Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to switch gears to talk about reporting for political committees.
• Um,<00:24:45.840><c> I'm</c><00:24:46.159><c> going</c><00:24:46.240><c> to</c><00:24:46.320><c> switch
• /c><00:24:46.559><c> gears</c><00:24:46.880><c> to</c><00:24:47.120><c> talk</c> Um, I'm going to switch
• gears to talk Um, I'm going to switch gears to talk about<00:24:47.760><c> reporting</c><00:24:48.159
• between various uh about how to switch between various uh modes<00:39:51.200><c> and</c><00:39:51.440

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > This</c> To meet modern workforce demands, this bill is aimed at planting the seeds necessary to fuel
• And that was based on switching to that three-year cycle.
• And that was<00:28:52.240><c> based</c><00:28:52.559><c> on</c><00:28:53.200><c> switching</c><00:28:
• 53.520><c> to</c><00:28:53.760><c> that</c> was based on switching to that was based on switching to

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call - 0:00:00 Approval of Minutes – 0:03:50 Robotics Education – 0:04:18 Canopy KY – 0:14:15 Comprehensive Support and Improvement – 0:23:20 Postsecondary Credit Alignment – 0:53:15 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in K-12 Settings – 1:21:25 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations – 2:05:15 Adjournment 2:05:41, 958, all

Summary: The committee opened with a roll call, confirmed a quorum, approved the minutes by voice vote, and recognized a guest of Senator Hickden, retired judge Dan Kelly. The chair then moved through a tight agenda and limited public presentations and questions. The first presentation was on robotics education in Kentucky, led by Representative Chris Lewis, Kentucky FIRST Robotics executive director Kelly Gowen, and students from Whitfield Academy. They argued that robotics should be expanded in high schools as a workforce pipeline for engineering, manufacturing, and advanced technology jobs. The presentation emphasized hands-on learning, industry certifications, teacher development, and a proposed framework to fund robotics education programs statewide. Committee members were not allowed to ask questions because of time constraints. The second presentation was from Canopy Kentucky, led by Adam Watson and founder Scott Collins. They described Canopy’s business and entrepreneurship education programs for fifth graders and high school students, including the NextGen Good Biz initiative and an eight-classroom high school unit. Canopy requested a one-time $750,000 appropriation for fiscal year 2026, matched by private funds, to expand into more schools and rural areas, train educators, and report outcomes. Members asked a brief question about how the programs fit into school schedules and the difference between the elementary and high school offerings. The final presentation, from KDE’s Kelly Foster and Todd Allen, reviewed the state’s school improvement classifications. Foster explained CSI, TSI, and ATSI status, the federal and state legal framework, and how House Bill 298 returned CSI identification to an annual cycle. She reported that Kentucky identified 50 CSI schools on the most recent release, with 53 CSI schools statewide, along with 39 TSI schools and 102 ATSI schools. She also outlined KDE’s support process, including education recovery staff, diagnostic reviews, turnaround plans, and required professional learning for CSI schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're switching.
• So we're very appreciative of this bill switching. it from passive to active.
• I think I'm going to switch seats. Thank you. I want to address a couple of things.
• And so I'm going to surrender the chair in just a moment to Vice Chair Wu. going to switch places, I
• Fueled by jealousy, rage, cocaine, and alcohol, Martinez was losing control of his estranged wife.

Bills: HB36, HB75, HB76, HB166, HB799, HB 1135, HJR15, HJR16, HB36, HB75, HB76, HB166, HJR15, HJR16

Keywords: family violence, global positioning monitoring system, victim resources, electronic monitoring, protective orders, magistrate, criminal procedure, probable cause, written findings, law enforcement, bail bonds, bail fund, charitable bail fund, nonprofit bail organization, public funds, local government spending, political subdivision, county, city, taxpayer lawsuit

