Transcript Highlights:

• We also found that greater Minnesota counties have the highest rates of pre-trial detention.
• </c><00:03:06.600><c> of</c> counties have the highest rates of counties have the highest rates of pre-trial
• </c> Research consistently finds that the imposition of monetary bail does not increase appearance rates
• </c> high interest rates. high interest rates.
• </c> look at um the failure-to-appear rates look at um the failure-to-appear rates for<00:34:36.679><

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, the rate is not codified in the state of Arizona.
• Increasing vaccination rates is one of those prevention strategies.
• The maximum increase is the annual rate of increase in the consumer price index, plus an additional 3%
• , but we're only allowed to charge the residents the resident rates, so we take a loss in the city.
• , but we're only allowed to charge the residents the resident rates, so we take a loss in the city.

Committee: House House Government Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1167, which would allow municipalities and counties to satisfy certain public-notice requirements by posting advertisements, publications, and printings on their official websites. The sponsor argued the bill is permissive, intended to modernize notice practices, reduce costs, and help governments meet statutory deadlines, while a Blackmun amendment required a six-month transition period in which notices would still be published in newspapers and the public would be alerted to the change. Newspaper and media representatives, along with tribal and rural community advocates, opposed the bill, arguing that print notices remain important for transparency, historical recordkeeping, and access in areas with limited internet service. Supporters from county and local government said newspaper publication schedules have become unreliable and that websites are a more effective way to reach the public. The committee adopted the Blackmun amendment and then passed SB 1167 as amended on a 4-3 vote. The committee then considered SB 1021, as amended by a strike-everything that would require the Auditor General to refer evidence of possible criminal activity involving health profession regulatory boards to the Attorney General, with procedures for investigation and conflict-of-interest handling. The sponsor and amendment sponsor said the measure would create a mechanism for criminal findings in audit work to be acted on. With no opposition testimony, the committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1021 as amended on a 4-3 vote. Next was SB 1011, which would require county medical examiners or forensic pathologists to review an infant’s immunization and vaccination history, along with any countermeasures administered in the prior 90 days, in sudden unexplained infant death cases. The sponsor said the bill was a data-collection measure meant to improve accuracy, transparency, and prevention efforts. Opponents, including vaccine advocacy and disability representatives, said Arizona already collects this information, that unsafe sleep is the primary issue in most SIDS cases, and that the bill could fuel misinformation about vaccines. The committee passed SB 1011 on a 4-3 vote. The committee also heard SB 1013, a merit-based public employment bill that would prohibit hiring based on conditions other than merit. Supporters said it would ensure public employees are selected by qualifications and objective criteria; opponents argued existing law already bars discrimination and that the bill could create litigation risks and hinder outreach to underrepresented communities. The committee passed SB 1013 on a 4-3 vote. Finally, the committee considered SB 1015 and a strike-everything amendment that would replace the bill’s original detransition-liability language with the Arizona Thriving Families Act, creating a family and medical leave insurance program within Medicaid beginning in 2029. The original bill sponsor defended the underlying detransition-related liability concept as accountability and support for detransitioners, while opponents said it would function as a discriminatory backdoor ban on transition care for minors. The transcript ends during debate and explanation of the strike-everything amendment, before a final vote on SB 1015 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I mean the biggest thing I hear is our electric rates are high and we can't afford it.
• But I mean the biggest thing I hear is our electric rates are high and we can't afford it.
• But I mean the biggest thing I hear is our electric rates are high and we can't afford it.
• But I mean the biggest thing I hear is our electric rates are high and we can't afford it.
• But I mean the biggest thing I hear is our electric rates are high and we can't afford it.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• preliminary education outreach and vaccination drive efforts at schools in Hawaii with vaccination rates
• Hawaii with vaccination rates under 30%, beginning at the start of the 2025 to 26 school year.
• </c><00:22:06.120><c> are</c> schools because immunization rates are schools because immunization rates
• Vaccine rates have decreased because parents now realize, with critical thinking, that vaccines build
• Autism rates have exploded since the vaccines came out and they started increasing vaccine.

