Transcript Highlights:

• Hicks described to show you how we are working with schools to utilize those tools to create intentional
• Yes, so what we intend to do is to streamline utilizing the multi-layer system of support framework that
• Is to streamline utilizing the multi-layer system of support framework that we have at the Public Education
• So additionally, what Safe and Healthy Schools is doing is utilizing A portion of our state perf attendance
• If they have applied to utilize our attendance funds, we are requiring that they utilize this survey

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that will improve accuracy and reduce duplication, and enable more precise analysis of service utilization
• an example of the first measure of the dashboard that was mandated to look at: a percent of high utilizers
• This measure reflects the percentage of individuals identified as a high utilizer.
• This measure reflects the percentage of individuals identified as a high utilizer.
• To identify the two judicial circuits, we conducted a statewide analysis of high-acuity trends, utilizing

Summary: The subcommittee heard two Department of Children and Families implementation updates on measures passed in prior sessions. First, DCF reviewed House Bill 633, which increased oversight of behavioral health managing entities through biennial independent audits, standardized claims-based reporting, and new monthly outcome dashboards. The department said it had awarded the inaugural audit to Ernst & Young, found no significant waste, fraud, or abuse, but identified process risks involving financial controls, claims validation, data access, and system access controls. DCF also described its transition to standardized behavioral health coding and said the new public dashboard of 11 measures is posted on its website, though members asked for easier access and for hard copies of the audit report. Members asked about how the department distinguishes Medicaid-covered services from department-funded services, how duplicate payment risks are being addressed, and whether the new reporting and audit requirements would improve oversight without disrupting services. DCF said it is the payer of last resort for uninsured or underinsured individuals, that some overlap with Medicaid is expected because Medicaid does not cover all behavioral health services, and that new claims edits and cross-checks are being built into the system. The department also said it had not found significant negative feedback from providers and that the new requirements are intended to improve transparency and accountability. DCF then updated the committee on Senate Bill 7012, covering human trafficking data collection, domestic violence center certification, limited background-screening exemptions, expanded recruitment for child welfare staff, subcontractor liability protections, a four-year treatment foster care pilot, case management efficiency recommendations, and a statewide study of residential bed capacity for child victims of commercial sexual exploitation. The department said several items are already complete or underway, including limited exemptions in the screening clearinghouse, while others are in procurement or rulemaking. It identified Circuits 4 and 12 as the treatment foster care pilot sites and said the pilot will launch in January 2026. Members questioned recruitment metrics, pilot timing, and report deadlines; the department said final reports are expected by January and that some dates were flexible because of procurement and implementation timelines. The meeting ended after the presentations and questions, and the subcommittee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• How does this apply to public utilities? Public utilities? We did contact folks at the IBEW to ask.
• And my concern is about all... ...of the utilities, including the natural gas and the like, and about
• And there's a lot of times when these utility workers need to get into an area, need to do things for
• And that's what I'm trying to get at is, does this still apply, or is there an exemption for utilities
• , public utilities?

Bills: AB93, AB204, AB414, AB504, AB598

Keywords: public employees, police officers, benefits, appropriation, law enforcement, medical debt, collection agency, healthcare, consumer protection, financial assistance, occupational safety, air quality, greenhouse gases, employee monitoring, safety program, hemp, hemp products, cannabidiol, CBD, cannabis

Transcript Highlights:

• When it comes to infrastructure, both our co-ops and our major utility providers—what a wonderful relationship
• Those brave men and women with our infrastructure, our line crews, our utility companies, we had power
• couldn't have been done without close county partnerships, relationships, our first responders, our utility
• has that we can provide, that will then make that building meet the minimum requirements for being utilized
• or can afford to not be utilized.

