Transcript Highlights:

• Memorial Highway for the Committee on Transportation HB 2416 by Hefner really linked to unauthorized vote
• certain applicants for engineering license or for the Committee on Licensing and administrative procedures
• AB 2424 by Hayes relating to the acceptable form of photo identification for the purposes of voting for
• AB 2442 by BC relating to the application of early voting ballot by mail for the Committee on Elections
• HB 2502 by Derazio relating to the software installation of certain voting equipment.

Transcript Highlights:

• , at the end, or should it be a constant process throughout this season, and how to maintain the procedure
• , at the end, or should it be a constant process throughout this season, and how to maintain the procedure
• , at the end, or should it be a constant process throughout this season, and how to maintain the procedure
• If not, the chair votes aye. Passing all three unamended resolutions. Chair votes aye.
• Vice Chair votes aye. Senator Aino, aye. Senator Koy, aye. Senator Elephante, aye.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on three resolutions: HCR 61, HCR 182, and HCR 183. Testimony on all three was generally supportive, with support noted from the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, ACLU, Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii Renewables Fuels Coalition, the University of Hawaii, and CARES. Angela Melody Young testified in strong support on behalf of CARES on multiple items, urging consideration of county processes, financing structures, and the need for procedures free from partisan influence. For HCR 183, the University of Hawaii said it stood on its written testimony and was available for questions. The discussion focused less on opposition and more on suggested policy considerations. Testimony on HCR 61 raised questions about how physical notes or related procedures should be administered and whether the process should be housed in a nonpartisan office. On HCR 182 and HCR 183, testimony emphasized coordinating state and county financing and planning, including references to property tax classifications, general obligation bonds, and long-term statewide projects such as Aloha Stadium. At the close of the hearing, the chair recommended taking all three resolutions together. The committee voted to pass HCR 61, HCR 182, and HCR 183 unamended, with all voting members present voting aye and two senators excused. The resolutions were adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• the sentence because the person is under intervention court and only with three violations of the procedures
• The person is under intervention court and only with three violations of the procedures and requirements
• That's what we have in this paperwork. >> We know what we're voting on. All right. Any questions?
• That's what we have in this paperwork. >> We know what we're voting on. All right. Any questions?
• today, so he little medical procedures today, so he is<00:32:45.279> unable<00:32:45.679>

Keywords: Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 2 February, 2026; 4:30 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee took up a series of criminal justice and public safety bills. Early discussion focused on immigration-related concerns and the costs of enforcement, with one senator pressing for data to support claims about crimes by undocumented immigrants and another citing specific cases and DPS removals of drivers with falsified CDLs. The committee also heard a bill requiring the sex marker on a driver’s license to match sex at birth; the sponsor said it was the same measure passed by the committee the prior year, and it received a title sufficient/do pass recommendation. Several bills addressed corrections and court procedures. One bill clarified that people in intervention court are subject to the sentencing judge’s sanctions and are not entitled to a separate technical-violation hearing like probationers or parolees; the sponsor said it would reduce, not increase, leniency, and the committee passed it. Another bill extended the statute of limitations for felonious assistance program fraud from five to ten years, citing the TANF fraud case and the need for more time to detect abuse in executive agency programs; it also passed. The committee then approved a bill allowing judges, after a hearing and specific findings, to order firearms removed in domestic violence cases and protective-order proceedings when the weapons pose a credible threat. The committee also advanced a bill increasing penalties for witness tampering, with the sponsor saying prosecutors wanted a stronger tool because defendants were sometimes willing to accept the current five-year penalty rather than face the underlying offense. Members discussed whether the bill covered intimidation versus tampering and whether the penalty should be tied to the underlying crime; a motion to reconsider/adjust the bill was adopted, and the bill ultimately received a do pass recommendation. Another measure increased fines for handheld mobile device violations while driving, especially in school and work zones, and members discussed whether the bill should be stronger and how any collected fines would be used; it passed. Finally, the committee approved a bill requiring reporting of certain convictions and adjudications to the Child Protective Services central registry, and ended by passing a bill increasing the fine for failing to use a screen on loads that can spill from vehicles and damage windshields, with members noting the fine had not been updated since 1974.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, last session this body passed Senate Bill 426 with a vote of 30 to 1, but the bill died in the
• Hearing none, I assume we have no one that has registered to vote. Oh, I'm sorry. Yes, we do.
• We urge this committee to vote the bill favorably out of committee. Thank you. Thank you.
• And then the rest of the orders have to do with elective procedures that were performed, not with the
• There are pretty clear standards on procedures.

