Transcript Highlights:

• Accountability, Efficiency, and Transparency will meet at 5:00 in Room 113. >> By the members. >> Gentleman
• Accountability, efficiency, and Accountability, efficiency, and transparency<00:28:43.440> will
• :43.840> at<00:28:44.000> 5:00<00:28:44.480> in<00:28:44.720> room transparency
• will meet at 5:00 in room transparency will meet at 5:00 in room 113 >> by<00:28:48.640> the

Keywords: MS House Floor - 3 March, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then dispensed with the reading of the journal and introductions. The session included many gallery introductions recognizing Jackson State University Day and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Day, along with visiting university officials, alumni, students, community leaders, and other guests. Members also offered remarks honoring JSU achievements and several individuals, including a doctor of the day, a mayor, military personnel, and a legislative intern. One member asked for adjournment in memory of two West Bolivar students who died in a house fire, and the chamber observed that request. On the calendar, the House took up several House resolutions in blocks. Items 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 were adopted without objection, and House Resolution 72 and House Resolution 75 were each adopted by voice vote. The chamber then considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 526, described as congratulating the Ole Miss Rebels; it was adopted by a recorded vote of 121 yeas and 0 nays. A request was made for immediate release on that resolution, and there was no objection. Members also discussed adding the full House membership as co-authors on House Resolution 78, which was noted as honoring an outstanding Jackson State baseball player. Several announcements were made about committee meetings and events, including Medicaid, Judiciary, State Affairs, and Accountability, Efficiency, and Transparency meetings, though State Affairs was later announced not to meet that afternoon. Members also announced a legislative reception hosted by the Mississippi Tourism Association and Game and Hospitality Association, and a 100-year anniversary event for the Mississippi Forester Commission. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 10:00 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• It has strengthened our transparency, streamlined accountability, and supported clearer decision-making
• It has strengthened our transparency,<00:22:06.640> streamlined transparency, streamlined transparency

Bills: SB2187

Keywords: housing, economic development, tourism, state department, renaming, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House Tourism and Water and Land hearing focused on HB 1947, which would repeal the Hawaii Tourism Authority, create an Office of Tourism in DBEDT, and establish a Division of Destination Management in DLNR. The Attorney General opposed provisions allowing the new tourism office or advisory board to hire independent attorneys, and also noted civil service and transfer-of-functions issues, including the need for standard transition language for employees, contracts, records, and equipment. DNR said it stood on its written comments, while the Department of Taxation also stood on its written testimony. HTA opposed the bill, arguing that Act 132 had already improved its governance and that destination management should remain within a single, holistic tourism framework. HTA said it is better positioned to coordinate with counties, communities, and state agencies on both tourism promotion and mitigation of impacts, and pointed to its strategic plan and DMAP work as evidence. The County of Kauai Office of Economic Development also opposed the bill, saying tourism issues cross multiple agencies and that coordination is best handled by one entity rather than splitting responsibilities between DBEDT and DLNR. One member of the public testified in support with reservations, saying Hawaii needs stronger leadership and control, but also warning that dissolving HTA would be a major change. During questioning, committee members pressed HTA on why destination management should not simply be handled by DLNR if HTA already consults with it on land-use and conservation issues. HTA responded that its role is broader than conservation alone and includes balancing economic development, visitor management, and resident quality of life, while deferring to DLNR on matters within DLNR’s jurisdiction. The hearing then moved to decision-making, where the chairs announced amendments that removed the transfer of destination management to DLNR, added counties and state/county agency assistance to the Office of Tourism, and made other conforming changes. The House committees voted to recommend HB 1947 pass with amendments, with several members voting aye and some voting with reservations, and the hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is in keeping with past efforts we've had to ensure transparency in sentencing for such criminal
• we've had in keeping with past efforts we've had to<00:16:13.839> ensure<00:16:14.320> transparency
• <00:16:14.959> and<00:16:15.120> sentencing to ensure transparency and sentencing to
• ensure transparency and sentencing for<00:16:15.839> such<00:16:16.079> criminal<00:16

