Transcript Highlights:

• > in<00:45:15.839> there<00:45:16.040> so<00:45:16.680> I<00:45:16.880>
• I<00:45:18.839> don't<00:45:19.200> think<00:45:20.079> um<00:45:20.200>
• could<00:45:26.160> you<00:45:26.359> purchase<00:45:27.079> a<00:45:27.400>
• um<00:45:33.520> uh<00:45:33.640> in<00:45:33.760> the<00:45:33.880> event
• I'm<01:45:06.480> going<01:45:06.599> to<01:45:06.719> remind<01:45:07.119>

Bills: HF1865, HF2014, HF2028

Keywords: mortgage, qualified mortgage, QM, points and fees, conventional loan, consumer lending, home loan, residential real estate, lender fees, service charge, finance charge, closing costs, Minnesota Statutes 47.20, housing finance, borrower protections, cooperative apartment loan, contract for deed, real estate lending, foreclosure, notice requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• THEY ARE DOING A SUICIDE ASSESSMENT   44 AND A CHILD COMES OUT AS TRANS TO THEM,   45
• LIFE-THREATENING  EMERGENCY EVENTS AT THE DIRECTION  750 OF A PHYSICIAN LICENSED UNDER CHAPTER
• Young: This is only under the direction of a physician as defined in Chapters 458 and 459. >> Rep.
• It is an adjustment to make sure the hospitals have under Chapter 395 that it falls within their purview
• SURE THE HOSPITALS HAVE UNDER  CHAPTER 395 THAT IT FALLS WITHIN  864 THEIR PURVIEW BECAUSE

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and heard a series of health care-related bills, with Chair Tuck emphasizing respectful debate and noting that all bills on the agenda would be voted on that day. The first measure, HB 743, would give the Attorney General authority to investigate and bring civil actions against health care practitioners who violate Florida’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and would make aiding or abetting such conduct a third-degree felony. Supporters said it closed loopholes and protected minors and parental rights, while opponents argued it was vague, overbroad, and could chill lawful care and professional judgment. The bill passed 13-4 and was reported favorably. The committee then unanimously approved PCS for HB 567, which narrows a continuing-education requirement for podiatrists so only those who prescribe controlled substances must take the related two-hour course. It also unanimously approved HB 439, allowing chiropractors, under specified training and certification requirements, to inject vitamins and nutrients while continuing to prohibit intravenous injections. The committee also passed HB 1235 to enter Florida into the respiratory care interstate compact, and HB 1237, a linked public-records/public-meetings exemption needed to implement that compact; both measures were supported as workforce and access-to-care bills and passed without opposition. Later, the committee approved PCS for HB 809, which addresses temporary physician certificates in areas of need and aims to prevent doctors from losing the ability to practice when area designations change. Members asked about licensure pathways and the effect of federal or board designation changes, and supporters framed the bill as protecting continuity of care in underserved communities. The committee also unanimously passed HB 1347 to align clinical laboratory personnel licensing with federal CLIA standards amid staffing shortages, and HB 1515, a public-records exemption tied to a uterine fibroid research database. Finally, the committee approved HB 169 updating acupuncture statutes, including terminology changes and limits on injection therapy, and HB 1021, Representative Young’s first bill, allowing qualified hospital pharmacists in Level I and II trauma centers to administer emergency medications at a physician’s direction during life-threatening situations. HB 1021 drew the most questions, mainly about scope, definitions, and who could authorize the pharmacist, but after a technical amendment it passed unanimously. All remaining bills were reported favorably, and the meeting adjourned after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so expanded function dental programs are expressly authorized and regulated under Chapter 466,
• which is the Dental Chapter, and overseen by the Florida Board of Dentistry.
• Removing the exemption from Chapter 105 would subject these programs to dual regulation by CIE and the
• Any amendment to this chapter should clearly preserve the Board of Dentistry's authority over expanded
• This law that has been in Chapter 466.024, paragraph 7, has been in place since 1980.

