Transcript Highlights:

• I can't answer that. I apologize. I can't answer that to any degree of certainty.
• And the answer was no. There's nothing.
• And so I think I've answered all of your questions.
• This amendment simply implements one of their key recommendations.
• And he answers.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard several member introductions before taking up the special order calendar. The chamber first postponed CS/SB 80 on state land management, then moved through a series of bills, often substituting House companions when identical or nearly identical. Early actions included unanimous passage of HB 295 on a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan, which directs DEP to develop a recycling and waste-diversion roadmap, and passage of CS/CS/SB 492 on land development and mitigation banking after amendments addressing out-of-service credits and former phosphate mine lands; that bill passed 35-3 after debate over possible constitutional concerns. The Senate also passed HB 255 on aggravated animal cruelty, adding a sentencing multiplier and a searchable FDLE database of convicted animal abusers, and HB 711 establishing the Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism, with $190,000 in nonrecurring implementation funds and a July 1, 2026 implementation date. The chamber then approved HB 1089 to add Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening, and HB 393 revising the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to expand eligible mitigation projects, lower the approval threshold, and clarify ownership and reimbursement issues. Members discussed funding levels and whether insurance premium credits would be required, but the bill passed unanimously. The Senate also passed HB 1145 on workforce education, HB 827 on a statewide study of automation and workforce impact, and HB 181 on parole guidelines, all without recorded opposition. CS/CS/SB 976 on court-appointed psychologists also passed unanimously, as did HB 1451 on sexual cyber harassment, which broadened protections against non-consensual and digitally forged intimate images. Later, the Senate approved HB 1156 creating the Home Health Aid for Medically Fragile Children Program, after clarifying training requirements and hearing support that the measure would help families keep medically fragile children at home while compensating trained parents. The chamber also passed HB 1091 on substance abuse and mental health care, with an amendment allowing designated facilities to retain stabilized patients who still meet involuntary examination criteria. Throughout the day, senators used questions and debate to probe charter school governance in CS/CS/SB 822, which was substituted with HB 443 and amended to expand charter autonomy over conduct codes, enrollment, reporting, and facility use while maintaining sponsor oversight; that bill was placed on the calendar for third reading rather than voted on in the excerpt. Several other measures, including SB 716, SB 76, and the final SB 1252 item, were postponed or not reached before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would be happy to answer any questions.
• So the key is the generator must apply.
• Um, I don't necessarily have an answer for that.
• Um, I don't necessarily have an answer for that.
• <01:50:03.679> Any answer for you on that. Thank you. Any answer for you on that.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It So if key part of this. Am I wrong?
• get into it, but happy to answer get into it, but happy to answer questions. questions. questions
• "Key issue about this re-certification that every 3 years it's the key word is retested." Yes, sir.
• the the key word is retested. Yes, sir. the the key word is retested. Yes, sir.
• So, what what key element Wrap around.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And although they state that although the new contract had not been finalized, work keys continued to
• Okay, that doesn't answer my question.
• I appreciate the timeframe; that does not answer the question.
• So if there's no one here that can answer it out there, can I ask staff to see if maybe they can answer
• Can I ask staff to see if maybe they can answer? Sure. Okay.

