair

Representative Josephassemblymember

Yes

Curryother

Mr. Chair

Representative Josephassemblymember

Yes That passes unanimously Congratulations You're on to the Committee of the Whole Committee, we will move on to 1332.

Representative Velascoassemblymember

Madam Speaker, and we'll welcome our Majority Leader.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Madam Speaker, would you like to begin with some opening comments?

Representative Velascoassemblymember

Madam Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, members. This Bill 1332 addresses our Legislative Department cash fund. This fund was established in 2012 and has been utilized over the past 14, 15 years. It kind of serves as our capital, our information technology fund, as well as our emergency fund. After last year review of the Legislative Department cash fund and on the heels of our successful renovation of the annex the relocation of members into the building we felt that it was an important and good time for us to revisit both the purposes of the Legislative Department cash fund and establish some guidelines on the general fund reversions that have been occurring this past many years. This bill proposes very specific uses for these funds as they are reverted into the cash fund from any vacancy savings we may have in any given year or from other revenue sources that this fund has been home to. Because of a surplus of funding at this time, we are pleased to share that we will transfer $12 million from this fund to the general fund to help address our budget shortfall. And we are capping the legislative department cash fund at $8 million moving forward. With the current given balance and this anticipated transfer of $12 million, and I will emphasize it is possible more funds will be transferred into the general fund based on any reversions that occur in the 25-26 year, but a minimum of $12 million. dollars. We will, moving forward, make an annual transfer so that we never rise above that $8 million, although it is possible we will be less than that given reversions that may or may not come in. As you will see from the bill language, the funds can be used for those capital or renovation purposes. We have renovated the Senate twice, the House once. The lift that we installed in the House for any member that may use a wheelchair, we used these funds to help accomplish that. When there are emergencies, a pipe bursts, this is the funds that we go to to access dollars to make any repairs. Our information technology systems are all funded through this account. And certainly, any unanticipated emergencies that the legislature faces during an interim or a regular year, such as the pandemic. We needed additional funding during the pandemic years, both for equipment, supplies, and changes to HVAC systems, et cetera, as well as some of the challenges we had with the special sessions during that year. So with that, I will turn this over to Madam Majority Leader, my co-prime.

John Armstrongother

Madam Majority Leader. Thank you, and thank you, committee. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I think you did a great job explaining that. Thank you to our legislative management team for all their hard work on this also. Actually, this bill will ensure responsible stewardship for taxpayer dollars and any annual revisions of unspent appropriations that could cause the fund to exceed this new limit will be automatically transferred back to the general fund. Based on history, we expect this mechanism to return an additional $1 to $4 million annually to the state. This bill, the money received from this bill for Colorado Open Record Act requests is deposited into the fund The House Senate and legislative service agencies are authorized to seek accept and expend gifts grants and donations and invest income in the redistricting accounts of the fund as transferred to the general fund along with investment income from the fund as a whole. So in conclusion, as we know, this year is a tight budget year, and this bill will help to do our part in saving some money. Thank you to the Executive Committee and Legislative Council for diving into this issue. With that, I ask for your yes vote today, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Thank you, sponsors. Thank you, Madam Speaker and Majority Leader. Do we have any additional? Yes.

Representative Taggartassemblymember

Representative Taggart. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you, Madam Speaker, Madam Majority Leader. Thank you for the $12 million. If we could really use it, if you could find a way to add a zero to that. Yes. That would be wonderful. Thank you, though.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Thank you. Thank you, Representative Taggart. Any additional questions from the committee? All right, seeing none, we'll move on to witness testimony. Is there anyone in the room or online who wishes to testify on House Bill 1332? Seeing none, the witness phase is closed. We have no, we'll move on to amendments. There are no amendments in our packet. Sponsors, do we have any amendments that you would like to offer? Committee, do we have any other amendments? Seeing none, the amendment phase is closed. Sponsors, would you like to wrap up? Any additional comments?

Representative Velascoassemblymember

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I jumped in before you called.

Representative Josephassemblymember

That's fine, Madam Speaker.

Representative Velascoassemblymember

Sorry.

Representative Josephassemblymember

You're the speaker. You get to say whatever you want. No, I'm just kidding.

