Transcript Highlights:

• Should we be making a further reduction from what USDA says on that for our California school meals,
• several important studies happening now that are showing promise of potential therapeutic and harm reduction
• LEAP, I developed expertise in drug policy and harm reduction.
• This ban reduces patient and consumer access to a product that shows promise as a harm reduction tool
• Well-crafted harm reduction policies are based on research and take substantial time and attention to

Summary: The committee heard a series of environmental safety and toxic materials measures, with several bills moving forward on unanimous or near-unanimous votes to Appropriations. Early in the meeting, the consent calendar was approved, including AB 372, AB 455, AB 1096, AB 1102, and AB 754. AB 362 by Assembly Member Ramos, which would recognize tribal beneficial uses of water and strengthen consultation and protection for tribal water uses, drew strong support from tribes and environmental groups. Water agencies and local government representatives opposed unless amended, raising concerns about CEQA requirements, co-management language, and conflicts with existing water law. The bill advanced to Appropriations, with some members voting aye and others not voting or absent. AB 728 by Assembly Member Lee would require age verification for the sale of certain anti-aging skin care products to minors. The author and a youth witness described social media-driven use of adult skin products by children and alleged skin damage, while supporters argued age checks are a reasonable consumer protection. Dermatologists and retailers opposed the bill, saying it could restrict legitimate acne and other medical uses of over-the-counter products, create compliance problems, and lacked a clear scientific basis. The committee discussed possible ambiguity in the bill’s definition of anti-aging products, but the measure still passed to Appropriations. AB 532 on low-income water rate assistance, AB 773 on copper-based anti-fouling paint, AB 998 on household hazardous waste disposal of vape pens, AB 1031 on geothermal hazardous waste fees, and AB 864 on solar panel hazardous waste and recycling all received strong support and advanced to Appropriations. Supporters for AB 532 emphasized water affordability and local program authority; AB 773 supporters said conflicting state water and pesticide rules are creating confusion for harbors and cities; AB 998 was presented as a practical way to let schools and local facilities dispose of confiscated vape devices safely; AB 1031 was framed as reducing DTSC fee burdens on geothermal development in Imperial County; and AB 864 would ease recycling and reuse of end-of-life solar panels. The committee also began hearing AB 1264 on ultra-processed foods in school meals, with the author and supporters arguing it would phase out the most harmful ultra-processed foods from school meals by 2032, but the transcript cuts off before the full discussion and any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• that</c><00:10:31.360><c> there</c><00:10:31.720><c> is</c><00:10:32.040><c> a</c><00:10:32.320><c> reduction
• </c><00:10:32.720><c> of</c><00:10:32.920><c> 36</c> I'll note that there is a reduction of $36 million
• Topline dollars: the November 2024 forecast at DHS produced a $183 million general fund reduction in
• 00:15:04.279><c> fund</c> uh uh 183 million in a general fund uh uh 183 million in a general fund reduction
• Schomacker [member_9948]: So, the only federal interaction that's booked in the forecast is the reduction

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The appropriation reduction is $250,000 a year beginning in FY26.
• </c><00:08:17.440><c> uh</c> Um it was felt that um a reduction uh Um it was felt that um a reduction
• So, um, anyway, that's my comment, but can you, did I miss reductions to the from that?
• So, um, anyway, that's my comment, but can you, did I miss reductions to the from that?
• Reductions to the from that. Did I miss that, or did you comment about that?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I can speak to the reductions in the fiscal notes since the initial language came out of the House.
• I can speak to the reductions in the fiscal notes since the initial language came out of the House.
• even double what those actual payments are and how come that's not reflected in the general revenue reduction

