Transcript Highlights:

• This is a tiny little step in that direction, and I hope we can see more in the future.
• Under the stewardship of Chief Justice Roberts, conservatives on the court have steadily been chipping
• This is to protect the evidentiary value of those ballots for future investigations or audits.
• Once the chain of custody is broken, they can no longer be used for future litigation or challenges.
• We're going to miss you in your future endeavors.

Committee: House Elections

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We had to reduce parks and recreation programs and increase fees.
• So a lot of our decision-making is based on where we're going in the future.
• There's programs we provide like that that are outside public safety.
• It's a diversionary program to keep people from going to the ER.
• It's a diversionary program to keep people from going to ER.

Summary: The Select Committee on Property Taxes heard first from city representatives through the Florida League of Cities, who argued that property taxes are a stable local revenue source that funds core services such as police, fire, parks, public works, and stormwater work. Casey Cook emphasized that cities are optional governments with widely different tax bases and service levels, that exemptions shift the burden to fewer taxpayers, and that transparency already exists through TRIM notices, public budgets, and local hearings. Sarah Campbell of Fernandina Beach, T. Michael Stavris of Winter Haven, and Stephen O’Kee of Port St. Lucie described their budget processes, the share of general-fund revenue coming from property taxes, reserve policies, debt and capital planning, and the impact of inflation, minimum wage increases, and personnel costs. They all said local governments need predictable revenue and that any property tax changes would require careful consideration of replacement funding or service reductions. Members questioned the city panel about whether homebuyers are clearly informed about city versus county taxes and services, the role of HOAs, how many lobbyists cities employ, reserve levels, average salaries, and whether utility revenues are used only for utility purposes. The panel said TRIM notices, realtor listings, and city websites provide tax information; HOAs generally do not provide emergency services; lobbyists help local governments track Tallahassee legislation; reserves vary by city and fund; and utility revenues are generally restricted, though some cities use limited transfers. Members also asked about revenue replacement if ad valorem taxes were reduced or eliminated, and the panel said options would likely include user fees, service cuts, or other local revenue shifts. The chair also asked about public safety consolidation, and the response was that such decisions are local and may shift costs rather than create true savings. The committee then heard from county representatives after an overview by the Florida Association of Counties’ Davin Suggs, who framed counties as shared partners with the state and emphasized the gap between rising market values and the shrinking share of taxable value after exemptions and assessment limits. He said counties face a mismatch between revenue based on taxable value and expenses driven by real-world costs, and noted that most counties either held millage steady or lowered it without reaching rollback rates. He also highlighted that property taxes are only one part of county revenue, with charges for services and intergovernmental revenue often larger in some counties, and that public safety at the county level includes more than law enforcement, such as EMS, emergency management, inspections, and corrections. Deborah Manzo of Okeechobee County described a fiscally constrained rural county with limited staff, a county-supported airport, heavy reliance on property taxes for the general fund, and major cost pressures from inflation, insurance, retirement, and state and federal mandates. She said the county lowered millage slightly over recent years but still depends on multiple revenue sources and special assessments, and she flagged Medicaid, medical examiner costs, and possible firefighter workweek changes as significant concerns. Bay County Administrator Mark McQueen said his county’s budget is shaped by Hurricane Michael recovery, non-discretionary obligations, and rapid growth; he described ongoing FEMA reimbursement delays, substantial borrowing to cover disaster costs, and continuing interest expenses while the county waits for reimbursement. The county panel was still in progress when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a white Ashkenazi Jew from the northeastern U.S., raised in the conservative tradition.
• The future of world Jewry is intertwined with everybody in the world.
• The future of world Jewry is intertwined with everybody in the world.
• I want to briefly speak to a fear I have of a future major resurgence of anti-Semitism we might see.
• During my tenure at the Boston Jewish Film Festival, I programmed The Law in These Parts.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission held a public comment hearing as it continued work toward a November 30 statutory deadline for its final report. The co-chairs reviewed logistics for the hybrid format, two-minute testimony limit, respectful conduct, and the plan to alternate between in-person and virtual speakers. The commission approved the minutes from its previous September 8 meeting by motion and vote, with no nays. Much of the testimony focused on how the commission should define antisemitism, especially whether to adopt the IHRA definition and whether it improperly conflates antisemitism with criticism of Israel or Zionism. Many speakers, including Jewish educators, rabbis, academics, students, and legislators, described personal experiences with antisemitism and urged the commission to address hate while protecting free speech, academic freedom, and the ability to criticize Israeli government policy. Several called for the commission to reject or narrow the IHRA definition and instead consider the Jerusalem Declaration or other frameworks that distinguish antisemitism from anti-Zionism. Others emphasized that antisemitism should be addressed alongside racism, Islamophobia, white nationalism, and other forms of bias, and some urged broader anti-bias training in schools. A smaller number of speakers supported stronger action against antisemitism in schools and public institutions, including concerns about antisemitic materials in education and about organizations or events they viewed as promoting hate. A recurring theme was the conflict in Gaza and its impact on the debate: some speakers condemned Israel’s military actions as genocide, apartheid, or colonialism and said criticism of those actions should not be treated as antisemitic, while others defended Israel, rejected genocide claims, and argued that anti-Israel activism can fuel antisemitism. Several speakers also raised concerns about campus discipline, union materials, and state facility rentals, and one speaker asked that state resources not be used by groups they viewed as inciting hate. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the prior minutes and hearing public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:00.120><c> we</c> question about Aging in the future we question about Aging in the future
• </c><01:04:15.960><c> is</c> biggest challenges with the program is biggest challenges with the program
• Two, the Transit Assistance Program works really well.
• </c> ways they've heard of the program ways they've heard of the program Whispers<01:07:29.440><c> at
• </c> when asked Justice Galia conservative when asked Justice Galia conservative judge<01:36:11.360><

