Transcript Highlights:

• They may not all have a skilled nursing facility. They may not have assisted living.
• And that was for one CCRC skilled nursing facility.
• They can be increased based on projected costs, prior year per capita cost.
• in the assisted living or the skilled nursing.
• Yeah, in my experience, rest in the assisted living or the skilled nursing.

Summary: The commission’s fifth meeting focused on consumer protections and resident rights in continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), with a presentation by Yvonne Choyah of UC Law San Francisco. She described California’s CCRC framework, including entrance fee structures, monthly fee increases, contract types (A, B, and C), disclosure requirements, and regulatory oversight. A major theme was that residents often do not understand the contracts they sign, while providers retain broad discretion over fees, transfers, terminations, and changes to the physical plant. She also emphasized that California’s regulator is understaffed and not well suited to oversee the complex financial and insurance-like aspects of CCRCs, and that resident complaints and litigation can be slow and difficult. Choyah and commission members discussed several consumer-protection issues, including refundable versus repayable-on-resale entrance fees, rising monthly care fees, the decline of life care contracts, and the need for clearer disclosures and better comparative data for prospective residents. She noted that California requires annual disclosure statements, resident bill of rights materials, and some fee-related reporting, but that enforcement and accessibility remain weak. Members raised questions about resident board representation, accreditation, refund requirements, and whether state agencies or resident associations could help explain contracts to consumers before admission. Choyah suggested stronger oversight, more financial expertise in regulation, and better transparency about ownership and fee-setting. The meeting ended with discussion of the commission’s next steps toward its August report. Staff said a draft report would be prepared from the commission’s discussions and circulated for comment before final revisions. The chair also announced staff transitions: Jennifer would be leaving the State House role, and Juliana Fernandez and Vicky Halal would be the main contacts going forward. The commission adjourned after thanking Choyah for her presentation and answering member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the fetal demise is dated currently at 20 weeks or more based on the last menstrual period.
• And as policy currently stands, we are required to date an intrauterine fetal demise based on the last
• With current federal changes, I ensure our community has science-based public health guidelines from
• Unity Care Northwest is a community health center based in Bellingham.
• Instead, they may request reimbursement based on undiscounted prices.

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee held a hearing on several bills. SB 5904 would prohibit non-human entities from using nursing titles; the sponsor and nursing groups said it is meant to increase transparency around AI and ensure patients know when they are interacting with a real nurse. SB 5915 would change Health Technology Assessment Program review criteria and timelines, with supporters arguing it would better account for Medicare coverage and national guidelines, especially for rare and life-threatening conditions. SB 6025 would update the definition of fetal death to allow gestational age to be determined by the best clinically accurate method rather than last menstrual period, and medical professionals and the sponsor said this would reduce emotional, financial, and legal burdens on grieving families. SB 5933 would require near real-time sharing of overdose data into ODMAP; public health, local government, and recovery advocates said it would improve overdose response, while one witness asked that poison center data be included and clarified separately. SB 5990 would allow APRNs and physician assistants to serve as local health officers in counties under 100,000 population; rural county officials supported the added flexibility, while public health groups and naturopathic physicians raised concerns about qualifications and asked that naturopathic doctors be included as well. SB 5981 would restrict drug manufacturers from limiting 340B drug access through contract pharmacies or requiring data as a condition of discounts; safety-net hospitals, community health centers, pharmacies, and patients said it protects access and reinvestment in care, while manufacturers, employer groups, and industry representatives argued it increases costs, lacks transparency, and may not ensure savings reach patients. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the transcript; each bill was heard and testimony was closed. Sign-in counts were reported for several bills, including strong pro support for SB 5904, SB 5915, SB 5933, and SB 5981, and mixed or substantial opposition on SB 6025 and SB 5990.

Transcript Highlights:

• Problem-based learning involves students working in groups to solve complex problems, and case-based
• So our starting base salary for our CPIs is $50,000.
• The starting base pay for the APIs is $37,000 right now.
• The starting salary is negotiable based on experience and skill level that is brought to the table.
• It's a very different skill set to do this. Yes.