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, members, we're going to switch up the agenda a little bit today.
• In fact, the mass shooting that just happened, I believe it was in Canada, um, that was fueled in part
• ,</c><01:41:48.960><c> um</c><01:41:49.280><c> that</c><01:41:49.600><c> was</c><01:41:49.920><c> fueled
• </c><01:41:50.400><c> in</c> it was in Canada, um that was fueled in it was in Canada, um that was fueled

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That lack of transparency, we would suggest, fuels misunderstanding and mistrust, both of government
• That lack of transparency, we would suggest, fuels misunderstanding and mistrust, both of government
• That lack of transparency, we would suggest, fuels misunderstanding and mistrust, both of government
• That lack of transparency, we would suggest, fuels misunderstanding and mistrust, both of government
• That lack of transparency, we would suggest, fuels misunderstanding and mistrust, both of government

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• EVs have far fewer externalities than fossil fuels, meaning they cause far fewer additional bad things
• Representative Kraft continued that EVs have far fewer externalities than fossil fuels, including less
• today is caused by inflation, aging infrastructure, growing transportation needs, and the increased fuel
• amount of material labor<01:07:21.920><c> effort</c><01:07:22.799><c> fossil</c><01:07:23.119><c> fuels
• that go into labor effort fossil fuels that go into generating<01:07:24.520><c> it</c><01:07:25.240>

Bills: HF198, HF269, HF185, HF303, HF305, HF189

Keywords: HF198, shared time pupils, shared-time enrollment, nonpublic school, private school, public school, career and technical education, CTE, secondary credit, school funding, state aid, education finance, Minnesota Statutes 126C.01, compulsory attendance, school district, education policy, HF269, Spicer, Minnesota bonding bill, capital investment

Transcript Highlights:

• when he starts an investigation on high gas prices due to policies he does to drive up the cost of fuel
• and make it not available, and make the refineries not available, and not quit drilling for fuel in
• up</c><00:23:09.400><c> the</c><00:23:09.520><c> cost</c><00:23:09.679><c> of</c><00:23:09.799><c> fuel
• and make it drive up the cost of fuel and make it not<00:23:11.039><c> available</c><00:23:11.640><c
• in California which we have so much fuel in California which we have so much abundance<00:23:16.640>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, January 13, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On Wednesday the 11th, we will meet at 3:00, our usual time, to speak about EV fuel, electricity as a
• fuel for cars.
• to<01:25:11.720><c> speak</c><01:25:12.000><c> about</c><01:25:12.520><c> EV</c><01:25:13.200><c> fuel
• </c><01:25:14.160><c> Talk</c><01:25:14.440><c> about</c> to speak about EV fuel.
• Talk about to speak about EV fuel.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to help energize our transportation and electrical grid as well as, you know, sustainable aviation fuel
• , electrical grid as well as, you know, sustainable<00:21:32.000><c> aviation</c><00:21:32.600><c> fuel
• <00:21:33.440><c> What</c><00:21:33.560><c> are</c><00:21:33.600><c> your</c> sustainable aviation fuel
• What are your sustainable aviation fuel.
• The suppliers of ag operations, whether it's for equipment like tractors or fuel or fertilizer, the more