Summary: The committee met to review a supplemental agenda, procurement rule revisions, methods of finance, discretionary grants, contracts, and a member disclosure. The Office of State Procurement presented rule changes tied to 2025 legislative changes, including Act 782, with updates to sole-source definitions, unrealistic bids, protest requirements, debarment procedures, and recodification references; the committee voted to accept the supplemental agenda and approve the rules. Members also approved eight methods of finance covering university repairs, equipment replacement, property purchase, and capital projects, along with a large slate of discretionary grants for courts, health, DHS, historic preservation, and tobacco prevention programs. The committee then reviewed RFQs and six ratifications. The ratifications included a Workforce Connections payment to ACT WorkKeys, Department of Health costs from an ice-storm-related water leak, a large Department of Public Safety ratification for Motorola’s Arkansas Wireless Information Network upgrade, Veterans Affairs HVAC and medical-service payments, and a UA Little Rock painting contract. The Department of Public Safety ratification drew extended questioning about why the expired Motorola contract had not been renewed sooner and why the issue took months to reach the committee; agency officials said the project was bond-funded, had not been tracked in ASIS, and involved ongoing negotiations and system updates. Despite concerns, the committee approved the ratifications. Members also reviewed a long list of construction, intergovernmental, out-of-state, and in-state contracts, including numerous university, DHS, health, corrections, and state agency agreements. Several contracts were discussed in more detail, including an SAU custodial contract question about sales tax and transparency reporting, and Department of Corrections aerial application contracts for Tucker and Cummins farms, which officials said served separate facilities in different parts of the state. The committee approved the contract lists, reviewed reports, and accepted a disclosure from Representative Andrew Collins regarding his investment interest in a company leasing property to Arkansas Rehabilitation Services before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, and I'm happy to answer any questions. All right. Good afternoon, Dr. Jackson.
• Nothing further, but happy to answer any questions. LAO. Brian Metzker, LAO.
• Nothing further, but happy to answer any questions. L.A.O. Brian Metzker, L.A.O.
• So happy to answer any questions if you have them, but I think our emphasis is still on those efforts
• Nothing further, but happy to answer any questions. L.A.O.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services heard an overview of efforts to streamline access to safety net programs and move toward more automatic, person-centered enrollment. CDSS, DHCS, and CalHHS described current cross-enrollment between Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and CalWORKs, including data showing high overlap among programs and a text-message outreach pilot that increased CalWORKs applications and enrollments but reached only a small share of potentially eligible people. Witnesses emphasized barriers such as differing federal eligibility rules, data-sharing limits, privacy concerns, and the need for better technology, consent management, and stakeholder engagement. Members pressed the administration on how to institutionalize these efforts across administrations and asked for concrete budgetary and regulatory steps to support “no wrong door” enrollment and automatic referrals. The committee also reviewed several chair priorities. On the proposed foster care multi-agency office, CDSS said existing coordination structures already address much of the intended work and asked to verify prior fiscal scoring. On the Employment First Office, CalHHS explained that the office’s $1 million budget was eliminated in the 2024-25 budget as part of deficit reductions, while noting that employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities remains an administration priority through existing departmental coordination. For the food insecurity proposal, CDSS said it could provide technical assistance but would need new data-sharing agreements, could not separately calculate a CFAP participation rate with current data, and would likely need until July 1, 2027, plus ongoing staffing, to complete the requested report. The mandated reporter proposal drew support for reform, with CDSS estimating low-millions in one-time training costs and ongoing costs in the hundreds of thousands. The subcommittee also discussed a guaranteed income proposal. CalHHS suggested drafting new statutory language and considering a county-administered model rather than a state-run competitive grant process to reduce administrative burden, while members and public commenters urged support for AB 661 and a study of a permanent statewide guaranteed income program. Public testimony also supported automatic enrollment, community-supporting mandated reporting reforms, and cash assistance for fire recovery. In the final items, CSD described how local nonprofit partners helped during the Los Angeles fires with food, housing vouchers, transportation, and emergency energy assistance, and explained that LIHEAP and CSBG remain important but limited tools for disaster response. CSD also said recent federal staffing cuts and possible future federal budget threats could affect LIHEAP and CSBG administration, though no immediate service disruptions had occurred and additional LIHEAP funds were expected to be released soon.

