Transcript Highlights:

• , which we refer to as the FX Project and FX Program.
• And if there was a savings with the new program?
• The system supports several other programs as well.
• I'm the program director for Florida's child support program.
• Just a little bit about our program.

Summary: The subcommittee heard updates on several major technology modernization efforts, beginning with the Department of Financial Services’ Florida PALM project, which is replacing the state’s decades-old FLAIR accounting system. DFS described PALM as a statewide effort affecting all three branches of government, with cash management already live and the remaining financial management, payroll, and data warehouse components still in development. Officials said the project began in 2014, was restructured after a 2022 legislative pause, and is now being recommended for a go-live delay from January 2026 to July 2026. Members asked about governance, staffing, contract structure, cost growth, and maintenance costs; DFS said the contract is deliverable-based, the current amendment would add a net $2.2 million, and post-go-live maintenance is expected to be about $13 million annually under the current contract through July 2027. The Agency for Health Care Administration then updated the committee on the FX Medicaid enterprise modernization program. AHCA explained that federal CMS directed states to move from monolithic Medicaid systems to a modular approach, leading Florida to procure separate vendors for integration services, data warehouse, unified operations, provider services, and claims processing, with pharmacy benefits still to be procured. Officials said the project has spent about $334 million to date, with most costs federally matched, and requested $189.95 million for the upcoming year. They also highlighted a 2024 special assessment that produced 81 recommendations, most tied to staffing shortages, and said the Legislature added 47 FTEs, with 17 currently filled or being filled. Members asked about governance changes, production status, data access, and future technology maintenance; AHCA said some components are operational, the data warehouse is nearing certification, and the agency is working to keep the system adaptable and nonproprietary. The Department of Children and Families presented its Access modernization project, which is replacing a mainframe-based eligibility system used for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid assistance, and related programs. DCF said the six-year, $205 million project is in its third year and has already delivered a new customer portal with mobile access, multi-factor authentication, and fraud protections, while also building a worker portal, document management, community partner tools, and workload management functions. The agency said it is requesting $36.625 million for the next fiscal year, the same as last year, and emphasized that the project has remained on schedule and on budget by breaking work into smaller modules and using strong vendor and staff support. Members praised the project’s progress and asked about cybersecurity testing and the long delay before modernization began; DCF said security requirements were built in from the outset and that the remaining work will focus on moving staff off the legacy mainframe and modernizing notices and back-end processes.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:51.639> in auto theft prevention grant program in auto theft prevention grant program
• <00:47:56.119> while maintaining successful programs while maintaining successful programs
• as greater demand for those programs as greater demand for those programs again<00:54:47.799>
• more next updating Workforce program more next updating Workforce program outcomes<00:54:58.280>
• credentials under the workforce programs credentials under the workforce programs outcome<00:55:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I think that'd be an incentive for sure. Right.
• So my question is why is this simply for an incentive?
• c><00:04:03.120> simply<00:04:03.439> for<00:04:03.760> an<00:04:03.920> incentive
• is this is this simply for an incentive? is this is this simply for an incentive?

Keywords: Education - Room 216, 2 February, 2026; 1:45 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first took up a bill on computer science and CTE. Senator DeLano explained that it updates prior law requiring computer science to be incorporated into curriculum and Carnegie unit credit, and now allows artificial intelligence to be included as a component of a district’s computer science offerings. The committee asked no substantive questions, and the bill received a title sufficient, do pass recommendation by voice vote. The next measure, Senate Bill 2244, would allow students in districts rated F for two consecutive years to transfer to another district or school, with the state covering transportation and related costs in addition to base student cost. Members raised concerns about the estimated fiscal impact, the authority of receiving districts to accept students, whether the bill should apply to individual schools within an F district, and whether a case-by-case or pilot approach would be better. The committee adopted a reverse repealer to keep the bill alive for further work, then voted title sufficient, do pass. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2235, which requires local law enforcement to notify a juvenile’s school district within 24 hours of a felony arrest. Senator Rhodes said the bill was prompted by school resource officers who wanted schools to know when a student had been arrested, especially after violent incidents, so schools could respond appropriately. Senators questioned whether the bill conflicts with youth court confidentiality and records laws, who exactly should receive the notice, and whether false arrests could harm students. The sponsor said the bill was intended to improve communication and school safety, and the committee adopted a reverse repealer and then voted title sufficient, do pass. The chair announced the committee would meet again later that day and rise and report tomorrow.

