Transcript Highlights:

• amendment last year to get some reports on the crisis pregnancy centers, not due until the end of the fiscal
• So it's important to note that we've not distributed any grant funds fiscal year to date.
• So it's important to note that we've not distributed any grant funds fiscal year to date. Okay.
• Act 909 of 2025 and that requires that we pay the the prior year amount in addition to the current fiscal
• year That requires that we pay the prior year amount in addition to the current fiscal year's amount

Summary: The special language subcommittee met for its first meeting of the session and reviewed several governor’s letters containing special language for appropriations bills. Members were reminded that the subcommittee only handles special language, while personnel and appropriation items go to other budget committees. Most items were explained by DFA Secretary Jim Hudson and agency representatives, with no major opposition raised. The committee adopted amendments for the Department of Finance and Administration to require administrative costs for pregnancy help organization grants to stay under 25%; for the Department of Correction to remove conflicting language about county jail reimbursement funds and make a technical fund-name correction; and for the Department of Education to designate the Department of Agriculture as the child nutrition agency and to implement Act 909 of 2025 changes related to EBD employer contributions and phasing out teacher equalization funds. It also adopted language allowing the CFO to waive the 3% state central services fee for agricultural promotion boards, allowing Department of Public Safety revenues from Camp Robinson facilities to be used for maintenance, and authorizing shared administrative services billing under the Arkansas Ford Initiative while removing duplicative reporting language. Additional adopted amendments designated Arkansas Rehab Services as the state unit for the vocational rehabilitation grant and capped the reimbursement rate for the used tire program at $2.31 effective July 1, 2026, to stabilize funding. One item was skipped because a later governor’s letter superseded it. All amendments considered were adopted, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last fiscal year, 66,398 acres were treated with prescribed fire.
• WMAs were visited by more than 1.4 million people during fiscal year 2024.
• During fiscal year 2024 alone, we had more than 4,800 hours of volunteer support, During fiscal year
• I think it's important to note that we prescribe burning.
• I think it's important to note that we prescribe burning. I mentioned that.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources convened with a quorum present and took up SB 302 by Senator Garcia, which would promote nature-based solutions for coastal resilience. Garcia said the bill would direct DEP to adopt statewide guidelines, encourage local restoration projects through existing grant programs, streamline permitting for green and hybrid infrastructure, support workforce training, and require a study on flood-risk and insurance benefits. Senator Harrell asked about implementation, existing statutory authority, and possible fiscal impacts. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying that hybrid infrastructure need only combine green and gray elements, not prove superiority over either alone. The committee heard supportive testimony on SB 302 from Katie Bauman of Surfrider Foundation, who said nature-based approaches such as dunes, wetlands, and mangroves are cost-effective and protective, and several organizations waived in support, including the Environmental Defense Fund of Florida, the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association, and 1,000 Friends of Florida. Senator Harrell said she supported the concept but remained concerned about the breadth of rulemaking and the fiscal implications of workforce funding. After closing remarks from Garcia, the committee voted to report CS for SB 302 favorably. The remainder of the meeting consisted of informational presentations on land management. Brian Bradner of DEP reviewed Florida State Parks management, including prescribed fire, invasive species removal, hydrologic restoration, cultural resource preservation, visitor use, and budgeted land-management activities. Melissa Tucker of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission described wildlife management areas, emphasizing habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, ranch infrastructure, public access, and the economic value of the system. Rick Dolan of the Florida Forest Service outlined state forest management funded through a $20 million appropriation, including road and facility work, recreation upgrades, invasive species control, reforestation, habitat restoration, prescribed burning, and boundary marking. Senators praised the agencies’ work and noted the ongoing cost of managing state lands. The committee then adjourned without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• But also, you can see the Educational Retirement Board there at 105% in Fiscal 24.
• So that Does have a very direct fiscal impact on the state.
• As I mentioned, the ERB contribution was full in fiscal 24.
• Well, I actually started in fiscal year 01, but I'm just reflecting since 2010.
• They hit that seven-year mark in fiscal 21.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we also have an FFY for state fiscal year 26 and 27.
• So we also have an FFY for state fiscal year 26 and 27.
• also have an FFY uh for state fiscal also have an FFY uh for state fiscal year<00:18:50.400>
• Should be noted for the veterans homes, it shows a 20.7% increase to the base.
• Should be noted for the administration.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It now contains data from 2009 through the current fiscal year.
• The user can choose a fiscal year and the data is categorized by agency.
• You can compare disbursements for two fiscal years.
• The annual reversion report gives you the compare reversions by fiscal year.
• The information is divided into five categories and viewable by fiscal year.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee met to receive updates on Transparency Florida and related transparency tools. The Governor’s Office and the Department of Financial Services described the Transparency Florida website, the state payment and contract systems, and the local-government financial reporting system (Logger X/XBRL), emphasizing public access, searchable payment and contract data, downloadable reports, and ongoing upgrades. Members asked whether school districts and the Department of Corrections are included in these systems; staff explained that state agencies like Corrections are covered through Transparency Florida, FACTS, and the state financial reports, while Logger X is for local governments. Committee staff reported that the Transparency Florida Act’s requirements have been met and noted that any new recommendations would need legislative action; members were invited to submit recommendations by October 30. The committee then reviewed repeated audit findings for local governments and educational entities. Staff explained the statutory process for “three-peat” findings: first requesting an updated written corrective-action status, then possibly requiring an appearance before the committee, and finally taking further action if findings remain uncorrected. Most entities were recommended for written updates, while the City of Daytona Beach was singled out for an in-person appearance because of a repeated finding involving unexpended building permit balances. Members also raised questions about specific entities, including McIntosh, White Springs, Pahokee, and the Fred R. Wilson Memorial Law Library special district, with staff explaining the nature of the findings and noting that some entities may warrant further review. The committee adopted a motion to accept staff’s recommendations and to send letters to entities with uncorrected audit findings in late-filed 2023-24 audit reports. It also approved a motion directing the Auditor General and OPPAGA to conduct the required audit of the Department of the Lottery for fiscal year 2025-26, with the Auditor General handling financial, internal control, and compliance work and OPPAGA preparing operational recommendations. The meeting concluded with notice that the next meeting was tentatively scheduled for November 3 at 3:30 p.m., followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• $3.9 million starting annually in fiscal $3.9 million starting annually in fiscal year 2028<00:40
• You'll note that these are $278,000 in this next fiscal year and then $564,000 each year thereafter.
• You'll note that these are $278,000 in this next fiscal year and then $564,000 each year thereafter.
• You'll note that these are $278,000 in this next fiscal year and then $564,000 each year thereafter.
• <00:59:48.520> year up against the end of the fiscal year up against the end of the fiscal

