Transcript Highlights:

• And I just feel it's so wonderful to be a part of that system of creating a pathway for our kids to be
• And I know Sven has been a big part of serving that community.
• You know, a lot of times we get these ex-zeg noms, so we really don't have a relationship Don't even
• This is another ex-zeg nom.
• I am honored to once again serve in the capacity of a part of the state arts council.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ex officio Gantt. Here. Chair: Welcome to the State Administration Budget Subcommittee.
• And want to welcome Ex Officio Representative Gantt to our meeting. Welcome.
• I will start with the medicine part first.
• Now, let's go to the next part.
• NOW, LET'S GO TO THE NEXT PART.

Summary: The State Administration Budget Subcommittee met to consider four conforming committee bills tied to the proposed 2026-27 House General Appropriations Act. Rep. Maggard presented PCB SAB 26-04, the annual retirement bill, which updates Florida Retirement System contribution rates based on the annual actuarial study and was said to produce a $31.7 million state savings. He also presented PCB SAB 26-02, which addresses collective bargaining impasses for state employees by tying resolution to spending decisions in the appropriations act or implementing legislation. Both bills drew brief questions, mainly from Rep. Gantt, and both passed favorably on roll call. Rep. Miller presented PCB SAB 26-03, which reorganizes state audit functions and creates the Florida Accountability Office, consolidating legislative audit work into four divisions and adding whistleblower protections and reporting requirements. Rep. Gantt asked whether the bill changed the use of outside auditors and whether it had a fiscal impact; Miller said the work would be absorbed within existing resources and that the Legislature would retain responsibility. A taxpayer witness supported the bill and urged stronger local-government audit standards and broader whistleblower coverage. The bill passed favorably. Rep. Abbott presented PCB SAB 26-01, a broader appropriations conforming bill focused on the State Employee Health Insurance Trust Fund, prescription drug formulary changes, a health insurance assessment on agencies and vacant positions, the $3 traffic violation surcharge for the State Law Enforcement Radio System, Capitol complex space management, and changes to the Office of Supplier Diversity. Much of the discussion centered on whether a closed formulary would make medications harder to obtain, with Abbott saying prior authorization would still allow access and that the change was needed to control costs and protect the trust fund. Rep. Gantt and Rep. Robinson raised concerns about employee health benefits and the repeal of supplier diversity provisions, arguing the committee lacked data on the impact to minority- and women-owned businesses; Abbott said the changes would still allow small businesses to compete and that the bill was intended to save money and modernize procurement. PCB SAB 26-01 also passed favorably, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were reported out.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I'm here just to speak to two parts of the bill today. Um, the first part is guardian.
• Uh Nicole the first part is guardian.
• The second part that I wanted to only.
• ><c> requiring</c> speak to was the part about uh requiring speak to was the part about uh requiring
• </c> this is relative and directed ex this is relative and directed ex expressly<00:40:24.960><c> at<

Bills: HF3676, HF3683, HF3395

Keywords: Safe at Home, address confidentiality, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, victim privacy, survivor protection, confidential address, protected address, secret address, identity protection, residential confidentiality, program participant, nondiscrimination, court disclosure, protective order, service of process, driver's license, state ID

Transcript Highlights:

