Transcript Highlights:

• , when you make assessments, what do you do with that assessment?
• The monitoring data is also put together with other assessment data.
• The monitoring assessment has its own report.
• <01:30:39.280> and assessment and assessment and characterization<01:30:41.480> um<01:30
• what do you do with that assessments what do you do with that assessment<01:30:46.639> sure<01

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• lower assessment rate. lower assessment rate.
• "Well, you got to make sure you assess "Well, you got to make sure you assess your<01:03:48.960>
• That's just off your assessment rate when that we all got, right?
• That's just off your assessment rate when that we all got, right?
• That's just off your assessment rate when that we all got, right?

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will have private consultants, not DNREC employees, who will assess lands and start with an online
• If it is a potential unique wetland, then there is a field assessment, and if it is determined through
• that field assessment to be unique or high functioning, then you'll go through an individual permit
• But the wetland experts will be the ones who are actually doing the assessments once this permit program
• But the wetland experts will be the ones who are actually doing the assessments once this permit program

Bills: SB9

Keywords: wetlands protection, nontidal wetlands, Delaware, environmental sustainability, climate change, carbon sink, permitting process

Summary: The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met and first considered SB 321 with Senate Amendment 1, the community solar utility billing bill. The sponsor explained that it would consolidate the two-bill system for community solar subscribers into one utility bill, with the utility forwarding the subscriber fee to the solar facility through an escrow mechanism so costs are not shifted to other ratepayers. Testimony from the solar industry, the Public Advocate, and environmental advocates supported the measure, emphasizing easier enrollment, fewer barriers for low-income customers, and guaranteed savings. The committee initially lacked enough members present to release the bill, but after a roll call vote it was released from committee. The committee then heard SB 9 with Senate Amendment 1, a wetlands protection bill creating a state non-tidal freshwater wetlands permitting program. The sponsor and DNREC described a framework of exemptions, general permits, and individual permits based on wetland type and value, with an advisory committee to develop regulations. Witnesses explained that “exceptional value” wetlands would include unique wetland communities and high-functioning wetlands, and that the bill was intended to preserve important habitat while allowing farming, drainage, and other exempt activities to continue. Some members raised concerns about flooding, land classification, and the balance of the advisory committee, while supporters said the bill was the product of broad stakeholder consensus and would protect wetlands without unduly harming agriculture or development. Public comment on SB 9 was strongly supportive from environmental groups, the Delaware Native Species Commission, the Home Builders Association, the Farm Bureau, The Nature Conservancy, and affordable housing advocates, who said the bill balanced conservation with practical land use concerns. After remote testimony, the committee took a roll call vote and SB 9 was released from committee. The meeting concluded with remarks thanking the chair for her service and instructions for members to sign the backers before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• THAT IS TAB 4, ASSESSMENT OF HOMESTEAD PROPERTY SB 176 BY SENATOR DECEGLIE. >> Sen.
• BE INCREASED IN SIZE UP TO 110% OF THE PREVIOUS HOMESTEAD SQUARE FOOTAGE WITHOUT INCREASING THE ASSESSED
• AND AS INTERNATIONAL ASSESSMENTS TO SERVE STUDENTS OUTSIDE THE STATE AND COUNTRY AND ADDS CLARIFICATION
• APPLICATIONS WOULD BE PRIORITIZED AND LINKED TO INNOVATION AT MANY DIFFERENT LEVELS OF ASSESSMENT BEFORE
• ON TAB THREE YOU WILL FIND SJR 174, ASSESSMENT OF HOMESTEAD PROPERTY, SENATOR DECEGLIE YOU ARE RECOGNIZED

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So they would be at the 11 1/2 assessment level for state-assessed properties, state-assessed energy
• <00:11:50.000> I uh for the state assessed as well. I uh for the state assessed as well.
• assessment level for state assessed assessment level for state assessed properties<00:12:00.959>
• um state assessed energy properties um state assessed energy producers<00:12:03.120> they<00:
• How much of this is state assessed, and how much of this is locally assessed?