Summary: The House Committee on Education met on April 1 at 2:04 p.m. and first heard HCR 129/HR 125/HD1, which asks state and county transportation and education agencies to work together on pedestrian safety and traffic congestion around Haiku Elementary School. The Department of Education said it stood on its written testimony, and no other testimony was offered on that measure. The committee then took up HCR 173/HR 169/HD1, urging the Department of Health to begin education outreach and vaccination drive efforts at schools with vaccination rates under 30 percent, starting in the 2025-26 school year. The Department of Education and Department of Health both supported the resolution and stood on their written testimony. Support also came from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Nurses Association, the Democratic Party of Hawaii Health Committee, and Free Citizens of Malua. A number of testifiers opposed the measure, arguing that vaccination efforts do not belong in schools, that the proposal would pressure families and undermine parental rights and religious freedom, and that it could create liability and misuse public funds. Several opponents also raised concerns about informed consent, government overreach, and vaccine safety. One supporter, Kye Swan, said vaccines are the way to fight infectious disease and asked the committee to pass the resolution so children could be vaccinated before the school year starts. No vote or final committee action on the resolutions was announced in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said many people are being offered hurricane property insurance at extremely high rates, so they are
• They may be able to get coverage today at a very, very expensive rate.
• in many cases hpia would be able to rate in many cases hpia would be able to charge<00:39:55.599><c>
• Also, we're going to change the interest rate to the greater of a flat 2% or the interest rate offered
• Also, we're going to change the interest rate to the greater of a flat 2% or the interest rate offered

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on March 12, 2025, and heard testimony on several bills, with most measures drawing support from state boards, agencies, and industry groups. SB 102 (restaurants) had one supportive testifier and no questions. SB 1367 SD1 (installment loans) drew support from DCCA and other boards, but the chair raised concerns about a proposed $5 debit-card convenience fee, saying it seemed high and suggesting it might be amended downward; DCCA said it would check with industry on the likely impact. SB 1373 SD2 (administrative licensure action against sex offenders) received broad support from DCCA and multiple professional licensing boards, including psychology, physical therapy, naturopathic medicine, chiropractic, dentistry, massage therapy, nursing, optometry, barbering and cosmetology, the Hawaii Medical Board, and HPD. The committee then heard SB 1142 SD1 (insurance proceeds), which was supported by DCCA, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, AARP, Hawaiʻi Realtors, and the Hawaiʻi Insurers Council, while State Farm offered comments and the Hawaii Bankers Association opposed. Testimony focused on insurance access after the Lahaina wildfires and the need to address underinsured homeowners. The committee also discussed SB 144 SD2 (stabilization of property insurance), with support from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, AARP, Hawaiʻi Realtors, and the Hawaiʻi Insurers Council, and comments from the Attorney General and DCCA Insurance Division about revising the financing structure and correcting bill language. Opponents and reservationed supporters argued the bill may not help if applicants can still obtain coverage at very high prices, while supporters said it would expand market capacity and provide a safety net as climate-related losses continue. Finally, SB 253 SD2 (condominium reserves) received support from Hawaiʻi Realtors, CI, and several individual testifiers. Supporters said it would enforce existing disclosure requirements under Act 199 and improve reserve funding transparency, while one individual argued stronger enforcement and an ombudsman-style office would be more effective. The chair reminded testifiers to stay on the bill at hand. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Part of that is stubbornly high interest rates, and obviously this committee can't do much about those
• And then in the next chart you want to be as far to the left as possible, as it shows market rate under
• </c><00:05:22.080><c> under</c> it shows market rate under it shows market rate under 300,000<00:05:24.199
• And I'll say, look, the greatest headwind that we face right now is interest rates.
• </c> more people I get the the interest rates more people I get the the interest rates is<01:29:32.280

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• So different liabilities have different interest rates.
• account rate, which is, you know, hovers around three-ish.
• So different liabilities have different interest rates.
• The pension liabilities have a discount rate of closer to 7%.
• At any rate, my point is your description of it is in the eye of the beholder.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review held an informational hearing on ACA 20, the Save for California’s Future Act, and took no votes. The chair described the measure as a way to strengthen the state’s Rainy Day Fund by increasing reserves during strong revenue years and helping pay down long-term obligations. The vice chair said he preferred a broader spending rule tied to a rolling average of revenues, rather than the proposal’s reserve-focused approach. The Legislative Analyst’s Office explained how Proposition 2 currently requires deposits into the Budget Stabilization Account and debt payments when revenues are strong, and how ACA 20 would change those rules by increasing required reserve deposits, raising the BSA target from 10% to 20% of General Fund revenues, creating a “super excess capital gains” deposit requirement, extending debt-payment requirements through 2040, and expanding eligible debt uses to include Proposition 98 settle-up, budgetary borrowing, and federal unemployment insurance debt. The Department of Finance said the administration supports the measure and believes it improves Proposition 2. Members asked about the Gann limit, whether the measure would allow more spending or simply change how deposits are counted, the impact on infrastructure and other programs, the size of the UI debt, and how the proposal would affect future budget flexibility. Several senators supported the goal of saving more in good years and using reserves to avoid painful cuts in downturns, while others questioned whether the proposal was sufficiently simple or whether a larger structural spending rule would be better. Public comment largely supported the measure, with one former legislative staffer arguing it follows earlier reserve reforms and helps address the state’s UI debt. The chair closed by noting the committee would not act that day and that the measure would be considered on the Senate floor the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• So different liabilities have different interest rates.
• account rate, which is, you know, hovers around three-ish.
• So different liabilities have different interest rates.
• The pension liabilities have a discount rate of closer to 7%.
• At any rate, my point is your description of it is in the eye of the beholder.

