Transcript Highlights:

• And then at Maui College, the practical nursing bridge program that was initially funded via Act 74 in
• We sent a package to just show the general funding mechanisms for our programs, and if you'd like, I
• Our funding that comes from the FAA for airports is very small compared to the program.
• <05:58:03.120> that<05:58:03.240> were programs that were programs that were funded<05:
• > about<05:58:58.200> 7.8 the funds awarded for programs about 7.8 the funds awarded for

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee held an informational briefing with the University of Hawaiʻi, led by new President Wendy Hensel and Vice President for Budget and Finance Calbert Young. Hensel outlined the university system’s scope, student demographics, research activity, and campus missions, emphasizing four strategic priorities: serving Native Hawaiians and Hawaiʻi, student success, workforce development, and economic diversification through innovation and research. She highlighted the system’s enrollment, research funding, and the roles of Mānoa, Hilo, West Oʻahu, the community colleges, and specialized institutions such as JABSOM and the Cancer Center. Young then reviewed the budget request, focusing largely on making prior one-time appropriations permanent and supporting recurring needs. Items included funding for Mānoa athletics, the Hawaiʻi Institute for Marine Biology, K-12 teacher education, Pamantasan Council support, Hilo programs, Windward’s mental health technician certificate, Maui’s practical nursing bridge program, and student support positions such as financial aid and admissions counselors. He also described workforce-related requests tied to nursing expansion at Mānoa and West Oʻahu, as well as facilities support at West Oʻahu. A major portion of the testimony addressed the university’s two Kakaʻako medical facilities. Young explained that declining tobacco settlement and cigarette tax revenues are no longer sufficient to cover debt service for JABSOM and the Cancer Center, so the governor’s budget includes general fund support to supplement those obligations. He also described a regents-approved request not included in the governor’s proposal: expanding the Hawaiʻi Promise financial aid program to the four-year campuses, estimated at about $11–12 million. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so AB 98 funded two things: it funds the 988 call centers, but it also funds the mobile crisis response
• and prior funding levels.
• I was going to say, I think counties tend to fund a lot of population-specific programs.
• the 988 fund.
• Funding to address the needs for tribal communities to support long-term programming, including funds

Summary: The joint Assembly Health and Select Committee on Native American Affairs held an oversight hearing on AB 988, California’s 988 crisis line and mobile crisis response system, followed by a discussion of suicide prevention and intervention in California Indian communities. Members and witnesses repeatedly emphasized that AB 988 was intended to create a true alternative to 911 for behavioral health crises, with “someone to call, someone to come, and somewhere to go,” and that Native communities continue to face disproportionately high suicide rates and barriers to culturally responsive care. The first panel of call center and stakeholder witnesses largely argued that implementation is falling short of the law’s intent. They said 988 call centers are underfunded, text/chat answer rates remain far below call answer rates, staffing is strained, and the system still lacks meaningful statewide interoperability between 988 and 911. Several witnesses said mobile crisis teams are not being dispatched through 988 as envisioned, and that funding formulas and governance are too opaque. San Joaquin County was presented as a local success story, with integrated 988, access lines, and mobile crisis handoffs that have reduced reliance on emergency departments and involuntary holds. Witnesses also discussed the need for better tribal outreach, the role of CCBHCs, and the importance of culturally competent services. State officials from CalHHS and DHCS described the five-year 988 implementation plan, the current governance structure across multiple agencies, and efforts to support training, public awareness, and referral tools. They reported growth in 988 contacts, ongoing training with the Trevor Project, a statewide resource directory, and a tribal awareness campaign. DHCS also outlined proposed trailer bill language that would create a formal designation process for 988 centers, set statewide standards, and require existing centers to obtain designation by 2029. Officials said current funding includes SAMHSA grants, block grant dollars, and an expected $67.3 million from the 988 fund in the next budget year, with a large share earmarked for Medi-Cal mobile crisis services. No formal vote or committee action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• and federal funds, there's actually many different federal programs other than the one-time federal
• Through the Workforce Commission, you have funded a JET grant program.
• We haven't really cut any funding for educator preparation programs because you never funded them in
• And that's the total funding? That's total funding.
• That's actually how you fund the foundation school program in the Appropriations Act, but I don't have

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• there, that matching program there, the tier funding we have.
• So I think it's a really, really important program to continue to fund, especially for North Dakota students
• So I think it's a really, really important program to continue to fund, especially for North Dakota students
• And then they also reduced the amount of funding that they put toward the North Star program.
• We'd be looking at restoring back to where we were funded in the 23-25 biennium for that program to continue

