Transcript Highlights:

• >> Education budget.
• our must be spent on specific here which are based on our must be spent on specific workforce programs
• That gives us one fun double fte.
• Before we move on, take on more in. Sorry.
• Just a brief question.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you know of some of the product was on hold for 3.5 hours on June 10th of 2024.
• But So two years ago, in 2024, the legislature appropriated a one-time budget for OMMA to start building
• That team has also Yes, 50% were published on business day one.
• Any questions on that?
• I will be providing a brief update on our communications team and our government affairs team as well

Transcript Highlights:

• Could you just give us a brief rundown of some of the other ones?
• It's one of my favorite topics, but I'll be very brief, which is to say they—New Hampshire Hospital is
• favorite topics but I'll be one of my favorite topics but I'll be very<01:53:44.239><c> brief</c><01:
• Um, and, you know, we have budget issues on the House side, and I think this is a win-win that we can
• </c> dealing with budget issues and on the dealing with budget issues and on the house<03:55:24.239><

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• We have three clinics: one is on Martin Luther King, another is on Shadow Lane, and the third is at Eastern
• one discipline in addition to that, a minimum of one.
• Here in Carson City, I see no one. Las Vegas, no one.
• We'll stand in a brief recess one second. Okay, we will come back to order.
• No one here in Carson City, no one in Las Vegas, AVH, one more time.

Transcript Highlights:

• One more question, Chair. One more question, you're good?
• Brief explanation: Based on feedback from folks who agree with the premise of the bill but wanted a different
• Brief explanation: It's exactly the same as the other amendment on the bill.
• Brief explanation: It's exactly the same as the other amendment on the bill.
• Brief explanation? A very brief explanation.

Transcript Highlights:

• The budget proposes a one-time $166 million total transfer from the Air Pollution Control Fund and Greenhouse
• Currently, the budget proposes a one-time $166 million transfer.
• 51% is one of the largest. 30 is one of the largest. 75 is one of the largest.
• Number one, I think that a lot of our agencies got kind of addicted to a surplus-era notion of budgeting
• Okay, so you do a lot of budgeting—lots of budgeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh but again, that's on on the a fee.
• </c> Senator Larson asked whether the two additional SEO FTEs in the budget bill are on top of the two
• </c> the budget. the budget.
• </c><01:25:08.639><c> of</c> hard on on those other types of hard on on those other types of conservation
• </c><02:59:42.160><c> Big</c> implications on our compact on the Big implications on our compact on the

Committee: Joint Select Water Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Of course, this budget eliminates one of those sources.
• The Energy Proving Ground on the Rellis campus—I have had the chance to go out there, be briefed on it
• We've reduced the threat to the state budget on deobligation by having these audit firms in place and
• Secondly, research briefs based on the analysis of crime and victimization trends will be provided.
• It's just one of those things that happens with a very large budget like the state has.

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Chair, one last one.
• But, um, well, thanks for briefing us on it.
• Chairman, they revert with the annual budget, so all of the funds expired on June 30th, 2016.
• Hold on one quick second. Sure. Okay. Okay. Then hold on one quick second. Sure. Okay. Okay.
• I will tell you that budget is one of many resources that affects the pace at which we can actually respond

