Transcript Highlights:

• There are some species, some sensitive species downriver, and we work really closely with OSC to make
• Those enhancements are the subject of a lot of discussion and a lot of review by our members.
• Those enhancements are the subject of a lot of discussion and a lot of review by our members.
• So first of all, if you want to know more about the individual enhancements that we discussed today,

Summary: The committee first received an Idaho State Department of Agriculture update on quagga mussels, with Director Chanel T. Wall reviewing the history of Idaho’s response, the spread and ecological damage caused by mussels in the Great Lakes, and the state’s legislative and operational efforts since the species was first detected west of the 100th meridian in 2007. She described the 2024 and 2025 Mid-Snake treatment efforts using chelated copper, noting a more than 50% reduction in the impacted footprint in 2025 compared with 2024, while emphasizing that the goal remains eradication. Members asked about the treatment method, the difficulty of keeping copper in the deep-pool water column, fish mortality, the reproductive capacity of mussels, and whether other states are using Idaho’s approach; Wall said Idaho’s work is being watched closely, but few states have shown the political will to attempt similar eradication efforts. No votes were taken during this presentation. The committee then heard a budget overview for natural resources from Legislative Services budget analyst Janet Jessup. She summarized the agencies under the natural resources budget area, explained JFAC’s recent actions on a 3% rescission, an additional 1% rescission, and a 5% ongoing base reduction for fiscal year 2027, and noted that many agency enhancements remain pending. She highlighted that DEQ’s requested enhancements are tied to dedicated and federal funds, Fish and Game’s budget is entirely dedicated/federal, Lands has a fire suppression deficiency fund that can be drawn into the negative and later repaid by the legislature, and Water Resources has a recurring transfer request. Members asked about the fire deficiency fund’s limits and how it is funded, and Jessup explained that it is typically preloaded by legislative appropriation. Finally, Keith Bybee of Legislative Services gave a broader general fund and revenue outlook. He said the legislature’s adopted revenue forecast is higher than the governor’s, but the budget remains tight because of lower-than-expected cash balances and the effect of policy changes and rescissions. He noted that the current-year ending balance is small relative to the size of the budget, while the projected fiscal year 2027 ending balance improves under the legislature’s forecast. Committee members discussed uncertainty around future fire suppression costs, Medicaid, corrections, and school enrollment, and the meeting concluded with no further action beyond the informational presentations and prior JFAC budget decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• a day when fans can dress up as their favorite characters, engage in epic lightsaber battles. and discuss
• workers there had a clause in their contract that they had to be informed and had to be a part of the discussion
• This bill, AB 611, will give additional time for the public, for the employees, to properly vet and discuss
• AJR 10 holds the President of the United States accountable to preserve some of our most sensitive lands

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As we've discussed many times in this committee, our state is in the midst of a healthcare workforce
• Now, I'd like to just briefly discuss some ongoing projects and research areas um that Texas Tech have
• research in order to really grow that research, we will, we definitely gonna need to develop, um, a sensitive
• and members, and Chairman was so kind, actually the week before last week, and he called me up and discussed

Transcript Highlights:

• luring, enticing offenses in the severity ranking chart and reflects new felony classifications as discussed
• After discussion with our law enforcement counterparts, there were issues on here that they loved, that
• And so we wanted to be sensitive to sort of what we're talking about here and recognize both the exemption
• If the person engages in these three elements that are discussed. Thank you. There is an amendment.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice considered and reported favorably a series of criminal justice, corrections, and public safety bills. Among the measures approved were SB 468, increasing penalties for fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement and allowing impoundment of involved vehicles; SB 1136, tightening age-related criminal offense provisions and clarifying that ignorance or misrepresentation of a victim’s age is not a defense in covered cases; SB 144, which was described as a broad public safety measure addressing law enforcement tools, AI/body camera use, concealed carry licensing exemptions for law enforcement, blood testing after exposure incidents, and related matters; and SB 1782, creating a dangerous excessive speeding offense for extreme speeding conduct. The committee also approved SB 964 on objective parole guidelines, SB 1450 giving law enforcement discretion on immediate arrest of individuals with significant medical conditions in nursing home or assisted living settings, SB 612 closing a loophole related to charging minors in drug-distribution deaths, SB 1838 protecting court officials from tampering, harassment, and retaliation, SB 776 adding an aggravating factor for assassination or attempted assassination of a head of state, and SB 716 imposing mandatory minimums for certain sexual offenses committed by registered sex offenders or predators. Several bills drew notable testimony and debate. SB 1804, which would make sex trafficking of a child under 12 or a mentally incapacitated person a capital offense, received strong support from the sponsor and some members who argued it was needed to address the most heinous trafficking cases, but it also drew opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and others who argued the death penalty should not be expanded to non-homicide crimes and would be unconstitutional, costly, and retraumatizing to victims. SB 1604 on corrections, which included provisions on inmate litigation, limitations periods, tracking devices, and involuntary mental health treatment, prompted questions about inmate rights, accountability, and possible abuse; the sponsor said the bill was intended to balance access to claims with institutional safety and to continue refining the language. SB 1838 also drew concerns from criminal defense lawyers about possible unintended effects on attorneys, and the sponsor said he would work on clarifying the language. The committee adopted amendments on several bills, including a substitute amendment to SB 144 that removed some provisions for further work, added first responder-related provisions, and adjusted motor vehicle kill-switch language; an amendment to SB 1136 changing the age threshold and refining luring/enticement language; a strike-all amendment to SB 964 limiting retroactivity and focusing on presumptive parolees; and a delete-all amendment to SB 1604 that revised multiple provisions, including tracking devices and consecutive sentencing under 10-20 Life. Most bills were reported favorably by roll call, with SB 776 and SB 1804 passing despite recorded no votes from some members. The chair closed by noting it was the committee’s final meeting of the session and thanked members before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• incentives now, or in 2029, contemplate the renewal of 312 like I did in 2019 and have that same discussion
• We just had a whole long discussion about incentives when it comes to community impact.
• You fell short because there are some very sensitive things that have happened in our state that many
• However, Penske had... ...internal organizational discussions that took into account the type of course

Bills: SB913, SB1086, SB1087, SB1143, SB1534, SB1553, SB1718, SB1754, SB2004, SB2322, SB2448

Keywords: hotel occupancy tax, municipal revenue, tax code, local government funding, Texas legislation, county taxation, economic development, hotel industry, local government, counties, taxation, tourism, workforce development, youth programs, employment, education, technical training, health physics, higher education, nuclear energy

Transcript Highlights:

• WE ARE CONTINUING TO HAVE OF THE SPONSOR IN THE STAFF AND THEIR OPEN DOOR POLICY TO HAVE THESE DISCUSSIONS
• AND I'M SENSITIVE TO THESE THINGS BUT IN JANUARY 2020 FDLE CAME AND PULLED ME OUT A COMMITTEE HEARING
• I WOULD RATHER US HAVE THOSE DISCUSSIONS THAN SITTING HERE HAVING THIS DISCUSSION RIGHT NOW BUT HERE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He went to UMass and was seen in the hallway, discussed very sensitive information there.
• health to include PAs, as well as PAs being able to authorize Section 12, as Jessica Brittnell just discussed
• The mother also shared that she was pregnant with a second child, and so we were able to discuss ways
• Senator Keenan previously testified on this bill; it was the first one he discussed this legislature.
• You just heard discussion of prior authorization.”

