Video & Transcript : 'feedback' :

Page 13 of 317
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Higher Education - 03/27/25

Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • feedback and and questions.<00:01:33.200><c> Mr.
  • The institutions to gather their feedback.
  • ,</c> they're supposed to solicit feedback, they're supposed to solicit feedback, will<01:31:11.360><
  • And will feedback? Will that be ongoing?
  • </c> say one one important piece of feedback say one one important piece of feedback from<01:31:44.320
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Consumer Protection & Business Mar 3rd, 2026 at 08:00 am

Consumer Protection & Business

Transcript Highlights:
  • We are putting together a key informant stakeholder list, and we will be hosting monthly feedback meetings
  • We are putting together a key informant stakeholder list, and we will be hosting monthly feedback meetings
  • over the summer to try to, And we will be hosting monthly feedback meetings over the summer to try to
  • So just to provide some feedback, we see that problem.
  • So just to provide some feedback, we see that problem, and so trying to see if we can do something about
Bills: HB2721, HB2616
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Jan 20th, 2026 at 08:00 am

Early Learning & K-12 Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • That gives us, as legislators, feedback on some of the things that we're requiring to do these school
  • So that would be one element of feedback that we would give you.
  • So that would be one element of feedback that we would give you.
  • More feedback from our school districts around the state. Happy to do that. Thank you, Dr.
  • Whether there's a cost to getting that feedback is yet another thing that we have to consider.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • So we certainly welcome any feedback on how we can clarify that language or the intent.
  • Again, sometimes we get feedback from counties as a consortium, right?
  • Sometimes we get feedback from counties as a consortium, right?
  • And sometimes we get individual feedback from counties.
  • And this time it's individual feedback from counties that are saying, this is going to hurt us.
Keywords: 988, house, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • We are currently conducting focus groups to obtain feedback on the current training.
  • I would be remiss if I did not say how important it is to have the feedback from the workers that are
  • To that end, we released a draft fidelity plan in January and received a lot of feedback.
  • Feedback from the wide variety of stakeholders that I mentioned previously.
  • So we're getting a lot Of feedback.
Keywords: 988, house, all
MA
Transcript Highlights:
  • And so a lot of this is for us talking to communities, understanding the communities, getting feedback
  • So it's real feedback that they've given us.
  • They review de-identified treatment plans and give feedback on ways to improve language.
  • And so that was feedback they gave.
  • that feedback about better treatment capacity.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration met to approve the May 5 minutes and hear a presentation from the Massachusetts Probation Service. The minutes were approved unanimously, with a request that a member’s closing remarks be added to the record. The commission also noted online participants and confirmed quorum before moving to the presentation. Probation leaders described the agency’s role as the state’s largest post-release supervision system and emphasized its focus on reentry, accountability, and reducing technical violations. They outlined the from-and-after sentencing structure, dual supervision with parole, and efforts to reduce revocations and non-criminal violations. Members asked about racial and ethnic disparity work, and probation said that effort is funded through the trial court and state budget, not federal grants. The presentation highlighted community engagement, simplified and translated probation conditions, workforce diversification, and training aimed at improving trust and access for court users. A major portion of the discussion focused on Community Justice Support Centers, evidence-based programming, and shared services such as housing, MassHealth enrollment, transportation, and behavioral health referrals. Probation said the centers are underutilized but have shown improved outcomes in non-randomized studies, with lower recidivism among participants compared with similar probationers. Members discussed mental health access, veterans identification, medication-assisted treatment, and the importance of state IDs and driver’s licenses for successful reentry. The commission also heard about housing supports, including transitional and sober housing, and a statewide behavioral health initiative for justice-involved individuals. The meeting ended with plans for the next session on July 11 and a motion to adjourn, which passed.
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Government Finance Committee Mar 19th, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Government Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We do have a fair amount of feedback from agencies. ...from Representative Stemen. Thank you, Mr.
  • We do have a fair amount of feedback from agencies. ...that it was per device per month.
  • We do have a fair amount of feedback from agencies that our invoices can be confusing.
  • What we get for feedback is the challenge of, of, of...
  • What we get for feedback is the challenge of looking through your bill every single month, and if you're
Keywords: 908, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Ethics and Elections Mar 2nd, 2026

