Transcript Highlights:

• From the reports that we've got, both from you, finance director, and many others, it is a matter that
• may allow them to request an extension not to exceed the deadline established by the Department of Finance
• we're serious about trying to deliver... we're serious about trying to deliver health care to fill the gap

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Finance and Tax will now come to order. Stephanie, please call the roll.
• Welcome to the Finance and Tax Committee for the very exciting topic of property taxes.
• As you have accumulated that differential and the gap between what your property is worth and what your

Summary: The Senate Committee on Finance and Tax met to hear a staff presentation on Florida property taxes. Staff Director Azar Khan gave an overview of the property tax system, including constitutional limits, January 1 assessment rules, homestead and non-homestead residential property, commercial and agricultural classifications, tangible personal property, and centrally assessed property. The presentation highlighted major exemptions and assessment caps, such as the homestead exemptions, Save Our Homes, the 10% cap for non-homestead property, and favorable treatment for agricultural/classified use land. It also reviewed long-term growth in just value and taxable value statewide, along with declining millage rates over time as taxable values have risen. Members then discussed the possibility of eliminating property taxes and the fiscal consequences of doing so. Senator Jones asked about the impact on local governments and referenced estimates that replacing property tax revenue could require roughly $43 billion; staff responded that current levied amounts are in the ballpark of more than $30 billion for non-school levies and more than $20 billion for school levies, but that the exact impact would depend on county and district budgets and collections. Senators Bernard, Passidomo, Gates, and others emphasized the need for more data on alternative revenue sources, such as sales tax increases or other combinations, and for input from counties and cities before considering broad tax changes. Chair Avila explained the presentation was intended to give members a foundation before property tax proposals are heard in committee, noting that several bills had already been filed involving homestead and tangible personal property. No bills were voted on, and no formal action was taken beyond the informational presentation. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because I mean, sometimes, unless it's a cash deal, most there's any type of financing, there's going
• Because I mean, sometimes, unless it's a cash deal, most there's any type of financing, there's going
• , there's going to any type of financing, there's going to be<00:50:06.000> a<00:50:06.160>
• measures<00:55:03.839> um<00:55:03.920> that<00:55:04.079> we've the stop gap
• measures um that we've the stop gap measures um that we've discussed<00:55:04.800> internally.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representatives Green and Anderson worked on this proposal that helps bridge the gap between now and
• And today, Minnesota cities and counties lack financing tools to build these at scale.
• This amendment closes that gap without shutting the door on anyone who is truly eligible.
• This amendment closes that gap without shutting the door on anyone who is truly eligible.
• It's why we've heard bills related to campaign finance and election procedures separately.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up Senate File 3432, a public safety bill requiring identifying equipment and insignia to be removed from emergency vehicles sold to the public. The chamber first adopted a House language amendment, then debated a broader security package that would fund judicial and courthouse security, Capitol security measures, short-term protection for legislators facing credible threats, State Patrol deficiency funding, and additional BCA analysts and investigators to assess threats statewide. Supporters framed the bill as necessary to protect public safety, democracy, and First Amendment activity at the Capitol and courthouses; they also said the package was pared down from larger requests and based on security reviews. The House adopted an A-1 amendment clarifying that BCA staff could investigate threats statewide, and later rejected a Schultz A-3 amendment that would have eliminated all appropriations in the bill. The A-3 was defeated on a 37-94 vote after the House upheld the Speaker’s ruling that a proposed school-safety secondary amendment was not germane, with that appeal decided 69-62. A major theme of debate was whether the Legislature should prioritize security for members and the Capitol before passing school safety funding. Several members argued they could not support spending tens of millions on Capitol and legislative security without first funding school safety for all students, including public, charter, private, and tribal schools. Others defended the bill as necessary because of recent threats and violence, including the June 14 tragedy, and said the Capitol security changes were based on professional recommendations. Some members also criticized the new security setup as overly restrictive or “security theater,” while supporters said the measures were needed to keep the public, staff, and lawmakers safe. After the A-3 was defeated, the bill was read for third time and members continued floor debate. The discussion remained split between those emphasizing immediate Capitol and legislative security needs and those insisting school safety should come first. Representative Agbaje then moved to table the bill, and the clerk began a roll call on that motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Finance will come to order. Sorry, we're a little delayed.
• Kristen Doyle: Thank you, Madam Chair and members of the Senate Finance Committee.
• Good afternoon, Chair and Vice Chair and members of this Finance Committee.
• Good afternoon, Chairwoman Huffman, Vice-Chairman Hinojosa, and members of the Finance Committee.
• Srinivasan: Thank you, Madam Chair, Vice Chair Hinojosa, members of the Senate Finance Committee.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we did and executed a financing agreement with them.
• I'll start with regional governance and finance.
• So just as a reminder, what was in, I'll start with regional governance and finance.
• And then, Miranda, there still, though, would be a funding gap, correct?
• Is DeAnne Ement, executive director of the North Dakota Public Finance Authority.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To my left is Krista Lambrecht, our vice president for administration and finance.
• It's gotten to be so, there's such a time gap. Mr.
• The State Auditor's Office is uniquely positioned to bridge this data gap for three reasons.
• SLDS has a lot of information through Job Service, but there's some gaps.
• What this would do is address the gap in tax revenues accruing to the state because of that.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:19:27.280> application one is our education finance application one is our education finance
• of finance at KET. of finance at KET.
• Now, we would like for the finance and Now, we would like for the finance and administration<00:53:01.920
• <00:53:35.359> and secretary of the finance and secretary of the finance and administration
• We integrate with, um, the finance We integrate with, um, the finance cabinet's<01:40:35.199>