Representative Velascoassemblymember

I, too, Representative Taggart, wish we had an extra two zeros to add to this particular transfer, but really appreciate your support. Thank you.

Representative Josephassemblymember

All right. Seeing no additional comments, any comments from the committee? Seeing none. Madam Vice Chair. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move House Bill 1332 to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation. Second.

Representative Velascoassemblymember

Seconded by Representative Velasco.

Curryother

Ms. Curry, please call the roll. Representatives Basinecker.

Representative Basinackerassemblymember

Yes.

Curryother

Bottoms.

Representative Bottomsassemblymember

Yes.

Curryother

Joseph.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Yes.

Curryother

McCormick.

G

Yes.

Curryother

Taggart.

Representative Taggartassemblymember

Yes.

Curryother

Titone.

Representative Titoneassemblymember

Yes.

Curryother

Velasco.

Representative Velascoassemblymember

Yes.

Curryother

Zokai.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Madam Vice Chair.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Yes, Mr. Chair. Yes, that passes on a vote of 10 to 0 with SOPA excused. You're on to the committee of the whole. All right, let's move on to 1333. Wow, we have our sponsors here again. Sorry.

John Armstrongother

Madam Majority Leader. Thank you so much. I appreciate your sense of humor this morning. Got to keep it light. Thank you to the LMT and Executive Committee and Legislative Council. Thank you to the entire staff of every agency here at the Capitol who help us do our jobs every day. This is the annual budget request for the ongoing operations of the General Assembly and the service agencies that comprise of the legislative branch based on current law. We have before you a booklet that contains a complete description of the different agencies in the legislative branch and their budgets. We have about 500 employees, including 450.6 FTEs that serve in the different agencies of the legislative branch. The budget for each agency within the legislative branch was first brought forward by their respective directors and unanimously or overwhelmingly approved by their oversight committees with bipartisan support JBC voted unanimously to approve the JBC staff budget request by Dr Director Craig Harper Committee on Legislative Services voted unanimously to approve the Office of Legislative Legal Services budget request, which includes the Legislative Human Resources Division by Director Ed DiCecco. The Legislative Audit Committee voted unanimously to approve the Office of the state auditor's budget request by state auditor carrie hunter and the legislative council approved the legislative council staff budget request on a bipartisan vote of 16 to 1 with one excused and that was by director natalie castle we deliberately bring this legislative budget forward early in advance of the long bill so it can be presented separately from the executive branch decisions made in the long bill, helping to preserve our independence and avoid a veto. This bill is necessary to continue operating the legislative department, and I ask for your yes vote. This is a responsible budget that makes cuts where we can help in the overall state budget crisis. I will turn this over to Speaker McCluskey, and you can provide some more information on this. Thank you.

Representative Velascoassemblymember

Madam Speaker.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Thank you, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Representative Velascoassemblymember

I will echo my amazing majority leader with our thanks to the LMT legislative management team and our chief clerk in the House and Madam Secretary for the Senate for their contributions in helping us bring forward a budget that I think is very responsible given our overall budget challenges in the state. This budget maintains the budget cuts that we made last year in the legislative department. I want to emphasize that compensation in the budget before you remains flat. We are not providing increases to any of our amazing 500 employees in the legislative department. We hope to be able to revisit and possibly provide a very modest increase, if at all possible, based on the Joint Budget Committee's decisions on compensation for all state employees. But you will see in the budget before you today that we do remain flat with no increases. We have made cuts to operating and travel. We have taken other operating expenses down. We took a 10% reduction to our NCSL fees and dues. we have maintained a lower amount on CSG West our contributions there and we are maintaining our dues to ECS I will say that the largest the reason that there is a slight increase in the legislative department branch budget is because of health life dental and vision benefits those costs make up 74% of the year-to-year increase from last year. If we had not seen increases in benefits at the levels we have seen, both at the state level and for our branch, I know that we would have brought in a budget that was less than last year's. The majority of our increase is in response to legislation that has been passed these past few years. I am happy to answer any specific questions about the budget, emphasizing that each of our agency leaders did an admirable job turning, we say it so often, the couch cushions over, looking for every possibility I how we could save money and help the state in addressing its budget gap this year. Really appreciate your support of this budget. It is ultimately a support of all of them and their work, and we are so grateful to the 500 employees in our branch. Thank you.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Committee members, questions for our bill sponsors? All right, seeing none, we'll move on to witness testimony. Is there anyone in the room or online who wishes to testify on House Bill 1333? Seeing none, the witness phase is closed. Sponsors, do we have any amendments?

