Transcript Highlights:

• And so really trying to maximize every single person that we have, every single piece of technology that
• This project addresses business and technology needs that will increase This project addresses business
• and technology needs that will increase efficiency and accuracy of work activities for five programs
• that currently rely on very old legacy technology solutions for their enforcement and licensing systems

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration held an informational hearing on budget issues for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Cannabis Control, the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, and the California Arts Council. The chair noted there would be no votes. CalVet gave an overview of its programs serving veterans and families, including transition assistance, county veterans service officers, education approvals, housing and homelessness programs, home loans, long-term care homes, and state veterans cemeteries. Members asked about future long-term care needs for aging veterans, staffing and recruitment challenges at veterans homes, and the Yountville steam infrastructure replacement project, for which CalVet sought a $38.8 million reappropriation and said federal reimbursement was expected. CalVet also discussed the role of county veterans service officers in helping veterans file claims and avoid predatory unaccredited representatives. The Department of Cannabis Control described its regulatory role from seed to sale and requested one position to implement SB 1064’s combined activities license. Members and public witnesses focused heavily on the illicit cannabis market, enforcement staffing, and the impact of taxes and fees on the legal market. DCC said it had roughly 87 enforcement positions with about a 15% vacancy rate and more than 200 compliance staff. Its economist presented the 2024 cannabis market report, which found licensed production and retail quantity were up, but retail value and prices were down, with an estimated 11.4 million pounds of illicit production and about 60% of California consumption still coming from the illicit market. Industry witnesses argued the legal market is in crisis, urged repeal of the scheduled excise tax increase, stronger enforcement against illicit cannabis and hemp-derived intoxicants, and expanded retail access. The Department of Consumer Affairs briefly presented nine budget proposals, including a $2.6 million ongoing request to maintain a business modernization system for several boards and bureaus. The Commission on the Status of Women and Girls described its work on economic and educational equity, health care, violence prevention, student rights, and archival and outreach projects, and said its budget request would convert limited-term positions to permanent. A member urged the commission to narrow its priorities toward current issues such as affordability, child care, and women’s health. The California Arts Council outlined its role as the state’s only statewide arts funder and requested restoration of $5 million in local assistance; supporters testified that the funding would leverage additional local investment and help sustain arts access, especially in rural communities. The hearing ended after the non-presentation items were noted and no further public comment was offered.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are looking at technology changes that we are seeing coming.
• Chair, Representative Engen, there are a number of different programs or models for the use of that technology
• For the use of that technology, one option is for those incarcerated individuals who are involved in
• Security technology dollars from Alaska are around there for the final purchase of a few more to ensure

Bills: HF2432

Keywords: HF2432, judiciary finance bill, public safety finance bill, corrections policy, crime victims, victim services, Minnesota victims of crime account, court fees, marriage license fee, financial crimes, fraud investigations, insurance fraud, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Commerce Fraud Bureau, wage theft, automobile theft prevention, nonprofit security grants, 911 funding, POST Board

Transcript Highlights:

• 33.120> for<00:04:33.280> its In 2012, HSPLS received the state's first Excellence in Technology
• intellectual disabilities need access to the state library system to use the internet or other technology
• Is the inclusion of tags in this, I mean, other than OES having technology capabilities, and as Senator
• Um, we have Christine Sakuda, Hawaii Office of Enterprise Technology Services.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Government Operations Committee heard Governor’s Message 663, reappointing Corey Schaefer to the 911 Board for a term ending June 30, 2026. Schaefer described his telecommunications background and five years of service on the board, including recent election as chair. There was no opposition, and the committee recommended advise and consent; the recommendation was adopted with one member excused. The committee then took up a resolution asking the Comptroller and DAGS to work with the Hawaii State Public Library System to identify rural and underserved communities needing better telecommunications access for participation in the legislative process. Testimony from library and disability advocates supported the goal, but members raised concerns that the measure was too broad and unclear about the actual problem, whether libraries already had sufficient broadband and equipment, and whether the focus should be on public access and education rather than DAGS. The committee deferred the measure to Thursday for a revised draft. Members also heard a resolution urging all state departments to partner with the Office of Wellness and Resilience on data-sharing agreements. The office and several advocacy groups supported the measure as part of trauma-informed state efforts, but members expressed strong privacy and HIPAA concerns and questioned what data would be shared, for what purpose, and how it would be protected. The committee deferred that measure as well so the office could work with the chair on narrower language. Finally, the committee considered a resolution urging boards and commissions to conduct annual performance reviews of executive directors or equivalent exempt positions. With only one individual testifying in support, the committee recommended a Senate draft to clarify that the measure applies to civil service exempt positions, and the recommendation was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• It company specializing in atmospheric water generation awg a sustainable technology that produces clean
• This technology reduces the burden on our aquifers.
• Our technology can alleviate the struggles of community disproportionately affected by drought on sharing
• That's another technology that perhaps should be regulated differently.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• major plans for further renovation and construction of perhaps a new plant, depending on what the technology
• Not only is the technology safe, reliable, and proven, it operates at the scale local governments need
• Because waste-to-energy is a proven, safe, and reliable technology.
• Any new plant would be built with the most modern technologies and safety guardrails.

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met with a quorum present and considered a series of environmental, water, waste, boating, and land-use bills. SB 834 on recreational fishing vessel licenses was briefly explained as aligning licensure rules for freshwater and saltwater captains and was reported favorably. SB 1208 on service lateral assessment and rehabilitation would require periodic CCTV inspections, a seven-year assessment cycle, and a long-term public database for sewer laterals; county representatives opposed it over private-property and cost concerns, but the bill was reported favorably. SB 978 on advanced wastewater treatments, as amended, would require DEP reports and a long-term prioritization plan for upgrading large wastewater facilities to advanced treatment; the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee then took up SB 1822 on auxiliary containers, which would preempt local regulation of certain packaging and define the term in statute. The sponsor argued it would reduce a patchwork of local rules and help businesses, while opponents from environmental groups, local advocates, and some local governments warned it would weaken plastic and foam restrictions, including in parks and coastal communities. Despite substantial opposition and several senators expressing concern, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 384 on notice for annexation of state-owned lands, after a technical amendment requiring written or email notice to legislative delegations, and reported it favorably. SB 1008 on waste incineration would bar new ash-producing incinerators or waste-to-energy facilities within a half-mile of residential, commercial, or school property. The sponsor said the bill was aimed at preventing another fire-related incident like the Doral plant and clarified it was intended to apply only to new facilities, not existing ones; waste-to-energy and county representatives opposed it as too restrictive, while several senators sought clarifying changes. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also adopted a substitute amendment to CS for SB 594 on port channel and turning basin buffer zones, reducing the proposed anchoring setback from 5,000 feet to 2,500 feet and allowing ports to create buffer zones after public hearings and rulemaking; the bill was then reported favorably. Finally, SB 830 on lost or abandoned property, aimed at streamlining removal of migrant vessels that pose navigational and environmental hazards, was reported favorably after brief support testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Codes do improve safety and save energy, but there also are means of reviewing and approving new technologies
• Codes do improve safety and save energy, but there also are means of reviewing and approving new technologies
• and do improve safety and save energy, but there also are means of reviewing and approving new technologies
• We don't want to press pause on new technologies that may allow us to actually reduce the cost of building