Transcript Highlights:

• Working on partnerships is a key element of what we do at FDOT.
• I fact sheet frequently asked questions and answers and also a public engagement checklist.
• And I'm happy to answer any questions.
• all today and we look forward to answering any questions. >> Thank you.
• >> Our ftt aviation office would be happy to answer any other questions.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Madam, you're free to answer that. >> Conference.
• Right answer, Jackie. >> Okay. Any other questions?
• Chairman. >> Madam, you're free to answer that. >> Conference.
• Right answer, Jackie. >> Okay. Any other questions?
• other entities, but CBIN is the key other entities, but CBIN is the key element<00:06:57.120>

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But we also were able to identify some key areas where the flooding really compounded the situation.
• bring the scope in and intend to what your real intent is, which is that focused area, which I think is key
• These are the key infrastructure that handles so many of the canals, so many of the drainage points are
• worked with staff to get the first draft out there and the conversation started, but we do not hold the keys
• It appears to be one person, and I'll take staff, and really, Senator Truenow would be the one to answer

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources considered several environmental and infrastructure bills, most of them sponsored or presented by Senator McLean, along with measures on stormwater, wastewater, brownfields, marine facilities, and a confirmation package. SB 492 on mitigation banking would allow mitigation credits to be purchased outside an impact area when local credits are unavailable, with distance-based multipliers and a statutory credit release schedule; Senator Smith raised concerns about how far credits could be moved from the impacted ecosystem, while supporters said the bill would preserve net environmental benefit and provide predictability. The bill was reported favorably, with Senator Smith voting no. SB 800 would update Florida’s battery recycling program and require manufacturers to support more robust recycling and disposal information, prompted by testimony from waste, recycling, and industry groups describing truck, landfill, and facility fires caused by batteries. SB 1228 would advance a spring restoration project for Kentucky Springs and the Santa Fe spring flows by allowing JEA to amend a compliance plan to deliver more than 35 million gallons per day of reclaimed water to replenish the aquifer; it was reported favorably without debate. SB 796 would create a general permit for distributed wastewater treatment systems to help local governments address failing septic tanks, and SB 736 would update the Brownfields program with technical changes, revised definitions, and a change allowing smaller ownership interests to participate in cleanup efforts; both were reported favorably after supportive testimony. SB 810 on stormwater management required annual inspections of local government waterways and drainage works before hurricane season, motivated by flooding after recent storms. Senators Harrell and Smith questioned who would be responsible for inspections and repairs, the scope of structures covered, and the fiscal impact, and the sponsor said the bill would be refined to better define responsibilities and possibly narrow the scope to higher-risk infrastructure. The bill drew opposition from the Florida League of Cities and the Florida Stormwater Association, but also strong support from senators who emphasized the need for better preparedness; it was reported favorably. SB 1162 on water access facilities would add a clean marine manufacturer designation, provide a lease fee discount, and include parking for boat-hauling vehicles and trailers in the grant program; it was reported favorably. The committee also unanimously recommended confirmation of five Florida Inland Navigation District appointees, and Senator DeSantis? no, Senator DeCeglie recorded affirmative votes on SB 492, SB 800, and SB 1228 before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• be a number of policy questions for you going forward, but I wouldn't expect the committee to be answering
• of those policy goals so that we can coordinate internally with our actuaries to see what are those key
• questions that you're seeking to answer, what data...
• What are those key questions that you're seeking to answer, what data analysis or actuarial insights
• Well, if my answer to that is Right laws.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• be a number of policy questions for you going forward, but I wouldn't expect the committee to be answering
• of those policy goals so that we can coordinate internally with our actuaries to see what are those key
• questions that you're seeking to answer, what data...
• What are those key questions that you're seeking to answer, what data analysis or actuarial insights
• Well, if my answer to that is Right laws.

