Transcript Highlights:

• It has 13 statutory metrics, and a university must meet 12 before they are deemed preeminent.
• This is not a statutory program, but is included in the General Appropriations Act proviso.
• Well, there is no statutory cap on the number of non-resident students.
• So there is no statutory cap on the number of non-resident students that come into the system.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education received a presentation from Tim Jones, Senior Vice Chancellor and CFO for the State University System of Florida, on the system’s funding methodology, budget structure, tuition, and performance-based funding. He outlined the system’s scale, including 12 universities, more than 430,000 students taking classes, about 78,000 employees, and a roughly $20 billion operating budget. He also reviewed tuition levels, noting Florida’s low resident undergraduate tuition, the lack of tuition increases since 2013, and the distinction between state-set resident tuition and Board of Governors authority over other tuition categories. Jones described several funding components, including performance funding, preeminence funding, faculty recruitment and retention programs, universities of distinction, nursing pipeline and matching programs, and operational enhancements. He explained that performance funding is based on a 100-point model tied to retention, graduation, employment, and other metrics, with student success plans required if scores decline or fall below 70 points. He said the current performance funding allocation is $350 million and the legislative budget request seeks $400 million. He also said the new SUS 30 strategic plan will lead to updates in the performance metrics and benchmarks, with some changes possibly phased in over time. Senators asked questions about how the new strategic plan will affect future scoring, how long universities have to improve after declining scores, and how out-of-state enrollment and tuition are handled. Jones said universities will be evaluated on the current metrics for the upcoming budget cycle, while the new plan’s changes will be developed later and may include glide paths. He also said there is no statutory cap on nonresident students, though the Board of Governors has a 10% systemwide guideline under discussion, and that graduate out-of-state tuition varies by program and requires institutional and Board of Governors approval. No votes were taken, no public testimony was offered, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, just, I was interpreting physical security being like objects, but all security is physical security

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1221, tax loss interpretation application hearing, Finance.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• very difficult when there isn't clarity in the rules, laws, and regulations that we are required to interpret

Summary: The committee met without a quorum at first but proceeded with presentations and testimony. SB 31 by Senator McNerney would expand uses of tertiary treated recycled water, including for toilet and urinal flushing in food handling facilities, outdoor irrigation in certain settings, decorative lakes and ponds, and HOA common-area irrigation, while clarifying regulatory definitions and reducing the need for dual plumbing in some cases. The author and witness said the bill would help California reduce reliance on imported water and improve drought resilience. Multiple water agencies, cities, and related organizations testified in support, and no opposition was presented. SB 650 by Senator Cabaldon would make technical changes to the Delta Stewardship Act, including setting an appeals timeline, clarifying who may file appeals, and adding a severability clause. The author and a county supervisor witness described it as a good-governance and due-process measure with no impact on Delta conveyance projects. Support came from water district and statewide water association representatives, and there was no opposition. The committee also took up a consent calendar including AJR 9, SB 55, and SB 563, all of which were approved. Once a quorum was established, SB 650 was passed to the Judiciary Committee, and SB 31 was passed to the Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee. The committee then adjourned after leaving the roll open briefly for additional members to vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Stutz, how do you interpret that as a physician or Dr. Melson? Go ahead.

Bills: HB322, HB346, HB336, HB384, SB237

Keywords: postpartum depression, postnatal care, maternal mental health, perinatal depression, postpartum screening, new mother, birth mother, newborn discharge, hospital discharge materials, public health education, maternal health, depression screening, health care providers, physicians, nurses, Alabama Department of Public Health, medical liability, standard of care, retired physicians, volunteer medical care

Transcript Highlights:

• I thought it was a great bill that would have provided us statutory funding in a way that was related
• The main improvements are, and you notice that, you know, one of the statutory responsibilities that
• The main improvements are, and you notice that, you know, one of the statutory responsibilities that
• It becomes necessary to revamp and tweak when there's statutory language that's changed, when there's
• It becomes necessary to revamp and tweak when there's statutory language that's changed, when there's