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 05:11 Report of Committees 06:05 Orders of the Day/HB 320 07:52 HB 366 14:55 HB 389 17:22 HB 56 22:10 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 25:47 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 29:20 Petition of Impeachment Filed 31:24 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 32:03 ConC/Rules Report 36:31 Floor Amendments 37:29 Adjournment 37:47, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the pledge, recorded 96 members present, excused absences, and approved the journal from January 27, 2026. The Senate clerk announced passage of Senate Bills 17 and 181 and requested concurrence. Committee reports advanced a number of bills on health insurance, judiciary, local government, and transportation topics, including measures on pharmacist reimbursements, hearing aid coverage, feeding and eating disorders, grooming a minor, local government liability, water fluoridation, cigar bars, chickens on residential property, highway pavement markings, motor vehicle titles, and pedestrian issues; all favorable reports were treated as first readings and placed on the calendar. The House then took up and passed House Bill 320 on human trafficking, with the sponsor explaining it would equalize penalties for promoting human trafficking with those for trafficking itself and increase the penalty when the victim is under 18. A member asked whether the bill included additional funding for cyber enforcement; the sponsor replied it was not an appropriation and would not require new funding, though prior budgets had increased support for anti-trafficking efforts. The House adopted a title amendment changing the bill’s title to combating human trafficking. The chamber also passed House Bill 366, which clarifies that materials portraying a sexual performance by a minor include computer-generated images and requires 85% service of the sentence before probation or parole; the sponsor said it was supported by law enforcement and prosecutors. House Bill 389 on reading and writing in schools also passed as amended by House Committee Substitute 1. The sponsor said it would require annual updates to the state dyslexia toolkit, expand professional development and coaching, require local school boards to develop processes for universal screening and diagnostic tools, and add dyslexia instruction to teacher preparation programs; the substitute added conformity with IDEA and revised the instructional language. Members spoke in support of early dyslexia detection and one member noted the bill updated prior legislation associated with former Rep. Bam Carney. House Bill 56, an omnibus Department of Agriculture bill, then passed; it addressed amusement ride inspections, grain warehousing penalties, egg handler licensing renewal timing, exemptions for small producers, and repealed obsolete tobacco and egg marketing board provisions. All three bills passed by roll call with 95 or 94 votes in favor and none opposed, and clinchers were applied. During announcements, members noted upcoming committee meetings and events, including a suits-and-sneakers day and cancer-related breakfast, caucus meetings, and committee meetings. New bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on local occupational license fees, early learning and child care, tuition waivers, an adult workforce diploma pilot, motor vehicle usage tax, contract procurement, Fish and Wildlife Resources, adoption, veterans’ benefits, Cabinet for Health and Family Services operations, organ donation safety, hate crimes, prescription drugs, and resolutions on the Kentucky-Japan partnership and veterans’ benefits accreditation. The clerk also reported a petition of impeachment filed against Judge Julie Goodman. The House then referred a group of bills to committees, reported floor amendments for House Bills 321 and 416, and adjourned until 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Accountability, efficiency, and transparency will meet after adjournment today in Room 103.
• Accountability, efficiency,<00:27:37.600> and<00:27:37.919> transparency<00:27:38.640><
• c> will<00:27:38.880> meet efficiency, and transparency will meet efficiency, and transparency