Transcript Highlights:

• They'll try to finalize incentives.
• Have existing programs.
• And support workforce training programs.
• , it's a talent training program.
• it's a talent acquisition program it's a talent training<00:51:24.079> program<00:51:25.200><

Keywords: Meeting Start - 00:00 Roll Call – 00:15 Approval of Minutes of the July 15, 2025, Meeting 00:55 Helping Power Kentucky’s Growth – 01:25 Powering and Deploying AI – 41:00 Fueling America’s Intelligence – 56:12 Adjournment – 01:10:37, 958, all

Summary: The Artificial Intelligence Task Force met with a quorum, adopted prior meeting minutes, and then focused on energy policy and economic development as they relate to AI and data centers. John Bevington of LG&E and KU, introduced by Caroline Clark of LG&E/KU and PPL, described the utility’s Kentucky-only service territory, vertically integrated system, 1.3 million customers, and about 7.5 gigawatts of generating capacity. He said the company has supported 76 Kentucky projects in 2024 totaling about $3 billion in announced investment and roughly 3,000 jobs, with a large share of statewide announcements occurring in its service area. Bevington said LG&E and KU’s current project pipeline is unusually strong, totaling about 170 projects and 8.5 gigawatts of requested power, with data centers accounting for about two-thirds of that demand. He broke the pipeline into existing customer expansions, new-to-Kentucky projects, and 20 data center projects representing about 5.6 gigawatts of potential load. He highlighted a Louisville data center project by PO Development Company and Powerhouse Data Centers that has announced a 400-megawatt facility and may expand to 525 megawatts, estimating that such a project could represent about $4 billion in investment. He also explained that large data centers generally must locate near transmission lines and that utilities must conduct studies, order long-lead equipment, and secure reimbursement commitments before proceeding so other customers are not harmed. Members asked about how Kentucky compares with other states, the size of data center projects, and whether regulatory reform is needed. Bevington said the 20 projects reflect current Kentucky interest, which he attributed in part to the state’s sales tax exemption for data centers, and noted that states like Ohio have had similar incentives for years. In response to questions from Senator Thomas, he confirmed that data centers can vary in size and said the state should have a regulatory environment that supports economic development, while emphasizing that the benefits would flow to the state, local communities, and schools rather than just the utility. He also cited national and regional data suggesting data centers generate indirect jobs and tax revenue, and said LG&E and KU are investing in transmission, reliability, solar, and gas generation projects, including proposed additional 645-megawatt natural gas units and other system upgrades, to meet expected demand.

Transcript Highlights:

• exceptional talent, determination, and work ethic earned him admission to Mesa Community College's welding program
• sections 36-2625, 36-2603, and 36-2604, relating to the controlled substances prescription monitoring program
• against good medical guidance, and worries the bill creates a transactional stream of financial incentives
• I also worry that we're creating just a transactional stream of financial incentives for major retail
• I certainly would like to see us expand this program so it's not limited to veterans, maybe potentially

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the program got a shot in the arm by the 1988 passage of SB 34.
• The interventions program was mostly for maintaining levees.
• The point is for California to, through CDFW, establish a program.
• So pushing on saying we need state resources, we need a program.
• This is the first step of creating this program.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it was concluded that the board's prior diversion program was not being effective.
• Other states programs have shown them to be effective.
• Because my SSI program is taxes.
• In this day and age of fentanyl, these programs save lives.
• I understand the importance of investing in youth programs.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the program got a shot in the arm by the 1988 passage of SB 34.
• The intervention program was mostly for maintaining levees.
• The point is for California to, through CDFW, establish a program.
• So pushing on saying we need state resources, we need a program.
• This is the first step of creating this program.

