Transcript Highlights:

• determining a municipality's tax rate. determining a municipality's tax rate.
• <06:07:16.480> of are not under contract at a rate of are not under contract at a rate of
• You'll hear that this rate practices.
• These new rates, these new rates proposed by New Hampshire Department of Insurance, so-called cost-based
• > new These new rates, these new These new rates, these new rates<06:14:16.080> proposed<06

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 25.120> people incredibly high rates of people incredibly high rates of people reporting<00:08
• Rates much higher in the panic disorder.
• Um, also, people report higher rates?
• We also are seeing higher rates secure.
• see really high rates there. see really high rates there.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In those states that have sunset this mechanism, any sense as to what the impact on rates has been?
• My first reaction is that it would increase rates because there would be no reimbursement.
• So you could either hire somebody or just have a rate that's agreed on ahead of time?
• All right, unanimous. negotiate more favorable rates in terms negotiate more favorable rates in terms
• start dealing out pennies to every rate start dealing out pennies to every rate payer<01:09:58.199

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:

• We hear over and over that utilities have to jack up our rates, the bills we pay, just to provide us
• This legislation establishes a fair, market-based rate of return on equity.
• People who are We have in the Commonwealth monopolies that are charging people excessive rates to fuel
• And by the way, it's also going to reduce our utility rates by about $100 to $150 per family.
• Conversely, the public school rate was 47%.

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved several journals, and welcomed a number of guests, including Irish dignitaries, scholarship winners, interns, student pages, and members of Omega Psi Phi. After confirming a quorum, the chamber received committee reports and referred new bills and resolutions, then recessed for caucuses and committee meetings before returning to floor action. In the afternoon session, the House considered several bills and amendments. It approved amendments to House Bills 426, 1127, 2551, and Senate Bill 146, while rejecting an amendment to HB 1127 that would have tightened background-check requirements for out-of-state dentists. The chamber also agreed to HB 2234, which creates a spent grain donation tax credit and updates the malt beverage tax credit, and HB 2551, which limits text-message notices by the Turnpike Commission and other agencies about unpaid fines, fees, or tolls. Senate Bill 146, creating the Veterans Trust Fund Board, was amended to add audit-related changes and then agreed to. The House then took final passage votes on several bills. HB 133, allowing a process to petition for reinstatement of parental rights, passed 191-11; HB 138, barring parental incarceration as the sole basis for termination of parental rights, passed 200-2; HB 2207, on capital development loans, passed 202-0; and HB 2224, dealing with utility rate and tax-related changes, passed 202-0 after extensive debate over affordability, consumer protections, and tax relief. HB 2473, repealing the Flood Insurance Education Information Act of 1996, also passed unanimously, and HB 2544, addressing school administrator rights and compensation disputes, passed 141-61. The most extensive debate centered on HB 2632, which reallocates educational tax credit caps and replaces the EITC and OSTC programs with a new options tax credit framework beginning in 2027-28. Supporters said it would improve transparency, accountability, and access for the poorest students, while opponents argued it would reduce scholarship opportunities, add burdens, and harm families and schools that rely on the current programs. After lengthy debate, the House passed HB 2632 by a vote of 105-97. The chamber then announced a Finance Committee voting meeting, recommitted several bills to Appropriations, and adjourned until June 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• , eight of those schools have a C or D rating.
• We have an A-rated district six years running.
• The graduation rate for the state, 93.8 from traditional public schools.
• The graduation rate for charter schools, 78.
• From traditional public schools, the graduation rate for charter schools, 78%.