Summary: The committee heard a series of housing and wildfire-recovery bills, with members repeatedly framing the package as a response to the Los Angeles fires and the state’s broader housing affordability crisis. AB 306, by Assembly Member Schultz, would place a six-year moratorium on new residential building-code updates and local code modifications except for health-and-safety emergencies. Supporters argued it would reduce costs and provide certainty for rebuilding and new housing production, while opponents from environmental, clean-energy, and labor groups warned it would freeze beneficial code improvements, delay innovation, and limit local control. Despite those concerns, several members said they would support the bill while seeking amendments, and the committee voted it out on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. The committee also approved AB 301, which would require state agencies to follow shot-clock style deadlines for reviewing building permits, and AB 253, which would allow licensed third-party professionals to conduct certain post-entitlement permit reviews if local departments take more than 30 days. Supporters said both bills would reduce delays, lower costs, and speed rebuilding and housing production; some members emphasized that safety reviews must remain intact. AB 301 passed on a due pass vote to Appropriations, and AB 253 passed 8-0 to Local Government. AB 462, by Assembly Member Lowenthal, would exempt accessory dwelling units in Los Angeles County’s coastal zone from coastal development permit requirements, with the goal of speeding ADU construction for disaster recovery and housing supply. Supporters said ADUs are a proven tool and that the bill would help displaced residents and future coastal disaster areas; one member of the public opposed the bill, arguing ADU proliferation can change neighborhood conditions. The committee sent AB 462 to Appropriations on an 8-0 vote. The final bill discussed, AB 299, would let disaster-displaced families stay in hotels, motels, and short-term rentals for more than 30 days without triggering landlord-tenant rules, mirroring an earlier homelessness-related law; the transcript ended as the author began presenting the bill and its support.

Transcript Highlights:

• the rest of my life, right, and I'm so glad I have that skill now because it helps me with the technology
• skill now because it helps me with that skill now because it helps me with the<00:21:44.960> technology
• 45.640> the<00:21:45.760> keyboards<00:21:46.559> if<00:21:47.039> I the technology
• and the keyboards if I the technology and the keyboards if I can<00:21:47.320> learn<00:21:47.640

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Step Up continues to leverage technology innovations to allow for major efficiencies in the reimbursement
• Hero, the technology platform that you demoed. Was that an out-of-the-box solution?
• So could you talk a little bit about your technology platform and kind of where that came from?
• not to interrupt you, but before you forget, before you begin, I just want everybody to know our technological

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee met to continue reviewing how Family Empowerment Scholarship students are funded through the FEFP and the role of scholarship funding organizations. Staff gave a statutory overview of parent, SFO, and Department of Education responsibilities, including application deadlines, eligibility verification, quarterly payment timing, cross-checks to prevent duplicate funding, and the 99% district FEFP limitation for certain awards. The committee then heard demonstrations from Step Up for Students and AAA Scholarship Foundation showing their parent portals, application workflows, reimbursement systems, school enrollment/invoice processes, and marketplace tools for tuition, tutoring, and approved goods and services. Step Up reported major growth since HB 1, saying its scholarship population expanded from about 260,000 to more than 440,000 students, with application processing averaging about 10 days. It also highlighted faster tuition, provider, and reimbursement payments, multilingual support in English and Spanish, and resources such as videos and a call center. Members asked about support for Creole speakers, optional Florida ID numbers, student identifiers, marketplace pricing, tutor qualifications, background screening, and how awards differ from funded status. Step Up said it does not currently support Creole, does not do background screenings for tutors, sets no marketplace prices itself, and uses a unique internal student ID separate from the state ID. AAA demonstrated its revised software for the 2025-26 school year, including an eligibility screener, household and student application steps, messaging with staff, reimbursement requests, and administrative review and payment batching. AAA said the new system is custom-built, more transparent about award value versus available balance, and designed to better handle quarterly funding for UA students. Members questioned AAA and Step Up about student ID numbers, public-school cross-checks, fraud controls, school fee schedules, whether schools must participate, and reimbursement timing. Both organizations said they report quarterly to DOE, receive public-school cross-checks, and recover funds when students return to public school; AAA said its average reimbursement turnaround is about 14 business days, while Step Up said its reimbursement approvals have improved significantly. The committee also requested follow-up information, including one-pagers, data on income levels and demographics, and additional details on forecasting and system costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• caucus for giving me a few minutes of your time to discuss a relatively new concept, blockchain technology
• however, is a specific tool within that ecosystem that allows for the enhancement of the good technologies
• I'm a principled individual, and I will hold anyone committing fraudulent acts or misusing any technology