Summary: The Legislative Rules Committee held a public hearing and then executive session on Senate Bill 1694, along with related Senate Bill 1688, which together would modernize and expand the Missouri Downtown and Rural Economic Stimulus Act (MODESA). Senator Steve Roberts said the bills would increase flexibility for redevelopment projects, broaden financing tools, extend timelines, and expand residential incentives, with no general fund risk. Supporters, including lobbyists for the Cordish Companies, the City of Kansas City, the City of St. Louis, Greater St. Louis Inc., Historic Revitalization for Missouri, and BioSTL/Next Missouri, argued the program has already helped transform downtown Kansas City and St. Louis and could spur major redevelopment such as Ballpark Village, Power & Light, the Millennium Hotel area, the AT&T Tower, and the Railway Exchange Building. They emphasized private investment, local control, and the potential to bring vacant buildings back onto the tax rolls. One witness, the state public advocate, opposed SB 1694, arguing it would create more bureaucracy and political subdivisions, rely on tax abatements and TIF-like tools, and shift costs to taxpayers. Committee members asked questions about the bill’s residential language, the history of MODESA projects, the fiscal note, and whether the incentives could apply to other downtown sites. Supporters clarified that the committee substitute removed a proposed income-tax incentive, reduced some escalators, and retained a voluntary, opt-in structure for cities. The chair also noted that stadiums themselves are excluded, though surrounding areas may qualify. In executive session, the committee adopted a substitute and voted 10-0 to do pass the House Committee Substitute for Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bills 1694 and 1688. The committee then voted 8-2 to do pass Senate Substitute Number 2 for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1586, sponsored by Senator Brown, and 8-0 with two present votes to do pass House Committee Substitute for Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 889, which the chair described as a large cleanup bill removing obsolete statutes. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This increase helps offset reductions in federal funding and ensures continued support for essential
• We began with federal reductions. And then we were under attack...
• And then we were under attack for the DEI programs, and more specifically the reduction of Native Hawaiian

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It opens the door to eligibility cuts, benefit reductions, or new barriers to care, all without direct
• It opens the door to eligibility cuts, benefits, reductions, or new barriers to care, all without direct
• So there's also no requirement for a fiscal analysis or legislative review at the time of that reduction

Summary: The committee primarily considered House Bill 440, which would move Medicaid expansion language from the Oklahoma Constitution into state statute and send the change to voters in a special election. Supporters argued this would give the Legislature flexibility to manage the program, especially if federal Medicaid matching rates were reduced, and said it would help protect the state budget and allow future adjustments such as eligibility or work requirements. Opponents said the measure would weaken voter-approved constitutional protections, create uncertainty for more than 300,000 enrollees, rural hospitals, and providers, and could allow future cuts without another vote of the people. Members also discussed the possible fiscal impact of a federal match change from 90-10 to 60-40, with supporters saying the state could face roughly a billion-dollar annual cost and would need flexibility to avoid cuts to other services. Questions also focused on the choice of an August special election rather than the November general election, and on whether tribal governments and other stakeholders had been consulted. After debate, the committee tabled an amendment and passed House Bill 440 on a 14-2 vote. The committee then took up House Joint Resolution 1087, which would change the Avalon reimbursement program so the Legislature could manage funding levels and methodologies rather than being bound to the current structure. It passed 14-2. The committee also considered House Joint Resolution 1067, a trigger measure that would only appear on the November ballot if House Bill 440 failed in August; it would relieve the state of any obligation to fund Medicaid expansion for working adults if the federal match dropped below 90%. After adopting a committee substitute and tabling an amendment, the resolution also passed 14-2. The committee then laid over H.J.R. 1089 and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• programs, and the $22 million on here, you know, like they had shared earlier before, even with this reduction
• And the $22 million on here, you know, like they had shared earlier before, even with this reduction,
• Even with this reduction, it's not back to the 2022, let me look here, the 2022 costs.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 863, which would reduce funding in a disability services program by nearly $22 million while adding an audit and directing more money to direct-care workforce wages. Supporters said the cut was needed to meet budget targets, improve transparency, and target bad actors, while opponents warned the reduction could destabilize the program, harm good providers, and risk loss of services for people with disabilities. After discussion, the committee voted 6-3 to send HB 863 to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 730, a SNAP program integrity bill sponsored by Sen. Van Orden. The bill would require more frequent eligibility checks, including lottery winnings, death and incarceration records, out-of-state EBT use, quarterly income reviews, and tighter asset limits, with supporters saying it would protect taxpayers, reduce fraud, and help Idaho avoid future federal penalties under the One Big Beautiful Bill. Testimony from the Idaho Food Bank, the Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy, and the Hunger Coalition opposed the bill, arguing it would add bureaucracy, increase error rates, and create barriers for eligible households, while FGA-affiliated witnesses supported it as a proactive safeguard that could save money over time. Members debated the bill’s fiscal note and whether the added administrative burden could raise Idaho’s SNAP error rate and trigger federal cost-sharing penalties. Some senators questioned whether the department could handle the new workload, while supporters said the state needed to prepare for federal changes and that the bill would improve oversight. The committee voted 7-2 to send HB 730 to the floor with a do pass recommendation, then adjourned and announced it would meet again the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, we'd like to know if he's really going to stand up for tax reductions associated with the bill.
• But I do appreciate that the governor has insisted there be some meaningful tax reduction.
• So, I mean, even with small sales tax or B&O tax deductions or reductions with the income tax, I mean