Bills: S1062, S1718, S7038

Keywords: speech education, debate, high school, Florida Debate Initiative, civics, competitive teams, student participation, educational advancement, educator preparation, certification, professional development, temporary certificate, military service, collaboration, teaching effectiveness, education, Florida College System, tuition waivers, vocational rehabilitation, state universities

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met to consider several education bills and the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 Department of Education budget. The committee first took up CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate, which would formalize Florida’s Speech and Debate Week, strengthen the partnership between the Department of Education and the Florida Debate Initiative, require annual public reporting, and support statewide speech and debate programming. The bill drew extensive supportive testimony from students, alumni, and advocates who said debate improved civic engagement, literacy, confidence, and school performance, while also noting the need for equitable access and funding for travel and competition. The committee adopted a delete-everything amendment and then reported the bill favorably as amended by a unanimous vote of members present. The committee then heard SB 1718 on educator preparation and certification, which expands access to educator preparation coursework, broadens eligibility for temporary certification for some formerly certified professionals, and allows prior subject-area exam results to satisfy requirements. Public testimony largely supported easing barriers for experienced educators while emphasizing that certification changes are only a partial solution to teacher shortages and should be paired with better pay, retention, and professional respect. The bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered SB 7038 on education, which included a wide range of higher education and workforce-related changes, including a tuition waiver for Florida State Guard members, residency clarifications, oversight changes for blind services and vocational rehabilitation providers, licensure updates for private colleges, dual enrollment and assessment revisions, scholarship and funding changes, and reserve-fund requirements. An amendment restored the Classical Learning Test as a qualifying option for a grandparent tuition waiver, adjusted a Pell Grant performance metric, changed accreditation timing, and made other technical revisions. A dental education stakeholder raised concerns that one provision could disrupt long-standing exemptions for dental assisting programs, and the Florida Dental Association said it was working with the sponsor to avoid unintended impacts. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as amended. The final major item was a high-level review of the proposed pre-K-12 budget, totaling $34.9 billion with local funds. Highlights included $30 billion for public schools and K-12 scholarships, a $50 increase in the base student allocation, a 1.64% increase in total funds per FTE, $4.5 billion for family empowerment scholarships as a separate FEFP categorical, $25 million for districts facing future enrollment declines, $65.3 million to help districts with current-year enrollment losses, $432.8 million for VPK, and $30.4 million for regional education consortia. Senators asked about reductions or flat funding in some allocations, teacher pay, declining enrollment support, Schools of Hope funding, and support for non-teaching school staff. Public testimony on the budget focused heavily on concerns about charter and voucher funding, especially the $6 million for Schools of Hope, with speakers urging more investment in traditional public schools, teacher compensation, and school infrastructure. The committee concluded the meeting by adjournment after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• manufacturers to set up shop locally will amplify the benefits of state policy and accelerate the rate
• We've had a very, very high rate of product quality issues since COVID.
• I've had a very, very high rate of repair since COVID.
• And for those connections, then they have a rate for both of those services.
• sewer connections, and for those connections, then the rate that they have a rate for both of those services

Bills: SB22, SB310

Keywords: motor vehicle manufacturers, licensing, dealers, franchise agreements, consumer protection, water supply, sewage improvements, environment, funding, Mora County, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Across the state, more than 170 bridges are rated in poor condition.
• The state's traffic fatality rate is still well above the national average.
• bond rating for transportation bonds.
• We did not discuss different weight and distance tax rates for different entities.
• It would have actually been a lower rate.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first heard TRIP’s annual New Mexico transportation report from Carolyn Boniface Kelly, which described deteriorating roads and bridges, congestion, safety concerns, and a large transportation funding gap. The report said more than half of major roads statewide are in poor or mediocre condition, over 170 bridges are rated poor, congestion costs drivers significant time and money, and traffic crashes and road conditions impose billions in annual costs. Members broadly agreed the report underscored the need for more stable transportation funding, with several noting the state’s recurring underinvestment and the safety risks to motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2, a transportation bonding and revenue package. Senator Gonzales and Governor’s office and NMDOT representatives said the bill would authorize about $1.5 billion in additional bond debt for ready-to-go highway projects, while also increasing certain motor vehicle excise, registration, weight-distance, and EV-related fees to help support debt service and transportation funding. Supporters, including contractors, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber, the Department of Finance and Administration, and transportation officials, argued the bill would improve safety, economic development, project delivery, and funding stability, and help preserve federal dollars. Opponents, including the Rio Grande Foundation and some committee members, objected to the tax and fee increases, argued the state should use existing surpluses or other funds instead, and raised concerns about impacts on families, businesses, and local governments. Committee members questioned how projects would be selected, how the new fees were calculated, how EV surcharges would work, and whether local government distributions would be affected. NMDOT said the projects would be reported to the legislature annually, selected using crash data, asset management, and project readiness, but bond approval would remain with the State Transportation Commission. After debate, Representative Romero moved do pass on SB 2 as amended, Representative Hochman-Vigil seconded, and the committee approved the bill 7-2, with Representatives Brown and Dow voting no and several members expressing reservations despite supporting the need for transportation investment.