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved procedural motions, and recognized several guests and honorees, including CAUSE leadership academy participants, retiring FCMAT CEO Michael Fine, a Capitol intern, environmental leaders celebrating Black Conservation Week, family members of members, and NASA astronaut Captain Victor Glover Jr. The body also took up a number of routine file items and committee referral requests, with several bills referred to committees by unanimous consent and multiple items passed or retained on file. The main floor debate centered on ACR 214, the Juneteenth resolution. Members from the Black Caucus and other caucuses spoke in support, describing Juneteenth as both a celebration of emancipation and a reminder that freedom and equality remain unfinished work. Speakers emphasized Black history, civil rights, solidarity across communities, and ongoing issues such as education, housing, health, incarceration, and economic inequality. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 66 coauthors were added. The Assembly also considered AB 2285 on blockchain staking and crypto regulation. The author argued the bill would provide consumer protections and clear rules for banks, credit unions, and crypto exchanges, while an opponent warned it could weaken securities oversight and consumer safeguards. The bill passed 45-1, and the author requested immediate transmission to the Senate. Later, SB 1036 on mitigation fee credits for redevelopment passed 55-0 after brief support for clarifying fee rules and reducing duplicative costs. The chamber then adopted the second-day consent calendar, including resolutions for Women’s Equality Day and the International Day of Yoga, along with several Senate bills, all by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The Assembly announced it would not meet on Friday, June 19, would reconvene Monday, June 22 at 1 p.m., and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• That’s a huge difference, along with other smart technologies, which hopefully will streamline the current
• manual processes, and a lot has changed in the 15 years or so since it came online, as far as technological
• Combining modern technology with our ongoing training will only strengthen our accuracy and accountability

Keywords: 907, all

Summary: The Joint Interim Committee on Legislative Audits met on June 17 for informational presentations. The Department of Administrative Services, through Chief Audit Executive Eli Ritchie, gave an overview of statewide internal audit requirements and the fiscal year 2025 report. He explained the difference between internal and external audit, described Oregon’s statutory and rule-based internal audit structure, and reported that 30 agencies had internal audit functions, with most meeting required standards. He said 73 audits and 49 advisory/consulting engagements were completed statewide, with strong compliance overall, though a few agencies were rebuilding audit committees after vacancies. No committee questions were raised after the presentation. The Secretary of State’s Audits Division then presented its Government Waste Hotline annual report. Director Steve Bergman and audit manager Olivia Rekhed described changes made to align the hotline with statute, including renaming it the Government Waste Hotline, creating a review panel, improving anonymity protections, removing fraud reporting from the hotline’s scope, and adjusting reporting timelines. They said hotline volume increased modestly in 2025, most reports were referred elsewhere or closed for insufficient evidence, and two reports were substantiated, including questioned costs of about $856 for personal use of a state vehicle and about $2.9 million tied to the Preschool Promise program. Committee members asked about hotline staffing, cost, anonymity, and follow-up on findings; staff said the hotline is lightly resourced, uses a contracted intake service, and referrals or recommendations are followed up through management letters and later reviews. The committee also heard an audit of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s safety inspections and asset tracking. The Secretary of State’s office reported that OPRD had not consistently conducted or documented quarterly OSHA safety inspections and had incomplete asset records, including missing acquisition dates and costs for many assets. The audit made eight recommendations covering safety inspection policies, asset management guidance, tagging, reconciliations, disposition controls, training, and a new asset management system; OPRD agreed to all recommendations. OPRD officials said they had already begun training staff, improving inspection procedures, and working toward a replacement asset system, while noting operational challenges from a large, dispersed park system and manual processes. Committee members asked about what kinds of assets are tracked, how tagging works, whether items were actually being lost, and how much tracking is necessary for low-value tools; OPRD said the main issue was inconsistent classification and documentation rather than widespread loss. The meeting ended with no votes or formal actions taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• And of course, there's cost savings with many of these energy technologies.
• So, it's much easier to get a permit for those technologies, but in my opinion, that's not going to be
• One of the features of the 2020 100% bill is that we don't pick a technology.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The interview focused on Minnesota’s clean energy policy, energy affordability, and the state’s path toward its 100% clean electricity goal. The senator said Minnesota’s clean energy reputation comes from environmental concern, job creation, and lower long-term costs, noting that wind is now the lowest-cost generation source and that solar costs have fallen sharply. He said rising electricity demand has led to some increased coal use, but argued the state can still meet its 2040 clean energy target through continued renewable buildout, permitting reform, conservation, and demand response. A major topic was data centers. The senator emphasized both concerns and benefits, saying hyperscale data centers can bring substantial construction jobs, property tax revenue, and, under the 2025 law, payments to low-income energy assistance. He cited the Pine Island Google data center as air-cooled, with no water concerns, and said it will pay $5 million annually while funding 1,600 MW of wind, solar, and battery resources at its own expense. He also said Xcel’s filing projected a $1.1 billion ratepayer savings over 10 years, while urging the public to weigh both pros and cons, especially around water use and local tax impacts. The discussion also covered nuclear power and climate costs. The senator said the Senate has passed a nuclear study three years in a row and expects it to advance, while the moratorium on new nuclear plants remains tied to the Prairie Island Indian Community and unresolved nuclear waste storage. He argued Minnesota likely cannot reach its emissions goals without nuclear in the mix, though he acknowledged current nuclear is not cost-competitive and said future advanced or small modular nuclear could change that. On affordability, he pointed to climate-driven costs such as higher homeowners insurance and storm damage, and described Senate energy omnibus provisions including conservation, plug-in solar, and renewable development account projects such as a Como Zoo clean energy project. No votes were taken in the interview itself, but the senator referenced the recently announced budget deal and said he still needed to negotiate a renewable development account agreement between the House and Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it some other change in the way firms are doing business, some other change in technology?
• them to become cost-effective enough for businesses to actually adopt them and transmit that new technology
• attribute the majority of that to productivity gains, whether it's AI, automation, or whatever other technologies