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The reason we're doing this is to try to better account for per student funding in scholarship programs
• Specifically 431.4 million for the vpk program to maintain the same per student funding is the current
• Specifically the bill funds, the Family Empowerment Scholarship program as a separate category cause.
• our soon you're talking about being able to get funding from the Family Empowerment Scholarship program
• The funds has for each county has for each program, articulate it in the budget, probably document as

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• licenses would fund this this program<01:12:05.040> and<01:12:05.199> now<01:12:05.320>
• the program that way, which is a stable funding mechanism going forward.
• , because it seems a natural thing to say, well, here's the program, and it's going to be funded by,
• At this point, I think it is kind of hard-pressed to use the assessment system to fund this pilot program
• of the program but you wanted<01:53:20.119> the<01:53:20.239> funding<01:53:20.679>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first reviewed its schedule, noting that 13 bills were being executed the next day and that additional subcommittee work would be scheduled around Town Meeting Day and the following session days. The chair explained that the committee would not meet on Town Meeting Day, would handle the remaining bills on the next available subcommittee day, and would continue any unfinished items later in the month. The committee then took up House Bill 774, which concerned Medicare-related coverage issues. Members discussed the bill’s purpose and the differences between Medicare standard and Medicare Advantage, with one member saying the proposal was informative but did not offer a workable solution. The committee also moved to inexpedient to legislate on House Bill 185, and the motion passed on a 6-0 vote. House Bill 241, relating to alternatives to opioids, was retained for further work. Members said the bill raised concerns about insurers effectively practicing medicine and about the lack of evidence on the efficacy of some alternative treatments, while also noting that chiropractic coverage mandates already exist in statute. The committee voted to retain the bill, with the motion passing 6-0. The most extended discussion was on House Bill 648, which would expand insurance coverage for glucose monitoring. Testimony and committee comments focused on whether coverage should be tied to insulin use or instead to a physician’s medical judgment, the role of continuous glucose monitoring for people with type 2 diabetes who are not on insulin, and the potential cost impact. An insurance department fiscal analyst said the original $22-per-member estimate was based on the unamended bill and that the amended version would require updated analysis; members agreed to retain the bill to narrow the eligible population and revisit the language later.

Transcript Highlights:

• to humans, but translation to patients as a result of this funding program.
• to humans, but translation to patients as a result of this funding program.
• to humans, but translation to patients as a result of this funding program.
• to humans, but translation to patients as a result of this funding program.
• This executive committee creates a framework for the program funding allocation.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee met and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The chair noted that agency overviews from the Office of Higher Education and other state agencies were not available, so the committee proceeded with University of Minnesota presentations instead. The committee also reviewed posted committee rules. University of Minnesota representatives gave an overview of the university’s research enterprise, describing it as a system of five campuses with a possible expansion to St. Cloud, and highlighting research strengths across campuses in agriculture, energy, natural resources, health, and the Twin Cities flagship campus. They said the university has more than $1.3 billion in annual research expenditures, receives most of its research funding from federal sources, and is ranked highly for both overall research and interdisciplinary research. Examples discussed included the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, the Forever Green initiative, and research tied to sustainable crops, health, and commercialization. Members asked questions about specific research areas, including biodegradable or renewable plastics, wheat research, food dyes, health and environmental toxins, and the market for winter camelina and winter pennycress. University staff said they could follow up with more detailed information and explained that the winter crop work is intended to become market-driven over time, while also improving soil health and creating new revenue streams for farmers. They also clarified that the university’s federal research funding includes money from NIH, NSF, DOE, DOD, and other agencies, and that the “other” funding category includes foundations, subawards, and internal university seed funding. The committee then heard a second University of Minnesota presentation focused on partnerships, commercialization, and workforce development. Testimony highlighted collaborations with industry and government partners such as U.S. Steel, 3M, Medtronic, Cisco, and defense-related industry leaders, as well as programs supporting microelectronics, AI, cybersecurity, and sustainable aviation fuels. No formal votes were taken beyond approving the minutes, and the committee ended the segment by moving on to the next testifier.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's my understanding, is it not, that this is a voluntary program using public taxpayer funds for a
• So, by putting a private school program in the education trust fund, you are now draining that fund dry
• like the EFA program cannot exclude funds from flowing, for instance, to a religious institution on
• So we have a program in the state that funds private schools.
• in the state that we have a program in the state that funds<05:18:41.280> private<05:18:41.680