Keywords: MS House Floor - 22 January, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, dispensed with the journal reading, and reported no select committee reports. Members then recognized visitors and guests, including representatives from Mississippi College and Coastal American Insurance. The chamber spent considerable time honoring Mississippi College’s 200th anniversary, with remarks from members about the school’s history, its law school, and personal experiences there, followed by the presentation of a proclamation and applause. On the rules calendar, the House adopted several resolutions in blocks, including three House concurrent resolutions and then five House resolutions, all by unanimous or near-unanimous voice vote. One motion to reconsider House Bill 534 was tabled. The House also granted immediate release on the adopted resolutions. Later, a member introduced an out-of-order birthday recognition and a family baseball photo, which drew laughter and applause. On the general calendar, the House took up House Bill 4, a County Affairs bill concerning municipal annexation. The bill would require an election in both the municipality and the proposed annexation area if 20% of electors in the area petition for one, with annexation failing unless both sides agree; if defeated, the question could be brought back after five years. Members questioned whether the measure would make annexation much harder, whether business owners would vote, and how it compared with current court-based annexation procedures. The bill was laid on the table subject to call after discussion. Military Affairs, Transportation, and Medicaid were then reported as passing. The clerk announced upcoming committee meetings and a suffrage bill deadline, members made additional announcements including recognition of the doctor of the day and Recovery Day 2026, and the House adjourned to reconvene Monday at 4 p.m., weather permitting, with a possible delay to Tuesday or Wednesday if roads were impassable.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today I present HB 831, Transparencies of Outcomes and Performance of Problem Solving Courts.
• This is about transparency, evidence-based policymaking, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars
• something more severe that is in a sense covered up in this, but I want to make sure that there's transparency
• In journalism, some of the first lessons I was taught were honesty, integrity, and transparency - crucial

Transcript Highlights:

• Three, ensure fairness and transparency.
• Any transfer or reassignment of assets should be managed through a fair, transparent process that protects
• Thank you, and I welcome your questions. managed through a fair, transparent managed through a fair,
• transparent process<00:07:18.080> that<00:07:18.400> protects<00:07:18.880> taxpayers

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Zayo Group 00:00:50 Committee Report to LRC 00:18:12, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony from Michael McCurley, president of Zo Education and a senior vice president with Zo Group, about the company’s role in providing broadband and managed network services to Kentucky schools. He said Zo Education serves all Kentucky K-12 public school districts in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Education, offering more bandwidth at lower cost than the prior provider and also providing cybersecurity and network protection. He emphasized that reliable connectivity is essential for instruction, testing, remote coursework, and school administration. McCurley also addressed the ongoing contract dispute involving the Kentucky Communications Network Authority and Open Fiber Silicom, saying Zo Education is not a party to the litigation but is concerned about possible disruption to schools and students. In response to committee questions, he said the company incurred unexpected costs when it had to reroute connections and build alternate network paths, including one school move that cost more than $50,000 to serve a site generating under $2,000 per month. He said outages and incidents are more frequent when Kentucky Wired access is unavailable, and that Zo could not have bid at its current price without access to Kentucky Wired. Committee members discussed the broader implications of the dispute and the state’s broadband structure. Senator Williams said the committee’s priority is avoiding disruption to students and noted concerns about infrastructure purchases and upgrades tied to the network, saying he had not seen clear contractual support for some of the expenditures. He also referenced a future audit and said the committee should preserve options and taxpayer funds. The committee then reviewed its report to LRC, including changes related to infrastructure purchases and water asset management technology, and agreed to submit the report without a committee vote. The chair announced the next meeting would be in January, with no December meeting scheduled, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• legislature has added these requirements since 1973, and the intent of each was to provide greater transparency
• the review of adverse health events and the inspection, and even the data that is supposed to be transparent
• the review of adverse health events and the inspection, and even the data that is supposed to be transparent
• informational gaps, and identifying how information is gathered and where it is placed to be more transparent

