Transcript Highlights:

• I know you all are extremely busy, but I will stay here as long as you like to take feedback, questions
• administered, who they're administered to, what the purpose is, and I'm happy to take your questions and feedback

Bills: SB80, SB1101, SB1813, SB1966

Keywords: SB80, legislation, state law, public safety, community impact, local governance, dental coverage, insurance reporting, healthcare access, dental loss ratio, community benefits, Oklahoma law, Athletic Trainer, Compact, interstate practice, licensure, public health, workforce development, military spouses, telehealth

Transcript Highlights:

• that would fall under that criterion, but you have to vote your conscience, and I appreciate the feedback
• that would fall under that criterion, but you have to vote your conscience, and I appreciate the feedback

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If there's any feedback before the next committee, otherwise...
• If there's any feedback before the next committee, otherwise I will adjourn. Thank you. Thank you.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The conference committee on Senate Bill 2133 met to resolve differences over the fee structure for a specialty motorcycle/license plate. The main dispute was whether the plate should carry a $15 or $25 per registration period fee, with the Senate members arguing the higher fee was reasonable for a novelty/specialty plate and helped cover costs, while House members favored the lower fee as closer to actual manufacturing cost and noted the plate would still likely include a personalized plate fee. Members also discussed examples from other states and whether demand for such plates would be significant. A motion was made by Senator Klein to adopt amendment 5.0580.0204, described as the Corey amendment, and Representative Casper seconded it. The committee then voted, with Chairwoman Corey, Senator Paulson, Senator Klein, Representative Johnston, and Representative Casper voting aye/yes, and Representative Hendricks voting no. After the vote, members acknowledged they were at an impasse, with no agreement reached on the fee amount. The committee briefly discussed whether there was room to compromise before the next meeting, but no new motion or resolution was offered. The chair indicated the committee was effectively at a stalemate and adjourned after inviting further feedback for the next conference committee meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We review the plan and then give feedback to you. nurse. I have my doctorate in um nursing nurse.
• We review the plan and then give feedback to you. Um, having a giving laying out for us.
• We review the plan and then give feedback to you. do one um the requirement for school do one um the
• sort of on this given you their feedback sort of on this bill<00:59:02.240><c> and</c><00:59:02.799>
• and feedback we're getting from<01:37:33.520><c> districts</c><01:37:34.400><c> and</c><01:37:34.719

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's how we're making this better is when we hear the feedback in that constant feedback circle to
• in</c><00:04:08.439><c> that</c><00:04:08.680><c> constant</c><00:04:09.439><c> uh</c> hear the feedback
• in that constant uh hear the feedback in that constant uh feedback<00:04:10.519><c> Circle</c><00:04
• Circle to make sure that we're feedback Circle to make sure that we're doing<00:04:11.920><c> things
• This group is seeking feedback from national experts, and there's an ability to pilot.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill comes in response to feedback we received from the state superintendent for public instruction
• This bill comes in response to feedback we receive from the state superintendent for public instruction

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With the Public Service Commission, roundtable hearing, we were able to solicit important feedback from
• With the Public Service Commission roundtable hearing, we were able to solicit important feedback from

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions met for its first convening of the 2026 session and confirmed quorum. The chair emphasized transparency in state agencies and utilities, particularly the Public Service Commission, and referenced prior work on utility affordability, nominations, and chaptered bills from the previous session. The committee considered eight bills. It advanced S.373, which would bar confidentiality and nondisclosure provisions in certain state and municipal contracts; S.1336, creating a New York State Digital Equity Plan and ConnectAll Digital Equity Grant Program; and S.2324, requiring Attorney General and Comptroller review of certain state or public authority real property sales over $250,000. It also moved S.2459 to restore earlier Public Authorities Control Board oversight provisions, and S.3736 to increase information provided to PACB members before project funding votes. Additional bills reported to the floor included S.4071A, clarifying that stormwater is included in the definition of sewage for certain water and sewer authorities; S.4576A, establishing a procedure for appointing a president or chairperson upon vacancy and correcting gendered language; and S.5551, requiring recording and public posting of certain Empire State Development public hearings. The bills were moved, seconded, and reported out, with several passing unanimously and at least one receiving a negative vote or abstention noted in the record.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd love to hear your feedback.
• I'd love to hear your feedback.