Bills: SB331, SB883, SB926, SB1137, SB1138, SB1144, SB1151, SB1236, SB1270, SB1522, SB1869, SB2207, SB2422

Keywords: healthcare, cost disclosure, transparency, administrative penalties, health facility compliance, COVID-19, off-label use, prescription drugs, patient access, medical standards, insurance, physician ranking, incentives, fiduciary duty, health plan issuers, SB 1137, group home, assisted living, residential care, board and care

Transcript Highlights:

• All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
• All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
• All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
• This is a procedural vote. It is not debatable and requires 40 votes. The clerk will open the roll.
• It takes a majority of those present and voting. Members, this is a procedural vote.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a largely procedural session with several unanimous-consent motions, guest introductions, and budget-related trailer bills. Members also adopted resolutions recognizing June as Dairy Month and June 2026 as Electronic Dance Music Month, and later approved H.R. 88 commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Guest introductions highlighted the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Kappa League, Assembly staff member Mukhtar Ali, and Jennifer Levy, who is advocating against drunk driving after the death of her son. On the floor, the Assembly considered a series of Senate budget trailer bills presented by Assembly Member Gabriel. SB 170 reorganizes housing and homelessness agencies; SB 171 makes labor-related cleanup changes; SB 172 addresses general government, broadband, and NextGen 9-1-1; SB 174 extends remote court hearings and related court provisions; SB 177 advances options related to Medi-Cal and employer contributions; SB 180 extends the California Competes tax credit and conforms tax treatment for certain savings accounts; SB 169 covers transportation and DMV-related provisions; SB 168 creates a zero-emission vehicle incentive program and other clean-energy changes; SB 166 implements natural resources and environmental protection budget items; SB 165 extends the skilled nursing facility financing framework; SB 163 updates developmental services; and SB 135 funds higher education initiatives, including community college enrollment and Cal Grant changes. Most of these measures passed with bipartisan support, though several drew opposition over concerns about bureaucracy, fees, oversight, or policy direction. The Assembly also passed SB 719, which updates vehicle-related protections for domestic violence survivors, SB 97, an urgency bill making clarifying changes to digital financial asset law, SB 1350, which supports hydrogen and clean energy development, and SB 1344, which aims to reduce meritless lawsuits delaying affordable and supportive housing projects. AB 182, which sets the order for proposition numbers on the November ballot, was approved despite criticism that it manipulates the ballot numbering process. Votes on the measures were recorded, with many passing on strong margins and several transmitted immediately to the Senate or Governor as noted in the proceedings.

Transcript Highlights:

• I realized, you know, there was a lot of quick decisions to cover voting and procedures during the worst
• <00:54:47.920> and<00:54:48.200> procedures<00:54:49.200> during cover uh voting
• and procedures during cover uh voting and procedures during the<00:54:49.640> worst<00:54:49.880
• The chair said this was the unanimous vote, 18 to zero, out of committee, so procedurally they had to
• /c><04:48:30.000> you're<04:48:30.160> voting vote absentee Vote or if you're voting vote

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If there is maybe a problem with the evidence that the landlord has, or there is a procedural issue that
• It's a lot of times the goal is not just to, you know, beat the eviction on a procedural issue, to be
• Um, and we will have a formal amended amendment to vote on hopefully if you schedule something Tuesday
• Um, and we will have a formal amended amendment to vote on hopefully if you schedule something Tuesday
• Um, and we will have a formal amended amendment to vote on hopefully if you schedule something Tuesday