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:18:30.000> going<00:18:30.320> into um assessment on revenue going into um assessment
• appropriation, we collect an assessment appropriation, we collect an assessment on<02:00:15.040>
• <02:37:03.200> That administrative assessment. That administrative assessment.
• assessment isn't assessment premium assessment isn't applied<02:50:39.520> to<02:50:39.680>
• assessments. Um so there was some assessments.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So our key considerations in that assessment include how to minimize and avoid any service disruptions
• What I would add is as we continue to assess those direct contractors that applied for the dollars and
• On page two, you'll see a summary, one-pager of our local planning child care needs assessment.
• The tiered rate structure relies on time assessment and coordinated teams.
• The tiered rate structure relies on time assessment and coordinated teams.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It says no applicant who is being assessed for annual redetermination shall be denied eligibility under
• Are we ready to discuss that establishing an uncompensated care assessment fund and committee within
• health is assessed and and the<00:41:50.880> needs<00:41:51.079> are<00:41:51.400>
• They launched an independent but related assessment to complement the work, which we didn't actually
• community health assessment community health assessment that<00:49:57.599> they<00:49:57.839

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We assess health care entities and provide Impact the general fund.
• It also directs and authorizes the office and the HPC to do rapid, focused assessments.
• Historically, the assessment applied to payers, hospitals, and ambulatory surgical centers.
• Historically, the assessment applied to payers, hospitals, and ambulatory surgical centers.
• They provide our operations support, and we are funded through the same assessment, industry assessment

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard budget testimony from Department of Mental Health Commissioner Brooke Doyle, who said DMH serves about 29,000 people and is facing rising demand, higher operating costs, and uncertainty about federal funding. She explained that the FY26 budget prioritizes fully funding the state-operated inpatient system, which is at 100% occupancy and often serves people transferred from Bridgewater State Hospital, while making reductions in other areas to balance the budget. Those reductions include a 50% cut to case managers, a pause on closing the Pocasset unit pending a working group on Cape access, and changes to youth and contracted services such as right-sizing IRTP and CIRT, reducing Youth PACT from seven teams to three, scaling back flex and jail diversion grants as ARPA funds wind down, and preserving the behavioral health helpline and community-based crisis services. Members from Western Massachusetts and the Cape raised concerns about access, staffing, and the impact of cuts, and Doyle said the department would continue operating IRTP services, improve the referral process, and work with stakeholders on the Pocasset review and other access issues. The committee also discussed school-based mental health, 988, loan forgiveness for workforce recruitment, and the role of co-response programs for law enforcement. Secretary Robin Lipson then testified for the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, describing a proposed FY26 budget increase of about 21% to support councils on aging, home care, elder abuse investigations, caregiver support, care transitions, and nutrition programs. She said the agency is managing rising demand, especially from the growing 80-plus population, and noted uncertainty around federal Older Americans Act funding after the federal disbursement agency was disbanded. To control costs, the office will manage intake and caseload growth in a fully state-funded home care program, but current clients will not lose services. Lipson also highlighted a new $1 million line item for local mini-grants to support age-friendly initiatives. In questions, members focused on elder scams, and Lipson said scams are increasing and the agency is working with banks, district attorneys, and public awareness campaigns. The Health Policy Commission’s Executive Director David Seltz presented the agency’s FY26 request and said the biggest challenge is health care affordability, with family premiums near $29,000 annually and many residents delaying care because of cost. He emphasized that recent legislation significantly expands HPC’s role through a new Office of Pharmaceutical Policy and Analysis, which will examine the drug supply chain and pricing, and a new Office of Health Resource Planning, which will support statewide planning around closures and access gaps. The new law also creates task forces on maternal health access and primary care, and adds transparency and oversight for private equity in health care. Members asked about pharmaceutical costs, GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, 340B, and maternal health closures; Seltz said the data show rapid growth in GLP-1 spending and that the new offices will help the state better understand cost drivers and access problems. The Center for Health Information and Analysis then began its testimony, describing its role as the state’s data hub for health care spending, utilization, quality, and affordability analysis.

Transcript Highlights:

• And in this regard, the Canadian assessments are simply too restricted in scope by U.S. standards.
• And in this regard, the Canadian<00:20:15.120> assessments<00:20:15.600> are<00:20:15.840
• > simply<00:20:16.160> too Canadian assessments are simply too Canadian assessments are
• We were concerned, and we wanted to make sure that we'd continue to have accurate assessments of clinical
• For any assessment or referral needs, that pretty much would cover it, and case management of who would