Summary: The committee first took up PCS for HB 1503, which would require general education courses that use technology to provide students opportunities to build digital literacy, including instruction on applications of artificial intelligence and related topics such as software engineering, computer networks, database systems, and cybersecurity as applicable to the course. It would also require high school computer science courses offered by school districts to include instruction on AI. There was no public testimony or debate, and the bill was reported favorably on a unanimous roll call vote. The committee then considered PCS for HB 1279, an education bill that the sponsor said was intended to improve consistency, oversight, and transparency while putting Florida students first. The bill drew extensive questioning and opposition over provisions affecting university admissions and funding, including a 95% Florida-resident first-time-in-college enrollment target tied to preeminent funding, a cap on nonresident students from any one country, standardized GPA weighting, limits on institution-wide graduation requirements, and changes related to accreditation references and other education programs. The sponsor argued these changes would open more seats for Florida students, preserve academic rigor, and align statutes with existing regulations and court action, while opponents said the bill would harm university competitiveness, research, revenue, faculty recruitment, and access for international and nontraditional students. Public testimony on HB 1279 was largely opposed. Speakers included a student advocate, a dental hygiene representative concerned about dual regulation of expanded-function dental programs, and faculty representatives from FSU and FAMU who warned the bill would politicize admissions and curriculum, reduce competitiveness, and create negative fiscal impacts. During debate, supporters emphasized taxpayer investment in Florida students and the need to prioritize in-state applicants, while opponents argued the bill would weaken the state university system and undermine its national standing. The committee reported PCS for HB 1279 favorably by a 12-5 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• :10.640> of<00:45:10.800> the<00:45:10.960> key<00:45:11.200> role<00:45:
• <00:45:14.079> Um,<00:45:14.560> in<00:45:15.040> in<00:45:15.359> my
• /c><00:45:17.760> few<00:45:18.000> of<00:45:18.240> the<00:45:18.720> kids
• Um and<00:45:25.040> so<00:45:25.680> possibly<00:45:26.640> this<00:45:26.960><
• Uh yeah, so<00:45:34.560> the<00:45:34.720> a<00:45:34.960> big<00:45:35.119>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sweezy of Duxbury moves to amend the bill by adding the following section: Section 28 of Chapter 53 of
• Essentially, what we have going on here is H-0-5093 is the equivalent of Chapter 135, ...the equivalent
• of Chapter 135, Acts of 2024, gun law.
• Quincy School Committee, and clerk-magistrate of the Quincy District Court, a role that he served for 45

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition to designate the Dorchester Division of the Boston Municipal Court as the Judge Leslie E. Harris Courthouse. It then took up two election-related bills reported out of Ways and Means: House 5093, to protect against election misinformation, and House 5094, to enhance disclosure requirements for synthetic media and political advertising. Supporters described both measures as targeted responses to AI-generated deepfakes and deceptive election content, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and protecting voter trust rather than banning speech outright. House 5094 was debated first. An amendment was adopted to exempt certain broadcasters, cable/satellite operators, program producers, and streaming services when paid to broadcast deceptive election-related material. The bill then passed to be engrossed on a roll call of 156-0. House 5093 was then debated, with supporters saying it would prohibit deceptive AI use within 90 days of an election and address materially deceptive audio, visual, and election-related communications. Two amendments were offered and defeated: one to move the state primary earlier, and another to narrow the bill’s scope by striking part of the definition of materially deceptive media. The bill passed to be engrossed on a roll call of 153-3. Earlier in the session, the House also passed to be enacted several local bills, including measures affecting Rockland’s charter, Williamstown’s senior property tax exemption eligibility, and Rochester’s fire chief employment. Later, the House rejected concurrence with Senate amendments on a bill related to teacher preparation and student literacy and instead appointed a committee of conference. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for former Quincy public servant Arthur Tobin before adjourning to meet the next day at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• note um<00:45:10.720> you<00:45:10.839> can<00:45:11.000> say<00:45:11.440>
• the<00:45:11.920> the<00:45:12.079> change<00:45:12.440> from<00:45:12.760><
• the<00:45:18.960> original<00:45:19.359> Law<00:45:20.200> and<00:45:20.319
• 45:21.599> changes<00:45:22.040> that<00:45:22.119> were<00:45:22.400> a
• <00:45:24.640> set<00:45:25.160> like<00:45:25.359> that<00:45:25.440> is

