Transcript Highlights:

• across all silos, the Florida's First budget includes a total of $850 million in recurring budget reductions
• A total of $850 million in recurring budget reductions and 354.5 FTE vacancy reductions for over 180
• Of these totals, the public safety silo represents 52.5 FTE reductions and over $3.5 million.
• These public safety reductions include recurring-based budget funds or excess trust fund authority that

Bills: S0054, S0156, S0296, S0298

Keywords: cognitive function, psychotropic drugs, violent offenders, autopsy procedures, medical records, school safety, public records, open government, sunshine law, victims of dating violence, domestic violence, address confidentiality program, confidential address, voter registration, voting records, elections, supervisor of elections, Department of State, Attorney General, privacy

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice heard a presentation on the Governor’s fiscal year 2026-2027 public safety budget, which totals $117.4 billion overall and includes $8.2 billion for the public safety silo. Caitlin Dawkins of the Governor’s Office outlined proposed funding and reductions across FDLE, DJJ, DOC, and related justice agencies. Agency heads then presented major budget requests: FDLE sought funding for fentanyl enforcement, a career offender registry unit, a missing persons alert system upgrade, alcohol testing modernization, officer wellness, criminal intelligence, and illegal immigration-related intelligence work; DJJ requested funds for the Florida Scholars Academy, uniforms, residential services, a new Broward detention center, and facility repairs; and DOC requested major increases for officer pay, 500 additional FTE, facility construction and maintenance, communications technology, inmate health care, pharmaceuticals, and food service. Members questioned FDLE about the scope of immigration-related enforcement and public records burdens, and DOC about staffing, inmate health care, substance use treatment, prison capacity, and whether prison beds were being used for immigration detainees. A public commenter also urged attention to basic conditions in prisons, including clothing, food, medical care, and facility maintenance. The committee then considered several bills. CS/SB 156, the Jason Rayner Act, was presented as a response to the killing of Daytona Beach Officer Jason Rayner and would clarify that a person may not use violence against an officer performing official duties, while also increasing penalties related to manslaughter involving law enforcement. An amendment conforming the bill’s language was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably after debate and a roll call vote. CS/SB 54, dealing with substances affecting cognitive function and law enforcement access to certain medical records, also received an amendment clarifying that only records relevant to an investigation of a violent offender may be furnished; the amended bill was then reported favorably. The committee next heard CS/SB 296, the Haven Act, which would direct a study of a secure web-based alert system for domestic violence victims so they can contact 911 without alerting an abuser, and would expand the Address Confidentiality Program to include dating violence victims. Testimony from advocates and survivors strongly supported the measure, and the bill was reported favorably. Its companion, CS/SB 298, a public records exemption for victims of domestic and dating violence in the Address Confidentiality Program, was also reported favorably. The meeting concluded after the committee approved all four bills and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• are exiting the industry, and if there's a lack of product, meaning horses... this will lead to a reduction
• So, that's a reduction of 50% in our testing.
• So that's a reduction of over 100 days of racing, which is significant.
• think the situation that played out in Ruidoso this summer Without having racing there, it showed a reduction
• So, I think there would be a reduction in that type of scenario. And that's what we saw.

Transcript Highlights:

• be required to stamp the assessments due to Ecology every four years on greenhouse gas emission reduction
• due to Ecology that, or essentially a plan or an assessment of potential greenhouse gas emission reduction
• This year, Quebec does require certain assessments of potential greenhouse gas emission reduction projects

Bills: SB6291

Keywords: SB6291, on-site wastewater treatment, onsite wastewater treatment, septic system, sewage treatment, wastewater inspection, environmental health, local board of health, public health, professional engineer, land surveyor, certificate of competency, inspection standards, design review, supervised practice, certification, licensing, RCW 18.88A, Washington State, 904

Transcript Highlights:

• be required to stamp the assessments due to Ecology every four years on greenhouse gas emission reduction
• due to Ecology that, or essentially a plan or an assessment of potential greenhouse gas emission reduction
• of... ...this year, Quebec does require certain assessments of potential greenhouse gas emission reduction