Bills: HF1837 , HF361 , HF2725 , HF2566 , HF2744 , HF1685 , HF501 , HF1889 , HF1389

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: state policy, employment, health insurance, fossil designation, public funds, community resources, Capitol Mall, grantmaking, community vitality, livability, funding, healthy aging, aging policy, older adults, seniors, elderly, gerontology, long-term care, assisted living, nursing homes

Transcript Highlights:

• So the internal direct investment program is the program where some of our capital is invested directly
• We have a direct-to-GP private market program. In the past, we had a fund-of-funds program.
• Program. They're managing the cash.
• Utilizing the program. So let me kind of skip back.
• So that's a quick overview of kind of how the program works, the program status.

Summary: The Legacy Fund Committee received updates from the North Dakota Retirement Investment Office (RIO) on fund performance, liquidity, in-state investments, and internal management. Scott Anderson reported strong returns for the Legacy Fund across multiple time periods, with performance exceeding the policy benchmark and expectations, driven largely by strong equity markets and effective implementation. He also reviewed private market pacing, noting commitments were on plan but that unfunded obligations and distributions were lower than expected, and presented a new liquidity analysis showing the fund had substantial capacity to meet obligations even under stressed market scenarios. The committee also discussed RIO’s internal investment program and cost savings. Anderson explained how internal management of fixed income, equity, and cash overlay strategies has reduced fees and transaction costs, while improving flexibility and portfolio construction. Members asked about staffing needs, and RIO leadership said asset growth has outpaced current staffing, with a request for additional FTEs likely coming to support investment, operations, risk, and legal functions. The committee also reviewed the Legacy Fund’s in-state investment program, including 50 South Capital and infrastructure lending, and heard that one manager’s buildout is progressing more slowly because many opportunities are still early-stage. Adam Odison presented a preliminary estimate of the 2026 Legacy Fund earnings distribution, projecting about $894.8 million under current law, with roughly $237 million to the Highway Fund and $554 million to the Property Tax Relief Fund after the sinking and interest fund allocation. Jody Smith then gave a project update on a new standalone Legacy Fund website required by statute, intended to consolidate performance, holdings, governance, fees, and use-of-funds information for the public, with a planned launch around the October State Investment Board meeting. She also raised a possible future proposal to place the Legacy Earnings Fund back under State Investment Board management so the cash could remain invested longer before being transferred out, though members noted liquidity, accounting, and bank-deposit implications would need further review. Finally, Kelvin Holden of the Bank of North Dakota reviewed the match loan program, explaining how it supports large economic development projects by pairing Bank of North Dakota loans with State Investment Board CDs. He said the program currently has about $272 million outstanding and has supported projects such as Coal Creek Station and the MDU gas line to Gwinner. Members discussed whether the program’s return is appropriate and noted a prior moratorium on new investments so the committee can revisit the policy next session. The committee then elected Senator Klein as chair and Representative Hogan as vice chair, and the meeting ended with members thanking staff and partners for the fund’s progress.