Bills: HF3

Keywords: legislative auditor, reporting, accountability, state finance, executive agency oversight, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• In<00:45:05.000> large<00:45:05.320> part<00:45:05.560> because<00:45:06.000>
• a<00:45:06.080> lot<00:45:06.440> of<00:45:06.680> the<00:45:07.040> lei
• > materials<00:45:09.080> come<00:45:09.360> from<00:45:09.600> our<00:45
• Uh<00:45:11.120> and<00:45:11.400> so<00:45:11.680> it<00:45:11.760> would
• <00:45:22.200> and<00:45:22.400> getting<00:45:22.760> what<00:45:23.200>

Bills: SB2319, SB2407, SB2489, SB2153, SB2321, SB2805, SB3010, SB2892, SB2595, SB2781

Keywords: agriculture, biosecurity, grant funding, food security, climate resiliency, agricultural development, Hawaii Island, property manager, agribusiness, state employment, invasive species, lease provisions, environment, food safety, farmers, local food systems, rural development, livestock, forage grasses, pest management

Transcript Highlights:

• and taking<01:45:27.280> a<01:45:27.440> slowed<01:45:27.920> approach.
• Thank<01:45:30.000> you<01:45:30.159> so<01:45:30.320> much<01:45:30.480> for
• Uh next we have<01:45:35.360> uh<01:45:36.239> Laura<01:45:36.639> Frier<01:45:37.119
• > who<01:45:37.360> is<01:45:37.520> going<01:45:37.600> to<01:45:37.760>
• <01:45:54.320> My<01:45:54.560> name<01:45:54.639> is<01:45:54.719> Laura

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :39.440> and<00:45:39.599> roll<00:45:39.760> it<00:45:39.839> into<00:45
• And for<00:45:42.160> some<00:45:42.400> folks<00:45:43.119> that's<00:45:43.440
• <00:45:45.359> Well,<00:45:45.520> right<00:45:45.680> now<00:45:45.839>
• c> in<00:45:48.560> order<00:45:48.720> to<00:45:48.880> keep<00:45:49.040><
• > this<00:45:52.480> bill<00:45:52.720> would<00:45:52.960> provide<00:45

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you've got a child at Perkins<00:45:52.000> School<00:45:52.160> for<00:45:52.319>
• School for the Blind, for example,<00:45:53.599> I<00:45:53.839> mean,<00:45:54.000>
• > they<00:45:54.240> have<00:45:54.319> a<00:45:54.560> different example, I
• c><00:45:55.359> in<00:45:55.599> Massachusetts.
• So folks<00:45:57.760> struggle<00:45:58.240> to<00:45:58.560> meet<00:45:58.880