Summary: The Louisiana Public Defender Oversight Board met on June 18, 2026, established a quorum, and adopted the agenda. Public comment took up most of the meeting, with numerous district defenders and chief defenders speaking in support of State Public Defender Remy Starns. Speakers from several districts said the system is more unified, communication with the state office has improved, and local offices feel better supported than in the past. Several also credited Starns with visiting districts, helping with local issues, and improving coordination on capital and non-capital work. One speaker, Richard Thompson, emphasized Starns’ background and training under Sam Dalton, and another noted that a recent staffing decision in St. John the Baptist Parish ultimately proved beneficial for mentorship and resource sharing. Starns then gave his state public defender report. He said the system has improved over the last seven years and argued that public defense still needs a stable, renewable funding source comparable to other parts of the criminal justice system. He discussed legislative changes affecting public defense, including a cleanup bill, a law eliminating filing fees for writs and appeals, and a new procedure related to expert-fee claims after a recent Louisiana Supreme Court decision. He also described ongoing efforts to integrate capital and post-conviction work into district offices, expand the laws/writs program, and use local and state resources more efficiently. He thanked the board, the Public Defenders Association, and the late Mike Ginnart, whom he praised for his leadership and service. The board then considered and adopted proposed bylaws. Members discussed the need for a vice chair and a secretary, the role of special committees, and whether committee meetings should be public and limited to less than a quorum. The bylaws were adopted with the understanding that a committee would review and refine them later; volunteers were named for that committee. The board then elected a vice chair and designated the Office of the Public Defender, with staff assistance, as secretary for recordkeeping. Finally, the board heard a presentation on the strategic plan, which was described as largely unchanged from FY25 except for updates to reflect current law, accessibility requirements, training, compliance, and communication goals. The strategic plan was adopted by resolution, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Both the statutory framework and the culture around student employment have changed rapidly in recent
• Both the statutory framework and the culture around student employment has changed rapidly in recent.
• I'd like to provide an overview of the UW's workforce and how our employees are organized across statutory
• frameworks. of the UW's workforce and how our employees are organized across statutory frameworks.
• And Jenny, one more: statutory arbitration requirements for state employee bargaining dispute resolution

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Employment Relations met on May 8, 2026, to receive updates on upcoming collective bargaining for the 2027–29 biennium. OFM’s Jenny Sheehan reviewed the state workforce, noting that most employees are represented, the workforce remains constrained by hiring limits and civil service rules, and bargaining goals include financially feasible agreements, maintaining labor relations, supporting an inclusive workplace, and addressing issues such as AI use, leave, and immigration-related workplace protections. She also outlined the bargaining calendar, the role of the June revenue forecast in determining what compensation proposals can be funded, and the need to reach tentative agreements by September 2026 for October 1 submission and legislative consideration. She described recent bargaining themes from unions, including limits on AI, expanded leave, access to union members in hybrid workplaces, and classification changes, and she summarized prior-cycle costs, including about $1.2 billion in general funds and $1.7 billion in total funds for 2025–27 awards, excluding the delayed WPEA agreements that were later funded after a return to bargaining. The committee then heard from Western Washington University and the University of Washington on higher education bargaining. Western described its locally bargained contracts, the importance of re-opener clauses tied to state budget decisions, and concerns about the instability of the state “fund split,” which shifts compensation costs between state funds and tuition revenue. Western also emphasized that student employees are increasingly central to retention and urged inclusion of student compensation in the wage base. UW similarly described its large and diverse workforce, the split between RCW 41.56 and 41.80 bargaining frameworks, and the reliance on state funding, tuition, and other revenue sources to cover compensation increases. UW highlighted the financial strain of the fund split, the lack of state funding for academic student employee compensation, and the impact of rising ASE costs on class sizes and the university’s teaching and research missions. OFM also presented on Washington Management Service bargaining, explaining that only certain WMS employees are covered, that bargaining began in 2024, and that current agreements include addenda for WMS-specific provisions. The presentation noted that WMS bargaining is still limited in scope, with only a few represented units, and that compensation bargaining generally covers band minimums and maximums rather than all salary levels. Finally, OFM reviewed interest arbitration rules for certain state employee groups, explaining that arbitration is available for some essential-service and statutorily covered employees, that arbitrators decide disputed contract language based on statutory criteria, and that awards still must be found financially feasible by OFM. Committee members asked about PFML treatment, the timing of arbitration, and the budget pressures facing bargaining, and the meeting adjourned without any votes or formal actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, there is no statutory provision of arrest authority under the Missouri General Assembly.
• This is a problem because our officers must have statutory authority to be recognized by the United States
• Without statutory authority, agencies like the Capitol Police, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and other
• information sharing between law enforcement agencies and our House and Senate security officers with statutory
• Bottom line, this bill offers statutory power of arrest and authority to access, receive, and share sensitive