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard multiple governor’s messages for confirmation to the Agribusiness Development Corporation board and one appointment to the Aloha Stadium Authority. For GM 606, David Ige Hinazumi was supported by ADC and DBEDT, with testimony highlighting his private-sector experience, technology background, and ability to help with risk management and finances. He told senators he had attended board meetings since 2018, saw ADC as a state business arm for agriculture, and supported expanding land, facilities, and even aquaculture if resources allowed. Senators asked about ADC’s role relative to the Department of Agriculture, and he said the department’s strength is research/regulatory work while ADC should focus on business development, support, and facilities for farmers and aquaculture businesses. For GM 607, Jason Watts was strongly supported by ADC leadership, DBEDT, and many agricultural and community groups, with one opposing testimony from Hawaii Farm Bureau. Supporters praised his governance, accountability, transparency, and frequent communication with the agency. In questioning, Watts said ADC’s top priority should be increasing land holdings, and he discussed ADC’s role in water systems, including preserving agricultural water sources and inventorying systems statewide. He also said ADC could potentially help small farmers comply with environmental permitting through a broader, regional approach if authorized by the Legislature. The committee also heard from Joshua Uyehara for GM 682, who was supported by ADC, county officials, and farm groups. He said his priorities would be accelerating ADC projects, expanding capacity, and possibly using ADC as a center of expertise for water systems and for helping farmers with environmental requirements; he also said biofuel crops and food production can be complementary, though food should be prioritized when water is constrained. The committee then considered GM 513, Tracy Lester Smith’s appointment to the Aloha Stadium Authority. The stadium authority and DBEDT supported her, citing her experience in NASCAR, boxing, and Bellator MMA as useful for marketing, attracting events, and commercializing the stadium. Smith said she was eager to serve and would bring experience from both the landlord and tenant perspectives, helping the board think about venue operations, sponsorships, and event attraction. Senators asked about improving public perception and execution, and she emphasized accountability, timelines, and building a venue that can draw major sports and entertainment events. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Aviation fuel tax, about $6 million for aviation gasoline and other special fuels.
• </c><00:21:01.280><c> Aviation</c><00:21:01.840><c> fuel</c> constitutionally at all.
• Aviation fuel constitutionally at all.
• Aviation fuel tax<00:21:02.559><c> about</c><00:21:02.880><c> $6</c><00:21:03.039><c> million</c><00:
• </c><00:21:06.400><c> Um</c> gasoline and other special fuels. Um gasoline and other special fuels.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When we switched last year to the budget hearing notice, I received a handful of phone calls.
• Is there a reason why you switched vendors to make it more user-friendly, or?
• I will switch here.
• Is that possible to be done, and we switch from a 5% discount plan to a 5% penalty plan?
• Is that possible to be done and we switch from a 5% discount plan to a 5% penalty plan?

Summary: The subcommittee of the Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee met to begin its study of whether the content of the real estate tax statement should be revised to improve transparency. Legislative Council staff reviewed the study directive from HB 1176 and the statutory requirements for tax statements, including required line items such as true and full value, mill levy, legislative tax relief, primary residence credit, legacy fund share, discounts for early payment, and special assessments. The Tax Department then explained how the current uniform statewide statement is prescribed and approved, and noted that changes are typically driven by statute and implemented collaboratively with counties and vendors. County officials from NDACO, including auditors from McKenzie and Richland counties, described the full annual property tax timeline from budgeting through mailing final statements. They explained how counties gather budgets, calculate levies, verify taxable values, handle centrally assessed property, and prepare required notices and statements. They also said public attendance at budget hearings is generally very low, though the notices and statements generate some calls, mostly about whether attendance is required or why taxes are changing. Several members questioned the usefulness of the legislative tax relief line and the complexity of the 5% discount calculation, and county officials said the current process can be confusing and depends on manual data entry and coordination among counties, vendors, and taxing districts. The committee also discussed assessment frequency, valuation equalization, the 3% cap, and whether more frequent reassessment would reduce large jumps in taxable value. County officials said they try to use rotating reassessments and sales-ratio reviews to keep values within statutory tolerance, but staffing, training, and local market changes make the work difficult. NDACO staff estimated, based on a small county survey, that tax statement preparation and mailing costs average about 74 cents per statement, with outsourcing generally cheaper than in-house printing, and said HB 1176 added some mailing and administrative costs even if the tax statement itself did not change dramatically. Software vendors from CPT and Tyler then began presentations showing how their systems handle budgeting, valuation notices, tax statement generation, primary residence credit processing, and levy worksheets, emphasizing that many of the required calculations and reports are still manually entered or verified by county staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you support switching it to DPH or DMH?
• I think if the model that is being used is switched, then we could certainly take a look at it.
• I don't know the other intricacies that might come with making switching it to a different sector, but
• and the treatment is working I don't want to throw that out with the bathwater would you support switching
• it to DPH or DMH I think if the model that is being used is is switched then we could certainly take