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:05 Approval of Minutes 00:01:48 Welcome New Members 00:02:03 Information Items 00:02:35 Review of Executive Branch Agency Plans 00:03:33 A. Cabinet for Health and Family Services 00:04:00 B. Kentucky Department of Education 00:17:03 C. Education and Labor Cabinet 00:29:33 D. Energy and Environment Cabinet 00:42:38 E. Finance and Administration Cabinet 0:53:30 F. Justice and Public Safety Cabinet 01:13:28 G. Personnel Cabinet 01:31:04 H. School Facilities Construction Commission 01:41:39, 958, all

Summary: The meeting was the first of the year for the Capital Planning Advisory Board. Members were called, a quorum was confirmed, new co-chairs and members were welcomed, and the board approved the prior year’s meeting minutes. The chair also reviewed the capital planning timeline, packet organization, and the list of agencies that submitted plans but would not testify. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services presented first, outlining priorities centered on public safety, protecting existing infrastructure, preventive maintenance, and improving service delivery. Its major requests included a $21 million maintenance pool for 14 campuses and 175 buildings, phase 2 construction funding for a new public health laboratory, an 18-bed psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents with severe mental health needs, and several projects at Western State Hospital, Western State Nursing Facility, Hazlewood, and Oakwood. Members asked about the youth facility’s relationship to a separate DJJ project, vacant buildings, the high per-bed cost of the children’s hospital, and how the cabinet determined the need for the youth facility. CHFS said the youth project would be a separate facility serving high-acuity youth, the cost reflected the specialized nature of the unit and an 18-bed cap, and the broader youth plan also includes prevention, in-home services, and coordination across agencies. The Kentucky Department of Education then described projects for its three state-operated facilities: the Kentucky School for the Deaf, the Kentucky School for the Blind, and the FFA leadership training center. It requested additional funding for the FFA classroom and activity building after bids came in higher than expected, plus funding for a new education finance application system to support SEEK budgeting. Other priorities included a maintenance pool, FFA pool renovation, electrical upgrades, campus education enhancements, lighting improvements, safety and security work, door and window replacements, and HVAC maintenance. Members asked about student outcomes, the size of the FFA pool, and construction cost assumptions; the department said it tracks students through the schools and short-course programs, the pool size figure may have been a typo, and current construction estimates are being adjusted upward because of inflation and supply-chain pressures. The Education and Labor Cabinet began its presentation with 12 priority projects, including a state labor exchange system to connect job seekers and employers, renovation of the McDow Vocational Rehabilitation Center, and a new adult education and family literacy management information system. The cabinet said the labor exchange would help match workers with employers at no cost, while the McDow renovation was needed because the 30-year-old facility has safety and code concerns. The adult education system was described as outdated and lacking adequate case-management and tracking capabilities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Finance Committee substitute for Senate Tax Business and Transportation Committee substitute.
• And so, Madam Chair, at this point in time, I would like to move that we can amend the Senate Finance
• is 234169-4 to the Senate Finance Committee. sub.
• They still had to go through their process and go through Senate Finance.
• We're just trying to fill in a gap for today but losing tomorrow.