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In some cases, directly conflict with more recent statutory requirements and best practices.
• This bill addresses these issues by updating and clarifying the district's statutory authority, specifically
• Therefore, paralegals are not included in the statutory list of positions for which prosecutor's office
• HB 1845 would simply include paralegals in the statutory list for eligible salary increases.
• pressure on the state using general revenue to come up with the state share, and there are extensive statutory

Transcript Highlights:

• BUT ONLY HUNDRED 63 THOUSAND HAS BEEN PAID UNDER FLORIDA STATUTORY LIMITS AT THE TIME.
• WITHOUT CLEAR STATUTORY PROTECTIONS WE FEAR THAT PRIVATE SCHOOLS RISK LOSING ABILITY TO MAINTAIN A PROPER
• WITHOUT CLEAR STATUTORY FRAMEWORK THERE IS A RISK OF INCONSISTENT IMPLANTATION LIVING TO DISRUPTIONS
• OF EDUCATION OF ATHLETICS TO TRANSFORM YOUNG LIVES AND WE JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE ARE STATUTORY
• THIS BILL PROVIDES THE STATUTORY RULES TO ALLOW US TO GUIDE EVERYONE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• amendment to the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act where there was an attempt to create a statutory
• 02:13.920> inconsistently bureaucrats that inconsistently bureaucrats that inconsistently interpret
• interpret the rights of tipped workers. interpret the rights of tipped workers.
• A student who was deaf or hard of hearing would not have a sign language interpreter.
• A student who was deaf or hard of hearing would not have a sign language interpreter.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So New Hampshire HIFA's existing board has certain statutory qualifications, right?
• Heifa's existing board has certain uh Heifa's existing board has certain uh statutory<00:14:36.160>
• statutory qualifications, right? statutory qualifications, right?
• That was the existing statutory language, right, which is amended now to add the ability of the nonprofit
• with actually the correct statutory with actually the correct statutory reference. reference. reference

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I'm the director of training at NAMI New Hampshire and also their statutory member on the Suicide
• The vice chair can be any person, does not have to be a statutory member.
• So both of those as well can be any member of the council, does not have to be a statutory member.
• Our clerk does to be a statutory member.
• be a statutory member. be a statutory member.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met on May 29 and approved the draft minutes. DHHS Commissioner Weaver then opened the department update by asking Medicaid Director Henry Litman to brief members on federal and state Medicaid changes, and later turned to DHHS Chief Operating Officer David Weathers for an update on data governance. Members also asked that acronyms be spelled out in future materials and requested a follow-up on the federal Medicaid rule once it is published. Litman reviewed several federal Medicaid provisions tied to HR 1/"OBBA" and related state implementation issues. He said the first major change would be restrictions on certain non-citizens’ Medicaid coverage, affecting about 400 people in New Hampshire, with notices likely 30 to 60 days before the effective date. He also discussed new work requirements/community engagement rules, saying New Hampshire is on track to implement them and will likely need a state plan amendment rather than an 1115 waiver. Other changes included shorter retroactive coverage periods, a new state option for certain community-based services with an estimated $740,000 in implementation support, a freeze and phased-down reduction in the Medicaid enhancement tax beginning in state fiscal year 2029, and limits on directed payments to hospitals after a grandfathering period. He also noted that Medicaid enrollment has fallen from pandemic-era levels, with about 167,000 people covered as of May 1, and that the department is working with CMS on child premiums and other cost-sharing changes approved in HB 2. Committee members asked how the department could plan for the 2029 changes given the number of elections before then, and Litman said federal rules may be adjusted over time as states and stakeholders raise concerns. He emphasized planning for the worst while hoping for the best, and said rural health care transformation funding would help the state prepare. In the second presentation, Weathers explained that data governance is now embedded in DHHS operations to control access, manage reporting, and respond to risk. He defined it as managing what data is collected, how it is used, who can access it, and what laws apply, and said DHHS has moved from governance as a committee to governance as an operational process. He described privacy impact assessments for new systems going into production, monthly privacy and security training, and ongoing review of access controls and data-sharing rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is all outlined in chapter 412 for statutory cities.
• making sure um it's in a statutory making sure um it's in a statutory requirement<00:29:43.600><
• in uh chapter 412 uh for statutory in uh chapter 412 uh for statutory cities<00:32:07.080> obviously
• <00:35:46.520> Provisions<00:35:47.040> in includes several statutory Provisions in
• It is very difficult to get paid, and that's why we have other statutory remedies, such as mechanics'