John Armstrongother

No, Mr. Chair.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Great. Committee, do we have any amendments? Seeing none, the amendment phase is closed. Wrap up, bill sponsors. Anything else to add?

John Armstrongother

Madam Majority Leader. Thank you. I would just add a thank you to all our partners in the collaboration of making sure that we actually stepped in to address our budget. crisis and to really work as a team. So I would just like to say thank you to them.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Thank you, Madam Majority Leader. I also want to note that Representative Soper has joined us. Okay, any additional wrap-up comments from the committee? Seeing none, Madam Vice Chair. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move House Bill 1333 to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation. Second.

John Armstrongother

Seconded by Representative Glasgow.

Curryother

Ms. Curry, please call the roll. Representatives Baisnecker.

Representative Basinackerassemblymember

Yes.

Curryother

Bottoms.

Representative Bottomsassemblymember

Yes.

Curryother

Joseph.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Yes.

Curryother

McCormick.

G

Yes.

Curryother

Sober.

Representative Richardsonassemblymember

Yes.

Curryother

Taggart.

Representative Taggartassemblymember

Yes.

Curryother

Satone.

Representative Titoneassemblymember

Yes.

Curryother

Velasco.

Representative Velascoassemblymember

Yes.

Curryother

Zocay.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Madam Vice Chair.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Yes.

Curryother

Mr. Chair.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Yes. That passes 11 to 0. Congratulations. Well done. We'll see you on the floor. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Our next bill is 1183.

G

Representative McCormick and Majority Leader Durand.

Representative Josephassemblymember

we are no longer the committee of reference on this bill so committee do we have any questions for our bill sponsors on 1183 alright seeing none sponsors do you have any amendments for your bill

John Armstrongother

no we do not

Representative Josephassemblymember

committee members do you have any amendments seeing none the amendment phase is closed sponsors anything else committee wrap up seeing none

G

yes, Representative McCormick. I move House Bill 261183 to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable

Representative Josephassemblymember

recommendation. Second.

John Armstrongother

Seconded by Representative Blasco.

Curryother

Ms. Curry, please call the roll. Representative Spasenecker.

Representative Basinackerassemblymember

Yes. Bottoms.

Representative Bottomsassemblymember

No. Joseph.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Yes. McCormick. Yes.

G

Soper.

Representative Richardsonassemblymember

No.

Representative Taggartassemblymember

Taggart.

Representative Titoneassemblymember

Titone.

Representative Velascoassemblymember

Yes.

John Armstrongother

Velasco.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Yes.

Curryother

Zocay.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Yes. Madam Vice Chair. Yes. Mr. Chair. Yes. That passes on a vote of nine to two. Congratulations. You're on the way to the committee of the whole. Thank you, committee.

John Armstrongother

Thank you, Madam Majority Leader.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Next up, we have Representative Velasco and Representative Martinez, House Bill 1006. Committee, do we have any questions for our bill sponsor?

Representative Velascoassemblymember

who just so happens to be with us.

Representative Josephassemblymember

No questions.

Representative Velascoassemblymember

Bill sponsors, do you have any amendments for your bill?

Representative Josephassemblymember

No. Committee members any amendments Great the amendment phase is closed Any wrap up from the committee Representative Velasco Thank you Mr Chair I move House Bill 1006 to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation. Second.

John Armstrongother

Seconded by Representative Zocay.

Curryother

Ms. Curry, please call the roll. Representative Sbysnecker?

Representative Velascoassemblymember

Yes.

Curryother

Bottoms?

Representative Bottomsassemblymember

No.

Curryother

Joseph?

Representative Josephassemblymember

Yes.

Curryother

McCormick?

G

Yes.