Summary: The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and heard House Bill 1313, an agency bill by Representative Mooney. The bill extends the Resilient Florida Trust Fund within the Department of Environmental Protection and updates the state accounting reference from FLARE to the new POM system. A technical amendment removing the obsolete FLARE account code was adopted without objection, and the bill then passed favorably on a recorded vote with no public testimony or debate. After the bill, the chair reviewed budget process materials for the committee, including agency vacancy reports and three-year reversion reports. She noted that several agencies have relatively low vacancy rates, highlighting the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as especially efficient, while DEP’s vacancy rate was higher and a member asked about long-term vacancies there. On reversions, she said DACS had only about a 2% reversion rate over three years, while Citrus averaged about 40%, DEP about 12%, and Fish and Wildlife about 10%. The chair also discussed upcoming budget recommendations and asked members to review the materials and raise questions. She flagged trust fund concerns, especially for Fish and Wildlife, saying recent license fee waivers may reduce revenue supporting its trust fund and could affect funding decisions in the next budget. The meeting ended after brief clarification on the vacancy report and a motion to re-recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of the feedback you'll notice in the report isn't necessarily exclusive to LURE, so where there's
• Some of the feedback you'll notice in the report isn't necessarily exclusive to LURE, so where there's
• </c><00:10:15.600><c> you'll</c> of these some of the feedback you'll of these some of the feedback you'll
• </c><00:10:28.040><c> that</c><00:10:28.120><c> we</c> share that that's feedback that we share that
• Chair, Representative, thank you for that feedback.”

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We had a lot of feedback from prosecutors, lawyers, people from the courts, law enforcement, and citizens
• And in listening to those, we felt that much of the feedback was good.
• the sponsor address this, but I believe the way that they worded active was due in part to LSO's feedback
• . ...active was due in part to LSO's feedback, so.

Summary: The House Judiciary Rules Committee approved the minutes from February 9, 2026, and announced that Friday would be the last day for new RS hearings before they must go to another committee. The committee first moved House Bill 522 back to the second reading calendar, then later reconsidered that action and sent HB 522 to general orders. It also introduced RS 33227C1, a revised proposal to clarify Idaho’s child custody interference laws, including affirmative defenses, law enforcement guidance, and a graduated penalty structure, with a small wording change from “all” to “any” on page two. RS 33258 was also introduced to add electronic storage detection dogs to the list of protected police-type animals under Idaho law.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had a lot of feedback from prosecutors, lawyers, people from the courts, law enforcement, and citizens
• And in listening to those, we felt that much of the feedback was good.
• the sponsor address this, but I believe the way that they worded 'active' was due in part to LSO's feedback
• Active was due in part to LSO's feedback, so. Do we have any questions for Mr. Shupak? I guess not.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Rules Committee met to approve prior minutes and then took up several measures. It first moved House Bill 522 back to the Second Reading Calendar, then later reconsidered that action and sent H 522 to general orders. The committee also introduced RS 33227C1, a revised child custody interference proposal that clarifies affirmative defenses, gives law enforcement more guidance, and creates a graduated penalty structure; and RS 33258, which adds electronic storage detection dogs to the list of protected police/service animals. Both RSs were introduced unanimously. The committee then heard House Bill 521, which revises Idaho’s fingerprinting and background-check statutes so private entities can submit fingerprints for vetting employees or volunteers serving vulnerable populations under federal child-protection law. Idaho State Police testified that the prior language was placed in the wrong code section and must be corrected to avoid FBI issues; the bill was sent to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The main discussion centered on House Bill 570, which would make driving more than 20 mph over the limit in an active school or construction zone reckless driving. The sponsor, law enforcement, school officials, and construction industry representatives supported the bill, citing crashes, injuries, and worker safety, while several committee members raised concerns about the meaning of “active,” enforcement in complex construction zones, and whether the bill should be narrowed or clarified. After extended debate and public testimony, the committee voted to send H 570 to general orders for further refinement rather than advancing it directly.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so this legislation, it was well vetted; it incorporates feedback from the Office of Superintendent
• of Public Instruction, the State Board of Education, ...feedback from the Office of Superintendent of
• And so this legislation, it was well vetted, it incorporates feedback from the Office of Superintendent
• Public Instruction, the State Board of Education, feedback from the Office of Superintendent Public