Bills: HF1234, HF1956, HF1025, HF1172, HF791

Keywords: payment transparency, public contracts, contractor rights, government accountability, construction payments, municipal finance, liquor store, audit requirements, state auditor, local government, historic flag, state flag, display standards, ceremonial, Minnesota Statutes, Ursa Minor, state symbol, Minnesota state laws, constellation, official state designation

Transcript Highlights:

• And as a follow-up, one last question I have, Chairs, as a follow-up to that, DPP's interpretation of
• And as a follow-up, one last question I have, Chairs, as a follow-up to that, DPP's interpretation of
• chairs, as a follow-up to that, have, chairs, as a follow-up to that, DPP's<00:47:13.560> interpretation
• the<00:47:14.760> bill<00:47:15.040> is<00:47:15.160> that DPP's interpretation
• of the bill is that DPP's interpretation of the bill is that this<00:47:15.640> would<00:47:15.800

Bills: HB1700

Keywords: housing, expedited permits, disabilities, access, functional needs, local government, affordable housing, reporting requirements, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard several housing, land use, and infrastructure bills. HB 6019 HD2 on electric vehicle infrastructure and HB 1728 HD1 on rainwater catchment systems both drew limited testimony and were advanced. For HB 1728, the chairs said they would designate the Department of Health as the regulator and incorporate suggested technical amendments from plumbing and rainwater industry groups. Both measures were reported out with recommendations to pass, with HB 6019 passed unamended and HB 1728 passed with amendments. HB 1844, which would have required the Land Use Commission to reclassify lands designated for urban growth, drew significant opposition from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Sierra Club, who argued it would bypass land-use review and threaten agricultural land, water planning, and long-term resilience. Grassroot Institute supported the bill, and the Land Use Commission said the bill raised concerns. After discussion, the chairs deferred the measure in one committee and later the recommendation to pass it with amendments was not adopted in the other committee. HB 1990 on penalties and liens for unresolved residential zoning violations was advanced with amendments. The chairs adopted Grassroot Institute’s suggested changes requiring any county sale of such property to be at no less than fair market value and requiring excess proceeds to be returned to the owner. HB 2424, which would allow county planning agencies to petition for temporary reclassification of certain agricultural lands to rural, also drew mixed testimony; the Land Use Commission raised due process concerns, and agriculture interests opposed it. One committee advanced it with amendments, but in the other committee the recommendation failed after members cited lack of county support. The later portion of the hearing began on HB 1738 and HB 1739. HB 1738 would expand county authority to amend district boundaries for housing on parcels over 15 acres; OHA, Sierra Club, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau opposed it, while Grassroot Institute supported it. HB 1739 would require transit-supportive densities in county TOD areas and limit local restrictions; DPP raised concerns about timing, permitting, and conflicts with existing TOD frameworks, while OPSD and Grassroot supported it. The transcript cuts off before final action on these later bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• health crisis at a potential crime scene or governmental function, their impairment and inability to interpret
• If someone has a disability that impairs or severely limits their ability to interpret a command to leave
• 11:27.760> to If someone has a disability that impairs or severely limits their ability to interpret
• into a corner about this in the past, unintentional end results, we make laws but we don't really interpret
• They interpret our intent. It may not be that.

Bills: SB255, SB199, SB47, HB605, HB216, HB621, HB148, HB389, HB509, HB248, SB255, SB199, SB47, HB605, HB216, HB621, HB148, HB389, HB509, HB248, SB336, SB293, SB43, HB420, HB60, HB188, HB106, HB105, HB11

Keywords: SB255, cannabinoid, hemp, hemp-derived THC, THCa, delta-8 THC, HHC, CBD, THC, novel cannabinoid products, hemp products, intoxicating hemp, delta-8, retail license, Department of Revenue, Department of Agriculture and Industries, testing and labeling, third-party laboratory, product safety, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's how I interpret this, Chair, and I'll ask the testifier if she has anything to add.
• So that's how I interpret this, Chair, and I'll ask the testifier if she has anything to add.
• So that's how I interpret this, Chair, and I'll ask the testifier if she has anything to add.
• So that's how I interpret this, Chair, and I'll ask the testifier if she has anything to add.
• So that's how I interpret this, Chair, and I'll ask the testifier if she has anything to add.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've read the bill, was interpreting the bill, and one of the things I come back to in this is the word
• I've read the bill, was interpreting the bill, and one of the things I come back to in this is the word
• ><00:52:52.640> the<00:52:52.800> bill<00:52:53.040> was<00:52:53.200> interpreting
• <00:52:53.599> the I've read the bill was interpreting the I've read the bill was interpreting