Transcript Highlights:

• child care and preschool programs and sets a new ongoing COLA for child care programs in the single rate
• To the 20% of rate payers who can't afford their rates.
• It's a budget based on rating reserves. It's not balanced.
• and yet we're not fixing their reimbursement rates which will lead to a consolidation and closures of
• And again, until we fix the problems in front of us, until we make sure that the rates leave hospitals

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that mental health providers can function through workforce challenges and inadequate reimbursement rates
• And in our earlier discussion, we were hearing about the rate exceptions.
• <00:12:02.320> in<00:12:02.480> the some loss in the rate in the some loss in the rate
• in the accountability<00:12:03.519> for<00:12:03.680> these<00:12:03.920> rate
• accountability for these rate accountability for these rate exceptions.<00:12:04.640> And<00:12

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• DOES THE EDUCATOR HAVE TO RECEIVE A RATING OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE ALL FOUR YEARS, OR CAN THEY BE RATED HIGHLY
• STATES IN FIRST TIME PASS RATES WITH REGISTERED NURSES AND PRACTICAL NURSES.
• THE STATE'S REGISTERED NURSE PASS RATE IN 2024 WAS 84.9, SIGNIFICANTLY BELOW THE NATIONAL AVERAGE OF
• THE PRACTICAL NURSE PASS RATE WAS 80.8% COMPARED TO THE NATIONAL AVERAGE OF 88.4.
• IT IS TRULY AN IMPORTANT BILL THAT WE ADDRESS THE INFLUX RATES IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are already tight restrictions for on the smuggling, but as inmate overdoses rates increase, it's
• , they have more chronic medical problems than they had before admission and have disproportionate rates
• While some studies reporting reoffense rates up to 70% within a few years, these individuals do not simply
• inmate a better opportunity to, to remain gainfully employed and, and also help with the recidivism rate
• In fact, reduce recidivism rates, and I would be glad to answer any questions, uh, the committee may

Bills: HB153

Transcript Highlights:

• According to the latest Texas MMMRC biannual report, the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic white
• With a mortality rate of 134.4 per 10,000 deliveries, meaning they are 9.5 times more likely to suffer
• For many cancers, 5 year survival rate is about 90% when diagnosed early in stage.
• This pilot program offers a critical opportunity to improve cancer detection rates, reduce healthcare
• For many cancers, the 5 year survival rate is above 90% when diagnosed in early stage.

Bills: HB46

Keywords: local government spending cap, expenditure limit, political subdivision, property tax, ad valorem tax, budget cap, taxpayer protection, spending restraint, inflation adjustment, population growth, voter approval, supermajority vote, county budget, municipal budget, school district finance, junior college district, hospital district, special district, attorney general enforcement, local fiscal limits

Transcript Highlights:

• According to the latest MMRC biannual report, the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic white women
• The maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic white women is 72.6 cases per 10,000 deliveries.
• The five-year survival rate is about 90% when diagnosed early in stage.
• For many cancers, the five-year survival rate is above 90% when diagnosed in the early stage.
• In stage four lung cancer, the survival rate is only about 9%.

Bills: HB514, HB1652, HB2117, HB2298, HB3269, HB46, HB46

Keywords: maternal health, maternal care, pregnancy, labor and delivery, postpartum, doula, birth worker, midwife, obstetric care, women's health, rural health, health workforce, workforce development, trauma-informed care, public outreach campaign, health equity, minority health, underserved communities, Texas Department of State Health Services, HHSC

Transcript Highlights:

• several factors that a court's going to look into to determine... ...attorney's reasonable hourly rate
• And for the first time in years, several filed rate decreases, all right, as well as flat filings.
• But what does more carriers or even the potential for lower rates matter if it's created a pattern and
• Rates have stabilized. Also, the number of lawsuits that have gone down.
• And let's see if rates go down. They've stabilized.