Summary: At the May 14, 2025 JLARC meeting, members approved the January 9 minutes and adopted the 2025–27 biennial work plan with a minor typo correction. Staff reviewed the new work plan studies, including a drug take-back program fee/expenditure review due in December 2025 and a state energy performance standard compliance review due in June 2027, and noted JLARC’s recent session activity, including several bills passed related to JLARC work and recommendations. The committee then heard a preliminary cannabis market study showing Washington businesses likely produced two to three times more cannabis than retailers sold in 2023. Staff and RAND said LCB’s data systems are incomplete and unreliable, limiting regulation, tax verification, and diversion tracking; they recommended that LCB submit a plan by year-end for collecting accurate data by the end of 2026. Members and LCB discussed the long timeline for a new traceability system, the causes of missing sales and weight data, overproduction, diversion, and the social equity program’s effect on producer licenses. JLARC also presented a preliminary hospital oversight report concluding that the Department of Health is late on many hospital inspections, does not verify third-party inspection standards, does not review adverse health event correction plans, and could make hospital data more accessible. The committee discussed fee funding, language access, and inspection timing, and DOH said it would work on a strategic plan and continue coordinating with JLARC. Members also heard a preliminary report on the public records survivor exemption, which found agencies are using it but need more guidance; JLARC recommended keeping the exemption and having the Attorney General provide additional training. Finally, the committee approved the DDA processes and staffing final report for distribution, which recommended performance metrics, stronger data quality controls, and workforce planning; DDA concurred. JLARC also introduced proposed study questions for a future DCYF juvenile rehabilitation review focused on safety, security, programs, staffing, education, and contraband, and the meeting adjourned after members asked about scope and facility conditions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of us on the committee remain concerned about the consistency, fairness, and transparency. of the
• Mink if he's confirmed, and I'll also be very transparent in my comms with you about the situation in
• Perhaps those that have gone before, I'll commit a little bit differently to you, that I will be very transparent
• make sure that if I make commitments to you or to the United States Air Force, that I will be very transparent

Keywords: Department of Defense, nominations, Matthew Lohmeyer, Justin Overbaugh, global security, military readiness, NATO, Russia, China, defense infrastructure

Summary: The meeting was primarily focused on discussing nominations for key positions within the Department of Defense, specifically for roles such as the Undersecretary of the Air Force and the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security. Senators expressed urgent concerns about global security threats, the need for robust military readiness, and the emphasis on effective collaboration with NATO allies amidst rising tensions with adversaries such as Russia and China. Several senators highlighted the challenges facing military infrastructure and defense capabilities, suggesting a critical need for improvements and investment in these areas to ensure national security.

Transcript Highlights:

• 5294 represents. critical next step in ensuring that medical schools maintain academic rigor, transparency
• The bill also requires transparency from institutions mandating that each Each medical school publicly
• The bill also helps to preserve the integrity of the on transparency in how medical schools evaluate
• By requiring transparency, affirming Neutrality in Admissions and Instruction and Enabling Enforcement

Bills: HB232

Keywords: disaster recovery, natural disaster, weather disaster, emergency relief, flood relief, hurricane relief, storm damage, wildfire, tornado, hail, windstorm, extreme heat, ice storm, snowstorm, property damage, personal injury, temporary housing, relocation assistance, lost wages, state emergency management

Transcript Highlights:

• 5294 represents a critical next step in ensuring that medical schools maintain academic rigor, transparency
• The bill also requires transparency from institutions mandating that each medical school publicly disclose
• The bill also helps to preserve the integrity of the medical profession by insisting on transparency
• By requiring transparency, affirming neutrality in admissions and instruction, and enabling enforcement

Bills: HB232

Keywords: disaster recovery, natural disaster, weather disaster, emergency relief, flood relief, hurricane relief, storm damage, wildfire, tornado, hail, windstorm, extreme heat, ice storm, snowstorm, property damage, personal injury, temporary housing, relocation assistance, lost wages, state emergency management

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to make the process as simple and as transparent as can be.
• able to maintain their preferred format for their local budgeting, this summary aims to improve transparency
• Chairman, I will tell you though, we do like some of the proposals that you got on the transparency.
• I'm especially pleased to see the transparency piece in there.

Bills: HB386, HB1449, HB1701, HB2142, HB2675, HB2857, HB3063, HB3171, HB3641, HB3732, HB4045, HB4370, HB4491, HB4505, HB4626, HB5267, HB5356

Keywords: construction contracts, change orders, local government, budget limits, Texas legislation, HB 1449, mobile food vendors, food trucks, mobile food service establishments, permits, county health permit, municipal permitting, Health and Safety Code Chapter 437A, Chapter 437, inspection agreements, permit reciprocity, fee cap, preemption, large counties, population over one million

Transcript Highlights:

• Timely acquisition of necessary technologies makes the process more flexible and transparent so we can
• Today, we will discuss how the state ensures vendors meet performance standards and maintains transparency
• Around 2010, 2011, there was a movement to make contracts transparent because a lot of stuff was invisible
• It was called the Transparency Act of, don't ask me what year, I think it was 2011.

