Video & Transcript : 'business competitiveness' :
Page 112 of 500
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Licensing & Administrative Procedures Mar 25th, 2025
Licensing & Administrative Procedures
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business.
- growth and competitiveness.
- out a random sample of our small business owners from around the country.
- we had business heads and small business owners from all around the state that contributed to this,
- Is there any further business for the committee to address?
Committee:
House Licensing & Administrative Procedures
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment & Energy Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- For the record, Peter Godluski, with the Association of Washington Business, signed in other this morning
- Confidential business information is another issue we'd like to work on, and with that, I'll wrap up.
- information and other issue we'd like to work on and with that all Confidential business information
- That advance climate goals while keeping local industry competitive. Thank you.
- For the record, Peter Godluski with the Association of Washington Business.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills and took testimony on each. SB 6013 would update ski lift terminology in State Parks law to include aerial tramways, tows, and conveyors; the sponsor and Washington State Parks said it is a simple technical update and a companion to a House bill previously passed by the committee. SB 6291 would extend from two to four years the time a non-certified on-site wastewater inspector may work under supervision before becoming certified; the sponsor and local public health witnesses said the change would help retain staff because the certification exam is difficult, offered only twice a year, and often results in turnover if the deadline is missed.
The committee also heard ESB 6246, which would change policy for emissions-intensive, trade-exposed facilities under the Climate Commitment Act. The bill would require Ecology to produce a new report on post-2034 allowance reductions and leakage risk, and would require EITEs to submit periodic assessments of technically and economically feasible emissions-reduction options, reviewed by a licensed engineer. Supporters said the bill is a necessary first step to plan for decarbonization while keeping industry in Washington; environmental groups urged stronger third-party verification and clearer reporting, while industry groups supported the general framework but asked for changes on leakage analysis, confidentiality, and penalties. Ecology supported the overall direction but raised concerns about implementation language and resource needs.
Finally, SSB 5982 would expand Clean Energy Transformation Act coverage to include port districts that distribute electricity and certain large self-generating or affected market customers, while preserving some exemptions for pre-existing cogeneration and certain PUDs. Supporters said the bill closes loopholes so all new generation is subject to clean electricity standards, especially as ports and data centers explore behind-the-meter or fossil generation. Opponents from industrial and business groups argued the bill could sweep in facilities that were not intended to be covered and could create additional costs during a period of tight power supply. Ecology and Commerce testified that the bill would clarify CETA but noted possible effects on no-cost allowance allocations under the Climate Commitment Act. No votes or final actions were taken in the hearing.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Environment Protection (6-3-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> have</c><00:05:06.240><c> come</c> on the business sides where I have come on the business sides
- </c> of some of our business airports. of some of our business airports.
- </c> it's primarily on the business side. it's primarily on the business side.
- </c><00:34:27.760><c> flights</c> What are the kind of business flights What are the kind of business
- And we structure that businesses.
Keywords:
The first few minutes of this meeting was missed on the live stream. This upload restores those few minutes, 958, all
Summary:
The subcommittee met with Secretary Jeff Null and General Counsel Matt Wing of the Cabinet for Economic Development for an overview of the cabinet’s main economic development tools, strategy, and compliance practices. Null said the cabinet uses a data-driven approach focused on competitiveness, site readiness, wages, workforce training, and long-term assets such as roads, rail spurs, water, and sewer improvements. He emphasized that the cabinet tries to balance attracting new employers with supporting existing businesses, and said compliance is a core value of the agency.
Null walked members through several programs, including the closing fund, Kentucky Business Incentive (KBI), Bluegrass State Skills Corporation training support, and the KIA sales-tax refund tool for construction materials and equipment. He said the closing fund has received $80 million over two years for projects generally involving at least $10 million in investment, though some flexibility exists. He also explained that Bluegrass State Skills funding is typically about $2,000 to $3,000 per job and can be used flexibly for training, including sending Kentucky workers to be trained elsewhere or paying trainers to come to Kentucky. He described KBI as a pay-as-you-go, incremental tax credit tied to actual jobs and investment, and said the legislature’s tiered refundable credit structure allows more targeted use of incentives in heritage and non-heritage counties.
