Transcript Highlights:

• resolution honoring former Representative Francis Matthew Topper McFaun for his exemplary public service
• and community service.
• Army service and teaching in the Cambridge, Massachusetts public school system, Topper McFaun and his
• And whereas after US Army service<00:01:57.520> and<00:01:57.680> teaching<00:01:58.000
• and employment related human services and employment related matters.<00:02:23.360> And<00:02

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House began with a moment of silence and then read H.C.R. 305, a resolution honoring former Representative Francis Matthew “Topper” McFaun for his public and community service. The resolution recounted his background, military and teaching service, work in Vermont state government, local civic leadership, coaching career, and nearly 11 terms in the House. The chamber also recognized McFaun’s family and marked several members’ birthdays with brief congratulatory remarks. The House then took up H.B. 921, an alcoholic beverages bill, and concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment. The Senate changes limited certain fourth-class license locations to five, added recordkeeping and annual reporting requirements for malt direct distribution, deleted a prospective sunset on direct distribution, and added new caterer’s license provisions allowing service at the license holder’s own premises and limiting caterer-hosted functions to five per year. The committee reported hearing from legislative and industry stakeholders and recommended concurrence on a 9-0-2 straw poll. Next, the House considered H.B. 907 on legislative review of reporting requirements. Members explained that a Senate-related amendment was used to address a constitutional problem in the earlier bill by revising the sister-state program termination language so the governor retains sole authority to terminate an active partnership, while the committee may only propose termination by majority vote. The House concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment with the further House amendment, then suspended rules to message the action to the Senate forthwith. Finally, the House took up S. 230, a miscellaneous labor bill on fair employment practices, and concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment to the House amendment by roll call vote, 85-48. The main dispute concerned the Senate’s changes to House language restricting non-compete agreements for lower-income hourly employees and health care providers, and a separate provision directing the Department of Corrections and the Vermont State Employees Association to develop a proposal on solicitation in DOC parking lots. Supporters said the remaining language was acceptable and would facilitate discussion, while opponents objected to the DOC parking-lot provision. The House then recessed until 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• H. 660 asks to make the MCAS a computer-adaptive test.
• Community schools can help with these kinds of services and personalize our needs to the community.
• There's also physical health giving in clinics and services to students such as therapy.
• Or at least your computer is there. I don’t know. They were both. What does he? Okay.
• I think Luke had to leave, but I was able to jump on a different computer. Okay. So, technology.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education heard testimony on several bills centered on school accountability, receivership, graduation requirements, charter school access, community schools, school libraries, and student voting rights. Much of the discussion focused on the Thrive Act, S. 374, which would end state receivership and change the state’s accountability approach. Supporters, including educators, parents, advocacy groups, and students, argued that receivership has not improved outcomes in districts such as Lawrence, Holyoke, Southbridge, Boston, and the Dever, and that local communities should have more control, with greater emphasis on community schools, wraparound services, and broader measures of school quality. They also supported related bills on community schools and school library standards, and several witnesses backed a bill to expand student representative voting rights on school committees. Opponents of S. 374, especially charter school leaders, parents, students, and some education advocates, focused on Section 4 of the bill, which would change the charter school net school spending cap in the lowest-performing districts. They argued that the provision would reduce access to charter seats in communities where families are seeking more options, and that schools such as Roxbury Prep, Excel Academy, Brook, Veritas Prep, and Libertas Academy have produced strong results for students, including students of color, low-income students, and students with special needs. Several witnesses said the section would force schools to shrink or close and would remove opportunities for families in districts with long waitlists. Committee members questioned witnesses on both the effectiveness of receivership and the charter school cap language. Chair Lewis and Chair Gordon emphasized the need for a better accountability system and noted concerns about whether current measures, including MCAS-based designations, accurately reflect school quality. Some witnesses said they had discussed the possibility of removing Section 4 from the Thrive Act and suggested it might be addressed in separate charter reform legislation. No votes were taken during the hearing; testimony was received and the committee later closed testimony on S. 374 and several related bills before moving on to the student voting rights bill, S. 367.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, it changes the term broadband to communication services providers.
• This bill will even impact taxpayers that are not serviced by these utility companies for specific service
• And the communication services tax, that's not enough for us.
• One has to do with the communication services tax.
• Up next, we 14% of service workers and 14% of transportation workers.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 703 on utility relocation, as amended by a strike-all. The sponsor said the bill would require government authorities that order communication service providers to move infrastructure to pay the relocation costs, clarify expedited timelines, and align the House bill with the Senate version. Supporters argued the communication services tax should help cover these costs, while cities and counties warned the bill would shift major unfunded costs to local governments and taxpayers, especially in fiscally constrained counties. After public testimony from local government and industry representatives and debate over fairness, coordination, and the tax’s intended use, the committee adopted the strike-all and then passed the bill favorably on a roll call vote. The committee then heard and passed CS/HB 379, a securities package updating Chapter 517. The bill and conforming amendment made several technical and policy changes, including expanding certain exemptions, updating foreign jurisdiction and exchange considerations, revising merger-and-acquisition broker rules, aligning fingerprinting requirements with FBI standards, and adding protections related to financial exploitation of specified adults. Industry and Office of Financial Regulation witnesses supported the measure, and the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably without opposition. Next, the committee passed CS/HB 867 establishing the Coastal Link Commuter Rail Service Act to create a legal framework for commuter rail operations along Florida’s coastal corridor and to help Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties secure insurance and indemnification for service on the Florida East Coast Railway right-of-way. The Florida Chamber supported the bill, and it was reported favorably without debate. The committee also passed CS/HB 1161, which revises Florida’s deepfake law to require covered platforms to remove altered sexual depictions and copies upon request by the victim; the bill drew emotional testimony from a student victim and broad support from members, and a severability amendment was adopted before the bill passed unanimously. The committee then passed CS/HB 453 on pool and spa contractors, which updates Chapter 489 terminology and scope-of-practice rules and, through amendment, limits certain equipment to commercially available products. Finally, the committee passed HB 955 requiring all private employers to use E-Verify for new hires, removing the small-employer exemption. Supporters framed it as workforce integrity and rule-of-law legislation, while opponents warned about labor shortages, burdens on small businesses, and impacts on immigrant workers. After debate, the bill passed 19-3. The committee then began hearing CS/HB 541 on minimum wage requirements, which would allow voluntary waivers of minimum wage for certain internships, pre-apprenticeships, and on-the-job training; the sponsor presented an amendment limiting the duration and clarifying minor waivers, and the committee heard both support from small business groups and opposition from labor, immigrant, and worker advocates before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• We ask the public to get online and make appointments, but many don't have a computer or Wi-Fi.
• /c><00:11:54.480> a appointments but many don't have a appointments but many don't have a computer
• <00:11:55.480> or computer or computer or Wi-Fi<00:11:57.560> I<00:11:57.680> know
• :33.120> and<00:13:33.680> overhead<00:13:34.440> extending<00:13:35.000> service
• labor and overhead extending service labor and overhead extending service hours<00:13:36.240>