Summary: The committee met to hear five banking and insurance-related bills. HB 1549, an Office of Financial Regulation agency bill to help more efficiently regulate financial institutions, was amended to match Senate companion language and then passed unanimously. HB 1231 would extend physician payment and prior-authorization protections similar to a prior dental law, including limits on virtual credit card payments as the sole payment method; physicians and medical groups supported it as a way to reduce fees and retroactive denials, while insurers were not heard in opposition, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then heard HB 999, which would make gold and silver legal tender and allow transactions in bullion through electronic debit mechanisms. The sponsor and several proponents framed it as an inflation hedge and economic freedom measure, while questions focused on definitions, transaction costs, and vendor participation. The bill passed on a mostly party-line vote, with one member voting no. The committee also approved HM 4363, a memorial urging Congress to establish a sovereign wealth fund; the sponsor described it as a way to steward national wealth, and the memorial passed with one dissenting vote. Finally, the committee took up HB 1551, which would create a prevailing-party attorney fee framework in insurance contract disputes. The sponsor argued it would restore balance, deter meritless litigation, and help consumers with valid claims recover fees, while insurers, business groups, and defense attorneys warned it would revive one-way fee shifting, increase litigation, and raise premiums. Consumer advocates and some members supported it as necessary to give policyholders meaningful recourse. After debate, the bill passed favorably, with one member voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know we talk a lot about leadership and Galveston County is always at the no new revenue rate or
• Their efforts led to an astonishing 91% clearance rate in the U.S. their first year alone.
• Two years ago in 2022, when interest rates went from a quarter percent to 525 basis points, five and
• Senate Bill 1453 by Bettencourt relating to... ...current debt rate and tax rate of a taxing unit for
• the district's voter approval tax rate to Senate Bill 1503 by Betancourt, ruling the expansion of the

Bills: SJR34, SB10, SB18, SB19, SB21, SB72, SB140, SB262, SB370, SB480, SB495, SB627, SB703, SB767, SB790

Keywords: parental rights, parents, children, custody, care and control, upbringing, family law, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, child welfare, education policy, medical decisions, parental authority, primary decision makers, family autonomy, education, Ten Commandments, public schools, religious display, First Amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• We consistently have a AAA credit rating as a state.
• If you click on the big been since 2023 manufacturing report its rate there.
• This are growing both about that 30% rate.
• The secretary had to slide up there that showed interest rate 4 point.
• Right now north and historically down, trucking rates are 50% less versus south tonight.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, I want to touch on the process for developing the PACE rates.
• We use our actuarial vendor Milliman, who sets our managed care capitation rates.
• We do receive financial reports that kind of, that are used in the rate development process.
• I could follow up to see... ...that kind of are used in the rate development process.
• The Medicaid reimbursement rates for these procedures are extremely low, and the facility fee for an