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:28:32.960> and<00:28:33.200> economic from fiscal responsibility and economic from fiscal
• :29:02.720> economic from fiscal responsibility and economic from fiscal responsibility and economic
• You and I talked about this bill on a more serious note.
• You and I talked about this bill on a more serious note.
• You and I talked about this bill on a more serious note.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 29 senators present. The chamber adopted the previous day’s journal, allowed bill introductions throughout the day, and received multiple House messages referring local bills and proposed constitutional amendments to the Committee on Local Legislation, along with a lieutenant governor’s confirmation referral to the Committee on Confirmations. Committee reports were then received from several standing committees. The Senate confirmed a series of gubernatorial and other appointments, including Michael Kulovitz and Barbara Maul to the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Board of Trustees, Logan Glass to the Educational Television Commission, Ed Croll and James Harris to the Alabama Committee on Monument Protection, Matt Barnes to the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, Scott Moes and Jeffrey Wilson to the Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure, and Jeffrey L. Cameman to the Tuscaloosa County Civil Service Board. The Senate also received favorable committee reports on numerous bills from Judiciary, State Governmental Affairs, Education Policy, Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development, Health Care, Veterans and Military Affairs, and Local Legislation, with several bills amended or substituted and placed on the next day’s calendar. On the floor, the Senate adopted a special order calendar from the Rules Committee and passed several bills. Senate Bill 101 extended the Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors to October 1, 2028. Senate Bill 93, as amended, allowed certain municipalities with populations of 12,000 or more and even-numbered councils to authorize a mayoral tie-breaking vote by council resolution. Senate Bill 115 created a competitive-bidding exemption for certain expenditures of $15,000 or less involving rolling stock, with quote and approval requirements. Senate Bill 131 on county subdivisions was amended and passed. Senate Bill 30, known as “Trey’s Law,” would make certain nondisclosure provisions unenforceable in cases involving sexual abuse victims; the sponsor described it as protecting survivors from being silenced, while Senator Albritton cautioned about the broader effects on settlements and institutions. The Senate also adopted two resolutions: Senate Joint Resolution 19 honoring the life and legacy of Anna Smith Bedsole Holmes, and Senate Joint Resolution 20 commending the Alabama Birth Equity Initiative. The Rules Committee report setting the special order calendar was adopted, and the listed bills were taken up and passed or advanced by unanimous or near-unanimous votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, there's a fiscal note in your packet.
• <00:12:23.360> still fiscal note and meetings are still fiscal note and meetings are still
• Um, you'll note um there there's a fiscal note here, but um, you know, as we talked about yesterday,
• Um, you'll note um there there's a fiscal note here, but um, you know, as we talked about yesterday,
• Um you'll note um there there's a fiscal note here, but um, you know, as we talked about yesterday, um

