Transcript Highlights:

• The Court of Criminal Appeals, their entire budget is $4.69 million.
• I guess we get to get ready for those in oversight, so be prepared.
• For those in oversight, so be prepared. Thank you all for being here.

Bills: SB372 , SB1224 , SB1232 , SB1264 , SB1330 , SB1381 , SB1441 , SB1450 , SB1589 , SB1618 , SB1936 , SB1980 , SB2011 , SB2030

Committee: House Criminal Judiciary

Summary: The committee first handled several housekeeping items: SB 1330 was withdrawn, SB 1381 was laid over, and SB 1618 was transferred to rules. It then heard a series of bills, mostly criminal justice, public safety, and regulatory measures, with members repeatedly moving due pass recommendations after brief explanations and little or no debate. SB 1589 would strengthen penalties under Oklahoma’s sweepstakes law and extend coverage to entities profiting from illegal gambling, while not affecting ordinary entertainment games. SB 1441 would make it a crime to fly a drone in the airspace of, or make contact with, designated critical infrastructure facilities such as refineries, power stations, telecommunications sites, and manufacturing facilities, with exceptions for recreational use and authorized law enforcement. SB 1224 would require clemency-related hearing notices to be sent to victims by email as well as mail, and SB 372 was described as a cleanup bill clarifying where firearms may be carried. Other bills addressed theft, domestic violence, expungement, fraud, and impersonation. SB 1232 would create a felony and raise fines for copper theft; SB 1264, after an adopted amendment, expanded the definition of great bodily injury to include concussions, brain bleeds, and injuries affecting more than 10% of the body, making domestic abuse causing such injury a felony. SB 1450 dealt with consistency in fines and fees across counties and prompted discussion about county-by-county obligations and court revenue impacts. SB 2011 would treat assault and battery against OJA contract employees the same as against employees, SB 2030 would delay implementation of the Clean Slate expungement automation initiative to 2027 and backlog processing to 2029 without expanding eligibility, SB 1980 would protect against gift card fraud after an amendment changing the mental state language to “knowingly and willfully,” and SB 1936 would make falsely impersonating a law enforcement officer a D1 felony. The committee reported the bills out with due pass recommendations, with votes recorded on several measures, including unanimous or near-unanimous approvals.

Transcript Highlights:

• My question was, what is that oversight for people?
• So we would have the administrative oversight of that program, but each department would also have access
• I know that from the budget standpoint, but between agencies.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from the prior meeting. It then heard audit reports from Tom Bullington, including two reports with findings and three without findings, which were filed without objection. The Department of Public Safety FY24 audit had two findings: a duplicate vendor payment of nearly $3,700 that was later recouped, and a $2.5 million collateral shortfall tied to bank-held cash funds because securities were not properly pledged in the State Police’s name. Agency representatives from Arkansas State Police and the Department of Public Safety answered questions, and members discussed how collateralization works for deposits above FDIC coverage. The committee next reviewed the Department of Transformation and Shared Services FY24 audit, which contained five findings. These included an $800 career service overpayment caused by a rehire data entry error, delayed deactivation and inventory issues for assets including stolen cameras, a double count of more than $940,000 in year-end cash records, $10.3 million in health claims that should have been recorded as fiscal year 2024 payables, and repeated deficiencies in vehicle mileage logs. Agency officials explained that the stolen cameras were recovered through restitution, that inventory reviews are being expanded, and that the vehicle log problems are expected to be addressed through a statewide electronic GPS/telematics system. Members asked about the scope of audit testing, asset tracking, vehicle oversight, and whether the new vehicle system would allow monitoring of use, fuel purchases, geofencing, and possible sharing of vehicles across agencies. Shared Administrative Services said it would administer the statewide system, with departments retaining operational responsibility and access controls. After discussion, the committee filed the report without objection and adjourned, noting the next meeting would be held June 4.

Transcript Highlights:

• My question was, what is that oversight for people?
• So we would have the administrative oversight of that program, but each department would also have access
• I know that from the budget standpoint, but between agencies.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES

Transcript Highlights:

• Just a reminder that public safety and judicial oversight will meet at 10:30 and 4:55.
• Ladies and gentlemen, just wanted to make sure everybody is aware we do have an appropriations and budget
• Government oversight will meet at 10:30 in room 206.