Summary: The executive committee approved the May minutes by roll call vote, then received an actuarial update from Sarah Baker of the State Actuary’s Office. Baker explained the office’s annual work, including the DRS pension actuarial evaluation, support for state financial reporting, cash flow analysis, a six-year pension contribution outlook, interim support for GIT and WAL CARES, and an upcoming actuarial evaluation of the volunteer firefighters pension plan. She also responded to questions about bills allowing members to transfer into PERS, noting that such transfers have historically increased PERS costs and that any added cost would be borne by PERS members and employers depending on bill structure and affected demographics. Kate Adams of the Attorney General’s office reported no new developments in the cases the committee is monitoring. She said the Dawson case is still in its early stages, with a judge assigned and a discovery plan due at the end of July. The committee asked for continued updates on that litigation. The committee then discussed interim work planning, focusing first on animal control officers’ eligibility for PERS and asking staff to continue researching definitions, comparable treatment in nearby states, and the cost and service-credit implications for affected employees. Members also discussed Plan 3 issues, including comparisons of Plan 2 and Plan 3 membership and data, and possible future briefing topics. The largest discussion centered on Plan 1 COLAs: members and retiree representatives debated whether to pursue a permanent COLA or an ad hoc COLA, and whether budget language should require future budget writers to consider a COLA. Retiree groups said they preferred a permanent COLA but were open to further discussion; staff was asked to continue work on possible language and policy options. The committee reviewed correspondence on four topics: Plan 1 COLA requests, a request to study LEOFF 2-style medical reimbursements for Washington State Patrol survivors, and a request to allow certain members to change survivor option elections after the federal Social Security Fairness Act. The committee agreed to bring the State Patrol medical reimbursement issue and the Social Security Fairness Act issue back for July, with staff to gather more information and provide an informational briefing. The July agenda was approved and includes the OSA annual update, the LEOFF 2 Board annual update, a PERS/TRS Plan 1 ad hoc COLA item, and the two survivor-related topics.

Transcript Highlights:

• opening and closing remarks, three minutes on testimony, and three minutes for members' questions and answers
• Yeah, so that local authority, that's a key piece of it, because one of these things about these economic
• She stated that she was there to support the bill and help answer questions.
• Taylor said that did not really answer her question.
• Okay, that really doesn't answer my, no, it doesn't. Because this is my question.

Bills: HR175, HCR81, SB105, SB290, SB304, SB374, SB522

Keywords: TOPS, education funding, workforce development, postsecondary education, Louisiana Works, tech training, declining enrollment, public schools, school districts, Louisiana Department of Education, state superintendent, school closures, budget cuts, teacher layoffs, school consolidation, education policy, enrollment decline, birth rates, migration, private schools

Summary: The House Education Committee met on May 6 and began with a presentation from LSU leadership, including LSU System President Wade Roos and Chancellor Jim Dalton. They outlined LSU’s goals of building an “elite” flagship university while maintaining accessibility through transfer pathways from regional campuses, increasing research expenditures toward top-tier status, and keeping more Louisiana students in-state for college and jobs. Members responded positively, praising LSU’s leadership, workforce focus, and efforts to retain the state’s best and brightest students. The committee then considered several bills. SB 105, by Sen. Kathy, would reinstitute a TOPS Tech-related benefit for veterans using existing TOPS Tech funds, with no new money added; it was reported favorably. SB 374 would create a uniform framework for college economic development districts, allowing other institutions to establish districts with local government approval; Rep. Tarver offered and the committee adopted an amendment adding a legislator to each district board, and the bill was reported with amendments. SB 304 would let Louisiana institutions choose from a Board of Regents-approved list of accreditors recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, while preserving specialized accreditation; it was reported favorably. The committee also took up SB 522, which would allow vocational and technical charter schools to apply directly to BESE as Type 2 charters when supported by the State Board of Commerce and Industry. Rep. Taylor objected that the bill should apply equally to public schools and charter schools, but the committee ultimately voted 9-1 to report the bill favorably. SB 290, a cleanup bill on student exit codes and school accountability data, was reported favorably. H.R. 175, which would have asked for a study of TOPS Tech, was voluntarily deferred by the author. Finally, H.C.R. 81, by Rep. Freiberg, requested a Department of Education study on options for public school systems facing declining enrollment, including funding, staffing, closures, and consolidation. Caroline Romer of the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools supported the study, and Rep. Taylor asked whether charter schools should be included in the review. The resolution was reported favorably. The meeting ended with several members recognizing visiting mayors and other guests before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a couple of simple answers to that.
• I'm happy to answer any questions on this bill.
• Sorry, you know I'd answer it.
• And the answer is yes, if the money was found.
• The answer is yes, if the money was found.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And these trade wars have undermined key portions of our economy.
• Uh, that's a key part of what these health care bills will do.
• Uh, that's a key part of what these health care bills will do.
• Uh that's a key part of contraception.
• <05:40:27.600> for Will Republicans have any answer for Will Republicans have any answer for