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held its fourth public hearing of the 2025-2026 session on bills dealing with involuntary commitment and access to addiction treatment, especially proposals to move Section 35 civil commitments away from jails and prisons and into facilities licensed or approved by DPH or DMH. Chairs Velis and Domb framed the hearing as a discussion of how to support people in crisis with compassion, while also warning against using involuntary commitment as a way to remove unhoused people from public view. The hearing also touched on related concerns about discharge practices, treatment capacity, and the need for a broader continuum of care. Testimony split largely along two themes. Addiction researcher Keith Humphreys argued that many people enter treatment under pressure, that involuntary treatment can be ethically justified in the face of overdose risk, but that it should not be mandated unless high-quality services exist first; he emphasized the need for inpatient care when someone is a grave danger, followed by case management and outpatient support. MAMH’s Kate Alicante supported the bill, saying Massachusetts is the only state that commits people with substance use conditions to jails or prisons and that carceral settings add trauma and stigma; she pointed to prior legislative steps, including the Section 35 commission and the planned closure of DOC’s MESAC facility, as evidence that the Commonwealth is moving toward health-based settings. A major portion of the hearing focused on Stony Brook, a sheriff-run stabilization and treatment center in Hampden County. Boston City Councilor John Fitzgerald, several committee members, and multiple people in recovery described the facility as humane, well-run, and effective, with longer stays, medical monitoring, medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and warm handoffs to aftercare. Several witnesses said Stony Brook saved their lives or helped family members recover, and they argued that the sheriff’s office model should be expanded rather than eliminated. Others, including family members and advocates, countered that even a well-run correctional setting remains stigmatizing and that people should not be treated in facilities run by sheriffs or corrections when they have committed no crime. No vote was taken. The hearing concluded with continued testimony, including Senator Friedman’s support for Section 35 as a civil commitment tool but not in a criminal justice setting, and her separate support for a bill to speed inpatient mental health treatment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Low-carbon methanol and fuel for chemicals. Low-carbon wood pellets, right?
• Low-carbon methanol and fuel for chemicals, AI infrastructure, power generation, natural gas, hydrogen
• , fuels for transportation, our trucking industry, aviation fuels, renewable diesel, green hydrogen,
• Energy Transfer, Selena Hub in Vernon and Rapides Parish, Energy Lake Charles Power Station, the Grown Fuel
• Project in Moon, the Hyundai Steel Mill, the Lake Charles Methanol, Louisiana Green Fuels, metadata

Summary: The committee took up public comment on a package of similar local-option bills related to carbon capture and sequestration, including House Bills 5, 6, 497, 498, 501, and 504. The bills would let parishes, or in some cases specific parishes such as Rapides and Livingston, decide by local vote whether Class VI wells, CO2 sequestration, and related pipeline infrastructure could be permitted. The chair grouped the bills together for testimony, adopted a three-minute public comment rule, and noted that the bills were not yet under consideration for a vote during the public-comment portion. Supporters, including Speaker Pro Tem Mike Johnson, parish officials, local activists, and residents, argued that communities affected by carbon capture projects should have a direct voice through local option elections. They said the bills were about self-determination, local control, and allowing residents to decide whether the risks are worth the benefits. Several speakers said their parishes had passed resolutions opposing carbon capture or asking for local choice, while others emphasized concerns about eminent domain, aquifer protection, lack of public understanding, and the need for more information about project impacts and financial benefits. Some supporters also said a local vote would force industry to engage more directly with communities and could improve transparency. Opponents, including representatives of the Department of Conservation and Energy, the Louisiana Chemistry Association, the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, and the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, warned that the bills would create uncertainty, undermine Louisiana’s primacy over Class VI permitting, and invite litigation under federal preemption and the Supremacy Clause. They said the state already has a strict permitting process with public input and technical review, and that allowing parish-by-parish approval could delay or block billions of dollars in investment, jobs, and export-related projects. The department testified that if the state adopted a local-option referendum system, EPA could determine Louisiana was not implementing the program consistently and could move to remove primacy. No committee vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Low-carbon methanol and fuel for chemicals.
• Low-carbon methanol and fuel for chemicals, AI infrastructure, power generation, natural gas, hydrogen
• , fuels for transportation, our trucking industry, aviation fuels, renewable diesel, green hydrogen,
• Energy Transfer, Selena Hub in Vernon and Rapides Parish, Energy Lake Charles Power Station, the Grown Fuel
• Project in Moon, the Hyundai Steel Mill, the Lake Charles Methanol, Louisiana Green Fuels, metadata