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: At the April meeting of the Finance Advisory Committee, staff presented an updated state revenue forecast that was more cautious than January’s because of heightened economic uncertainty tied to the Iran conflict and broader national risks. The general fund’s available resources were revised down from $577 million in January to $378 million in the April forecast, with the lower estimate driven by reduced revenue projections while spending assumptions were unchanged. Staff said the outlook depends heavily on how long the Middle East conflict lasts and noted that a prolonged disruption could weaken the forecast further, while a quick resolution could improve conditions. George Hammond of the University of Arizona gave a broad economic overview, highlighting geopolitical risk, elevated oil and gasoline prices, sticky inflation, weak Arizona job growth, and uncertainty around federal policy, tariffs, immigration, and AI-related investment. He said Arizona’s recent job growth has been very weak and concentrated mainly in health services, while most other sectors lost jobs, and he attributed much of the slowdown to low hiring rather than layoffs. He also discussed population growth, noting that Arizona remains above the national average but is increasingly dependent on net migration as natural increase slows, and he warned that housing affordability remains strained even as Phoenix inflation has moderated. Panelists generally echoed the cautious outlook but pointed to some offsets. Liz St. Clair said Arizona’s near-term revenues could benefit from tourism tied to spring training and the Final Four, though higher fuel costs could dampen discretionary spending. Other panelists noted that the federal policy environment, tariffs, and immigration changes are likely to restrain growth, while productivity gains, especially from technology and AI, may help businesses maintain output. Several members also discussed housing, saying single-family permits have fallen while rental supply has improved affordability, and they raised concerns about labor-force growth, wage disparities, and the reliability of recent employment data revisions. No formal votes or actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it some other change in the way firms are doing business, some other change in technology?
• them to become cost-effective enough for businesses to actually adopt them and transmit that new technology
• attribute the majority of that to productivity gains, whether it's AI, automation, or whatever other technologies