Summary: The Environment and Energy committee met to executive three bills. SB 6291 would extend from two to four years the period a non-certified person may review designs and inspect on-site wastewater treatment systems under supervision of a certified individual; the committee adopted a striking amendment making a technical correction to the definition of an on-site wastewater treatment system and then passed the bill 18-0 with three excused. ESB 6246 concerns no-cost allowance allocations for emissions-intensive, trade-exposed facilities under the Climate Commitment Act; the striking amendment added an Ecology-contracted independent third-party report due in 2028 on emissions and job leakage, revised reporting and disclosure provisions, required unaffiliated licensed professional engineers for certain assessments, and clarified penalty language. Members discussed leakage, third-party review, and costs to industry, and the bill passed 11-7 with three excused after the amendment was adopted. The committee also took up ESSB 5975, which sets lead standards for certain cookware and adjusts the Safer Products for Washington process. Members described the bill as the result of multiple years of negotiation balancing public health concerns about lead exposure with industry concerns, and noted the striking amendment set specific 2030 and 2034 standards for pots and pans. After brief supportive discussion, the committee adopted the striker and passed the bill 18-0 with three excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it seems to make sense to do a little bit of red tape reduction at the same time we're doing this.
• So for the grand total, $94 million equals a 3.5% reduction from the fiscal year 2026 appropriation.
• And we're also looking at a possible reduction of $9 million for health care insurance.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee heard House Bill 515, presented by Rep. Chris Matthias, which would require schools to have a procedure for notifying families when a serious bullying incident occurs, defined as one resulting in suspension. Matthias said the bill also removes the annual bullying incident reporting requirement to the Department of Education because districts see it as burdensome and ineffective. There was no testimony in opposition, and the committee voted to send HB 515 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1244 from Sen. Carrie Semmelroth, a cleanup bill repealing obsolete statutes related to regional library systems that have not existed for decades. Semmelroth and State Librarian Dylan Baker explained the bill was part of broader code cleanup work with no policy changes. The committee approved the bill and sent SB 1244 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee took up print hearing RS 3318 from Sen. Kevin Cook, which would reduce the amount available for the school choice tax credit program by applying a 4% holdback for fiscal year 2026 and 5% for fiscal year 2027. Supporters argued the state needs across-the-board budget reductions and that education programs, including K-12, have already been cut; opponents said the program is new, still being implemented, and should be left whole for now. After discussion about impacts on Launch and the tax credit program, the committee approved the RS for print on a 6-3 roll call vote and then adjourned, noting there would be no meeting the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• APPLICATION TO UTILIZED THROUGHOUT THE STATE ON IT ESTABLISHES A MANDATORY BUILDING DEPARTMENT FEE REDUCTION
• WE ARE ALSO OPPOSED ANY KIND OF REDUCTION TO EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS THAT ARE CURRENTLY IN STATUTE.
• IT SHOWS IT'S A REDUCTION TO REVENUES IN THE STATE AND THE POTENTIAL OFFSET WITH ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATIONAL

Transcript Highlights:

• That card relames the repeal of the temporary tax reduction for certain high cost gas to finance.
• and firearm accessories. to finance Senate Bill 1287 by Hughes relating to the effect of certain reductions
• and attorneys to business and commerce in a bill 1296 by johnson relating to phasing out the tax reduction

Bills: SJR36, SJR3, SB616, SB565, SB384, SB5, SJR52, SJR53, SJR54, SJR55, SCR18, SCR19, SCR22, SB27, SB29, SB35, SB1151, SB1152, SB1153, SB1154, SB1155, SB1156, SB1157, SB1158, SB1159, SB1160, SB1161, SB1162, SB1163, SB1164, SB1165, SB1166, SB1167, SB1168, SB1169, SB1170, SB1171, SB1172, SB1173, SB1174, SB1175, SB1176, SB1177, SB1178, SB1179, SB1180, SB1181, SB1182, SB1183, SB1184, SB1185, SB1186, SB1187, SB1188, SB1189, SB1190, SB1191, SB1192, SB1193, SB1194, SB1195, SB1196, SB1197, SB1198, SB1199, SB1200, SB1201, SB1202, SB1203, SB1204, SB1205, SB1206, SB1207, SB1208, SB1209, SB1210, SB1211, SB1212, SB1213, SB1214, SB1215, SB1216, SB1217, SB1218, SB1219, SB1220, SB1221, SB1222, SB1223, SB1224, SB1225, SB1226, SB1227, SB1228, SB1229, SB1230, SB1231, SB1232, SB1233, SB1234, SB1235, SB1236, SB1237, SB1238, SB1239, SB1240, SB1241, SB1242, SB1243, SB1244, SB1245, SB1246, SB1247, SB1248, SB1249, SB1250, SB1251, SB1252, SB1253, SB1254, SB1255, SB1256, SB1257, SB1258, SB1259, SB1260, SB1261, SB1262, SB1263, SB1264, SB1265, SB1266, SB1267, SB1268, SB1269, SB1270, SB1271, SB1272, SB1273, SB1274, SB1275, SB1276, SB1277, SB1278, SB1279, SB1280, SB1281, SB1282, SB1283, SB1284, SB1285, SB1286, SB1287, SB1288, SB1289, SB1290, SB1291, SB1292, SB1293, SB1294, SB1295, SB1296, SB1297, SB1298, SB1299, SB1300, SB1301, SB1302, SB1303, SB1304, SB1305, SB1306, SB1307, SB1308, SB1309, SB1310, SB1311, SB1312, SB1313, SB1314, SB1315, SB1316, SB1317, SB1318, SB1319, SB1320, SB1321, SB1322, SB1323, SB1324, SB1325, SB1326, SB1327, SB1328, SB1329, SB1330, SB1331, SB1332, SB1333, SB1334, SB1335, SB1336, SB1337, SB1338, SB1339, SB1340, SB1341, SB1342, SB1343, SB1344, SB1345, SB1621, SJR57