Summary: Senate and House Republican leaders used the weekly media availability to criticize the Democratic majority’s budget and tax proposals, framing the session around affordability and fiscal restraint. They said the operating budgets rely on unsustainable one-time money, rainy day funds, and an income tax proposal they argued is unconstitutional and likely to drive businesses and wealthy residents out of Washington. They also said House and Senate Republicans offered budget amendments aimed at property tax relief, restoring money to public works, and reducing reliance on new taxes, but those efforts were rejected. The lawmakers also highlighted several bills they said failed to advance, including juvenile rehabilitation reforms, child endangerment/child fatality reporting measures, and tort reform. Braun said he plans to raise those issues, along with the income tax and budget concerns, in a meeting with the governor, and asked whether the governor would veto the income tax if his conditions are not met. Connors and Abbarno added that Republicans are still working with some Democrats, including on a constitutional amendment approach to any income tax, but said the majority is moving too quickly and without adequate safeguards. Other topics included the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on California transgender policies, which Republicans described as a win for parents’ rights and potentially relevant to Washington school policy, and a House bill affecting data centers, which they opposed as harmful to jobs, energy innovation, and local tax bases. They also criticized additional taxes under consideration, such as nicotine, prescription drug, bag, bottle, and data-center-related taxes, arguing these would worsen affordability. The session ended with Republicans saying they had little influence in the budget conference process and vowing to keep fighting the income tax and other tax increases through the final days of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• National analyses show reductions in total staffing hours with only minor or inconsistent increases in
• Workforce reductions contribute to higher deficiency rates and lower CMS star quality ratings, consistent
• Private equity ownership too often leads to cost cutting, workforce reductions, operational instability

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The bottom table summarizes the budget reduction plans that our agency submitted to legislative services
• The bottom table summarizes the budget reduction plans that our agency submitted to legislative services
• The bottom table summarizes the budget reduction plans that our agency submitted to legislative services

