Transcript Highlights:

• reinvestment grant program may be used for.
• , and effective access for student education, the EASE Grant Program.
• program, and $182.6 million for the SHIP program.
• , including $50 million to a new grant program to create or expand food banks and pantries to serve our
• program.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, doctor and guest introductions, and then took up Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, on mental health. Senator Bradley described the bill as a major criminal justice and behavioral health reform measure that would expand pretrial mental health diversion, strengthen treatment-based probation conditions, broaden grant uses for mental health and substance abuse programs, add Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, require certain DOC mental health evaluations, and create a Florida Behavioral Health Data Repository. Senators from both parties spoke in strong support, emphasizing treatment over incarceration, public safety, data collection, and the Murphy family’s role in advancing the bill. The Senate passed the bill 37-0 and then approved 37 co-sponsors. The chamber then received the Senate’s 2025-26 General Appropriations Bill, SB 2500, with Chair Hooper outlining a $117.4 billion budget that he said reduces spending, preserves reserves, and includes major investments in water quality, transportation, education infrastructure, and reporting requirements. Committee chairs summarized their portions: K-12 funding at $34.7 billion with increases for FEFP, scholarships, VPK, school hardening, and school safety; higher education at $11.5 billion with workforce, nursing, reading, autism, and student aid investments; health and human services with a $1.8 billion increase for Medicaid, mental health, opioid response, disability services, and veterans programs; criminal and civil justice at $7.6 billion for corrections, juvenile justice, law enforcement, courts, and judgeships; transportation/tourism/economic development at about $18 billion including roads, housing, Visit Florida, and cultural grants; and agriculture/environment/general government with major Everglades, water quality, citrus, food bank, and agency IT funding. Members then questioned several budget items, especially education funding formulas, the shift of scholarship dollars below the line, the impact on public school districts, AP/IB and other accelerated program funding, the APD wait list, opioid settlement spending, arts grants, and the My Safe Florida Home and condo pilot programs. Chairs generally said scholarship and accelerated-program dollars were being restructured for transparency and flexibility rather than cut, that school districts would still receive funding based on enrollment, and that APD and other human services issues would continue to be worked out in conference. The budget discussion concluded with remarks praising staff and noting a 4% across-the-board pay raise for state employees and targeted increases for law enforcement and firefighters, followed by a recognition for FAMU Day at the Capitol.

Transcript Highlights:

• through grant programs administered by DOT.
• Program.
• The first one is grant agreements. Getting out grant Agreements to local communities.
• programs.
• Those and some of our other food programs are NIH and diversity programs.

Bills: HB1

Keywords: feed bill, legislative appropriations, legislative branch, New Mexico Legislature, general fund, legislative council service, legislative finance committee, legislative education study committee, house chief clerk, senate chief clerk, per diem, mileage, session expenses, interim committees, district staff, capitol complex, capital outlay data system, legislative processing system, redistricting, census redistricting

Transcript Highlights:

• program.
• uh an award under the state grant uh an award under the state grant program.<00:24:12.559> Uh
• Today, I want to talk with you all about the Fostering Independence Grants, also known as FIG, a program
• and available resources in the state grant program.
• Um my promise to members grant program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we would envision this program being... a grant application program and where we would want to work
• There are a number of things that I could talk about that such a flexible. grant funding program could
• Investing in flexible funding grant program empowers communities to address their unique needs the needs
• competitive Federal Transit Administration Bus and Bus Facility Grant Program. the state was awarded
• I'm here to testify for the for the County Transportation Infrastructure Grant Program.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Program.
• General Funded Program, the Clean California Program.
• The grant program will leverage local funding to support litter.
• The new grant program would provide not only employment opportunities for clean-up efforts, but also
• People are becoming unemployed, and so we believe that the grant program proposed today is a great idea

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a federal grant to provide students access to a full range of high-quality education programs
• This is a federal grant to provide students access to a full range of high-quality education programs
• These are discretionary grants to create a comprehensive literacy program, including pre-literacy, reading
• Page 25 is the IDEA grant. Page 25 is the IDEA grant. Again, $20 million federal money.
• Page 59 is the program delivery. Okay, on the administration... Page 59 is the program delivery.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• what's called a CCDF grant.
• It's a federal grant. We pull down $127 million from that grant.
• program.
• Or you have school programs who might apply for a grant with us, You have school programs who might apply
• for a grant with us, or summer programming, and we're pulling that funding out of a different fund,