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard a base budget overview for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which was presented as a $46.8 billion starting point for the silo. Staff explained that HHS accounts for about half of the state base budget and roughly 36% of general revenue, with AHCA and Medicaid making up the largest share. The committee then reviewed the PACE program for the elderly, including its eligibility, service model, growth in applications, slot funding and reversions, and the agency’s plan to move from the federal three-way agreement to a more detailed two-party contract to improve accountability, transparency, and reporting. Members raised concerns about unfilled slots, reversions, rural access, and the need for clearer return-on-investment data; the agency said it would follow up on some of those questions. The committee also heard from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities on its statewide dental program. APD described its history of appropriations, the failed January 2024 solicitation, and a new up-to-$11.5 million solicitation focused on preventive care, community partnerships, teledentistry, and coordination with other services. Members questioned overlap with Medicaid dental coverage, the effect of Medicaid unwinding on APD clients, and whether state dollars were duplicating federally supported services; APD said it tries to act as payer of last resort and that services would continue during procurement. Public testimony from an APD stakeholder and the Florida Dental Association emphasized Medicaid eligibility problems for waiver recipients, low reimbursement rates, limited access to anesthesia and hospital-based dental care, and concerns that proposed Medicaid changes could reduce access for special-needs patients. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs then presented on state veterans service officers and benefits assistance. FDVA highlighted its role in helping veterans access federal benefits, reporting about $27.9 billion in federal dollars flowing into Florida and a high return on state investment. The department said it has increased outreach, claims processing, and services, and has trained staff to identify mental health concerns through its Overwatch program. In response to questions, FDVA discussed plans to expand adult day health care at a new veterans nursing home and possibly at existing locations with additional state funding. At the end of the meeting, the committee completed its presentations and adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Insurance Programs Oversight Subcommittee if it elects to utilize the optional serving contribution rates
• management services, Actuarial Advantage, and Stevens, Inc., and the 2026-27 state captive insurance rates
• the state insurance program subcommittee if it elects to utilize the optional serving contribution rates
• Management Services, Actuarial Advantage, and Stevens, Inc., and the 2026-27 state captive insurance rates
• This is a request to review the proposed new rates of services for fiscal year 2027, and I'll need a

Summary: The meeting began with a quorum call, prayer, and approval of the previous minutes. Members then adopted a resolution honoring Lori McDonald of the Department of Human Services for nearly 28 years of state service, with remarks praising her legislative work, constituent services, leadership, and emergency response roles. McDonald thanked the committee, and the Senate also presented her with a citation, flag, and commemorative coin. The committee received the May 2026 revenue report, which showed gross adjusted collections of $7.76 billion year-to-date, up 4.4% from the prior year, and a projected surplus of $585.8 million. The executive subcommittee report was adopted, covering emergency rules for DHS and the Department of Education, school district waiver requests, committee fund allocations, cancellation of the July ALC meeting, and authorization for subcommittees to meet in July on urgent matters. The administrative rules report was also adopted after members noted that most rules were approved, with a few pulled by agencies or held. Members then heard a lengthy exchange on the Arkansas Education Department’s ClassWallet contract and delays in expense review for education savings account payments. Department officials said they were meeting regularly with ClassWallet, enforcing contract standards, keeping some reviews in-house, and adding staff and technology improvements to speed processing while maintaining oversight. The committee also adopted reports from Game and Fish and State Police, Hospital/Medicaid/Developmental Disabilities, Lottery Oversight, Occupational Licensing Review, Peer Review, Review, State Insurance Programs Oversight, and Personnel, including a Department of Commerce reallocation tied to a broader shared-services realignment. Under review of communications, members filed several retirement system investment items as reviewed, approved rural community grant funding, gave favorable advice for state park additions, approved special maintenance funding for state parks, and filed Office of State Technology service-rate changes as reviewed. The meeting concluded with no new business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• advance net zero policies, and advancing, administering, or enforcing a program that functions as a rate
• bill requires that governments that did not levy a millage in the prior year or establish a millage rate
• In section seven there is some language about the adoption of millage and setting millage rates, and
• this is in regard to an MST being at a rate of zero.
• And lastly, the Revenue Estimating Conference would review the bill and rate the impact of this bill

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 10 relating to the calculation of the voter approval tax rate for certain taxing units.
• It took 38 years to get the first reduction in the rollback rate to now a voter approved rate.
• Of 3.5% and this bill will lower the voter approved rate to 2.5% on cities and counties above 75,000
• Studies have shown that upon the passage of anti-trans laws, suicide rates increase as much as 72% in
• We have issues with our uninsured rate across our state.

Bills: SB 10, SB 8, SB 15, SB 12, SB 6, SB 13, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4

Keywords: sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, law enforcement, department file, employee records, misconduct, confidentiality, Texas occupations code, election laws, attorney general, prosecution, criminal offenses, criminal prosecution, jurisdiction, hemp, consumable hemp, hemp-derived cannabinoids