Bills: HB2979 , HB3790 , HB3142 , HB3463 , HB4143 , HJR1086 , SB392 , HB3087 , HB3037 , HB3581 , HB4058 , HB2959 , HB4227 , HB2997 , HB4125 , HB1453 , HB3521 , HB3691 , HB2015 , HB2940 , HB1016 , HB3267 , HB3695 , HB3697 , HB3045 , HB3662 , HB3453 , HB3053 , HB3301 , HB3495 , HB3584 , HB3586 , HB3587 , HB3845 , HB4198 , HB4425 , HB2970 , HB3338 , HB3443 , HB3783 , HB3800 , HB3818 , HB1242 , HB1752 , HB2961 , HB2967 , HB2973 , HB2988 , HB3031 , HB3240 , HB3047 , HB3052 , HB3066 , HB3086 , HB3175 , HB3177 , HB3178 , HB3429 , HB3548 , HB3638 , HB3404 , HB3704 , HB1590 , HB3759 , HB3831 , HB3904 , HB4092 , HB1979 , HB1983 , HB1250 , HB2952 , HB3671 , HB3920 , HB4118 , HB3944 , HB3969 , HB3973 , HB3975 , HB3976 , HB3978 , HB3983 , HB3984 , HB3942 , HB4203 , HB2588 , HB3024 , HB3383 , HB3279 , HB3919 , HB3883 , HB4193 , HB3431 , HB3435 , HB4352 , HB4484 , HB1245 , HB3172 , HB3306 , HB4294 , HB3880 , HB2929 , HB3128 , HB2956 , HB3015 , HB3114 , HB3567 , HB3749 , HB4229 , HB4237 , HB4253 , HJR1046 , HJR1084 , HB3411

Transcript Highlights:

• So we did a quality care oversight. What we did is we put four new sections, if you could see that.
• So we did a quality care oversight by the department and how that would operate.
• We have the biggest toys, biggest firepower, biggest budget.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate budget totals $115 billion.
• Move on to the PICO budget, I mean the pre-K budget and PICO. Okay. Okay. Okay. Thank you, Mr.
• The budget actually gives us, let me see, $136.9 million in the budget that actually is the EASE grant
• So as it relates to the i-budget, in this budget, we provide $55 million of new support.
• In our budget, how much of the opioid settlement money is being used to supplement the state budget as

Summary: The Senate took up the 2026-2027 budget package, beginning with an overview of the $115 billion General Appropriations Bill (SB 2500). Appropriations Chair Hooper said the budget reduces overall spending from the prior year, preserves reserves, and includes a 3% pay raise for state employees and 5% raises for law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then highlighted major spending in their areas, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/economic development, and environmental/agricultural programs. Major items discussed included school funding increases, workforce and university investments, Medicaid and child welfare funding, corrections operating deficits, housing and hurricane recovery, Everglades and water quality projects, and state employee compensation. Members asked detailed questions about several budget items. In education, senators discussed teacher salaries, declining enrollment supplements, scholarship funding growth, and charter school capital outlay. In higher education, they asked about Bright Futures, New College funding, and the EASE grant program. In health and human services, senators focused on the iBudget waiver, Medicaid hospital rate reductions, the ADAP HIV drug program, and the use of opioid settlement funds. In criminal justice, questions centered on DOC deficits, inmate health care and food service costs, public defender and state attorney funding, and whether the budget would prevent the need for National Guard support. In environmental and state agency budgets, senators discussed Florida Forever land acquisition, conservation easements, cultural grants, the Emergency Management Trust Fund, and election security funding. After the budget presentations and questions, the Senate substituted House bills for the Senate budget bills and adopted amendments to place Senate language onto the House vehicles for conference. The chamber passed HB 5001, the appropriations bill, by a 36-0 vote and agreed to conference. It also passed the implementing bill, collective bargaining and state employee bills, retirement legislation, fuel tax and SLERS bills, the court trust fund bill, judicial certification bill, K-12 and higher education conforming bills, and other related measures, generally by unanimous votes. Several motions were adopted to request the House to pass the Senate versions or include them in budget conference.

Transcript Highlights:

• She oversees the staff that supports both policymaking, program oversight, as well as enforcement in
• So, our TNC programs, including two key programs established oversight, annual reporting to the CPUC
• And then lastly, the reporting provides a component of our compliance oversight.
• As part of its oversight, the CPUC collects substantial data from TNCs.
• We have budget discussions every week about what are the impacts to our transportation agencies.