Summary: The Finance Advisory Committee received an update on the state revenue forecast and broader economic conditions. Staff said the April forecast was more cautious than January’s, citing greater uncertainty from the Iran conflict and other macroeconomic risks. Available general fund resources for the four-year period were revised down from $577 million in January to $378 million in April, with no change to expenditure estimates. George Hammond of the University of Arizona then presented on the national, state, and local economy, emphasizing risks from geopolitical conflict, tariffs, federal policy uncertainty, labor supply constraints, and elevated housing costs. He said Arizona job growth had been weak and driven mainly by health care, while inflation in Phoenix remained moderate but shelter and consumer commodity prices were still elevated. He also noted that population growth is increasingly dependent on net migration as natural increase slows. Panelists generally echoed the cautious outlook. Liz St. Clair said Arizona’s near-term revenue outlook still had some support from tourism and a strong spring season, but rising fuel costs and the duration of the Middle East conflict could pressure discretionary spending and revenues. Jim Rounds argued the economy was likely headed for a soft landing, though he warned that federal borrowing, inflation, workforce shortages, and energy reliability remain concerns; he also criticized leaving the Rainy Day Fund unused. Danny Court said the housing market remains under pressure on the ownership side, while rental supply and industrial demand have been relatively strong, and he noted sticky inflation and immigration declines as additional risks. Doug Walls explained that large employment benchmark revisions were affecting Arizona’s job numbers, and said the latest report showed slower but more balanced growth, though labor force declines and a higher unemployment rate were concerning. Lorenzo Romero added that business activity appears resilient in the low-hire, low-fire environment, but warned about debt burdens, uneven wage growth, and ongoing uncertainty. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, the Committee on Appropriations and Transportation and Technology have under consideration
• President, the Committee on Appropriations and Transportation and Technology have under consideration
• Chairman, I move the Appropriations and Transportation and Technology amendment be adopted.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• another, I guess, situation of why it's so important that we finally get some modernization in the technology
• in the technology that we have at the in the technology that we have at the state.<00:01:38.400> Uh

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 3901 was heard in committee and amended with the A26 amendment, which the author described as cleanup language clarifying confidential data and other wording changes. The bill concerns the Office of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson’s access to records in the Social Services Information System (SSIS) so it can investigate foster care decisions more effectively and in a timely way. Representative Johnson said the issue stems from outdated technology and interagency barriers that make it difficult to share information needed to serve foster youth and families. Misty Coons, the foster youth ombudsperson, testified that the office has struggled to obtain records from DCYF, with delays growing longer and some requests remaining unfilled. She said direct SSIS access would reduce burdens on agency staff and improve investigations, while privacy concerns could be handled through training or interagency agreements. Rebecca St. George, assistant commissioner for DCYF, acknowledged the delays but said the department is understaffed and working on software improvements; she argued that broad direct access would risk exposing privileged and protected information and could conflict with state and federal privacy laws. She also noted concerns from tribal nations about access to tribal data without request and approval. Members discussed the mechanics of data requests, redaction, and whether the bill raised data practices issues. The chair noted that a referral to Judiciary and Civil Law was automatic under chapter 13. Representative Johnson closed by emphasizing that the goal was to better serve children and foster families and said he had received a letter from White Earth Reservation expressing reservations. The committee then approved re-referral of House File 3901, as amended, to the Committee on Judiciary and Civil Law.

Transcript Highlights:

• first item, B1, is a letter from the Department of Shared Administrative Services, Office of State Technology
• The loan to the Office of State Technology will be used to make major improvements to information technology