Summary: The committee held its first meeting of the session, with members introducing themselves and expressing support for veterans, military families, first responders, space industry growth, and domestic security. The first presentation was from the Florida Division of Emergency Management on the 2024 hurricane season and recovery efforts. Officials described response and recovery operations for Hurricanes Debbie, Helene, and Milton, including sheltering, meals, water, tarps, power restoration, flood control, debris removal, and public assistance funding. They emphasized that recovery is ongoing, that mitigation and resiliency investments are critical, and that Florida’s shelter space remains in deficit in many counties, especially for special needs populations. Senators asked about improving logistics capacity, technology for grant processing, HOA/private property debris issues, drainage and culvert maintenance, and ways to expand shelter capacity; the witness said more technology, better local coordination, and county-by-county planning would help, while noting limits on state authority over private property and county emergency manager qualifications. Committee members praised FDEM’s response and asked how the Legislature could help, including whether more logistical hubs, pumps, and flood-control equipment were needed. The witness said technology investments could reduce fatigue and improve grant and recovery processing, but that manpower would still be necessary. The committee also discussed the statewide emergency shelter plan, the use of schools as shelters, and the need to identify vacant commercial space and other facilities for future sheltering and special-needs needs. The witness said FDEM works with counties and commerce partners to identify available space and uses legislative funding for shelter retrofits and new construction when needed. The second presentation was from Blue Origin on its Florida operations. The company outlined its work in New Glenn, New Shepard, Blue Ring, lunar landers, and engine production, highlighting its Space Coast presence, more than 3,600 Florida employees, and over $3 billion invested in facilities. Blue Origin also described partnerships with Space Florida, public school Space Academies, internships, SkillBridge, and STEM outreach through Club for the Future. Members asked about the upcoming New Glenn launch window, which the company said was targeted for later that week, and the committee expressed interest in Blue Origin’s role in Florida’s space economy. The meeting ended with no further business and a motion to adjourn, which was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's a way to utilize our buying power.
• it's<00:11:01.760> a<00:11:01.880> way<00:11:02.000> to<00:11:02.120> utilize
• such absolutely so it's a way to utilize such absolutely so it's a way to utilize our<00:11:02.680
• It includes claim submission, reimbursement policies, utilization management.
• In November, members of the Governor's Executive Council voted in favor of utilizing ARPA funds for a

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now I am a disabled veteran and then eventually I was hired and I utilize a similar practice.
• eventually I was hired veteran and then eventually I was hired and<00:04:12.159> I<00:04:12.480> utilize
• <00:04:14.640> Um<00:04:15.040> so and I utilize a similar practice.
• Um so and I utilize a similar practice.

Bills: HB292, HB307, SB33, HB292, HB307, SB33

Keywords: economic development, incentives, transparency, compliance, Alabama Jobs Act, speedy trial, visiting judge, court administration, public interest, criminal justice, SB33, marriage, premarital class, conflict resolution, marriage license reform, probate judge, Administrative Office of Courts, AOC, domestic violence, intimate partner violence

Transcript Highlights:

• you are inclined to call an executive session, I'm more than happy to speak with you regarding the utility
• precious metals and bullion B&O tax and sales and use tax exemptions; and the billing discounts public utility
• the legislature determine whether to continue these preferences, and the billing discounts public utility
• review on that proposed schedule is for two tax preferences, a B&O and a PUT tax credit, a public utility
• review on that proposed schedule is for two tax preferences, a B&O and a PUT tax credit, a public utility

Summary: The Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on May 7, 2025, with quorum present. The commission approved the October 22, 2024 meeting minutes and then received its annual open government refresher from the Attorney General’s office, which reviewed key requirements under the Public Records Act and Open Public Meetings Act, including record retention, response deadlines, exemptions, and meeting notice rules. Staff then provided a 2025 legislative session update, noting that the legislature passed 23 tax-preference-related bills, with several signed by the governor and others pending. Highlights included bills that extended or repealed certain preferences, added reporting requirements for newspaper and digital content exemptions, authorized JLARC to adjust its work plan when data is unavailable, and created a new exemption for zero-emission buses. The commission approved updates to the 2026 tax preference review schedule, which includes eight preferences in seven reviews, and approved unchanged testimony questions for 2025. The commission also received the 2025 expedited preference review report covering 52 tax preferences, presented as an interactive table drawing on prior JLARC reviews and Department of Revenue studies. Staff then outlined the process for developing the next 10-year review schedule for 2027-2036, including surveying the legislature, incorporating new and repealed preferences, and considering a possible rolling 10-year schedule. No public comment was registered. The meeting ended with acknowledgments of Ron Buing’s long service on the commission and an announcement that the next meeting would be held August 6, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• going to spend about $8,000 to clean the right-of-way. away and pick up all the trash debris from a utility
• And they left this utility company to leave it behind for us to clean up.
• That is also the city's contractors, utility providers, running lines through.
• and coming here and talking to us about it. it yes sir any other questions yes so look at this I do utility
• Additionally, unlike a homeowner in a subdivision, we are not able to utilize the property within the