A substantial portion of the presentation focused on compliance and monitoring. Null said incentive agreements are written with commercial terms and spell out jobs, investment, wages, and training commitments. The cabinet requires regular reporting, invoices, and sampling, and can use clawbacks or suspend benefits if companies fail to meet obligations or lose required environmental permits. He said the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority reviews incentive applications in public meetings and often requires company representatives to answer questions before preliminary approval is granted. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- We have a special order of business today.
- This is all about trying to provide a real pathway for residents to offer competitive bids to preserve
- bid if their park owner is looking to leave the business so that they can continue to live in their
- However, in that same year, around 8.3 million people were employed by businesses that are subject to
- business practices.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Summary:
The committee heard SB 934 by Senator Wiener, which would extend the statute of limitations for malpractice claims arising from conversion therapy and clarify how expert testimony and scientific evidence may be used in those cases. Supporters, including a survivor, a licensed therapist, and LGBTQ advocacy groups, described conversion therapy as harmful and argued survivors often cannot come forward within current filing deadlines. Opponents, including civil justice and conservative legal groups, argued the bill was a workaround to recent Supreme Court rulings and raised concerns about free speech, evidentiary standards, and whether the bill could chill legitimate therapy. Committee members largely focused on whether the bill was limited to conversion therapy malpractice claims and not broader gender-affirming care; the bill was moved on a 7-2-1 vote to Senate Appropriations and placed on call. The consent calendar was also adopted on a 6-0 vote and placed on call.
The committee then heard SB 1092 by Senator Allen, a housing bill aimed at manufactured home parks. The bill would give residents or their designated representatives a right to make a competitive bid when a park owner intends to sell, lease, or transfer a park, with notice and response periods intended to give residents time to organize financing. Supporters said the measure would preserve naturally occurring affordable housing, especially for older and lower-income residents, and help resident-owned cooperatives or nonprofits buy parks before investor buyers do. Opponents from park owner and realtor groups argued the bill would burden private property rights, devalue parks, and create unconstitutional takings and litigation risk.
Committee questions centered on the bill’s timelines, whether residents would have 120 days to express interest and another 120 days to close, and whether the purchase agreement would be binding if accepted. The author and supporters said the second period was needed for due diligence and financing, while opponents said the structure could still delay sales and reduce market value. Several members expressed support for the bill’s goal but asked for further clarification or possible tightening of the timing and good-faith provisions; no final vote on SB 1092 was taken in the portion provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> businesses had to pony up the money. businesses had to pony up the money.
- . businesses. businesses.
- </c> business expansion. business expansion.
- </c> into their businesses and communities. into their businesses and communities.
- </c> Minnesota small businesses. Thank you. Minnesota small businesses. Thank you.
Committee:
Senate Taxes
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- We're talking about the stripper oil and gas business.
- It is much needed for this sector of business.
- It's a day away from my business. It's a day away from yours.
- have businesses or whatever.
- Competitive salaries attract quality.
Committee:
House Appropriations
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 513 by Representative Young, which would regulate name, image, and likeness activity for intercollegiate and interscholastic athletes, especially high school athletes. Young said the bill reflects recommendations from a task force and sets guardrails such as parental consent and prohibited NIL categories. The committee adopted a technical amendment and then reported the bill favorably as amended.
Members then heard several Senate bills from Senator Mizell and Senator Cloud. Senate Bill 233 would create a statewide data exchange compact to allow state agencies to share information more efficiently; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 300 would make various changes to the Procurement Code, including auction techniques, sole sourcing for consulting services in limited cases, and procurement process clarifications; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 303 would allow executive branch agencies to buy or share technology solutions with other states and use the federal GSA schedule, and it was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 411, removing a 20-year lease limitation for certain Orleans Parish state property, was also reported favorably.
The committee spent substantial time on House Bill 660 and House Bill 719, both dealing with district attorney funding and staffing. HB 660 would raise the state warrant amount for assistant district attorney salaries from $50,000 to $60,000, with supporters arguing it is needed to recruit and retain prosecutors; an opposition witness argued the state should fund both prosecutors and public defenders more equitably. The committee adopted an amendment making the bill effective only upon appropriation and reported it favorably as amended. HB 719 would increase the number of assistant district attorney warrants statewide, with most of the new warrants directed to Baton Rouge, St. Tammany, and Caddo; it too was amended to be subject to appropriation and reported favorably as amended. House Bill 596, which would have created an inactive well-feet assessment credit for oil and gas operators, was voluntarily deferred after concerns that it could reduce funding for the oil field site restoration fund.