Keywords: dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement, enforcement suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• We've provided risk-reduction guidance, including having naloxone.
• And further, many more are using these products as harm reduction tools to reduce alcohol use or transition
• away from illicit drugs, harm reduction tools to reduce alcohol use or transition away from illicit
• California for this, and that we allow people to access this simply, easily, as a method of harm reduction
• I'm a creative consumer, not for harm reduction, not for pain relief, but as a functional supplement.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> other reductions to disability grants. other reductions to disability grants.
• And for the viewers at home, some of the reductions in the bill I'm really uncomfortable with.
• in the bill home, some of the reductions in the bill I'm<01:59:42.600><c> really</c><01:59:42.800><c
• </c> so there's $112 million in reductions so there's $112 million in reductions that<02:15:35.200><c
• He said the minimum in government reduction from doing a work study is a 20% reduction in the workforce

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:36:03.120><c> of</c> it's not just a $38 million reduction of it's not just a $38 million reduction
• </c> being a $140 million reduction being a $140 million reduction to<01:36:14.320><c> reimbursement<
• Um, there is a reduction to higher ed in this measure.
• So this is a small reduction in the increase that we made last year.
• So this is a small reduction last year.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are seeing that, but we've seen a reduction in our estimated payments of businesses as businesses
• So I can't tell you what part of the reduction in estimates is due to one or the other.
• in estimates is part of the reduction in estimates is due<00:14:20.920><c> to</c><00:14:21.560><c> one
• There may be a reduction in gaming; there may be an increase in gaming.
• You'll see that million-dollar reduction each year.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee received a Department of Revenue Administration update from Commissioner Lindsay Stepp focused on revenue estimates for fiscal years 2025, 2026, and 2027. She explained the department’s forecasting method, which uses five scenarios based on the first seven months of actual collections and different assumptions for the remaining months, then selects a reasonable high and low range for FY 25 and applies projected growth rates for FY 26 and FY 27. Members asked several clarifying questions about how the scenarios are chosen and how the estimates relate to economic growth and taxpayer behavior. For business taxes, Stepp reported FY 25 year-to-date collections of $110.3 million, 18.2% below plan and 17.2% below prior year. She said the shortfall reflects both economic conditions and a resetting of estimated payments after unusually strong pandemic-era profits, and noted that the department cannot fully separate changes in taxpayer liability from changes in estimated payment behavior. She said approximately just under $72 million was refunded in FY 24 due to the CCO cap, and that FY 25 year-to-date refunds are at 41.7%. For business taxes, the department’s FY 25 range was based on either continued underperformance versus plan or a return to prior-year levels, with FY 26 and FY 27 growth projected at 3% to 8%. The committee also reviewed meals and rooms tax, tobacco tax, and related trends. Meals and rooms revenue was $6.9 million, or 3.3%, ahead of plan and prior year; the FY 25 gross estimate was $475.894 million, with a net range of about $331.82 million to $335.259 million after municipal transfers and school building aid. Stepp said recent monthly results suggest some fluctuation tied to disposable income, weather, and travel patterns, but no clear sustained decline. Tobacco tax was $18.1 million, 14% below plan and 4.8% below prior year; she said cigarette stamp sales are declining while e-cigarettes and other tobacco products are growing, with FY 25 tobacco revenue projected at $182.5 million to $185.3 million and FY 26-FY 27 growth ranging from -5% to flat. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's actually a reduction for those that were already paying the $50 fee.
• So it's actually a reduction for those that were already paying the $50 fee.
• .<00:58:58.000><c> We</c><00:58:58.240><c> didn't</c> reductions.
• We didn't reductions.
• </c><01:58:54.719><c> on</c> they want a property tax reduction on they want a property tax reduction