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 5849, which would require all high school students to receive financial education instruction and meet state financial education learning standards to graduate, beginning with the class of 2033 unless the State Board of Education recommends an earlier date. Staff explained the bill’s relationship to existing graduation requirements, the State Board’s role in integrating the requirement into current pathways, and a fiscal note showing about $201,000 in state costs plus unknown district costs. Senators asked about how the requirement would fit different school schedules, whether teacher preparation and clock hours would be addressed, and how the standards would stay current. The bill’s sponsor said it would be embedded within existing pathways, aligned with the Future Ready initiative, and supported by OSPI, the State Board, and the financial education public-private partnership. Testimony on SB 5849 was overwhelmingly supportive, especially from students, educators, nonprofits, bankers, and advocacy groups. Supporters said many students graduate without knowing how to budget, use credit, file taxes, understand loans, or make other basic financial decisions, and argued that a graduation requirement would make financial literacy more equitable and not dependent on family background or zip code. Several students described personal experiences with W-2 forms, student loans, credit cards, and lack of exposure to finance classes, while organizations such as Junior Achievement and the Washington Bankers Association said they already provide curriculum and support and could help districts implement the requirement. One school directors association representative opposed the bill, arguing districts are already overburdened and underfunded and should not receive new mandates without removing others or providing more resources. After the hearing, the committee moved into executive action on a separate packet of bills. It advanced SB 6278 on teacher preparation program review, SB 613 on National Voter Registration Day activities in high schools, SB 6222 on surplus school technology for students, and SB 6206 on a child care pilot for first responders, adopting proposed substitutes where offered. In a second packet, the committee referred SB 6260 on school bus depreciation, adopted a substitute and advanced SB 5346 on student mobile device use and digital citizenship, advanced SB 6263 on public bid thresholds, adopted a substitute and advanced SB 6268 on public access to special education complaint decisions, and adopted a substitute and advanced SB 6247 on financial oversight and misconduct in school districts. The committee then adjourned after signing the boards.

Transcript Highlights:

• There already is a significant amount of time in there to provide that feedback.
• out and engaging with communities, with tribes, with local governments, is to make sure that the feedback
• The feedback that we've been collecting over the last eight years of strong engagement out in our communities
• And so these are just some of the ways that we're seeing that public feedback and involvement well before

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from January 14, 19, 20, and 21, 2026. It then heard Senate Bill 1238, which would require Idaho Fish and Game to provide a 30-day public comment period for proclamation changes related to season-setting. Senator Foreman said the bill was intended to give sportsmen more time and had support from Idaho Fish and Game management and the Idaho Wildlife Federation, but outfitter representatives testified that the proposal could delay March big-game season setting and compress the time they have to sell hunts and secure tag information. Fish and Game staff said the change was doable but would require timeline adjustments and could create pinch points. After discussion, Senator Foreman asked that the bill be held at the call of the chair, and the committee voted to hold Senate Bill 1238. The committee then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 115, which supports consolidating the Soil and Water Conservation Commission with the Department of Water Resources while preserving the missions of both entities. Senator Harris said the resolution reflected stakeholder discussions and could improve efficiency and reduce administrative costs. Testimony from the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts and the Department of Water Resources supported the concept, emphasizing that the change would not alter the voluntary, locally led, non-regulatory mission of conservation districts. The committee voted to send SCR 115 to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The remainder of the meeting was devoted to informational presentations from Idaho mining companies and industry representatives. The Idaho Mining Association and several companies described major projects and permitting status, including Thompson Creek’s molybdenum restart near Challis, Liberty Gold’s Black Pine project in southeast Idaho, Perpetua Resources’ Stibnite Gold Project in Valley County, Integra Resources’ Delamar project in Owyhee County, and U.S. Silver Idaho’s Galena Mine in the Silver Valley. Speakers highlighted job creation, capital investment, critical and strategic minerals, environmental reclamation, and ongoing federal and state permitting processes. No votes or actions were taken on those presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• There already is a significant amount of time in there to provide that feedback.
• out and engaging with communities, with tribes, with local governments, is to make sure that the feedback
• The feedback that we've been collecting over the last eight years of strong engagement out in our communities
• And so these are just some of the ways that we're seeing that public feedback and involvement well before