Later, the committee reported favorably as amended House Bill 802, which redirects existing revenue to watershed and flood restoration work in the Amite River Basin, and House Bill 940, which creates a task force and rules framework for law enforcement responses to unlawful drone activity. It also reported favorably House Bill 76 on coverage for orally administered anti-cancer medications, House Bill 950 on consumer protection materials for seniors, and began discussion of House Bill 1028, which would require higher Medicaid reimbursement rates for non-emergency medical transportation providers.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture & Natural Resources Jan 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This is definitely bringing business practices at DNR up to at least the 20th century in terms of not
- We need to find some way to make it easier for these small businesses to be competitive in our state.
- It's one small step to try to find a way to support our small businesses.
- It will help small businesses, but not just small business.
- With that, and no further business before the committee, we are adjourned.
Summary:
The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held public hearings on three bills. HB 2104 would make permanent the Aviation Assurance Funding Program, which lets DNR provide aerial wildfire response resources to local fire departments during initial attack. The prime sponsor, Rep. Tom Dent, said the program helps small rural districts avoid costly state mobilization and keeps fires small; DNR and local fire officials testified in strong support, citing rapid response times, major property protection, and even a rescue of a trapped civilian. No opposition testimony was heard, and the sign-in record showed 215 pro and one con.
HB 2348, a DNR request bill, would streamline timber and land sale procedures by allowing more online notice, changing where sales may be held, permitting re-offering of no-bid sales, and clarifying appraisal and fair-market-value standards for certain land transfers. DNR said the bill would improve efficiency and reduce administrative burden, while the American Forest Resource Council and Washington Forest Protection Association supported it as a modernization measure that preserves fiduciary protections for trust lands. Committee members asked about the scope of the trust-land language and potential savings; the sign-in record showed 43 pro and one con.
HB 2454 would raise the surface mine reclamation threshold from three acres to seven acres of disturbed area, reducing the number of small gravel and aggregate operations subject to DNR permitting. Rep. Andrew Engel argued the change would help small rural producers compete against larger corporations and lower burdens on local material suppliers. DNR opposed the bill, saying acreage alone does not determine environmental risk and that the permit process provides important review, technical assistance, and reclamation planning; the agency said it was open to discussing alternative approaches. A remote industry witness supported the bill, saying it would help small sources remain viable while county regulation would still apply. The sign-in record showed 143 pro and three con. After the hearings, the committee adjourned without taking votes on the bills.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Insurance Committee Jul 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Our goal is to rebuild a sustainable competitive insurance market where insurance companies want to do
- business and not leave the state.
- And we appreciate that, so I know you're really busy. Thank you. We appreciate your time.
- Business success of the state, the housing success of the state.
- This completes the business of our oversight hearing, and we're adjourned.
Summary:
The Assembly Insurance Committee held its fifth oversight hearing on the California Department of Insurance’s Sustainable Insurance Strategy (SIS), with Commissioner Ricardo Lara providing an update on implementation. Lara said the department has finalized major reforms, including new catastrophe modeling tools, faster rate review procedures, use of forward-looking data tied to mitigation, and modernization of the FAIR Plan. He argued the strategy is intended to improve insurance availability in wildfire-prone areas, increase transparency, and stabilize the market, while also criticizing consumer intervenor groups and saying the department will tighten rules on intervener compensation and relevance.
Members questioned Lara about when the SIS would begin producing visible market changes, how long rate filings would take to approve, and what the FAIR Plan modernization would mean for consumers’ costs. Lara said catastrophe model approvals should be completed by the end of the month, insurers are expected to begin submitting SIS filings in the coming weeks, and rate reviews have already been reduced from 281 days to 71 days. He also discussed a new market conduct investigation into State Farm’s handling of wildfire claims, ongoing complaints about smoke-damage claims, and a newly created smoke claims and remediation task force to develop standards. Lara said the department has helped more than 12,000 wildfire survivors, with over 38,000 claims filed and more than $17 billion paid, and that it is also working with other western states on underinsurance issues.
Public commenters from the insurance industry, homebuilding, and insurance brokerage sectors largely supported the SIS and the department’s efforts, saying the reforms are needed to restore availability and stability. They emphasized the importance of timely rate approvals, FAIR Plan solvency, and greater transparency, and several noted that member companies are preparing to use the new filing process. The hearing ended without a vote or formal action, though members and the commissioner discussed ongoing legislative needs, including AB 226 and possible future FAIR Plan transparency measures.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- athletic programs and competitive academic programs.