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The commission held an organizational meeting under SB 57 to study the cost of special education, with the meeting streamed publicly at the chair’s request. Members introduced themselves, and the chair explained that the bill creates two separate pieces, one dealing with SAU structure and the other with a commission on special education costing. He outlined his background in education and special education and said the commission’s work would focus on understanding and controlling special education costs. The commission reviewed its membership requirements and noted several vacancies or unfilled appointments, including the special education advocate, two governor-appointed parent advocates, and a Department of Health and Human Services representative. The members then elected Representative Rick Ladd as chair, Representative Dick Ames as vice chair, and Representative Megan Murray as clerk. Representative Ames briefly described his legal and policy background in disability and special education work in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The chair then walked through the commission’s study topics, including referral rates by IDEA category, reasons for increases in categories such as autism and other health impairment, post-COVID referral trends, pre-referral interventions, Medicaid and 504-related costs, out-of-district placements, dispute resolution, billing practices, privacy, reimbursement, legal services, graduation rates, attendance, and adult learning. Members discussed how special education costs are distributed, noting that the state spends about $977 million annually on special education, with only part covered by state aid and the remainder largely borne by local districts. Testimony also noted that out-of-district placement costs have risen sharply since rate-setting changes around 2018, and that some categories may reflect changes in identification practices, medical factors, or broader population shifts. The commission agreed to continue reviewing the data and formulas in future meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• We look at what God's, Jesus' model prayer is from Luke chapter number 11.
• Chapter number 11.
• But the Word of God reminds us in Luke chapter number 11, the disciples came and they asked the Lord,
• Over the years, they've strived to give scholarships in each chapter.
• Senator Womack moves to concur in HCR 45. Votes open to machines.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At approximately 11:45, Ms. Mosley ran past the trooper and exited through the side door.”
• In 1987, Hamas was created by the Muslim Brotherhood chapter in Gaza.
• In 1988, the International Muslim Brotherhood sent out orders to all of its chapters to support this
• In the United States, the Muslim Brotherhood chapter, which was led by Musa Abu Marzuk, separated out
• to afford senators who wish to debate time to debate, we're going to have to limit speakers' time to 45

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard a long agenda of bills, beginning with several probate, civil rights, and claims measures. Senators Burgess’s SB 326 on curators of estates was explained as a modernization of probate law; an amendment narrowing the bill was adopted, and the committee reported the bill favorably 10-0 after limited public testimony, including opposition from Ray Contreras. Burgess’s SB 1096, clarifying filing deadlines under the Florida Civil Rights Act, also passed unanimously 11-0. The committee then approved several claims bills, including SB 28 for Reginald Jackson against the City of Lakeland, SB 6 for a child injured after DCF’s handling of abuse allegations, SB 18 for the estate of McKenzie Navarre against the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, SB 26 for the estate of Mark Legata against FDOT, and SB 2 for the estate of Daniel Maudsley against DHSMV, with votes ranging from 10-1 to 11-0 and mostly no debate or opposition. The committee also took up trust and family-law related bills. Leader Berman’s SB 786 created a nonjudicial process for closing uncontested trusts and discharging trustees; after a technical amendment and testimony from Ray Contreras raising notice concerns, it passed 11-0. President Gates’s SB 50 expanded veterans’ courts statewide, drew broad support from veterans’ groups and advocacy organizations, and was reported favorably 11-0. Senator Simon’s SB 538 standardized extracurricular participation rules for public, private, virtual, and homeschool students; after multiple amendments on homeschool eligibility, fees, and coach compensation, it passed 11-0 with support and opposition from education-related groups. President Gates’s SB 1004, aimed at consumer protections in the sale of dogs and cats, also passed unanimously after testimony from humane organizations. The committee then considered broader policy bills. President Pro Tem Brodeur’s SB 1366 on claims against the government proposed raising sovereign immunity caps and adding CPI adjustments; local government, hospital, and school representatives supported the Senate’s lower-cap approach while warning against the House version, and the bill was reported favorably 11-0. Senator Jones’s SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools, as amended, would let head coaches provide limited personal support to student-athletes and require reporting of assistance; it passed 10-0. Senator Grohl’s SB 1178 on foreign influence and foreign countries of concern drew extensive supportive testimony from national security witnesses and was reported favorably 11-0 after a technical amendment and withdrawal of another amendment. Finally, SB 1632 on ideologies inconsistent with American principles prompted substantial debate and public testimony over domestic terrorism designations, Sharia law references, due process, and free speech concerns; the committee had not yet completed final action on that bill when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• [00:08:45] Qualified entities will benefit from more reliable and timely background screening information
• It is essential. [00:13:45] And these are the settings where trust is not optional.
• that this committee saw last year, which moves the regulation of ambulatory surgery centers out of Chapter
• Chapter 395 was originally written.
• I'm here today representing the Florida chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Bills: S1082, S1168, S1756, S1156, S1480