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee took up a proposed amendment to HP 598, with Nick Norman walking members through changes intended to preserve the existing eviction framework rather than create a separate expedited process. He said the amendment folds the bill’s changes into current law, adds limits on post-judgment motions and continuances, shortens or eliminates certain discretionary stays in default situations, and speeds issuance of notices and writs of possession. The amendment also adds language to RSA 540A to allow action against tenants, family members, guests, or occupants engaging in conduct that damages property or threatens health and safety, and it changes the effective date to 90 days after passage. Norman also said the amendment was meant to reduce frivolous delays and court fiscal impacts. Members raised concerns about several provisions, especially the clause barring discretionary stays after tenant default, the use of the word “immediately” for issuing writs, and the reduction of discretionary stays from 90 days to 60 days. One member asked for clarification on whether any meritorious circumstances should still allow a stay, and another suggested defining a specific timeline for judgments after hearings. Norman responded that the default provision was aimed at cases where tenants do not appear at all, and he said the intent was to prevent abuse of the process. He also discussed the new RSA 540A language as a way to address serious health and safety problems, including unauthorized occupants and hoarding. Other testimony was generally supportive of the amendment as an improvement over the original bill, but several witnesses urged changes. New Hampshire Legal Assistance said it would likely be neutral if recommended edits were made, and suggested clarifying language, preserving the ability to strike defaults, and allowing longer stays by agreement of the parties. That witness and others argued that a 60-day cap could interfere with negotiated move-out agreements and could be too short in some cases, especially for elderly or disabled tenants. There was also discussion of narrowing the new 540A remedy to the specific person causing the problem, while preserving protections for innocent household members, particularly in domestic violence situations. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt; the chair indicated the committee would consider revised language before executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• You had a vote tech center. Now it's changed quite a bit.
• You had a vote tech center. Now it's changed quite a bit.
• You know, I changed my vote today.
• We do not vote on this recommended budget today.
• We do not vote on this recommended budget today.

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee met during Budget Week and first considered three member bills. House Bill 1111, by Rep. Valdes, would eliminate the option for students to leave high school with a certificate of completion instead of a standard diploma. Valdes said the bill was inspired by students who met credit requirements but could not pass a required assessment, and argued the certificate does not provide access to college, trade school, or military service. The bill passed unanimously, 15-0. CS for House Bill 127, by Rep. Kendall, would support students with disabilities by using existing Florida Department of Education curriculum to create micro-credentials and coordinating with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and OSHA on workplace safety. Goodwill, the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Florida PTA, and others supported the bill, which also passed unanimously, 15-0. House Bill 1367, by Rep. Booth, addressed chronic absenteeism by requiring statewide definitions and more uniform attendance reporting, along with rules for excused and unexcused absences and early identification of chronically absent students. Testimony emphasized inconsistent district policies and the need for clearer data and interventions. The bill passed 13-0, with some members noting concerns about implementation details and future rulemaking. The committee then took up PCB-P-PKB-2501, the proposed conforming bill for the fiscal year 2025-2026 Pre-K through 12 budget. The chair said the bill was designed to align statutes with budget and scholarship funding procedures, especially around the Florida Education Finance Program and scholarship payments. The PCB would require Florida student ID numbers for scholarship students, standardize cross-checking against FTE survey data, set quarterly payment dates, and use one data source for both reporting and withholding scholarship-related FFP amounts. It also would reduce certain add-on weights by 50%, remove the budget stabilization program, and repeal the educational enrollment stabilization program. Several members raised concerns that the add-on weight reductions could hurt career and technical education, AICE, IB, and CAPE programs, while the sponsor argued the data showed too much spending in an “other” category and that the reductions were aimed at aligning funding with actual program costs. Public testimony was mixed: some supported tighter accountability and clearer payment rules, while others warned against undermining expensive career-readiness programs. The PCB passed 11-2. After the conforming bill, the chair presented the proposed fiscal year 2025-2026 Pre-K through 12 budget, totaling just under $21 billion, about $400 million below the current year. She said the budget reflects a need to slow spending growth and includes $20 million for New Worlds Scholarship Accounts, $7 million for security grants at Jewish day schools and preschools, $14 million for public school transportation stipends, an overall FEFP increase of about $747.7 million, $100 million for teacher salary increases, and increases in the base student allocation and funds per student. The committee did not vote on the budget recommendation at this meeting; it was distributed for review and will move to the Budget Committee next week.

Transcript Highlights:

• for these constituents, or how I voted, because I vote no on all of them.
• Because they vote for you.
• for it before, you voted yes, and I hope that you will vote aye again.
• I WANT TO REMIND THE HOUSE THE VOTE IS ON THE PROCEDURES OF THE HOUSE AND THE RULING OF THE CHAIR.
• I want to remind the house the vote is on the procedures of the house and the ruling of the Chair.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then took up a series of utility and public service bills and resolutions. A resolution sponsored by Senator Scarcella-Spanton designating April 9, 2026, as Yellow Ribbon Day was adopted after remarks honoring veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The chamber then moved through several Public Service Law measures focused on utility affordability, consumer protections, and PSC procedures, with some bills laid aside and others advanced. Among the bills passed were measures by Senators Mayer, Cleare, Hinchey, Comrie, and Parker. Debate on the Mayer bill centered on limiting utility expenses and fees recoverable in rate cases; supporters said it was part of a broader package to reform PSC practices, while opponents argued it would not lower current bills and had been softened from earlier versions. The Webb bill creating a residential utility usage monitoring program drew extended debate over whether it would meaningfully reduce costs, who would pay for the program, and whether it could lead to government monitoring of household usage; supporters said it would give consumers more control and transparency, while critics said it would not lower rates. The Gonzalez bill, which would add consumer protections during PSC investigations and delay shutoffs in certain circumstances, also passed after questions about whether it applied to rate cases, with the sponsor saying rate cases were explicitly excluded. Several members explained their votes, with supporters emphasizing affordability, transparency, and consumer protection, and opponents arguing the package would not address immediate rate relief and could burden ratepayers or encourage nonpayment. Senator Tedisco and others criticized PSC appointments and state energy policy, while Democratic sponsors argued the bills were part of a longer-term effort to reform utility regulation and address climate and affordability concerns. The chamber restored multiple bills to the non-controversial calendar before final votes, and the recorded results showed passage of the major utility bills by substantial margins, along with one amendment appeal being ruled nongermane and rejected.

Transcript Highlights:

• All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
• It takes a majority of those present and voting. This is a procedural vote.
• All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
• All members vote who desire to vote on the resolution. All members vote who desire to vote.
• All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, completed the roll, and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions recognizing visitors, students, and a long-serving committee secretary, Tabitha Volga-Sang, who was honored for 32 years of service. Members also took up a procedural motion by Assembly Member DeMaio to immediately consider ACA 14, the Taxpayer Protection Act, without reference to file; that motion failed on a 14-44 vote. The main policy debate centered on SB 106 by Senator Laird, a budget appropriation to provide $90 million in one-time funding for Planned Parenthood and related women’s health and family planning services after federal cuts. Assembly Member Tangipa offered amendments arguing the money should be directed more broadly to women’s health and hospitals, but the Assembly voted 41-13 to lay the amendments on the table. Supporters, including Gabriel, Sharp-Collins, Gibson, Krell, Bonta, and others, said the bill was needed to preserve access to cancer screenings, contraception, STI testing, and reproductive care, especially in rural and underserved communities, and to offset the effects of federal defunding. Opponents, including Johnson, DeMaio, Patterson, and Tangipa, criticized the bill as lacking transparency, favoring a politically connected organization, and diverting attention from hospital funding and other health needs. After extended floor debate, SB 106 passed the Assembly 55-10 and was transmitted immediately to the Senate. The chamber then took up H.R. 84, a resolution condemning racism after President Trump circulated racist imagery depicting former President Obama and Michelle Obama. Members from the Black, LGBTQ, Latino, AAPI, Jewish, Native American, and other caucuses spoke in support, saying the post normalized dehumanization and had real-world consequences; Assembly Member Tangipa also stated the post was wrong and apologized on the record. The transcript ends during continued debate on H.R. 84, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The members will vote. Clerk, record votes. Vote, Clerk, record votes under.
• Clerk, lock the machine and members will vote. Court vote: 100 ayes, 0 nays. Vote.
• Members will vote. Vote. Clerk will lock the machine. Court votes: 100 ayes, 0 nays.
• Record votes: 100 in favor. Vote. Clerk, unlock the machine.
• Clerk, unlock the machine so members will vote. Clerk, lock the machine. Record votes. Vote.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• on that bill, and it did we were voting on that bill, and it did not<00:18:04.080> pass<00:18
• down, and um amendment um that was voted down, and um unfortunately,<00:18:11.880> yeah,<00:18
• are and what monies are what procedures are and what monies are you<00:29:32.240> going<00:29
• <00:34:52.600> that<00:34:52.800> you're<00:34:52.879> proposing procedures that
• you're proposing procedures that you're proposing and<00:34:54.760> that<00:34:54.919> is<

Bills: HF4525, HF3002, HF3665, HF4420

Keywords: human services, background studies, NETStudy 2.0, licensing, license suspension, license revocation, provider enrollment, program integrity, fraud, medical assistance fraud, Medicaid, payment withholding, credible allegation of fraud, background check, disqualification, variance, set-aside, foster care, family foster setting, adult foster care