Bills: HF4119, HF3959, HF3792, HF3913, HF3752

Keywords: property tax, renter credits, co-pay, housing affordability, tax relief, homestead, tax refund, Minnesota, tax increase, financial relief, homeowners, AmeriCorps, taxation, individual income tax, living allowances, stipends, national service, tax compliance, revenue, analytics

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have a anticipated shortfall of 138,000 for fiscal year 26 and 83,000 for fiscal year 27.
• And we have a anticipated shortfall of 138,000 for fiscal year 26 and 83,000 for fiscal year 27.
• And we have a anticipated shortfall of 138,000 for fiscal year 26 and 83,000 for fiscal year 27.
• And we have a anticipated shortfall of 138,000 for fiscal year 26 and 83,000 for fiscal year 27.
• of the results of the fiscal year 2025. of the results of the fiscal year 2025.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Reimbursement anticipation note funds Reimbursement anticipation note funds come<00:24:00.080> from
• A reimbursement anticipation note, a RAN, is different than a tax anticipation note that you have at
• Tax anticipation notes are also very short.
• Tax anticipation notes are also very short.
• I'm just wondering why the department did not provide information for fiscal note. >> Sorry about that

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Just to note, I really appreciate the work you're doing.
• Chairman, just for a note, I was just sitting here thinking about that.
• And then you will note, Mr.
• I would note, Mr.
• The education and technology notes are for fiscal year 24, 25, and 26.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Secretary, please note the roll. I think one or two more will be coming in. Yes.
• The second major finding, as noted, was conflict of interest forms and file requirements.
• As of fiscal year 2025, trust beneficiaries included K through 12 public schools.
• Our current fiscal year appropriated budget is about $26.4 million.
• I'm also happy to report that for the past three fiscal years, we've beat the 20-plus-year average fiscal