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• structure for this in the funding structure for this program program program is<01:17:06.719> definitely
• if we actually funded if we actually funded Medicaid<01:35:30.000> programs.
• The program general fund costs $53 million, 360,000.
• The program general fund costs $53 million, 360,000. General fund cost. Cash funds, zero.
• entitlement program that does not pull down any federal funds, and at the same time, you cut the programs

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the February 18, 2026 journal, and received several committee and House messages. Judiciary reported juvenile parole board appointments to the consent calendar for confirmation, and Transportation and Energy reported Senate Bills 28 and 25 along with other measures. The House transmitted multiple bills to the Reviser of Statutes, and the Senate later agreed to take up a large group of House bills on special order and consent calendar. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to personal-privilege remarks recognizing visiting groups, including the Mad Moms and Mad Dads advocating for people with serious mental illness, and the Colorado Gifted and Talented Association. Members spoke about stigma and the need for mental health legislation, and about supporting gifted students and their families. These remarks were welcomed by the chair and other senators. The Senate then considered a package of supplemental appropriation bills, including House Bills 1150 through 1179, covering agency budgets, school finance adjustments, education fund uses, and capital construction transfers. The committee of the whole adopted the package on second reading, and the full Senate later adopted the committee report by a vote of 33 ayes, with one excused and one vacant seat. The bills were ordered placed on the calendar for third reading and final passage. House Bill 1151, a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Corrections, drew extended debate. Supporters argued the bill was needed to cover existing obligations, avoid more costly jail backlogs, and prevent unsafe conditions, while critics said the department’s population management failures and broader sentencing policies were driving unnecessary costs and called for accountability and structural reform before more funding. Despite the debate, the bill was included in the adopted second-reading package.

Transcript Highlights:

• . $39 million and then for the water infrastructure funding program, uh, $26.484 million, and that's
• . $39 million and then for the water infrastructure funding program, uh, $26.484 million, and that's
• . $39 million and then for the water infrastructure funding program, uh, $26.484 million, and that's
• . $39 million and then for the water infrastructure funding program, uh, $26.484 million, and that's
• We know our federally funded programs have significant limitations and hamper the ability of housing

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So these applicants are oftentimes requesting funding for either a different or unique program that may
• support the STAR Fund and request a report on the distribution of funds and the status of the fund on
• program, and if approved, it can implement it using federal and matching funds, while making clear that
• to fund the program.
• To use these funds for the Double Up Bucks program as part of the SNAP and WIC program.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• fund this funding has special Revenue fund this funding has not<00:14:52.320> yet<00:14:52.560
• Back to general funds?
• be a very broadly focused but focused on funding into government programs and those individuals.
• > uh<01:27:12.440> and funding into government programs uh and funding into government
• c> and Program Safeguard public funds and Program Safeguard public funds and establish<01:36:20.000

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• program.
• program.
• They were approved for $251,000 in state funds and $1,000 in county funds.
• They were approved for $251,000 in state funds and $1,000 in county funds.
• You got to protect this fund. committee. You got to protect this fund.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee convened for its first meeting, called the roll, elected co-chairs under KRS 248.723, and approved the prior meeting minutes. Representative Michael Pollock was elected House co-chair and Senator Jason Howell was elected Senate co-chair, allowing the meeting to proceed. The Agricultural Development Board then reported on activity from December 2024 through April 2025. Staff described board and finance corporation funding totals for each month, county council meeting activity, leadership trainings, lender trainings, and outreach events such as Kentucky Proud breakfast, Ag Tag Month, and agriculture education week. The report also highlighted several funded projects: a Whitesburg farmers market project for Cowan Community Action Group, Community Farm Alliance’s work supporting farmers markets and nutrition programs, a Metcalfe County 4-H ham project, Hopkinsville Elevator’s rail expansion, and W and W Veterinary Services’ large-animal facility upgrade. Members discussed the importance of the tobacco settlement funds and the committee’s stewardship role. Senator Webb urged new members to read House Bill 611 and its history, emphasizing careful use of the limited funds and noting the committee’s statutory mission. Representative King asked about possible federal nutrition policy changes, and staff said Kentucky is already pursuing a “Food as Medicine” initiative and a partnership with the Kentucky Hospital Association. The meeting also recognized interns and announced a June 20, 2025, 25th anniversary event for the Agricultural Development Fund at the Kentucky History Center.