Transcript Highlights:

• decisions and that's where uh procedural decisions and that's where they<00:08:02.479> get<00
• So by setting forth very<00:08:04.879> clear<00:08:05.199> procedural<00:08:05.680>
• proceedings very clear procedural proceedings very clear procedural proceedings throughout<00:08:
• And if they are, then, you know, this body could vote to not approve it again.
• And so, uh, members, I ask for a no vote on our side of the aisle.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 936, an author’s bill requiring cost-benefit analysis before agencies move forward with major rulemaking. Chair Nash moved the bill, the A2 author’s amendment was adopted, and the bill was then discussed as amended. The sponsor said the goal was not to eliminate rulemaking, but to require agencies to “show their work” by analyzing costs, benefits, and assumptions before rules are adopted. Supporters, including representatives from Americans for Prosperity and the Pacific Legal Foundation, argued the bill would improve transparency, uniformity, and accountability in rulemaking. They cited federal and other state models, especially Virginia, and said similar requirements already exist in several states. They also pointed to public support for requiring cost-benefit analysis and said the bill could help agencies avoid costly or poorly thought-out regulations, reduce litigation risk, and improve legislative oversight through notice to committees and publication of preliminary and final analyses. Several members raised concerns. Representative Luger Nikolai said cost-benefit analysis is already part of existing law through SONARs and that the legislature, not agencies, should be the first line of review; she also worried the bill would force dollar valuations on qualitative factors such as accessibility. Representative Craft said the bill could allow unelected officials to negate policy choices already made by the legislature if benefits do not exceed costs. Representative Fryberg said the bill appears to require full analysis even for minor housekeeping rules and may overemphasize dollar-based benefits. Chair Nash and supporters responded that the bill is meant to impose a uniform check on agencies and that many current rules already operate without sufficient legislative oversight. The discussion ended with members expressing both support and opposition, and a roll call was requested, though no final vote was included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any no votes?
• Any no votes?
• Any no votes?
• Any no votes?
• Any no votes?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• cases which reflected a procedural cases which reflected a procedural re-entry<00:14:50.320>
• <00:16:10.720> for this individual's paid the procedure for this individual's paid the procedure
• And I'm going to ask you also to vote And I'm going to ask you also to vote yes<00:36:45.599>
• Um, today, I will very proudly be voting yes on this bill.
• Schustster saying it's okay, I wouldn't be voting yes.

Keywords: 00:00:06 - Call to Order/Roll Call 00:01:23 - Review of Referred Administrative Regulations 00:02:00 - Discussion of 26RS HB 485 01:00:40 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 485 01:03:25 - Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and took up House Bill 485, a major mental health measure addressing both KRS 202C and KRS 202A. The committee first adopted a committee substitute and then approved a committee amendment correcting misspellings in the bill. Members and witnesses described the bill as the product of years of work with judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, mental health professionals, advocates, and the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health. Testimony on the 202C portion focused on individuals charged with serious violent offenses who are found incompetent to stand trial. Witnesses, including a circuit judge and a family member whose mother was killed by her mentally ill brother, argued that current timelines require repeated evidentiary hearings and impose unnecessary trauma on victims’ families and strain on courts and KCPC. Supporters said the bill would lengthen review intervals, clarify the role and payment of guardians ad litem, and reduce repeated relitigation while preserving due process and public safety. They noted that 202C cases are few in number but consume a significant share of KCPC bed space. The committee then turned to the 202A portion, which covers civil mental health commitments for people who may not have committed a crime. Supporters said current law leaves courts with only two choices—hospitalization or release—and that the bill would create a third option by allowing court-ordered outpatient treatment and other guardrails such as medication compliance and follow-up care. Witnesses emphasized that the bill defines terms such as “benefit” and “serious mental illness,” expands the definition of danger, and aims to provide a least restrictive alternative to inpatient hospitalization. No final vote on the bill itself was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, but the substitute and amendment were adopted and testimony continued in support of the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:48.800> of have to do so formally by a vote of have to do so formally by a vote of
• There are a couple of different administrative procedure act models out there.
• So internal practices and procedures, right, we have this column over here.
• <01:18:39.080> rules organizational and procedural rules organizational and procedural rules
• So we have already adopted disclosing our proxy voting summary on our website.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held an orientation for new and returning members of the House committee on agencies and administration, with introductions from members and staff. Chair Carol Maguire outlined her expectations for hearings: keep questions focused on the bill, be respectful to witnesses, and use the committee’s orientation opportunities to learn about the jail staff, retirement system, and Office of Professional Licensure. Members also discussed related assignments on other bodies, including the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules and the Joint Committee on Employee Classification, and noted that some members already serve on those panels. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the State Building Code and the committee’s upcoming workload. Members explained how the state code is intended to provide a common baseline while allowing limited local options, and why municipalities must formally adopt and publish any local amendments. They reviewed several anticipated bills: a consolidation bill to gather building-code enforcement materials in one place, a bill to update the state energy code, a bill to restrict municipal adoption of building-code changes, and a bill to update the electrical code. Members also discussed how building codes apply to older homes and commercial buildings, and why code updates are important for safety and clarity. The chair said the committee had 36 bills currently scheduled, including many early bills that must move by March 6 because they will be heard by two committees. She said the committee would use subcommittees for harder bills, with three subcommittees this year: pensions, licensing, and likely state building code. She also outlined the hearing schedule, including lighter bills on February 12 and the expectation of executive sessions later in the month. No votes were taken during the orientation, but members were told that public hearings do not require a quorum and that hard copies of bills would be distributed by committee staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• clerk loine court vote 103 i z nay vote clerk loine court vote 103 i z nay BR has been adopted chairman
• cler lock machine record votes 9i Z vote cler lock machine record votes 9i Z na HP 233 has passed thank
• lock mchine the core of the votes vote lock mchine the core of the votes 93 A's three nay six extensions
• have all the members voted clerk vote have all the members voted clerk will Locker machine record the
• votes 96 will Locker machine record the votes 96 will Locker machine record the votes 96 y three Nays