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:49.040><c> of</c> for this committee was uh reduction of for this committee was uh reduction
• </c> The reduction is $50 million per biennium from the base.
• , there's a reduction from the CAN<00:15:03.199><c> train</c><00:15:03.600><c> program.
• </c> $1,650,000 reduction to explore $1,650,000 reduction to explore Minnesota<00:15:56.240><c> film.
• </c> budget which included narrow reductions budget which included narrow reductions to<00:27:11.760>

Bills: HF3228, HF2441

Keywords: workers' compensation, insurance programs, employee protection, Minnesota statutes, safety regulations, prevailing wage, certified payroll, payroll reporting, construction contracts, public works, project registration, labor standards, contractor compliance, subcontractor reporting, state government, Department of Administration, Commissioner of Labor and Industry, Metropolitan Council, highway construction, public construction

Transcript Highlights:

• So the reduction in the state general sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25%, with corresponding reductions
• So the reduction in the state general sales tax rate from 6% to 5.1 quarter with corresponding reductions
• We could use it to help offset our sales tax reduction.
• We could use it to help upset our sales tax reduction.
• A reduction from 6% to 5.25% sounds like a nice gesture.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for fallen Oviedo Officer Jimmy Serrano-Torres, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Chief Joseph Tuminelli as law enforcement officer of the day. The chamber approved the journal and adopted the special order report, and the Speaker announced a schedule change canceling the floor on Monday and starting Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. The main business was CS for HB 7033, the House tax package, presented by Rep. Duggan. He described a broad set of tax changes, including the previously passed sales tax rate reduction from 6% to 5.25%, exemptions for certain bullion sales, changes to tourist development tax (TDT) use, property tax administration updates, affordable housing-related exemptions, repeal of the aviation fuel tax, delayed natural gas fuel tax implementation, corporate income tax changes, and other provisions. Debate focused heavily on the TDT section and the bill’s property tax relief structure. Amendments to preserve local flexibility or remove the TDT restrictions were offered and debated; one Duggan amendment was adopted to allow local governments to keep 25% of TDT revenues for general use while directing 75% to property tax relief, and another amendment requiring audit certification of compliance was also adopted. A combined reporting amendment offered by Rep. Eskamani to close corporate tax loopholes was debated at length but failed. On final passage, supporters argued the bill provides immediate, permanent tax relief and affordability help, while opponents said it diverts tourism dollars away from local needs and could harm tourism-dependent counties and services. CS for HB 7033 passed the House 78-29. The chamber then took up CS for CS for HB 1221 on local option taxes, which would give local governments more control over certain local taxes and, as presented, redirect TDT revenues toward property tax relief with some local flexibility. After questions and amendments, including a Miller amendment allowing 25% of TDT revenue for general purposes and another accountability amendment, the bill moved to final debate. Members split sharply: supporters framed it as immediate tax relief and local accountability, while opponents warned it would undermine tourism marketing, infrastructure, and county budgets. The transcript ends during closing debate on HB 1221, before final passage is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would also mean that properties that are currently listed and enjoy county property tax reductions
• It would also mean that properties that are currently listed and enjoy county property tax reductions
• It would also mean that properties that are currently listed and enjoy county property tax reductions
• It would also mean that properties that are currently listed and enjoy county property tax reductions
• able to be eligible for those county property tax reductions.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1233, relating to storm management systems, which would add safety and maintenance requirements for detention and retention ponds. Supporters, including Alison Schafers of the Ki Injury Prevention Coalition and Kristen Herstead of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association, said the measure is needed because poorly maintained ponds can become hidden drowning hazards, especially for children, and argued that fencing, signage, and life-saving equipment would have minimal cost. Schafers described the death of her daughter in a detention pond and said the bill reflects recommendations in the Hawaii Water Safety Plan. Members asked about whether the issue should be handled at the county level; testifiers responded that a statewide standard is needed, though counties would likely handle permitting. No vote was taken on the bill during the excerpted discussion. The committee then heard HB 867, relating to recreational facilities, which would require accessible playgrounds. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said it submitted comments and that state parks do not generally have recreational facilities affected by the bill, while most such facilities are under county jurisdiction. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability Communication Access Board, and the Disability Rights Center all supported the bill’s intent but recommended changes, including replacing the term “special needs” with “accessible,” focusing the requirement on new and renovated playgrounds, and specifying wheelchair-accessible swings. Testifiers emphasized that accessible play spaces promote inclusion for children with disabilities and benefit all children. No final action or vote was reported. The committee also took up HB 1358, relating to a public land trust working group. DLNR supported the measure and said it had provided written comments, while the Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported the bill and described longstanding problems with incomplete land inventories, self-reported revenue data, and disputed public land trust payments. OHA said an audit it funded suggests the state owes more than current payments reflect, and other supporters said the bill is needed for transparency, accountability, and a complete inventory of public trust lands, including submerged lands. Committee questions focused on how the public land trust information system is maintained, who updates it, and how revenue reporting works; DLNR said the system is older, has limited dedicated IT staffing, and relies on agency self-reporting rather than independent verification. No vote or final committee action was announced in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we really think the Narcan saturation plan is key to our reduction and our continued reduction in
• </c> saturation plan is key to our reduction saturation plan is key to our reduction and<01:47:52.080
• our continued reduction in and our continued reduction in overdoses.<01:47:53.920><c> And</c><01:47:
• In addition, we have other key partnerships and programs that we are providing to support a reduction
• </c><01:50:50.160><c> resources</c><01:50:50.800><c> such</c> supports, harm reduction resources such