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from January 14, 19, 20, and 21, 2026. It then heard Senate Bill 1238, which would require Idaho Fish and Game to provide a 30-day public comment period on proposed season-setting proclamations. Senator Foreman said the bill was intended to give sportsmen more time to review data and comment, but outfitters testified that the change could disrupt the timing of big game tag allocations and shorten the window for selling hunts. Fish and Game said the proposal was doable but would require timeline adjustments and could create pinch points. After discussion, Senator Foreman asked that the bill be held at the call of the chair, and the committee approved that motion. The committee next considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 115, which supports consolidating the Soil and Water Conservation Commission with the Department of Water Resources to improve efficiency while preserving each entity’s mission. Senator Harris said the resolution was developed with input from soil and water districts and would also eliminate an administrative position, producing some savings. The Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts and the Department of Water Resources both testified in support, emphasizing that the consolidation would not change the voluntary, locally led, non-regulatory nature of the districts. The committee voted to send SCR 115 to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The remainder of the meeting was a series of informational presentations from the Idaho Mining Association and several mining companies on projects and operations around the state, including Thompson Creek, Liberty Gold’s Black Pine project, Perpetua Resources’ Stibnite Gold Project, Integra Resources’ Delamar project, and U.S. Silver’s Galena Mine. Speakers highlighted project histories, permitting status, capital investment, jobs, local tax impacts, and production plans, with several emphasizing critical minerals, antimony, and reclamation or redevelopment of previously disturbed sites. No votes or formal actions were taken on those presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so after consulting with healthcare providers, we decided to accept this feedback, which reserves
• He said he incorporated valuable feedback from the Secretary of State as well as the industry.
• He said he incorporated valuable feedback from the Secretary of State as well as the industry.
• He said he had incorporated valuable feedback from the Secretary of State, as well as the insurance industry

Summary: The Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee first met in executive session on House Bills 2157, 2351, 2365, 2357, and 2446. Staff briefed proposed substitutes and amendments for each bill. HB 2157, concerning high-risk AI systems, was amended to exempt activities regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act and covered entities under HIPAA; members discussed balancing consumer protections with flexibility for developers and deployers. HB 2351, addressing protections for emergency responders and emergency operations, was described as clarifying definitions and procedures, including a mental health crisis defense and changes to emergency operation zone notifications; some members raised concerns about deconfliction and implementation details. HB 2365, on digital equity, was amended with several definitional and data-sharing proposals, though some amendments were rejected over fiscal concerns. HB 2357, creating the Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol within the Military Department, passed without amendment. HB 2446, on developing a quantum technology industry strategy, was amended to extend the strategy deadline, broaden who Commerce may contract with, and correct terminology; members noted concerns about industry involvement in the strategic plan and fiscal impacts. All five bills were reported out of committee with do pass recommendations, with recorded votes of 8-5 on HB 2157, HB 2351, and HB 2365, unanimous support for HB 2357, and 12-1 for HB 2446. The committee then held a public hearing on HB 2523, which would make the community reinvestment program ongoing, require periodic updates and reporting, and direct a study of fund distribution and use. Testifiers from workforce boards, tribal programs, reentry services, community organizations, and Commerce described successful uses of the program for job training, reentry, small business support, legal services, and economic mobility, and urged the bill’s passage. Some suggested strengthening accountability, reporting, and access for new organizations. Commerce staff said the program has served more than 190,000 people and supported over 400 organizations, and asked for technical adjustments to keep administrative costs low. The bill was then closed for hearing. The committee also heard HB 2606, which would revise the Office of Privacy and Data Protection’s duties and performance measures, remove some reporting requirements, and add review of agency AI projects. The prime sponsor described it as a “stay-in-your-lane” cleanup bill responding to JLARC recommendations, and the state chief privacy officer testified in support, saying the office could implement the changes within existing resources. After questions about local government support and public resources, the hearing on HB 2606 was closed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE GOT A LOT OF GREAT FEEDBACK ON LAST WEEK'S PRESENTATION AND I THINK WILL BE AS EQUALLY AS HAPPY WITH
• REPRESENTATIVE IF I MAY ON THE HIGHER EDUCATION COLLEAGUES AROUND I CAN GET YOU SPECIFICS AROUND ANY TYPE OF FEEDBACK
• REALLY REALLY DID A GREAT JOB FOR ME BACK THEN. >> Chair: IT'S ALWAYS GOOD TO HEAR GOOD FEEDBACK.
• YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> I ASKED FOR FEEDBACK FROM THE CONSTANTLY BEFORE I CAME UP HERE AND ONE OF THE