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senators, by your vote, Senate Bill 152 is reported favorably. Thank you.
• Senators, by your vote, we'll show CS for Senate Bill 738 is reported favorably.
• Senators, by your vote, will show CS for Senate Bill 1356 is reported.
• And committee by your vote... Yes. Chair Davis. Yes.
• Senators, by your vote, will show CS for CS, Senate Bill 1626. Mr. Trumbull. Yes.

Summary: The Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee met to review and advance the Senate’s fiscal year 2025-26 budget proposal for the committee’s portfolio. The presentation highlighted a $1.8 billion increase over the current base budget, including full funding for Medicaid and KidCare, investments in IT modernization, Medicaid provider rate increases, mental health and substance use services, opioid treatment, foster care and guardian assistance, elder care, veterans’ services, cancer research, school nurse staffing, and other public health initiatives. The committee adopted a motion allowing technical adjustments and then approved the budget proposal to be reported to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The committee then heard and voted on several bills. SB 152 on surgical smoke protection required hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt smoke evacuation policies; nurses testified in support, citing workplace and patient safety risks, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 958 on early detection of type 1 diabetes required the Department of Health to provide educational materials to schools and, by amendment, early learning coalitions; it was also reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing home oversight added consumer satisfaction surveys, reporting requirements, quality incentive changes, and financial reporting penalties, with an amendment exempting state-operated homes and directing a study of best practices; it passed after questions about dementia, language access, and retaliation protections. CS/SB 738 modernized child care regulation by streamlining DCF processes and reducing obsolete requirements, and was reported favorably without opposition. The committee also approved CS/SB 1356 creating the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU and a Sunshine Genetics pilot to expand rare-disease screening and research, with support from members emphasizing early detection and data collection. SB 1370 separated ambulatory surgical centers into their own statute, with testimony that the change would better reflect the industry and help avoid burdensome regulation; it passed favorably. Finally, CS/CS/SB 1626 made a range of child welfare changes, including codifying DCF coordination with military installations, adjusting shelter certification, refining criminal-background exemptions, extending licensing compliance time, addressing room-and-board rate methodology, and clarifying missing-child procedures; after adopting three amendments and hearing both support and concerns, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also recorded a member’s affirmative vote on SB 958 before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The vote is Ayes. The vote is A-0, the bill is out.
• Oh, sorry—Wilson not voting. Okay, Wilson not voting. That... Wilson not voting.
• AB 632, Hoover: not voting. Hoover not voting. AB 632, Hoover: not voting.
• AB 39, you have a no vote. You have a no vote. I'm sorry.
• AB 76, you voted no. You voted? You voted no. Apologies. Can you please change no to not voting?