Bills: SB240

Keywords: capital outlay, capital projects, severance tax bonds, general fund appropriations, supplemental severance tax bonds, UNM School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, infrastructure, state buildings, courts, schools, higher education, road improvements, water and wastewater, tribal infrastructure, tribal projects, public safety, housing, emergency services, bonding

Transcript Highlights:

• Families then face a choice between finances and their child's quality of life.
• This bill helps fix that gap. It treats activity limbs as medical needs, not add-ons.
• It addresses a gap in our newborn screening system by adding screening for biliary atresia, a rare but
• Finally, it requires a review of gaps in access to services geographically throughout Florida.

Bills: S0162, S0254, S0688, S0794, S1110, S1574

Keywords: surgical smoke, health standards, hospital safety, patient protection, medical regulations, nursing education, licensure, remedial courses, temporary license, graduate nursing preceptorship, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, background screening, support coordination services, developmental disabilities, Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome, public hearings, orthotics, prosthetics, healthcare, Medicaid

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met with a quorum present and took up several health-related bills. CS/SB 1110 on Medicaid and insurance coverage for orthotics and prosthetics was heard first. The bill would require coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics without lifetime or continuous-use caps, direct AHCA to seek federal approval and update contracts, and require annual reporting. Testimony from a child using prosthetic “gymnastics blades,” his mother, and another young person with a prosthetic leg emphasized the high cost of activity-specific devices and the impact on children’s mobility, sports participation, and quality of life. Senators voiced strong support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then approved SB 1574, “Maddie’s Law,” which adds newborn screening for biliary atresia using the existing blood specimen collected at birth. The sponsor and the child’s father described the condition as time-sensitive and potentially fatal without early detection, and argued the screening could prevent transplants and save money. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered CS/SB 794 on background screening for employees of residential facilities and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities, plus a review of waiver support coordination quality, training, and access issues. Parents and a support coordinator testified that strong support coordination is essential for families and that the bill would help standardize expectations and improve services. An amendment aligning the bill with the House companion was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. Members next heard SB 162, which requires hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. Supporters, including nurses and the Florida Nurses Association, described surgical smoke as a workplace hazard with toxic chemicals and potential cancer risks; hospital representatives said they support the intent but argued existing federal and state standards already regulate the issue and the bill is too prescriptive. A late-filed amendment clarifying the smoke must be “effectively captured and filtered” was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 254, a major nursing education bill that tightens oversight of low-performing nursing programs, creates a temporary provisional license and preceptorship pathway for graduates awaiting NCLEX results, requires remediation for delayed testing, and increases transparency by posting passage rates. Nursing groups supported stronger standards, while private nursing schools warned the bill could reduce capacity and discourage program directors; the amended bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 688, which would reestablish licensure and regulation of naturopathic doctors in Florida, create a board of naturopathic medicine, set licensure and renewal requirements, and define the scope of practice while excluding most prescription authority. Supporters said it would expand health care choices and allow naturopathic doctors to practice openly, while opponents from the medical community warned the bill could authorize diagnosis and treatment without sufficient training and rely on unproven therapies. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned after members thanked staff for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• So there would be a gap that will need to be backfilled from the requirements from the TCEQ.
• That's easily overcome, or would that be something that would take a long time for you guys to close the gap
• or fill the gap in that inefficiency there?
• We continue to break rules with no care as long as they have the financing available to fight the violations