Keywords: Roll Call 00:30 HB 15 Discussion 04:24 HB 15 Vote 07:13 HB 161 Discussion 10:05 Hb 161 Vote 19:34, 958, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee held its first meeting of the 2025 session, established a quorum, welcomed new members and staff, and reviewed basic committee procedures, including phone silence, speaking through the chair, and the 24-hour amendment rule. The chair then moved to the agenda, which consisted of two bills. House Bill 15, sponsored by Representative Rudy, would lower Kentucky’s learner’s permit age to 15 to match surrounding states. Supporters said it would give parents more choice and help young drivers get licensed earlier; one member explained her yes vote by describing strong support from middle school students. The bill passed the committee with favorable expression, with Representative Lehman voting no and others voting yes. House Bill 161, sponsored by Representative Jackson, would allow third-party entities to process driver’s license renewals, not initial licenses. Jackson said the goal was to improve access after the state reduced renewal locations from county offices to regional centers, creating long travel times and long waits, especially for rural and older residents. He said the third-party model could be used by approved businesses or agencies, with an average added fee of about $2 to $5, and that it would still require the same vision-screening process. Members asked about Real ID renewals, timing, local testing options, and eye exam requirements. The bill also received favorable expression, and the committee adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:17:57.000> and the division of emergency services and the division of emergency services
• In 2022, we had approximately 136,000 calls for service. Last year, over 171,000 calls for service.
• because it's just good customer service because it's just good customer service so<01:17:02.239>
• and the one bus uh commuter service and the one bus service<01:31:36.000> that<01:31:36.159><
• <02:39:14.439> committee<02:39:14.800> services committee Services committee services