• And we both stepped down to part-time to raise our young families. Thank you.
• We literally had no other option than for one of us to go part-time.
• teachers and working part-time women specifically continue to experience. ...one that working part-time
• teachers and working part-time women specifically continue to experience. ...part-time teachers and
• working part-time women specifically continue to experience across this state.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a range of public retirement and municipal health insurance bills. Mass Retirees and the American Federation of Teachers supported House 2890/Senate 1848 on transparency in municipal health insurance, arguing that broker and consultant roles should be clearly defined, commissions disclosed, and dual roles prohibited to reduce conflicts of interest and costs. They also supported House 2799/Senate 1848 on protecting municipal retirees from future premium contribution increases, House 2854 on voting rights for surviving spouses in retirement board elections, and Senate 1917 on updating the definition of veteran for retirement purposes. Committee members discussed whether the veteran definition should simply conform to the federal definition going forward. Educators testified in support of House 2769/Senate 1921, which would allow teachers with at least 20 years of service to buy back creditable service for periods when they worked part-time while raising children. Multiple teachers described the financial and retirement penalties they experienced after stepping down to part-time work for child care, calling the current system inequitable and a “mom tax.” Sponsors and supporters said the bill is intended to correct that disparity and help retain teachers, while one committee member noted it appeared neutral on an actuarial basis. The committee also heard strong support for Senate 1908, which would raise the cap on outside income for public pension recipients, from retired State Police troopers who said the current limit is outdated and unfair to those forced into disability retirement after line-of-duty injuries. Another State Police representative supported House 2910 on state police pensions, citing recruitment and retention problems under current pension rules. In contrast, Hampden County Regional Retirement System officials and the Massachusetts Association of Contributory Retirement Systems opposed House 2745, a bill to restructure the Hampden County system’s governance, arguing it would weaken PERAC oversight and create an unworkable local system. They instead supported House 2813, which would extend the time to fill a vacant fifth member seat on retirement boards. At the end of the hearing, the committee voted to adjourn the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:06:39.600><c> they're</c><00:06:40.080><c> kind</c><00:06:40.240><c> of</c><00:06:40.639><c> ex
• </c><00:06:40.639><c> exiting</c> together as they're kind of ex exiting together as they're kind of
• ex exiting out<00:06:41.440><c> this</c><00:06:41.759><c> year.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• authority for violations of the federal and state constitution, Keep Washington Working as it relates to part
• Clarify for me the part that the CPA attaches specifically to those who purchase debt, or does it attach
• don't access that information unless we have a legitimate reason that is logged in audits, and it is part
• don't access that information unless we have a legitimate reason that is logged in audits and it is part
• Choi a domestic violence protection order from her estranged ex-boyfriend.

Bills: SB6011

Keywords: court security, bailiffs, threat assessment, judicial safety, law enforcement, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:48.320><c> but</c><00:08:48.480><c> that's</c><00:08:48.720><c> that's</c><00:08:49.360><c> part
• </c> describing there, but that's that's part describing there, but that's that's part of<00:08:49.680
• We're seeing that shift now, I think in part because of the federal government and that big bill that
• </c><00:25:34.960><c> exiting</c> together as they're kind of ex exiting together as they're kind of
• ex exiting out<00:25:35.760><c> this</c><00:25:36.080><c> year.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for the most part run solidly and well for the most part run solidly and well and<00:40:29.599><c> this
• </c> part about uh enabling is still there. part about uh enabling is still there.
• So the last part of the links to approved budgets and meetings, that link part would be on a website.
• </c> and meetings that that link part would and meetings that that link part would be<05:47:04.480><c
• </c> they just make it part of their process? they just make it part of their process?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If I had the time, I'd go line by line and give testimony to why I support every part of this bill, but
• My ex-husband pled guilty to strangling his stepson.
• was told something that still chills me: that an unsubstantiated DCS report was justification for my ex-husband
• intensified, and once again DCS was contacted by teachers, pediatricians, and even a neighbor of my ex-husband
• real-life consequences later on with people like Margaret Sanger, founding Planned Parenthood, in part

Bills: HB2035, HB2086, HB2434, HB2611, HB2732, HB2733, HB2830, HB2923, HB2932, HB4004

Keywords: kinship care, child welfare, foster care, relative placement, child protection, vaccination mandates, mask requirements, public health, government entities, COVID-19, controlled substances, prescription monitoring, opioid crisis, healthcare regulations, patient safety, group homes, children's rights, safety protocols, employee training, mental health

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's the first part about it.
• It is So that's the first part about it.
• </c><00:19:51.480><c> But</c> natural part of lot development. But natural part of lot development.
• You know, we talk about this part of it over here.
• You know, we talk about this part of it over here.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Each part of the system recognized the danger, but no part of the system was able or willing to act.
• So, as my ex-husband... ...As my ex-husband pled guilty to strangling his high school-age stepson, I
• That part is good, and it shall be done.
• can sic them on that particular part.
• we can sick them on that particular part.