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Before you are several key policy solutions that we have studied and proposed.
• And I'm happy to answer any questions, Chair, or we can wait till the end. units.
• How would you answer that?
• So I'll just close with eight key recommendations.
• I think one of the key barriers is the technical assistance part.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:07 Roll Call 00:00:14 Discussion of Pro-Growth Housing Policies 00:02:01 Discussion of Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit 01:11:13 Adjournment 01:40:27, 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky Housing Task Force met and heard first from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, which presented findings from a housing study done with the Home Builders Association. The chamber said housing is now a major economic-development issue, citing survey results that 90% of community leaders said their region could not absorb a major job announcement and 66% said housing is holding back Kentucky’s economy. The chamber described Kentucky’s housing shortage, rising home prices, declining permits since 2008, and the need for more production to support growth. It urged policy changes including zoning and land-use reform, tax incentives, regional approaches, and especially a residential infrastructure fund modeled on Indiana’s low-interest loan program to help communities finance roads and other infrastructure needed for new housing. Members asked about the severity of the problem, workforce shortages in permitting and construction, the loan interest rate, repayment, and whether Kentucky could replicate Indiana’s results; the witness said the issue is a crisis and that the program would be a revolving public-private partnership, likely around 3% interest, with implementation details still to be worked out. The Kentucky Bankers Association then testified that the housing gap is especially acute for households at 80% of area median income and below, which it said represents about 70% of Kentucky’s housing need. It emphasized that the shortage affects both urban and rural counties and pointed to examples such as Rowan County, where workers at major employers must commute long distances because local housing is unavailable or unaffordable. The bankers said high interest rates remain a major barrier and proposed a $20 million bank commitment for a revolving fund tied to tax credits to finance new housing, not refinances. They cited Hope of the Midwest as an example of a successful tax-credit housing model with a long track record and no defaults, and said the proposal would leverage public-private partnerships to create new units. Committee members questioned how the proposed fund would compare with industrial revenue bonds and whether it could be structured like Kentucky’s tobacco settlement fund, with seed money, a review board, scoring criteria, and possible population thresholds to ensure smaller communities benefit. The bankers said the proposal would be another tool for cities and counties, specifically tied to residential infrastructure, and that larger cities should not be able to capture all of the resources. No formal votes or actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• over 25 state issued permits our key over 25 state issued permits our key safety<00:22:15.240>
• Um, Kei Holiday Surf Club, I will announce the associations with regards to this measure on SB 1457.
• Kei Holiday Surf Club in opposition. Boss Frogs, D.
• Yeah, so to answer some of those questions, actually K. said it perfectly about the plan, and there's
• Let me try to answer your question.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Water and Land Committee heard several measures related to DLNR, coastal management, and public lands. SB 561, which appropriates funds for conservation enforcement equipment for the Oʻahu branch of DOCARE, drew broad support from DLNR and multiple organizations, with the chair noting 18 supporters and no opposition. SB 465 would require DLNR to study the carrying capacity of Kīkiʻola Small Boat Harbor on Kauaʻi and report to the Legislature; DLNR supported the intent but suggested the study be timed with an ongoing $41 million capital improvement project. Senator Kouchi explained the bill was meant to close a permit loophole that has allowed operators to increase passenger capacity without additional approval, while one testifier opposed the measure as unnecessary and late. Supporters included county and community representatives, while some written testimony opposed it. The committee also heard SB 1456, which broadens the definition of beach restoration to include work on eroded beaches and degraded dune systems, including sand management, native vegetation, and removal of abandoned materials. DLNR, the University of Hawaiʻi, and other testifiers supported the measure as an administrative