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met for an opening/orientation session in which members introduced themselves and explained their interest in the committee. Several members noted backgrounds in trucking, piloting, boating, motorcycles, road safety, or constituent concerns about transportation issues. The chair also noted several absent members and said the committee would first hear agency presentations before covering committee procedures. The Department of Safety gave the main presentation, outlining its seven divisions and how they relate to transportation policy and the Highway Fund. The assistant commissioner emphasized that Highway Fund revenue supports both the Department of Transportation and the Department of Safety, with collections coming largely from the road toll/gas tax, DMV fees, and the new electric vehicle surcharge. He also noted that 12% of Highway Fund revenues go to local road repair through the DOT Betterment Fund, and warned that the fund has had a structural deficit for several biennia, requiring General Fund transfers that may be uncertain this session. He said the department aims to provide data and fiscal context on legislation and fiscal notes. State Police then provided a detailed overview of its structure and operations, including the Operations Bureau, Investigative Services Bureau, and Justice Information Bureau. Testimony highlighted Troop G’s role in vehicle inspections, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, fraud investigations, and consumer complaint handling, as well as statewide staffing shortages. The division reported rising calls for service, motor vehicle stops, DWI arrests, and other arrests despite a vacancy rate of about 17%. It also described aviation, K-9, bomb squad, special events response, SWAT, narcotics, major crime, forensic laboratory, and other specialized units, with statistics on drug seizures, investigations, and lab workload. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• department of health and human services department of health and human services and<00:02:58.000
• <00:03:04.000> any again health and human services any again health and human services any
• These attorneys provide services in the These attorneys provide services in the same<00:18:19.760>
• Services, which fully concurred with one Services, which fully concurred with one recommendation<00:50
• rather see Health and Human Services rather see Health and Human Services oversight,<01:08:16.719

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on December 19, with Senators Long and Lang serving as replacements. The committee approved the November 21 minutes and adopted the consent calendar after removing two Department of Health and Human Services items for separate discussion. It then took up an HHS request involving nursing facility rates, where Nathan White explained that $2.2 million would be transferred from a long-term care Medicaid eligibility contract to the nursing facilities budget. He said the funds would offset an otherwise projected 3.9% average rate decrease and bring the overall average change to zero for the next six months, with rates reset again in July under state law. Members asked about the budget adjustment factor, bed counts, and whether additional funds could raise rates further; White said the factor is statutory, capped at 28.76%, and that more money would lower the factor and increase rates. The committee also corrected a date in the request from February 1, 2025 to February 1, 2026, and approved the item. The committee next approved another HHS item related to rural health transformation grants. Members confirmed the request covered the full amount applied for this biennium, and asked about the technology component. HHS said the grant is not solely about AI, but about broader technology improvements such as electronic medical records, back-end systems, and tools to improve access and sustainability in underserved areas. The committee approved that item as well. The Judicial Council then requested funds for contract attorneys providing indigent defense on a fixed-fee basis. The council said current funds had already been exhausted and that the new appropriation would be used immediately. Members questioned the size of the request and the number of people awaiting counsel; the council reported about 150 incarcerated people and about 300 non-incarcerated people waiting for counsel, more than in recent years. It attributed the increase to competition for attorneys, public defender offices closing intake in some locations because of caseload limits, and broader case and court-system changes. One member raised constitutional concerns about delays in counsel for incarcerated defendants. The committee ultimately amended the request downward to $1 million, approved it, and then approved a motion to place several annual financial reports on file and release them to the public when available. The committee also discussed dashboard reporting from HHS, asking for more detail on community mental health center caseloads and budget-reduction information, and HHS agreed to provide more useful monthly detail.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just followed up with our administrative Services division, and that's what they had told me.
• We all are together in that effort, and they lead us, service providers.
• From the uh service provision stand, just to give you an approximate idea.
• Um, it would be nice to hear from the head of the juvenile justice Services at CYFD.
• I'm serving as the vice chair of the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• wraparound services.
• We have had a lot of discussion about peer-to-peer services and peer services.
• And then my last question, Secretary: Do you guys have contracts for services that didn't go out to RFP
• Chair, Representative Dow: We do have some contracts for services that did not go out to RFP.
• So, cutting—I agreed with cutting services. Suicide services are so important.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We got some gremlins in the computer up here. I don't know why they stick around here so much. Hm.
• Uh, in business, when you hire a third-party contractor to perform a specific task, the contract often
• and transmission and distribution utilities is similar to the existing exemption for public work contracts
• HB 3306 would add utility contracting for installation, construction of vegetation management for electric
• The goal of this bill is simple, just ensure smart contracting by holding the responsible parties accountable

Transcript Highlights:

• So you're trying as a taxing agency to get to the point to cover the services you're providing or to
• It might be a children's services district, but they are set up in statute, and they have very specific
• Every MSTU and any voted debt service would also have to be included.
• So all of these things are modeled together in large what are called CAMA systems, computer-assisted
• They may use different computer-assisted models to do it.