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Summary: The committee heard three presentations focused on child welfare workforce development and the needs of children in Florida’s dependency system. First, the Florida Institute for Child Welfare described its Grow Center and related initiatives, including academic curriculum enhancements, simulations, virtual reality training, coaching, on-demand learning, advanced certifications, and the planned Tallahassee learning lab opening in January 2026. Members asked about conflict resolution, domestic violence, addiction, and microcredentials; the presenter said the institute is expanding training in those areas and is working with DCF to align advanced certifications with the department’s career ladder. The Department of Children and Families then presented on the Continue the Mission initiative, which recruits veterans, military spouses, and former law enforcement officers into CPI, API, and case management roles. DCF said it has held more than 240 hiring events and hired 372 such workers since launch, while also improving recruitment and retention through higher starting pay, streamlined hiring, rebranding, wellness supports, and enhanced pre-service training. Senators asked about PTSD concerns, staffing levels, caseloads, hotline vacancies, and salaries; DCF said it had not seen direct PTSD issues from the hiring effort and provided figures including a $50,000 starting salary for CPIs, $37,000 for APIs, and average caseloads of 12 to 15 investigations for CPIs and about 10 for APIs. Finally, DCF discussed the increased acuity of children in the dependency system, explaining that fewer children are entering care overall but those who do often have more complex behavioral, mental health, developmental, or medical needs. The department highlighted a new Behavioral Qualified Residential Treatment Program (BQRTP) designed for youth who need more intensive support than traditional foster or group home settings but do not require inpatient psychiatric treatment; one facility is licensed with 12 of 14 beds filled, and DCF said it is seeking funding for placement for 230 youth total. Members pressed for details on licensure timelines, standards, funding, and the handling of crossover youth and lockouts, and DCF said it uses braided funding and works with DJJ, APD, and lead agencies through local and state review teams. A representative of the Florida Coalition for Children also testified, saying the issue is complex and multi-year, and that the coalition is working on possible legislative and programmatic solutions. The committee took no formal votes and adjourned after the presentations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is currently our sort of base map for this program.
• I came in late to the game, and I put a different lens on this, and I felt that we need to have a different
• extend the contract to build another vessel, and we couldn't come to terms with the shipyard, mostly based
• the traditional maritime industry, which gives you broader exposure to a broader workforce, more skills
• There were things that we learned, and we probably should have done a better job in capturing the base