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Joint Natural Resources and House Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committees of Reference heard the Arizona Auditor General’s sunset review of the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board. The audit found the board generally met some licensing requirements, but it did not timely investigate and resolve 49 of 159 complaints in fiscal year 2024, and it did not fully comply with conflict-of-interest disclosure and filing requirements. The Auditor General also identified weaknesses in continuing-education verification and other sunset-factor areas, and the board agreed to implement all 21 recommendations. Board staff said complaint volume has risen sharply since the pandemic, that the board’s process is slower because every case goes through an investigative committee and then the full board, and that it has already corrected some conflict-of-interest issues and is adding tools to improve continuing-education audits. The committee then heard testimony from the board’s executive director and from the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association. The executive director emphasized the board’s public-protection mission, described the shortage of veterinarians and veterinary technicians, and said the board is working to improve efficiency through a new e-licensing system and staff training. Members asked about the shortage of large-animal veterinarians, complaint backlogs, and whether the board could do more to recruit rural practitioners; the board said it lacks direct recruiting authority but supports multiple licensure pathways and loan-assistance efforts. The veterinary association supported the board’s oversight and said it is also working on rural and large-animal workforce issues through partnerships and advocacy. The committee then voted to recommend continuing the board for eight years, until July 1, 2034. The committee next took up the Arizona State Land Department, beginning with the Auditor General’s presentation on the department’s sunset review and prior special audit. The audit found the department had not updated its required five-year disposition plan since 2011, had sold more than 48,000 acres without an active plan, had allowed agricultural rental rates to go unchanged since 2006 despite market increases, and had not consistently inspected mineral-related leases or properly managed reclamation bonds. The Auditor General said these issues created risks of lost revenue, reduced transparency, and public-safety hazards, and recommended 18 corrective actions in the main review plus 34 additional recommendations on other issues; the department agreed to most recommendations but declined to adopt a written policy for commissioner-initiated land sales. Commissioner Robin Sahid said the department is working through audit recommendations, has created a rules team, improved its customer portal, and is pursuing new policies on water use, transportation-basin leases, and disposition planning. Members questioned the department about agricultural leases, groundwater valuation, the Fondomonte leases and reimbursement for improvements, the canceled Coyotes land auction, backlog and processing times, and the use of consultants and administrative funds. The commissioner said the department had over 2,000 applications in queue when she arrived, that it has made progress reducing the backlog, and that it is conducting stakeholder outreach on water-efficiency standards and lease addenda. No final vote on the land department continuation was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And also just echoing that this will not have a fiscal impact until the 2030 fiscal year.
• And also just echoing that this will not have a fiscal impact until the 2030 fiscal year.
• impact until 20 uh the 2030 fiscal impact until 20 uh the 2030 fiscal<01:27:34.560> year.
• And we note here, as we noted yesterday, that Act 307 in 2022, the Legislature's intent was to clean
• as we noted yesterday that act note here as we noted yesterday that act 307<01:45:37.440> in<

Bills: HB1977, HB1764, HB1934, HB2533, HB1790, HB2181, HB1870, HB2140, HB2468, HB2358, HB1588, HB1688, HB1986, HB2030, HB2195, HB1949, HB1695, HB1950, HB2094, HB2115, HB2297, HB2336, HB2416, HB2049

Keywords: maternal health, infant health, mobile application, Medicaid, healthcare access, state programs, music education, public concerts, Hawaii State Library, cultural collaboration, music accessibility, libraries, education, reading programs, early childhood, nonprofit, community engagement, teacher retention, Hawaiian language education, special needs schools

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's unfortunate that when we do our fiscal notes, we don't take that into consideration because
• And it's unfortunate that when we do our fiscal notes, we don't take that into consideration because
• Um thank you, it's unfortunate that when we do our it's unfortunate that when we do our fiscal<00:10:
• 28.720> notes,<00:10:29.080> we<00:10:29.200> don't<00:10:29.520> take<00
• :10:29.800> that<00:10:30.120> into fiscal notes, we don't take that into fiscal notes,

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• There is no fiscal note. This is paid for by the guardsman. And that's my explanation of the bill.
• There is no fiscal note. This is paid for by the guardsman. And that's my explanation of the bill.
• thing.<00:09:48.160> There<00:09:48.320> is<00:09:48.440> no<00:09:48.640> fiscal
• <00:09:49.000> note.
• There is no fiscal note. This is thing. There is no fiscal note.