Ethics and Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • This increase was made possible by acting on direct stakeholder feedback, strategically strengthening
  • I think when we are thinking about all the avenues in which we are soliciting feedback and consuming
  • feedback, our role and our partnership with the legislature is incredibly important.
  • It's one of the avenues in which we appreciate being able to hear direct feedback.
  • We may make a proposal but operationally your feedback in a formal document is extremely helpful.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Law & Justice Jan 19th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have gotten some feedback. is happening in all of our communities.
  • We have gotten some feedback.
  • We are here today to seek clarity and provide feedback to Senate Bill 5936. 936.
  • We are here today to seek clarity and provide feedback to Senate Bill 5936.
  • She sent it to everyone, and their only feedback was don't drop the bill.
Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills. SB 5720 would enact the Uniform Consumer Debt Default Judgments Act, adding complaint and notice requirements before default judgments in consumer debt cases and preserving existing debt-buyer protections; the sponsor and witnesses from consumer and collection groups described it as a compromise measure, and there was broad support with 53 people signed in pro. SB 5833 would allow a vehicle to remain running for up to 30 minutes to keep a pet safe from heat or cold; the sponsor said he would amend liability language, while animal control and police groups raised concerns about shifting the focus away from animal welfare and creating liability issues, though many sign-ins were pro (107 pro, 4 con). SB 5936 would update human trafficking law by allowing prosecution of business entities that knowingly benefit from trafficking, adding confidentiality protections for victims, and creating a process for T and U visa certifications; survivors and advocacy groups supported it, while hospitality and law enforcement groups asked for clarifying amendments, especially on business liability and duplicative visa procedures, and sign-ins showed 24 pro and 283 con. SB 5993 would prohibit interest on new and unpaid medical debt and shorten enforcement of judgments involving medical debt to six years without renewal; supporters said it would reduce financial harm and help patients, while hospitals, physicians, collectors, and business groups warned it could discourage payment and worsen provider finances, especially for rural hospitals, with 129 sign-ins pro and no con sign-ins. Finally, SB 5735 would create state standards for labeling imitation firearms, including BB guns and toy guns, with advisories and penalties for altered markings; the sponsor said it was intended to reduce mistaken shootings, while gun-rights and firearms-training witnesses argued federal law already covers the issue and that the bill would burden lawful training and competition, with 8 pro and 184 con sign-ins. The committee closed each public hearing and adjourned without recorded votes on the bills.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • your superintendents and your board members, your communities back home in each district to get feedback
  • Personally, I'm very thankful for each and every one of you for your feedback and also.
  • Thank you for your feedback.
  • Thank you for all the feedback you've taken from each of the members as we've been having dialogue and
Keywords: 1185, senate, all
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Human Services Committee May 27th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm interested in the Grant Marsh Bridge and the construction of it, and I like to give feedback.
  • Providers not only offered feedback on pain points, they also discussed common themes that may inform
  • Again, the appendix that's available online will give you the summary of that feedback.
  • As we developed the survey, we wanted the providers to have the opportunity to give the feedback that
  • What other states are doing this, and what are their success ratios and feedback?
Summary: The committee first heard an update on North Dakota’s Interagency Council on Homelessness and Continuum of Care funding. Jennifer Henderson of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency reported that homelessness remains driven by tight housing markets, low incomes, rising rents, and barriers to rental assistance, public benefits, and disability determinations. She said the state’s one-time North Dakota Homeless Grant is serving all regions but reaches far fewer households than the former Rent Help program, and that aging homelessness, shelter staffing shortages, and limited affordable units are growing concerns. Members discussed the need for more housing supply, better coordination with Health and Human Services, landlord engagement, reentry housing, and possible continued one-time funding for the $10 million Homeless Grant and $25 million Housing Incentive Fund. Henderson also warned that federal Continuum of Care funding is uncertain, with HUD expected to issue a new notice June 1 and possible shifts away from permanent supportive housing toward transitional housing and other models. The committee then took testimony on accessibility of government services for people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing. Paul Olson of North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind described the school’s services for infants, children, and adults, including screenings, mobility training, assistive technology, and outreach across the state. He said the agency works closely with Vocational Rehabilitation and is also involved in improving website and document accessibility, especially for PDF materials. Public testimony highlighted barriers such as inaccessible CAPTCHA systems, online forms, driver’s license requirements on job applications, and limited transportation in rural areas. A deaf resident urged broader use of video remote interpreting and video relay services, along with training so people know how to use them effectively. Finally, Kay Larson presented the final report on the child care provider licensing study. The report recommended streamlining North Dakota’s child care licensing structure into three provider types plus a preschool designation, while preserving health and safety standards and maintaining eligibility for child care assistance. The committee discussed simplifying training and qualification rules, revising ratio and group-size requirements, and adjusting age bands for infants and toddlers. The report also noted that some changes would require statutory amendments and later administrative rule changes, with a transition period likely extending through 2029. No formal votes were taken in the transcript, but the committee accepted the updates and scheduled follow-up presentations for a later meeting.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Elections - 03/25/25

Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh, we thank the author for bringing this forward and for, uh, her receptiveness to some feedback from
  • Uh, we thank the author for bringing this forward and for, uh, her receptiveness to some feedback from
  • Uh, we thank the author for bringing this forward and for, uh, her receptiveness to some feedback from
  • to some feedback from the legal<00:17:17.039><c> voters</c><00:17:17.360><c> and</c><00:17:17.520><c
  • Consult with a person of color seeking their advice and/or feedback over the advice and feedback of others
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Apr 15th, 2025

Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair, have you heard any feedback from—because I know I have incessantly—from county commissioners saying
  • Thank you, Chair, and I appreciate the feedback from the people around the state, as always.
  • Senator Angolia, Senator Bernard, Senator Sharif, Chair DeSigley, thank you for your feedback.
  • And you guys teased out some of the overwhelming feedback that we've received.
  • The overwhelming feedback was negative in terms of what the function was.
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard three bills after temporarily postponing SB 1524. The committee first took up CS for SB 1264, a broad economic development bill covering law enforcement recruitment bonuses, venture capital tax credits, data center tax exemptions, military land transfers, Space Florida procurement exemptions, and changes to regional planning councils. An amendment was adopted to remove sections tied to emergency management shelter plans so the bill would align with another measure. The main debate centered on the proposal to repeal regional planning council statutes; supporters argued the councils are duplicative and bureaucratic, while opponents said they provide valuable regional coordination, technical assistance, and grant support, especially for rural communities. The bill was reported favorably 13-1, with Senator Sharif voting no. The committee then considered CS for SB 1348, which streamlines motor vehicle services by expanding the role of tax collectors as DHSMV agents. Three amendments were adopted: one making the scalping of driver and motor vehicle appointment slots a misdemeanor, one increasing penalties for texting while driving and requiring a new distracted-driving course to remove points, and one allowing veterans with DV plates to use a sticker instead of a stencil or imprint. The bill received supportive testimony from tax collectors and law enforcement-related groups and was reported favorably without opposition. Finally, the committee heard SB 936, which directs the Department of Commerce’s workforce research bureau to conduct a recurring statewide study every three years on the effects of automation, robotics, and AI on Florida’s workforce. The sponsor said the study would have minimal fiscal impact and would help guide policy recommendations. With no opposition or debate, the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned after brief closing remarks thanking staff and members.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Ways & Means Jan 22nd, 2026 at 04:00 pm

Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • What I'm listening for is feedback on this bill.
  • Thank you for welcoming constituent feedback on impacts of ESSB 5814.
  • We do have some other feedback and concerns with the legislation.
  • Yes, happy to receive any feedback that you have. Thanks for your testimony.
  • We do have some other feedback and concerns with the legislation.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Ways & Means Jan 22nd, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • What I’m listening for is feedback on this bill.
  • Thank you for welcoming constituent feedback on impacts of ESSB 5814.
  • We do have some other feedback and concerns with the legislation.
  • Yes, happy to receive any feedback that you have. Thanks for your testimony.
  • Yes, happy to receive any feedback that you have. Thanks for your testimony.
Summary: The committee held a public hearing on several tax and retirement bills, beginning with Senate Bill 6073, which would move eligible Department of Natural Resources wildland and aviation firefighters from PERS into LEOFF 2 prospectively. Committee staff described the higher retirement age and benefit differences between the systems and noted a small implementation cost and a modest actuarial rate increase. DNR, the Washington Public Employees Association, and a committee member all raised support or questions, with DNR acknowledging additional review with the LEOFF board was still needed. The hearing then turned to Senate Bill 6113, a Department of Revenue request bill making technical and administrative changes to the tax code, including clarifications tied to last session’s ESSB 5814 service-tax changes, a six-month transition period for reclassified businesses, and a section affecting advertising-related exclusions. DOR said the bill was revenue neutral and intended to codify guidance and improve certainty, while school districts, arts groups, broadcasters, newspapers, and business groups testified both in support of the technical fixes and in opposition to provisions they said would continue or worsen unintended consequences from last year’s tax law. Senators also questioned how some definitions would apply, especially to school and higher-education-related services. Senate Bill 6116 would restore the vapor-products tax structure by moving nicotine-containing vapor products back under the per-milliliter vapor tax instead of the 95% other tobacco products tax, and would restore distributions to the Andy Hill Cancer Research account and Foundational Public Health Services account. Public health agencies, cancer research representatives, and some retailers supported the bill as a fix to funding disruptions, while tobacco-control groups opposed lowering the tax and argued it would weaken public health policy. The committee also heard that the current law creates a double-tax issue on pre-existing inventory because products held when the definition changed became subject to a new tax classification. Finally, Senate Bill 6129 proposed a broader nicotine-tax overhaul, including a 90% tax on nicotine products, a 10% tax on flavored nicotine products, higher cigarette taxes, and new revenue distributions and tribal compact provisions. Supporters, including public health organizations, pediatricians, and civil rights advocates, said higher taxes would reduce youth use and restore funding for cancer research and public health; opponents, including retailers, tobacco and vapor businesses, broadcasters, and some harm-reduction advocates, argued the bill was regressive, would fuel illicit markets, and would harm small businesses and adult consumers using lower-risk products. The committee then began a briefing on Senate Bill 6162, a property tax reform bill that would expand senior and disability property tax relief, adjust state property tax rates, and change property tax billing statements, but the hearing on that bill was not completed in the portion provided.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • States and even more so in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, so I've just been really pleased with the feedback
  • I've just been really pleased with the feedback we've gotten from our international visitors.
  • I've just been really pleased with the feedback we've gotten from our international visitors.
  • We do get great feedback about how people love Kentucky.
  • We We do get great feedback inviting.
Summary: The committee met for an interim update from the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, with presentations from the Kentucky Historical Society and the Kentucky Arts Council. Secretary Lindy Casebier reported that Kentucky tourism has posted record growth for four straight years, with $14.6 billion in economic impact, 97,000 tourism-related jobs, and 81 million travelers spending more than $10.4 billion in 2025. He said the Historical Society and Arts Council help create visitor experiences that support those tourism gains. The Kentucky Historical Society focused on America 250, the state’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Staff described a community-driven approach built around themes such as “Revolutionary Experiment,” “We the People,” “Power of Place,” “Crossroads in Kentucky,” and “Doing History,” organized under heritage tourism, education, signature events, and legacy projects. They said the effort has included Liberty Tree plantings in nearly every county, partnerships with local organizations and KET, grants to cabinet agencies and historic sites, and preservation projects in 19 counties. They highlighted Harrodsburg 250 as an early kickoff, along with grant-supported events, exhibits, and educational programs across the state. The Historical Society also described public engagement events tied to the commemoration, including Two Lights for Tomorrow, a food drive in Franklin County, a July 8 historic reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Old State Capitol, and planned participation at the Kentucky State Fair. They said the General Assembly’s support enabled a grant program that has funded 250 events and programs in 43 counties, totaling more than $720,000, and that the work is intended to build a lasting legacy beyond 2026. The Kentucky Arts Council said it received America 250 grant funds to support artists, arts organizations, communities, and nonprofits for public art, artwork creation, and related programs. The council reported 55 funded projects and $466,000 awarded statewide, with examples including a Burkesville summer arts and history camp and a Fayette County community singing project. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Human Services Committee Feb 11th, 2026 at 09:00 am

Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • I love feedback, please. Yes. Yes.
  • On this next slide, you'll just see sort of how we solicited feedback.
  • On this next slide, you'll just see sort of how we solicited feedback. about that.
  • On this next slide, you'll just see sort of how we solicited feedback.
  • Again, Kay, I got great feedback from child care providers. Thank you.
Keywords: 908, all
Summary: The Human Services Committee met in interim session and first approved the previous meeting minutes before receiving a series of presentations on homelessness and housing stability. Jennifer Henderson of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency updated members on the new Interagency Council on Homelessness, describing its executive-order mandate to review resources, gather input from stakeholders, identify gaps, and develop recommendations. She said the council’s first work is building a statewide program matrix of existing homeless services and funding sources, with attention to youth, tribal communities, and other vulnerable populations. Members raised concerns about youth homelessness, homeless veterans, and how the council will stay focused on a practical framework rather than getting lost in details. The committee also discussed possible connections to the rural health transformation grant and agreed to continue the topic later in the spring. Beth Olson of Presentation Partners in Housing described the organization’s housing-first model in Cass County and Clay County, including homeless prevention/diversion, housing navigation, and Cooper House, a 42-unit permanent supportive housing building in Fargo. She said the organization focuses on people with long-term and chronic homelessness, many with mental health, addiction, health, domestic violence, and Indigenous identity-related barriers, and reported strong outcomes: 85 of 86 people housed in 2025, 91% still housed after one year, and major reductions in emergency room use, ambulance rides, jail stays, detox days, and shelter use. She also explained that state funding has grown from a small share of the budget to about $1.1 million in state-connected funding for fiscal 2026, largely through contracts tied to supportive services. Members asked about vouchers, rent contributions at Cooper House, length of stay, and whether similar projects could be expanded elsewhere. Andrea Olson of the Community Action Partnership of North Dakota outlined statewide homeless and housing-related services delivered through six community action agencies in all 53 counties. She explained the Community Services Block Grant structure, said housing was identified as the top need in the most recent statewide needs assessment, and described programs including Supportive Services for Veteran Families, North Dakota Homeless Grant services, and Home ARP supportive services. She emphasized that the end of North Dakota Rent Help has increased pressure on the system, that the current $2 million annual homeless grant is far smaller than prior rent-help assistance, and that community action is using case management and financial assistance to move households toward self-sufficiency. Members asked about funding formulas, rural service delivery, and coordination with Presentation Partners to avoid duplication. YouthWorks then began a presentation on youth homelessness, describing services for ages 12 to 24, the special needs of youth and former foster youth, and the organization’s use of federal and state funds to support transitional housing, emergency shelter, maternity housing, and diversion services.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • 45.119><c> through</c> organizational uh feedback through organizational uh feedback through forums<00
  • </c> like surveys for example and feedback like surveys for example and feedback from<00:47:21.760><c
  • </c><00:47:53.359><c> Another</c> able to provide feedback. Another able to provide feedback.
  • </c><00:51:18.880><c> Thank</c><00:51:19.040><c> you</c> obtaining that feedback from.
  • Thank you obtaining that feedback from. Thank you very<00:51:19.440><c> much.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The Make America Healthy Again task force held its first meeting to set interim priorities rather than take formal action. Co-chairs and members said the group’s goal is to identify practical policy ideas to improve Kentucky’s poor health outcomes, with an emphasis on prevention, and to gather input from members and outside stakeholders. Roll was called, several members were present, and the co-chairs noted the meeting would be limited in length and would not include a lunch break. Members identified a wide range of possible focus areas, including childhood and adult obesity, nutrition in schools, food deserts, agriculture and support for local farms, health responsibility, physical activity, mental health, and provider education on nutrition. Several speakers stressed that Kentucky’s health care costs are rising unsustainably and that prevention is cheaper than treatment. Others emphasized that the task force should work with agencies, hospitals, universities, and experts, and should narrow its work to a few actionable areas rather than “chase every rabbit.” There was also discussion of food as medicine, improving the quality of food in schools and hospitals, and making healthier choices more accessible and affordable. Members referenced conversations already underway with industries, the Kentucky Department of Education, the Kentucky Hospital Association, and agricultural leaders. No votes or formal motions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided; the main action was the exchange of priorities and direction for future task force work.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • We received public feedback on our drafts and worked to make sure our ongoing work on these standards
  • ><c> on</c><00:13:52.240><c> our</c> We received public feedback on our We received public feedback on
  • the feedback of individuals and<00:13:57.480><c> stakeholders</c><00:13:58.000><c> across</c><00:13:
  • </c><00:14:06.520><c> that</c> We received so much public feedback that We received so much public feedback
  • /c><00:26:47.960><c> for</c> participated in providing feedback for participated in providing feedback
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: House File 29 was heard in committee as a proposal to suspend adoption of the revised social studies standards, push implementation to 2030-31, repeal the requirement to embed ethnic studies across all standards, and cancel related appropriations. The bill sponsor argued Minnesota schools should focus on basic academic achievement and that ethnic studies requirements add burdens and distract from reading, math, and science. The chair moved the bill to the Committee on Education Finance after opening the hearing and then took extensive public testimony. Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters of HF 29, including Katherine Kersten, Deanna Moose, Kendall Qualls, Hillary Swanson, and Diane Smith, argued the ethnic studies framework is ideological, overly focused on race, insufficiently transparent, and costly in professional development time; several said it would divide students or burden teachers. Some supporters also claimed the standards or framework promote activism, critical race theory, or racial stratification. Opponents, including Mark Westfall, Crystal Johnson, Jim Grathwol, Marcus Penny, Claude Sigman, and Courtney Major, said the standards are inclusive, research-based, and designed to help students understand multiple perspectives, civic life, and the contributions of diverse Minnesotans. They emphasized that ethnic studies can improve engagement, critical thinking, and representation, and that teachers should be trusted to implement the standards. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided. The only formal action noted was the chair’s motion to re-refer House File 29 to the Committee on Education Finance.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Feb 11th, 2025

Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Again, evaluations found positive feedback on the value of simulations and active learning.
  • Again, evaluations found positive feedback on the value of simulations and active learning.
  • These changes were made following feedback and partnership from multiple stakeholders and have added
  • One of the things we pride ourselves on at the department is gathering insight and feedback from staff
  • These positions support roundtable events, gathering feedback from staff on innovative strategies to
Summary: The committee heard three presentations focused on child welfare workforce development and the needs of children in Florida’s dependency system. First, the Florida Institute for Child Welfare described its Grow Center and related initiatives, including academic curriculum enhancements, simulations, virtual reality training, coaching, on-demand learning, advanced certifications, and the planned Tallahassee learning lab opening in January 2026. Members asked about conflict resolution, domestic violence, addiction, and microcredentials; the presenter said the institute is expanding training in those areas and is working with DCF to align advanced certifications with the department’s career ladder. The Department of Children and Families then presented on the Continue the Mission initiative, which recruits veterans, military spouses, and former law enforcement officers into CPI, API, and case management roles. DCF said it has held more than 240 hiring events and hired 372 such workers since launch, while also improving recruitment and retention through higher starting pay, streamlined hiring, rebranding, wellness supports, and enhanced pre-service training. Senators asked about PTSD concerns, staffing levels, caseloads, hotline vacancies, and salaries; DCF said it had not seen direct PTSD issues from the hiring effort and provided figures including a $50,000 starting salary for CPIs, $37,000 for APIs, and average caseloads of 12 to 15 investigations for CPIs and about 10 for APIs. Finally, DCF discussed the increased acuity of children in the dependency system, explaining that fewer children are entering care overall but those who do often have more complex behavioral, mental health, developmental, or medical needs. The department highlighted a new Behavioral Qualified Residential Treatment Program (BQRTP) designed for youth who need more intensive support than traditional foster or group home settings but do not require inpatient psychiatric treatment; one facility is licensed with 12 of 14 beds filled, and DCF said it is seeking funding for placement for 230 youth total. Members pressed for details on licensure timelines, standards, funding, and the handling of crossover youth and lockouts, and DCF said it uses braided funding and works with DJJ, APD, and lead agencies through local and state review teams. A representative of the Florida Coalition for Children also testified, saying the issue is complex and multi-year, and that the coalition is working on possible legislative and programmatic solutions. The committee took no formal votes and adjourned after the presentations and discussion.