Summary: The committee met to hear an update from Washington State Ferries on capital projects and workforce issues, beginning with a briefing on the agency’s long-term fleet and terminal needs. WSF officials described the history of underinvestment after the late 1990s, the current fleet reduction from 25 to 21 vessels, and the need to keep older boats in service while moving toward a 26-vessel long-range fleet and hybrid-electric operations. They said the agency is transitioning to a new vessel procurement strategy, with Eastern Shipbuilding selected to build up to three 160-car hybrid-electric ferries, and outlined a schedule that includes contract execution, about a year of design work, steel cutting in fall 2026, and several years of construction. Members raised concerns about the higher cost of electrified vessels, the length of the schedule, the adequacy of liquidated damages and incentives, the risks of building in Florida and transporting vessels to Washington, and whether the contract sufficiently protects the state from cost overruns and design problems. The committee also received an update on the Wenatchee conversion, which officials said is days away from entering service as the first large hybrid-electric ferry conversion. WSF explained that the conversion combined required midlife preservation work with propulsion upgrades and battery installation, and that the project took longer and cost more than originally expected because it was a prototype with significant lessons learned. Officials said the Tacoma and Puyallup conversions would follow later, but those decisions were being delayed until after the World Cup to avoid service disruptions. Members asked about the cost-effectiveness of the conversion, the expected fuel and emissions reductions, and what happens to engine crews during long conversion periods; WSF said crews were embedded in the project and that the conversions should reduce diesel use substantially once terminal charging is available. The meeting then shifted to workforce development, with Siegel consultants reviewing their 2021 and 2024 studies of ferry staffing, overtime, recruitment, and workplace culture. They said the earlier problems stemmed from seasonal staffing practices, low winter hours, limited career progression, a narrow maritime recruiting pipeline, and a culture that made retention difficult. Since then, they reported major improvements: staffing has increased from about 1,500 to 1,900, turnover has fallen, captain and engineer shortages have eased, and recruitment has broadened beyond the traditional maritime pool, including more women and other underrepresented workers. They credited new programs such as guaranteed hours, paid pilotage, AB-to-mate pathways, and the “Turning of the Tide” culture campaign, while noting remaining issues with communication, HR access, accountability, and quality of life. Members generally acknowledged the progress but asked whether staffing levels are now sufficient and how interchangeable crews are across vessels and routes. Finally, terminal engineering staff began a presentation on capital terminal work, starting with the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal. They described the terminal’s age, low elevation, vulnerability to sea level rise and earthquakes, and the need for replacement piles, beams, and improved vehicle circulation. The agency said it has completed a planning and environmental linkage study, is moving into NEPA/state environmental review, and has been working with the community to balance the needs of Southworth and Vashon riders with neighborhood concerns in Fauntleroy. The preferred alternative is a larger offshore dock footprint that would improve capacity and reliability while reducing impacts to eelgrass habitat. The meeting ended before the terminal discussion was complete.

Transcript Highlights:

• Could be school-based social work programs, could be anything.
• And how much per area based on population, but also based on capacity, like you said.
• Line 69: So you'll see that the LFC brought that into the base.
• Our general fund-based request is $2.1 billion. $2.1 billion.
• This is where we tried to categorize programs that are evidence-based, not evidence-based, or supported

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:26:11.840><c> here</c> incredible natural resource base here incredible natural resource base
• the per worker skills arising from and the per worker skills arising from experience.<01:06:46.480><
• education. by skills arising from education or by skills arising from education or experience.<01:12:
• So the skill level that they have.
• </c> you're tracking based on Fred data? you're tracking based on Fred data?

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:57:28.480><c> on</c> volum in high need uh based on volum in high need uh based on self-represented
• </c><01:07:42.359><c> therefore</c> training and other skills therefore training and other skills therefore
• </c> up on the time issue um I guess based up on the time issue um I guess based upon<01:30:20.520><c
• </c> administrative rules those were based administrative rules those were based upon<04:25:10.040><c
• B based on a mistake<04:44:41.760><c> of</c><04:44:42.000><c> fact</c><04:44:42.360><c> based</c><04

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met for its first meeting of the new session with opening remarks, member introductions, and a discussion of committee logistics. Members described their backgrounds and priorities, including criminal justice, right-to-know and privacy issues, domestic violence, death-with-dignity legislation, abortion, firearms, landlord-tenant policy, housing, and technology/privacy concerns. The chair noted there were already 34 bills assigned to the committee and expected more, and said the committee would likely continue to have a heavy workload this session. The chair also outlined how the committee would operate: meetings would generally be on Wednesdays, with possible Mondays as needed; hearings would not require a quorum, but executive sessions would; and members were asked to provide updated phone numbers and email addresses, especially cell numbers. He explained that the committee would continue its practice of seating members in a mixed partisan arrangement to encourage communication, and that the new clerk had joined the committee. A significant portion of the meeting focused on procedures for executive sessions and meeting times. The chair said the committee would follow the traditional rule allowing executive sessions on bills heard that day if proper notice was given, but he would avoid taking up controversial matters without full attendance. Members then discussed whether meetings should start at 9, 9:30, or 10 a.m., with concerns raised about long commutes, evening obligations, and winter driving after dark. No formal vote was taken in the portion provided, but the chair indicated he would try to accommodate the committee’s preference while balancing the workload.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will start off with a briefing based on the people we have.
• There are other things that are district by district by district based on the demographics, based on
• Based on current multidisciplinary research, we know that evidence-based reading instruction that is
• And a 15 equity-based clock hour requirement to renew their certificates.
• Through targeted sessions, the student built coping skills and stress management skills.