Summary: The special committee on government convened to discuss child welfare reform, with members framing the meeting as a response to Arizona Auditor General findings and broader concerns about the Department of Child Safety (DCS). The chair emphasized that the committee’s goal was to improve accountability, oversight, and child-centered practices rather than assign blame, and said bills advanced from the committee would move to the floor. Roll was taken, and the committee then heard testimony on several bills focused on foster care and DCS operations. HB 2611 was heard first. The bill would require termination of a group foster home employee who tests positive on a drug screen, establish screening and safety requirements for group homes, expand foster youth rights, and include designated advocates on family/service teams. An amendment was adopted that changed the drug-testing language to require removal from child contact pending confirmatory review rather than automatic termination, and to require testing after certain incidents. Supporters, including foster youth and former foster youth, described unsafe conditions in group homes, bullying, drug use by staff, inadequate training, and the need for posted rights, mental health services, and stronger accountability. Some members raised questions about the amendment, drug-testing procedures, backup staffing, and contracting authority, but the amendment passed and HB 2611 was given a do pass recommendation by a 5-1-1 vote. The committee next considered HB 2035, which would add extended family members to the search, notification, and placement process when a child enters custody and create a presumption that placement with relatives or significant adults is in the child’s best interest. Testimony strongly favored kinship placement, with speakers arguing that children do better with familiar caregivers and that current practice often fails to locate or prioritize relatives. Several witnesses described tragic cases, including the death of Zariah Finley Dodd, to argue that repeated placements and congregate care increase risk. Some members questioned whether the bill duplicated existing law and asked for clarification on differences from prior legislation; the sponsor said the bill strengthens existing policy and adds written documentation requirements. HB 2035 was ultimately given a do pass recommendation by a 4-2 vote. Finally, the committee heard HB 4049, which would authorize DCS to employ legal counsel and incur legal expenses, along with an amendment that would require independent representation or review in certain cases involving credible allegations against DCS or its agents. The sponsor and several witnesses argued that the Attorney General’s office has a structural conflict when representing DCS, and that independent counsel would better ensure honesty and accountability in court proceedings. Others cautioned that keeping representation within the Attorney General’s office preserves consistency, oversight, and existing checks and balances. Discussion continued on the structure of legal representation for DCS, but the transcript ends before a final vote on HB 4049 is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also provides additional clarification to the section of ex parte clear and a district judge's jurisdiction
• Well, the policy was a great part of that. Would you agree with that? 100%.
• I know that county matters to all of you as you all work here part of part of the year.
• parte clear.
• Dallas County takes a lot of gu- for bond issues, but we are severely impacted and affected by Ex Parte

Bills: SB9, SB1047, SB1048, SJR17, SJR49, SB40, SJR1, SJR5, SB 9, SB 40, SJR 1

Keywords: bail reform, defendants, pretrial detention, public safety, criminal justice, charitable bail organizations, criminal procedure, public safety report, victim notification, family violence, bail bonds, public funds, political subdivision, injunction, taxpayer rights, violent crimes, sexual offenses, community safety, constitutional amendment, trafficking

Transcript Highlights:

• What I want to take my time to focus on is the fiscal policy part of this.
• Is that allowed to be considered as part of the get according to the Constitution?
• Chairman, Senator Leach, I think that part of the GPLET has helped to really revitalize that area.
• You get a limited amount of losses that you can deduct each year, and this is part of those.
• I mean, I should know answers to the questions for the most part, or try to.

Summary: The committee approved the February 2, 2026 minutes and held Senate Bill 1090. It then took up SB 1503, which would require pension fiduciaries and proxy advisory firms to base voting and advice solely on economic interests, prohibit ESG or ideological considerations except in limited circumstances, and authorize attorney general enforcement. The sponsor said the bill was meant to protect investors and align with federal action; supporters argued proxy advisors lack transparency and can influence votes against shareholders’ financial interests. Arizona retirement system representatives said they were neutral but warned the bill would add major operational costs, create reporting burdens, increase litigation risk, and could narrow the market for proxy advisory services. The committee passed SB 1503 on a 4-3 vote. The committee then considered SB 1293, which would bar GPLET abatements from applying to school-district revenue during the eight-year abatement period. Supporters said the bill would protect school funding and reduce the state aid backfill tied to GPLET projects, while opponents from Phoenix, Mesa, and economic development groups said GPLET is a key redevelopment tool that helps finance downtown and blighted-area projects and that the bill would weaken future investment. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1293 on a 4-3 vote. It also heard and passed SB 1414, which gives insurers 30 days to review and respond to third-party settlement demands; insurers supported the bill as a reasonable commercial timeframe, while trial lawyers opposed it as too slow and urged a 15-day standard, with members indicating they expected a possible friendly amendment. Next, the committee heard SB 1633, which would create an Arizona income tax subtraction for capital gains from the sale of a primary residence, after five years of occupancy. Opponents argued it would mainly benefit wealthy homeowners and could cost the state tens of millions annually, while the sponsor said it could help homeowners move without facing large tax bills and improve housing turnover. The committee passed the bill 4-2. It also adopted an amendment to SB 1429, which would have expanded Arizona Commerce Authority board ex officio membership, then held the bill for further consideration. Finally, the committee passed SB 1536, allowing temporary consolidation of street light improvement districts, and heard SB 1724, which clarifies when property splits or consolidations trigger limited property value recalculation, with county assessors supporting the measure as an anti-gaming reform.