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• H.B. 2014, fuel formers modeling study appropriation. S.B. 2026, a short water supply commingling.
• Fuel Formers modeling, study, appropriation. S. B. 2026, a short water supply commingling. H.
• It was cheaper to use spent nuclear fuel, which was not totally spent, than it was to actually mine it
• instead of focusing on what is the real problem, which is pollutants, often from burning of fossil fuels
• Petition Waiver Fuel Formulations, Natural Resources; 2147.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, guest introductions, and approval of the journal. The chamber then moved through several Committee of the Whole calendars, considering a large number of bills and resolutions, mostly on second reading or in committee-of-the-whole format. Most measures were advanced with do-pass recommendations, often after adopting committee or floor amendments. Among the early items, SB 1515 (Industrial Commission revisions), SB 1645 (Auditor General performance audit), SB 1678 (health facilities), and SCR 1023 (Independent Redistricting Commission changes) were debated and approved. SCR 1023 drew the most discussion, with supporters arguing it would add geographic diversity, expand the commission to three Democrats, three Republicans, and three independents, and tighten population deviation standards to 5,000 people; opponents warned it could skew the commission and reduce nonpartisanship. The Senate also adopted amendments and advanced SB 1399, SB 1507, SB 1564, SB 1621, SB 1629, and SB 1811, with topics including AHCCCS cost reports, school district consolidation, electronic monitoring in long-term care, obesity prevention, behavioral health network adequacy, and public-school internet/wireless device issues. Later calendars addressed elections, public safety, and criminal justice. The Senate advanced SB 1134 (political signs) with an emergency clause, SB 1489 (ballot measures and circulators) after removing certain paid-circulator disclosure requirements, and SB 1725 and SCR 1048 concerning marijuana smoke as a public/private nuisance, shifting much of the issue into civil law and leaving only substantial, deliberate conduct on the criminal side. In public safety, SB 1416 on missing and kidnapped children reporting was amended to require law-enforcement training every two years and documentation of online information-sharing decisions; senators clarified it did not alter the Turquoise Alert. SB 1751 and SCR 1049, both related to capital punishment, were amended to make firing squad an available option rather than a mandatory method in certain cases, with one senator speaking in opposition to the death penalty. The Senate also advanced SB 1012, SB 1573, SB 1661, SB 1662, SB 1569, SB 1634, SB 1647, SB 1655, and SB 1664, covering concealed weapons notice appeals, judicial determinations and religious secular laws, paternity/genetic testing support, probation conditions, election-related voter registration and signature handling, foreign campaign contributions, election worker summonsing, and nomination petition signatures. Several bills were retained or moved between calendars, and the Committee of the Whole reports were adopted, sending the listed bills forward as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is for a study around using clean alternative fuels and electric vehicles, and it ended August 1,
• same as a cement manufacturer where most of their emissions don’t even come from combustion of fossil fuels
• same as a cement manufacturer where most of their emissions don’t even come from combustion of fossil fuels
• same as a cement manufacturer where most of their emissions don’t even come from combustion of fossil fuels
• third compliance periods and then trying to work out a plan to get to 2050 where there's zero fossil fuels