- This type of stuff is about running the business enterprise.
- This type of stuff is about running the business enterprise like a business.
- And that's a business-minded approach.
- Universities have to be a little more competitive.
Committee:
Senate Education
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jun 8th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- that incentivized breakthroughs in age. space, a global competition that incentivized breakthroughs
- Colleagues, we've completed business on the daily file. Thank you, Senator Choi.
- Colleagues, we've completed business on the daily file.
- If there is no further business to come before the House, President Pro Tem Limon, the desk is clear.
- Colleagues, we've completed business on the daily file.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journals, referred AB 1457 to Rules, and moved SB 1241 and SB 1422 to the inactive file. The chamber then considered two gubernatorial appointments: Tanya Pacheco Werner to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Board and Dr. Paulette Brown-Hines to the California Transportation Commission. Both nominees were presented by Senator Grove, received unanimous support, and were confirmed by roll call votes of 34-0 and 36-0, respectively.
The Senate also took up SR 104 by Senator Becker, a resolution recognizing healthy aging and longevity research as a public health and economic priority for California. Supporters argued that aging drives chronic disease, that California’s growing older population will increase health care needs, and that the state should lead in prevention, early intervention, and research partnerships. Senator Weber Pearson emphasized health equity concerns, including disparities affecting Black Californians and underrepresented communities in clinical research. SR 104 passed unanimously, 35-0.
After adoption, Senator Becker introduced guests from USC, UC Berkeley, the Buck Institute, and other longevity and health organizations. Committee announcements followed, including upcoming meetings of Energy, Utilities and Communications; Military and Veterans Affairs; and Privacy, Digital Technologies and Consumer Protection. The Senate then heard adjournment-in-memory tributes for Larry Vane, a Pacific Palisades community volunteer who helped with wildfire recovery, and David Sandell, an educator, coach, National Guard veteran, and school administrator. The session concluded after completion of the daily file, with the Senate set to reconvene on June 11, 2026.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement - 03/24/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> competitive option. competitive option.
- Roberts, welcome back to Businesses. Mr.
- </c> uh unfunded mandates on our businesses. uh unfunded mandates on our businesses.
- There being no other business, we are adjourned.
- There being no other business, we are adjourned. [Music]
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Andrew Hughes, of Texas, to be Deputy Secretary, David Woll, of Virginia, to be General Counsel, both of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Michelle Bowman, of Kansas, to be Vice Chairman for Super Apr 10th, 2025 at 09:10 am
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Brings a wealth of international business experience.
- Businesses have put investments on hold. Companies are already announcing layoffs.
- a competitive disadvantage against their competitors in China?
- Some businesses are already handing out pink slips. Retirement accounts have taken a hit.
- Fogel, do you agree that each of those outcomes is bad for American businesses?
Keywords:
legislation, housing affordability, financial regulation, public testimony, accountability, oversight
Summary:
The meeting involved significant discussions around key legislative proposals, primarily focusing on various bills such as HB2 and SB5. The committee examined the implications of these bills on issues like housing affordability and financial regulation. Notable members engaged in debates, providing differing perspectives on the potential economic impacts of the proposed bills. The meeting witnessed public testimony, which included a call for accountability in government actions and oversight of current financial policies. Members echoed concerns about following through on commitments to address critical issues affecting everyday Americans.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor and Transportation May 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- is that per year that our businesses have to share to pay off that pot of money?
- That's for the current year that we're in, so... ...the businesses are paying $2 billion.
- because the businesses did not create the unemployment problem.
- Can you do your business? More folks to do their business from home. That's kind of how we use it.
- Can you do your business with DMV from home?
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- They've been incredibly busy, but Sarah has done it.
- It is a competitive landscape.
- It is a competitive landscape.
- Otherwise, they operate in the normal course of business. So, thank you.
- Most of my clients is business to business.
Committee:
House Utilities
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Subcommittee on Personnel, Public Retirement, and Finance (1-14-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> approved we would go out to competitive approved we would go out to competitive bid<00:10:17.440
- to map out business process that the<00:18:07.120><c> commissioners</c><00:18:07.919><c> are</c><00:
- </c><00:20:56.559><c> bid</c> presented through the competitive bid presented through the competitive
- and pulling that out of the business and pulling that out of the current<00:31:48.080><c> system.