Keywords: 0:22 – Roll Call 0:30 – Approval of minutes 1:04 – Department of Veterans Affairs 2:06 – Board of Pharmacy 3:20 – Board of Optometric Examiners 39:26 – Board of Nursing 40:07 – Board of Emergency Medical Services 41:52 – Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources 44:36 – Transportation Cabinet: Department of Vehicle Registration 45:36 – Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control 47:00 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services: Department for Medicaid Services 49:59 – Cabinet for Health & Family Services: Department for Community-Based Services, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee approved the minutes from the previous meeting and then took up several regulations. The first was a Department of Veterans Affairs regulation, with a staff amendment, to allow nurse practitioners to apply for the Veterans Affairs nurse loan repayment program year-round and to make technical drafting changes. The committee heard from the Office of Kentucky Veteran Centers, then adopted the staff amendment and approved the regulation without objection. The main item of the meeting was the Board of Optometric Examiners’ proposed amendment to 201 KAR 5:010, which would allow applicants to use the Optometry Examining Board of Canada written exam in place of part one of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam for licensure. The board said the change would improve access to care, provide an additional pathway for Canadian-trained candidates, and still require applicants to pass the remaining national board parts. Opponents, including NBEO officials, ARBO, Pearson VUE, and several optometrists, argued the Canadian exam is not equivalent, does not test the same biomedical science content, is not validated for U.S. scope of practice, and raises concerns about test security, transparency, and portability across states. They urged the committee to find the amendment deficient or vote no. Committee members questioned both sides about prior communication with the board, whether Kentucky would be the first state to adopt such a change, the rationale for the proposal, and the cost difference between the exams. Supporters said the board had received some written comments and one phone call, and that the proposal was driven by access concerns and the presence of Canadian students. Opponents said they had not had direct discussions with the Kentucky board before the hearing. No final vote on the optometry regulation is reflected in the transcript excerpt, but the committee heard extensive testimony and rebuttal before moving on.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because we have such a range, we start very clearly with a very thorough assessment of the individual
• That includes looking at criminogenic factors through our COMPAS risk assessment, health care, substance
• We look at all opportunities through these assessments.
• So as we said earlier, when we assess everyone who comes in, we're looking at their educational needs
• So what we do is we assess what’s needed.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission met with a new member from Prisoners’ Legal Services and approved the July 11 minutes. The main presentation came from Department of Correction Commissioner Sean Jenkins and Deputy Commissioner Mitzie Peterson, who gave an overview of DOC facilities, population trends, and the department’s broad mission, including sentenced prisoners, pretrial detainees, civil commitments, Bridgewater State Hospital, and the Section 35 program. They noted the custody population has fallen from about 10,000 in 2016 to roughly 6,000–6,600, while the share serving first- or second-degree sentences has increased. They also reviewed the department’s facility footprint, including Souza-Baranowski, MCI Norfolk, MCI Framingham, Bridgewater, and the planned transfer of the Section 35 program to Health and Human Services by the end of 2026. A large portion of the discussion focused on programming, education, health care, and reentry. DOC described tablet access for all incarcerated people, free phone calls, email, and more than 330,000 hours of educational, vocational, and reentry use. They highlighted partnerships with colleges and universities such as Tufts, Boston College, Emerson, and others, along with HiSET completion, vocational training, and programs like The Last Mile and Persevere. Health care spending was discussed in detail, including a total annual health-related contract cost of about $300 million, with separate contracts for prison health care, Bridgewater State Hospital, MassAQC, and MAT services. DOC said it has nearly eradicated Hep C and MRSA and now offers all three FDA-approved MAT medications, including long-acting injectables when clinically indicated. Commissioners also asked about specialized programming, language and disability access on tablets, and how programming is distributed across facilities. DOC explained that nothing is mandatory, but program participation is encouraged and can affect parole consideration. Staff described assessments using COMPAS, criminal thinking interventions, trauma-related treatment, and specialized units for emerging adults, mental health, and substance use. The department said programming costs were about $101 million in fiscal year 2025, or roughly 12% of the operating budget, excluding health care. Members praised the elimination of restrictive housing and the rollout of body-worn cameras, while DOC said the cameras required new policy and union negotiations but are now used for training, accountability, and de-escalation. The meeting ended with a plan for DOC to return in September with more detailed information on SAUs, programming statistics, and facility structure, and the commission voted to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• that can draft rubrics another thing that took me it time and time as a teacher and then formative assessment
• students are using artificial intelligence, the I do okay on their class or but then when they're assessed
• , whether they are common assessments, benchmarking assessments, adaptive assessment.
• The teacher has 2 great that assessment.
• We want the AI to support like formative assessment and rapid assessment that students can then use to