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Agricultural Committee opened by welcoming a BYU-Idaho agribusiness class visiting the committee, then took up a rule docket, 020601-2501. Senator Lakey moved to approve the docket except for section 112, new subsections 01 through 05, which were rejected because the incorporated-by-reference documents lacked a specific date, creating a conflict with the Administrative Procedures Act. The motion carried. The committee then printed two RSs. RS 33272, presented by Senator Nichols, would create standards for kratom products, preserving access to natural leaf kratom while prohibiting adulterated or artificially enhanced products, requiring limited third-party testing, setting an age restriction, and clarifying supply-chain responsibilities. RS 33226, presented by Senator Lakey, is the Idaho Direct to Consumer Act, aimed at reducing regulation on small-scale homemade food and non-alcoholic beverage sales, including direct farm and ranch sales, while keeping basic labeling, recordkeeping, and food-safety education requirements. Both RSs were moved to print without opposition. The Idaho Department of Water Resources, speaking through the Soil and Water Conservation Commission, gave an agency update on district support, conservation programs, and budget requests. Staff described funding distributed to the 50 conservation districts, CREP and water-quality work, and the Water Quality Program for Agriculture (WQPA), which has seen strong demand and funded many projects statewide. In response to a question, Director Weaver said WQPA is not included in the governor’s budget. The Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts then emphasized the value of locally led, voluntary conservation, citing education, infrastructure, and wildfire-related projects, and said districts return $2.82 in local benefit for every state dollar invested. No further actions were taken before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Youth and Families provide a report to the legislature by December 1st of this year, detailing and reduction
• , and Families would provide a report to the legislature by December 1 of this year, detailing a reduction
• So moving from a hard floor of four staff to a 1-to-4 ratio would indicate a massive reduction in labor

Bills: HB1544, HB2099, HB2185, HB2219, HB2253, HB2317, HB2318, HB2319, HB2350

Keywords: child welfare, risk assessment, investigation, child abuse, neglect, military families, early childhood education, access, assistance program, education equity, homelessness, youth programs, advisory committee, prevention, protection, HB 2219, child care licensing, early learning, DCYF, Department of Children Youth and Families

Transcript Highlights:

• It is locking in a reduction that has already cost us $550 million over the past three years.
• And if passed, it will result in a reduction of millions more.
• It should be noted that this estimate is only at the low end, as it does not include revenue reductions

Summary: The Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee met with a delayed start while waiting for quorum, then heard several bills before moving to the suspense file. AB 564 by Assemblymember Haney would freeze the planned cannabis excise tax increase at 15% rather than allow it to rise to 25%; supporters argued the legal cannabis industry is struggling against the illicit market and high taxes, while opponents said the measure would reduce funding for children, youth programs, environmental restoration, and enforcement promised under Prop. 64. The bill was sent to suspense during regular order and later approved out of suspense on a 6-0 vote with amendments, including a five-year sunset and a reduced rate. AB 1265, also by Haney, would extend and expand the state historic tax credit to encourage rehabilitation of vacant historic buildings for housing and mixed-use projects; preservation and housing advocates supported it, and it was also sent to suspense rather than voted on immediately. The committee then heard AB 1377 by Assemblymember McKenna, which would require studios seeking optional diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility film tax credits to complete the plans they submit to the California Film Commission. Labor supporters said studios should do more than make good-faith efforts, and the bill passed 5-1 to Appropriations. AB 1416 by Vice Chair Ta would clarify disaster-related property tax deferrals for homeowners who have requested installment plans, and it passed 7-0 to the Assembly Floor. Afterward, the chair gave a general warning that the bills on suspense represented large revenue losses and emphasized the committee’s need to weigh tax expenditures against other state priorities. On the suspense file, the committee approved AB 27, AB 53, AB 97, AB 231, AB 232, AB 429, AB 613, AB 984, and AB 1485, mostly on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, while AB 547 passed 5-1. Several other bills, including AB 386, AB 389, AB 490, AB 6991, AB 814, AB 1057, AB 1219, AB 1282, AB 1354, AB 1431, AB 1435, and AB 1481, were held in committee. The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning after completing the suspense-file actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• IT MAKES AN ADJUSTMENT TO PARKING REDUCTION REQUIREMENTS, REQUIRING LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO PROVIDE A 20
• PERCENT REDUCTION.
• IT CLARIFIES THE PARKING REDUCTIONS AND SPECIFIES THAT HOME-BASED BUSINESSES DO NOT QUALIFY AS A COMMERCIAL