Committee: House Communications and Conveyance

Transcript Highlights:

• Eric Anderson, Government Relations Director at Minnesota Management and Budget.
• </c><00:14:05.920><c> I</c><00:14:05.960><c> think</c> Minnesota Management and Budget.
• I think Minnesota Management and Budget.
• I'm Brita Retan, deputy commissioner at Minnesota Management and Budget.
• </c><00:50:51.760><c> So,</c> Minnesota Management and Budget. So, Minnesota Management and Budget.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate budget totals $115 billion.
• Move on to the PICO budget, I mean the pre-K budget and PICO. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay, my notes.
• The budget actually gives us, let me see, $136.9 million in the budget that actually is the EASE grant
• So as it relates to the i-budget, in this budget, we provide $55 million of new support, a 1% increase
• and their budget request.

Summary: The Senate took up the 2026-2027 budget and related implementing bills. Appropriations Chair Hooper presented a $115 billion General Appropriations Bill, saying it reduces overall spending from the prior year, preserves reserves, and includes a 3% raise for state employees and 5% raises for state law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then outlined major budget areas, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and environmental/agricultural agencies. Highlights included increased funding for school safety, teacher and scholarship funding, workforce education, Medicaid and kid care, corrections operations, judgeships, affordable housing, hurricane recovery, Everglades and water quality projects, and arts and cultural grants. Members asked detailed questions about several items. Senators discussed the Emergency Management Trust Fund, cultural arts grant allocations, Florida Forever land acquisition versus conservation easements, teacher salary support, charter school capital outlay funding, Bright Futures and EASE funding, New College funding, DOC deficits and inmate health care/food service costs, the ADAP HIV drug program, Medicaid reductions for non-critical access hospitals, and the use of opioid settlement and COVID relief funds. Chairs explained that some apparent reductions reflected shifts below the line or reclassification, that the ADAP appropriation would only cover about six months, and that some vacant positions were being removed as part of a right-sizing effort. Questions also covered lottery staffing, concealed weapons permit processing, elections security funding, and arts grant selection and proviso language. The Senate then substituted House bills for the Senate budget and implementing measures, amended them into the Senate posture, and passed them. HB 5001 (the appropriations bill), HB 503 (implementing bill), HB 5201 (collective bargaining), and HB 5205 (retirement) all passed 36-0 and were sent to conference. Other budget-related bills also passed, including SB 2506 on fuel taxes, SB 2508 on the state agency law enforcement radio system surcharge, SB 2510 on court trust funds, SB 2512 creating 13 circuit and 12 county judgeships, SB 2514 on K-12 education, SB 2516 on higher education, and SB 2518 on health. Most of these passed unanimously, with the Senate requesting the House either pass the Senate versions or include them in budget conference.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate budget totals $115 billion.
• The total budget for Pre-K-12 education includes local funds, The total budget for Pre-K-12 education
• Move on to the PICO budget, I mean the pre-K budget and PICO. Okay. Okay. Okay. Thank you, Mr.
• The budget actually gives us, let me see, $136.9 million in the budget that actually is the EASE grant
• So back in the 2019-2020 budget is when the state engaged. ...2020 budget is when the state engaged in

