Transcript Highlights:

• That was year one of the program.
• Again, that in part is due to better awareness of the program.
• And that's, I think, the challenge of this program.
• And then we have the DEQ Restoration Program, the Ag Department Pipeline Program, the Ag Department Realty
• Program, and then a few miscellaneous dollars.

Summary: The Budget Section met to approve prior minutes and receive a series of budget, revenue, and program updates from OMB, the Tax Department, DOT, DMR, and DPI. OMB reported that general fund revenues through May were about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls, though the biennium is still projected to end with a positive balance. OMB also reviewed oil price and production assumptions, the budget stabilization fund transfer above its cap, Legacy Fund performance, federal grant applications, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting that most of the settlement funds had been deposited but a small amount of accrued interest would require a future deficiency request. The committee then considered Emergency Commission requests. It approved requests for Public Service Commission abandoned mine lands federal authority, an Attorney General FTE and related funding for criminal investigator work tied to the Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. After discussion, the committee also approved DPI’s request for a $500,000 transfer for the food vendor program, despite questions about the program’s savings and cash-flow structure. Later, the Tax Commissioner presented the primary residence credit program, reporting that current biennium costs are expected to exceed the appropriation by about $22 million and explaining how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran credits and the 3% property tax levy cap. The Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board reported strong returns for both funds, and DOT sought and received approval for two flexible fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. DOT also updated members on Highway 85 construction and said remaining flex fund dollars were essentially fully allocated. DMR reported on the abandoned well plugging and site reclamation fund, noting North Dakota’s relatively small orphan well inventory, current and projected fund balances, rising remediation costs, and a possible need to adjust the fund cap in future sessions. Finally, DPI outlined the new integrated formula gap funding program, explaining that it compensates school districts that cannot reach the assumed 60-mill local contribution because of the 3% levy cap; the first year’s gap funding totaled about $1.8 million, with future costs expected to grow.

Transcript Highlights:

• this program for themselves.
• this program for themselves.
• would like to see the IHA program would like to see the IHA program adapted<00:16:41.960> to<
• , could stand to utilize this program, could stand to utilize this program, they<00:17:01.440>
• program for themselves. program for themselves.

Bills: HB1743, HB2122, HB1756, HB1837, HB1729, HB2559

Keywords: owner-builder, exemption, housing crisis, contractor, leasing restrictions, affordable housing, construction, regulations, teacher housing, housing vouchers, teacher retention, Hawaii Department of Education, hard-to-staff schools, housing, first-time home buyers, savings account, tax deductions, homeownership, savings accounts, tax deduction

Summary: The House Housing Committee heard testimony on several housing-related bills. HB 1743 would expand the owner-builder exemption by repealing a leasing restriction and requiring notice when a leased residential structure was built by an unlicensed contractor. Subcontractors Association of Hawaii and the Contractors Licensing Board opposed the bill, warning it could encourage unlicensed contracting and weaken consumer protections, while Hawaii Realtors, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, BIA Hawaii, and others supported it as a way to increase housing flexibility. After questions about whether licensed electrical and plumbing work would still be required, the committee voted to pass HB 1743 with amendments and a defective date. The committee also heard and advanced HB 2122 HD1 on teacher housing, which would create a teacher housing assistance program using vouchers from the teachers housing revolving fund. Testimony included support from the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Housing Hawaii’s Future, the Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus, and individuals, with the Office of Collective Bargaining in opposition and the Department of Education offering comments. The bill was voted out as is. The committee then considered HB 1756 and HB 1837, both updating the individual housing account program to reflect current housing prices; supporters including Housing Hawaii’s Future and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs said the limits were outdated and needed inflation adjustments, and HB 1756 was passed with amendments while HB 1837 was deferred as nearly identical. HB 1729 would disallow the state home mortgage interest deduction for second homes. Hawaii Realtors opposed it, while Housing Hawaii’s Future supported it as a way to prioritize first-time homebuyers and reduce competition from second-home buyers. The chair noted a possible revenue savings estimate and the committee passed the bill with amendments, with several reservations. Finally, HB 2559 would prohibit real estate brokers from marketing residential property to limited exclusive groups of buyers, which the Office of Consumer Protection said needed an enforcement clarification and the Realtors said could affect some legitimate private-listing situations. The chair proposed replacing the outright ban with a disclosure requirement for private listings, and the committee passed HB 2559 with amendments. The hearing then adjourned after the chair thanked members, staff, and the public.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will hear Senate Bill 241, the Healthcare Assistance Program Act, as amended. Mr.
• I mean, they keep wanting more after-school programming money.
• Right now, our student loan repayment program is not competitive.
• Right now, our student loan repayment program is not competitive.
• And then we have an existing program called the Economic Transition Program.