Keywords: provider disputes, health plan, dispute resolution, Medicare, Medicaid, healthcare regulation, background screening, athletic coaches, youth sports, criminal history, expungement, Florida statutes, medical freedom, vaccination, ivermectin, healthcare practitioner liability, immunization exemptions, ambulatory surgical centers, patient safety, licensure

Summary: The committee took up several health-related bills. SB 1082, on a statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program, was presented as a way to let providers and insurers use the federal independent dispute resolution process for emergency out-of-network claims under state-regulated commercial plans. A late-filed amendment clarified when providers and health plans could access the state program, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 1168, which would centralize background screening clearinghouse functions at the Agency for Health Care Administration, also passed as amended after an amendment requiring sealed and expunged records to be included in screenings for qualified entities. Supporters said centralization would improve turnaround times, reduce duplication, and save costs; the sponsor said the bill also addresses coaches’ background screening language from last session. The committee then approved SB 1156, which moves ambulatory surgery center regulation out of the hospital-focused chapter of law into a standalone section, and SB 1480, as amended by a strike-all, which would grandfather certain temporary certificate holders practicing in areas of critical need if federal designation changes affect those areas. Testimony on SB 1480 emphasized continuity of care for patients in underserved communities, and the bill was reported favorably. The final and most heavily debated measure was SB 1756 on medical freedom, which would require state-approved educational materials on childhood vaccines, require practitioners to provide those materials and alternative schedules before vaccination, expand school immunization exemptions to include conscience-based objections, clarify that the Surgeon General cannot order vaccination during a public health emergency, and authorize pharmacists to provide ivermectin behind the counter without a prescription with written information and safeguards. The sponsor argued the bill strengthens parental choice and informed consent. Committee members raised concerns about vaccine-preventable disease risks, immunocompromised children, school outbreaks, and the impact of adding a new exemption. A Department of Health representative said the department would need to provide details on the history of exemption consultations and noted that removing the earlier consultation requirement had not been shown to increase outbreaks. The committee adopted a friendly amendment to give physicians the same liability protection as pharmacists for ivermectin dispensing, but rejected a substitute amendment that would have required a consultation for exemption requests. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed to the bill, with physicians, pediatric specialists, cancer advocates, parents of immunocompromised children, and public health groups warning that it would lower vaccination rates and endanger vulnerable Floridians. The bill remained pending after testimony, with the committee continuing to hear public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 45 there was a bill that passed that would have given the governor a little more authority to remove
• A couple years later, in '95, Referendum 45 asked voters if the Fish and Wildlife Commission, rather
• The Legislature had passed the bill, Chapter 2, Laws of '95, that sent the proposal to the voters.
• The Legislature had passed the bill, Chapter 2, Laws of '95, that sent the proposal to the voters.

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a work session with an update from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Commissioner Dave Upthe Grove outlined DNR’s size and scope, previewed agency-request legislation, and emphasized budget priorities. He said DNR will seek authority to sell ecosystem service credits, better use underutilized water rights with tribal consultation, add a tribal representative to the State Board of Natural Resources, make minor timber-sales efficiencies, and include wildland firefighters in the LEOFF pension system. He also urged restoration of wildfire prevention and preparedness funding, warning that reduced funding would mean fewer firefighters, less forest health work, and less support for rural fire districts. He noted DNR’s wildfire suppression costs are rising and argued prevention spending can reduce larger, more expensive fires. State Forester George Geisler followed with a detailed wildfire season review. He said Washington now responds to fires year-round and also assists other states, including Texas. He described DNR’s use of 31 aircraft, 691 firefighters, and corrections-based crews, and said the agency’s success rate for keeping fires under 10 acres improved slightly from 93.7% to 94.1%. He highlighted increased arson activity, especially around Spokane, and described the Crescent Road Fire as an example of early detection, rapid response, and the use of bulldozers, aircraft, and hand crews to contain a fire to 182 acres with no structure losses. Senator Saldan praised the emphasis on prevention and the use of bulldozers as cost-effective tools. Assistant deputy supervisor Dwayne Emmons then reviewed the trust land transfer program, which was codified in statute in 2023 after being funded through the capital budget for decades. He said more than 130,000 acres of underperforming trust land have been transferred since the 1990s to other public or tribal entities for more appropriate use, while DNR acquires replacement lands to keep the trust whole. He described the current application and ranking process, including tribal input, and said DNR is requesting funding for remaining parcels from the last round, including portions of Tract C, Babcock Bench, and Middle Fork Snoqualmie. In questions, Senator Wagoner raised concerns about DNR’s decision to remove some acres from timber harvest rotation and its impact on local revenue and mills; the commissioner responded that current five-year harvest plans provide short-term stability and that any changes would be explored through the Board of Natural Resources process, not through immediate reductions in supply. The committee then received a history briefing from staff member Jeff Olson on the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission and agency structure. He traced the evolution from early fish and game commissioners to the current commission-appointed director model adopted by voter-approved Referendum 45 in 1995. Olson explained the commission’s statutory duties, membership requirements, and how Washington compares with other states. Chair Chapman said he had no plans to hear a bill this session changing the commission’s makeup, but he expressed personal interest in exploring reforms, accountability, and possibly a future broader coalition or referendum process. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, and the chair adjourned the session with holiday and New Year’s wishes.

