Transcript Highlights:

• So we immediately referred to DCF as the monitoring and certification agency and provided the information
• Certification not only ensures quality and accountability, but it allows centers to receive state funding
• Certification not only ensures quality and accountability, but it allows centers to receive state funding
• We utilize a certification process to make sure that they're meeting those standards, that they're able
• you all with subject matter expertise are sitting around in a work group and there's not direct language

Summary: The committee held a panel discussion on Florida’s domestic violence system, focusing on how state and federally funded services are coordinated, the role of the Florida Partnership to End Domestic Violence (FPEDV), the Florida Domestic Violence Collaborative, DCF, and certified domestic violence centers. Members reviewed the post-2020 restructuring after the dissolution of FCADV, the current hotline, legal services, training, and technical assistance contracts, and the Legislature’s recent work on lethality assessments under SB 1224. Panelists also described prevention, shelter, counseling, child advocacy, and legal support services, along with the statewide network of 41 certified centers serving all 67 counties. Testimony highlighted both collaboration and tension. FPEDV and Women in Distress described overlapping training and technical assistance roles, but FPEDV said its relationship with DCF has been difficult and at times obstructive, while DCF said communication and coordination are ongoing. Women in Distress and other providers emphasized the importance of direct services, the statewide hotline, injunction assistance, child welfare co-located advocates, and prevention programs. Several members asked about funding flows, certification, and whether the current structure is sufficient for rural counties; witnesses said federal FVPSA funds are formula-based, DCF contracts directly with centers, and rural programs face staffing and fundraising challenges that limit beds and services. A major portion of the discussion centered on the lethality assessment work group and implementation of the new statewide tool. FDLE explained that the work group concluded the Maryland model was copyrighted and costly to replicate exactly, so Florida adopted a statutory assessment that is not evidence-based in the same way, with training available online and 46 of about 400 law enforcement agencies having completed it so far. Senators raised concerns about multiple assessments, redacted police reports, and whether the tool will be useful without better coordination and data collection. Witnesses also discussed rising domestic violence, teen dating violence, and strangulation cases, with providers reporting increased demand, full shelters, and greater use of hotels and mobile crisis responses. No formal votes or actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• It moves the birthplace of a child's parent from the publicly accessible portion of a birth certificate
• the district in which the birth occurred and prescribes specific information to be listed on a certificate
• The California Department of Public Health already maintains a confidential section on each birth certificate
• who has petitioned to adopt the child can obtain a copy of the confidential portion of the birth certificate
• Roseberg, on behalf of Oakham Privacy, we support the bill, and we've asked for one little tweak in the language

Summary: The committee heard several health-related bills, with extensive testimony on maternal health, prenatal safety, privacy, valley fever, Medi-Cal contracting, anti-discrimination protections, and health data sharing. SB 32 would require time-and-distance standards for labor and delivery units in health plan networks; the author and supporters said it would address maternity care deserts and improve access, while health plans opposed. SB 646 would require testing and public disclosure for toxic elements in prenatal vitamins; supporters emphasized fetal and maternal safety and transparency, while industry opponents warned it could confuse consumers or lead to reduced nutrient content. Both bills drew broad support from medical and public health groups, and both were advanced on party-line or near-unanimous votes after committee discussion. The committee also approved SB 313, which moves a parent’s birthplace on birth certificates into the confidential section to protect privacy, and SB 297, which directs CDPH to identify high-incidence valley fever regions and publish them for screening and awareness; valley fever experts and supporters stressed rising cases and the need for earlier diagnosis, while local health jurisdictions raised concerns about mandates. SB 324, dealing with Medi-Cal enhanced care management and community supports, would prioritize local community-based organizations and clarify contracting and data practices; it received strong support from nonprofits and community health advocates, with children’s hospitals and health plans seeking amendments, and it was sent forward after amendments were discussed. The committee then considered SB 418, which would codify ACA nondiscrimination protections in state law and allow up to a 12-month prescription supply for hormone therapy when medically necessary. Supporters framed it as protecting continuity of care for transgender patients and others using hormone therapy, including IVF and menopause patients, while opponents argued it would conflict with federal policy and promote harmful treatments. The bill passed to the next committee. Finally, SB 660 would strengthen the California Health and Human Services data exchange framework by creating governance and accountability for data sharing across health and social service entities; supporters said it would reduce duplication and improve care coordination, while some providers and hospital groups raised concerns. It was approved and sent to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. The consent calendar and the other measures were also voted out, with the committee recording the required roll-call votes and sending the bills onward.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're also doing things like making sure they get all their vital paperwork, such as birth certificates
• We will sometimes be able to get Uber certificates and things like that depending on where the person
• And meet performance measures, including completing certificates required for inmate releases within
• In FY 2024, the Board processed 1,553 parole certificates and cleared the backlog of discharge certificate
• recommendations, forgive me, I don't remember which, last year included that appropriation with contingency language