Transcript Highlights:

• So trying to balance it there and happy to consider further feedback.
• 07:17.840><c> to</c><00:07:18.000><c> consider</c><00:07:18.880><c> further</c><00:07:19.360><c> feedback
• </c><00:07:20.479><c> And</c> happy to consider further feedback.
• And happy to consider further feedback.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The JLCAR meeting opened with approval of the prior minutes and the consent calendar, after one Fish and Game item was pulled from consent for separate discussion. The committee then reordered the regular calendar and postponed an HHS item at the agency’s request because work on the proposal was still ongoing and the sponsoring representative was absent. The committee next considered OPLC item 2547, dealing with amendments to licensure and discipline forms for regulated professions. Members raised concerns that the form appeared geared toward health professions and that boards were not sufficiently involved in the process. OPLC responded that the form was being moved toward a dynamic online format with logic to collapse irrelevant questions, and that the agency was trying to make the application more user-friendly. The committee approved the item. DNCR item 2551, concerning volunteer/adopt-a-park program rules, was approved after the agency acknowledged it had been operating the program and using forms before formal rules were adopted, and said it was now correcting that issue. Fish and Game item 2570, on electronic OHRV and snowmobile registration applications, drew discussion over processing times. The committee chair argued for consistency with the five-day mail-in processing period, while Fish and Game said it had concerns about file-transfer delays and workload and preferred 10 days. The committee ultimately approved the proposal with an oral amendment and conditional approval. In other business, staff described a broader move to an online agency portal for submitting rulemaking documents, replacing email submissions. Members supported the change as a modernization effort and noted it would also make it easier to see which rules are nearing expiration. The committee approved the manual change, with implementation planned for early August after agency training.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, I would just say we've heard a lot of feedback from providers that, you know, that draft version
• heard</c><00:21:21.200><c> a</c><00:21:21.279><c> lot</c><00:21:21.400><c> of</c><00:21:21.520><c> feedback
• </c> say we've we've heard a lot of feedback say we've we've heard a lot of feedback from<00:21:22.120

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 2617, and first adopted a DE1 amendment. The bill, as amended, was presented as a major child care licensing reform that would narrow licensing to core health and safety requirements, reduce what supporters described as punitive or overly technical citations, and shift quality standards toward accreditation and professional organizations. The author also described the bill as a response to long-standing problems in the current licensing structure and county oversight of family child care. Public testimony was uniformly supportive. Child care providers and directors from Duluth, Rochester, and Esko said the current system penalizes minor clerical or cosmetic issues, creates inconsistent interpretations, and contributes to provider burnout and the child care shortage. They argued the bill would separate health-and-safety licensing from quality measures, which they said are better addressed through accreditation, coaching, and national standards. One testifier also said the bill would help with background study delays by creating a liaison to improve visibility into the process. Members asked about the difference between licensing and accreditation, how other states handle similar models, and how the bill would interact with the department’s licensing modernization work. The bill’s supporters said licensing would remain focused on foundational health and safety items such as ratios, background checks, hygiene, and facilities, while quality standards would be left to national organizations like NAEYC or the National Family Child Care Association. They cited Connecticut, Indiana, and Florida as examples of states using national standards in some form. The committee closed public testimony, took member questions, and the author renewed his motion to lay over House File 2617 as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• the contingency fund for the renovation of the capital will not be sufficient based on the initial feedback
• ><00:12:30.959><c> of</c><00:12:31.120><c> the</c><00:12:31.279><c> initial</c><00:12:31.600><c> feedback
• </c><00:12:32.120><c> for</c> based off of the initial feedback for based off of the initial feedback