Transcript Highlights:

• The program itself is a post-Thunderbird program for workforce development training.
• This is a great program.
• It is a direct follow-on program to the Thunderbird Youth Challenge Program.
• program.
• That program is very popular.

Committee: House A&B General Government Subcommittee

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 789 will refer to the Resource and Conservation Committee.
• I will also point out that this has a mentoring program that is a mandatory mentoring program with regular
• program directives are.
• And again, just to validate that this is a voluntary program—no one has to do this.
• And again, just to validate that this is a voluntary program—no one has to do this.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> with the trails program in that reality? with the trails program in that reality?
• So maybe we be spent in the future.
• Uh, they seem to into the program.
• </c> division, and our Wyoming bred program. division, and our Wyoming bred program.
• </c> program. So, hopefully that helps. program. So, hopefully that helps.

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now pursue brighter a brighter future.
• </c><00:51:14.480><c> that</c> through actions and programs that through actions and programs that promote
• </c> helping prepare young people for future helping prepare young people for future educational,<00:
• Little program kept me out of trouble.
• </c> the state conservation district. the state conservation district.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That did include some future capacity.
• And for future interest, I also don't have a good idea for you as of today on what the future interest
• Knowing that we have future needs for irrigation, we have future municipal needs, future industrial needs
• at some point in the future.
• in the drinking water program.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to receive interim status updates on several water-related studies and Department of Water Resources projects. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and then heard updates on the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study. Staff reported that the committee had already received the testimony contemplated in the study plans, including input from state agencies, local governments, and out-of-state entities, and that any further action would be at the committee’s discretion. The Department of Water Resources then provided project and budget updates on NAWS and the Southwest Pipeline Project. Reese reported NAWS is expected to serve about 81,000 users, with a total projected cost of about $571 million and about $96 million remaining, while the Southwest Pipeline Project is estimated at $1.06 billion total with about $409 million remaining. Members asked about funding sources, capacity needs, and whether current and future construction is being designed for increased demand; department staff said current work is designed for ultimate capacity, but some future components may need redesign based on new requests. The committee also discussed local cost shares, Minot’s role in NAWS funding, and whether the system is adequate for peak demand. A major portion of the meeting focused on the department’s cash management, carryover, and long-term water funding outlook. The department said Resources Trust Fund revenues are tied to oil extraction taxes and are affected by stripper well exemptions and future oil price declines. Members expressed concern about large carryover balances and whether the state is obligating more money than can realistically be spent in a biennium. The department reported about $340.6 million in remaining carryover and said it is trying to reduce that through a two-tier pre-construction/construction process and closer project vetting. The department also summarized the Deloitte studies on regional governance and finance and on cost-share policy. Stakeholders generally favored keeping the current governance structures for NAWS and Southwest with improvements, while Red River stakeholders leaned toward a different option; the department said it will bring an implementation plan back in September. On cost share, Deloitte’s recommendations would reduce some percentages, prioritize projects differently, and use other measures to close a projected long-term funding gap. Members debated affordability, local burden, deferred maintenance, and whether statutory changes may be needed to allow the commission more flexibility in prioritizing and funding projects. No formal votes or final actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas young people are not merely future participants in civic life, but the current stakeholders
• Natterstead's advanced placement government class and the Building Bridges program for creating space
• where students can... ...Government Class and the Building Bridges Program for creating space where
• Natterstad, the students of the Advanced Placement Government Class in the Building Bridges Program.
• After graduation, Parker plans to attend Montana State University to study fish and ecology conservation