Summary: The Senate took up the 2026-2027 budget package, beginning with an overview of the $115 billion General Appropriations Bill (SB 2500/HB 500). Appropriations Chair Hooper said the budget is smaller than last year’s, maintains strong reserves, and includes a 3% pay raise for all state employees and 5% raises for state law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then highlighted major spending in their areas, including $34.9 billion for Pre-K-12 education, $11.9 billion for higher education, a $2.1 billion-plus increase in health and human services, $7.9 billion for criminal and civil justice, $16.8 billion for transportation/tourism/economic development, and major environmental and regulatory investments such as Everglades restoration, water quality, and land acquisition. Members asked detailed questions about several items. Topics included the Emergency Management Trust Fund, arts and cultural grants, Florida Forever land acquisition versus conservation easements, teacher salaries and charter school funding, New College funding, ADAP/HIV drug assistance, Medicaid rate reductions for non-critical access hospitals, DOC operational deficits and inmate health/food costs, judicial staffing, and school enrollment supplements. Chairs explained that some reductions reflected shifts in how scholarship and categorical funds are tracked, that the ADAP appropriation would take effect immediately upon enactment but would only cover part of the year, and that hospital reductions were tied to a broader DPP funding increase. Questions also covered lottery staffing, concealed carry licensing workload, and whether vacant positions were being eliminated as part of budget right-sizing. After the budget discussion, the Senate substituted House bills for the Senate budget bills and adopted amendments placing the Senate language onto the House vehicles. The chamber then passed HB 500, HB 503, and HB 5201, and agreed to conference on each. It also passed SB 7028/HB 5205 on retirement, SB 2506 on fuel taxes, SB 2508 on the state agency law enforcement radio system, SB 2510/HB 5401 on court trust funds, SB 2512 on judgeships, SB 2514 on K-12 education, SB 2516 on higher education, and SB 2518 on health, with each bill passing by unanimous or near-unanimous votes and then being sent to conference or requested of the House for concurrence.

Transcript Highlights:

• education budget Last session's education budget eliminated<00:17:57.520><c> the</c><00:17:57.760><c
• </c><00:18:42.720><c> In</c> this budget year to address it. In this budget year to address it.
• The next budget is going to this time. The next budget is going to be<00:26:48.880><c> worse.
• They're facing deep budget cuts.
• </c> They're facing deep budget cuts. They're facing deep budget cuts.

Transcript Highlights:

• their budget items.
• Some of these programs within the budget.
• I think it was an oversight. Okay, okay, cool. I appreciate the honesty. Thank you.
• What's the size of the budget that travels with the commission?
• What's the size of the budget that travels with the commission?

Committee: House Higher Education and Workforce Development

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development met in executive session and first approved House Bill 2896 by a vote of 11 ayes, 1 no, and 1 present. The bill was described as giving the governor and staff more flexibility in appointing qualified members to university boards of governors. The committee then heard House Bill 3279, sponsored by Rep. Brenda Shields, which would move the Community Service Commission from the Department of Economic Development to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. Shields said the move would better align the commission’s AmeriCorps and volunteer-service work with education, workforce training, financial aid, apprenticeships, and job-placement resources already housed in DHEWD. Rep. Mansur, Rep. Hein, and Rep. Wilson voiced support, emphasizing the program’s value in building workforce pipelines and community ties, while DHEWD witness Leah Strid also testified in favor and said the change would help connect participants to education and employment opportunities. Members asked about the commission’s budget, funding, and staffing; witnesses said the program is primarily federally funded, with seven FTEs, and that they would follow up with additional details. No opposition testimony was offered. The chair indicated the committee would try to executive the bill later, but due to notice issues, House Bill 3279 was not voted on at this meeting and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then, where there was specific budget language in House Bill 2, we also put that language here so that
• you can track those appropriations to the language that's actually included in the budget bill.
• So again, that starts on page 20 and goes through each of the sections of the budget, including on page
• So, the administration submitted a preliminary budget proposal—they're calling it a skinny budget—to
• And that could mean reducing the federal government's requirements and oversight that apply to students

Transcript Highlights:

• Payments include strong reporting and oversight requirements.
• I've submitted a pending budget request to establish separate funding for this credit.
• To promote transparency, accountability, and oversight, the auditor recommended all three departments
• AB 1810 is a smart, targeted approach to improve oversight of California's firearm industry and crack
• I rise to present Assembly Bill 2760, which strengthens oversight of local public safety systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• bill does is create the Board of Natural Path of Physicians in the state of Florida for regulatory oversight
• From Collier County, I am the mom of 4 boys. 2 of my boys receive services on the APD I Budget waiver
• It is the one service that we all must have for a waiver support for APD I Budget services.
• The support coordination component of the I budget waiver is the only service that is mandatory.
• waiver program would tell you that the I budget waiver world would be a beautiful place.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> your support in this bianual budget your support in this bianual budget around<00:14:58.959><c>
• And so we uh council's oversight.
• </c> ledgers and you know monthly budget ledgers and you know monthly budget tracking,<01:00:55.359><
• The budget actually budgeted in number.
• <01:46:45.840><c> million</c><01:46:46.560><c> because</c> budget we budgeted uh 5 million because budget