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Transcript Highlights:

• Our uninsured rate reached an all-time low after the enactment of the enhanced premium tax credits.
• Because of Medi-Cal reimbursement rates? Now they are, aren't they?
• It's the feds who are attacking those rates. And I think... One of the tools in our toolbox.
• that we all be honest about why we don't have those Medi-Cal reimbursement rates at this moment.
• In fact, our homeownership rate ranks 49th out of 50 states in the country. It's a crisis.

Transcript Highlights:

• But at the time that he receives it, it might have been at a higher rate. Then it goes low.
• the state would invest up to, but not more than, 10% to ensure that those who would want a better rate
• And I think... ...wants a better rate of return on their retirement, would get that.
• You've got computers that are learning at a faster rate than humans can develop.
• a rate decrease using the standard rating methodology to help get savings to consumers faster.

Summary: The Insurance and Banking Committee met with a quorum and heard three bills. HB 487 would authorize the CFO and State Board of Administration to invest up to 10% of certain state funds in Bitcoin, require specified custody methods, allow Bitcoin lending under rule, and create a process for accepting taxes and fees in Bitcoin. The sponsor and several proponents argued it would diversify state investments, hedge inflation, and position Florida as a leader in digital assets. Members raised concerns about volatility, security, valuation, and whether Bitcoin was being singled out over other cryptocurrencies, but the bill was reported favorably after debate and a roll call vote. The committee then considered HB 7011, an Open Government Sunset Review measure for records of insolvent insurers. The bill would continue some exemptions but make additional records public, including underwriting files, risk-solvency assessments, corporate governance annual disclosures, and the names, benefits, and compensation of insurance executive officers. There was no public testimony, and members discussed privacy and safety concerns, but the bill passed and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard HB 1433 on hurricane mitigation grants and insurer regulation. The bill would tighten restrictions on former executives of failed insurers, raise capital requirements for new insurers, and require mitigation credits when homeowners receive Safe Florida Home funds. An amendment was adopted to require a licensed person to make final claim-denial decisions when AI or automation is used and to prioritize filings that lower rates. Consumer advocates supported the transparency and consumer protections, while industry representatives urged caution on the AI provisions. After debate, the amended bill was reported favorably. The meeting ended with closing remarks from the ranking member, vice chair, and chair reflecting on the committee’s work and likely final meeting of the term.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill proposes a significantly lower tax rate on heated... significantly lower tax rate on heated
• HB 357 proposes a tax on heated tobacco products at a rate... tax on heated tobacco products at a rate
• However, by taxing these products at a lower rate, this bill could encourage more people, especially
• This report card also includes our current tobacco tax rate.
• This has resulted in a conversion rate of almost 70%.

Bills: HB30 , HB263 , HB357 , HB359 , SB60 , SB102 , HB30

Committee: House Ways and Means General Fund

Keywords: elections, post-election audit, election audit, risk-limiting audit, ballot audit, election integrity, voter confidence, Secretary of State, judge of probate, canvassing board, poll watchers, ballot containers, manual tally, recount, county election, statewide election, general election, absentee ballots, provisional ballots, election transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• They boast an impressive program completion rate of 87% and a job placement rate of 91%. which is all
• They boast an impressive program completion rate of 87%, a job placement rate of 91%, a job placement
• rate of 91%. ...an impressive program completion rate of 87%, a job placement rate of 91%, and a licensure
• pass rate of 98%.
• And then couple that with a $2.88 tuition rate, which we've been the same for 18 years.