Bills: SB241, SB145

Keywords: child care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, early childhood education, early childhood care, daycare, preschool, pre-K, Head Start, Early Head Start, Children's Code, early childhood education and care department, ECECD, child care facilities, licensed child care, registered child care, copayments, waitlist, subsidy, federal poverty level

Transcript Highlights:

• One, it creates this institute and also creates a pilot program—excuse me— It also creates a pilot program—excuse
• programs. ...pipeline funds, which reward excellence nursing programs, to be used for healthcare industry-related
• programs, ensuring funds are directed to critical workforce needs.
• It's in a specific program.
• For example, the College Reach-Out Program, in which we're changing the College Reach-Out Program to

Summary: The committee took up a series of bills and amendments, reporting several measures favorably. Early in the meeting, CS for CS for SB 344 modernizing the Telecommunications Access System Act was approved without opposition. The committee then adopted amendments and passed CS for SB 714 on non-opioid advanced directives, CS for SB 738 updating child care and early learning provider regulation, CS for SB 756 revising health insurance coverage for individuals with developmental disabilities, and CS for CS for SB 1356 creating a Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU and a newborn genetic testing pilot. Later, the committee also approved CS for SB 1624 on higher education, CS for SB 1626 on child welfare, SB 178 on an agronomic study for emerging crops, SB 1162 on water access facilities and boat ramp parking, CS for CS for SB 958 creating a type 1 diabetes early detection program, CS for CS for SB 1402 expanding dropout retrieval eligibility, SB 774 requiring electronic transmission of certain court orders, SB 1516 creating an international aerospace innovation fund, and SB 994 revising driver education requirements. Most of these bills were reported favorably by roll call votes after brief explanations and, in several cases, amendments. Several measures drew substantive discussion and public testimony. CS for CS for SB 1624 prompted questions about replacing “minority” with “underrepresented,” the role of the Florida Department of Education’s Commission for Independent Education in overseeing private religious postsecondary institutions, and whether the changes could affect access for students at institutions such as FAMU and FIU. CS for CS for SB 1070 on ECGs for student athletes received extensive emotional testimony from parents and advocates describing children lost to sudden cardiac arrest and urging mandatory screenings; the sponsor said the bill would be cost-neutral for districts by encouraging partnerships with screening groups. SB 994 on driver education was discussed as a vehicle to add distracted driving instruction, and the sponsor agreed to work on that issue. SB 774 was presented as a response to a fatal delay in transmitting an ex parte order, with support from clerks and sheriffs. The most extended debate centered on SB 810 on stormwater management systems. The sponsor said the bill, as amended, would narrow annual inspections to infrastructure identified as vulnerable by MS4 entities, but the Florida League of Cities, Florida Association of Counties, and Florida Stormwater Association warned the proposal could impose major costs and duplicate existing MS4 permit requirements. Committee members questioned the fiscal impact, whether the bill would apply to FDOT or other entities, and whether annual inspections were feasible for large and small jurisdictions alike. Despite those concerns, the sponsor and several members emphasized flood prevention and public safety, and the bill remained under discussion with the sponsor indicating continued willingness to work with stakeholders.

Transcript Highlights:

• up doing better as a result of the program.
• We also have a community reintegration program that just started back in June.
• We've been doing a program called Meta-24 with them.
• I'm not really— we're trying to develop some of our own programs.
• They don't have any options, don't have any other programs there.