Bills: HB2013, HB4163, HB4810

Keywords: property owners associations, chickens, urban farming, land use, homeowner rights, agriculture, municipal regulation, governmental requirements, farm management, inspections, border control, trade, state funding, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are trying to utilize 2%, make a 2% reduction from 15% to 13%.
• Sheil, please read the title to House Bill 1369. education utilized uh to draw uh they education utilized
• c><03:19:25.200> for<03:19:25.680> various utilized for a match for various utilized for
• And said folks are not utilizing first.
• years ago, it was passed utilizing years ago, it was passed utilizing tanniff<03:40:59.520> reserve

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Line 26, utility property tax, pretty stable.
• It will help the utilities, and it will pay property tax.”
• <05:48:30.360> Commission Hampshire Public Utilities Commission Hampshire Public Utilities
• or deny proposals by regulated utilities or deny proposals by regulated utilities for<05:48:36.760
• Thank you. made at the Public Utilities Commission made at the Public Utilities Commission and<05:54:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that are highlighted are utilization that are highlighted are utilization management<01:13:04.239
• Those both relate to utilization review.
• We're updating all utilization review.
• prior authorization in utilization prior authorization in utilization review<01:14:35.600> denials
• That's the standard that's utilized.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it being highly utilized by the- It is, it is absolutely taking off like wildfire.
• How we utilize the moon will help. here on earth.
• Utilize and how to report back to taxpayers. So what do you do in those situations?
• If they're utilizing the benefits.
• And to my knowledge, that's never, ever been done. utilized. It's never been worked.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So you can budget for utilizing this technology.
• So you can budget for utilizing<01:36:13.040> this<01:36:13.280> technology.
• <01:36:14.560> Uh<01:36:15.120> nearly utilizing this technology.
• Uh nearly utilizing this technology.
• of the institutions that have utilized of the institutions that have utilized um<02:03:25.599>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The commission met with a quorum, approved the agenda, and approved the November 12 minutes after a motion, second, and unanimous voice/online consent. The chair said the meeting would include two presentations—one from Noah Herman of Fortress Global and one from John Kicko and team from Hedera—followed by discussion of the commission’s next steps and public comment. The chair also noted he was still seeking a clerk for note-taking. Herman’s presentation focused on stablecoins, blockchain use cases, and operational considerations for states and other institutions. He described Fortress as an enterprise crypto-wallet and treasury platform serving corporates, governments, and nonprofits, and used examples such as Save the Children and a large global commodities firm to illustrate custody and treasury management on blockchain rails. He said stablecoins are designed to maintain a U.S. dollar peg, are increasingly backed by treasuries and subject to greater transparency, and are being adopted by major firms and payment companies because they can improve speed, reduce cost, and simplify payments. He also highlighted market growth, including claims that stablecoins now represent a significant share of on-chain activity and are a major holder of U.S. Treasuries. He identified custody as a key issue for state and institutional use, outlining qualified custody, managed custody, and self-custody models. He said the main practical challenge for the commodities client was moving funds safely and quickly across global time zones and that blockchain rails could solve problems that traditional banking rails could not. He framed the broader trend as one of accelerating institutional adoption, citing recent acquisitions and product launches by Visa, Stripe, Citi, and PayPal as evidence that stablecoin infrastructure is becoming mainstream.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, M.E.Y. would like to utilize some of the increase to support our work around agriculture
• We know we are effective in utilizing our funds, and the additional dollars in our grant program would
• :20:56.200> to Minnesota in addition M would like to Minnesota in addition M would like to utilize
• some of the increase to support utilize some of the increase to support our<00:20:57.760> work
• our funds and the additional utilizing our funds and the additional dollars<00:21:14.919> in<