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on a large group of behavioral health and insurance-related bills. Topics included expanding access to mental health services by allowing physician assistants to authorize Section 12 emergency holds and be recognized as licensed mental health professionals (H. 1131/S. 773); improving coverage for community behavioral health centers so commercial insurance matches MassHealth’s bundled outpatient and crisis services (H. 1276/S. 703); eliminating cost sharing for certain behavioral health services (S. 718); extending detox and clinical stabilization coverage from 14 to 30 days and adding transitional support services (H. 1319/S. 772); requiring coverage for dual-diagnosis treatment in psychiatric facilities (H. 1277/S. 771); and preserving access to treatment for serious mental illness through coverage of coordinated specialty care and assertive community treatment (H. 1135/S. 709). The committee also heard bills on preventive behavioral health services for children (H. 1228/S. 802) and post-pregnancy mental health care, including postpartum depression and pregnancy loss-related care (H. 1314/S. 823).

Transcript Highlights:

• Our coalition gathered dozens of COIs, and we were active participants in the discussion about what that
• I know that there will be continued discussions of the merits of fax, email, or web portals, but I am
• And we rely on the Internet for incredibly important and sensitive things.
• At a December 2025 CACEO panel discussion, several county election officials expressed interest in implementing
• We look forward to receiving additional information in future discussions confirming that this rises

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• giving students meals that aren't necessarily the best for them or most attuned to their cultural sensitivities
• Seeing nobody getting up, we will now bring the discussion back to the members.
• And this just means that, excuse me, when you're having the discussion about the safety plan, that this
• Seeing nobody getting up, we will now turn it back to discussion with the members.
• Seeing nobody getting up, I'll turn it back now to discussion with the members.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We met with ADWR to discuss this situation, and they were obliging in giving us a meeting.
• Members, is there any final discussion?
• As a licensed contractor myself, I am sensitive to unnecessary red tape.
• All right, members, are there any more questions or any more discussion?
• Hearing none, Madam Chair, Any more questions or any more discussion?

Summary: The committee heard several water and energy-related measures. SB 1200, as amended by a Griffin strike-everything amendment, addressed the Arizona Department of Water Resources’ treatment of certain “conduit lakes” in active management areas. ADWR testified neutral on the bill but opposed the amendment as written, saying it could grandfather in lakes that are currently in violation of the lakes statute and create water-management concerns. HOA and industry witnesses argued the bill would simply clarify and restore a prior interpretation for existing communities that rely on lakes to move groundwater and effluent for irrigation, while avoiding costly redesigns. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and then passed SB 1200 with a due pass recommendation by a 6-3 vote. The committee then considered SB 1419, which would tighten consumer protections for residential rooftop solar sales and installations by adding disclosure, inspection, and contractor-responsibility requirements. County and solar-industry witnesses said the bill was the product of a lengthy stakeholder process and was intended to address misleading sales practices and roof-damage concerns, while noting additional floor amendments were still expected. The committee adopted the Griffin amendment and passed SB 1419 with a due pass recommendation by a 6-1 vote, with two members voting present. SB 1447, which extends certain groundwater withdrawal fee exemptions and fund deadlines in the Pinal Active Management Area, was supported by irrigation and municipal water users as a needed bridge for infrastructure and conservation efforts amid Colorado River uncertainty; it passed 7-1. SB 1560, increasing the maximum single loan from the water supply development revolving fund from $3 million to $20 million, was backed by WIFA as necessary to meet larger rural water project needs; it passed 8-1. Finally, the committee heard SCM 1004, a memorial asking Congress to clearly define the EPA’s powers and duties. One speaker opposed it as unnecessary, but the memorial was approved on a 6-2 vote. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I am sensitive to legislation that drives cost at a local level.
• Never mind, we'll move on to discussion. I pretty much—that's okay, my fault. I set you up.
• Thank you for the discussion.
• I know what's going on with this bill in terms of discussion.
• In some jurisdictions, absolutely, that discussion happens and that flexibility is happening.