Bills: HB5208, SB863, SB1243, SB1624, SB1965, SB2660, SB2702, SB2885

Keywords: water filtration, public drinking water, health and safety, well maintenance, water quality, Edwards Aquifer, water conservation, reclaimed water, aquifer storage, environmental protection, public utility agency, dissolution, local government, regulatory framework, municipal authority, Texas Water Bank, Texas Water Trust, water rights, water banking, instream flow

Transcript Highlights:

• Sean Donohue began his career in the field of finance but pivoted to environmental issues in 2007.
• There may be some data gaps to complete a conceptual site model of environmental conditions at the site
• And my inclination would be that there's so much data out there that if there is some data gaps, or if
• there are data gaps that have to be completed, they're minor, and there's things that should be able

Keywords: presidential nominations, EPA, environmental policy, Fish and Wildlife, committee meeting

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the presidential nominations of Brigadier General Brian Nesvick as Director of Fish and Wildlife and Jess Kramer and Sean Donahue as assistant administrators at the EPA. Each nominee presented their qualifications and experiences in their respective fields, with an emphasis on their commitment to uphold the laws passed by Congress. The discussion highlighted the nominees' dedication to addressing environmental issues and their proactive stances on regulatory matters. After deliberation, votes were held to report the nominations favorably, despite some members voicing concerns regarding their qualifications and potential conflicts with environmental interests.

Transcript Highlights:

• Strategic Housing Finance Corporation.
• My name is Diana Gray with Strategic Housing Finance Corporation.
• I'm also the treasurer of Austin Housing Finance Corporation.
• There are three authorized HFCs (Housing Finance Corporations) in the Austin area: Austin Housing Finance
• So without a viable financing structure, those financing partners will take their business elsewhere

Bills: HB21, HB211, HB223

Keywords: HB 21, Texas Tax Code, ad valorem tax, property tax, delinquent taxes, tax delinquency, penalty reduction, interest rate, split payment, installment payment, tax relief, county tax collector, taxing unit, property owner, tax collection, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, tax increase election, supermajority, 60 percent threshold

Transcript Highlights:

• The Finance Authority really works beside them.
• That $300,000 returns to the State Board of Finance. So that's how the law works.
• Once I have an award for a project, unused funds go back to the State Board of Finance.
• Just to remind you that we are a broad-based financing agency.
• The Finance Authority, though it has the name 'Finance', doesn't operate with a lot of lending capital

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, everybody, and I want to say welcome to the Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance
• Then we complete a review from DEED's finance director to determine risk level.
• the angel tax credit provides financing the angel tax credit some<01:24:57.920> of<01:24:58.000
• They made it very clear to the legislators that we've got gaps and here's the problem, and it came back
• and here's the problem and it came gaps and here's the problem and it came back<01:29:12.960> here