Transcript Highlights:

• in opposition to AB 1565 today, while we greatly appreciate the intent of encouraging the hiring of ex-felons
• We appreciate the intent of encouraging the hiring of ex-felons.
• Matt Lerge with SCA California, as part of the coalition here, and also in opposition — excuse me.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation convened with a quorum, reviewed housekeeping rules for testimony and position letters, and reminded the public that bills with revenue impacts over $150,000 would be sent to the suspense file rather than voted on immediately. The chair noted that no bills on the agenda would be eligible for a vote that day because they would automatically be referred to suspense. The committee then heard several tax-related measures, with testimony generally split between bill authors/supporters emphasizing affordability, public safety, or conservation, and opponents arguing the proposals were inefficient tax expenditures better handled through existing programs or direct budget funding. AB 1565 proposed a $5,000 tax credit for small businesses that hire formerly incarcerated people within a year of release and keep them employed for at least six months. Supporters said the bill would reduce recidivism, help small businesses manage hiring risk, and save the state money by avoiding incarceration costs; one witness described personal experience overcoming a felony record. The California Tax Reform Association opposed the measure, arguing employment tax credits are ineffective and that existing programs are more targeted. Members from both parties expressed support, but the bill was referred to suspense. The committee also heard AB 1596, which would create a five-year sales tax holiday for infant car seats; AB 1668, which would extend a welfare tax exemption for land trust-held open space; AB 1690, which would expand the Young Child Tax Credit to families with older children; AB 1698, which would create a tax credit for small restaurants that comply with food handler certification requirements; and AB 1620, which would allow a deduction for homeowners’ insurance premiums on primary residences. Supporters framed these bills as relief for families, small businesses, and land conservation efforts, while opponents repeatedly argued the tax code should not be used to subsidize these costs and that existing programs or market solutions were preferable. Each bill was ultimately referred to the suspense file, and the committee adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• in opposition to AB 1565 today, while we greatly appreciate the intent of encouraging the hiring of ex-felons
• We appreciate the intent of encouraging the hiring of ex-felons.
• Matt Lerge with SCA California, as part of the coalition here, and also in support — or opposition, excuse

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> EX OFFICIO SKIDMORE?
• : I WANT TO REMIND EVERYONE TO SILENCE YOUR PHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND I WANT TO WELCOME OUR EX
• WHEN I GET TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS PART I WILL GO INTO A LITTLE MORE DETAIL FOR YOU.
• THIS SLIDE GOES INTO THE APPROPRIATIONS PART RECEIVED.
• THE INCREMENTAL NATURE OF IT IS THE IMPORTANT PART OF THE STRATEGY WE ARE USING.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said he knew the main difference is that an EPO is 14 days and ex parte, while DVOs are up to 3 years
• He said he knew the main difference is that an EPO is 14 days and ex parte, while DVOs are up to 3 years
• He said he knew the main difference is that an EPO is 14 days and ex parte, while DVOs are up to 3 years
• He said the main difference is that an EPO is 14 days and ex parte, while DVOs are up to 3 years and
• They explained that an EPO is ex parte and lasts for 14 days, and that there are penalties for violating