Representative Richardsonassemblymember

Soper. No. Taggart. Yes, for today, but when we get to the floor, I'd like an explanation of the purpose of this.

Representative Taggartassemblymember

Titone. Yes. Velasco. Yes. Zocay. Yes. Madam Vice Chair. Yes. Mr. Chair.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Yes. That bill passes on a vote of nine to two. Congratulations. You're on the vote. You're on your way. Today is your day. Okay, sorry. House Bill 1006. Do we have... Sorry, we just did House Bill 1006. House Bill 1109 is next.

John Armstrongother

Stuart Kay and Representative Joseph.

Representative Josephassemblymember

All right, we have our bill sponsors. Committee, do we have any questions for our bill sponsors? All right, seeing none. Bill sponsors, do we have any amendments? Seeing none. Committee, any amendments? Amendment phase is closed. Wrap-up, committee. All right.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Madam, sorry, Representative Joseph. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move House Bill 261109 to the Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendations.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Second.

Representative Basinackerassemblymember

Seconded by Representative Basinecker.

Curryother

Ms. Curry, please call the roll. Representatives Basinecker.

Representative Basinackerassemblymember

Yes.

Curryother

Bottoms.

Representative Bottomsassemblymember

No.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Joseph?

Curryother

Yes.

G

McCormick?

Curryother

Yes.

Representative Richardsonassemblymember

Soper?

Curryother

No.

Representative Taggartassemblymember

Taggart?

Curryother

Yes.

Representative Titoneassemblymember

Titone?

Curryother

Yes.

Representative Velascoassemblymember

Velasco?

Curryother

Yes.

John Armstrongother

Zocay?

Curryother

Yes.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Madam Vice Chair?

Curryother

Yes.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Mr. Chair?

Curryother

Yes.

Representative Josephassemblymember

That bill passes on a vote of 9-2. Congratulations. 1181, Representative Ricks and Representative Richardson. Welcome, Representative Richardson. Committee, do we have any questions for our bill sponsor? All right, seeing none. Oh, you have a question.

Representative Richardsonassemblymember

Okay, Representative Soper. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you, Representative Richardson. Did you get a haircut?

Representative Josephassemblymember

I don't know that that is germane to the bill, but I will allow it.

John Armstrongother

A couple of weeks ago, yes.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Okay, great. Glad we could solve that. Are there any additional questions? No? Okay, bill sponsors, do we have any amendments?

John Armstrongother

No.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Okay. Committee, do we have any amendments? Okay, seeing none, the amendment phase is closed. Sponsors, committee, any wrap-up? All right, seeing none, Madam Vice Chair. Oh, sorry, yes, Madam Vice Chair.

Representative Josephassemblymember

I think Rep. Joseph.

Representative Josephassemblymember

All right, Rep. Joseph, thank you.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Would you like to make the motion? Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move House Bill 26-1181 to the Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendations.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Second.

Representative Velascoassemblymember

Seconded by Representative Velasco.

Curryother

Ms. Curry, please call the roll. Representative Spasenecker.

Representative Basinackerassemblymember

Yes.

Curryother

Bottoms.

Representative Bottomsassemblymember

No.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Joseph Yes McCormick Yes Soper Yes Taggart Yes Titone Yes Velasco Yes Zocay Yes Madam Vice Chair Yes Mr Chair Yes That passes on a vote of 10 to 1 Congratulations We see you on the floor

Representative Josephassemblymember

House Bill 1184, Representative Lukens and Representative Morrow. Welcome. Committee, do we have any questions for our sponsors? Seeing none. Sponsors, do we have any amendments?

John Armstrongother

Yes. Which we, I would recommend that you move L002. we are not yes is that is that agreeable to the sponsors please thank you madam vice chair would you please meta by share yes thank you mr. chair i move l zero zero two to house bill 1184 second

Representative Josephassemblymember

seconded by representative velasco are there any objections to l zero zero two seeing none l zero zero two is passed committee are there any additional amendments Seeing none, the amendment phase is closed. Sponsors, any additional comments? Representative Morrow.