Bills: SCR37, SB60, SB226, SB231, SB264, SB387, SB570, SB596, SB651, SB769, SB855, SB863, SB991, SB1079, SB1085, SB1151, SB1191, SB1214, SB1243, SB1247, SB1314, SB1364, SB1372, SB1401, SB1409, SB1504, SB1522, SB1625, SB1662, SB1663, SB1728, SB1759, SB1762, SB1804, SB1818, SB1838, SB1839, SB1851, SB1855, SB1872, SB1873, SB1874, SB1877, SB1879, SB1901, SB1919, SB1921, SB1923, SB1936, SB1937, SB1968, SB1977, SB2034, SB2053, SB2066, SB2077, SB2124, SB2143, SB2166, SB2180, SB2204, SB2231, SB2237, SB2243, SB2321, SB2569, SJR39, SJR68, SCR29, SCR42, SB22, SB30, SB33, SB37, SB75, SB217, SB240, SB331, SB393, SB505, SB530, SB546, SB552, SB584, SB586, SB618, SB626, SB636, SB732, SB762, SB769, SB825, SB844, SB870, SB884, SB926, SB964, SB1080, SB1099, SB1150, SB1177, SB1184, SB1261, SB1262, SB1314, SB1325, SB1364, SB1398, SB1455, SB1506, SB1524, SB1577, SB1596, SB1620, SB1624, SB1642, SB1643, SB1646, SB1667, SB1727, SB1760, SB1789, SB1791, SB1804, SB1806, SB1851, SB1868, SB1870, SB1901, SB1923, SB1927, SB1951, SB1960, SB1962, SB2010, SB2023, SB2024, SB2037, SB2051, SB2052, SB2056, SB2066, SB2122, SB2129, SB2180, SB2183, SB2185, SB2207, SB2226, SB2252, SB2323, SB2361, SB2368, SB2405, SB2420, SB2425, SB2569, SB2717, SB2949, SB1, SJR36, SJR50, SJR39, SJR63, SJR68, SCR12, SCR39, SCR38, SCR37, SCR42, SCR29, SB1596, SB33, SB505, SB37, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB1073, SB810, SB1539, SB1505, SB583, SB957, SB1502, SB507, SB1026, SB1349, SB1433, SB1434, SB264, SB1364, SB1376, SB1585, SB1772, SB2016, SB1163, SB619, SB1122, SB1877, SB732, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB964, SB287, SB2143, SB261, SB1247, SB1882, SB618, SB393, SB2243, SB2226, SB1919, SB1791, SB22, SB651, SB1080, SB826, SB1079, SB1243, SB1504, SB1851, SB1879, SB2237, SB1257, SB2034, SB1522, SB1151, SB596, SB1191, SB226, SB570, SB870, SB991, SB60, SB1401, SB1728, SB586, SB529, SB217, SB209, SB1923, SB1839, SB387, SB1874, SB1872, SB1873, SB1921, SB1883, SB1620, SB1838, SB2024, SB2429, SB1999, SB511, SB2309, SB2166, SB510, SB2420, SB1860, SB1314, SB1398, SB855, SB2425, SB2037, SB1759, SB1924, SB1818, SB1762, SB1968, SB1977, SB2077, SB2321, SB1662, SB1663, SB2124, SB2204, SB1855, SB863, SB2252, SB1962, SB2253, SB825, SB1577, SB1184, SB2018, SB2206, SB1901, SB2368, SB1963, SB1960, SB1643, SB1625, SB1299, SB841, SB668, SB584, SB231, SB1085, SB2431, SB2231, SB1490, SB530, SB1261, SB552, SB1099, SB1646, SB2180, SB1804, SB1937, SB1936, SB2569, SB1372, SB1506, SB1806, SB1868, SB2361, SB2314, SB769, SB1409, SB2122, SB434, SB1214, SB1951, SB2183, SB2046, SB1667, SB1870, SB1727, SB2405, SB2127, SB1975, SB1760, SB1734, SB1335, SB2066, SB2129, SB2246, SB2439, SB1624, SB1244, SB1468, SB2717, SB1612, SB1262, SB604, SB2395, SB2185, SB1832, SB1745, SB1746, SB2207, SB2023, SB1784, SB1524, SB626, SB528, SB437, SB269, SB1137, SB968, SB636, SB747, SB1325, SB1789, SB1455, SB2056, SB75, SB1940, SB2052, SB1927, SB2010, SB1579, SB2068, SB3034, SB844, SB1920, SB1177, SB1558, SB1236, SB1044, SB926, SB884, SB463, SB331, SB227, SB240, SB517, SB1200, SB1410, SB1626, SB1845, SB1863, SB2216, SB2681, SB1717, SB2053, SB546, SB2141, SB2949, SB2323, SB2200, SB2332, SB2199, SB1642, SB1150, SB1757, SB2050, SB1138, SB2051, SB2626, SB2458, SB1864, SB30, SB2201, SB1862, SB1583, SB1055, SB2660, SB1898, SB2662, SB2161, SB2964, SB2881, SB1065, SB801, SB2743, SB2533, SB1413, HJR4, SB2073, SB3014, SB3013, SB2774, SB2702, SB2629, SB2443, SB2349, SB2167, SB2145, SB2121, SB758, SB648, SB647, SB512, SB438, SB1721, SB2268, SB1495, SB2705, SB2366, SB1422, SB1369, SB1013, SB682, SB2692, SB2570, SB2797, SB2111, SB1896, SB1164, SB1020, SB663, SB2371, SB1152, SB2196, SB2383, SB2581, SB2798, SB330, SB646, SB843, SB1998, SB1418, SB2788, SB1169, SB2873, SB1754, SB1534, SB1718, SB2779, SB2004, SB1143, SB1756, SB912, SB2119, SB2032, SB527, SB1580, SB1952, SB2601, SB22, SB39, SB75, SB626, SB926, SB1080, SB1099, SB1177, SB1506, SB1577, SB1646, SB1806, SB2122, SB2226, SB2361, SB2420, SB2421, SB30, SB552, SB964, SB1927, SB1962, SB2023, SR393, SR412, SR414, SJR85, SCR48, SB23, SB3047, HB39, HB 102, HB300, HB500, HB1400, HB2143, HCR64, HCR101, SB30, SB33, SB37, SB505, SB552, SB964, SB1596, SB1927, SB1962, SCR37, SB60, SB226, SB231, SB264, SB387, SB570, SB596, SB651, SB769, SB855, SB863, SB991, SB1079, SB1151, SB1191, SB1214, SB1243, SB1247, SB1314, SB1364, SB1372, SB1401, SB1409, SB1504, SB1522, SB1625, SB1662, SB1663, SB1728, SB1759, SB1762, SB1804, SB1818, SB1838, SB1839, SB1851, SB1855, SB1872, SB1873, SB1874, SB1877, SB1879, SB1901, SB1919, SB1921, SB1936, SB1937, SB1968, SB1977, SB2034, SB2053, SB2066, SB2077, SB2124, SB2143, SB2166, SB2180, SB2204, SB2231, SB2237, SB2243, SB2321, SB2569, SB1085, SB1923, SJR85, SCR48, SB23, SB3047, HB39, HB 102, HB300, HB500, HB1400, HB2143, HCR64, HCR101