Transcript Highlights:

• We tend to hover around 45%, just because of our large senior population that doesn't earn wages and
• Enjoy, like, the next 30 or 45 days, whatever it is, until we come back. Yeah, sure.
• the release of $2.5 million in nonrecurring general revenue funds held in reserve on Item 2949-CH, Chapter
• the release of $2.5 million in nonrecurring general revenue funds held in reserve on Item 2949-CH, Chapter

Summary: The Legislative Budget Commission met with a quorum present to hear the constitutionally required Long-Range Financial Outlook and consider a series of budget amendments. Amy Baker of the Office of Economic and Demographic Research presented the outlook, describing Florida’s continued population growth, strong wage growth, an aging population, housing-market softening, and low consumer sentiment. She said the general revenue forecast was largely unchanged from March, but the state’s funds available had improved because of legislative actions in 2025 that increased the balance forward. She also noted strong reserves, a projected current-year Medicaid deficit of about $125 million, and a three-year outlook that remains positive in the first year but turns negative in years two and three. She highlighted the risk of co-occurring catastrophic events, using a normalized Great Miami Hurricane scenario to illustrate potential state losses. The outlook was adopted after brief comments from House and Senate members emphasizing fiscal restraint and efficiency. The commission then approved multiple budget amendments, mostly without objection. The Agency for Health Care Administration received amendments to realign funding for Florida KidCare based on estimating conference results, to provide $85 million in budget authority for disproportionate share hospital payments, and to adjust Medicaid and long-term care appropriations, including placing surplus funds into reserve. The Department of Health received $6.3 million in additional authority for newborn screening. The Department of Corrections and the Department of Management Services each received $2.2 million in Private Inmate Welfare Trust Fund authority for repair invoices and pending projects. The Department of State was authorized to release $2.5 million in nonrecurring general revenue for cultural and museum grants and America 250 commemorative grants. The Department of Transportation received approval for a project roll-forward and for work program changes, including advancing I-95 widening in Duval County and the I-4 corridor in Polk and Osceola counties. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay.<00:45:09.440> The<00:45:09.760> thumbs<00:45:10.079> are<00:45:10.240>
• <00:45:27.359> And<00:45:27.520> by<00:45:27.680> the<00:45:27.760> way,<
• <00:45:28.640> Chairman,<00:45:28.960> I<00:45:29.200> just<00:45:29.359>
• Uh<00:45:34.319> down<00:45:34.560> at<00:45:34.720> the<00:45:34.880> other<
• I just had<00:45:39.599> my<00:45:39.760> numbers<00:45:40.079> a<00:45:40.240><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Children and Family Law Committee met on April 15, 2025, and opened a hearing on Senate Bill 269, which would remove references to “bride and groom” and replace them with “applicants” in the Vital Records Act. The bill was described by the sponsor’s designee as a housekeeping update requested by the Secretary of State to modernize and standardize the language in light of same-sex marriage and to make the statute gender-neutral. Members asked whether the change would affect the substance of marriage law, marriage ceremonies, age and residence requirements, or open the door to polygamy; the response was that it would not change the law, would still apply to two adults, and would not supersede New Hampshire’s ban on polygamy. Some members noted the bill had passed the Senate unanimously and 18-0, while others questioned whether the change was necessary given existing forms and statutes, and whether it could create confusion with other laws such as alimony or divorce paperwork. The discussion became lengthy and somewhat informal, with members debating whether the terminology update was merely clerical or whether it should be postponed for more information from the Secretary of State’s office. Several members expressed frustration that no representative from that office was present. One member, speaking as a family law attorney, argued the bill was redundant because similar information already appears on vital statistics forms and could potentially create unintended issues; others countered that the Legislature should keep statutes consistent with current law and modern terminology. The committee also briefly discussed how marriage certificates and licenses are labeled and how same-sex couples are designated under current law. After a Republican caucus break, the chair called for a nonbinding thumb vote on whether to postpone the bill. The committee voted to come back to the bill later, and the hearing on SB 269 was closed and postponed to a later executive session date. The chair then shifted to other committee business, including preparations for a later discussion with Chief Administrative Justice Ellen Kristo and a family court subcommittee exercise, but no further action was taken on SB 269 during this segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• This population comprises nearly 45% of the program's participants.
• It allows waiver of a variety of sections, but including Division II, which includes Chapter 3.2, which
• under current law, those two departments can coordinate and waive any part of that section, including Chapter