Summary: The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee heard a panel discussion focused on how Florida schools and colleges are exposing students to in-demand careers in manufacturing, semiconductors, transportation, and related fields, and how they are building pathways from middle school through postsecondary training. Panelists from Seminole County Public Schools, Lake Technical College/Lake County Schools, and St. Petersburg College described their career academies, dual enrollment options, industry certifications, and partnerships with employers, local governments, and state colleges. They emphasized early career awareness, counseling, and parent outreach as key to helping students understand technical education as a viable and prestigious path. Seminole County highlighted 51 career and professional education academies and new offerings in agricultural biotechnology, global finance, firefighting, and planned aerospace engineering. Lake County described Lake Technical College’s programs, strong completion and placement outcomes, and three partnerships: a flexible-day high school/workforce model at Lincoln Park Education Center, the Lake Works pathway collaboration with Lake Sumter State College, and a Transportation Innovation Hub with the City of Tavares that trains students on municipal vehicles and serves multiple local governments. St. Petersburg College discussed its manufacturing and engineering technology programs, including semiconductor processing, mechatronics, soldering, and clean-room training, along with new grant-funded expansion at its Midtown campus. Members asked about wages, the semiconductor workforce, how to change perceptions of technical education, how parents are engaged, and how Bright Futures CAPE and Gold Seal scholarships are communicated. Witnesses said school counselors, CTE teachers, parent nights, and district communications are used to promote these options, and that many students can earn strong wages through short-term certifications or two-year degrees. Lake Technical College also raised concerns about workforce funding not keeping pace with teacher pay increases and inflation, noting that funding covers only about 80% of what it earns and tuition has remained unchanged for 18 years. The meeting ended with members praising the programs, and the subcommittee adjourned without any vote or formal action beyond rising and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• and Minnesota utilities every available opportunity to get to that point of zero while keeping the rate
• <c> mind</c><00:04:09.599><c> and</c><00:04:09.760><c> keeping</c><00:04:09.959><c> things</c> the rate
• pair of mind and keeping things the rate pair of mind and keeping things affordable<00:04:10.720><c>
• We saw what... ...there and the $500 additional a year just for that in rates.
• just for the just for that in rates just for the nuclear<00:12:17.519><c> plant</c><00:12:18.519><c>

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> actual uh 15th of the month filing rate actual uh 15th of the month filing rate is,<00:27:18.400
• They they have tax tax rates, right?
• </c><02:10:40.400><c> A</c> rates uh often under $10, right? A rates uh often under $10, right?
• So, as you probably know, the tax rate.
• And then we see that to the rate cut.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your rejection of the pace rate reduction and inclusion of level of care nurses.
• Also, we appreciate the delay in PPS rates.
• So with this 2% COLA, on poverty rates, they put a band-aid on this broken system.
• Reimbursement rates are so low that providers can't keep their doors open.
• When I already, I can't pay myself a salary on the state low rates. You're at a minute.

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we don't have the information back from them as to what the response rate has been.
• We increased the reimbursement rate for them at this point. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• The 3% employee contribution rate is not changed by this bill.
• When we look at cancer, we usually look at three-year survival rates and five-year survival rates, and
• When we look at cancer, we usually look at three-year survival rates and five-year survival rates, and

Bills: S2500 , S2502 , S2504 , S7028 , S2506 , S2508 , S2510 , S2512 , S2514 , S2516 , S2518 , S0482 , S0678 , S0984 , S1016 , S1074 , S1706 , S7030

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Summary: The committee heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2026-2027 budget, SPB 2500, with chairs outlining major spending in K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and agriculture/environment/general government. Highlights included a $115 billion overall budget, pay raises for state employees and public safety workers, major K-12 funding increases and enrollment supplements, higher education workforce and nursing investments, expanded Medicaid/KidCare and behavioral health funding, corrections and law enforcement operational funding, transportation and housing investments, and significant environmental and water quality spending. Members asked about civic education funding, declining enrollment, professor retention, APD waiver waitlists, cultural grant allocations, and other line items. Public testimony also addressed HIV/AIDS drug assistance funding and prison air conditioning. SPB 2500 was adopted as a committee bill after amendment consideration and a roll call vote. The committee then took up implementing and related budget bills, including SPB 2502 (implementing the General Appropriations Act), SPB 2504 (state employee bargaining placeholder), SB 7028 (Florida Retirement System contribution rates and related retirement changes), SPB 2506 (fuel tax distributions), SPB 2508 (state agency law enforcement radio system surcharge), SPB 2510 (termination of an unused court trust fund), SPB 2512 (new judgeships), SPB 2514 (K-12 conforming changes), SPB 2516 (higher education conforming changes), and SPB 2518 (health conforming changes). Most were explained as technical or conforming measures tied to the budget, and all were reported favorably as committee bills, with SB 7028 amended to direct a portion of increased contributions to disability and line-of-duty death benefits in the FRS investment plan. The committee also heard and passed several member bills, including CS for SB 1074 on rounding rules for cash transactions in a world without pennies, CS for SB 678 restoring the alcohol loss deduction framework for distributors, and SB 964 on firefighter cancer benefits and prevention. SB 964 drew the most discussion, with questions about the one-year death-benefit window, the separate $25,000 cancer diagnosis payment, and whether the bill could create gaps in coverage for firefighters diagnosed or dying just outside the new time limits. Firefighter representatives testified in support, saying the bill would provide clearer protections for members and families. All of these measures were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we don't have the information back from them as to what the response rate has been.
• We increased the reimbursement rate for them at this point. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• We increased the reimbursement rate for them at this point. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• The 3% employee contribution rate is not changed by this bill.
• When we look at cancer, we usually look at three-year survival rates and five-year survival rates, and