Summary: The committee heard several wildlife and water-related bills. SB 872, by Senator McNerney, would create a Delta Levees and Canal Subsidence Fund and allow waiver of local cost-sharing for Delta levee repairs to protect the State Water Project and Delta infrastructure. Supporters from water agencies, environmental groups, counties, and agricultural interests said the bill is needed to address levee failure and canal subsidence; there was no opposition, and the bill was held open until a quorum was present, with broad support expressed. SB 1108, by Senator Caballero, would establish the Grasslands Ecological Area Conservancy in the Central Valley to coordinate conservation, habitat restoration, public access, and voluntary easements in a region described as the largest remaining wetland/grasslands complex west of the Mississippi. Support came from the Grasslands Water District, Audubon, conservation groups, and local stakeholders, who emphasized the area’s importance to migratory birds, wildlife corridors, and land-use transition under groundwater sustainability. There was no opposition, and the bill received favorable committee support. SB 1135, by Senator Blakespear, would reestablish and strengthen the statewide wildlife coexistence program to reduce human-wildlife conflict through nonlethal deterrence, education, and compensation for livestock losses. Supporters cited rising wildlife incidents, wolf depredation, and the need for proactive tools; opponents and some committee members raised concerns about rural impacts, funding, and the absence of law enforcement/public safety as a specifically named advisory role. After discussion and amendments that moved the cattlemen and Farm Bureau to neutral, the bill passed out of committee on a due-pass motion, though some members voted no or abstained. SB 1305, by Senator Richardson, would direct CDFW to study the feasibility of grizzly bear reintroduction and prepare a roadmap, with tribal consultation and stakeholder engagement, but would not itself authorize reintroduction. Tribal sponsors and conservation groups supported the bill as a planning and cultural restoration effort, while hunting, ranching, and county groups opposed it, arguing California already faces major wildlife-management and funding challenges and that the proposal would create new conflicts. Committee members debated costs, appropriations, and whether the study should include funding estimates; the bill was amended and passed on a due-pass motion. The committee also heard SB 1250, by Senator Cortese, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning; supporters said it would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity, and the bill was presented in support as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator, when you say that the similar programs, similar plans have been successful in Tennessee, how
• Tennessee for now going over 75 years, and I consider that a successful program.
• Here are the reasons why we’re having difficulty with the health insurance programs that are available
• Members, SB 1172, which is titled Business Development Incentives for Veterans and Military Spouses,
• Members, SB 1172, which is titled Business Development Incentives for Veterans and Military Spouses,