Bills: SB5820, SB5995, SB5467

Keywords: freight rail, rail corridor, short-line railroad, rail-dependent uses, industrial land use, growth management act, GMA, comprehensive plan, transportation element, land use planning, local government, county planning, city planning, critical areas, agricultural lands, forest lands, mineral resource lands, urban growth area, development regulations, notice on permits

Transcript Highlights:

• First, I want to clarify that I've seen we've had this discussion in rules with this particular vote.
• Because it's a sensitive place like the Roundhouse, there's armed security here.
• If we can, if the Chair would entertain a motion to discuss the committee substitute, I'll go to Senator
• And for purposes of discussion, I move do pass for the Senate Judiciary Committee substitute for Senate
• But for purposes of discussion, they do pass on the Senate Judiciary Committee substitute for Senate

Bills: SB23, SB221, SB261, SB264

Keywords: student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, misappropriation, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, racketeering, criminal penalties, New Mexico, public safety, health regulations, community welfare, peace promotion, legislative reforms, election integrity, voter coercion, emergency procedures, polling place security

Transcript Highlights:

• First, I want to clarify that I’ve seen we’ve had this discussion in Rules with this particular vote,
• not pass on Senate Rules Committee substitute for Senate Bill 261, but do pass for purposes of discussion
• If we can, um, if the chair would entertain a motion to discuss the committee substitute.
• And for purposes of discussion, I do pass for the Senate Judiciary Committee substitute for Senate Bill
• But for purposes of discussion, they do pass on Senate Judiciary Committee substitute for Senate Bill

Bills: HB195, HB279, SB30, HB234, HB292, SB100, SB23, SB221, SB261, SB264

Keywords: medical malpractice, judgments, independent providers, insurance, personal assets, settlements, healthcare, healthcare privacy, electronic medical records, reproductive health, gender-affirming care, data protection, location tracking, confidentiality, SB30, induced abortion, abortion reporting, vital statistics, public health reporting, medical records

Summary: The committee first heard SB 264, which would create state criminal and civil penalties for election interference, including stationing armed personnel at polling places or drop boxes, changing voter qualifications or election procedures contrary to state law, and obstructing or intimidating voters, poll workers, or election administrators. The sponsor and Secretary of State staff said the bill was a response to concerns about possible federal interference in New Mexico elections and was modeled largely on existing federal law, while also adding emergency-related provisions for counties affected by disasters. Support came from Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, and the Center for Public Policy; there was no opposition testimony. After questions about enforcement, federal conflict, and the role of local law enforcement, the committee passed SB 264 on a due-pass motion. The committee then took up SB 261, a related bill revising firearm restrictions at polling places. The sponsor said the bill would remove most exemptions that had allowed firearms in or around polling locations, while preserving limited exceptions for election administrators to request law enforcement assistance and for certain rural or co-located law enforcement offices. Supporters, including the League of Women Voters, Common Cause, and the Center for Public Policy, argued that firearms at polls can intimidate voters and poll workers and that the bill would create clearer, safer rules. Opponents, including representatives of a rifle and pistol club, a county sheriff’s office, and the New Mexico Business Coalition, argued that concealed carry holders and officers should not be treated as threats, that the bill could create confusion or criminalize lawful conduct, and that law enforcement needs to remain armed to respond to emergencies and protect polling sites. Committee members debated constitutional tailoring, rural enforcement issues, and how the bill would interact with the earlier election-interference bill. The committee ultimately passed the Judiciary Committee substitute for SB 261 on a due-pass vote. Finally, the committee heard SB 221, which would add a new crime and racketeering predicate for theft and misappropriation of petroleum products and oil and gas equipment. The sponsor, the Attorney General’s office, and industry and law enforcement witnesses said oilfield theft has become more organized and dangerous, causing environmental damage, safety hazards, lost production, and revenue losses, and that existing laws are not sufficient to address the conduct. An opponent questioned whether the conduct was already illegal and argued that the bill singled out one industry and could overcriminalize conduct already covered by other laws and regulations. After discussion about proportionality and whether the bill was necessary, the committee voted on the Judiciary Committee substitute and the motion failed on a tie vote, so SB 221 did not advance.