Bills: HF711, HF653

Keywords: agriculture, agricultural education, leadership development, Minnesota Agricultural Education and Leadership Council, MAELC, chapter 41D, grant funding, general fund appropriation, commissioner of agriculture, farm education, youth agriculture programs, ag literacy, workforce development, extension education, research funding, extension services, technology transfer, grant programs, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We have family reunions every year, and we utilize the parks and recs for that utility.
• And, you know, we grew up utilizing these parks and fishing.
• > so<01:25:39.679> that's recks for that um utility and so that's recks for that um utility
• <01:25:54.080> these uh you know we grew up utilizing these uh you know we grew up utilizing
• <01:30:29.119> these athlete you know um we utilize these athlete you know um we utilize these

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• While the city would have preferred to undertake the utility work later, after paying down existing debt
• While the city would have preferred to undertake the utility work later, after paying down existing debt
• <01:25:50.239> to<01:25:50.400> undertake<01:25:50.960> the<01:25:51.360> utility
• <01:25:51.760> work preferred to undertake the utility work preferred to undertake the utility
• and further along in our utility and further along in our utility improvement<01:25:57.360> plan

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are essentially unregulated communication utilities.
• These are essentially unregulated communication utilities.
• <00:07:07.560> they unregulated communication utilities they unregulated communication utilities
• It's already existing statute if we were to utilize it.
• It's already existing statute if we were to utilize it.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with HB 934 on broadband and digital equity. Testifiers from the Lieutenant Governor’s office, the Office of Enterprise and Technology Services, DCCA, the University system, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others generally supported the measure and emphasized the need to coordinate broadband efforts, fund operations, and expand access to high-speed internet, devices, and digital navigation services. The Chamber of Commerce and West Coast Comprehensive Health Center supported the bill but objected to HD1 language excluding broadband infrastructure for retail service, warning it could create unintended consequences and limit community-led or rural projects. The Lieutenant Governor explained the state expects roughly $400 million to $500 million in federal broadband funding, described the bill as consolidating efforts under a broadband office attached to the CIO, and said the office would focus on infrastructure, devices, and training. No vote was taken on HB 934 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 97 on travel insurance. The Insurance Division said it had no major problem with the product but requested technical changes to align with licensing requirements and noted the bill largely codifies practices already used in the industry. Industry witnesses from Allianz and the U.S. Travel Insurance Association said the measure would create a consistent framework, add consumer protections, and align Hawaii with the NAIC model adopted in many other states. Members questioned whether there was a specific problem the bill was solving, and the division responded that it was mainly a framework and form-review measure rather than a response to a known enforcement issue. The bill was discussed but no final action was reported in the excerpt. HB 448 on technology enablement drew broad support from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, the Food Industry Association, and other business representatives. Supporters said the measure would help businesses use technology such as digital platforms, e-commerce, robotics, and AR/VR to improve competitiveness, especially in tourism and other sectors. Committee members pressed for clearer scope, cost estimates, and assurances that local companies would be used; the agency said it would prioritize local-first contracting, use federal NIST-related support where possible, and estimated an initial request of about $200,000, though it could not give a firm total. Members expressed concern that the plan was still too undefined. The committee then began HB 455 on small business loans, where the Attorney General suggested explaining why a special fund is needed, and a witness from H Collaborative said the bill would help startup businesses that struggle most to access capital.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's essential to ensure that veterans understand their educational benefits and how to utilize them
• This data helps us keep track of how the Hazelwood Act benefits are being utilized and ensure we can
• Tom Palladino: ...to ensure that we're effectively utilizing funds granted and ensuring that they are
• Madam Chair: ...to ensure that we have clarity on how organizations utilize their funds.
• Madam Chair: ...to ensure that we have clarity on how organizations utilize their funds.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As we began utilizing these housing laws, we are seeing more city officials complain about them.
• Our board offices can utilize their prior-year savings.
• Andrea Abregall with the California Municipal Utilities Association, in support.
• Andrea Abregall with the California Municipal Utilities Association, in support.
• I am here today to present SB 983, a bill that authorizes the Port of San Diego to utilize job order