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so members, what this does is this simply is permissive language that allows a watershed, a WMO,
• Um, like I say, the language is permissive and does not put a new requirement on any of our, uh, local
• So if you wouldn't mind considering adding language about townships over the population of 10,000.
• <00:35:03.119> as maybe isn't captured in this language as maybe isn't captured in this language
• The amount of work that they have to put in, the extra certifications, people losing their SNAP, and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We just have a brief description of what the Century Code language is that authorizes the continuing
• And so this is a good opportunity to just maybe to kind of clarify the language that I’m using.
• They might have a degree, maybe they don't, but maybe they only need a certificate, maybe they only need
• Although the list hasn't been finalized, the draft list includes growth of certificates, credentials,
• alignment with the in-demand occupations, average wage increases after obtaining a new credential or certification

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Budget Section’s Commerce and Legal Services Division met to review the Department of Commerce base budget for the 2027-29 biennium and to receive an update on Commerce programs. Legislative Council staff first walked the committee through the “blue sheet” base budget summary, explaining the major line items, the large share of federal grant authority in Commerce’s budget, and the continuing appropriations that support several Commerce funds. Members asked how grant funding is coordinated across agencies, and staff said collaboration varies by program but is strong in areas like UAS and LIHEAP. Commerce Commissioner Chris Schilken then presented on current activities, focusing heavily on grant administration, transparency, and economic development programs. Members questioned how grant applicants are selected, whether Commerce tracks applications and return on investment, and how long grant awards take to reach recipients. The commissioner said Commerce uses scoring criteria, outside reviewers, a minimum 30-day application window, and typically completes awards within two to three months. A lengthy exchange followed over whether Commerce should open some grants only to intended recipients versus running competitive application processes; Commerce said it follows best-practice grantmaking and that its attorney in the Attorney General’s office approved that approach. Commerce also highlighted the North Dakota Development Fund, citing long-term investment and job creation results, examples such as Red Trail Energy, Packet Digital, Valiance, Corvent Medical, child care loans, and the Automate ND program. Members asked about acceptable failures, lessons learned, regional economic development coordination, and the expansion of the fund into non-primary sectors. Workforce Director Katie Ralston Howell then outlined a statewide workforce ecosystem review, a new governor’s workforce sub-cabinet, and three task forces focused on simplifying entry, warm handoffs, and data integration. She discussed the in-demand occupations list, Workforce Pell, apprenticeships, and efforts to better connect students with employers and higher education. Commerce also briefly reviewed housing programs and a new housing sub-cabinet. No votes were taken; the committee simply received testimony, asked questions, and adjourned after setting up the next meeting to hear the Attorney General budget in June.

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee substitute includes language that addresses the county's finances, being audited to ensure
• Amazingly enough, for the record, my birth certificate... says Houston, Texas. Born in St.
• The TDLR is required to administer an all-terrain vehicle and off-highway vehicle safety certificate
• law prohibits persons from operating an off-highway vehicle on a beach unless they hold a safety certificate
• The committee substitute for Senate Bill 1746 is agreed upon in the language between Cedar Port Navigation

Bills: SB39, SB2129, SB2141, SB2246, SB2323, SB2439, SB2722, SB 39

Keywords: commercial motor vehicle, truck liability, motor carrier, trucking, civil liability, respondeat superior, negligent entrustment, negligent maintenance, negligent loading, negligent repair, bifurcated trial, exemplary damages, punitive damages, personal injury, collision, employer liability, vicarious liability, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Texas tort reform, commercial truck accident

Transcript Highlights:

• Second change is adding language banning political subdivisions from imposing a measure on... ...the
• Senator Hancock's bill on the creation of a spirit cooler certificate.
• The committee substitute deletes the language from the central accumulator from Section 127.333(b), clarifying
• The substitute incorporates language from the Department of Public Safety and eliminates the fiscal note
• Uh, the substitute incorporates language from the Department of Public Safety and eliminates the fiscal

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs considered a series of pending bills, most of them related to elections, public funds, criminal penalties, and related regulatory issues. The committee reported favorably several measures, including SB 1183 on electronic benefits transfer cards, SB 506 on ballot proposition procedures and conflicts with petition measures, SB 2742 on electioneering and unlawful use of public funds for political advertising, SB 1540 on confidentiality of personal information for election officials and employees, SB 2225 on a spirit cooler certificate, SB 2284 on regulation of air guns and archery equipment, SB 2595 on masking while harassing or intimidating, SB 3031 on aggravated assault, SB 2217 on election reporting technical corrections, SB 2514 on a criminal penalty increase tied to a DPS-related measure, SB 2876 on riot participation while masked, and SB 2877 on election fraud penalties. Several of these bills were also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar without objection. The committee adopted committee substitutes for SB 506, SB 2742, SB 2595, SB 2217, and SB 2514. The substitutes made mostly technical or clarifying changes, including giving the Secretary of State one opportunity to rewrite misleading ballot language, preventing conflicting measures from appearing on the same ballot, converting certain mask-related exemptions into affirmative defenses, clarifying election reporting language, and increasing a penalty from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony in SB 2514. SB 2742’s substitute was described as a council draft with no real substantive changes. Votes were generally favorable, with most bills passing on unanimous or near-unanimous roll calls. SB 1183, SB 2742, SB 2225, SB 3031, and SB 2877 each had one nay; SB 2753 passed with 8 ayes, 1 nay, and 1 present not voting; and the remaining measures reported out unanimously. After completing the agenda, the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• It looks like they are changing language for ease of understanding, and also they are requesting 500
• like uh uh they are changing uh language like uh uh they are changing uh language and<00:02:13.840
• We kind of ran into some hangup with the language.
• I was just looking at the language, and yeah, thank you for clarifying Lake Superior College.
• I know the language says for 12 new CNAs.

Bills: HF110, HF111, HF263, HF105

Keywords: HF110, Adrian Independent School District, Independent School District No. 511, school construction, sales tax exemption, use tax refund, refundable exemption, construction materials, capital improvements, school roofing, playground remodel, retaining walls, plumbing, bathroom remodel, locker room remodel, window replacements, local tax relief, general fund appropriation, Minnesota chapter 297A, retroactive tax refund

Transcript Highlights:

• As a language arts teacher, my job should be to teach language arts, and someone else who's a behavior
• So there has been no change between the language of the original.
• Given the date we received that notification, we will be reviewing that, Language at our May meeting
• So there were several notable changes from the proposed rule language.
• American language and culture certification.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, in our College of Business, we are launching new undergraduate and graduate certificate programs
• We're still trying to get our language. up to speed.
• He was, you know, kind of appointed the main guy, which is my language.
• Perhaps you could work with the Department of Finance and Administration to ensure that the language
• We need to ensure that we lock in the necessary language.

Transcript Highlights:

• It’s 1.4 million deaf and hard of hearing ASL users in the state who can celebrate this beautiful language
• and most deaf people do use video phones in their homes so they can communicate via American Sign Language
• and most deaf people do use video phones in their homes so they can communicate via American sign language
• DDS is also proud to sponsor the DSW to LPN certificate program, which is designed to support direct
• Assisting these individuals in obtaining college education or obtaining certificate and vocational-type