Transcript Highlights:

• have questions about some of the lines in your amendment, the ones that you just mentioned that we discussed
• And I also appreciate the time that we were able to sit together and discuss this.
• So there is that discussion in there.
• So there is that discussion in there.
• They would have to—there would have to be some discussion with the local government about how they're

Bills: S0002, S0026, S0354, S1112, S1192, S1220, S1352, S1670

Keywords: negligence, settlement, appropriation, highway safety, damages, law enforcement, motorcycle accident, compensation, Department of Transportation, legal claim, land use, development, sustainability, environmental protection, housing policy, labor pool, employment, temporary work, placement fee, Department of Commerce

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard several bills and reported most of them favorably. The first major measure, CS/SB 1220, was described as a broad transportation package expanding FDOT authority over trails, seaports, aviation, advanced air mobility, delivery devices, and related technology, while also addressing toll revenue use, autonomous vehicle penalties, digital driver licenses, and an FDOT study on alternative-fuel vehicles. An amendment narrowed some provisions, including local regulation of personal delivery devices and FDOT airport language. Senator Smith and others raised concerns about language involving FDOT assistance to local governments on federal grant applications, but the bill passed unanimously after support from industry and local-government appearance cards. The committee also approved SB 1112, the Labor Pool Act, which would prohibit labor pools from charging placement fees when workers are hired permanently by a third-party employer and require annual registration with the Department of Commerce. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would reduce barriers to full-time employment, improve oversight, and help returning citizens and low-wage workers; multiple witnesses testified in support, including labor advocates and individuals describing high placement fees. Senators from both parties praised the bill’s worker and reentry benefits, and it passed unanimously. The committee then favorably reported SB 2, a claims bill for the estate of Danielle Maudsley arising from a fatal FHP arrest incident and settlement, and SB 26, another claims bill providing relief for the estate of Mark Legata after alleged FDOT negligence. Senate Bill 1352 on motor vehicles also passed without opposition. It would create a secure online portal for license plate seizure processing, allow disabled veterans to retain their DV plate designation upon reissuance or transfer, ban license plate covers and similar devices that obscure plates, and route certain online driver license and ID transactions through county tax collectors. SB 1192, a customer service pilot requiring callback queues for certain calls to the Department of Commerce and Department of Children and Families, was likewise reported favorably to improve response times and reduce hold times. The most extensive debate centered on CS/SB 354, the Blue Ribbon Projects bill, which would create a new process for very large developments on 10,000-acre or larger parcels if the owner sets aside 60% of the land for conservation or reserve uses. Supporters said it was intended to promote long-range planning, preserve land, and provide certainty for infrastructure and services, while opponents from counties, planning groups, and environmental organizations argued it would preempt local land-use authority, weaken public participation, and allow conservation requirements to be too vague. An amendment added more detail, but concerns remained about administrative approval, timelines, and the definition of reserve areas. Despite opposition from some members, the committee reported the bill favorably on a divided vote. SB 1670 was temporarily postponed, and the committee adjourned after recording one member’s vote on SB 1220.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have a very sensitive mic—sorry about that. I'm going to start with the opposition.
• But it went beyond, hey, you know what, we've got this, and it went into a complete discussion, a vote
• But it went beyond, hey, you know what, we've got this, and it went into a complete discussion, a vote
• If I might discuss, since we're waxing a little bit philosophical— And the bottom line is, Madam Chair
• If I might discuss, since we're waxing a little bit philosophical, Discussed, since we're waxing a little