Keywords: SCR 37, Senate Concurrent Resolution, Panama Canal, Texas ports, port infrastructure, maritime trade, shipping lanes, supply chain resilience, global commerce, exports, LNG, liquefied natural gas, crude oil, refined petroleum, agriculture, manufacturing, economic development, trade policy, foreign policy, diplomatic engagement

Transcript Highlights:

• IT MAKES AN ADJUSTMENT TO PARKING REDUCTION REQUIREMENTS TO REQUIRE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO PROVIDE A 20
• PERCENT REDUCTION IN IN OUR AMENDMENT WE WILL SEE A CHANGE TO THAT.
• LIMITATION FROM THE LOCAL PROJECT CLEAR SINGLE FAMILY HOMES ADJACENT ONTO SITE AND CLARIFIES THE PARKING REDUCTIONS

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're certainly concerned about the proposed reductions to the CanRenew Community Reinvestment Grant.
• Overall, in fiscal years 26 and 27, there was a cut of $642,000, followed by a reduction of $13.886 million
• Line 116 shows the CanRenew grant reductions.

Bills: HF1646, HF2443

Keywords: medical debt, debt relief, healthcare financing, consumer protection, financial hardship, commerce, cannabis, insurance, housing, ombudsperson, affordability, property, task force, financial institutions

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, and so what I'm hearing, John, is this is going to be a reduction to the general fund.
• I'm still trying to figure out because it's special funds, but yet it's going to be a reduction to the
• general fund. ...it's special funds, but yet it's going to be a reduction to the general fund, and I

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Industry and Business reconvened to work on House Bill 1584, which would create a new pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) regulatory structure within the Insurance Department. Insurance Commissioner John Godfrey and Deputy Commissioner John Arnold explained a revised set of amendments negotiated with Representative Casper and the North Dakota Pharmacists Association. They said the bill largely kept the House policy intact but added technical corrections, narrowed some references in Chapter 19-02, created a separate PBM licensing class, set a delayed effective date for licensing, and established emergency authority so the department could begin building the new division. They also described the proposal to fund the program through existing trust fund resources, PBM license fees, and a transfer of about $1.6 million from the prescription drug transparency program fund, while allowing the department flexibility to hire needed attorneys, pharmacists, and examiners. A major point of discussion was Section 10, which would have required the Attorney General to represent and bear costs for lawsuits related to the bill. Chief Deputy Attorney General Claire Ness said the language was too broad and would go beyond normal constitutional defense work, potentially obligating her office to cover all lawsuits against the commissioner or state under the section. Representative Casper said the intent was only to avoid the Insurance Department having to seek emergency funding for litigation, and both he and department officials said they were open to removing the section or narrowing it. After further discussion, the committee agreed to remove Section 10 from the amendments. The committee then voted 4-0 to adopt the amended amendment package, and then voted 4-0 to give House Bill 1584 a do pass recommendation as amended and refer it to Appropriations. Members noted the bill was still a work in progress, but said the revised version was intended to move the PBM regulation issue forward while continuing discussion in the appropriations process.

Transcript Highlights:

• think your question was answered there, because there has to be a public hearing and then there's a reduction
• think your question was answered there, because there has to be a public hearing and then there's a reduction
• I'm not arguing whether or not there should be a reduction.

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee met with a quorum present and considered five bills. The first, PCS for HB 987, was an honorary transportation facility designation bill naming several roads and an overpass for fallen officers, a military service member, and first responders. An amendment added the Sheriff Gary S. Borders Memorial Highway designation in Lake County. Members offered supportive remarks, and the bill passed 17-0. The committee then heard HB 703, which would require authorities such as FDOT or local governments to pay the costs when they require telecom providers to relocate infrastructure from public rights-of-way. Support came from Charter Communications, Associated Industries of Florida, and Florida Internet and Television, with discussion focused on the communication services tax and the cost burden of relocations. The bill passed unanimously 18-0. HB 1523 followed, addressing municipal utilities serving customers outside their boundaries by requiring public meetings, annual reporting, limits on transfers to general revenue, and reduced or eliminated surcharges for outside-boundary customers. Municipal utility representatives opposed parts of the bill, citing rural impacts, debt obligations, and the need for a glide path, while supporters argued for transparency and fairness to ratepayers outside municipal boundaries. An amendment changed a reporting date to January 31, 2026, and the bill passed 14-4. HB 867 established a legal framework for commuter rail operations along Florida’s coastal corridor, including insurance and indemnification arrangements for Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties using the Florida East Coast Railway right-of-way. An amendment clarified that Florida East Coast Railway and Brightline are not state entities and do not have sovereign immunity unless expressly provided by law. The bill passed 18-0. Finally, HB 1137 clarified a prior energy preemption law by adding boards, agencies, commissions, and authorities of counties and municipal corporations to the entities covered, aimed at preventing discriminatory energy-source practices by an appointed board. Public testimony included support from the Florida Natural Gas Association and the Florida Home Builders Association and opposition from Florida Student Power. Members noted the bill was a cleanup measure, and it passed favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• SINCE THE NOVEMBER 20 TODAY. 25% HAVE SEEN A PREMIUM REDUCTION.
• OF THOSE 2500 THEIR AVERAGE REDUCTION WORKS OUT TO $943 PER YEAR.
• SO IN 2020, 2021 WE IMPLEMENTED SOME ADDITIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES AND RECEIVED A 9% REDUCTION