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And<03:45:02.479> I<03:45:02.640> think<03:45:02.720> that's<03:45:02.960> why
• > where<03:45:04.720> they<03:45:04.880> gave<03:45:05.120> up<03:45:05.520>
• > so<03:45:08.560> we've<03:45:08.880> created<03:45:09.199> a<03:45:09.359
• <03:45:27.520> of<03:45:27.840> Congress<03:45:28.239> and<03:45:28.479> the<
• the<03:45:49.359> capital,<03:45:49.840> a<03:45:50.000> reform<03:45:50.399>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, June 8, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under Chapter 57-23, the statute really provides all the procedures and grounds for abatements.
• So if you have questions on that or would like to look at what that looks like, Chapter 57-23 gives all
• page two, Wonder Fund, North Dakota, the Treasury authorized the Department of Commerce to utilize $45
• So another item I was going to mention is that although $45 million was authorized by the Treasury for
• We're always evaluating our Century Code, our Chapter 54-10.

Summary: The committee was called to order, the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer were offered, and the minutes from the previous meeting were approved. Members then received a memo summarizing major audit items and began hearing audit presentations from the State Auditor’s Office and private auditors on a range of state agencies and organizations. Several audits were reported as clean, including the Bank of North Dakota, the North Dakota Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the State Treasurer, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Transportation’s flexible transportation fund, Lake Region State College, and the Department of Environmental Quality. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association also received an unmodified opinion, though repeat findings were noted for limited segregation of duties and financial statement preparation due to its small staff. The Council on the Arts audit found two findings: payroll charged to federal awards without adequate timekeeping records, and unallowable expenditures from a restricted cultural endowment fund. The Department of Public Instruction audit identified unsupported scholarship applications in the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, though additional testing showed the funds were used for their intended purpose. The most extensive discussion centered on the North Dakota Racing Commission audit, which identified four findings: overspending the promotion fund’s 25% operating limit, grant conditions not being met, improper Breeders Fund awards, and improper procurement for advertising services. Racing Commission director Bruce Johnson acknowledged complacency and weak controls, said the agency would tighten procedures, and explained that the commission had since worked with procurement and would follow the rules more closely. Auditors also explained that the commission would now be audited every two years because of the findings. Another major discussion involved the University of North Dakota School of Law, where auditors found a lack of documentation supporting admissions decisions for post-baccalaureate programs. UND officials said they remain in good standing with the American Bar Association but agreed better documentation and tools are needed; the committee pressed for more transparency and follow-up on admissions criteria. The committee also received an update on Dakota College at Bottineau, where Minot State University reported that bank reconciliations had been brought current after a significant backlog and would now be maintained through shared services. Members requested a written follow-up report on the issues and corrective actions. Finally, the North Dakota Fair Association explained that its foundation has been dissolved and remaining funds were transferred to another nonprofit for continued support of the state fair, and the Department of Public Instruction provided an update on school meal debt, saying the reported amount was about $1.1 million from a partial district survey and that debt remains a local issue, though it could be revisited if school meal funding changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've broken up today's presentation into three different chapters.
• So a quick preview of what you'll hear in this first chapter: overall, there was a shift within the last
• And that's going to bring us to our final chapter for teacher salaries.
• shows the rankings of Arkansas relative to other states, but the actual salaries can be found on pages 45
• five in the nation with starting salary, but then when we look at average salary, we move to number 45