Summary: The subcommittee heard a panel on Florida’s IT procurement process from the Florida Digital Service, the Department of Management Services, and the Department of Financial Services. Witnesses walked through the procurement lifecycle, including planning, market research, solicitation, evaluation, award, implementation, and closeout, and emphasized the role of budget timing, contract managers, and subject matter experts. DMS described the state’s enterprise contracting system, noting more than 1,100 active vendor agreements, over 800 involving IT services, and the statutory requirement to request 25 quotes for certain IT purchases. DFS demonstrated the Florida Accountability Contract Tracking System (FACS), explaining how agencies upload contract and payment data and how the public can search contracts and related documents online. Members focused on accountability, transparency, and whether the state is getting the best products and vendors. Questions addressed how contracts are vetted, how technical evaluations are performed, how financial consequences are used for missed deliverables, how public records and confidential information are handled, and how the state screens vendors for foreign-concern or bad-actor issues. Witnesses said agencies rely on technical experts for evaluations, that contract terms should include measurable deliverables and meaningful financial consequences, and that agencies—not procurement staff—generally manage performance, though Florida Digital Service oversees large IT projects of $10 million or more. The committee then shifted to broader policy discussion, including Senate Bill 7026 and proposals to reorganize state IT governance. Several members argued for stronger centralization under a state CIO or similar enterprise authority, while others cautioned against abrupt restructuring and stressed the need for a transition plan. Members also raised concerns about workforce retention, consulting services, recurring project overruns, and the need for better planning and periodic monitoring. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair thanking members and staff and adjourning the subcommittee.

Transcript Highlights:

• capital and liquidity, these are must-pass NAIC model laws that create additional metrics and transparency
• Chair, just for transparency for everyone, since we do have another cannabis bill coming up later today
• Commitment to quality and transparency is significant for small businesses.
• This kind of sudden, lopsided legislative action does not promote fairness, transparency, or stability

Bills: HF1545, HF2426, HF1615, HF2403

Keywords: medical cannabis, cultivation, cannabinoid products, plant canopy, Minnesota statutes, cannabis, hemp, lower-potency, edibles, regulations, licensing, local control, consumer safety, age restrictions, commerce policy, financial institutions, insurance regulation, limited long-term care insurance, Medicare supplement, health insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• We have to be very honest and transparent.
• Members, this bill is simply about increasing transparency.
• situation has exposed critical gaps in the existing law, which fails to provide adequate notice, transparency
• One is the increase in transparency.

Bills: HB24, HB2015, HB2149, HB2559, HB2701, HB2797, HB3172, HB24

Keywords: zoning, public notice, local government, residential development, protests, water conservation, municipal utility districts, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, environmental regulation, groundwater management, nonconforming uses, zoning regulations, land use, property rights, municipal authority, municipal moratorium, development moratorium, property development, subdivision, site plan

Transcript Highlights:

• come before you today to present a bill that is rooted in one simple but essential principle: transparency
• Transparency for Florida's families and students.
• They need to have everything that is transparent.
• might need to change the way we allow the schools to market to our parents so that they are more transparent

Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met with a quorum and heard four bills, all of which were reported favorably by unanimous votes. The chair opened with remarks about student performance and assessment, then the committee took up House Bill 1111 by Rep. Valdes, which would eliminate the certificate of completion for students who do not meet standard high school graduation requirements. Supporters argued the certificate is a meaningless “participation trophy” that can mislead students and families, while the sponsor said students would instead be pushed toward additional support, concordance testing, or other pathways to a standard diploma. Members raised questions about effects on ESE students, timing, and alternative pathways; the bill passed 17-0. The committee next approved House Bill 921 by Rep. Overdorf, which adds cursive writing instruction for grades 2 through 5 and defines cursive proficiency. The sponsor and supporters said cursive has historical, cognitive, and fine-motor benefits and helps students read signatures and historical documents. The bill also passed 17-0. After a brief recognition of visiting students, the committee heard House Bill 423 by Rep. Bartleman, which requires private schools participating in the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program to give parents written notice about which services in an IEP, 504 plan, ELL plan, or similar plan will be honored. Supporters framed it as a transparency and consumer-protection measure for families, especially those with children with disabilities; the sponsor emphasized it does not require private schools to provide specific services, only to disclose them. The bill passed 17-0. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 251 by Rep. Tendrich, which would recognize January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida. The sponsor and public witnesses described rising antisemitism, the importance of remembrance, and the need for education about the Holocaust. Members from both parties shared personal reflections and support, and a survivor’s letter was read into the record. The bill passed 16-0. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted the committee had gone four-for-four on unanimous support and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• support this bill, especially as it affects student health, as it does strike a balance, ensuring transparency
• The bill increases transparency in private schools accepting scholarship students, ensuring families
• I'm supporting Senate Bill 508 because our families have the right to full transparency to know what
• I support Senate Bill 508 because our families have the right to full transparency to know what services

Summary: The Pre-K-12 Education Committee took up a series of education, school safety, health, and student access bills. SB 754 on International Baccalaureate bonus funds was amended to clarify the theory of knowledge course and then reported favorably. SB 370 would allow routine non-invasive school health screenings, such as vision, hearing, and dental checks, to proceed with written notice and an opt-out process rather than active parental consent; supporters said it would improve participation and access, while opponents argued it was too broad and weakened parental rights. After debate over scope, funding, and consent, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also advanced SB 1070, which would require ECG screenings for student athletes under a phased rollout beginning in 2026, with religious and medical opt-outs. The bill was renamed the Second Chance Act in honor of Chance Gainer. Supporters described it as a life-saving measure to detect hidden cardiac conditions, while some members raised cost and implementation concerns. SB 508, the Family Empowerment Scholarship bill, would require private schools to disclose in writing what accommodations and services they will provide to students with IEPs, 504 plans, or ELL plans before enrollment; it was supported by parents, advocacy groups, and some school representatives and was reported favorably. School safety measures were also considered. SB 1470 would refine campus locking and supervision rules, create clearer exceptions, expand training and security options for school safety personnel, and allow district-employed law enforcement officers to use canines for threat detection. Witnesses from school safety and Parkland-related advocacy groups supported the bill but urged caution on exemptions and implementation details. SB 1472 would extend a public records exemption to certified school security guards, matching the protection already given to school guardians, and it was reported favorably. Finally, SB 248 would expand participation in FHSAA sports for private school and home education students at public schools when their own schools do not offer the sport, and SB 1618 made broad changes to VPK through grade 12 policy, including reading instruction, financial literacy, school funds restrictions, teacher certification, and advisory council rules; both bills were reported favorably. Several members later recorded votes in support of specific tabs before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will be 100% transparent: I have just started.
• I<00:05:12.520> will<00:05:12.680> be<00:05:12.960> 100%<00:05:13.400> transparent
• <00:05:14.000> I<00:05:14.120> have<00:05:14.360> just I will be 100% transparent
• I have just I will be 100% transparent I have just started<00:05:14.919> I'm<00:05:15.120>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the prior meeting minutes and adopted the consent calendar without changes. It then took up several administrative rules, beginning with the Missing Adult Program and Missing Vulnerable Adult Alert Program rules (Item 144), which were adopted after the department explained the delay in implementation was due to staffing problems and COVID-related disruptions. The committee then reviewed the Pesticide Control Board’s aquatic pesticide application rules (Item 146), where staff raised a substantive concern that the rule did not clearly explain how the division would reconsider a special permit if treatment were postponed and adverse effects were likely. The agency agreed to consider revisions, and the item was postponed to the March meeting. The Board of Mental Health Practice item was also postponed to April with a waiver of the committee deadline, after OPLC requested more time for a conditional approval request; one member noted concern that the board was not meeting frequently enough. The Department of Revenue Administration’s business profits tax rule (Item 164) was postponed to March as well, after staff said the agency needed to incorporate supporting schedules into the rule text to address a legislative intent issue. The Department of Health and Human Services’ Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control rule was postponed at a member’s request so concerns about dates, requirements, and impacts on businesses could be reviewed against the statute, though the department noted it had already sought stakeholder input multiple times with no response. The committee then approved the Farmers Market Nutrition Program for Women and Children rule (Item 236), which implements a program created in 2023. Staff noted the rulemaking was delayed for nearly two years and pointed out that dried herbs, herb plants, and pickled vegetables are excluded under the state plan; department staff said the delay stemmed from staffing changes and a lengthy contracting process. Members briefly discussed the program’s benefits and the exclusion of herb plants, but the rule was adopted. Finally, the Board of Natural Scientists item was postponed to March with a waiver so OPLC and the board could work on a conditional approval request, and the Board of Psychologists temporary license rule received a preliminary objection because a newly added emergency-practice provision had not been properly noticed for public comment. The committee adjourned after noting the Dental Board matter remained unresolved and was still expected back in April.