Transcript Highlights:

• And as the fund has grown, unfortunately, employers' workers' compensation assessments are now being
• The plan calls for assessing regional assets as well as challenges related to regional collaboration.
• What they do tell us in our assessment is that the project is starting to get tricky.
• The employer assessment has increased approximately $800 million in the last 10 years.
• By what amount will you recommend changes to lower the assessments of this plan?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that end, we have scheduled a tentative hearing in April to review any federal policy changes and assess
• The Department of Finance will of course assess that.
• Yeah, so we are that We are continuing to assess the situation.
• That's something that we are actually assessing. I'll defer to Adrian Barraza.
• So we're continuously assessing, and at this time, we don't have any other information.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Bills: HR133, HR134, HR135, HR136, HR137, HR138, HR139, HR140, HR141, HR142, HR143, HR144, HR145, HR146, HR147, HR148, HR149, HR150, HR151, HR152, HR119, HR120, HR121, HR122, HR123, HR125, HR126, HR127, HR128, HR129, HR130, HR131, HR132, HCR53, HCR54, HCR55, HCR56, SCR3, SCR22, SB4, SB18, SB66, SB106, SB201, SB256, SB274, SB292, SB326, SB386, SB406, SB422, SB423, SB456, SB475, HCR3, HB1, HB3, HB27, HB71, HB214, HB225, HB241, HB244, HB306, HB312, HB313, HB314, HB345, HB366, HB383, HB446, HB473, HB511, HB514, HB655, HB730, HB743, HB836, HB983, HB1027, HB1037, HB1043, HB1082, HB1091, HB1096, HB1103, HB1126, HB1167, HB1174, HB1175, HB1230, HB1237, HB1238, SB162, SB349, SB350, SB382, SB383, HB76, HB132, HB181, HB210, HB250, HB265, HB275, HB291, HB322, HB342, HB475, HB486, HB616, HB635, HB639, HB690, HB740, HB757, HB761, HB774, HB808, HB855, HB872, HB883, HB886, HB903, HB949, HB962, HB996, HB1003, HB1036, HB1054, HB1071, HB1076, HB1078, HB1113, HB1132, HB1146, HB1232, HB1233, HB21, HB24, HB29, HB31, HB39, HB45, HB77, HB136, HB150, HB263, HB273, HB299, HB315, HB376, HB377, HB431, HB444, HB450, HB519, HB533, HB538, HB559, HB562, HB663, HB664, HB715, HB717, HB805, HB822, HB823, HB834, HB864, HB867, HB1017, HB1018, HB1068, HB1134, HB1137, HB1234, HB1235, HB1236, HB961, HB399, HB868, HB905, HB180, HB192, HB284, HB476, HB915, HB952, HB1006, HB401, HB51, HB58, HB140, HB982, HB1010, HB750, HB911, HB977, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB9, HB151, HB193, HB310, HB393, HB459, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB615, HB682, HB733, HB773

Keywords: commendation, leadership, energy sector, Shell USA, Louisiana pride, House Resolution 134, HR134, honorary resolution, Bob Lupo, Robert E. Smith Lupo, Lakeview, New Orleans, civic service, philanthropy, real estate development, Hurricane Katrina recovery, community service, charitable giving, public recognition, Louisiana House of Representatives

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we evaluated five leading practices to assess how Ecology is engaging with the surrounding communities
• be doing more to ensure use of tribal exposure scenarios in setting cleanup levels and plans and assessing
• You're revising the site hazard assessment, SHARP program.
• You're revising the site hazard assessment, sharp program.
• And that's one of the benefits of doing this new SHARP assessment of all the sites, including those that