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda focused heavily on housing, local government, Brown Act teleconferencing, and public agency administration. Early bills included AB 39, which would require larger cities and counties to adopt electrification planning for EV charging and building decarbonization; AB 76, which clarifies Chula Vista’s university innovation district housing requirements; AB 259, AB 409, and AB 467, which extend or modernize Brown Act teleconferencing provisions for local agencies, community college student bodies, and Los Angeles neighborhood councils; and AB 428, which would let water corporations join joint powers authorities for pooled insurance. Supporters emphasized climate planning, housing access, public participation, safety, and cost savings, while several bills were amended to address stakeholder concerns. Most of these measures advanced on bipartisan votes, generally 6-1 or 7-0, and were left open for additional members to add on later. The committee also heard AB 632, which would strengthen local enforcement tools for serious code violations, fire hazards, illegal cannabis operations, and unsafe housing by allowing unpaid administrative fines to be converted into money judgments and liens. Local government and code enforcement groups supported the bill as a way to improve compliance and reduce costly litigation. AB 670 would let local governments count investments in preserving naturally occurring affordable housing toward housing element reporting and require broader reporting of demolitions and replacement housing compliance; supporters argued preservation is essential because many unsubsidized affordable homes are at risk. AB 761 would allow Monterey-Salinas Transit to place a future sales tax measure on the ballot with approval from two-thirds of its board, rather than separate approval from each member jurisdiction, to preserve transit funding for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. These measures also moved forward, with the committee noting amendments and sending them to the next committees of referral. Another major item was AB 810, which would require special districts and joint powers authorities to migrate public-facing websites and email addresses to .gov or CA.gov domains by 2031. The author argued the change would reduce fraud and improve public trust, especially after emergency-related scams, while opponents from special districts and IT organizations said the transition would be costly and difficult for smaller agencies. Several school-related opponents withdrew after amendments, and committee members discussed possible aliases and tribal-government language. The bill passed 7-1 to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. Finally, AB 1206 proposed a pre-approved design catalog for single-family homes and small multifamily developments, modeled on a prior ADU bill, to speed rebuilding and reduce design costs; supporters from Habitat for Humanity and housing advocates said it would help both wildfire recovery and broader housing production, and the bill drew at least one opposed-unless-amended position as the committee moved into further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will vote for it.
• So, I will reluctantly vote for this, but I do think we are rather quickly going to have to make sure
• Thank you very much. >> Okay, the next late item does not require a vote.
• establish formal policies and procedures and implement all feasible recommendations made in two external
• What we haven't done is translate that into our own internal policies and procedures, which is going

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee opened by approving the May 15 minutes and then recognized Pam Ellis for her long service with the Legislative Budget Assistant’s office and upcoming retirement. The committee adopted the consent calendar with two items removed for separate consideration, then approved transfers for the Administrative Office of the Courts and the Department of Environmental Services after questions about court benefit costs and dam project funding. The Department of Health and Human Services also received approval for a general fund transfer item. A major portion of the meeting focused on the Youth Development Center settlement fund. New administrator Jared Boyle, joined by the Attorney General, described the fund’s remaining caseload, the payment matrix, and the need for additional funding to begin hearings in August. Members raised concerns about administrative costs, attorneys’ fees, payday loans, structured settlements, and the long-term fiscal impact on the state. Boyle requested $55 million, but the committee ultimately approved a reduced appropriation of $20 million, with members noting the possibility of returning for more funding later depending on revenues and the October revenue review. The Department of Corrections then received approval for a smaller shortfall transfer and a larger overtime-related transfer, with officials citing a 52% corrections officer vacancy rate, ongoing recruitment, academy classes, and efforts to use civilian staff in some non-security roles. A late item from the Veterans Home was also approved to cover overtime, holiday pay, and indirect cost shortfalls within its existing budget. The committee then heard an informational presentation on implementation of Senate Bill 134 and the new federal Medicaid work-requirement rule. DHHS said it plans to submit a state plan amendment, seek approval for hardship exceptions, start with one eligibility check cycle, and use existing federal grant funding to make system changes. Finally, the committee received a performance audit of the Doorway opioid treatment program, which found weak written procedures, incomplete data use, reimbursement delays, and problems with the Governor’s Commission on Addiction Treatment and Prevention. Members discussed follow-up reporting, and the next Fiscal Committee meeting was scheduled for August 21 at 11:00 a.m.