Summary: The committee heard several bills on commerce, tourism, labor, technology, and public safety. SB 1666, by Senator Graal, would adopt Florida’s version of UCC Article 12 to address commercial transactions involving digital assets such as cryptocurrency, blockchain, smart contracts, and NFTs; after a technical amendment, it was reported favorably. CS/SB 480, by Senator DiCeglie, would create affordable health coverage options for farmers and ranchers through a nonprofit agricultural organization model similar to Tennessee’s; supporters said it would expand access in rural areas, while opponents and some senators raised concerns about ACA protections, preexisting conditions, and state fiscal impacts. The committee also approved CS/SB 1172, which expands business development incentives for veterans and military spouses, including procurement preferences, fee waivers, tax exemptions, and an entrepreneurship program, after an amendment expanding hiring preferences for military spouses was adopted. The committee then took up SB 1400, which creates a process for removing nonconsensual AI-generated sexual deepfakes from covered online platforms within 24 to 48 hours and subjects noncompliant platforms to penalties under Florida’s deceptive trade practices law; an amendment carved out internet service providers, and the bill was reported favorably. SM 1488, a memorial urging Congress to create a sovereign wealth fund, drew opposition from a public school teacher who questioned its necessity and constitutionality, but it still passed. CS/SB 922, dealing with employment agreements, would strengthen enforcement of certain non-compete and garden leave agreements for employees with access to sensitive information; critics argued it would restrict workers and innovation, while supporters said it protects trade secrets and high-paying jobs. After an amendment, it was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1252, which would create a statewide system for sharing pawn and secondhand dealer data among law enforcement agencies, with an initial feasibility study cost estimated at $250,000 and questions raised about enforcement if agencies do not participate. Finally, CS/SB 1776, under the Whistleblower’s Act, would require advance notice and an opportunity to cure alleged violations, narrow retaliation and disclosure definitions, and limit claims when another statutory remedy exists; members questioned whether the changes could reduce employee protections or allow employers time to destroy evidence, but the bill was still under debate as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Applicants in these programs can take the tests on the last day of their training.
• Program managers at DOH provided a few reasons for the worsening delay.
• So we've heard a couple of audits here about the testing program. I'm...
• to whether or not they... ...for the testing program as to whether or not they have incentives and penalties
• Is there any indication of how that plays into this program and the shortage of people?

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee held a public hearing on the State Auditor’s Office performance audit of Washington’s Restoring Quality Home Care Initiative (I-1163). Auditors said the initiative’s background checks and 75-hour training requirement are widely viewed as safety measures, but the state lacks pre-2011 data to directly measure safety outcomes. They also found Washington’s long-term care workforce is still short, though the state ranks better than many others in workers per disabled person, and that some groups and regions have larger gaps between authorized and actually used Medicaid care hours, suggesting access problems for certain clients. The audit focused heavily on the certification process for home care aides. Auditors reported that many applicants never finish certification, that the process often exceeds the 200-day legal deadline, and that delays can cause lost income, job loss, and in some cases repeated employer changes that allow aides to keep working without becoming certified. They recommended that the Department of Health accept applications only after training and testing are completed, move testing into training programs more broadly, and eliminate redundant DOH verification of FBI background checks. Committee members asked about testing contract incentives, language access, and the role of immigration in workforce shortages; auditors said they found no financial performance standards in the Prometric contract, did not specifically study immigration status, and did not focus on language barriers in this audit. Department of Health and Department of Social and Health Services officials largely agreed with the audit’s findings and recommendations. They said they have already made improvements, including expanded in-program testing, more staffing, and rule changes, and that testing has been integrated into more than 110 training programs. DSHS noted testing is offered in 13 languages. Both agencies said they support further streamlining and expect continued collaboration, including possible budget or legislative requests. No public testimony was offered, and the committee adjourned without taking any vote or formal action on the audit.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Franson, will give... that the programs continue um and that the programs continue um
• <00:24:57.240> um<00:24:57.760> these law our land programs um these law our land programs
• programs that work with local partners to implement the watershed approach.
• as well as some cover crop um program as well as some cover crop um incentives<00:38:14.760> there's
• Representative Gillman asked about the electric school bus program.

Bills: HF276, HF413, HF411

Keywords: human services, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, long-term services and supports, LTSS, public assistance, application process, eligibility determination, customer service survey, wait times, form complexity, lead agencies, Department of Human Services, Department of Children Youth and Families, streamlining, administrative reform, case management, reassessment, intake system, adaptive eligibility form

Transcript Highlights:

• You can turn $30 million of local funds into $300 million by really, through this grant program and the
• equipment and programming they need.
• Also, the bill expands and sustains the program. Also, the bill expands and sustains the program.
• It codifies the program that had been put in place and was funded with non-recurring dollars.
• I don't know what those discounts are, so I don't know all the incentives that somebody would have to