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:02 HJR 53 Discussion 00:00:35 HJR 53 Vote 00:03:52 HB 622 Discussion 00:06:52 HB 622 Vote 00:12:55 HB 775 Discussion 00:13:50 HB 775 Vote 00:22:15, 958, all

Summary: The committee first reconsidered House Joint Resolution 53, which concerns releasing previously appropriated funds for Kentucky State University. Kentucky State University President Kofi Aapo testified in support, describing significant enrollment growth, a balanced budget, and a $5 million fund balance since his arrival, and asking for continued support. Members praised his leadership while noting the institution still has work to do. The motion to reconsider passed, and the resolution then received favorable expression by a 9-2 vote. The committee next took up House Bill 622, a compromise bill involving the Kentucky Nonprofit Network and the Finance and Administration Cabinet. Testimony explained that the bill is intended to improve prompt payment practices for grants and contracts, including partial payments on undisputed invoice items within 30 days and a process for disputed items. The bill also included several appropriation-related corrections and adjustments, including a fix to an allocation for Elizabethtown water and sewer projects, a change in an economic development recipient, revisions to school resource officer language, and additional contingency authority for the Capitol renovation. The committee adopted a title amendment and passed the bill with favorable expression by a 10-1 vote. House Bill 775 was then discussed as a broad tax and economic development measure. The bill covers TIF districts, electronic filing for craft brewers, pipeline property tax treatment, bourbon barrel tax cleanup, staged income tax reductions, extension of the Metropolitan College incentive, tourism and lodging incentives, reauthorization of an expired TIF, taxation and licensing of cannabis-infused beverages, alternative fuels and jet fuel tax credit review, entertainment event incentives, the selling farmer tax credit, IRC conformity, data center incentives, the first audit of the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation, and limits on additional electronic charity gaming locations until regulations are adopted. Members raised questions about the beverage tax structure, TIF impacts, and the income tax reduction provisions; some expressed concern about making future tax cuts easier, while others supported the bill’s TIF and agriculture provisions. The bill passed with favorable expression by a 7-2 vote with two pass votes, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• administering things in a very, what we think, transparent and efficient way to hit those needs and get feedback
• administering things in a very, what we think, transparent and efficient way to hit those needs and get feedback
• Using our criteria and feedback from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, national experts, and housing
• program staff in other states, Using our criteria and feedback from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs held its first meeting and heard presentations focused on affordable housing implementation under the Live Local Act. Florida Housing Finance Corporation described its role in administering rental and homeownership programs, including SAIL, SHIP, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, disaster recovery efforts, supportive housing, and the Live Local funding and tax incentives. Officials said the first year’s $150 million Live Local rental allocation was fully committed to 23 developments producing 3,171 units with mixed-income set-asides, and they outlined how projects were selected through competitive solicitations tied to statutory priorities such as mixed-use development, publicly owned land, foster youth, rural areas of opportunity, redevelopment, and housing near military installations. They also discussed the tax credit contribution program, the missing-middle property tax exemption, sales tax rebates, and the year-one ad valorem exemption for qualifying affordable projects. Members asked detailed questions about the data and program design, including the use of area median income figures, per-unit subsidy levels, county targeting, tenant relocation during redevelopment, and whether the programs were helping lower-income households. Florida Housing said it uses competitive scoring and data from the Schimberg Center and that redevelopment projects are supposed to include tenant relocation plans. The homeownership portion of the presentation covered the Hometown Heroes program, which provides down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time homebuyers, with exceptions for active-duty military and veterans. Staff said the program has assisted more than 21,000 families and leveraged over $6.5 billion in first mortgages, and members asked about repayment rates, credit scores, and whether participants were staying in homes long enough to show the program was serving intended buyers. The committee then heard from OPAGA on two required Live Local evaluations: affordable housing strategies in other states and affordable housing policies in Florida. OPAGA reported that Florida has a high share of cost-burdened households, with 1.5 million households cost burdened and 1.4 million severely cost burdened, and that Florida’s counties and municipalities reported more than $1.4 billion in affordable housing expenditures in fiscal year 2023-24. The report identified 13 innovative out-of-state programs, with three considered high-potential for Florida implementation, and summarized Florida local government practices such as SHIP-funded homeownership and rental assistance, expedited permitting, mixed-income zoning, rehabilitation programs, and interlocal cooperation. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.