Summary: The Early Childhood Committee met for an update from the Office of Early Childhood within the Department of Education. Members heard that the office’s goals under the LEARNS Act are to improve kindergarten readiness, support families, ensure quality providers, and expand affordable, accessible child care. Staff reviewed the local lead system, licensing, quality efforts such as CLASS and QRIS, and the two main funding streams: School Readiness Assistance (SRA), a federal CCDF-funded voucher program serving about 14,600 children with a wait list of a little over 3,000, and Arkansas Better Chance (ABC), a state-funded program serving about 21,000 children with authority recently increased to 24,000 slots. A major topic was the difference between market rate surveys and cost analysis studies. Officials said the department is procuring both through an RFP, hoping to begin by August and have results by late in the year. Members pressed for current reimbursement levels, the gap between ABC and SRA funding, and whether ABC funding should be increased to better match costs. Staff explained that SRA rates are set at 75% of the market rate, while ABC per-child funding is much lower, and that ABC slots are limited by the overall allocation. They also explained that some ABC slots were increased by moving children from a discontinued federal pre-K arrangement into ABC to preserve continuity of care. Committee members raised concerns about rural access, infant and toddler shortages, provider stability, workforce pay, and communication with families and providers. Officials said local leads are now helping identify underserved areas, that no county with absolutely no care is known, and that the department is trying to get a truer statewide count of children and providers. They also described efforts to improve communication through monthly provider calls, website postings, and direct case contacts with families. Members discussed possible funding increases, including ideas to reduce the SRA wait list and raise ABC funding, but no formal vote or action was taken beyond approving prior meeting minutes and receiving the update.

Transcript Highlights:

• If there's a grant program, schools have an opportunity to choose or not choose to apply for grants.
• If there's a grant program, schools have an opportunity to choose or not choose to apply for grants.
• grant program schools have if there's a grant program schools have an<00:05:19.680> opportunity
• Grants there are grants uh to apply for Grants there are grants that<00:05:25.080> um<00:05:25.400
• So if a school chooses not to pursue a grant, let's say the non-exclusionary discipline grants, that

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 957, with Representative Bakeberg presenting the bill on behalf of Representative Caw. The bill would give school districts funding flexibility through the 2028-2029 school year and allow them to stagger implementation of certain recently enacted education mandates to fit local needs, except where federal law requires otherwise. An A1 author’s amendment was adopted to clarify that any provision restricted or mandated by federal law would not be delayed. Representative Jordan questioned whether the proposal would let districts opt out of unemployment insurance for hourly workers, raised constitutional concerns about districts choosing which laws to follow, and asked whether opting out of a policy would also mean opting out of associated funding. Bakeberg responded that federal-law conflicts would remain in force, that districts already have substantial local control, and that public school funding generally follows a per-pupil formula, with grant programs remaining optional. He also said the bill is intended to help districts facing financial strain and budget reductions. Jordan argued that the so-called mandates are actually education policies developed through community input, including measures related to mental health support and student protections, and urged a no vote. Bakeberg closed by saying districts need more flexibility to avoid continued budget cuts. The committee then voted to re-refer House File 957, as amended, to the Education Finance Committee, and the motion prevailed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Item 24, Amend Writer 54 Mobile STEM Lab Grant Program, adopted.
• Item 25, Amend Writer 55, Blended Learning Grant Program, adopted as amended.
• Amend Writer 61 Strong Foundations Grant Program, adopted. 29.
• Item number 13, Rural Economic Development Grant, Texas Rural Business Fund Program.
• Grant Program, adopted at $5 million. Turning to page 8.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:55:31.160> now<00:55:31.359> yield removal grant program I now I now yield removal
• grant program I now I now yield to<00:55:32.520> my<00:55:32.760> colleague<00:55:33.240
• It also includes $1 million annually for the accelerator grant program, which supports local entrepreneurs
• It also includes $1 million annually for the accelerator grant program, which supports local entrepreneurs
• c> local grant program which supports local grant program which supports local entrepreneurs<00:58

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and it is, you know, an annual grant program.
• Uh, CanGrow is a more targeted grant program that's aimed at the actual cannabis industry in terms of
• at targeted grant program that's aimed at the<00:56:16.720> actual<00:56:17.200> cannabis<
• So there will be grant making program.
• <00:57:59.280> in grant program that is rooted in grant program that is rooted in accountability