Bills: HB1796 , SGA9249 , SGA9269 , SGA9244

Committee: Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education

Keywords: school construction, contract indebtedness, school districts, bonding authority, education funding

Transcript Highlights:

• While all four of my boys were skilled readers, I watched my youngest, Of my boys were skilled readers
• I watched my youngest become a skilled reader much faster.
• All of our students in New Mexico deserve this skill.
• I watched my youngest become a skilled reader much faster.
• All of our students in New Mexico deserve this skill.

Bills: SB29 , SB37

Committee: Senate Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• And so it became very obvious that partisan politics was the real game.
• It wasn't about providing the real game.
• Our evidence-based system for this ARS system.
• </c><02:07:05.920><c> uh</c> implement evidence-based programs. uh implement evidence-based programs.
• :08.239><c> this</c><02:07:08.560><c> RA</c> our evidence-based system for this RA our evidence-based

Transcript Highlights:

• As of October 1st, 2027, states will be assessed a fee that is based on the payment error rate.
• And so where we sit<00:19:07.760><c> right</c><00:19:08.000><c> now</c><00:19:08.320><c> based</c><00
• You know, I want to be solutions-based and so in this presentation, you're talking about very much so
• I’ve been working very hard to find a new job that matches my skills and my schedule. diabetes.
• </c> have to ensure that people play the game have to ensure that people play the game the<01:00:00.480

Bills: HF45 , HF1148 , HF3624 , HF3586 , HF777

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Number one, employability skills and resiliency in the workplace.
• They are working on independent living skills, employment skills, social skills and all types of different
• And we are seeing the progress that you're making based on that.
• Has the 26 years based on what you just ate it.
• So final question just based on the legislation. I know what it reads.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the base set by the February forecast. the base set by the February forecast.
• There's also a proposed over base.
• <00:14:13.839><c> and</c><00:14:14.399><c> 1</c> base and 1 base and 1 bill758,100,000<00:14:17.360><
• access fund base.
• Um, and those decrease below base.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Bluegrass State Skills Corporation. Bluegrass State Skills Corporation.
• </c><00:24:47.200><c> on</c> whether that could be adjusted based on whether that could be adjusted based
• </c> to use of KBI, it's based on the value. to use of KBI, it's based on the value.
• Bluegrass State Skills Corporation.
• </c> I had negotiated my salary to be based I had negotiated my salary to be based on<00:42:40.079><c