John Armstrongother

I thought we had a J amendment. Yes, thank you. Thank you for the question. You did have a J amendment, but the L amendment makes the J amendment no longer necessary.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Any additional comments or questions? Seeing none, Madam Vice Chair.

John Armstrongother

Thank you, Mr. Chair. move House Bill 1184 as amended to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation. Second.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Ms. Curry, please call the roll.

Curryother

Oh, seconded by Representative...

John Armstrongother

Stash Choice. Zocay. Zalasco. No.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Representative Zocay.

Curryother

Ms. Curry, please call the roll. Representative Spasenecker.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Bottoms.

John Armstrongother

No.

Curryother

Joseph.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

McCormick.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Soper.

John Armstrongother

No.

Curryother

Taggart.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Tatone. Yes. Velasco. Yes. Zocay. Yes. Madam Vice Chair. Yes. Mr. Chair.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Yes. That passes on a vote of 9-2-2. Thank you, sponsors. We'll see you on the floor. Thank you. Next up, 1186, Representative Mabry and Representative Soper. All righty. Welcome, Representative Mabry. and also welcome to you, Representative Soper. Do we have any questions for our bill sponsors? All right, seeing none. Sponsors, do you have any amendments?

John Armstrongother

No amendments? We do not.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Any amendments from the committee? Seeing none, the amendment phase is closed. Wrap up, committee.

John Armstrongother

All right.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Seeing none, Madam, sorry, Representative Soper.

Representative Richardsonassemblymember

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move a bill 1186 to the committee of the whole.

John Armstrongother

Second.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Seconded by Representative Velasco.

Curryother

Ms. Curry, please call the roll. Representative Spasenecker.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Bottoms.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Joseph.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

McCormick.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Soper.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Taggart.

John Armstrongother

Yes, for today.

Curryother

Titone.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Velasco.

John Armstrongother

Yes. Yes. It's okay. Yes.

Curryother

Madam Vice Chair.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Yes Mr Chair Yes That bill passes unanimously Congratulations sponsors We see you on the floor Yeah That my coin Sorry representatives Camacho and representatives to tone 1188. Welcome, representative Camacho. And also representatives to tone. Do we have any questions for our bill sponsors? All right, seeing none. Sponsors, do we have any amendments today?

John Armstrongother

No amendments. No amendments.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Committee members, do we have any amendments? Seeing none, the amendment phase is closed. Wrap up, committee. Seeing none, Representative Titone.

Representative Titoneassemblymember

I move the House Bill 1188 to the committee to hold the favorable recommendation.

John Armstrongother

Second.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Seconded by Representative Velasco.

Curryother

Ms. Curry, please call the roll. Representative Spaceknecker.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Bottoms.

John Armstrongother

No.

Curryother

Joseph. Yes. McCormick. Yes. Soper. No. Taggart. Yes. Titone. Yes. Velasco. Yes. Zocay. Yes. Madam Vice-Chair. Yes. Mr. Chair. Yes.

Representative Josephassemblymember

That passes on a vote of 9-2. Congratulations. House Bill 1197, Representative Morrow, welcome. Do we have any, sorry, any questions for our bill sponsor? Seeing none, Representative Morrow,

John Armstrongother

do you have any amendments? No.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Committee members, any amendments? Seeing none, the amendment phase is closed. Wrap up, committee members. All right, Madam Vice Chair.

John Armstrongother

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move House Bill 1197 to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation. Second.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Seconded by Representative Velasco.

Curryother

Ms. Curry, please call the roll. Representative Spasenecker.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Bottoms.

John Armstrongother

No.

Curryother

Joseph.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

McCormick.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Soper.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Taggart.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Titone.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Velasco.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Zocay.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Madam Vice Chair.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Mr. Chair.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Representative Josephassemblymember

That bill passes 10 to 1. Congratulations, Rep. Morrow. House Bill 1214, Representatives English and Jackson. Welcome, Rep. Jackson.

John Armstrongother

Good morning.

Representative Josephassemblymember

committee members, do we have any questions for our bill sponsor?