Summary: The committee took up several bills and confirmations. It reported favorably SB 332, as amended, on a narrow public-meetings/public-records exemption for legal strategy and settlement communications during the pre-suit period in Burt Harris claims; SB 464, requiring K-12 schools to formally observe Veterans Day; SB 984, clarifying firefighter cancer/death-benefit provisions and related prevention language; SB 576, expanding and codifying the local government cybersecurity protection program under Florida Digital Service; SB 964, revising how certain gifts and honoraria are reported to the Commission on Ethics; SB 1612, requiring local governments to accept electronic payments with exceptions and a delayed effective date; SB 830, creating public-records exemptions for certain local government administrators and their families; SB 1096, clarifying the filing deadline for Florida Civil Rights Act complaints; and SB 1656, designating the SS American Victory as Florida’s official state flagship. The committee also considered a large confirmation package. Jeffrey Aaron’s appointment to the Public Employees Relations Commission was discussed separately after Senator Polsky raised concerns about his political connections and prior work; the committee still recommended him favorably. The remaining appointees on tabs 12 through 30 were also recommended favorably in one vote. The longest and most contentious item was SB 1296, with a committee substitute, on the Public Employees Relations Commission and public-sector unions. The PCS would change union certification/recertification rules, require a recent showing-of-interest form, create different voting thresholds for public safety and non-public safety employee organizations, limit paid union leave for non-public safety unions unless reimbursed, require equal access to certain employer communication spaces, and speed up impasse procedures for legislatively funded salary increases. Senators raised constitutional concerns, especially about the single-subject rule and collective-bargaining rights, and many speakers opposed the bill as union-busting and harmful to teachers, bus drivers, nurses, utility workers, and other public employees. Supporters argued it would improve accountability, ensure genuine member support, and prevent taxpayer-funded union activity. The committee continued debate on SB 1296 after extensive testimony, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're definitely a unicorn program, right?
• Because we are the only program in the state that operates our 5:40 program as two full days as opposed
• Um, I run my program at play-based learning.
• Program designation and application process.
• Um, it's a, it's a very intensive program.

Transcript Highlights:

• programs.
• Funds, which reward excellence nursing programs, to be used for healthcare industry-related programs,
• It’s in a specific program.
• For example, the College Reach-Out Program, in which we’re changing the College Reach-Out Program to
• CS for CS for SB 958 creates a type 1 diabetes early detection program.