Summary: The committee first approved the May 18 meeting minutes and then received a Legislative Audit presentation summarizing Arkansas Department of Education grant distributions for fiscal year 2025. Auditors said the department distributed about $4.6 billion in grants overall, including $3.2 billion from the Public School Fund, $1.1 billion in federal funds, and $268 million from other state and miscellaneous sources, across 56 Public School Fund programs, 14 other state programs, and 29 federal programs. Members asked about specific recipients and programs, including ClassWallet, master principal bonuses, Economics Arkansas, and CDC surveillance funding; audit staff and Department of Education representatives explained that the report was only a distribution summary and not a recipient-level audit. Members also questioned why many districts showed lower funding, and staff said the decline was largely due to reduced federal and one-time COVID-related funds. Senators and representatives also discussed whether some incentive programs, such as master principal and national board bonuses, were tied to student outcomes, and whether Economics Arkansas was the sole entity named in special language for financial literacy funding; department staff said they would follow up on several details. The committee then heard a Bureau of Legislative Research presentation on consumer price index projections from Moody’s Analytics and S&P Global, with discussion of CPI-U and core CPI estimates for future fiscal years. Dr. Carlos Silva explained that the forecasts generally trend toward about 2 percent over time and that recent projections may have understated actual inflation because of recent shocks. Members asked about the accuracy of past projections, and he said he would provide more detail later if needed. The bulk of the meeting focused on the final adequacy report on teacher recruitment, retention, and salaries. BLR staff reported that Arkansas had about 32,800 teachers and 473,000 students in 2025, with a statewide student-to-teacher ratio of about 14 to 1, average teaching experience of 11.9 years, and a slight increase in National Board Certified teachers. The report found that districts with higher poverty and minority concentrations generally had less experienced teachers, and that teacher shortages remained widespread, especially in special education, math, science, and foreign language. Members asked about licensure exceptions, alternative preparation pathways, incentives for ESL and special education endorsements, and the cost and return on investment of traditional versus alternative routes. Staff said some licensure exceptions are being phased out under Act 304 of 2025 and that they would follow up on several requested details. The report also found that teacher retention averaged 87 percent statewide in 2025, with districts retaining teachers at higher rates than charters, and that 30 percent of surveyed teachers were considering leaving the profession. Principals and teachers identified school leadership as the strongest positive factor in recruitment and retention, while workload and salary were the strongest negative factors. On salaries, BLR reported a statewide average teacher salary of $60,254 in 2025, with districts averaging $60,458 and charters $55,724. Arkansas ranked 45th nationally on average teacher salary in 2025, though its cost-adjusted ranking improved to 36th; among SREB states it ranked 12th, and among neighboring states it ranked fourth. Members asked about starting salaries, salary compression, district step increases, and whether the report should be shared more broadly with educators and school leaders. Staff said they would provide follow-up information on several questions, and the committee took no formal action beyond receiving the presentations and asking for additional data.