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from the Environment Department on PFAS contamination in private wells in La Cienega, Santa Fe County. Staff said the plume likely came from historic use of firefighting foam associated with airport and National Guard fire-training activities, with possible additional contribution from septic systems and consumer products. They described the contamination as affecting about 200 private wells, the short-term response of providing residential filters through a $2 million legislative appropriation, and ongoing work to define the plume’s full extent, identify responsible parties, and consider longer-term regional water solutions. Members asked about filter costs, replacement schedules, disposal of used cartridges, follow-up testing, health studies, and whether cleanup or containment had begun; the department said cleanup would follow once the plume is fully mapped and that DOH is soliciting interest in a blood study. The committee also discussed the need to track disposal of PFAS filters and the possibility of broader statewide capacity for similar work. The committee then took up abandoned uranium mine cleanup. NMED and EMNRD staff reviewed the new uranium mine reclamation program created by HB 164, the state dashboard tracking sites, and the FY26 appropriation of $20 million for neglected contaminated sites, of which $12 million is being used for neglected uranium mines and the remainder for other contaminated sites. They said six contractors were hired, three priority sites in Grant County are moving forward quickly, and additional sites are being prepared for possible FY27 work. Members pressed for details on how funds are spent, why the revolving fund remains unfunded, how federal, state, tribal, and landowner requirements are coordinated, where contaminated material will be moved, and whether cleanup could also address homes built with contaminated materials. Staff said the work is governed by multiple regulatory layers, that the state is seeking an additional $25 million for FY27-FY28 plus a time extension, and that partnerships with tribes would require longer-term agreements. The committee also discussed federal cleanup efforts and the new Good Samaritan law, with members urging stronger advocacy for New Mexico sites, including tribal lands, and asking whether the Attorney General should pursue legal action against federal parties responsible for legacy contamination. Staff explained that some sites are already covered by settlement funds tied to responsible parties, while neglected sites are those with no responsible party and no other cleanup program. The committee then heard from EMNRD on Class VI carbon sequestration primacy. Staff said New Mexico currently has no operating Class VI wells, about 27 Class II acid-gas injection wells are operating, and only a small number might be candidates for conversion. They explained that the state’s primacy application would require more public outreach than federal rules alone, and that cost estimates for post-injection site care are based on long planning horizons, with some costs borne by operators and some by the state after closure. No votes were taken on the substantive items discussed; the committee approved the prior meeting minutes and took a brief recess between presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I spoke with one of them last night on the phone.
• The last two weeks before we voted on a budget, my next to last week was 85 hours, and you were still
• day one.
• day one.
• This is one time I'm going to be very brief, Senator Pasadomo, because I just want to say thank you for

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, page introductions, and recognition of guests, including a state champion Crossroads Academy basketball team and a student intern. The chamber then took up executive appointment reports from the Ethics and Elections Committee and related committees, which covered a large slate of gubernatorial appointees to state boards and commissions. Senators were given the opportunity to separate nominees for individual votes, and several members spoke in support of or opposition to specific appointees based on qualifications, ideology, and prior public service. The first major confirmation vote covered most of the 186 appointments on the report, with debate centered on three nominees highlighted by Senator Polsky: Ilya Shapiro, Thomas Zachary Smith, and Dr. John Lattell. The report was adopted 31-0 after those objections, and Jeffrey Aaron was then considered separately for the Public Employee Relations Commission. Senators Smith and Polsky opposed Aaron’s confirmation, citing his role as legal counsel to the Hope Florida Foundation and alleged involvement in the transfer of Medicaid settlement funds to political entities; Chair Gates defended Aaron as a lawyer representing a client and noted no disciplinary or law-enforcement action against him. Aaron was confirmed 26-10. The Senate next confirmed Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after debate focused on her prior leadership at the Department of Children and Families, Medicaid redeterminations, postpartum coverage issues, Hope Florida-related concerns, and a women’s shelter inspection dispute. Supporters emphasized her work stabilizing Medicaid funding and her responsiveness to agency problems, while opponents argued she had overseen serious failures and lacked suitability. The confirmation passed 32-5. Taylor Hatch was then confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families after committee members noted serious operational concerns at DCF, including SNAP/EBT compliance, child welfare practices, forensic audit issues, and questions about Hope Florida, but also cited her commitment to child welfare and willingness to address problems; the vote was 33-4. After the confirmations, the Senate recessed and later returned for a lengthy tribute to outgoing Senate President Kathleen Pasadomo. Senators from both parties offered personal remarks praising her leadership, diligence, toughness in committee, mentorship, and resilience after personal loss, while also joking about her reputation as a strict rules chair and “bill killer.” The session concluded with the recognition of her service and presentation of a handmade keepsake box filled with letters and mementos from staff and colleagues.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Thank everybody for being here, uh, at this fifth meeting of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation
• c> on on the um uh on the consulting side on on the um uh on the consulting side as<00:31:56.320><c>
• One situation on a new project on the Mountain Parkway.
• One situation on a new project on the Mountain Parkway.
• </c> &gt;&gt; It is on. &gt;&gt; It is on.