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to call the House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee to order.
• The budgets are reviewed quarterly between that management team and the program finance manager.
• The budgets are reviewed quarterly between that management team and the program finance manager.
• The budgets are reviewed quarterly between that management team and the program finance manager.
• That is a gap in my knowledge that I'll need to fill.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee met and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The chair noted that agency overviews from the Office of Higher Education and other state agencies were not available, so the committee proceeded with University of Minnesota presentations instead. The committee also reviewed posted committee rules. University of Minnesota representatives gave an overview of the university’s research enterprise, describing it as a system of five campuses with a possible expansion to St. Cloud, and highlighting research strengths across campuses in agriculture, energy, natural resources, health, and the Twin Cities flagship campus. They said the university has more than $1.3 billion in annual research expenditures, receives most of its research funding from federal sources, and is ranked highly for both overall research and interdisciplinary research. Examples discussed included the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, the Forever Green initiative, and research tied to sustainable crops, health, and commercialization. Members asked questions about specific research areas, including biodegradable or renewable plastics, wheat research, food dyes, health and environmental toxins, and the market for winter camelina and winter pennycress. University staff said they could follow up with more detailed information and explained that the winter crop work is intended to become market-driven over time, while also improving soil health and creating new revenue streams for farmers. They also clarified that the university’s federal research funding includes money from NIH, NSF, DOE, DOD, and other agencies, and that the “other” funding category includes foundations, subawards, and internal university seed funding. The committee then heard a second University of Minnesota presentation focused on partnerships, commercialization, and workforce development. Testimony highlighted collaborations with industry and government partners such as U.S. Steel, 3M, Medtronic, Cisco, and defense-related industry leaders, as well as programs supporting microelectronics, AI, cybersecurity, and sustainable aviation fuels. No formal votes were taken beyond approving the minutes, and the committee ended the segment by moving on to the next testifier.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, your Appropriations and Finance Committee has been referred House Bill 47 as amended and has
• And like all that we do, we have to discuss it with the finance committees and for the funding.
• And so this bill, it would make it easier for... ...the Finance Authority Oversight Committee.
• Finance Committee substitute for House Bill 180 do not pass.
• House Appropriations and Finance Committee substitute for House Bill 180 has now passed.

Bills: HB111, HB103, HB109, HB128, HJM2, HJM3, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB49, HB60, HB108, HB120, HB124, HB145, HB154, HB158, HB164, HB180, HB291, HJR6, HJR7, HR1, HJM1, HM13, HM47

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• maintenance obligations for private roads so that the property served by those roads would remain financeable
• and that was financing from these governmental<00:26:28.159> entities<00:26:29.360> because
• ,<03:19:10.000> our project like our our finances, our project like our our finances, our
• <03:51:03.920> keeping that go into you know HR finance keeping that go into you know HR finance
• We got a lot the gaps hearing process. We got a lot of<04:32:07.840> projects.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For more information on personnel, public retirement, and finance, I'd ask to yield to the gentleman
• If HB 2 passes as currently written, the additional requirements could widen the gap even further.
• I prepared House Floor Amendment 9 to address the gaps.
• gap even further. gap even further.
• address the gaps. address the gaps.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved into committee and floor reports. Several measures received favorable committee reports and were ordered to first reading and placed on the calendar, including Current Resolution 9, Senate Joint Resolution 23, House Bill 145, House Bill 567, and House Bill 506 with House Committee Substitute 1. The chamber also noted that House Bills 500 and 504 had already received two readings and were sent to the Rules Committee before House Bill 500 was brought up for final consideration. Most of the discussion focused on House Bill 500, the executive branch budget bill. Members described it as a “good first draft” and emphasized a budget process they said was more transparent than in prior years. The bill was presented as a restrained two-year operating budget with spending growth kept at a little under 2% annually, while setting aside about 2% of projected revenues, or roughly $614 million, in the Budget Reserve Trust Fund for future needs. The budget also used base reductions in some areas while exempting others such as Medicaid benefits, SEEK, corrections, behavioral health, and veterans programs. Subcommittee chairs then outlined major spending areas. Education provisions included a 2% annual increase in base SEEK funding, transportation funding held flat, equalization for recallable nickel funding, continued retirement contributions, and major support for postsecondary access, dual credit, asset preservation, and workforce training. Health and family services provisions held Medicaid steady while adding waiver slots, behavioral health and substance use support, public health investments, and funding for rural health and laboratory capacity. Other sections covered personnel and pensions, veterans services, infrastructure, public safety, economic development, tourism, and environmental projects. The only recorded action on the floor was adoption of House Committee Substitute 1 to House Bill 500, followed by a motion for final passage of the bill as amended. The transcript ends as discussion on final passage begins, before any final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, there are still gaps. Students struggle with access to information.
• However, there are still gaps. Students struggle with access to information.
• There are still gaps. Students struggle with access to information.
• Um, and then will this come to ed finance? Do you know, Mr. Chair? >> Great.
• Do you know, this come to ed finance? Do you know, Mr.<00:37:26.079> Chair? Mr. Chair? Mr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all