Summary: The subcommittee met with Secretary Jeff Null and General Counsel Matt Wing of the Cabinet for Economic Development for an overview of the cabinet’s main economic development tools, strategy, and compliance practices. Null said the cabinet uses a data-driven approach focused on competitiveness, site readiness, wages, workforce training, and long-term assets such as roads, rail spurs, water, and sewer improvements. He emphasized that the cabinet tries to balance attracting new employers with supporting existing businesses, and said compliance is a core value of the agency. Null walked members through several programs, including the closing fund, Kentucky Business Incentive (KBI), Bluegrass State Skills Corporation training support, and the KIA sales-tax refund tool for construction materials and equipment. He said the closing fund has received $80 million over two years for projects generally involving at least $10 million in investment, though some flexibility exists. He also explained that Bluegrass State Skills funding is typically about $2,000 to $3,000 per job and can be used flexibly for training, including sending Kentucky workers to be trained elsewhere or paying trainers to come to Kentucky. He described KBI as a pay-as-you-go, incremental tax credit tied to actual jobs and investment, and said the legislature’s tiered refundable credit structure allows more targeted use of incentives in heritage and non-heritage counties. A substantial portion of the presentation focused on compliance and monitoring. Null said incentive agreements are written with commercial terms and spell out jobs, investment, wages, and training commitments. The cabinet requires regular reporting, invoices, and sampling, and can use clawbacks or suspend benefits if companies fail to meet obligations or lose required environmental permits. He said the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority reviews incentive applications in public meetings and often requires company representatives to answer questions before preliminary approval is granted. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is based on the revenue estimating conference.
• So you have gaming tax revenues, fantasy sports.
• We've never had race-based preferences in, Dr.
• The base does recognize the higher-cost programs.
• But it was based on really an athletics, time now is six years.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee met on March 17 to review the FY27 budgets for the Department of Education and several special schools and commissions. Fiscal staff outlined the Department of Education’s roughly $6.4 billion budget, noting that most funding goes to the Minimum Foundation Program and subgrantee assistance. Major changes discussed included the removal of one-time teacher pay stipends, increases for the LA GATOR scholarship program, and projected adjustments in early childhood funding. Members also reviewed the constitutional amendment proposal tied to using about $2 billion to pay down teacher retirement obligations and provide future teacher pay raises. Dr. Cade Brumley testified that Louisiana’s education outcomes have improved and answered questions on math performance, charter school funding, the LA GATOR scholarship, and the special education Choice program. Members pressed the department on the sustainability and balance of funding between LA GATOR and Choice, the number of applicants and current recipients, and outreach efforts. Brumley said charter schools are funded through the MFP like other public schools, that LA GATOR currently serves about 5,500 students with applications recently reaching about 17,000, and that the Choice program serves about 500 students with a waiting list of about 700 applicants. He also said the department would implement whatever funding levels the legislature approves. The committee then heard the special schools and commissions budget, including the Special School District, Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts, Thrive Academy, École Pointe-au-Chien, Louisiana Public Broadcasting, and BESE. Testimony focused on facility needs, enrollment, and program outcomes. LSU? No—LSM leaders described urgent roof and ceiling repairs estimated at about $800,000, while Thrive Academy highlighted student achievement, community service requirements, and economic impact. LPB said it is facing a federal funding loss of about $2.5 million and is responding with higher Passport fees, underwriting, and private fundraising. BESE’s small staff and administrative role were also explained, with members asking about board operations and the use of statutory dedication funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• Student clubs are amazing opportunities for students to build their academic resume and build social skills
• I would not have wanted my sons to attend a club that promotes violent shooting video games or any kind
• This bill is based on the promise that parents are not responsible for parenting, but they are.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there skill deficits in SEL? Um, are their parenting.
• It's based on my students' SAT and ASR scores.
• It's based on our access scores for our EL students, it's based on our attendance, and then finally on
• Lower the, lower the level of skills just to graduate.
• We have to make sure that the skill, pluck out the skill they need to pass the 7th grade standard tomorrow

Transcript Highlights:

• You come home with a lot of soft skills, but not necessarily the technical skills that people are looking
• </c><00:09:03.680><c> are</c> don't understand what their skills are don't understand what their skills
• </c> career-long um learning and skill career-long um learning and skill building<00:50:58.160><c> so
• Living, they taught me the skills to live my life.
• Living, they taught me the skills to live my life.

Bills: HF1439 , HF1004 , HF498 , HF1326

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I do have my fears based on all the things that we've been through of late.
• :41.600><c> and</c> employment-based immigration lawyer, and employment-based immigration lawyer, and
• Skilled professionals to work in the United States.
• ,</c> through meaningful, fact-based, through meaningful, fact-based, bipartisan<00:36:24.079><c> debate
• </c><01:20:29.520><c> is</c> open even though his customer base is open even though his customer base

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• So under the statute currently, based on the 2012-2013 timeframe, quote-unquote, Based on the 2012-2013
• It is a grant program that will provide assistance, short-term training grants for specialized skill
• And they will need a very specific type of welding skill to do the thick metal that they use on those
• And they will need a very specific type of welding skill to do the thick metal that they use on those
• the greatest need in terms of the skill set?

Committee: Senate Labor & Industrial Relations