update. SB 1460 would require BLNR lease extensions to use updated forms reflecting current leasing practices; DLNR supported it as an administrative bill. SB 1517 would authorize public land leases for recreational residential use by public lottery limited to county residents. DLNR supported the bill, and Chipper Wiman and others testified that it would help preserve Kauaʻi’s historic recreational cabins and create fairness for local families; the committee also heard concerns about older cabins, market-based auction prices, and the need to keep these leases affordable for residents. The committee then heard SB 1511, which would prohibit vessels longer than 75 feet from entering Honoliʻi Bay, with an exemption for government vessels; DLNR and at least one additional testifier supported it. SB 1019 would allow the Ocean Stewardship Special Fund to be used for beach restoration planning and grants to nonprofits for cleanup, but DLNR said that purpose fit better under the separate Beach Restoration Special Fund, and the Ocean Tourism Coalition opposed the bill on that basis. Finally, SB 1457 would authorize DLNR to issue interim rules on commercial and recreational water sports equipment use for up to two years; DLNR described it as an adaptive-management tool for changing conditions, while multiple water-sports operators and residents opposed it, arguing it would reduce public participation, expand agency power, and target the foiling community. The hearing closed with the chair noting heavy opposition to SB 1457, including 88 written testimonies against it and only a few in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's similar to my answer to the last question.
• It's similar to my answer to >> Yeah. Yes.
• And right now the be answered.
• to answer questions if there are any. to answer questions if there are any.
• DHHL and the county's office um key DHHL and the county's office um key office<00:49:56.160>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2046, which would establish and fund an Olo Hawaii Commission to coordinate and promote initiatives supporting the use of Olo Hawaii. The Attorney General suggested adding an end date because the bill creates a temporary commission, and several supporters from the University of Hawaii, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission said the commission could improve coordination, funding decisions, and consistency across agencies. Members discussed whether the commission should include broader representation, including expertise on Niihau dialect speakers and other stakeholders, and the bill was then set aside as the committee moved to the next measure. The committee next considered House Bill 2438, creating the Hawaii Cultural Trust within DBEDT, authorizing an income tax credit for contributions to the trust and qualified cultural organizations, and creating a special license plate to support the trust. DBEDT said it would need additional resources, including staff, to administer the program. The Department of Taxation recommended changing the effective date to 2026 to allow time for implementation and adding a requirement that credits be claimed within one year. OHA supported the bill but objected to language that would require it to maintain a prequalified list of organizations, saying that could limit applicants and conflict with its grant process. The Tax Foundation said it supported cultural funding but preferred direct appropriations and grants over a trust fund and tax credit structure. The final measure discussed was House Bill 2584, which would temporarily increase public land trust revenues transferred to OHA while reaffirming the state’s obligation to the 20% pro rata share, with a repeal date of June 30, 2028. The Attorney General recommended deleting the bill’s requirement that OHA receive a minimum amount equal to the 20% share, arguing the constitution and Admission Act do not specify a precise dollar amount and that the legislature must determine allocation. OHA strongly supported the bill, arguing the state currently pays only about 5% and that historical records show much higher amounts are owed; OHA also pointed to a carry-forward account it said held about $55 million. DLNR opposed the bill because the fiscal impact was unspecified and could affect land management and special fund budgets. Several OHA trustees and supporters urged the committee to pass the bill, and one testifier criticized the state for underfunding Native Hawaiian obligations. No votes were taken in the portion provided, and the committee continued hearing testimony on HB 2584.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't have a great answer for you as to why it's gotten so high.
• Again, I just don't have the exact answer for you.
• I'm sure it would be the same answer.
• Well, my answer was no, they don't purchase and prepare food.
• And you answer that for every single child.