Summary: The Senate opened by suspending Rule 46 to allow continued committee action during the floor session, then approved the previous day’s journal. It received standing committee reports and, on motion, referred listed measures as designated, with Substitute House Bill 2152 on medical cannabis in specified health care facilities and Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2471 on collective bargaining redirected to the Committee on Ways and Means. The chamber then took up Senate Resolution 8694, which celebrates civil, open-minded discussion and recognizes students from Marysville-Getchell High School’s Advanced Placement Government class and the Building Bridges program for their work on civic discourse, media literacy, and respectful dialogue. Senators spoke in support of the resolution, emphasizing civility, diversity of opinion, and youth leadership. The resolution was adopted by voice vote. Next, the Senate considered Senate Resolution 8691 honoring the 2026 Apple Blossom Festival Royal Court from Wenatchee. The resolution highlighted the festival’s history, the accomplishments and community service of Queen Breel Precht and Princesses Kaylee Pearson and Parker Avery, and their roles as ambassadors for the festival. Senators praised their leadership and service, and the resolution was adopted by voice vote. The Senate then welcomed the royal court and guests to the North Gallery before adjourning until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> would be subject to you know future would be subject to you know future litigation<00:14:55.360>
• program program Mah<00:16:20.839><c> thank</c><00:16:21.000><c> you</c><00:16:21.199><c> Leia</c><00
• and the programs that would be housed under it, conceivably the compost reimbursement program and its
• take this program and the programs<00:19:22.000><c> that</c><00:19:22.120><c> would</c><00:19:22.240
• of the food hub pilot program.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Agriculture and Environment hearing on January 27, 2025, took up multiple measures, beginning with a proposed constitutional amendment, HB 559, to recognize a right to clean water and air, a healthful environment, climate, native ecosystems, and beaches. The Attorney General’s Office testified with concerns that the amendment’s broad language could create challenges for future legislatures and environmental enforcement, while the Climate Commission and DLNR supported it. Environmental and advocacy groups, including Climate Protectors Hawaii, 350 Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, and others, strongly supported the measure, arguing it would strengthen decision-making and protect Hawaii’s natural resources. Committee members raised questions about how the amendment would interact with existing constitutional protections and recent litigation, and the AG’s office said the proposal could lead to broad judicial interpretation and possible liability issues. The hearing then moved on without a recorded vote on this bill. The committee next heard SB 552, which would establish a healthy soils program in the Department of Agriculture and require annual reporting and funding. The Climate Change Commission supported the bill, and the Department of Agriculture said it stood on its submitted testimony but noted existing commissions and the greenhouse gas sequestration task force already address similar objectives, suggesting SB 552 may duplicate current efforts. Agricultural and environmental advocates, including the Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and others, supported the concept of a consolidated healthy soils program, saying it would better organize existing efforts, improve access for producers, and support conservation practices. The Agribusiness Development Corporation said it would support either DOA or ADC administering the program, and committee discussion focused on implementation, program overlap, and whether the bill should better integrate existing compost reimbursement and related efforts. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was SB 678, which would create an Agricultural Development Food Security Special Fund, dedicate a portion of the environmental response, energy, and food security tax to it, and appropriate funds equal to 3% of the state budget for agriculture. The Department of Agriculture strongly supported the bill, saying the funding would align with its goals and help support farmers and ranchers. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Department of Budget and Finance raised concerns that the proposed special fund may not meet statutory criteria. Farm and industry groups generally supported the measure but suggested changes, including adding uses related to local food sourcing, distribution, and biosecurity. Committee members questioned the scale of the appropriation, noting it could amount to roughly $250 million and a major increase in DOA’s budget, and discussed whether the department could realistically implement such a large program. The hearing ended with testimony counts noted for the measures heard, and the chair indicated the committee would reconvene later for any unfinished business.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> says we can't do something in the future says we can't do something in the future I<03:56:55.479
• the future to decide.
• How does the program actually work?
• How does the program actually work?
• It enables the program to function as intended, makes the program functional. Thanks.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The discussion focused on a cannabis legalization/regulation bill and whether it should be retained for further study or moved forward. Members debated the fiscal impact, with one side emphasizing that the bill would cost about $7.1 million in the first two years before generating revenue, while supporters argued the House should make a statement in favor of legalization despite likely opposition from the Senate and governor. There was also disagreement over strategy: some said retaining the bill until closer to the next election would give the issue more visibility, while others said delaying would only avoid sending a bill the Senate was unlikely to take up anyway. A major point of contention was whether cannabis should be regulated by a new cannabis commission or placed under the Liquor Commission. Supporters of the Liquor Commission argued it already has enforcement infrastructure, especially for age restrictions, and could handle cannabis more efficiently without creating a new bureaucracy. Opponents said cannabis is a different industry that would require specialized expertise, and they objected to expanding the Liquor Commission, which they described as unpopular and costly. The committee also discussed past versions of the bill, including concerns about limited licenses and the perception that the earlier approach favored large businesses. Members reviewed specific provisions such as licensing fees, THC limits, and cultivation categories. One member noted a $10,000 fee for retail cannabis stores and cannabis product manufacturers authorized to perform extractions, while a smaller tier-one cultivator fee was described as a lower-cost option for small growers. There was also discussion of whether the bill would allow sales through general retail outlets or only dedicated cannabis stores, and whether plants and seeds were covered. No final vote or action was clearly recorded in the excerpt, but the main procedural question was whether to retain the bill for more work or advance it as written.