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee opened its sixth and final interim meeting with roll call, quorum confirmation, approval of the prior minutes, and a brief change in agenda order to preserve quorum and accommodate presenters’ schedules. Members then moved through several proposed health-related items with limited discussion, and the chair noted the committee would reconvene in January for further conversation. The first substantive item was a proposal relating to utilization controls for non-opioid analgesics in Medicaid. Senator Gerald Neal and Tara Hyde of People Advocating Recovery argued that pain parity is needed so patients can access non-opioid options without prior authorization or step therapy barriers, especially in acute pain situations and for people in recovery. Senator Berg supported the concept and suggested expanding the approach to other prescriptions by allowing physicians to explain why step therapy is inappropriate at the time of prescribing; another member cautioned against unintended cost increases if non-opioid drugs are used as add-ons to opioids. The committee then heard a proposal on physician assistants from Senator Scott and Andrew Rutherford of the Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistants. They described a shift from a supervisory to a collaborative practice model, with practice scope set at the practice level, limited Schedule II prescribing authority under guardrails, and permission for PAs to perform driver’s license vision testing. Supporters said the changes would improve rural access, reduce administrative burden, and align Kentucky with neighboring states; a question from Representative Bratcher focused on experience requirements and how the proposal compares with nurse practitioner rules. No vote was taken. Finally, Representative Nancy Tate, Adia Wuchner, and Representative Jason Nemes introduced a 2026 proposal aimed at “protecting vulnerable people.” They described a broad package focused on abortion pill trafficking, marketing to minors, commercial surrogacy, assisted suicide, and organ procurement safeguards, arguing that current law leaves gaps and that additional criminal and civil penalties are needed. The presentation was informational only, with no action taken before the meeting ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• federal Homes Energy Rebates programs that are coming to us thanks to funding from the Inflation Reduction
• And then the second question is what if we roll back the Inflation Reduction Act?
• act those would the inflation reduction act those would definitely<00:16:15.319><c> drive</c><00:16:
• thank Senator green uh reduction thank Senator green uh assistant<00:58:05.440><c> commissioner</c><
• </c><01:08:58.480><c> rather</c> might have to look at a reduction rather might have to look at a reduction

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These investments include the Inflation Reduction Act, and for sure.
• These investments include the Inflation Reduction Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and
• Congress enacted the bipartisan infrastructure law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction
• The Inflation Reduction Act is helping fund clean energy projects, advanced manufacturing, hydrogen development