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was an informational and oversight session of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities, with chairs and members hearing agency updates from several commissioners. The Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition described its maternal and child health work, including home visiting, early intervention, WIC, newborn hearing screening, and cross-agency efforts on prenatal substance exposure, respite care, children’s vision, and maternal health initiatives. DPH emphasized that federal grant cuts, layoffs, and the loss of data systems such as PRAMS would weaken services and planning, and members asked about Title V funding and the impact of federal uncertainty. The Massachusetts Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing highlighted communication access services, interpreter and CART referrals, emergency after-hours support, family navigation, and independent living services. Commissioners and members discussed the shortage of ASL interpreters and the need to expand training pipelines, including partnerships with colleges and possible ASL programming for younger students. The Department of Developmental Services reported serving nearly 50,000 people and focused on youth and adult services, transition-age supports, autism services, self-direction, respite, and new high-acuity residential models. Members asked about respite availability, self-direction outcomes, and workforce shortages; DDS said it was expanding clinical capacity and provider rates while monitoring possible federal Medicaid, SNAP, and immigration-related impacts. The Commission for the Blind described services for about 28,000 legally blind residents, most of whom are older adults, including social rehabilitation, orientation and mobility training, children’s services, assistive technology, vocational rehabilitation, and Turning 22 supports. The commissioner discussed a UMass-based effort to build the workforce pipeline for blindness services and said the agency was watching federal restructuring but had not yet seen direct cuts. MassAbility’s leadership then warned about major federal changes affecting Social Security disability determinations, including staff restructuring, office closures, and a new overpayment repayment policy, and said the agency was preparing for possible increases in claims and uncertainty around reallotment dollars that help fund services. The Disabled Persons Protection Commission closed the hearing with an update on its abuse investigations and protective services for adults with disabilities. DPPC reported rising hotline calls and investigations, a growing caseload, its sexual assault response team, the abuser registry, and a new interagency protective services integration system funded by ARPA dollars through 2027. The agency also flagged new federal rules that could affect funding eligibility and said it may need statutory changes to comply. Members asked about funding, reporting pathways, and how complaints reach DPPC, and the commissioner said the agency uses both mandated reporting and proactive outreach to identify and respond to abuse.

Transcript Highlights:

• inconsistencies matter because the EIBA is currently about to engage in active rulemaking, and the memorial language
• I don't know, Chairman, if you heard, but we gave a certificate to Representative McQueen yesterday,
• I don't know if you heard, but we gave a certificate to Representative McQueen yesterday, who's retiring

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This language has actually been upheld before, from when it was part of the law.
• This language has actually been upheld before, from when it was part of the law.
• That language, paired with the language of diversion for adult sex trade survivors, makes it very clear
• They did that because of the language in SB 1421 and SB 16.
• They did that because of the language in SB 1421 and SB 16.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures, beginning with housekeeping items and the adoption of a four-bill consent calendar. Bills on the consent calendar included AB 476 on metal theft, AB 619 on California Conservation Corps training for formerly incarcerated people, AB 1192 on child abuse or neglect reporting, and AB 1239 on human trafficking data. Several bills were pulled by the authors before hearing, and the committee also announced that AB 379 would be heard with a file notice waiver and AB 63 would be for testimony only. The most extensive discussion was on AB 366, which would require ignition interlock devices for anyone convicted of DUI. The author, Senator Archuleta, and a MADD representative gave emotional testimony about family members killed by drunk drivers and argued the bill would save lives. Support came from law enforcement, fire, medical, auto club, and safety groups. Opposition from public defenders and criminal justice advocates focused on loss of judicial discretion, costs for low-income drivers, and concerns about vendor oversight and effectiveness. The committee voted to pass AB 366 as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1380, which would create a permanent pathway into firefighting careers for formerly incarcerated people who served on Cal Fire hand crews. The author and supporters said the bill would recognize service, improve reentry, and reduce recidivism; a fire labor group withdrew its opposition after amendments were discussed. The measure passed to Appropriations, though it remained on call pending one additional vote. AB 461, which would remove criminal penalties for parents of truant K-8 students and replace them with supportive responses, drew broad support from education and justice advocates but no opposition testimony; it was also passed to Appropriations and left on call pending one more vote. ACR 60, recognizing the Downey Police Department’s special-needs communication program for interactions with people with disabilities or sensory challenges, was adopted unanimously. The committee then heard AB 746 on creating an inmate cooperative program and a green reentry reserve for incarcerated workers. Supporters said it would build job skills, dignity, and reentry success; there was no opposition testimony. The bill passed to Appropriations and was left on call pending votes. Finally, AB 379 on human trafficking drew strong support from survivor advocates, law enforcement, and local officials for creating a survivor services fund and targeting buyers, but also strong opposition from survivors and civil liberties groups who warned it would criminalize vulnerable people and revive harmful loitering enforcement. The committee discussion continued with members weighing survivor support, public safety tools, and concerns about the bill’s amendments and scope.