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, approval of the prior journal, and remarks welcoming visitors, including military children in the annex. The House clerk then communicated several House-passed measures to the Senate, and the clerk reported second readings of Senate Bills 70, 74, 80, 127, and 154, which were sent to the Rules Committee. Committee reports also advanced SB 129, SB 101 with Committee Substitute 1, SB 124, SB 50, SB 162 with Committee Substitute 1, SB 170 with Committee Substitute 1, and Senate Resolution 103. The chamber also introduced SB 211 on prescription drug coverage and SB 212 on mental health coverage and declared an emergency. The main floor action was on Senate Joint Resolution 74, which directs the Legislative Research Commission and state agencies to create a statewide fiscal map of substance use disorder programs and funding sources. Supporters said the map would consolidate fragmented funding information across agencies, identify gaps and duplication, improve budgeting, and provide a public-facing report; the resolution also requires posting the map online and submitting a report to the General Assembly by October 30, 2026. The Senate passed SJR 74 by a vote of 38-0. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 104, the “Halo Act,” which would create a 25-foot safety buffer around first responders while they are performing official duties. Supporters argued it would protect first responders and EMTs from interference and still allow bystanders to document events from a distance. Opponents said existing laws already cover obstruction and related conduct, and warned the bill is vague, duplicative, and could chill First Amendment activity such as filming police or protesting. The debate included multiple explanations of votes, with some senators citing public safety and others raising constitutional concerns; the excerpt ends before the final vote on SB 104 is completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, I'm just looking at this from a common legal interpretation standpoint, not a common everyday
• And, you know, I'm just looking at this from a common legal interpretation standpoint, not a common everyday
• 01:06:30.640> a<01:06:31.039> common<01:06:32.079> legal<01:06:32.880> interpretation
• know, a common legal interpretation know, a common legal interpretation standpoint,<01:06:35.440

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I'd like to bring your attention to a consumer protection issue arising from the current interpretation
• I've read the ruling that the judge made, and I thought he was pretty clear in his interpretation of
• his and I thought he was pretty clear in his and I thought he was pretty clear in his interpretation
• of<01:29:26.800> legislation<01:29:27.520> and<01:29:27.760> the interpretation
• of legislation and the interpretation of legislation and the law.<01:29:28.960> Um,<01:29:29.440

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:15 Department of Insurance Update 00:01:39 Department of Financial Institutions Update 00:37:07 Insurance Industry Update 00:54:50 Credit Union Industry Update 01:10:53, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the September 16 minutes, and then received an update from Insurance Commissioner Sharon Clark and staff on the Department of Insurance. Clark reviewed department activity, including growth in premium volume and licensing, consumer complaints and recoveries, and a rise in fraud referrals. She said the department has 66 open fraud cases and described common schemes such as staged auto accidents, inflated repair or cleanup charges, and roofing scams. She also said the department’s investigators often prepare strong cases but face reluctance from local prosecutors, especially in Fayette and Jefferson counties, to pursue them. Clark reported favorable workers’ compensation news, saying rates will decrease 9.7% next year for the 20th straight year. She contrasted that with a difficult property insurance market driven by storms, reinsurance costs, inflation, labor shortages, and litigation, but said Kentucky’s market remains relatively stable, citing the Kentucky Fair Plan’s small number of policies. She then warned of significant 2026 health insurance premium increases on the exchange: 16.1% for Molina, 23% for Anthem, and 37% for WCare, after CareSource withdrew. She said the rates were reviewed by actuaries and found fair, but that the biggest pressure point is the scheduled expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, which she said could leave about 90% of exchange enrollees facing a compounded increase. Members questioned Clark about fraud prosecution, the number of people in commercial versus public coverage, and the impact of expiring subsidies. Clark said the prosecution issue is mainly with Commonwealth attorneys and that rural counties are more cooperative than urban ones. She also said the health market is individually rated and that older enrollees would be hit harder, while the loss of tax credits could push some people out of the marketplace. One member asked about the attorney general’s recent opinion on SB 188, the PBM bill; staff said attorneys were still reviewing it. Clark closed by noting that Kentucky’s fraud and towing/storage legislation has become a model for other states.