Representative Taggartassemblymember

Representative Tigard. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I wonder if you could answer the question. There is revenue illustrated in this from the standpoint of, if I look at table 1B, for next year, there's $477,000 flowing in, I'm assuming, for license fees, yet that's not showing up on table one, and it's accordingly, if I'm reading this correctly, we're taking $666,000, of which $476,000 is coming from general fund, and it just, something there just doesn't add up to me.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Representative Jackson.

John Armstrongother

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you for the question and I am not sure that I can actually answer that. I know that this is a sunset bill and that in order for us to continue the current licensing that we have, these are the numbers that the fiscal analysts came up with, and I'm not sure if they're available this morning to answer those specific questions for you. but I'm happy to look into that.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Looks like we do have a fiscal analyst here. Thank goodness. Representative Taggart, I assume it would be helpful if the fiscal analyst would answer.

John Armstrongother

Yeah.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Sir, why don't you go ahead and introduce yourself for the committee and see if you can answer Rep. Taggart's question.

John Armstrongother

Thank you, Mr. Chair. For the record, John Armstrong, legislative council staff.

Representative Taggartassemblymember

Thank you, Representative Taggart, for the question.

John Armstrongother

I was not the fiscal analyst on this bill. My colleague Brendan Fung was. But I believe Table 1B, that $476,000 in general fund, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think in your description, you were describing that as revenue. That's our expenditure impact. So in Table 1, under state expenditures, the sum of that $476,000 plus the other two rows, that totaled to $666,000 and 187, and those are all expenditures. The revenue is the $54,000 on Table 1A and reflected in Table 1. If there's clarifying questions, I can attempt to answer them as best I can, or I can get you in touch with my colleague, Mr. Fung.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Representative Taggart.

Representative Taggartassemblymember

Thank you, I appreciate that, and I appreciate you calling out the 476. I'm still very concerned about, it would seem to me that the licensing fee should cover these costs, And something looks really odd to me when, A, there's no revenue whatsoever this year, which this is extending a program, so there has to be revenue this year in 26-27. And B, just if the fees are this small against what this costs us, I think we need to look at this some more and figure out how this could break even.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Sorry, Mr. Armstrong.

John Armstrongother

Rep. Taggart, I'll look into the fee structure of the BHA and try and follow up on this bill specifically. I don't have an answer for you at this time.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Thank you, Mr. Armstrong. I will say that this is a clean what I would consider to be a clean sunset and that the structure that is reflected in the 27 fiscal year in the memo is a reflection of the current fee structure and the current general fund expenditures that is currently going on. And while we can certainly have conversations about that, that is the nature of a fiscal note in this way. there may be also revenues that are not completely reflected in here because they are ongoing and not new. I don't know. Rep Taggart, do you have any additional concerns or questions?

John Armstrongother

Okay.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Thank you. Any additional questions? All right. Seeing none from the committee, sponsors, sorry, Rep Jackson,

John Armstrongother

do you have any amendments? No.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Great, committee members, do you have any amendments? Seeing none, the amendment phase is closed. Wrap up, committee members. Okay, seeing none, Madam Vice Chair.

John Armstrongother

Thank you, Mr. Chair, I move House Bill 1214 to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation. Second.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Seconded by Representative Velasco.

Curryother

Ms. Curry, please call the roll. Representatives. Representatives Beysenekar.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Bottoms.

John Armstrongother

No.

Curryother

Joseph.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

McCormick.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Soper.

John Armstrongother

No.

Curryother

Taggart.

John Armstrongother

No.

Curryother

Titone.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Velasco.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Zocay.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Madam Vice Chair.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Mr. Chair.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Representative Josephassemblymember

That bill passes 8 to 3. Congratulations. We'll see you on the floor. Representatives Paschal and Jackson, you're up for 1242. Welcome, Rep. Paschal, welcome back, Rep. Jackson. Committee members, do we have any questions for our bill sponsors on 1242? Seeing none, sponsors, we have a J amendment in our packet.

John Armstrongother

Would you like us to move that? That is the correct answer. I'm sorry, just joking. Madam Vice Chair.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

John Armstrongother

I move J001 to House Bill 1242.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Seconded by Representative Velasco. Are there any objections to J001? Seeing none, J001 is passed. Committee, any additional amendments? Sponsors, any additional amendments?