Summary: The committee met with a full quorum and approved the prior minutes. Members offered introductions of guests and family members, then heard a presentation from University of Louisville President Thomas Jared Bradley, who was sworn in before testifying. He described his background and outlined U of L’s strategic priorities: student success, access and affordability, workforce development, community engagement, and research. Bradley highlighted enrollment growth, increases in first-generation and Pell-eligible students, strong transfer pathways with KCTCS, and support programs such as the Cardinal Commitment Grant, 15-to-Finish, Comeback Cards, tutoring, mentoring, and mental health services. Bradley also emphasized U of L’s statewide and regional impact through UofL Health, rural outreach, the Bullitt County rural cancer education and research center, nursing expansion, and the Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership program. He noted major institutional distinctions, including R1 status, a new Carnegie Opportunity College and University designation, and community-engaged classification. He said the university is one of only 10 public universities nationwide with all three designations and reported record enrollment, improved retention, and strong research expenditures. He also thanked lawmakers for significant capital and operating support, including funding for the simulation center, health science center, asset preservation, and the MEP program. During questions, members praised the university’s public service role and asked about first-generation enrollment, retention, graduation rates, and post-graduation outcomes. Bradley said the university is working to improve completion by expanding academic support, early alerts, incentives for tutoring, and faculty/advisor mentoring, especially for first-generation and high-need students. He acknowledged that post-graduation employment data is difficult to collect but said the new Carnegie classification reflects positive outcomes. No votes were taken beyond approving the minutes, and no formal actions were taken on legislation in this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so the purpose of oversight is not simply to identify problems.
• And so the purpose of oversight is not simply to identify problems.
• onethird</c><00:15:26.560><c> of</c> Medicaid program's budget, onethird of Medicaid program's budget
• Um things like managed care oversight.
• I want role specifically is oversight.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• So of course I mean if oversight, right?
• You've got a whole system of budgeting required by public schools.
• </c> you've got a whole system of budgeting you've got a whole system of budgeting required<00:54:23.520
• That's what the oversight committee has been informed of many, many times.
• Who provides the oversight for you folks? >> Oh yeah, absolutely. I mean, we have a board.

Summary: The commission to study the cost of special education met, confirmed a quorum, introduced members and guests, and approved the minutes from the October 29 meeting. Members noted the commission’s mandate under Senate Bill 57 and emphasized the need to focus on recommendations and findings by July 1, 2026. The chair also distributed additional handouts, including materials related to the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program and administrative rules tied to differentiated aid and disability determinations. The main discussion centered on how students qualify for differentiated aid under the EFA program. Matt Sutherton of the Children’s Scholarship Fund explained that the organization, which contracts with the state to administer EFAs, accepts either school-district/IEP documentation or a medical certification of disability (MCD) from a licensed medical professional. Members questioned how this process relates to the state’s special education rules and whether the school-district examiner standards in ED 107/1107.04 apply to EFAs. Sutherton said the MCD form, created with the department, requires the medical professional to sign that they are qualified to make the determination and to identify the disability. Several members expressed concern that the EFA process is less rigorous than the school-district IEP process and may be inflating disability counts. One member argued that the administrative rules cited are primarily for school districts, not EFAs, and said the Department of Education may not know how many of the roughly 890 EFA students receiving differentiated aid came through school-district documentation versus the MCD pathway. Another member said the EFA system appears more generous than the school system and raised concerns about oversight, auditing, and whether the program’s data are accurate. Sutherton said the organization reviews signed documentation, credentials, and diagnosis information, and may request additional records to help adjudicate expenses. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the prior minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is our recent very public examples of strong health-based oversight?
• The Department of Health is responsible for oversight involving infection control, inspections, reporting
• Is our recent very public examples of strong health-based oversight? What?
• very public examples of strong health-based oversight what drew us to this or drew them to us?
• that did not exist coming from the Department of Health under the lady oversight that did not exist

Transcript Highlights:

• President, what now pens before the Senate is the Conference Committee report for a supplemental budget
• Additionally, in this supplemental budget, as my good friend has explained it and as further research
• Additionally, in this supplemental budget, as my good friend has explained it and as further research
• And I understand that we did tremendous work in the Senate, in the budget that we all debated just a
• And I understand that we did tremendous work in the Senate, in the budget that we all debated just a