Transcript Highlights:

• to see if there's any sort of language to see if there's any sort of language that<01:35:05.040>
• Um, I do have some language.
• When can we get the amendment language?”
• There's no change in this proposed language relative to that cap.
• <04:38:57.279> would program but would that language would program but would that language

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 2 provisions affecting the New Hampshire Retirement System, focusing on Group 2/Tier B retirement changes in pages 25 through 39 of the bill. NHRS Executive Director Jan Goodwin and deputy chief counsel Mark Kavanaugh explained that the 2025 bill is largely similar to prior versions and to HB 727, with the main difference being that the 2025 version does not include the earlier increase in the maximum benefit. They also said the fiscal note for HB 2 is based on earlier actuarial work and that an updated valuation was expected later in the week. A major topic was whether the bill accidentally removed an anti-spiking or special-duty compensation limit. NHRS said the omission appears to be a scrivener’s error caused by moving language between Group 1 and Group 2 definitions, and they planned to flag it in the fiscal note. Members also reviewed the bill’s intent to restore Tier B members to pre-2011 benefit rules, including changes to earnable compensation, average final compensation, and the comp-over-base rule. Some members questioned whether restoring those older rules was appropriate, arguing the 2011 changes were meant to curb pension spiking and that undoing them could be problematic. The committee also discussed the bill’s cost and funding assumptions. NHRS said the 2025 bill would reduce unfunded actuarial liability by about $98.2 million and would have a more favorable effect than the 2023 version, while employer contribution impacts would remain relatively small. Members noted the bill assumes annual appropriations of $27.5 million for 10 years, but House Bill 1 currently provides only $5 million in the first year, and NHRS had not yet analyzed the effect of that shortfall. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the discussion was informational and focused on clarifying the bill’s language, intent, and fiscal impact.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said they have been working alongside the Department of Labor to make sure the language is right,
• make sure that we have the language make sure that we have the language right<00:53:31.559> we're
• The certification just does not sound like hardship to these companies.
• The certification just does not sound like hardship to these companies.
• I'm just here to testify on the fact of the importance of scuba certification.

Bills: HF1355, HF1469, HF1768

Keywords: commercial diving, scuba diving safety, aquatic plant management, workplace safety, environmental regulations, HF1469, Minnesota, workforce development, job training, job skills training, reentry, reentry services, formerly incarcerated, ex-offenders, inmates, recently released inmates, felony conviction, felony-level offense, corrections, prison release

Transcript Highlights:

• And I’m being calm with my language about this.
• Our industry needs more certification, more regulation.
• Our industry needs more certification, more regulation.
• Certification, I just took a TABC certification class, took me four to six hours, like five quizzes,
• I need to see all your certifications of everything.'

Bills: SB 3, HB28, SB3

Keywords: flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power, weather siren, emergency management, flood-prone area, warning system, hemp regulation, consumable products

Transcript Highlights:

• :09:03.839> involves<00:09:04.399> having<00:09:04.800> a<00:09:04.959> certificate
• <00:09:05.440> of process involves having a certificate of process involves having a certificate
• kind of every single year, but that's kind of the<00:10:17.200> clarifying<00:10:17.760> language
• of<00:10:18.320> this<00:10:18.560> is<00:10:18.800> to the clarifying language
• of this is to the clarifying language of this is to say<00:10:19.200> that<00:10:19.519> the