Transcript Highlights:

• Questions answers, particularly after hurricanes.
• I'm happy to answer any questions. Thank you.
• If you have any questions, I'll be glad to answer.
• So thank you for that answer. >> Thank you, Representative grow.
• It them trained up, get them long on the answer.

Transcript Highlights:

• I really don't know the answer to that question.
• and working with our Medicaid division and getting this done to use ENS to assist with meeting the key
• I think... well, yeah, I... certainly I can answer questions related to the 1115.
• So does anybody have any questions that we need answers to right now?
• The short answer to that is we really don't know.

Summary: The committee opened with roll call, welcomed members back for the first committee weeks, and heard brief personal updates from several senators before moving into agency implementation updates on recently enacted health care laws. The Agency for Health Care Administration reported on Senate Bill 64 creating rural emergency hospitals, explaining that AHCA adopted the required rules effective June 1, 2025, but that no hospitals have yet been designated. Members asked about possible hospital conversions, accreditation and survey responsibilities, and whether Florida would apply for federal rural health transformation funding; AHCA said it intends to apply and has already been working on the issue with federal officials. AHCA also reviewed the non-emergent care access plan requirement under Senate Bill 7016. The agency said hospitals with emergency departments must submit plans that help redirect non-emergent patients to appropriate care settings while complying with EMTALA, and that 83 plans had been received and 63 approved as of September 30. Members asked about data collection, managed care coordination, and the state’s health information exchange; AHCA said it has moved to a new HIE vendor and will continue monitoring implementation and possible care gaps. AHCA then updated the committee on the TEACH program, saying $6.8 million was spent in 2024-25 across 59 parent organizations and 229 facilities, with more than 1,800 students and nearly 380,000 clinical hours reimbursed. The agency said rulemaking is nearly complete, a new nursing student category and expanded facility eligibility were added, and a federal 1115 workforce waiver remains stalled after CMS signaled it will not approve new workforce demonstrations. AHCA also reviewed House Bill 121 on KidCare eligibility, explaining that implementation of the 300% poverty-level expansion remains blocked by federal litigation and waiver issues tied to premium nonpayment rules; members and public speakers urged action to close the coverage gap. Public testimony on AHCA’s presentation came from representatives of health centers and advocacy groups, who said the non-emergent care access plan has improved hospital-health center coordination and reduced repeat emergency use, and who urged implementation of KidCare expansion for children in the coverage gap. The Department of Health then presented updates on FRAM, the Sanadi screening grant program, the Health Care Innovation Revolving Loan Program, telehealth maternity care, swimming lesson vouchers, and House Bill 159 on pharmacist dispensing of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis. DOH reported strong participation in FRAM and the telehealth maternity program, 24 Sanadi grant awards in 42 counties, 4,945 swimming lesson vouchers issued last year and 2,371 so far this year, and three approved certification courses with five pharmacist certifications issued under HB 159. Committee members asked about recruitment of dentists and other providers, telehealth maternity outcomes, and why participation in the maternity program remains below expected levels; DOH said outreach and regional referral networks are expanding and more detailed outcome data will be included in the upcoming legislative report.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, I'm happy to try and answer any questions.
• So I appreciate you answering my questions. Yeah, thank you.
• Thank you all for answering. Thank you. Back to the fee again.
• I guess that wouldn't be one for me to really answer.
• I'm glad to answer any questions. Thank you, Ms. Cortez.

Bills: SB383, SB1012, SB1181, SB1705, SB2075, SB2221, SB2586, SB2864, SB2994

Keywords: SB 383, ERCOT, Texas Utilities Code, interconnection, wind power facility, offshore wind, coastal wind, nearshore wind, Gulf of America, Texas coast, three marine leagues, electric grid, transmission line, distribution facility, renewable energy, battery storage, energy storage, grid access, power grid, electric service