Summary: The committee considered a series of appropriation, transfer, and review items, approving most requests in Sections B through J. These included temporary appropriations for state technology upgrades, personnel management, court reporters and interpreters, crime victim claims, juvenile sex offender assessments, radiation lab testing, higher education workforce grants, an ARPA grant for the UAFS LPN program, an IIJA grant for geological/critical minerals work, a restricted reserve transfer for 102 State Police vehicles, a transfer to the Arkansas Heroes Program, several cash fund requests for the Real Estate Commission HVAC and AV needs, and overtime appropriations for Emergency Management and Military. One budget classification transfer request from the Commissioner of State Lands for $250,000 to cover operating expenses tied to a new building was discussed at length but failed on the vote after questions about the lease and operating costs. A major portion of the meeting focused on a $25.7 million pay plan appropriation request for 15 agencies. Members questioned why the Department of Human Services had not requested additional pay-plan dollars for human development centers, where DHS acknowledged staffing shortages, high turnover, and heavy overtime but said the issue was not lack of pay-plan funding. DHS was asked to provide a written plan to address staffing problems. The Department of Corrections testified that the pay plan had improved retention and hiring, and committee members asked for follow-up data on vacancies and staffing outcomes. Members also clarified that the pay-plan request was appropriation only, not new funding, and approved it. The committee then reviewed fund reports, including the restricted reserve, Budget Stabilization Trust Fund, Tobacco Settlement, State Central Services, Education Adequacy, Medicaid Trust Fund, IIJA, and Revenue Services transfer reports. DHS and DFA were questioned closely about the Medicaid Trust Fund, with members noting a $90 million February draw and asking about projected year-end balances; DFA and DHS said February was a high-expense, low-revenue month and projected the fund would remain solvent through the fiscal year, ending between $150 million and $200 million, while a second $100 million set-aside is planned for FY27. The committee also discussed a state hospital damage report, where DHS explained that insurance proceeds would not fully cover the repair costs because of depreciation and the age of the buildings; members expressed concern that the state would recover far less than originally expected, and DHS said any additional insurance recovery would be limited and returned to restricted reserve.

Transcript Highlights:

• first item, B1, is a letter from the Department of Shared Administrative Services, Office of State Technology
• The loan to the Office of State Technology will be used to make major improvements to information technology

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• through the interim on this issue, and if Representative Rededda wants to do—I don't know—science and technology
• So this program would use both the old technology and the new technology, be directly monitored by New

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These ordinances block communities from benefiting from new technologies that could perform better while
• These ordinances block communities from benefiting from new technologies that could perform better while
• We do at times have new technologies. I honestly don't know the answer.

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard and advanced several bills. SB 958, by Senator Bradley, would require local straw and stirrer ordinances to allow renewable, certified compostable, and marine-biodegradable products, with supporters arguing it creates standards and avoids patchwork local rules; it was reported favorably. SB 1066, by Senator Brodeur, proposed a phased restoration of the Ocklawaha/Rodman Dam area, including partial dam restoration, recreation and economic development planning, and a local advisory council; testimony was strongly divided between restoration supporters and local officials concerned about water supply, reservoir value, and community impacts. The committee adopted an amendment adding a Naval Air Station Jacksonville representative to the advisory council, then reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee also approved CS/SB 698 by Senator Martin, which would let builders proceed with home construction after applying for septic permits rather than waiting for the permit to be issued first. Testimony from builders and industry representatives focused on permitting delays, contract pricing, and the need for a glide path if DEP rules change; some senators raised concerns about the 120-day transition period, but the bill passed favorably with a technical amendment. CS/SB 1230, by Senator Harrell, would phase out PFAS-containing firefighting foam for non-emergency use, require inventory and disposal reporting, create DEP rules and a registry of alternatives, and establish grant/cost-savings support for local agencies; it was reported favorably after an amendment clarifying DEP references and penalty language. Finally, the committee approved CS/SB 1288, also by Senator Harrell, to designate a water body feature in the Jupiter Narrows area as the Andrew Red Harris Shoal in honor of a local environmental advocate who died rescuing a friend. The bill was amended to clarify the shoal identification and then reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators requested the record reflect additional affirmative votes on certain bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Castile, this is just the first of, we'll get this in and get this, and as this technology
• be do what we can on enforcement and deterrence, and let's see where we're at in a few years on technology
• So is this more related to an FTE, like future FTE, or is it connected to potential technology upgrades

Keywords: 959, house, all