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met without a quorum, so it could not approve the minutes. The chair announced an Eastern Kentucky University health forum later that day and then proceeded with testimony on alternative delivery methods for road projects. Jason Sawala of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Chad Laroo of the Kentucky Association of Highway Contractors were sworn in and introduced themselves. Sawala explained KYTC’s use of alternative delivery tools, including design-build, construction manager/general contractor (CMGC), and public-private partnerships (P3s). He said the cabinet’s goal is to deliver the best value to taxpayers in terms of quality, cost, and time, and emphasized that alternative delivery is most useful on projects with special circumstances such as innovation needs, specialized technology, complex constructibility, schedule pressure, or early contractor input. He cited the cabinet’s wrong-way driving prevention project as an example where design-build helped evaluate technologies and coordinate with stakeholders such as EMS and first responders. He also outlined the main tradeoffs: alternative delivery can improve collaboration and sometimes accelerate schedules, but it also brings risks related to right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation, changing scope, and the need for dedicated staff and compressed decision-making. He stressed that these methods are not a cure-all and are not appropriate for every project, while noting that traditional design-bid-build remains effective for most of KYTC’s work. Representative Branscum responded favorably, saying early contractor involvement is valuable and consistent with his experience in the vertical construction world. No votes or formal actions were taken because the committee lacked a quorum.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so budget and pricing are<00:28:58.880><c> based</c><00:28:59.120><c> on</c><00:28:59.440><c> local
• They calculate our staffing needs based on the size of our state Medicaid budget.
• They calculate our staffing needs based on the size of our state Medicaid budget.
• Uh, so a brief overview of this bill. This is something March has been working on year over year.
• We're on suicide watch, changing briefs,<01:36:05.600><c> helping</c><01:36:05.920><c> with</c><01:36

Bills: HF2216 , HF1978 , HF2354 , HF1963 , HF1994 , HF1995 , HF1894

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• bad, and I don't know the rules and everything, but can somebody please brief me on that?
• The town nullified the meeting results and voted on a budget at a later meeting.
• The town nullified the meeting results and voted on a budget at a later meeting.
• , budget monitoring is effective, and the tentative and final budgets are posted on the town website
• The town subsequently cured the deficiency by voting on an ordinance to adopt the budget.

Summary: The committee first took up a long-running audit finding involving the City of Daytona Beach’s unexpended building permit fund balance, which has exceeded the statutory cap for several years and was reported at $10.8 million in the latest audit. Mayor Derek Henry and city staff said the city had analyzed the fund, adopted a corrective action plan, waived more than $5.5 million in permit and inspection fees, used some excess funds for a training facility rehabilitation, and is pursuing a $9.4 million City Hall expansion that they say is allowed under a November 2024 Attorney General opinion permitting construction of a building to house the building code enforcement function. Committee members repeatedly questioned whether the city was simply trying to spend down the money, whether the proposed uses were truly lawful, why the balance kept growing despite fee waivers, and where the interest earnings were going. The mayor and deputy city manager said the city’s growth and staffing needs justified the plan, but several members expressed frustration and skepticism. A public commenter also urged accountability and raised concerns about the city’s spending plans and the size of the remaining balance. The committee then received an Auditor General presentation on the Town of Greenville, which found 31 operational audit findings and described pervasive control failures, possible fraud, waste, and abuse. The findings included election paperwork problems that left a council seat vacant, conflicts of interest, late financial disclosure filings, related-party transactions, inadequate meeting notices and minutes, quorum and voting documentation problems, council members’ involvement in day-to-day operations, missing ethics training, budget adoption and monitoring deficiencies, inaccurate accounting records and bank reconciliations, utility billing and rate issues, grant compliance problems tied to an unfinished grocery store project, weak personnel and contracting controls, improper severance and compensation issues, late vendor payments, weak procurement and P-card controls, vehicle-use and property-control weaknesses, poor public records access, and IT access and fraud-policy gaps. Greenville’s mayor and staff said the audit largely reflected the prior administration and that the current council and staff are taking corrective action. They said the town terminated the former manager, adopted seven new policies since the audit began, and is working with the Auditor General to improve procurement, financial controls, inventory management, grant oversight, and ethics compliance. The town attorney said he had alerted federal authorities earlier about concerns, and committee members noted that FDLE has received a criminal referral and is investigating. Several members praised the new leadership’s cooperation but also suggested the town consider consolidation or dissolution if problems persist.

Transcript Highlights:

• we vote on the amendment.
• </c> You will see $12 million one-time You will see $12 million one-time appropriation<00:05:07.320><
• So that's really crucial and the biggest line item you'll see on the budget.
• So that's really crucial and the biggest line item you'll see on the budget.
• </c> &gt;&gt; We do have one bill to go. &gt;&gt; We do have one bill to go.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• on on and<00:02:39.000><c> also</c><00:02:39.520><c> the</c><00:02:39.720><c> consul-</c><00:02:40.120
• </c> work to try and get agreement on things. work to try and get agreement on things.
• I'm just going to highlight three brief ones.
• </c> Any further discussion on the amendment? Any further discussion on the amendment?
• I'm just going to highlight three brief<00:10:30.960><c> ones.</c> brief ones. brief ones.