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a formula grant program where every county does get some funding.
• , and the grant is going to—those grants are funded by the fair defense funds.
• So can you explain this program to us? So there is a... So can you explain this program to us?
• last summer when our grants program usually makes our decisions.
• Speaker: ...number of counties that we could not fund with our grants last summer when our grants program

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, you know, there is I was happy to read the inclusion about the recent grant program.
• You know, Grant and Socorro were listed.
• Hands-on programs for the youth.
• We need to partner up with the state and any other program that can help us get that program off and
• It is a competitive grant.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is an amended grant, a federal grant, for targeted youth advocacy initiatives for the Southwest
• these grants.
• It helps develop program initiatives or change program initiatives.
• program.
• This program works and we need to utilize it.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Need to connect to our programs.
• another program.
• programs such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the Community Services Block Grant,
• The federal program CSD...
• and programs.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , there are also two grants.
• grant and the water grant are the sewer grant and the water grant are reallocations<00:49:05.599>
• And again, I will say the grant program is a really good program when used, and we've used it really
• And again, I will say the grant program<00:58:28.799> is<00:58:29.040> a<00:58:29.280><
• is a really good program when program is a really good program when used<00:58:30.880> and<00

Keywords: 0:00:02 Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:30 Approval of Minutes 0:00:49 Information Items 0:01:54 Louisville Arena Authority 0:24:50 Project Rpt from Postsecondary Institutions - MSU 0:26:35 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin. Cabinet 0:37:52 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin. Cabinet 0:40:13 Rpt from OFM – KIA 0:56:00 Rpt from OFM – EDF Grants 0:58:45 Rpt from OFM – OFM 1:01:46 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including a roll call, approval of the prior meeting minutes, and a set of informational reports. Those reports covered University of Louisville research equipment purchases, a Kent County school district debt issue for elementary school renovations, the University of Kentucky’s planned use of construction management risk for a new engineering building, APA certification reports for underwriter and bond counsel selection committees, and a KCNA status report on infrastructure upgrades and purchases. The main presentation was an informational update from the Louisville Arena Authority. Board representatives said the arena was created to drive economic development and reported about $1.4 billion in economic impact from 2010 to 2013. They explained the authority’s financial structure, including arena operating revenues, TIF revenues, debt service, and a long-term capital plan for major repairs and replacements. Members questioned the low net revenue figures, the long timeline before TIF revenues are projected to exceed debt service, the size of capital expenditure spikes, and the University of Louisville revenue-sharing arrangement. The authority said the $2.42 million annual UL payment is fixed under a 2017 refinancing agreement, while other amounts vary with ticket sales and related revenues. They also said the COVID-era state and Metro funds, combined with authority cash, were used to prepay debt and reduce interest, lowering the debt service schedule. The committee then considered and approved a new capital project for a new HVAC system for the student wellness center pool area. The project, presented by university staff, was approved by the board and required committee action. The committee took a roll call vote, and the project passed unanimously. Finally, Janice Thomas of the state budget office presented two tourism, arts, and heritage cabinet grid resilience projects at Kincaid Lake State Resort Park and Kentucky Down Village State Resort Park. Each project costs $7,834,600 and is funded mostly by a federal grid resilience grant, with the remainder from state utility infrastructure replacement funds and energy policy funds. Staff explained that the projects will move park electrical service ownership and maintenance to regional utilities, allowing the state to exit the infrastructure-management role while continuing to pay utility bills through normal metering. The committee approved the action item by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• It removes the sunset on the aggregate supply chain grant program.
• detailing program details for interested businesses.
• Is there a current program under Commerce that gives grants for this?
• So we don't have a program that gives grants currently under the program.
• programs.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development considered a full agenda of transportation, economic development, housing, emergency services, and specialty license plate bills. Several measures were explained and advanced without opposition, including the Department of Transportation agency bill (CS/CS/SB 1662), a Purple Heart toll exemption bill (CS/SB 574), a Florida Highway Patrol specialty plate bill (CS/SB 824), a construction disruption assistance loan program for small businesses (CS/CS/SB 324), a manufactured housing assistance bill for local housing plans (CS/SB 1714), a foreign agents registration bill (CS/CS/SB 766), military academy specialty plates (CS/SB 1024), a Safe Coastal Wildlife specialty plate (CS/SB 1246), an emergency services warning-light bill (CS/SB 1644), the Florida Wildflower specialty plate (SB 1152), and a toll exemption bill for 100% disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients (CS/SB 532). The committee adopted amendments on several bills. On CS/CS/SB 1662, Senator Collins’ strike-all amendment made a range of DOT-related changes, including the Florida Transportation Academy, seaport and airport accountability provisions, and allowing cranes to move under special blanket permits at night. On CS/CS/SB 324, the committee adopted a delete-everything amendment and a further amendment removing liability language; the bill would create a revolving loan program for small businesses harmed by public works construction, with members raising concerns about eligibility, verification of losses, and public records issues for financial documents. On CS/SB 766, an amendment clarified definitions and aligned the bill with federal FARA standards, including a 20% beneficial ownership threshold. On CS/SB 532, an amendment added Purple Heart recipients to the toll exemption. Testimony and debate were generally supportive, with several outside witnesses appearing in favor of the bills, including Florida PBA, the Florida Manufactured Homeowners Federation, the Florida Manufactured Housing Association, the Center for Security Policy, and the Florida Wildflower Foundation. Members highlighted constituent impacts and policy concerns on a few measures, especially the construction disruption loan bill and the disabled veteran toll exemption, where some senators suggested narrowing the scope or adding protections. All bills considered were reported favorably, and senators later requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on selected tabs before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024, we were awarded a $50,000 grant from the Empowering Small Minnesota Communities Program to address
• Last year we did fund a program through MnDOT for, like, $30,000 grants for consultants.
• <00:47:00.720> programs,<00:47:01.520> but and beyond and do grant programs, but and
• beyond and do grant programs, but again,<00:47:01.920> a<00:47:02.079> lot<00:47:02.240
• And so, with this being a grant program where it's just literally like applying for services, and applying