Summary: The Senate and House Joint Committee on Children and Youth approved the December 10 minutes and confirmed Representative Mary Bentley to the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee. The committee then heard the annual Arkansas Infant and Child Death Review report, which said the state reviewed 148 of 170 non-natural child deaths in 2023; the reviewed deaths included 69 accidents, 14 suicides, 18 homicides, and 47 undetermined causes. Members asked about how the report’s recommendations could be used, grant opportunities tied to prevention work, and whether the data could be broken down by age; presenters said the report is intended as a prevention tool for agencies and nonprofits and that some age detail is available in later pages of the report. The committee next took up HCR 1010 and then a broader discussion of juvenile justice reform. Senator Missy Irvin, judges, and Administrative Office of the Courts staff described Arkansas’s use of validated risk assessments, including SAVRY, the Ohio Youth Assessment Tool, MAYSI, and substance-abuse screening, as part of a long-running effort to reduce juvenile incarceration and tailor services to individual youth and families. They said the reforms have contributed to fewer delinquency filings, fewer DYS commitments, and more diversions, while also emphasizing that mental health, substance abuse, school issues, and trauma often drive juvenile court involvement. Several members raised concerns about data gaps, school collaboration, and whether community-based services are sufficient, and presenters said more shared data and stronger school use of safety dashboards could help intervene earlier. Division of Youth Services Director Michael Crump then presented custody, education, recidivism, and cost data. He said DYS commitments rose after the pandemic, secure residential populations remain high, and detention-center use increased when intake beds filled; he also noted that DYS pays about $320 per day for secure custody and that detention beds cost roughly $90 to $100 per day. Crump said most youth in custody are older teens, about 80 percent are male, and many have behavioral-health needs or educational deficits; he reported 222 GEDs and 102 high school diplomas over six years. He also said about 15 to 19 percent of youth return to DYS within three years and that a larger share later enter the Department of Corrections, while members pressed him on how assessments relate to commitments, how low-risk cases are handled, and how to improve mental health and substance-abuse services statewide.

Transcript Highlights:

• of be that if you were in this program, um, be that if you were in this program, um, LBA<00:16:26.000
• ,<00:18:01.919> we paragraph 4, the EFA program, we paragraph 4, the EFA program, we currently
• The pro the the program is already open. The pro the the program is already open.
• program and they couldn't previously program and they couldn't previously because<00:30:32.880> the
• I program for these particular students?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:58.240> you're requirements for the BSN program you're requirements for the BSN program
• curriculum in each one of those programs curriculum in each one of those programs for<00:09:46.399
• <00:10:45.839> would Pro this bill passes this program would Pro this bill passes this program
• Of course, they had a professor to teach that program.
• <00:45:41.119> that impact um some of the programming that impact um some of the programming