John Armstrongother

No, sir.

Representative Josephassemblymember

With that, the amendment phase is closed. Any wrap-up from the committee?

John Armstrongother

Any wrap up from our sponsors Okay Madam Vice Chair Thank you Mr Chair I move House Bill 1242 as amended to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation Second Seconded by Representative Velasco Ms Curry please call the roll

Curryother

Representative Spasenecker. Yes. Bottoms. No. Joseph. Yes. McCormick. Yes. Soper. Yes. Taggart. Yes. Titone. Yes. Velasco. Yes.

John Armstrongother

It's okay. Yes.

Curryother

Madam Vice Chair.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Mr. Chair.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Representative Josephassemblymember

10 to 1. That passes on a vote of 10 to 1. Congratulations, sponsors. All right. Next up we have Representative Garcia and Representative Wilford, 1260.

John Armstrongother

Do we have our sponsors present? Yes, we do.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Welcome, Representative Garcia. All right, committee members, do we have any questions? for our bill sponsor? Seeing none. Committee, do we have, or sponsors, do we have any amendments?

John Armstrongother

None.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Committee, do we have any amendments? Seeing none, the amendment phase is closed. Wrap up from the committee. All right, seeing none, Madam Vice Chair.

John Armstrongother

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move House Bill 1260 to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation. Second.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Seconded by Representative Velasco.

Curryother

Ms. Curry, please call the roll. Representative Zbacenekar.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Bottoms.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Joseph.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

McCormick.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Soper.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Taggart.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Catone.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Velasco.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Zocay.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Madam Vice Chair.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Mr. Chair.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Congratulations. You're on the way to the committee of the whole. And finally we have representative Stewart and representative Mabry, 1123. Committee members do you have any questions for our sponsors? Seeing none, sponsors we have a J amendment in our packet.

John Armstrongother

Would you like us to move that? Yes, Mr. Chair. Thank you very much. Madam Vice Chair. Thank you Mr. Chair. I move J001 to House Bill 1123.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Seconded by Representative Zocay this time. Are there any objections to J001? Seeing none, J001 is passed.

John Armstrongother

Oh, did you object? I was trying to object. Oh, I'm sorry.

Representative Josephassemblymember

The objection is heard. I believe I can still, since I, let the record show that representatives The objective and I missed it Are we voting Okay Yeah so let the record show that Representative Soper objected in which case we will take a roll call vote

Curryother

Madam, Ms. Curry, please call the roll. Representative Spasenecker?

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Bottoms?

John Armstrongother

No.

Curryother

Joseph?

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

McCormick?

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Soper?

John Armstrongother

No.

Curryother

Taggart?

John Armstrongother

No.

Curryother

Titone?

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Velasco.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Zocay.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Madam Vice Chair.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Mr. Chair.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Representative Josephassemblymember

8-3. That passed on a vote of 8-3. Are there any additional amendments?

John Armstrongother

Sorry.

Representative Josephassemblymember

8-3.

John Armstrongother

There you go.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Are there any additional amendments? Seeing none, the amendment phase is closed. Wrap up from the committee. All right.

John Armstrongother

Madam Vice Chair. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move House Bill 1123 as amended to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation. Second.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Sorry, seconded by Representative Zocay.

Curryother

Ms. Curry, please call the roll. Representatives Weisnecker.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Curryother

Bottoms.

John Armstrongother

No.

Curryother

Joseph.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

G

McCormick.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Representative Richardsonassemblymember

Soper.

John Armstrongother

No.

Representative Taggartassemblymember

Taggart.

John Armstrongother

No.

Representative Titoneassemblymember

Titone.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Representative Velascoassemblymember

Velasco.

John Armstrongother

Yes. Zocay. Yes.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Madam Vice Chair.

John Armstrongother

Yes.

Representative Josephassemblymember

Mr. Chair. Yes, that bill passes eight to three. Congratulations, you're onto the floor. Committee members, thank you for your work today. We'll see you on the floor. The House Appropriations Committee is adjourned.

John Armstrongother

Thank you. Thank you.

Source: House Appropriations [Mar 20, 2026] · March 20, 2026 · Gavelin.ai