Summary: The committee first addressed a procedural dispute over House Bill 280, with one member arguing it had already been heard and tabled in another committee earlier that day. The chair ruled the bill was properly before the House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee because it had been assigned there and published in the notice. HB 280 would create a three-year pilot program to support paid internships for students through grants to school districts, nonprofits, and tribal entities, with the Department of Workforce Solutions administering the program, collecting data, and reporting outcomes. Supporters said it would help build a sustainable funding source for school-year internships, expand access in rural and tribal communities, and connect internships to graduation credit and workforce pathways. Committee members asked about administrative costs, student selection, matching funds, program duration, and whether government entities and land grants could participate. The bill was described as flexible enough to allow different local program designs, including stipends or payroll arrangements. The committee voted do pass on HB 280. The committee then heard House Memorial 46, which honors the Hurley family, especially Major General Patrick Hurley and his son Wilson Hurley, for military service and public contributions to New Mexico. The memorial highlighted Patrick Hurley’s service in World War I and World War II, his diplomatic roles, and his decorations, as well as Wilson Hurley’s military service and later career as an artist. There was no opposition, and the memorial received a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 270, a public works apprenticeship bill that would require contributions to apprenticeship and training programs or the Public Works Apprentice and Training Fund on most public works construction projects, while exempting trades with no approved program. Supporters argued the bill would close loopholes, strengthen workforce development, and ensure contractors benefiting from public projects contribute to training. Opponents from asphalt, utility, and contractor groups said they already support existing training programs, warned the bill could raise costs and create participation problems for contractors without access to suitable programs, and noted the Transportation Committee had already considered the bill earlier that day. Sponsors responded that the earlier Transportation action was a procedural glitch and that the bill was a cleanup measure to make the existing law more effective and fair. After extended debate over costs, workforce shortages, and the effect on highway contractors, the committee voted do pass on HB 270 by a 5-3 tally.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Hall: So is there any sensitivity when you're looking at your budget through JFAC?
• Representative Erickson: So if we were to maybe put a pause, and some of us had these discussions, and
• I think we need to have somewhere along the line an honest discussion of where we need to end up, and
• We will have that discussion later and kind of see where we go.
• We will have that discussion later and kind of see where we go.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee met with Representative Josh Tanner and Legislative Services budget staff to discuss the Health and Welfare budget, with a focus on identifying possible cuts and understanding how JFAC evaluates budget reductions, cost shifts, and fiscal notes. Tanner emphasized that the state faces constitutional balanced-budget requirements and ongoing Medicaid and Health and Welfare supplemental costs, citing governor holdbacks, provider rate cuts, and proposed reductions in Health and Welfare as areas the committee should review. He argued that the committee should dig into the numbers itself, consider whether programs are truly serving the most vulnerable, and bring specific recommendations to JFAC with clear fiscal impacts, including any cost shifts to other state or local entities. Members asked about how JFAC handles cuts that may shift costs to hospitals, prisons, counties, or emergency rooms, and whether policy changes such as work requirements or eligibility rechecks would reduce Medicaid growth. Tanner said JFAC primarily balances the budget based on actual numbers, not assumptions about future savings, and that if the committee wants policy changes, it should advance them through legislation rather than leaving decisions to JFAC. He also discussed Medicaid expansion, saying it has grown far beyond initial expectations, and said any savings from repealing or reducing expansion would be a committee decision about whether to reallocate funds or let them disappear from the budget. The committee then received a detailed overview from Legislative Services staff on budget tools and resources, including the base budget dashboard, the Legislative Budget Book, the Legislative Fiscal Report, the Fiscal Source Book, session records, and performance reports. Staff demonstrated how members can drill down into agency, division, and program-level budget history, enhancement history, and fund sources. A discussion followed about inflation-adjusted and per-capita budget trends, with staff noting that such analyses exist for the overall state budget and may be expanded further. The chair closed by asking members to review the Health and Welfare divisions and return with recommendations, noting that any proposed increases must be offset by reductions elsewhere, and said the committee’s report to JFAC was likely to occur in the first week of February.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our top This year's priority, which we've discussed with you a lot and I know you all were working together
• Some of the recommendations, and I know they're still up for discussion, actually add to our workload
• My colleagues have Discussed the Partners platform in detail and today I'd like you to know what we are
• Families discussed the gratitude they have for programs that provide a hot meal to their students in
• I appreciate the detail in that because we're going to be discussing A few bills a little bit later on