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 305, which would clarify and expand a healthcare workforce bill to explicitly include physician assistants and dietitians in efforts to address shortages, especially in rural areas. Rep. Fleming said the change was intended to help with Medicaid-related needs such as diabetes care and noted a decline in dietitian internship applications. Rep. Roarx supported the bill, emphasizing the value of dietitians in helping patients make practical nutrition changes. The bill received a unanimous favorable expression, 14-0, and was reported to the House floor. The committee then considered House Bill 427, which would create statewide 60-credit-hour transfer pathways for high-demand bachelor’s degree programs under the Council on Postsecondary Education. Rep. Grossl explained the bill is meant to prevent students from losing major credit when transferring between KCTCS and four-year institutions, using nursing as an example. Questions focused on rigor, dual credit, how high-demand programs would be selected, and the July 1, 2026 implementation date; the sponsor said CPE and faculty would map curricula and align standards. The Kentucky Student Rights Coalition testified in support, saying the bill would help students complete degrees faster and make credits count toward majors. HB 427 also passed unanimously, 14-0, with favorable expression. The committee then took up House Bill 424, as amended by a committee substitute. Rep. Tipton said the substitute removed language allowing up to six-year contracts and instead set up a process for four-year contracts and periodic performance reviews for faculty, including presidents, at public postsecondary institutions. He said the bill is intended to give universities clearer authority to remove underperforming employees and be more efficient with taxpayer dollars. Several faculty witnesses opposed the bill, arguing it would erode tenure protections, create arbitrary performance standards, and harm recruitment, retention, and academic freedom. The committee adopted the substitute and heard testimony, but no final vote on HB 424 is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• registration program is very Pro<00:34:44.040> business<00:34:44.760> and<00:34:44.960
• program for rental passenger<00:40:00.319> vehicle<00:40:00.599> fleets<00:40:01.000><
• once enrolled in the the in the program once enrolled in the program<00:40:24.240> they<00:40
• they will annually submit a program they will annually submit a current<00:40:25.960> certificate
• We're talking about a brand-new program, and I don't see DMV in the room.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But another places using capital improvement dollars for things like positions, for programming, for
• the art in public places program the art in public places program supported<00:43:54.400> by<
• These programs help parents.
• the program with arts for our Kiki, and doesn't want to see a reduction.
• This is the Summer Streets pilot program bill.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees first heard House Bill 229, which would establish a statewide speed restriction for motor vehicles under certain circumstances. Testimony on the bill was limited and came in support from the City and County of Honolulu’s transportation services, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. No one testified in opposition, and there were no questions. The committees then took up House Bill 860, which would grant immunity from liability to the state or counties when they repair or maintain a street whose ownership or jurisdiction is disputed between them. The Department of Transportation and the Department of Land and Natural Resources submitted written testimony, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee, Hawaii County Council member Heather Kimble, and the Iolani Homestead Community Association for Justice testified in support. The Ho Association for Justice opposed the bill, arguing the immunity was too broad and that the issue had already been addressed by prior legislation. In discussion, members raised concerns about liability and asked whether a different approach, such as extending the 2017 law transferring Oahu roads in limbo to the counties, would be acceptable; county representatives said that path could be considered if immunity were removed. House Bill 1161, which would authorize counties to use a road usage charge mechanism similar to the state’s, drew support from the Department of Transportation, the Energy Office, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, several county and city offices, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. Rental car companies and industry groups supported the concept but asked for amendments, including a flat fee instead of a per-mile charge, relief for plug-in hybrid vehicles, and a delayed implementation date. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii also supported relief for hybrids. Members questioned the rental car representatives about the flat-fee proposal, and they said a per-mile charge would be difficult to calculate and pass on to customers. At the end of the joint agenda, the committees deferred decision-making on HB 1161 to Tuesday, March 18 at 3:00 p.m., and the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee also deferred the three measures to that date and time. The Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee then began hearing House Bill 925, which would create a Performing Arts Special Fund, and House Bill 1378, which would establish a Performing Arts Grants Program and Special Fund and revise the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ responsibilities and funding sources. HB 925 received support from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and written support or comments from DBEDT, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, and others. HB 1378 drew extensive testimony and discussion focused on preserving arts funding while addressing concerns about the use of Works of Art Special Fund dollars for positions and programming. The Governor’s office said it supported the intent but had concerns; the Attorney General warned that the bill’s cap and transfer provisions were unclear and could affect the tax-exempt status of bond-funded dollars; and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts opposed the measure, urging an audit, tracking of deposits, and a shift of positions and programs to general funds instead of changing the law. The chair explained that the bill was intended to protect arts funding while tightening the legal guardrails around bond-financed dollars and preserving federal support, and asked testimony to focus on new points as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• um we do Financial audits we do program um we do Financial audits we do program evaluations<00:32
• we're about to discuss the program we're about to discuss the program evaluations<00:48:55.799><
• Do they have a similar program?
• then go look and see is the program then go look and see is the program Meeting<00:58:33.200>
• Meeting those goals is the program Meeting those goals is the program measuring<00:58:35.160>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met on January 16, 2025, for an organizational and informational session. Members and staff introduced themselves, and Chair Jim Nash reviewed committee expectations, including that nonpartisan staff are to be used for factual information rather than political arguments. He also noted the committee rules were a blend of prior chairs’ rules and would be posted without a vote. Helen Roberts of House Fiscal gave a high-level overview of the committee’s jurisdiction and budget structure. She explained that the State Government Finance Committee oversees funding for major administrative agencies, the legislature, constitutional offices, and several boards, councils, and commissions. She emphasized that the committee’s general fund base for fiscal years 2026-27 is about $1.31 billion, less than 2% of the state general fund, and that the largest pieces are the Department of Revenue, the legislature, and pension aids. She also described how all-funds presentations differ from general fund views, highlighting internal service funds such as Minnesota IT Services, Department of Administration services, and other chargeback or reimbursement arrangements. Members asked questions about House and Senate budgets, debt service related to the Capitol Area building project and move costs, and how Minnesota IT Services is funded through fee-for-service chargebacks. Colby Sullivan of House Research then summarized a memo in the packet that outlines the entities within the committee’s jurisdiction and the constitutional and statutory provisions governing them. He pointed members to the memo as a reference and noted that the committee also has jurisdiction over the Legislative Coordinating Commission, the legislative auditor, the legislative reference library, the reviser of statutes, the Secretary of State’s budget and certain duties, and three gambling-related agencies, though gambling policy itself is generally handled by another committee. He offered to help members with bill drafting and amendments and to provide a linked electronic version of the memo. The Office of the Legislative Auditor then began an overview of its work. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall explained that the office is nonpartisan, serves all 201 legislators, and provides oversight through financial audits, program evaluations, and special reviews focused on state funds. She distinguished the Legislative Auditor from the State Auditor, noting that the State Auditor is an elected constitutional officer who focuses on county and local government funds. Randall said the office would also present a deep dive into its November performance audit of the Minnesota State Lottery. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• County is absolutely an amazing program County is absolutely an amazing program that<01:25:56.840>
• They do need this program. We have a lot of people living in Twin City. They do need this program.
• She was at the nursing program.
• I recruited her from the nursing program into the PACE program, and ever since she stayed in the program
• > page her from the nurs program into the page her from the nurs program into the page program