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of local government and housing-related bills, with testimony often centered on regional coordination, permitting reform, and local control. SB 802 by Senator Ashby would require Sacramento-area jurisdictions to form a joint powers authority to coordinate homelessness and housing response; supporters argued the region has long lacked accountability and coordination, while Sacramento County, Folsom, and others opposed the mandate as an unprecedented state-imposed JPA. The bill drew extensive support from local officials, business groups, service providers, and advocates, and opposition from county, city, and nonprofit representatives who said a local process was already underway. Committee members expressed support for the concept, but the bill was held pending a quorum and later discussed again with strong encouragement for regional collaboration. The committee also heard SB 222, SB 677, SB 908, SB 226, SB 828, and SB 1193. SB 222 would streamline permitting for residential heat pump and water heater installations; supporters said it would lower costs and speed clean-energy adoption, while local government groups argued the main barrier is upfront cost, not permits. SB 677 would curb what the author described as abusive appeals and delays in affordable housing approvals, with developers testifying about frivolous subdivision map appeals and TEFRA hearing delays; the California Native Plant Society sought an amendment to preserve appeals on habitat lands. SB 908 would simplify permits for energy-code-compliant window replacements, and SB 226 would clarify financing authority for a West Sacramento baseball stadium proposal; both passed unanimously. SB 828, prompted by the Esparto fireworks warehouse explosion, would tighten fireworks storage and licensing rules, expand inspection and seizure authority, and increase fines; it also passed unanimously after testimony from fire officials and a pyrotechnic operator who opposed it unless amended. SB 1193, a county-specific Alameda County transparency bill, generated the sharpest debate. The author argued it would prevent waste, favoritism, and conflicts of interest in discretionary spending by requiring board approval, a public spending log, and clearer whistleblower procedures. Alameda County and county associations opposed it as overly broad and burdensome, saying existing processes already provide transparency and that the bill would reduce flexibility during fiscal stress. After committee questions about the bill’s purpose and the county’s current practices, the measure passed 7-0, with the author indicating willingness to accept an amendment restoring a four-fifths vote threshold. The committee then moved out of order to SB 1090, which would impose a temporary moratorium on state housing density laws in Altadena through 2030 in response to post-fire displacement concerns. The author said the bill is intended to protect long-term residents from investor-driven redevelopment after the Eaton Fire, while acknowledging amendments to align the moratorium with affordable housing development timelines. The transcript cuts off during the presentation of this bill, so no final action is shown for SB 1090 in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we utilized and she decided not to.
• But we haven't, to my knowledge, we are not utilizing any of the other services.
• not utilizing any of the other services. not utilizing any of the other services.
• This action was simply to be able to utilize maximum health care for the service.
• <01:04:55.920> the added to it so that we could utilize the added to it so that we could utilize

Keywords: This meeting will take place Upon Adjournment of both Chambers. An exact time is not given or known at this time., 958, all

Summary: The Government Contracts Committee met for its first 2026 meeting, approved the December 9 minutes, and reviewed 337 contracts totaling about $71.8 million. After a motion to consider the routine contract lists without objection passed, the committee pulled several items for discussion, including contracts from the Council on Postsecondary Education, the Department of Highways, the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission, and Kentucky State University. Most items were ultimately approved by roll call votes. For the Council on Postsecondary Education item, members discussed why the contract was not handled through the usual Finance Cabinet bidding process. Staff explained it stemmed from House Bill 200 and the healthcare workforce incentive fund, which uses a separate competitive award process and steering committee under different statutory standards. The committee accepted that explanation and approved the contract. Department of Highways staff then explained the difference between scour assessments, which evaluate erosion and foundation risk around bridge piers, and load ratings, which assess the bridge structure itself. Members also questioned a larger engineering contract increase; staff said it reflected progression from preliminary engineering to final design on a phased project and estimated the funding split at roughly 80% federal and 20% state. Those highway contracts were approved. The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission presented a legal services contract. Officials said the new corporation had identified legal needs, issued an RFP, and awarded four firms to create a pool of counsel to avoid conflicts as the agency now licenses racing, sports betting, and charitable gaming. They also said an emergency contract was needed after a temporary restraining order was issued in litigation involving charitable gaming machines and alleged losses to charities. The committee asked about the litigation and the affected organizations, and the contract was approved. Kentucky State University then defended a marketing/enrollment contract despite financial concerns, saying the work was intended to raise awareness of the university, improve enrollment, and support financial stability. University officials also said they were tightening student payment enforcement and collection practices, including payment plans and holding students accountable for balances. That contract was also approved.