Summary: The committee first heard CS for CS for SB 344, which would modernize the Telecommunications Access System Act of 1991 based on Public Service Commission recommendations. The bill drew no opposition and was reported favorably. Members then took up several Senator Burton measures: CS for SB 714 on non-opioid advanced directives, which was amended to create a Department of Health website access point for a voluntary form allowing patients to notify providers they do not want opioid medications; CS for SB 738 on child care and early learning providers, which streamlines and updates child care regulation and was supported by industry and business groups; CS for SB 756 on health insurance coverage for individuals with developmental disabilities, which removes the age-8 diagnosis limit and age cap for mandated autism-related coverage; and CS for CS for SB 1356, creating a Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU and a newborn genetic testing pilot, later amended to add FIU and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital to the board and remove specific appropriations. All of these bills were reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 1624 on higher education, a broad bill affecting tuition policies, workforce programs, institutional governance, and naming changes. The bill generated extended discussion over replacing references to “minority” with “underrepresented,” with the sponsor explaining the intent was to focus on low-income access and student support, while members raised concerns about impacts on majority-minority institutions and preeminence pathways. An amendment added guardrails for private religious postsecondary institutions by requiring public review of affidavits of compliance and giving the Commission for Independent Education enforcement authority. After debate, the bill was reported favorably. The committee then passed CS for SB 1626 on child welfare, which addresses military-family investigations, emergency shelter certification, children’s services council appointments, criminal-background exemptions, group-home rates, licensing extensions, small residential group homes, missing-children procedures, and psychotropic medication refills; it was amended to adjust council board composition and then reported favorably. Additional bills approved included SB 178, directing Florida A&M University to conduct an agronomic study on emerging crops for land taken out of production; SB 1162, expanding boating improvement funding for trailer parking and offering lease incentives for clean marine manufacturers; CS for CS for SB 958, creating a type 1 diabetes early detection information program for parents and schools; CS for CS for CS for SB 1070, requiring ECGs for student athletes with phased implementation and exemptions, after extensive testimony from parents and advocates about sudden cardiac arrest; CS for SB 774, requiring electronic transmission of certain court orders to sheriffs within six hours; SB 1516, creating an International Aerospace Innovation Fund administered by Space Florida; SB 994, revising driver education requirements and prompting a commitment to add distracted-driving instruction; and CS for CS for SB 1402, expanding eligibility for dropout retrieval programs. The committee also took up SB 810 on stormwater management systems, amending it to focus annual inspections on vulnerable MS4 infrastructure. That bill drew significant opposition from the Florida League of Cities, counties, and stormwater groups, who argued the mandate would duplicate existing permit requirements and impose major costs, but supporters said it was a basic flood-prevention measure. The transcript ends during debate on SB 810, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• would bring in a perverse incentive would bring in a perverse incentive where<01:03:47.440> you
• SNAP program. It's as simple as that. SNAP program. It's as simple as that.
• Speaker. program. But HR1 changed aspects of SNAP program.
• have two medicalos helicopter programs have two medicalos helicopter programs and<01:44:29.199><
• food choices, how to ensure program food choices, how to ensure program integrity,<02:18:42.080>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, our programs regularly graduate at least 75% of enrollees, a benchmark for success.
• Comp Corp is funding a number of promising programs to support this population.
• We've seen a major involvement in these programs, absolutely.
• So, yeah, we definitely see a major interest and involvement in those programs.
• My third ask would be to continue to invest in micro-lending programs.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business held an informational hearing focused on the conditions facing small and micro businesses in Massachusetts and the state programs intended to support them. Chairs Andy Vargas and Adam Gomez opened by emphasizing equitable economic development, the importance of CDFIs, and the need to help underserved entrepreneurs, especially women, minorities, veterans, immigrants, and other groups facing barriers. Committee members noted the hearing would not take up bills, and testimony was limited to 10 minutes per organization. State and quasi-public agency witnesses described current programs and funding. Dico Gibral of the Executive Office of Economic Development highlighted the Business Front Door, multilingual access, small business office hours in Gateway Cities, and funding in the Mass Leads Act, including support for CDFIs, small business technology, and capital grants. Tom Hooper of Commonwealth Corporation described workforce training programs such as the Workforce Training Fund, Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, and Career Technical Initiative, saying they help small businesses train workers, fill labor shortages, and support returning citizens and people with disabilities. Committee members asked about federal funding uncertainty, workforce migration, training schedules, and program uptake. Business and advocacy groups focused on cost pressures and regulatory burdens. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association urged continuation of outdoor dining and takeout alcohol sales, and pressed for relief from high credit card swipe fees, support for surcharging, and streamlining municipal licensing. The Retailers Association of Massachusetts cited survey results showing inflation, utility costs, payroll taxes, health insurance, and interchange fees as major concerns, and said many members might sell or close within five years; it also backed ending the state prohibition on surcharging and creating an Office of Main Streets Massachusetts. MACDC, BECKMA, and the Coalition for an Equitable Economy emphasized the need for more technical assistance, CDFI and small business funding, and protections against rising costs, tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and immigration enforcement impacts on immigrant-heavy business districts. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• inefficient sales tax exemption that's in there and applies it back to the R&D sales tax credit. program
• for franchise tax that's set to expire at the end of 2026 and also make some improvements to the program
• How long has this program been in place?
• Without action, as you've heard, the current incentive will expire at the end of 2026.
• The City of Galveston is responsible for Local HOT and all of our other programs.