Summary: The Select Committee on Property Taxes met for an educational session focused on how Florida funds public schools and how property taxes are assessed and levied. Dr. Jim Zengali of the Department of Revenue explained the FEFP school funding formula, noting that it is built on weighted student counts, a base student allocation, and programmatic add-ons such as transportation, exceptional student education, school safety, and mental health. He said school funding is roughly split between state general revenue and local property taxes through required local effort, with additional discretionary and capital outlay millages contributing to total school funding. He also described the Department of Revenue’s role in certifying property rolls at fair market value and reviewing them for substantial compliance, including the so-called “nuclear option” if a roll is not approved. Members asked about trends in millage rates, county-by-county funding differences, the effect of growth and enrollment changes, and how property appraisals are reviewed. Zengali said aggregate millage for school funding has declined over the last decade while revenues have still increased, and he agreed to provide additional data on county trends, parcel strata, student growth, and enrollment impacts. He also clarified that school funding is equalized so students receive similar resources regardless of county wealth, and that federal funding plays only a small role in the FEFP. Amy Baker of the Joint Legislative Office of Economic and Demographic Research then discussed existing homestead benefits. She said about half of Florida’s parcels are homestead properties, most fall in the $250,000 to $500,000 value range, and many seniors without mortgages pay property taxes in lump sums rather than through escrow. Baker explained that Florida’s homestead tax burden is middle-of-the-pack nationally and that the main benefits are Save Our Homes and portability on the differential side, plus the $25,000 homestead exemption and related exemptions on the exemption side. She said these benefits reduce taxable value substantially, with homestead properties receiving a large share of the reductions, and noted that the committee requested follow-up data on exemption usage, portability timing, senior exemptions, and county-level patterns. The final presentation, by Lizette Kelly of the Department of Revenue, covered millage rates and the TRIM process. She reviewed the history of truth-in-millage notices, required taxpayer mailings, public hearing notices, and later changes that tied local millage resets to rollback and majority-vote rates. Kelly explained the difference between proposed and adopted millage, the rollback rate, and the majority-vote rate, and described how taxing authorities include counties, cities, special districts, and MSTUs. She also outlined how county taxable value is calculated from just value through assessment differentials and exemptions, and how certain exemptions, such as the additional senior exemption, apply only to the taxing authority that adopted them. No votes were taken during the meeting, but members requested several follow-up data reports for later discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Take care of that very important service.
• He sold a lot of computers, a lot dream.
• And every service member recently received a warrior dividend of $1,776.
• And every service member exciting.
• >> And every service member recently >> And every service member recently received<02

Keywords: Presidential address to the Joint Session of the United States Congress on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill also allows the Florida Forest Service to expand their... ...last year.
• Installment contracts are permissible.
• Senate Bill 706 preempts the naming of major commercial service airports to the state.
• Whatever their contract language has to be, that's how the process will work.
• So the contract will be done, and whatever their procedure is on those contracts would have to be honored