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AI TOOLS OFTEN REQUIRE ACCESS TO SENSITIVE STUDENT DATA AND NOT ALL TOOLS MEET HIGH STANDARDS FOR PRIVACY
• THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME I WOULD NOW LIKE TO OPEN THE FLOOR FOR QUESTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS.
• WHAT WILL BE YOUR RECOMMENDATION ON HOW OFTEN SHOULD THE COMMISSION MEET TO DISCUSS THE POLICIES AND
• THAT GOES OUT FRIDAY THE PRINCIPLES ARE LOOKING AT THE DATA APPEAR THAT IS DISCUSSED MONDAY MORNING WITH
• Porras: THANK YOU MADAM CHAIR AND THANK YOU GUYS FOR THE AWESOME DISCUSSION I KNOW WE WERE TALKING ABOUT

Transcript Highlights:

• And is there, senators, is there any discussion? All right. Wonderful. Thank you so much.
• They are handling some of the most sensitive information.
• Senators, any discussion? Yes. Senator Smith, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Any other discussion, Senators? Senator Polsky, you're recognized. Thank you.
• And if I'm able to meet and have discussions, I'm able to better understand, get my questions answered

Summary: The committee met to hear fiscal year 2026-2027 legislative budget requests from several justice-related agencies. The Florida Commission on Offender Review requested funding for investigator and revocation staff salary increases to address turnover, plus nonrecurring funds for Wi-Fi, seven vehicles, technology support, and commissioner salary adjustments. The State Courts Administrator presented a broad judicial branch request focused on trial court case-management technology, additional case managers, trust fund authority for child support hearing officers, courthouse furnishings, district court flexibility in staffing, a future courthouse for the Sixth District Court of Appeal, Supreme Court elevator replacement, POM accounting implementation support, judicial security liaison positions tied to the Florida Fusion Center, expanded senior management service authority, and judicial salary adjustments. The Office of the Attorney General outlined pay and operating requests for consumer protection, citizen services, ethics, crime compensation, victim services, vehicle replacement, IT and cybersecurity, lease and operating costs, and PALM-related expenses, while several senators questioned the office about outside counsel contracts, contingency-fee arrangements, transparency, and the use of private law firms. The Department of Corrections made the largest presentation, describing severe staffing shortages, high turnover, rising inmate populations, increased assaults, and heavy overtime use. Secretary Ricky Dixon said the agency’s request was driven by constitutional and public safety needs and included funding for operations, security equipment, inflationary costs, vehicle replacement, offender information system modernization, technology restoration, inmate health services, drug and food cost increases, staffing pilots, maintenance, security infrastructure, Florida PALM, recruitment and retention, and $56 million for new correctional housing units. Members asked about inmate labor, prison safety, overtime, vehicle breakdowns, and whether more National Guard support was needed; Dixon said the agency needed more staffing and pay competitiveness rather than a long-term military presence. A correctional officers’ union representative also urged support for pay raises, citing low pay and staffing concerns. No votes were taken on the budget requests. The chair allowed extended questioning, especially for the Department of Corrections, but noted time constraints and asked agencies to return in a later committee meeting, including FDLE, which was deferred because of a House site visit.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, we're going to start out with a panel discussion.
• In order to isolate against vibrations, all semiconductor equipment is sensitive to outside vibrations
• So this is where we really... ...make the attempt to have this discussion because there's flexibility
• Okay, this has been a good discussion, I really appreciate it, and thank y'all for kind of bouncing off
• So, in having some brief discussions with Senator Birdwell on his bill, I think...

Bills: SB1757, SB1758, SB1898, SB2050

Keywords: rock crushing, permits, air quality, environmental monitoring, aggregate production, seismicity, public meeting, land use, SB 1758, cement kiln, portland cement, aggregate production operation, aggregate quarry, semiconductor wafer manufacturing, chip fabrication, semiconductor plant, vibration, seismic disturbance, liability limitation, TCEQ