Summary: The I-900 Subcommittee held a public hearing on the State Auditor’s performance audit, Community Engagement During Contaminated Site Cleanups. Auditors said Ecology directly conducts or supervises cleanup at only about 8% of active contaminated sites, while most sites are handled by third parties or have no cleanup plan yet. The audit found that Ecology generally met legal requirements at the sites it oversees, but community engagement varied, was not consistently tailored to local needs, and lacked a systematic “lessons learned” process. Auditors also found inconsistent coordination between Ecology and the Department of Health, and limited guidance for staff on when to collaborate. Tribal feedback was mixed: some tribes said engagement met their needs, while others wanted earlier and more tailored outreach. Committee members pressed the auditors on why many third-party-managed sites appeared to have little or no public involvement, and whether Ecology has broader authority to require public engagement and oversight. The auditors responded that their review focused on community engagement requirements, not the full cleanup permitting process, and said the gap they identified was the lack of required oversight for third-party engagement. Members also asked about tribal engagement, exposure scenarios, and the meaning of “active” and “planless” sites. Ecology officials said they agreed with many of the findings, were already taking steps to improve community research, lessons-learned reviews, tribal guidance, and coordination with Health, and had recently launched a public email notification system for site status changes. They also said some recommendations would require additional funding or staff resources. Public testimony supported stronger community engagement and more resources for Ecology. Washington Conservation Action said contaminated sites disproportionately affect communities of color and low-income communities, praised the audit for highlighting the need for better site-specific engagement, and urged full funding for MTCA-related work. The hearing ended with the chair inviting written comments and adjourning the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is tab four is assessment of homestead property. SB 176 by Senator DiCeglie.
• during its elevation up to 110% of the previous homestead square footage without increasing the assessed
• Portions of the property exceeding 110% or 2,000 square feet will be assessed at just value. Mr.
• On tab 3, you will find SJR 174, assessment of homestead property.
• S.J.R. 174, assessment of homestead property. Senator DiCeglie, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met with a quorum present and took up a long agenda of House and Senate bills, many of them conforming or “orphan” measures that were amended with delete-all or strike-all amendments to place them in conference posture. Among those reported favorably were HB 5015 on the State Group Insurance Program, HB 5009 creating the Florida Accountability Office, HB 5013 on state-funded property reinsurance, HB 5201 on state financial accounting, HB 5203 on the Capitol Center, and HB 5501 on documentary stamp tax distributions. The committee also approved SB 1292 on public records exemptions for certain email addresses, SB 1290 on highway safety and motor vehicle agency changes, SB 26 on an uncontested claims settlement, SB 176 and SJR 174 on homestead property assessment for flood-mitigation improvements, and SB 1122 on Florida Virtual School procedures. Several substantive bills drew discussion. SB 924, covering fertility preservation services for cancer patients under the state health plan, received supportive comments from members and was reported favorably. SB 1160 expanded health insurance premium coverage for law enforcement officers and their families when catastrophic injury or death occurs in the line of duty or during official training, and it also passed. HB 1662, the Department of Transportation package, established or revised programs involving the Florida Transportation Academy, transportation research, rural transit, airport and seaport accountability, advanced air mobility, landscaping, and HOV lane changes; it was amended after testimony from the Florida Airports Council about landing-fee language and questions from members about AAM and HOV lane implementation, then reported favorably. The committee also heard and approved SB 600, which codifies a statewide manufacturing office and creates a Florida manufacturing promotional campaign and grant framework, and SB 602, the fee bill tied to that campaign. That pair prompted the most extensive debate, with members asking about grant structure, eligibility, oversight, and whether the program could become a “slush fund”; the sponsor and Florida Makes said the program is aimed at small manufacturers, would be subject to rulemaking, and is intended to support training and modernization. SB 602 passed on a mostly party-line vote with Senator Pizzo voting no. At the end of the meeting, members recorded additional votes on selected bills, and the committee adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• RECORDS WILL NO LONGER BE CONFIDENTIAL AND EXEMPT UNDER THIS AMENDMENT INCLUDING AN INSOLVENCY ASSESSMENT
• THEY WERE NINE ASSESSMENTS ACROSS THE STATE AND THE GOVERNOR AND THE FIRST LADY ACTUALLY KICKED IT OFF
• NEUTRALITY ASSESSMENT FORM BY SENATOR GRALL. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO EXPLAIN THIS BILL.
• THIS ASSESSMENT FORM CONTAINS AND THIS IS FOR INCREASED RISK OF ABUSE.
• SB 1640 IS A PUBLIC RECORDS BILL THAT MAKES THIS ASSESSMENT FORM CONFIDENTIAL AND EXEMPT FROM PUBLIC

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The PCS also authorizes the Legislature to limit the increase in the assessed value of real property
• The bill creates the... ...exemptions and assessment limitation authorized by the HJR for written leases
• It provides guidance to the public and property appraisers for how property should be assessed in the
• The bill creates the exemptions and assessment limitation authorized by the HJR for written leases of
• It provides guidance to the public and property appraisers for how property should be assessed in the