Transcript Highlights:

• On lines 236 through 240 are the traditional programs funded at the Historical Society.
• <00:15:10.079> funded<00:15:10.480> at<00:15:10.639> the traditional programs
• funded at the traditional programs funded at the historical<00:15:11.519> society.
• program that is currently funded.
• links to the different grant programs that each of the agencies offer with their legacy funds.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 776 is a bill to make sure that we can continue to fund the FAME program.
• The program provides financial literacy training and matching funds to help participants build a more
• lot of programs.
• He said the matching funds are great and that the program is helping people realize goals and work toward
• Representative Olson said that, while other areas do provide funding as well, he thinks this program

Bills: HF2135, HF776, HF1581, HF1158, HF2226

Keywords: child welfare, fiscal analysis, third-party consultant, program evaluation, Minnesota, HF776, Minnesota Family Assets for Independence Initiative, family assets for independence, FAI, asset-building, matched savings, financial literacy, family savings, economic mobility, children youth and families, general fund appropriation, family support, low-income families, financial stability, budget bill

Transcript Highlights:

• By and large, most of our projects are funded with the low-income housing tax credit program, which has
• funding programs.
• for this program.
• Support for this program.
• programs require that. funds that have already been awarded to housing projects.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several housing-related proposals and policy ideas. One speaker urged changes to the welfare property tax exemption for affordable housing, arguing that annual income recertifications are outdated and burdensome, and proposing a one-time qualification at move-in, streamlined monitoring through TCAC or HCD, and continued exemption protection for projects that remain in compliance. The witness said rising insurance costs and administrative burdens are hurting cash flow and threatening the viability of affordable housing operations. A major portion of the meeting focused on social housing and the SB 555 study. HCD described its ongoing study process, including public engagement with residents, practitioners, and experts, and noted that California already has many building blocks for social housing, such as public land tools, long-term affordability mechanisms, community land trusts, and tenant protections. Community land trust and housing policy witnesses argued that social housing will require legislative action, expanded public subsidy, tax abatements, public land, and simplified financing, and they emphasized the need to reframe the concept for the “missing middle” and middle-class households to build broader political support. Committee members discussed stigma around “social housing,” the need for a rebrand, and the possibility of a pilot program, especially on excess public land. The committee also heard a proposal for a certified professional plan-check system modeled on Vancouver, Canada. The presenter said California’s permitting delays, inconsistent reviews, and staffing shortages add cost and uncertainty even for streamlined projects, and proposed allowing state-certified private professionals to perform plan checks and inspections under state oversight while local governments retain zoning and enforcement authority. Members discussed local control concerns, infrastructure costs, and the need to reduce delays and uncertainty in the entitlement process. Finally, the committee heard testimony supporting changes to HCD loan disbursement so funds can be used during construction rather than only after completion. Witnesses said this would reduce interest costs, improve feasibility, and could produce additional affordable homes with existing funding. The discussion also referenced AB 1053 as the vehicle for implementing that approach.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, a year after following our programs, today she says, Now, a year after following our programs, today
• It's an extensive program.
• We're funding the family empowerment scholarships as a separate state-funded categorical within the FEFP
• In addition to the increase in FEFP funding, the proposed budget provides funds for key pre-K-12 issues
• , including $432.8 million for VPK program to maintain the same per-student funding as the current year

Bills: S1062, S1718, S7038

Keywords: speech education, debate, high school, Florida Debate Initiative, civics, competitive teams, student participation, educational advancement, educator preparation, certification, professional development, temporary certificate, military service, collaboration, teaching effectiveness, education, Florida College System, tuition waivers, vocational rehabilitation, state universities