Transcript Highlights:

• The commission has one program and five budget activities.
• There are three programs housed within the agency.
• We are finishing up our modernization program this year.
• Medical escort transport staffing pilot program, $2 million.
• And we have a hybrid program in Florida.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Summary: The committee met to hear fiscal year 2026-2027 legislative budget requests from several justice-related agencies. The Florida Commission on Offender Review requested funding for investigator and revocation staff salary increases to address turnover, plus nonrecurring funds for Wi-Fi, seven vehicles, technology support, and commissioner salary adjustments. The State Courts Administrator presented a broad judicial branch request focused on trial court case-management technology, additional case managers, trust fund authority for child support hearing officers, courthouse furnishings, district court flexibility in staffing, a future courthouse for the Sixth District Court of Appeal, Supreme Court elevator replacement, POM accounting implementation support, judicial security liaison positions tied to the Florida Fusion Center, expanded senior management service authority, and judicial salary adjustments. The Office of the Attorney General outlined pay and operating requests for consumer protection, citizen services, ethics, crime compensation, victim services, vehicle replacement, IT and cybersecurity, lease and operating costs, and PALM-related expenses, while several senators questioned the office about outside counsel contracts, contingency-fee arrangements, transparency, and the use of private law firms. The Department of Corrections made the largest presentation, describing severe staffing shortages, high turnover, rising inmate populations, increased assaults, and heavy overtime use. Secretary Ricky Dixon said the agency’s request was driven by constitutional and public safety needs and included funding for operations, security equipment, inflationary costs, vehicle replacement, offender information system modernization, technology restoration, inmate health services, drug and food cost increases, staffing pilots, maintenance, security infrastructure, Florida PALM, recruitment and retention, and $56 million for new correctional housing units. Members asked about inmate labor, prison safety, overtime, vehicle breakdowns, and whether more National Guard support was needed; Dixon said the agency needed more staffing and pay competitiveness rather than a long-term military presence. A correctional officers’ union representative also urged support for pay raises, citing low pay and staffing concerns. No votes were taken on the budget requests. The chair allowed extended questioning, especially for the Department of Corrections, but noted time constraints and asked agencies to return in a later committee meeting, including FDLE, which was deferred because of a House site visit.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is, I think, what was a priority need in HHS, and I believe it covers the wraparound program in
• in DHS and what it what's been program in DHS and what it what's been happening<00:13:38.639><c> is<
• Are you comfortable with this being taken out of the future reports? We're good to go. All right.
• Um, conservation land stewardship program. Yep, Mr. Chair.
• Maybe someday in the future we will be able to actually do revenue sharing.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A project may still voluntarily use this program.
• A project may still voluntarily use this program in this way to ensure that the VMT mitigation program
• I'm Matthew Baker with the Planning Conservation League.
• program won't be usable, and we are concerned.
• This mandate, or the program won't be usable.

