Transcript Highlights:

• I was unable to locate the fiscal note on the House side, but was able to find one on the Senate side
• <00:37:49.400> note In the 2022 Senate fiscal note, expenditures totaled $8.143 million to
• The fiscal note should have included enough full-time employees to monitor all inmate phone calls to
• 7 million minutes a month as was noted 7 million minutes a month as was noted um<00:42:23.960>
• I guess, okay, I... so first I want to note that the City of St.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I did not know that was going to wind up in a tie vote, but I took a little bit of issue with the fiscal
• note on this bill.
• You know, there was almost no fiscal note mentioned in the bill, and...
• In the bill, they only mentioned any fiscal information.

Bills: HB247, SB117

Keywords: Gulf of America, name change, state compliance, educational materials, local resources, historical reference, procurement, county commission, services, administrative savings, government efficiency, 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I noted that we're going at record speed through here.
• Second, they also noted they lack law enforcement authority.
• I saw your fiscal note came out late last night and it looks like y'all are looking at $225 million 240
• Members, HB 5217 represents prudent fiscal policy and a commitment to fairness.
• My very brief notes to follow your brevity of your schedule. Yes, thank you.

Bills: SB 4, SB 23, SJR 2

Keywords: redistricting, election, Texas legislature, district composition, political representation, congressional redistricting, Texas House of Representatives, U.S. House, Congressional districts, district map, district boundaries, gerrymandering, voting rights, election law, apportionment, representation, special committee, PLANC2308, redistricting plan, elections

Transcript Highlights:

• I noted that we're going at record speed through here.
• Second, they also noted that they lack law enforcement authority to compel vendor compliance under state
• I saw your fiscal note came out late last night, and it looks like y'all are looking at 225 million.
• Members, HB 5217 represents prudent fiscal policy and a commitment to fairness.
• My very brief notes are to follow the brevity of your schedule. Yes, thank you.

Bills: HB485, HB1367, HB1370, HB1827, HB1879, HB2032, HB2133, HB2357, HB3581, HB3830, HB4060, HB4085, HB4270, HB4979, HB5217, HB5268, HB5478, HJR96, HJR97, HJR119, HJR195, HJR209, SB4, SB23, SJR2, SJR85, SB 4, SB 23, SJR 2

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, access, affordability, public health, emergency services district, sales tax, gas and electricity, residential use, tax exemption, emergency services, gas, electricity, HB 485, ESD, use tax, residential utilities, utility tax, local option tax, Texas Health and Safety Code

Transcript Highlights:

• I would, I'm a little disappointed in the fiscal note, and we'll be working on that to get that down.
• Senator Kolkhorst, great bill, and I, too, read the fiscal note.
• We've been having some interesting fiscal note issues, but maybe we can find a department that's willing
• We've been having some interesting fiscal note issues, but maybe we can find a department that's willing
• By ensuring that I&S funds are strictly used for their intended purposes, we can maintain the fiscal

Summary: The Senate Education K-16 Committee heard several bills focused on school finance, transparency, student safety, and educator misconduct. SB 843 by Senator Kolkhorst would create a centralized TEA database for school bond elections, tax rates, and project details; supporters said it would improve transparency for taxpayers, while members discussed the fiscal note and suggested adding charter schools. SB 1224 by Senator Sparks would require superintendents to report alleged romantic, sexual, or abusive conduct between staff and students directly to law enforcement within 48 hours, with penalties for failure to report; testimony from advocates and survivors strongly supported the bill and urged that it also apply to private and charter schools. SB 747 by Senator Paxton on behalf of Senator King would require school district policies addressing AI-generated sexually explicit images of minors as cyberbullying and direct the School Safety Center to develop guidance; the committee heard emotional testimony from a student victim and discussed school authority to discipline off-campus conduct and the role of cell phones. The committee also heard SB 1636 by Senator Hinojosa, which would limit use of interest and sinking tax revenues to debt service for voter-approved capital projects and not deferred maintenance; school finance witnesses raised concerns that the bill’s language could restrict needed facility maintenance spending and asked for a clearer definition of deferred maintenance. SB 2185, also by Senator Hinojosa, would expand access to the bilingual education allotment for dual-language programs; district officials and educators testified in support, saying it would remove barriers to funding and better support bilingual instruction. SB 604 by Senator West would require the Permanent School Fund Corporation to publicly track bonds backed by the state guarantee program that are downgraded to speculative or junk status, with West arguing the information would provide an early warning sign of district financial distress. Across the hearing, much of the testimony centered on student protection and accountability in schools. Multiple witnesses described educator misconduct cases, failures to report abuse, and the need for outside law enforcement involvement rather than internal district investigations. Committee members repeatedly discussed extending reporting and safety requirements to private and charter schools, and several witnesses urged independent oversight. No bills were voted out; each measure heard was left pending, and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, as a side note, 2044 is also... 2044 general election.
• Members, as a side note, 2044 is also the year that Ranking Member Joseph turns 40.
• As it stands, what is the fiscal impact that we're seeing currently in the current structure that the
• The good news is within our staff analysis, we do have a fiscal impact study that has been performed,
• So noted. Oh, that wasn’t even a question, huh? My bad. Carry on. All right. Good exchange.