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met to consider several education bills and the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 Department of Education budget. The committee first took up CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate, which would formalize Florida’s Speech and Debate Week, strengthen the partnership between the Department of Education and the Florida Debate Initiative, require annual public reporting, and support statewide speech and debate programming. The bill drew extensive supportive testimony from students, alumni, and advocates who said debate improved civic engagement, literacy, confidence, and school performance, while also noting the need for equitable access and funding for travel and competition. The committee adopted a delete-everything amendment and then reported the bill favorably as amended by a unanimous vote of members present. The committee then heard SB 1718 on educator preparation and certification, which expands access to educator preparation coursework, broadens eligibility for temporary certification for some formerly certified professionals, and allows prior subject-area exam results to satisfy requirements. Public testimony largely supported easing barriers for experienced educators while emphasizing that certification changes are only a partial solution to teacher shortages and should be paired with better pay, retention, and professional respect. The bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered SB 7038 on education, which included a wide range of higher education and workforce-related changes, including a tuition waiver for Florida State Guard members, residency clarifications, oversight changes for blind services and vocational rehabilitation providers, licensure updates for private colleges, dual enrollment and assessment revisions, scholarship and funding changes, and reserve-fund requirements. An amendment restored the Classical Learning Test as a qualifying option for a grandparent tuition waiver, adjusted a Pell Grant performance metric, changed accreditation timing, and made other technical revisions. A dental education stakeholder raised concerns that one provision could disrupt long-standing exemptions for dental assisting programs, and the Florida Dental Association said it was working with the sponsor to avoid unintended impacts. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as amended. The final major item was a high-level review of the proposed pre-K-12 budget, totaling $34.9 billion with local funds. Highlights included $30 billion for public schools and K-12 scholarships, a $50 increase in the base student allocation, a 1.64% increase in total funds per FTE, $4.5 billion for family empowerment scholarships as a separate FEFP categorical, $25 million for districts facing future enrollment declines, $65.3 million to help districts with current-year enrollment losses, $432.8 million for VPK, and $30.4 million for regional education consortia. Senators asked about reductions or flat funding in some allocations, teacher pay, declining enrollment support, Schools of Hope funding, and support for non-teaching school staff. Public testimony on the budget focused heavily on concerns about charter and voucher funding, especially the $6 million for Schools of Hope, with speakers urging more investment in traditional public schools, teacher compensation, and school infrastructure. The committee concluded the meeting by adjournment after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• SENATE BILL 7016 AND 2024 ESTABLISHED THE TRAINING EDUCATION AND CLINICALS AND HEALTH FUNDING PROGRAM
• TWO PROGRAMS COMBINE WHAT WE CALL THE FLORIDA KID CARE PROGRAM.
• THE SCREENING GRANT PROGRAM AWARDS FUNDING TO NONPROFIT ENTITIES IMPLEMENT NEW HEALTHCARE SCREENING AND
• PROGRAM.
• IS IT A LACK OF FUNDING? ARE WE NOT ACCURATELY FUNDING IT?

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this is the uncommitted funds in that program, and this is also, I think, eliminating the program
• c> that<00:15:05.120> program<00:15:05.920> and uncommitted funds in that program and
• to fund the Granite Advantage Program?
• Program and some part of it goes to the alcohol fund.
• general funds to fund the granted general funds to fund the granted advantage<02:39:25.600> program

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee worked through several HB 2 budget amendments, focusing first on energy-related transfers and then on judicial funding. For the energy item, members discussed moving remaining money from the renewable energy fund into the general fund for the biennium, with later-year amounts going to the general fund rather than ratepayers. They noted the proposal was based on prior House Bill 111 language, that the exact amount was still being worked out with the Department of Energy, and that some language about “incentive payments” was being removed or clarified. Amendment 1211H was moved and adopted on a 5-4 vote. The committee then considered amendment 1040 on the governor’s scholarship fund, which would eliminate the program and sweep uncommitted funds. Members supporting the program argued it helps New Hampshire students afford in-state college and should be reworked rather than repealed; opponents said the remaining balance was limited and the program should be ended. Amendment 1040 was defeated 4-5. The committee then turned to a judicial council request tied to a Franklin Pierce criminal justice clinic that had previously used ARPA funds. Supporters said the clinic cleared 323 cases in nine months, provided training for future attorneys, and could reduce more expensive assigned-counsel costs by helping the public defender system handle cases more efficiently. The amendment would add $100,000 to the judicial council line for that purpose. There was some confusion over the line item and whether the request should be attributed to the judicial branch or judicial council, which was corrected during discussion. Members also discussed a larger issue: the judicial council’s budget request appeared lower than intended because of a possible clerical error in how prior-year funding was calculated, especially after the last budget combined HB 1 and HB 2 funding. The committee compared the public defender line and assigned counsel line, noting that if public defender funding is cut, more cases would shift to assigned counsel, which is more expensive. No final vote on the judicial council amendment is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our disability waiver programs are incredibly complex, from their funding to the complex needs of the
• Our disability waiver programs are incredibly complex, from their funding to the complex needs of the
• Our disability waiver programs are incredibly complex, from their funding to the complex needs of the
• c> has disabled funding for these programs has disabled funding for these programs has always<01:
• The housing support program has been a critical source of funding for support of housing programs addressing

Keywords: 1183, house