Transcript Highlights:

• We stopped the last briefing on, I guess it would be Monday the 16th, and took a couple days off.
• We stopped the last briefing on, I guess it would be Monday the 16th, and took a couple days off.
• James called me on Wednesday and said, “Okay, when do we start briefings?” “We’ll start tomorrow.”
• We stopped the last briefing on, I guess it would be Monday the 16th, and took a couple days off.
• James called me on Wednesday and said, “Okay, when do we start briefings?” “We’ll start tomorrow.”

Bills: SCR21 , SCR75 , SCR50 , SCR149 , SCR47 , SCR163 , SCR169 , SCR170

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Budget Subcommittee Number 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection, and Energy will come to order
• Is that the budget, that $213 million that I see on the first page, total expenditure all funds?
• But the way that it, obviously, we budgeted this year based on what was in statute and what was sort
• for this year, but that always has a kickoff to a conversation on the budget.
• Given pressure on GGRF, the General Fund, and the federal budget, robust investment of Prop. 4 dollars

Summary: The subcommittee met to discuss several California Conservation Corps (CCC) and Cal Fire budget proposals, with no votes taken and all items held open for a future hearing. The CCC overview highlighted the program’s 50th anniversary, its statewide conservation, disaster response, education, and workforce development work, and its funding mix of General Fund and fee-for-service reimbursements. Members praised the program’s impact on young adults and communities, and asked about revenue sources, partnerships, recruitment, and outcomes for Corps members after service. A major CCC item was reopening and staffing the Greenwood Residential Center in El Dorado County. The department said the center is needed to restore local wildfire and fuel-break capacity, especially when winter road closures limit access to other facilities. The LAO said the proposal has merit but suggested the Legislature consider lower-cost alternatives, such as using fewer new Corps members or delaying opening, given the budget condition. The committee also discussed a proposal to move CCC hand crews to a seven-day wildfire readiness schedule; the department argued this is needed to match Cal Fire’s year-round operations and reduce chronic staffing gaps, while the LAO recommended considering partial funding or other cost-saving options. Cal Fire’s department overview focused on year-round wildfire response, vegetation management, community preparedness, and the 66-hour workweek rollout. Members asked about contract counties, federal partnerships, reforestation capacity, and the use of cap-and-invest and General Fund dollars amid structural deficits. Cal Fire said its nursery capacity is far below reforestation needs and relies on public-private partnerships, and it described reimbursements for work on federal lands. The committee also discussed defensible space inspections, with Cal Fire seeking permanent staffing to replace temporary positions and maintain its goal of 250,000 inspections annually; the LAO suggested alternatives such as different funding mixes, a reinstated SRA fee, or one-time funding. Finally, the committee heard a request to increase Cal Fire’s fixed-wing pilot and mechanic contract. Cal Fire said the larger, more complex aircraft fleet and year-round fire season require more pilots and maintainers, and that contracting provides flexibility and avoids some benefit costs. The LAO said the proposal addresses significant health and safety concerns and merits consideration, while members questioned whether in-house staffing or longer contract terms might be more cost-effective. Throughout the hearing, members emphasized wildfire risk, budget pressures, and the need to balance public safety with fiscal discipline.

Transcript Highlights:

• ;&gt; on on a yearly basis or just on a &gt;&gt; on on a yearly basis or just on a on<00:09:46.080><c
• </c> &gt;&gt; I'll defer to you on that one. &gt;&gt; I'll defer to you on that one.
• building to a new building. number 27 on the PSC on on the routine number 27 on the PSC on on the routine
• they're number one on the on the they're they're number one on the on the PSC<00:45:53.119><c> amendment
• Back when I was a legislative aide during the budget cuts of 2019, this was one of the things that was