Summary: The committee heard several measures focused on economic development, procurement, workforce equity, federal infrastructure funding, and food security. SB 1044 by Senator Reyes would raise and then index to inflation the cap for streamlined state contracts awarded to certified small businesses, microbusinesses, and disabled veteran business enterprises for services and IT work; supporters said the current cap is outdated and limits access, while opponents representing goods suppliers and some small business groups argued the bill could disadvantage goods contractors and should preserve lower thresholds for those contracts. After discussion about the ceiling versus floor effect of the cap and the impact on different types of businesses, the bill was approved as amended and sent to Appropriations. SB 247 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would create a bid preference for projects that hire workers from disadvantaged communities; supporters framed it as a way to connect public infrastructure spending to family-sustaining jobs, while union construction employers opposed it because they said they cannot control worker dispatch through hiring halls and the bill would be difficult to implement. The committee advanced the measure to Appropriations despite those concerns. The committee also approved SJR 6 by Senator Cortese, which urges the federal government to honor commitments under the bipartisan infrastructure law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act, with supporters emphasizing the importance of certainty for California infrastructure, clean energy, and semiconductor investments. SB 1025 by Senator Hurtado would establish an Office of Food Security and Affordability to coordinate food assistance efforts and develop a statewide food security strategy; supporters from a Kern County food bank and the University of California said the state’s response to hunger is fragmented and needs better coordination, while committee members asked about deliverables and timelines. The bill was sent to Appropriations. The committee also took up consent items SB 700 and SB 1340, which were moved on consent to Appropriations, and the hearing ended with the remaining votes recorded and the bills advanced. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly discussed the need for clearer implementation details, data on program impacts, and how to balance equity goals with operational realities for state agencies, contractors, and small businesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we've also delivered $125 million in property tax cuts, $250 million in car tab fee reductions, help
• c><00:01:42.720><c> fee</c> cuts, $250 million in car tab fee cuts, $250 million in car tab fee reductions
• , reductions, reductions, help<00:01:45.480><c> for</c><00:01:45.800><c> HCMC,</c><00:01:46.720><c> which

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• You'll recall that the Attorney General mentioned that all of the reductions would be taken in personnel
• move for FY 2027 for the Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Public Health Services, a reduction
• $28,220,200 from dedicated funds and $6,973,700 from federal funds for a total of $35,066,800 and a reduction
• dedicated funds, and $7,228,000 from federal funds, for a total 2027 enhancement of $35,545,400, and a reduction

Summary: The joint Senate Finance and House Appropriations committee met to consider several budget items and related language for the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Health and Welfare. For the Attorney General’s office, members debated competing restoration proposals tied to the Consumer Protection Fund and the Internet Crimes Against Children program. The committee first rejected a narrower substitute focused only on the Internet Crimes Against Children personnel costs, then approved the broader restoration motion and sent it forward with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then took up reconsideration of Senate Bill 1428 items for Health and Welfare, including the Division of Early Learning and Development, the Division of Youth Safety and Permanency, and the Division of Family and Community Partnerships. Members approved funding for moving the Idaho Home Visiting Program to Early Learning and Development, a Walker mower replacement for the Southwest Idaho Treatment Center, transfer authority language, a reporting requirement for the Home Visiting Program, unlimited transfer language for Youth Safety and Permanency to Switzie, restoration funding for post-adoption services and safety assessments, and $180,000 for kinship navigation services. All of these actions received do-pass recommendations. The committee also revisited the Division of Public Health Services after Senate Bill 1401 failed on the House floor. Members approved a substitute that kept the Idaho Home Visiting Program in Public Health Services for now, restored funding for immunization assessment, laboratory testing, ARPA grants, HIV and hepatitis prevention, and suicide prevention, and reduced the Health Care Policy Initiatives program. The committee adopted reporting language on outcomes and return on investment for several public health programs, plus a new report on immigration status data for HIV prevention services. That last language item drew debate over privacy and discrimination concerns, but it was adopted. Finally, the committee addressed the Rural Health Transformation Program, a new federal funding stream for Idaho. Members approved a supplemental appropriation for FY 2026 and a larger FY 2027 appropriation, both with 12 limited-service positions, to support the program’s administration and spending. The committee also adopted intent language clarifying that physician assistant and dental hygienist reforms proposed to CMS should continue and be reported back to JFAC and germane policy committees. The meeting ended early because of time constraints, with the remaining items postponed until the next morning.