Transcript Highlights:

• ranking members, and members of the committee, thank you for inviting us here today to talk about our transparent
• county commissioners to address any concerns the County Commission may have to ensure a fair and transparent
• So our offices are very transparent and accountable to the Department of Revenue, our local county commission
• conduct routine audits at the level my office and our constituents are accustomed to ensuring transparency

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee met to review how county budgets are developed and how constitutional officers fit into that process. Davin Suggs of the Florida Association of Counties gave an overview of county budgeting, explaining the statutory framework, the role of property taxes and TRIM notices, the fiscal-year timeline, fund balances and reserves, and the Department of Revenue’s oversight. He emphasized that county budgets include the board’s budget plus the budgets of constitutional officers, and that relationships and communication are critical to resolving budget issues. A panel of constitutional officers then described their offices’ budget processes and responsibilities: Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons discussed law enforcement budgeting and the importance of negotiated agreements with county commissions; Alachua County Property Appraiser Aisha Solomon explained the June 1 budget deadline, valuation methods, and the appeal process for property assessments; Manatee County Clerk and Comptroller Angelina Coleniso outlined the clerk’s court and finance duties, the county-side budget process, and the clerk’s personal liability under section 129.09 for unlawful expenditures; Leon County Supervisor of Elections Mark Early described the cyclical nature of election costs, staffing, equipment, and the impact of turnout and election law changes; and Columbia County Tax Collector Kyle Keene explained that tax collectors’ budgets are reviewed by the Department of Revenue, with fee offices funding themselves through service charges and budget offices relying on county support. Members asked about personal liability for unlawful spending, conflicts between clerks and county commissions, property valuation and storm damage adjustments, reserve levels, and whether tax collectors can retain excess fees. Responses noted that clerks must refuse illegal expenditures, property appraisers use market-based assessments with VAB and court review available, counties should maintain healthy fund balances for cash flow and emergencies, and tax collectors generally must zero out year-end balances and distribute excess revenues to taxing authorities. The committee took no votes and adjourned after thanking the panelists for their testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• public's right to know, combat corruption and undue influence, and maximize fiscal accountability and transparency
• Transparency is all I see, and I absolutely support it.
• Something else that's really important to us is regulatory transparency and public engagement.
• Transparency, better reliability, and reasonable rates.

Transcript Highlights:

• talking about a lack of transparency. talking about a lack of transparency.
• <01:05:28.880> of we're calling something transparency of we're calling something transparency
• ,<02:15:33.360> transparently<02:15:34.159> through transparency, transparently through
• transparency, transparently through appropriations appropriations appropriations or<02:15:36.400>
• Be transparent with the citizens of Colorado.

Keywords: 981, all