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 8 mandates that TEA use from previous campus to more fairly rate the new campus.
• Ratings if they harm our A through F ratings.
• Of the year assessment going to impact the A through F accountability ratings?
• Test, is that going to impact their A-F accountability rating for this school?
• nor will the middle of year test impact the A through F accountability rating.

Bills: SB 1 , HCR20 , HR131 , HR133 , HR135 , HR136 , HR137 , HR144 , HR145 , HR146 , HR149 , HR150 , HR151 , HR152 , HR158 , HR161 , HR162 , HR163 , HR165 , HR166 , HR168 , HR169 , HR170 , HR175 , HR178 , HR127 , HR129 , HR130 , HR132 , HR134 , HR138 , HR139 , HR140 , HR141 , HR142 , HR143 , HR153 , HR154 , HR155 , HR156 , HR159 , HR160 , HR164 , HR167 , HR172 , HR173 , HR176 , SB1 , HB8 , HB15 , HB27 , SB5

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, this would also include a rate-setting study for market rate services and homemaking services
• would also include a rate setting study for<00:14:01.199><c> market</c><00:14:01.519><c> rate</c><00:
• Another governor's proposal replaces the existing ICS daily rate with a 15-minute unit rate.
• rates and to facility reimbursement rates and to incentivize<00:24:45.120><c> highquality</c><00:24:
• ICS daily rate with a 15minute 15minute 15minute unit<00:25:10.559><c> rate.

Summary: The joint hearing opened with chairs explaining that the program integrity omnibus bill is a combined draft assembled from individual member bills and governor proposals, many of which had already been heard in committee. Members emphasized the compressed end-of-session timeline, said the language was not yet ready for enactment, and invited continued revisions as the bill moves next to judiciary and finance. Several speakers stressed the need for bipartisan collaboration, while also warning that the Legislature must act this session on program integrity rather than defer reforms. The fiscal staff then walked through a spreadsheet showing the bill’s overall budget effects and major provisions. The package includes DHS proposals on transforming human services, market- and receipt-based rate reform, enhanced program and payment integrity, uniform service standards, nursing facility rate changes, ICS reforms, and a repeal/redesign of housing stabilization, along with child care assistance integrity and human services redesign items in DCYF. Staff highlighted that the bill combines multiple sources, including governor proposals and member bills, and noted several items that are also in the supplemental human services budget. Committee discussion focused heavily on prepayment review, remote supports, ICS, and provider accountability. Chairs said the bill would codify prepayment review with a 60-day notice requirement after providers were caught off guard by prior rollout, and that remote supports and ICS language were placeholders or under active debate. One member argued the system needs stronger standards but cautioned against harming compliant providers, while another urged the committee to learn from good providers and warned against repeating failed implementations. Staff also reviewed thematic indexes covering billing and service delivery oversight, EVV, administrative reform, licensing and background studies, provider enrollment, sanctions, and child care provider compliance training. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided. The hearing ended with staff beginning the index walkthrough and members indicating that posted amendments would be considered as the bill advances through the remaining committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• for everyone, lowering the combined rate down from 6.875% to 6.75%.
• </c> up with a larger rate on everyone else. up with a larger rate on everyone else.
• </c> the rate and expanding the base. the rate and expanding the base.
• Um Um Um the<01:37:15.840><c> lowering</c><01:37:16.320><c> rates.
• I'm I'm just a the lowering rates.

Bills: HF4561 , HF4343

Committee: House Taxes