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on Substitute Senate Bill 5828, which would restore and adjust Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship award levels for students attending private, not-for-profit four-year institutions. Staff explained the bill would set the awards at 90 percent of the regional and state college rate rather than 50 percent of the research rate, with an estimated fiscal impact of $3.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and $18.6 million over four years. Testimony was largely in support from private college presidents, students, and school counselors, who said the bill would help low-income and first-generation students and preserve access and enrollment choices; some public college student representatives said they did not oppose the bill but argued that cuts to public-school aid should be restored first. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5911, which would prohibit DCYF from using benefits or funds of youth in extended foster care as reimbursement for their cost of care beginning in 2027, while requiring support for benefit management and payee arrangements and allowing protected accounts such as ABLE accounts. Staff estimated a net fiscal impact of $608,000 in fiscal year 2027 and $2.2 million per biennium thereafter. Testimony in support said the bill would end the practice of withholding SSI and other benefits from youth in care and better support disabled youth transitioning to adulthood. Members asked questions about fiduciary responsibility and representative payee arrangements. In executive session, the committee adopted amendments and advanced several bills. It adopted Amendment Clark 350 to House Bill 2689, raising the required provider response rate for the child care market rate survey to 65 percent, and then reported the bill out with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 18-11, with two excused. It adopted Amendment H-3743.1 to Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5395 on retrospective prior authorization denials and reported that bill out unanimously. It also adopted Amendment Pool 272 to Senate Bill 5420 and reported that bill out unanimously. For Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5496, the committee adopted several amendments clarifying scope and penalties but rejected amendments that would have delayed the bill or replaced it with a study; the bill was then reported out with a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard amendment briefings on other bills, including 5981, 6026, 6160, 6184, and 6211, but deferred action on some items heard that morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• So based on that information, I'd like to know where these SMRs would get their fuel source from.
• Where would this fuel source be coming from? Mr. Carroll? Okay, Mr. Chairman. Senator Hatathlie...
• about 11-plus companies that are in this arena, developing small modular reactors with a number of fuel
• like when we talk about rural communities and then desecration of the environment to extract these fuels
• And I wouldn't wish this type of pain... ...of what became the Cold War era's preferred choice of fuel

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Have we properly accounted for every conceivable price increase: utilities, fuel, insurance?
• At one point, we were down to one line technician fueling planes and myself.
• During that time, I personally fueled jets. I climbed on a 10,000-gallon avgas tank.
• I personally fueled jets. I climbed on a 10,000-gallon avgas tank to measure remaining fuel.
• I accepted fuel deliveries, tasks that are normally performed by technicians.