Summary: The Government Contracts Committee met with a quorum and approved the July 8 minutes. It then deferred several items from the July agenda, including a Kentucky Education Television contract because the vendor was not yet registered with the Secretary of State, and a University of Louisville contract at the university’s request. The committee also deferred a behavioral health memorandum of agreement and later a Department of Community Based Services contract after questions were raised about the scope of services and the need for additional information. The most extensive discussion involved the Seven Counties Services contract with the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities. Committee members questioned why the state continues to contract with Seven Counties despite its bankruptcy and pension-related liabilities, how the funding split was determined, whether the services are statutorily required, and whether the state or another provider could deliver the services more efficiently. Agency representatives said Seven Counties is the sole provider of core community mental health services in its region, serves about 24,500 people, and that service needs and acuity remain high even as the number served has declined. A cabinet attorney said the bankruptcy dispute is ongoing and involves roughly $20 million in contested retirement contributions, though members suggested the amount may be higher. Members also raised broader concerns about whether local governments, especially Metro Louisville, should contribute more toward services tied to social determinants of health, and whether the contract includes services beyond what statute requires. The committee requested additional information on the contract scope and possible offsets or recovery of unfunded liabilities, and then voted to defer the Seven Counties contract to the next meeting. The committee also heard a separate DCBS presentation on the Youth Villages Intercept program, where staff explained it was selected because it is an approved evidence-based Family First prevention service, provides intensive in-home and foster care stabilization services, and is headquartered in Tennessee but operates across Kentucky; members asked for clarification on Medicaid billing and additional funding needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, we are now on the bill as amended. Members, we are now on the bill as amended.
• Seeing no questions on the amendment, there is no public testimony on the amendment.
• I see no questions on the amendment. Members, are there questions on the amendment?
• Seeing no questions on the amendment, there's no public testimony on the amendment.
• Members, we're now back on the bill as amended. Any questions on the bill as amended?

Summary: The Health Care Budget Subcommittee met and took up four bills. First, CS/HB 633 by Rep. Koster on managing entity reporting and transparency for behavioral health services was amended to clarify reporting requirements and timing, and to address the bill’s fiscal implementation through conferencing. Members and one public speaker supported the measure, emphasizing accountability and better use of state funds. The bill was reported favorably. Next, CS/HB 531 by Rep. Hunschofsky on background screenings was amended with a strike-all that would require ACCA to create a public webpage with screening education, level-two screening standards, and a searchable catalog of positions requiring screening. Because the amendment changed the bill’s relating-to clause, the chair noted it would be temporarily postponed under House Rule 7.11D and returned to the committee later. The committee then heard HB 1089 by Rep. Booth, which adds Duchenne muscular dystrophy to the recommended newborn screening panel, subject to appropriation. A parent testified in strong support, describing the benefits of earlier diagnosis and treatment, and several members spoke in favor. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, CS/HB 907 by Rep. Anderson created the Sunshine Genetics Program, an opt-in newborn whole-genome sequencing program, and established the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU and a Sunshine Genetics Consortium. An amendment made funding contingent on appropriations and added Nicholas Children’s Hospital and Florida International University to the consortium board. After supportive testimony and debate, the bill was also reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• One has not.
• One has not.
• One has not.
• I know. decision on how I would approach a vote on these bills.
• I vote in the affirmative on Senate Bill 106, affirmative on Senate Bill 280, affirmative on Senate Bill

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met with a quorum present and considered several bills. SB 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults would allow service of process on scammers through the same nontraditional communication methods they use; it passed 8-0. CS/SB 280 on candidate qualification would create an enforceable party-affiliation requirement and a private right of action to disqualify noncompliant candidates; it passed unanimously. CS/SB 948 on flood disclosures was amended to extend disclosure requirements to residential leases, condo developer leases, and mobile homes, with tenant remedies if disclosures are not provided and flooding causes major losses; it passed 8-0. The committee also advanced CS/SB 498 on IOTA interest rates after a lengthy debate over legal aid funding and bank regulation. Supporters argued the bill would restore sustainability and fairness to the program by setting alternative interest-rate benchmarks, while opponents said it would cut funding for civil legal aid and that banks participate voluntarily. After testimony from legal aid leaders and bankers, the bill passed 7-2. SB 774, requiring clerks to electronically transmit certain mental health, substance abuse, and risk protection orders to sheriffs within six hours, was presented in response to a fatal Volusia County incident and passed 11-0. CS/SB 752 on defamation and online publication was amended to require removal from a website rather than the internet, then passed 8-2 after testimony from the media, a private attorney, and supporters who said it would help people harmed by false online reports. The committee also heard SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands, which would create a narrow defense against strict liability claims if notice and gamma radiation survey requirements are met. The bill was amended to clarify notice provisions and received support from industry and technical witnesses describing radiation surveys and reclamation practices. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on SB 832, so no committee action on that bill is shown in the excerpt.