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• TEAM AND WE LOOK AT NUMBERS AND TRENDS AND I CAN TELL YOU IN DECEMBER WE SAW THERE WAS 18 PERCENT REDUCTION
• AN 18 PERCENT REDUCTION THERE. 40 PERCENT REDUCTION SAME TIME FOR AUTO THEFT.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• those participating in our first panel to go over the IHSS overview and the governor's proposed reductions
• So, acknowledging that we'll be talking about the governor's IHSS budget reductions proposed in a few
• Okay, so in the May revise, you're going to have updated numbers of the potential reduction in savings
• This reduction would not only impact families like mine, but most importantly, they would...
• Such previous budget solutions included across-the-board provider rate reductions.

Summary: The subcommittee heard an overview of the governor’s IHSS budget proposals and extensive testimony from the Department of Social Services, Department of Finance, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, county representatives, labor, consumer advocates, and advocates for older adults and people with disabilities. The administration described IHSS as a large and growing program serving more than 900,000 recipients, and outlined three proposals: shifting the cost of growth in authorized hours per case to counties, eliminating the backup provider system, and aligning IHSS terminations with Medi-Cal terminations. The LAO said the overall budget estimates appeared reasonable but raised concerns about the hours-per-case proposal, including the lack of a comprehensive root-cause analysis, the limited control counties have over statewide cost growth, and uncertainty about how the baseline and savings would work. CWDA, SEIU, and consumer advocates strongly opposed the hours cost shift, arguing that counties use state-designed tools, that demographic changes and rising need explain much of the growth, and that the proposal would pressure counties to cut services and destabilize care. The chair and members repeatedly questioned the administration about the proposed baseline, the claimed savings, and whether the measure effectively circumvents the county maintenance-of-effort agreement. On the backup provider system, the administration said the statewide program is underutilized and administratively expensive, and proposed eliminating it to save about $3.5 million. The LAO suggested the Legislature consider whether administrative costs could be reduced while preserving some version of the program. County and consumer advocates opposed the cut, saying the system is a critical safety net when regular providers are unavailable, especially in rural areas and for people with complex needs. They argued that low utilization reflects the difficulty of finding emergency backup care, not lack of need, and that many counties already rely on local backup systems or other models. Committee members also pressed for better data on requests, fulfillment, and administrative costs, and discussed whether the state could support local alternatives instead of eliminating the program. The final topic was the proposal to align IHSS terminations with Medi-Cal terminations by automating the process when recipients fail to complete Medi-Cal redeterminations. The administration said this would reduce General Fund costs by about $86 million by preventing payment of IHSS in the residual program when recipients are no longer eligible for Medi-Cal, while also automating reinstatement when Medi-Cal is restored. The LAO noted the proposal has been rejected in prior years and suggested improved notice and communication to recipients as an alternative. CWDA and advocates warned that the change could create gaps in care, especially for people who lose Medi-Cal for procedural reasons, and urged additional safeguards such as better notices, faster reprocessing, and automatic reinstatement. Members questioned how many people would be affected, how the residual program currently works, and whether providers could go unpaid during the gap; the department said the automation is already built and would be activated if the proposal is approved. No votes were taken during the discussion, and the committee moved through public comment and questioning without final action on the proposals in the excerpt provided.