Keywords: Insurance - Room 210, 26 February, 2026; 9:00 A.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee considered several House bills, most of them already passed by the Senate or previously vetted in other committees. House Bill 1075 would expand access for low-income housing authorities and related entities to participate in insurance pooling arrangements, with the sponsor explaining it would help lower insurance costs as housing funding structures shift toward public-private partnerships. House Bill 565, renamed “Jill’s Law,” would advance biomarker testing and related Medicaid/prior authorization conforming changes; House Bill 856 would remove a repealer from the state’s anti-step-therapy law after hearings found the cost impact negligible; and House Bill 939 would extend the repealer on the volunteer firefighters’ Length of Service Award Program, which was described as needing ongoing funding to retain and recruit volunteers. The committee also heard House Bill 1019, which would expand health coverage options for small businesses, professionals, and self-employed people through access to regulated trade association self-funded group health plans. House Bill 1117 would create a transparency requirement for dental insurance by reporting premium-to-services information to the insurance commissioner and making it available in a portal; the sponsor said the Dental Association supports it. House Bill 1332 would require insurance examinations to meet National Association of Insurance Commissioners standards and best practices, and a member said he would vote present but the bill was said not to affect existing continuing education rules. Finally, House Bill 1713 would codify Mississippi Military Department authority to oversee state-sponsored life insurance for National Guard members, with the Adjutant General designated as state sponsor; it was described as voluntary, already operating since 1962, and without a fiscal note because it is paid for by guardsmen. Each bill received a motion to do pass or title sufficient to pass, was approved without opposition or with only a present vote noted on one bill, and the committee then voted to rise and report.

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, will you please note the roll? Oh, will you please note the roll? Are we here? Are we here?
• Madam Chair, Representative Bliss, do we know what the potential fiscal impact is on the sales tax?
• Kaiser, do you know the potential state fiscal impact? Thank you, Madam Chair, Representative.
• Perhaps a fiscal note could be helpful, but it will be a...
• Perhaps a fiscal note could be helpful, but it will be a minimal amount. Madam Chair, yeah, Mr.

Bills: HB2113, HB2237, HB2824, HB2926, HB2939, HB2950

Keywords: utility consumer, rate intervention, public service corporation, Arizona Revised Statutes, residential rates, consumer protection, appropriation, Apache Junction, tourism, recreation, Superstition trails, funding, infrastructure, C-PACE, capital expenditure, special assessment, property improvement, local government financing, energy efficiency, water conservation

Summary: The committee began with a presentation on the modernization of the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona. Testimony from the port authority chair, a county supervisor, and the Nogales mayor emphasized that the port is outdated, flood-prone, congested, and a safety concern because CBP facilities and traffic lanes sit on or near the international boundary and stormwater infrastructure. Speakers said the port is critical to local and state commerce, tourism, and tax revenue, and requested state support and letters backing federal funding efforts. Members discussed the sewer/stormwater flooding issue, the estimated $1.5 billion to $2 billion cost, and the need for federal action; the chair said a letter of support would be prepared for committee members to sign. The committee then heard and passed HB 2237, which appropriates $4.5 million for Apache Junction’s Superstition Trails and visitor gateway project, and HB 2926, the Workforce Housing Accelerator Act. HB 2926 would create expedited permitting for workforce housing, provide a single point of contact, reduce the state portion of prime contracting tax for qualifying projects, and lower the population threshold for certain industrial development authority bond actions. After an amendment, the bill passed 6-1. Testimony in support came from the sponsor and housing advocates, who said the bill would help address Arizona’s missing-middle housing shortage and reduce regulatory delays. The committee also passed HB 2113, which would require RUCO to intervene in utility rate cases when proposed residential rate increases are 100% or more. The sponsor argued RUCO should focus more on rural customers facing large percentage increases, while RUCO’s director said the office has only nine staff, a $1.9 million budget, and limited capacity, warning the bill could increase costs and delay cases. Members discussed rural ratepayer impacts, and the bill passed 5-1-1. HB 2824, authorizing local C-PACE programs for voluntary financing of commercial property improvements, also passed unanimously after testimony that it would support energy, water, and infrastructure upgrades without state general fund exposure. Finally, HB 2939, a rural investment tax credit bill tied to large qualifying investments and net new jobs, passed unanimously after Lucid Motors testified in support. The committee held HB 2950 due to time and adjourned, noting it would be heard first next week.