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee heard several measures focused on government structure, oversight, and public policy designations. The most debated bill was HJR 1325, which proposed a constitutional amendment to create a statewide Commissioner of Government Efficiency, abolish the lieutenant governor office and the Government Efficiency Task Force, and eliminate the constitutional requirement for an Auditor General appointment. Sponsors said the new commissioner would be a watchdog over waste, fraud, and abuse across state and local government, while opponents raised concerns about cost, single-subject issues, lack of implementation details, and whether existing oversight structures were sufficient. After extensive debate, the resolution was reported favorably by a recorded vote. The committee also approved HB 575, which redesignates the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America in Florida statute, and HB 1445, which requires certain state officials and agency heads to have stronger ties to Florida and, for some positions, to live in the county where their agency headquarters is located. HB 1445 drew questions about practicality and whether a proximity standard would be better than a strict county requirement, but the sponsor said he would continue working on that issue. Both bills were reported favorably, with HB 1445 passing unanimously. In addition, the committee unanimously approved HB 259, designating August 21 as Fentanyl Awareness and Education Day, with supporters emphasizing the need for public education about fentanyl overdoses. The committee also passed CS/HB 29, the public records and meetings bill linked to the social work licensure compact, which creates confidentiality and meeting exemptions needed for the compact to operate. Public testimony on that measure was supportive, and it too was reported favorably without opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let the record be noted that there's one in the audience. How about online? None?
• If you do the analysis, which the FIR clearly states out under page 2, the fiscal implications, it's
• Um, and the notes that remove the exemption to road projects may conflict with.
• year, Fiscal Year 25, and next fiscal year, Fiscal Year 26, will distribute $2.5 million to the Public
• If I may clarify, my apologies, I looked at my notes from LFC, and this is actually something that also

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, we will then, in fact, begin with Senate Memorial Resolution for— and Senators, let me make a note
• He was also noted for his faith and was a member of the Dover-Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where he
• the recognition of Public Service Week in the United States, and since we're just going to be in fiscal
• Bill 1005 by joint budget, an act for the Department of Education appropriation for the 2026-2007 fiscal
• Bill 1005 by joint budget, an act for the Department of Education appropriation for the 2026-2007 fiscal

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd also like to note that comments should be directed to the authors and members of the committee, and
• I am the CEO of the fiscal crisis management assistance team.
• I think before we really get going on the conversation it's important to note that we have outstanding
• As noted in the analysis, the current fee structure creates perverse financial incentives for district
• I am happy to work with the stakeholders and continue the conversation but wanted to note it for the

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My vision for Polk State includes strong governance and fiscal responsibility.
• My vision for Polk State includes strong governance and fiscal responsibility.
• As noted...
• Please note that.
• Please note that.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to consider a large slate of confirmations and reappointments to boards of trustees for Florida’s colleges, universities, and the Florida Prepaid College Board. Chair Harrell opened by emphasizing the importance of trustee appointments to maintaining Florida’s higher education system, and the committee heard brief testimony from each nominee about their background, ties to the institution, and priorities such as student success, workforce alignment, fiscal stewardship, and community partnerships. Several nominees highlighted personal connections to their schools, including alumni status, family legacy, or prior service on the board, while others emphasized experience in business, law, education, health care, or public service. Testimony focused heavily on workforce development and institutional growth. Speakers cited nursing, dual enrollment, applied programs, military and veteran support, broadband access, agriculture, law enforcement, and technical training as key areas for colleges to meet regional labor needs. University nominees discussed research expansion, affordability, strategic planning, and partnerships with industry and government, with Florida Atlantic, Florida Polytechnic, the University of West Florida, and the University of South Florida each described as being in periods of growth or transition. Miami-Dade College, Tallahassee State College, Polk State College, and other state colleges were praised for enrollment, economic impact, and job placement outcomes. The committee also heard from the Florida Prepaid College Board reappointee, who described the program as a long-term promise backed by public trust and reported recent technology and customer-service improvements. After testimony, the committee took up the nominations as a group. One nominee, Drew Weatherford, had withdrawn and was not voted on. The remaining trustees were approved unanimously by roll call and reported favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have started executing that for this fiscal year from September through October for the federal fiscal
• Last fiscal year, we've moved forward.
• And that was last year, in fiscal 25. We're very much on track.
• That is supposed to be implemented in fiscal year 2026.
• I think that’s important to note.