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer, pledge, and several introductions recognizing visitors, students, local officials, and professional groups in the gallery. The chamber then took up a report from the Ethics and Elections Committee confirming 42 executive appointments; the report was adopted by a vote of 36-0. The Senate also adopted a resolution honoring the Ripple Project for childhood cancer awareness and funding. The bulk of the meeting was spent on special-order bills, many of them open-government sunset review measures and policy bills. The Senate passed bills preserving or updating public records exemptions for aquaculture records, trade secrets, and cybersecurity information; a child-abuse reporting statute of limitations bill; a commercial driving schools bill; a human trafficking training requirement for nursing graduates; a new injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person and its companion public-records bill; a nature-based coastal resiliency bill with an amendment restricting dredge-and-fill in Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve; a chiropractic patient-funds bill; specialty license plate legislation; a one-time waiver for late financial disclosure fines; public school personnel compensation changes; the Florida Farm Bill with amendments protecting Everglades lands and technical corrections; homestead exemption clarification for long-term leaseholders; disability presumption clarifications for firefighters and law enforcement; reinsurance intermediary manager conformity changes; patriotic displays in public schools; ADS-B aviation fee restrictions; autism-related law enforcement training and a blue envelope program; public post-secondary safety policy requirements; and a bill allowing licensed agents to market health care sharing ministries. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including local vessel restrictions, temporary certificates for practice, and domestic animals. Members debated a number of measures, especially the health care sharing ministries bill, where opponents raised consumer-protection and commission concerns and supporters argued for free speech, religious liberty, and expanded consumer choice; it passed 32-5. Other debated bills included the autism law enforcement bill, the school athletics bill addressing coach support for student-athletes, and the Farm Bill, where senators discussed surplus land safeguards and biosolids timing. Most bills passed overwhelmingly, often 37-0 or 38-0, with a few closer votes such as the patriotic displays bill (36-2) and the health care sharing ministries bill (32-5).

Transcript Highlights:

• So when I'm flagging enterprise services, enterprise services bring money, revenues into the general
• health services.
• These contracts seem incredibly expensive to me. Mr.
• Related to community-based youth mentoring services.
• Just one quick question, Joey, on Line 312, Rural Air Service Enhancement. ...Service Enhancement.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:37.519> on<00:14:37.680> the Quantum Computing on the Quantum Computing on the
• think we should limit to Computing think we should limit to Computing because<00:31:35.399> Computing
• services facility.
• 21-county service area.
• 21-county service area.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you know what the Pink Book is out of Health and Human Services? That's a legit question.
• Now we have those computers.
• Don't you think you should be responsible enough to know where your computer is?
• I think it's germane to your service as a senator. Germane to my service? Well, I'll have to...
• But congratulations, welcome to the Senate, and appreciate your service to the state.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation, recognized a Karnes County Day delegation and the Texas Association of Museums, received a governor’s message on Texas Diabetes Council appointments, and introduced the Doctor of the Day. The chamber then took up several resolutions, including SR 388 honoring the Texas Association of Museums, and adopted SRs 380, 382, and 387 by voice vote. Senator King was excused due to a family death, and the journal reading was dispensed with. The Senate then moved through a series of bills, most of them on expedited suspension of the regular order and three-day rule. Measures passed included SB 868 on Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program funding for high-wildfire-risk areas; SB 264 exempting certain family motor-vehicle transfers from tax; SB 2112 on oyster mariculture penalties; SB 1484 on catfish labeling and marketing; SB 660 on bollards near hospital emergency rooms; SB 1809 creating offenses for gift card fraud; SB 32 and SJR 81 providing business personal property tax relief and a related constitutional amendment; SB 1267 modernizing boat titling and adding disclosure for hidden hull damage; SB 1470 allowing DPS data sharing for voter list maintenance; SB 2406 and SB 2407 implementing Sunset recommendations for the Sabine River Authority and Lower Neches Valley River Authority; SB 609 on school district compliance with legally required policies; SB 921 on ex parte Medicaid eligibility renewals; SB 2320 increasing DWI penalties; SB 1822 requiring disclosure and oversight of AI-based utilization review algorithms; SB 693 on notaries public and deed theft prevention; and SB 664 setting statewide qualifications and oversight for magistrates and related judicial officers. One of the most contested items was SB 779 on common law public nuisance claims, which drew extended debate over whether the bill would limit lawsuits against lawful, regulated activities and whether it would preserve private nuisance and other existing remedies. Despite objections, the Senate suspended the rules and passed the bill to engrossment by a 17-12 vote, holding it there. Another debated measure was SB 1008 on state and local authority over the food service industry; after a perfecting amendment, it was passed to engrossment and then to final passage. Several bills were adopted or passed with near-unanimous support, while others, including SB 1267, SB 1470, SB 1822, and SB 2320, saw some opposition but still cleared the chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you so much for your service, Ron, and your service to the community.
• much for your service, Ron, and your<00:14:48.560> service<00:14:48.880> to<00:14:49.040
• your service to the community. your service to the community.
• c><00:42:54.000> and manufacturers worldclass service and manufacturers worldclass service and
• It also will hold contracts.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• DEMA's tradition of service, however, goes back much farther than 54 years.
• One fun fact and enduring token of that service that we see every day is our state flag.
• We need to get our helicopter training back in full service over at Silver Bell Army Heliport.
• Thank you for your service to Arizona and to the United States.
• Thank you, General, for coming to committee and for your service to our nation and our state.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , as well as MCI contract and global support services.
• , as well as MCI contract and global support services.
• , as well as MCI contract and global support services.
• So we looked at, for instance, CNHA's contract and its support services for destination management for
• You don’t have the list of all your contracts and the cost? Isn’t that on a computer?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint House Committee on Tourism and Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism held an informational briefing on the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s interim action plans, current projects, contract updates, destination management action plans, and state auditor findings. Interim CEO Caroline Anderson described her role as temporary and said she was focused on identifying problems, gathering information, communicating with stakeholders, and implementing solutions. She said HTA is now operating as a typical state agency subject to state controls, but noted that HTA’s work often involves nontraditional programs that can create process errors. She also said she had directed staff to review the auditor’s findings on the destination management action plan process and that the review was posted publicly. A major topic was the search for a permanent CEO and the agency’s restructuring under SB 1571. HTA board chair Tata Po said he hoped to select a CEO within about four months, with three to six finalists expected in roughly two to two-and-a-half months, and said the job description would largely remain the same except for compensation and reporting changes under the new law. Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism representatives explained that HTA’s board is now advisory and does not approve the budget, while DBEDT retains budget authority. They also said HTA is working with the governor’s office and DBEDT on contract and budget transitions, including a possible shift to a calendar-year process so grantees and contractors have more certainty. Members pressed HTA on staffing, oversight, and accountability, especially around the destination stewardship team and the CNHA/Kilohana and HVCB contracts. HTA said the destination stewardship team supports destination management and product development, including workforce development, sports, and implementation of destination management action plans, and that staff provide direction to contractors rather than simply handing work over to them. Anderson said the stewardship team had 11 people and that the destination management side covered about 15 contracts, while the branding side had three managers overseeing nine contracts. She said the agency had 47 contracts overall and that the major contracts included CNHA/Kilohana and HVCB. Several members criticized HTA’s management history, questioned staffing qualifications and compensation, and expressed concern that the agency had lost public trust. No votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• DEMA's tradition of service, however, goes back much farther than 54 years.
• One fun fact and enduring token of that service that we see every day is our state flag.
• We need to get our helicopter training back in full service over at Silver Bell Army Heliport.
• Thank you for your service to Arizona and to the United States. Thank you, General Connolly.
• Thank you for your service to Arizona and to the United States.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Director Nominations held a confirmation hearing for John Connolly, the current Adjutant General and Director of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA). Connolly described his background in the Army, National Guard, and military law, and outlined DEMA’s dual mission of supporting the Arizona National Guard and emergency management. He emphasized readiness, modernization of aging aircraft and facilities, growth in capabilities such as drones and electronic warfare, partnerships to restore helicopter training at Silver Bell, and stewardship of resources. He also discussed DEMA’s border-related missions, including Task Force Safe at Nogales, counter-drug operations, and use of artificial intelligence to monitor drone activity and build a common operating picture for law enforcement. Committee members questioned Connolly about his interview and vetting process, his role in emergency management, disaster response in Gila County, support for rural counties and tribes, and services for Guard members and families through the Integrated Resilience Operations Center. Several members pressed him on military discipline, lawful orders, classified information, and the distinction between war and hostilities. Senator Rogers focused on chain of command, combat readiness, and whether Connolly’s JAG background prepared him to lead a combat-oriented force; Connolly responded that his role is to provide ready forces, follow civilian authority, and ensure troops have training, equipment, and family support. He also said he had experience advising commanders and teaching lawful versus unlawful orders. A major point of contention came when members questioned Connolly about the 2021 COVID-19 vaccination mandate for the Guard and whether he had treated it as unlawful or unconstitutional. Connolly said it was a lawful order at the time and that exemption processes existed under the regulations. The hearing also turned to immigration enforcement, emergency powers, and whether the Guard should support ICE; Connolly said the Guard is a support function and would respond to a direct request through the governor, but he could not identify a specific scenario in the abstract. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the committee appeared to continue its review after testimony and questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Once they've met that service requirement, service requirement, they sign up for the National Board Subsidy
• And the service requirement is teaching in a classroom or serving as a pupil personal services credential—an
• The remainder for the next year of their service, or rather, their preparation.
• Service before July 1st of 2025 does not count towards loan repayment.
• Forgiveness and service scholarships.

Keywords: 988, house, all