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on March 27, 2025 and first considered HJR 1257 and its implementing bill, HB 1259, which would create two $25,000 property tax exemptions and an assessment cap for long-term rental properties owned by Floridians who also have a homestead in the state. Supporters argued the measure would increase long-term rental supply and help Florida residents, while opponents from counties and cities warned of a large revenue loss, potential tax shifts to businesses, and weak guardrails against abuse. Members raised concerns about wealthy owners holding many condos, possible family-member workarounds, and whether savings would actually reach tenants. The committee adopted an amendment to the implementing bill, then reported both measures favorably after party-line-leaning debate and recorded votes. The committee then unanimously reported HB 761, which limits deferred ad valorem and non-ad valorem tax relief to properties with a just value of $1 million or less and raises the minimum tax certificate sale amount from $250 to $500. Members also unanimously approved CS/HB 733 on brownfields, which expands and clarifies the state brownfields program, and two Osceola/Sunbridge local bills, CS/HB 4043 and HB 4059, dealing with special district infrastructure and district boundary expansion subject to voter approval. HB 995 on Areas of Critical State Concern, focused largely on the Florida Keys, was amended to remove the ad valorem tax exemption portion and to adjust the growth cap from 500 to 825 units, then was reported favorably. Later, the committee approved HB 6021, which repeals sales tax on all bullion purchases of gold, silver, and platinum, with supporters calling it a sound-money measure and critics asking about future revenue effects if related legal-tender legislation passes. Finally, the committee passed HB 1339, which excludes wind-damage mitigation improvements from assessed value for property tax purposes, after adopting a clarifying amendment about secondary water barriers. Throughout the meeting, most bills were reported favorably, often after brief debate and with little or no public testimony beyond support or opposition from affected local-government and industry groups.

Transcript Highlights:

• and then you look to doing an assessment and then you look to doing an assessment<00:53:32.559> in
• the the assessing the the assessing um<01:03:39.240> world<01:03:39.839> or<01:03:
• The standards for how the assessments should be performed are done through the Assessing Standards Board
• 05:13.960> that yes um assessing the Dr monitors that yes um assessing the Dr monitors that the
• the assess performed are done through the assess Standards<01:05:26.440> Board<01:05:27.160><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee meeting began with an overview from the Legislative Budget Assistant Office on how Ways and Means will work with agencies and leadership during the budget and revenue-estimating process. Staff explained that the governor’s budget is still being developed, agencies are cautious about going on record early, and the committee will use worksheets and updated fiscal reports to track estimates. The presentation emphasized that the fiscal year 2025 budget status is a point-in-time snapshot and remains fluid because the annual comprehensive financial report has been delayed, which could change the beginning balances for both the general fund and education trust fund. The budget update highlighted that the general fund is currently stronger than originally assumed, while the education trust fund is weaker. The speaker said the general fund began FY25 with a much larger balance than expected, while the education trust fund came in lower due to higher-than-budgeted adequacy spending and weaker business tax performance. Revenue trends showed the general fund slightly ahead year to date, but the education trust fund down significantly. The committee also discussed unbudgeted appropriations, including attorney general litigation, legal settlements, abandoned property claims, adequacy true-ups, and education freedom accounts, as well as the role of lapses and off-budget items in the final balance. Members asked about the delayed liquor commission audit and whether it could affect revenue forecasts. Staff said the delay was mainly caused by the commission’s switch in point-of-sale systems and staffing losses, but did not expect major ongoing reporting issues. They also noted that liquor fund variances are more likely tied to Medicaid expansion costs than to commission operations. The governor’s office was said to be working on possible budget reductions, but no January request to the fiscal committee was expected. Commissioner Lindsay Stepp of the Department of Revenue Administration then presented an overview of state revenue sources, focusing first on the meals and rentals tax. She explained that DRA administers 14 taxes that account for most state revenue, and that meals and rentals tax growth has slowed after strong post-pandemic gains. She described factors affecting the tax, including employment, inflation, fuel and food prices, wages, and weather, and noted that online platforms like Airbnb have improved compliance by collecting and remitting tax on behalf of hosts. Members asked about short-term rental compliance and how DRA identifies unlicensed rentals; Stepp said referrals, anonymous tips, and platform data help enforcement.