Transcript Highlights:

• to quickly address, I appreciate the comments and I would say in regard to that, your comments are noted
• This makes our fiscal stability essential beyond our municipal boundaries.
• It's also important to note 60% of our properties are Molly Young: homesteaded.
• And of course the sponsor's bill is well noted. It is forward-looking.
• It's fiscally responsible.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a concern about the fiscal note.
• So the next fiscal year funding... I don't know what you have in front of you.
• In the fiscal note, it talks about that it's for the Department of Public Health.
• It's in the fiscal note here. Um, it's in the fiscal note here. No, ma'am. No.
• And as a personal note of privilege, I'd like to recognize my of privilege, I'd like to recognize my

Bills: SB140, HB235, HB276, HB317, HB340

Keywords: Coach Safely Act, youth athletics, noncompliance penalties, Department of Public Health, youth athlete, social media, age verification, minors, under 16, children online safety, online privacy, platform regulation, deceptive trade practice, Attorney General, civil penalties, punitive damages, consumer protection, account creation, algorithmic feeds, internet safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Did you say request a fiscal note? >> Yes, she says, did you request a fiscal note? >> Mr.
• Have you requested a fiscal<01:15:38.640> note? fiscal note? fiscal note?
• :52.920> on<01:15:53.440> this requested a fiscal note on this requested a fiscal note
• fiscal note? fiscal note?
• have a zero fiscal note, so we we're have a zero fiscal note, so we we're planning<03:42:45.080>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That one's still in process and will be released as an RFP future and in this fiscal year.
• <00:12:58.399> And<00:12:58.639> then future and in this fiscal year.
• And then future and in this fiscal year.
• contract bas basically and that note contract bas basically and that note uses<00:19:58.400>
• Certainly, we can provide you the breakdown. note, three different accounts that are note, three different

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from its June 30 meeting and then considered Capital Project 2515, a request from the Pease Development Authority Division of Ports and Harbors to spend up to $125,000 from the Harbor Dredging and Pier Maintenance Fund to replace a deteriorated 99-foot floating dock at Rye Harbor. Acting Director Richard Hartley said the dock is used for passenger loading and unloading for charters and whale-watching tours and is in poor condition. Representative Edgar moved approval, Representative Wiler seconded, and the motion carried. The committee then received several informational items, including quarterly and maintenance reports from the Department of Administrative Services, the Community College System of New Hampshire, and the Pease Development Authority. It also heard a presentation from the Department of Health and Human Services on Capital Project 2516, the Beneficiary Service Improvement project supporting closed-loop referrals and related systems. DHHS described the project as a mix of Medicaid enterprise functions and New Hampshire Care Connections tools, including provider modules, third-party liability, event notifications, and closed-loop referrals to connect health and human service providers. Officials said the project is largely federally funded, with capital funds representing only part of the overall effort. Members asked about the accounting breakdown, prior committee review, provider participation, patient experience, and public response. Representative Burr questioned whether the project had been fully presented previously and raised concerns about the scope and necessity of the $8 million effort; DHHS responded that earlier work was discussed in other committees and that the current presentation covered only capital funds. Senator Waters asked about user response and patient experience, and DHHS said feedback has been generally positive but the system is still in design and implementation. In response to questions about participation, DHHS said 84 providers are currently on the network and clarified that a “provider” generally means an individual organization or health system, not each individual clinician. The committee also set its next meeting for December 9 at 9:00 a.m. at Granite Place, Room 228, and then adjourned.