Summary: The Select Committee on Property Taxes heard first from city representatives through the Florida League of Cities, who argued that property taxes are a stable local revenue source that funds core services such as police, fire, parks, public works, and stormwater work. Casey Cook emphasized that cities are optional governments with widely different tax bases and service levels, that exemptions shift the burden to fewer taxpayers, and that transparency already exists through TRIM notices, public budgets, and local hearings. Sarah Campbell of Fernandina Beach, T. Michael Stavris of Winter Haven, and Stephen O’Kee of Port St. Lucie described their budget processes, the share of general-fund revenue coming from property taxes, reserve policies, debt and capital planning, and the impact of inflation, minimum wage increases, and personnel costs. They all said local governments need predictable revenue and that any property tax changes would require careful consideration of replacement funding or service reductions. Members questioned the city panel about whether homebuyers are clearly informed about city versus county taxes and services, the role of HOAs, how many lobbyists cities employ, reserve levels, average salaries, and whether utility revenues are used only for utility purposes. The panel said TRIM notices, realtor listings, and city websites provide tax information; HOAs generally do not provide emergency services; lobbyists help local governments track Tallahassee legislation; reserves vary by city and fund; and utility revenues are generally restricted, though some cities use limited transfers. Members also asked about revenue replacement if ad valorem taxes were reduced or eliminated, and the panel said options would likely include user fees, service cuts, or other local revenue shifts. The chair also asked about public safety consolidation, and the response was that such decisions are local and may shift costs rather than create true savings. The committee then heard from county representatives after an overview by the Florida Association of Counties’ Davin Suggs, who framed counties as shared partners with the state and emphasized the gap between rising market values and the shrinking share of taxable value after exemptions and assessment limits. He said counties face a mismatch between revenue based on taxable value and expenses driven by real-world costs, and noted that most counties either held millage steady or lowered it without reaching rollback rates. He also highlighted that property taxes are only one part of county revenue, with charges for services and intergovernmental revenue often larger in some counties, and that public safety at the county level includes more than law enforcement, such as EMS, emergency management, inspections, and corrections. Deborah Manzo of Okeechobee County described a fiscally constrained rural county with limited staff, a county-supported airport, heavy reliance on property taxes for the general fund, and major cost pressures from inflation, insurance, retirement, and state and federal mandates. She said the county lowered millage slightly over recent years but still depends on multiple revenue sources and special assessments, and she flagged Medicaid, medical examiner costs, and possible firefighter workweek changes as significant concerns. Bay County Administrator Mark McQueen said his county’s budget is shaped by Hurricane Michael recovery, non-discretionary obligations, and rapid growth; he described ongoing FEMA reimbursement delays, substantial borrowing to cover disaster costs, and continuing interest expenses while the county waits for reimbursement. The county panel was still in progress when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have maintenance, mechanical repair, avionics service, fuel storage — these all create...
• :24.919><c> repair</c><00:27:25.440><c> avionics</c><00:27:26.240><c> service</c><00:27:27.039><c> fuel
• </c><00:27:27.480><c> St</c> have repair avionics service fuel St have repair avionics service fuel St
• fuel<00:27:28.200><c> storage</c><00:27:28.840><c> these</c><00:27:29.120><c> all</c><00:27:29.360><
• c> create</c> Fuel storage, these all create opportunities to grow aviation in Minnesota.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, switching topics, and then I've only got one more after this. Nursing homes.
• feel comfortable with a great set of policies to come back and ask for authority through BA-7 to switch
• from living outside to, ...training and then switch from living outside to have a place to live, a place
• We don’t have extra money or extra slots that remain open to just switch around.
• So for every person that we switch a program for, that means we’re leaving somebody for whom the program

Summary: The committee first heard a budget presentation on LSU Health Care Services Division and Lallie Kemp Medical Center. Staff reviewed HCSD’s roughly $74.7 million budget, much of it tied to legacy obligations for former LSU hospital systems and support for Lallie Kemp. Committee members asked about prisoner care, risk management costs, declining admissions and emergency visits, and the hospital’s 340B drug program. Lallie Kemp officials explained that prisoner care serves multiple state and local facilities, that lower admissions largely reflect more patients being placed in observation status, and that the in-house 340B program provides major savings to patients and the prison system. Members also asked about care for unhoused patients and the hospital’s discharge practices, and the hospital said social services works to find placement when possible. The committee then moved to the Louisiana Department of Health budget, which was presented as just under $23.5 billion, with Medicaid making up more than 90 percent of the total. The presentation covered the Office of the Secretary, Office of Public Health, Office of Behavioral Health, Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, and Medicaid. Major items included the new Rural Health Transformation Program, the transfer of several functions from DCFS to LDH under the One Door initiative, changes to SNAP administration, and large Medicaid adjustments driven by enrollment, utilization, and federal policy changes. Testimony also highlighted the statewide crisis hub and 988, the commodity food program for seniors, women’s health and maternal outcomes, and the department’s efforts to modernize technology and reorganize services. Members questioned LDH officials on a wide range of budget and policy issues, including the rural health grant, crisis services, Medicaid redeterminations, provider taxes, physician and hospital supplemental payments, nursing home rates, HCBS funding, and the impact of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. LDH said the rural health grant would support workforce, technology, and care-delivery improvements; that the crisis hub and mobile crisis units are being expanded to improve access and reduce emergency room use; and that the department is working to keep the SNAP error rate below 6 percent to avoid a projected state cost increase. Officials also said they expect to return next year with additional funding requests for HCBS and other programs, while emphasizing that current budget changes are largely meant to realign funding with actual expenditures and new federal requirements. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.