- If there's no other business, we will...
Summary:
Personnel Cabinet and Kentucky Employees Health Plan officials presented a request to replace the Kentucky Human Resources Information System (CHRIS), the state’s HR/payroll ERP system procured in 2007. They said the system supports core HR and payroll for about 48,000 state employees, 24 sheriff and county clerk offices, and the Kentucky Employees Health Plan, which covers more than 300,000 lives. Officials emphasized that SAP has said the system will be end-of-life and out of support by 2030, which would eliminate security updates, vendor maintenance, and tax-compliance support. They argued that replacement is necessary to protect sensitive personnel and health data, maintain payroll accuracy, and avoid major operational and cybersecurity risks.
Officials described the project as a true replacement, not just an upgrade, and said the proposed $151 million request covers a five- to six-year implementation, stabilization, and ongoing maintenance period. They broke down the estimate as including roughly $54 million for software licensing and hosting, about $76.5 million for systems integrator/professional services, and additional amounts for independent verification and validation, dependent verification for the health plan, FSA administration, contingency staffing, and hardware-related needs. They said the cost increase from prior estimates was mainly due to inflation and updated requirements. They also noted that payments would be tied to deliverables and checkpoints, with third-party IV&V oversight, and that the cabinet expects to continue normal quarterly IT reporting to LRC while also providing at least monthly project updates because of the 2030 deadline.
Committee members asked about the total cost of ownership, recurring operating costs, the size of the integrator contract, how vendor costs were estimated, and how progress would be tracked. Officials said they used market research, peer-state comparisons, vendor discussions, and independent reviews, including input from AON and a third-party QA resource. They explained that the integrator would handle requirements mapping, system design, configuration, training, change management, and implementation support across the Personnel Cabinet, KHP, and other stakeholders. No vote or formal action was taken during the discussion; the meeting consisted of testimony, questions, and answers on the funding request and implementation plan.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 21st, 2025 at 12:30 pm
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It makes less of a competitive bid. We're trying to get competitive bids.
- Moving to the 11th order of business.
- Moving to the 11th order of business. prevails. Moving to the 11th order of business.
- The Senate will The Senate will be on the 12th order of business, 7th order of business.
- The Senate will be on the seventh order of business.
Summary:
The Senate reconvened and handled several House messages and conference committee appointments before taking up a series of bills. It appointed conference committees on Senate Bill 2265 and House Bills 1454, 1448, and 1524. The chamber also adopted a Senate amendment to House Bill 1216, delaying its effective date for the copay accumulator prescription drug bill to January 1, 2026, with later renewal timing for non-PERS plans.
House Bill 1216 then came up for final passage. Senators debated whether allowing copay accumulator programs to count manufacturer coupons toward deductibles would help patients with expensive drugs or unfairly shift costs to insurers and other policyholders. Supporters said it would help people afford life-saving medications and that the coupon payments go to pharmacies, not insurers; opponents argued it could raise premiums and create perverse incentives for drug pricing. The bill passed 29-18. The Senate also concurred in House amendments to Senate Bill 2160, which changes health insurance benefits under the Uniform Group Insurance Program to move from a grandfathered to a non-grandfathered plan, with supporters emphasizing added benefits and flexibility and opponents warning of higher costs and irreversible changes. That bill passed concurrence 33-14 and final passage 39-8.
The Senate next concurred in House amendments to Senate Bill 2339, the wildfire mitigation bill, which requires utility mitigation plans to be updated every two years, incorporate national electric standards, and creates a rebuttable presumption of reasonable care if the plan is followed. The bill then passed final passage 46-1. The chamber also adopted conference committee reports and passed House Bill 1460 on adult foster care and monitoring devices, House Bill 1440 on cigar lounge tobacco use, and Senate Bill 2374 on insurance-related provisions including property insurance arbitration, managed repair programs, and surplus lines issues; SB 2374 also added a study on towing and recovery coverage. The session ended with announcements of upcoming conference committee meetings and adjournment until April 22, 2025.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 30th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to be able to pull them in as well, but I need a competitive salary to do that right now.
- Do they have a business card?
- It's almost like they're too busy to train to go into the field.
- The chair lays out as pending business House Bill 3846 by Representative Louderback.
- Is there any further business for the committee to address? If not, the chair moves to adjourn.