Transcript Highlights:

• year 2025-26 and $146,000 ongoing beginning in fiscal year 2026-27.
• And just to note, we will be focusing on the cannabis sales tax, but not today.
• I will note that And the Bureau of Household Goods and Services.
• I am joined by my colleague Maxwell Macedo, who is our director of fiscal and administration.
• Tomorrow we are about to open the slate of programs for fiscal year 2025-26.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration held an informational hearing on budget issues for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Cannabis Control, the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, and the California Arts Council. The chair noted there would be no votes. CalVet gave an overview of its programs serving veterans and families, including transition assistance, county veterans service officers, education approvals, housing and homelessness programs, home loans, long-term care homes, and state veterans cemeteries. Members asked about future long-term care needs for aging veterans, staffing and recruitment challenges at veterans homes, and the Yountville steam infrastructure replacement project, for which CalVet sought a $38.8 million reappropriation and said federal reimbursement was expected. CalVet also discussed the role of county veterans service officers in helping veterans file claims and avoid predatory unaccredited representatives. The Department of Cannabis Control described its regulatory role from seed to sale and requested one position to implement SB 1064’s combined activities license. Members and public witnesses focused heavily on the illicit cannabis market, enforcement staffing, and the impact of taxes and fees on the legal market. DCC said it had roughly 87 enforcement positions with about a 15% vacancy rate and more than 200 compliance staff. Its economist presented the 2024 cannabis market report, which found licensed production and retail quantity were up, but retail value and prices were down, with an estimated 11.4 million pounds of illicit production and about 60% of California consumption still coming from the illicit market. Industry witnesses argued the legal market is in crisis, urged repeal of the scheduled excise tax increase, stronger enforcement against illicit cannabis and hemp-derived intoxicants, and expanded retail access. The Department of Consumer Affairs briefly presented nine budget proposals, including a $2.6 million ongoing request to maintain a business modernization system for several boards and bureaus. The Commission on the Status of Women and Girls described its work on economic and educational equity, health care, violence prevention, student rights, and archival and outreach projects, and said its budget request would convert limited-term positions to permanent. A member urged the commission to narrow its priorities toward current issues such as affordability, child care, and women’s health. The California Arts Council outlined its role as the state’s only statewide arts funder and requested restoration of $5 million in local assistance; supporters testified that the funding would leverage additional local investment and help sustain arts access, especially in rural communities. The hearing ended after the non-presentation items were noted and no further public comment was offered.

Transcript Highlights:

• The fiscal year 25 report summarizes the $4.6 billion that was provided as grants to school districts
• Overall, the department distributed $55 million less in 25 than was distributed in fiscal year 24.
• So, as noted in the last slide, special education is also a subject shortage area in Arkansas.
• And I will also note we do have some delineation in some of the full survey responses.
• I've made a note to get that information for you. Thank you very much.