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard several housing bills. AB 2270, by Assemblymember Arambula, would give farmworker housing projects scoring parity in the state low-income housing tax credit program so they are not disadvantaged by amenity-proximity criteria that do not fit rural agricultural areas. Supporters, including La Cooperativa Campesina, said the bill would help farmworker projects compete fairly for credits; there was no opposition, and the bill was later approved 11-0 and sent to Appropriations. The committee also considered AB 2552, which would clarify use of the state’s new CEQA vehicle miles traveled (VMT) mitigation bank for affordable housing near transit. The author and supporters from the California Building Industry Association and business groups said the bill would add guardrails so the program is cost-effective and usable, while Housing California, the Planning and Conservation League, and others opposed the least-cost requirement, arguing it could undercut the new mitigation bank before implementation. After discussion about balancing housing and environmental goals, the bill passed 11-1 to Appropriations. AB 2689 would require good cause for nonrenewal of certain state-subsidized housing tenancies when a household’s income exceeds 140% of area median income for two consecutive years, with notice requirements and protections if the tenant cannot afford market rent. Some members supported the bill as a way to free up scarce subsidized units and create a housing “ladder,” while others objected that it could punish people for increasing their income. The bill was amended and passed 11-1. The consent calendar items AB 2308, AB 2397, and AB 2512 were also approved unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:30.360><c> in</c> Chesapeake Bay Enhancement Program in Chesapeake Bay Enhancement Program
• </c> conservation service opportunities. conservation service opportunities.
• </c> cut Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs cut Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs that<00:26:00.960>
• </c> Marylanders who rely on these programs. Marylanders who rely on these programs.
• </c> specifically for home energy programs specifically for home energy programs that<00:26:29.360><c

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, March 16, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• EVERY SINGLE DOLLAR INCLUDED IN THE WORK PROGRAM HAS A PURPOSE.
• IS TYPICALLY ABOUT A QUARTER OF THE PROGRAM.
• WE ARE CONSERVATIVE AND OUR FORECASTING AND OUR ACTIONS HAVE MAINTAINED THIS WELL.
• BOTH CURRENT AND FUTURE PROFESSIONS BUT ALSO ESTABLISH LONG LASTING CAREER PATHS.
• THAT RESULTED IN AN AGGREGATE GRANT PROGRAM.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a registered lobbyist for Conservation Voters New Mexico.
• To the money that's coming in, at least in the near future.
• If I was a solar or wind producer, I might be in the future, who knows, right?
• My models looked into the future towards energy.
• Absorption of the technology, yeah, and it becomes more common in the future.

Committee: House House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• and conservative members of Congress.
• AND CONSERVATIVE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS.
• , medical research programs, and rural health initiatives.
• DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE MILITARY CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS.
• The families and want to have SNAP programs. No means we don't fund those programs.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 1012, house, all