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:01 Kentucky’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative – Domestic Violence: 00:02:00 Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act: 00:46:41, 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary approved the minutes from its July 24, 2025 meeting and heard an announcement about a lunch sponsored by the Kentucky State Buildings and Trades Council on forming a blue-collar caucus. The main presentation came from the Council of State Governments’ Justice Center on the Kentucky Justice Reinvestment Initiative’s domestic violence work, which was described as a multi-year effort begun in 2023 to analyze data and interview stakeholders across the state. Presenters reported that domestic violence is widespread in Kentucky, with about half of adults experiencing some form of violence or stalking in their lifetimes, and that an average of about 22,000 IPV incidents occurred annually from 2018 to 2022. They said domestic violence is a major driver of violent crime, accounting for about 48% of person offenses over a six-year period, and is linked to significant shares of homicides, sex crimes, kidnapping, aggravated assault, and simple assault. They also said reported incidents and arrests have risen in recent years, that protective-order violations and convictions have increased, and that Kentucky ranks near the bottom among surrounding states in the share of victim compensation for domestic-violence-related claims. Law enforcement survey results showed strong adoption of model policies and guidance, but limited use of screening tools for serious injury risk. The presenters emphasized that domestic violence also places heavy demands on law enforcement, courts, and corrections, citing roughly 30,000 law-enforcement responses in 2022 and noting that more than a third of people entering DOC custody and nearly a third under supervision had DV-related histories. They said a small group of repeat offenders drives ongoing harm and that targeted interventions could reduce recidivism. They highlighted a North Carolina example in which focused intervention reduced IPV-related homicides and calls for service, and they referenced Kentucky’s 2020 assessment recommendations on training, language access, protective-order service, and coordination with victim services and batterer intervention providers. They estimated that a 25% reduction in reported DV incidents could prevent nearly 5,000 victimizations annually and reduce DOC commitments and costs substantially. Committee members asked about the relationship between civil domestic violence petitions and companion criminal cases, and the presenters said they would check whether the data could answer that question. Members also discussed recent Kentucky legislation, including Senate Bill 319 on crime victims compensation and House Bill 38, which made a third domestic violence offense a Class D felony. Several members thanked the presenters and advocates, and one member raised concerns about service of process and recent violent incidents involving domestic violence-related warrants, prompting discussion of dedicated service units in larger jurisdictions and the resource limits faced by smaller agencies.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I do want to say that I know a lot of you are in favor of parts of the bill and against parts of the
• If you like part of it and dislike part of it, I'd like for you to just testify for informational purposes
• sure what my executive director would say, so I don't want to speak out of turn on that particular part
• This has been, you know, because so many people, they, like I said, like part of it and don't like part
• People, they like I said, like part of it and don't like part of it. I understand.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House Utilities Committee resumed hearing on House Bills 2402 and 2816, which address utility-scale solar development. The chair asked witnesses to keep comments to informational purposes, and testimony focused on setbacks, taxation, land conversion caps, county authority, decommissioning, and impacts on neighboring landowners and rural communities. Several witnesses said they supported solar in limited settings such as rooftops or industrial sites, but opposed or wanted changes to the bills’ treatment of agricultural land, especially the proposed 4% cap on cropland conversion and the 500-foot setback from homes. Testimony from landowners and farm groups emphasized concerns about property rights, viewshed impacts, fire risk, drainage and floodplain issues, and the loss of agricultural tax base and local economic activity. They argued the proposed $2,500 per megawatt tax was too low and suggested higher rates, with some recommending $6,000 per megawatt or more, along with decommissioning requirements and stronger county-level protections. A Renew Missouri representative supported much of the bill but preferred a smaller setback and raised constitutional concerns about changing solar land from agricultural to commercial assessment. Other witnesses, including a county commissioner, described local regulations already in place in some counties and asked for clearer statewide standards. Industry and utility representatives said the legislation was generally workable but needed further discussion on setbacks and property tax treatment. Clean Grid Alliance and related witnesses argued that tax comparisons with other states should account for total tax burden, not just nameplate taxes, and said higher taxes would raise electricity costs for consumers. Ameren Missouri said it was acceptable with most provisions, but cautioned against overly aggressive real-property assessments and noted its current and planned solar buildout. The hearing ended without a vote; the committee adjourned after taking testimony on both bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• I had the honor of chairing the task force along with Senator Haw, who was part of that task force work
• I had the honor of chairing the task force along with Senator Haw, who was part of that task force work
• of this um about that are that were part of this um the<00:07:19.600><c> basis</c><00:07:20.200><c>
• </c><00:07:37.040><c> of</c> era, but they were actually part of era, but they were actually part of
• </c><00:09:55.960><c> because</c><00:09:56.360><c> these</c> the work for for most part because these

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This would be part of the diversion piece.
• For not including that part of it in the bill?
• We have Part Hawaiʻi here. Support.
• If I may, you have the ex-felon prohibited person.
• I'm testifying only on part one of the bill.

Bills: HCR93, HCR14, HR85

Keywords: image-based sexual abuse, working group, gender-based violence, Hawaii Commission on the Status of Women, prevention efforts, survivor protections, new technologies, legal reform, HCR14, House Concurrent Resolution, perpetual easement, non-exclusive easement, state submerged lands, submerged lands, shoreline easement, drainage outfall, stormwater outfall, lagoon outfall, pipelines, Kahala Hotel & Resort