Summary: The committee first approved the May 18 meeting minutes and then received a presentation from Legislative Audit on Arkansas Department of Education grant distributions. Auditors explained that the fiscal year 2025 report summarizes $4.6 billion in grants from state, federal, and miscellaneous sources, across school districts, charter schools, education cooperatives, and other entities, and that the report only shows amounts distributed, not how recipients ultimately used the money. Members asked about specific recipients and programs, including ClassWallet, Economics Arkansas, and CDC surveillance funding; department staff clarified that the Economics Arkansas grant is written into special language and that the CDC-related funding supports student surveys used by state agencies. Questions also focused on bonus and incentive programs such as master principal and National Board Certified teacher bonuses, with department staff saying the bonuses are generally tied to completion of the program or certification rather than classroom performance, though they would follow up on details. The committee then heard a Bureau of Legislative Research update on Consumer Price Index projections from Moody’s Analytics and S&P Global. Dr. Carlos Silva explained the difference between CPI-U and core CPI and said the estimates show inflation slowing over the forecast period, with some near-term variation between the two data providers. Members asked about the historical accuracy of prior projections, and he said the forecasts generally tend to move toward about 2 percent over time, though recent shocks have caused earlier estimates to understate actual inflation. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to the final adequacy report on teacher recruitment, retention, and salaries. BLR staff reviewed Arkansas teacher demographics, shortage areas, educator preparation pipelines, licensure exceptions, survey results from teachers and principals, and teacher support programs. They reported that Arkansas had about 32,800 teachers and 473,000 students in 2025, with an average of 11.9 years of experience and a slight increase in National Board Certified teachers. The report found shortages in multiple subject areas, especially special education, math, science, foreign language, and social studies, and identified 65 districts as high-need geographically. Survey results showed school leadership as the strongest positive factor in recruitment and retention, while workload and salary were the biggest negatives; 30 percent of responding teachers said they were considering leaving the profession. The committee also reviewed teacher salary data showing a statewide average salary of $60,254 in 2025, Arkansas ranking 45th nationally by NEA methodology, and a long-term inflation-adjusted decline in district salaries, though LEARNS Act increases improved the trend. Members asked for additional follow-up information on survey methodology, alternative licensure costs, coursework, incentives for ESL and special education endorsements, exit data, and how salary comparisons are calculated.

Transcript Highlights:

• IN FISCAL YEAR 23 24 FLORIDA HAD OVER $127 BILLION OF REVENUE THAT CAME TO THE STATE.
• I JUST WANTED TO HIGHLIGHT A LITTLE NOTE ON THE FEES WHICH ARE NORMALLY REGARDING GOVERNMENT SERVICES
• YOU WILL SEE IN FISCAL YEAR (200)400 2005 WE WERE AT ABOUT 25 BILLION AND SOMEWHERE IN 2026 2027 2028
• IF YOU SEE FISCAL YEAR O EIGHT AND O NINE ON WE HAVE BEEN GROWING AT A PRETTY STABLE STEADY TREND ON.
• TO WHAT STANDS OUT TO ME IS THAT IF YOU LOOK AT FISCAL YEAR 21 22 22 23 THOSE WITH A COVID YEARS AND

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, um, in looking at the fiscal note in this bill, it does not—knowing that this type of legislation
• fiscal note in this um in looking at the fiscal note in this bill,<00:19:36.960> it<00:19:37.200
• in a fiscal note?
• So, we can pretend that there's no fiscal impact, but there is a fiscal impact.
• So, we can pretend that there's no fiscal impact, but there is a fiscal impact.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Burris, House Fiscal Research, and Mr. Lee House. Excuse me, Mr. Burris, House Research, and Mr.
• Lee, House Fiscal Analysts.
• Both environmentally and fiscally.
• Recognizing a few fiscal realities that we all are facing, Minnesota... can be proud of the work reflected
• In addition, we did have a preliminary draft fiscal note that showed that the cost would be nine million

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think the fiscal note is $500,000 for startup and then $250,000 per year.
• and<00:19:44.679> I<00:19:44.720> think<00:19:44.919> the<00:19:45.000> fiscal
• <00:19:45.320> note<00:19:45.600> is<00:19:46.040> uh bill and I think the fiscal
• note is uh bill and I think the fiscal note is uh 500,000<00:19:47.159> for<00:19:47.280>

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And a little personal note, I was thinking about this as I was prepping for this bill.
• In addition, I think it's also worth noting that we have an open enrollment period that's going to begin
• So when I just a couple quick questions when I look at the fiscal impact report...
• Okay, on the second page under fiscal implications, it says, "1, 2, 3, 4th paragraph from the bottom,
• And then, Madam Chair, going back to the F.I.R. into the fiscal implications.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I believe this does not have a fiscal note because that is covered within the contingency fund.
• this does<00:02:50.480> not<00:02:50.640> have<00:02:50.720> a<00:02:50.879> fiscal
• <00:02:51.200> note<00:02:51.519> because<00:02:51.760> that does not have a
• fiscal note because that does not have a fiscal note because that is<00:02:52.319> covered<00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This committee's work will be completed on the fiscal year 2027 budget.
• Many businesses have already planned their fiscal year.
• I think you'll note on my form that I wrote in support.
• Senator O'Scanalant is a note, Chair Sarlow.
• A couple notes.

Keywords: 1146, all