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:01 Legislator Comments 00:42 HB 56 Discussion 02:27 HB 56 Roll Call Vote 12:52 HB 258 Discussion 14:03 HB 258 Roll Call Vote 26:15 HB 281 Discussion 27:41 HB 281 Roll Call Vote 30:14, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled opening business, including attendance, guest introductions, and a reminder about the 24-hour rule for bill substitutes. Guests were introduced by members, including an intern from California, a county judge-executive, and the committee’s session intern. The committee then took up House Bill 56, presented by Rep. Dan Fister and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, which would update and clarify several agriculture-related regulatory provisions. HB 56 would require annual inspections and annual inspection tags for amusement rides, exempt certain private-property amusement ride itineraries from the 14-day advance notice requirement, clarify grain program dispute procedures, adjust egg license renewal dates and assessment-fee rules for small producers, and repeal obsolete tobacco and egg marketing board statutes. Members asked about the definition of amusement rides, whether inflatables are covered, and how licensing and inspection work for commercial operators versus private owners. The bill sponsor and agency representative explained that businesses must still register and obtain licenses and permits, while the bill mainly clarifies annual inspection requirements and reduces unnecessary notice burdens. The committee approved HB 56 with favorable expression. The committee next heard House Bill 258, sponsored by Rep. J.T. Payne, which would raise the weight limit for milk transportation on state highways to 90,000 pounds. Supporters, including a dairy farmer and Kentucky Department of Agriculture counsel, said the change would let haulers carry fuller loads, reduce trips, improve efficiency, and help a shrinking dairy industry. Members discussed the current 80,000-pound limit, the 10% variance, possible effects on other industries, and whether the bill sets a precedent; the sponsor said other carveouts already exist in statute. Several members spoke in support, citing the importance of dairy farming and transportation efficiency. HB 258 also received favorable expression. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 281, sponsored by Rep. Robert Duvall, to streamline food service rules for churches and nonprofits that provide meals to homeless shelters and disaster-displaced people. The sponsor said current rules can require industrial-grade kitchens and restaurant-level plumbing for simple food service, and the bill would exempt churches and nonprofits from those requirements while keeping food safety standards in place. The bill had support from groups serving shelters and disaster relief. HB 281 passed with favorable expression as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we aren't disaggregating the certification between ISDs and charter schools.
• So it's kind of like we need to clarify this language. minimum.
• law, has been doing this for a long time and looked across the country, and it did have that owner language
• 60% lower socioeconomic status as well and over 70 languages spoken. ...spoken at H-E-B ISD schools is
• More fundamentally, in terms of the future leaders, the State Board for Educator Certification has a

Bills: HB1540, HB3837, HB5571, SB370, SB2425

Keywords: government review, Texas Sunset Act, regulatory oversight, agencies, sunset provisions, autonomous vehicles, regulation, safety, criminal offense, Autonomous Vehicle Commission, registration, regulations, Level 4 automation, Level 5 automation, self-driving technology, traffic laws, permit system, collision reporting, safety standards, Automated Vehicle Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• what's probably happening right now in Monroe County is we have no teachers that can teach foreign languages
• But right now we're having a problem with the Haitian language.
• program does terrific work in providing students with the opportunity to work toward their CTE certification
• kids were graduating, they weren't only graduating with a high school diploma, but with an FAA certificate
• Children who complete Florida's VPK program score higher on third grade reading and language arts assessments

Summary: The Education Administration Subcommittee held an introductory meeting focused largely on member introductions and “homework” reports about education issues in each district. Members raised a wide range of concerns and priorities, including early childhood care and VPK access, school choice and school closures, teacher recruitment and retention, conflict resolution and school safety, early literacy and preparedness, technology and AI/STEM instruction, attendance and mental health, ESE services, dual enrollment and career/technical education, caregiving youth, and real-time student enrollment/funding tracking. Several members also emphasized local challenges such as housing-driven teacher turnover, disaster-related attendance problems, and funding inequities across counties. The committee then heard a detailed presentation on Florida’s early learning system from Chancellor Carrie Miller of the Department of Education’s Division of Early Learning. She outlined the structure and funding of School Readiness, VPK, and the Gold Seal Quality Care program, the role of early learning coalitions and DCF, and the state’s quality and accountability measures. She highlighted the importance of kindergarten readiness, teacher quality, and the new School Readiness Plus program, which helps families transition off subsidy more gradually. Additional panelists from the Children’s Forum, the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe, and a Tallahassee child care provider discussed workforce shortages, low wages, provider turnover, the TEACH scholarship program, Help Me Grow, local coalition operations, and the need for more providers and more consistent regulation. During questions, members asked about wait lists, special needs services, teacher retention, provider onboarding, and DCF regulation. The panel said Miami-Dade’s wait list was about 4,000 children and described priority categories for service; they also said children with disabilities are screened and referred for support, though not given a separate priority category. Panelists reported that TEACH has helped reduce turnover through education support and service commitments, but said wages and career pathways remain major issues. Members also pressed for clearer, more consistent licensing standards and more support for new providers entering the field. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Reporting to our office varies from tier certification, where you verify your revenue, to an AUP.
• Last year, I assisted with either tier certifications or AUPs.
• Before, when they had a tier certification, they had to print it out, sign it, scan it, and upload it
• They provided input that was captured, including proposed language in the discussion draft, and that's
• We are providing detailed comments, recommendations, and language for the ISC draft rules.