Bills:
SB 36 , HB 1065 , HB2929 , HB2956 , HB3009 , HB3420 , HB3626 , HB3649 , HB4956 , HB4993 , HB5293 , HB5308 , HB5528 , HCR118 , SB36 , HB4023
Keywords:
transportation, regional authorities, mobility, infrastructure, sales tax, employee classification, private security, misclassification, workforce regulations, Texas Workforce Commission, autism, peace officers, training program, law enforcement, intervention, communication, developmental disability, family violence, central database, criminal offense
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-EXECUTIVE SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 19th, 2026
ALC-EXECUTIVE SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- replacement project through the interlocal purchasing system, TIPS, rather than the traditional competitive
- past two years to perform repairs and maintenance on playing surfaces to keep the field safe for competition
- cooperative purchasing process would allow the project to move forward while still ensuring a fair competitive
- Seeing no other business, we are adjourned. Thank you. Members, thank you for your participation.
- Seeing no other business, we are adjourned.
Committee:
All ALC-EXECUTIVE SUBCOMMITTEE
Summary:
The Executive Subcommittee met and first considered a waiver request from the Stuttgart School District to use the TIPS interlocal purchasing system for a turf replacement project instead of a traditional competitive bid. Superintendent Jeff McKinney explained that three bids were received but none fully met the RFP specifications, including warranty and insurance requirements. After review by the district’s architect, the committee approved the waiver request by voice vote.
The committee then approved a consultant services agreement between the Bureau of Legislative Research and Work Ed Consulting to support the Hospital Medicaid Developmental Disability Subcommittee’s study under Act 145. Legislators said the consultant would help develop workforce-system reform legislation for the 2027 session, and noted the firm’s experience in other states. The contract runs through June 30, 2027, with a maximum amount of $158,000, and was approved without opposition.
Next, the committee approved an actuarial and consultant services agreement with Perrin Knight to provide ongoing actuarial support for the state property insurance captive and related legislative oversight work. Bureau staff said the contract would run from April 1 through December 31, 2027, with a maximum amount of $475,000, though only actual hours and travel would be billed. Members asked about budgeting, invoice timing, and overlap with other insurance consultants, and the agreement was approved. Finally, the committee approved using Bureau committee room funds to renovate Committee Room C in the Big Mac Building, citing outdated audiovisual equipment and the need to update the room to match other recent renovations before adjourning.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- competition.
- competition.
- grant, without the competition.
- </c><01:04:38.799><c> and</c> Workforce training to businesses and Workforce training to businesses and
- The Small Business Development Center letter highlights how we support new small businesses, provide
Committee:
House Higher Education Finance and Policy
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We are foregrounding businesses in the private sector, entrepreneurs and small businesses in particular
- We are foregrounding businesses in the private sector, entrepreneurs and small businesses in particular
- Won this competition. So this is about $15 million to do what?
- Is there any other business before the committee? No. Senator Fine moves, we adjourn.
- Is there any other business before the committee? No. Senator Fein moves, we adjourned.
Committee:
Senate Education Postsecondary
Summary:
The Committee on Education Postsecondary heard a presentation on Florida’s maritime and ocean economy from Florida Atlantic University, the College of the Florida Keys, and Star Center. Speakers emphasized the importance of maritime industries such as aquaculture, marine engineering, shipbuilding, transportation, coastal resilience, and offshore renewable energy, and described workforce programs, certifications, and partnerships designed to train students and workers for these fields. They also highlighted federal and state initiatives supporting ocean economy research and commercialization, including tech hubs and innovation programs.
The committee then considered SB 312 relating to the Florida Institute of Human and Machine Cognition. Senator Gates explained that the bill would allow IHMC to create a subsidiary to commercialize research, similar to Moffitt Cancer Center. Senator Fine offered and the committee adopted a friendly amendment addressing board membership concerns tied to a University of West Florida trustee. However, after questions arose about whether the bill and analysis aligned on whether subsidiaries would be for-profit or not-for-profit, the bill was tabled.
Finally, the committee took up SB 270 on the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The bill would extend eligibility for students in certain military/public-service family situations, giving families more time to establish Florida residency after returning to the state. Senator Fine’s amendment was adopted to add AP Capstone Diploma students to the automatic Bright Futures eligibility provisions, alongside IB and Cambridge AICE students. The committee then reported the bill favorably as amended by a vote of 7-0, and adjourned.