Bills: SB263, SB467, SB850, SB1030, SB1352, SB1453, SB2064, SB2206, SB2779, SJR84

Keywords: SB 263, Texas franchise tax, cost of goods sold, COGS, broadcasters, television broadcasting, radio broadcasting, media tax, broadcast license, FCC, 47 C.F.R. Part 73, 47 C.F.R. Part 74, film production, television production, tax deduction, margin tax, Texas Tax Code, depreciation, amortization, broadcast rights

Transcript Highlights:

• So, 22 states have sunsetted similar programs. Three states have never had a program like this.
• that are compensable under the program that are compensable under the program MH<00:26:40.640>
• <00:26:57.320> exclusively program exclusively program exclusively um<00:26:59.279> that
• apparently it was a really good program apparently it was a really good program so<00:50:12.440>
• strongly support refunding that program strongly support refunding that program for<00:50:55.079

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed a proposed increase to the annual elevator certificate fee in the Department of Labor. The commissioner said the fee had been $50 for years and generated just under $300,000 annually, while the Inspection Division’s broader revenue far exceeded its expenses. Members noted the fee only covered the certificate, not the inspection itself, which is billed separately at $100 per hour. After comparing the fee to neighboring states and discussing the department’s revenue and staffing, the committee agreed to rewrite the language to set the fee at $75 and to vote on an amendment later. The committee then took up Section 139, which would expand the list of labor-law violations that can be penalized without first issuing a warning. The Department explained the change was meant to align House Bill 157 with other chapters, including youth employment and workers’ compensation provisions, where immediate civil penalties are already allowed. The section was accepted unanimously. A longer discussion followed on the Second Injury Fund. The commissioner explained that the fund reimburses insurers for certain workers’ compensation costs tied to claims involving pre-existing conditions, is financed by assessments on insurers, and requires notice within 100 weeks of injury plus a $10,000 deductible before reimbursement. He said the fund currently holds roughly $16 million to $22 million, one full-time employee administers it, and total staff involvement is about five to six people. Members questioned whether the fund should be sunset, but the department said the current House Bill 2 language does not propose a sunset; instead, it addresses increased hearing and litigation burdens after a recent Supreme Court decision. Sections 140 and 141, dealing with hearings, were then accepted unanimously. The committee also briefly discussed fines for late insurance coverage reporting, with the department noting the current rubric allows up to $50 per day but uses $112 per day, and members suggesting a lower amount.

Transcript Highlights:

• states to run the Medicaid program. states to run the Medicaid program.
• not able to work the computer program. not able to work the computer program.
• without improving program accuracy. without improving program accuracy.
• multiple programs.
• present eligibility pilot program. present eligibility pilot program.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, they took that as an incentive to work on this project and create a curriculum to be used in their
• took that<00:31:53.200> uh<00:31:53.360> as<00:31:53.600> an<00:31:53.760> incentive
• to<00:31:54.480> work<00:31:54.640> on<00:31:54.880> this that uh as an incentive
• to work on this that uh as an incentive to work on this project<00:31:55.760> and<00:31:56.080

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the January 27, 2026 journal as corrected, and noted several roll-call corrections. A committee report from State Veterans and Military Affairs recommended Senate Bill 4 be amended and sent to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation. The president also announced signing of Senate bills and Senate Joint Resolution 5. The bulk of the meeting consisted of announcements and recognitions. Senators highlighted visits from the Colorado Council of 911 Authorities, Colorado Mesa University, CASE members, physical therapists and students, Rooted Christian Academy, the state community college system, a sportsmen’s legislative reception, and an open house for National Unclaimed Property Day. Senator Carson recognized Mountain Vista High School students who created a financial literacy curriculum and app to teach budgeting, banking, credit, interest, and debt, tying their work to last year’s financial literacy legislation. Committee scheduling announcements included the Joint Health and Human Services Committee meeting after House adjournment with the Joint Budget Committee presenting the governor’s budget, no Judiciary Committee meeting that day, and the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee’s first meeting to hear confirmations, Senate Joint Resolution 1, and Senate Bill 103. The Senate then recessed until 11:00 a.m. after a motion by the Majority Leader.