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving down to the grants line...” “Moving down to the grants line.
• go to them or grant programs that would be available to them, but I can—I’m going to turn to my staff
• To our knowledge, we don’t have any grant programs for them through our office.”
• “To our knowledge, we don’t have any grant programs for them through our office.
• So it's a very, very good program. So it's a very, very good program.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to hear the Attorney General’s budget and related agency presentations. Legislative Council first reviewed the compliance with legislative intent report and the base budget worksheet, highlighting current and ongoing appropriations, FTE changes, one-time funding items, continuing appropriations, and major special and federal funds. Members asked about items such as the Missing Indigenous People Grant Fund, the Internet Crimes Investigation Fund, and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit grant funding, and staff explained the funding sources and status of those programs. Assistant Attorney General Clare Ness then outlined the Attorney General’s office structure, staffing, and budget pressures. She emphasized the office’s broad statutory duties, the value of its legal and investigative work for state and local governments, and concerns about attorney salary competitiveness, the new and vacant FTE pool, and the impact of the 3% operating budget reduction on BCI, IT, and the crime lab. Members also discussed AG opinions, boards and commissions training, and the office’s litigation and settlement recoveries. Ness and committee members raised the possibility of broader attorney salary benchmarking across state government. The crime lab director described severe space and infrastructure constraints, including overcrowding, shared workspaces, glycol leaks, air handling limits, and aging fire and burglar alarm systems. She said the 2024 study projected a much larger facility would be needed and that a new building on the current health department site would best address the lab’s needs. She also reported that backlogs have improved significantly in DNA, drug, fingerprint, and firearms work, though toxicology had a recent delay after an air compressor failure. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit director described the unit’s fraud, abuse, and neglect work, noted federal-state funding and recent federal scrutiny, and said the unit needs more staff. The gaming division reviewed charitable gaming growth, e-tabs, trust accounts, and compliance issues, while BCI covered its caseload, cybercrime and child sexual abuse material investigations, the missing indigenous person task force, and the use of lottery funds for drug task forces. No formal votes or budget actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• It removes sunset on aggregate supply chain Grant program.
• Is there a current program 100 commerce that gives grants for this?
• So we don't have a program that gives grants currently under the program Ridge.
• Partnership program must include a strategy for providing program funds to mobile home owners including
• programs.

Keywords: 999, senate, all