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Honu program itself has been ... We're not arguing the program.
• <00:30:31.919> Jun's<00:30:32.320> program Scott's program Jun's program Scott's program
• programs to our communities. Ask them. programs to our communities. Ask them.
• program? program? >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Sure.
• program specifics that were impacted. program specifics that were impacted.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First, I'll note that we're not asking to fund a new program or new work.
• First I'll note that we're not asking to fund a new program or new work.
• We are actually the program that is going to be running that eviction diversion program in Compton, so
• and the Courts of Appeal Program.
• Jonathan Roberts from Central California Appellate Program.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee heard presentations on the Office of the State Public Defender, statewide public defense workloads, legal aid funding, and Judicial Branch operations. OSPD requested permanent funding for positions that had been temporarily funded to implement the Racial Justice Act, explaining that the workload has become ongoing and now includes additional Supreme Court briefing, habeas proceedings, investigations, expert analysis, and data work. The State Public Defender also presented findings from the California Public Defense Workload and Staffing Report, which concluded that county public defense systems are structurally understaffed, lack sufficient investigators and support staff, and operate without statewide standards; members discussed the need for phased state funding, rural recruitment, and the impact of recent policy changes such as Prop. 36. In the legal aid panel, advocates and a Los Angeles Superior Court judge described severe unmet civil legal needs, especially in eviction defense, homelessness prevention, domestic violence, and immigration detention cases, and requested a $50 million increase to the Equal Access Fund, $20 million to restart homelessness prevention services, and $10 million for health care access services, along with additional targeted investments from the California Access to Justice Commission. The committee also asked for follow-up information on services, outreach, and funding losses, including reduced federal support and the scale of the justice gap. For the Judicial Branch, the Judicial Council and trial court representatives supported the Governor’s proposed budget, including a $70 million increase for trial court operations, $21.7 million for employee health and retirement costs, additional funding for appellate counsel and case processing, and courthouse construction and facilities funding. They said the money is needed to offset inflation, supply costs, and staffing retention problems, and to preserve access to justice through timely case processing and remote proceedings. Senators raised concerns about interpreter shortages, the difficulty of hiring staff interpreters for less common languages, and the lack of a midyear process for courts to request more language-access funding; Judicial Council staff said they reallocate interpreter funds among courts and continue to work on recruitment. The committee also pressed the branch and the Department of Finance on courthouse facilities needs, noting that the long-term backlog is far larger than the current budget can address; Finance said the estimated need discussed previously was about $22.5 billion to start 68 projects and $29.4 billion to complete the remaining projects. No votes were taken during the hearing, but members requested follow-up materials and additional budget information.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Health Professions and Program Subcommittee will come to order, and Nola, please call the roll.
• Council, provide us a briefing on the Florida Rare Disease Council, Pediatric Rare Disease Grant Program
• , and the Sunshine Genetics Act Pilot Program.
• , and finally, the Sunshine Genetics newborn whole genome sequencing pilot program.
• That group is charged with executing the pilot program and fostering collaboration.

Summary: The Health Professions and Program Subcommittee met with a quorum present and received a briefing from Melissa Jordan, Assistant Deputy Secretary for Health and chair of the Florida Rare Disease Advisory Council (ARDAC). Jordan explained that rare diseases affect fewer than 200,000 people each individually, but together impact an estimated 2.3 million Floridians. She reviewed ARDAC’s structure, its three subcommittees, and its 2025 legislative report recommendations, which focused on expanding Florida-specific data, disaster preparedness, state agency coordination, insurance oversight, provider education, faster diagnostic tools, research collaboration, and establishing centers of excellence. She also highlighted ARDAC’s work with other states and its effort to build an online repository of resources for families and providers. Jordan discussed the Andrew John Anderson Pediatric Rare Disease Grant Program, funded at $500,000 annually, which supported research awards at Florida State University and the University of Miami in 2024 and another University of Miami project in 2025. She also described House Bill 907 and the Sunshine Genetics Act pilot program, which created the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU and a newborn whole-genome sequencing pilot to screen volunteer infants for hundreds of conditions beyond traditional newborn screening. The institute will include research, training, clinical care, a diagnostic lab, genome editing capacity, and a sequencing pilot overseen by a board, consortium, and steering committee. Members asked about interstate collaboration, the scope of data collection beyond Medicaid, how the council reduces family financial burdens, how families and providers can learn about available resources, and how ARDAC measures effectiveness. Jordan said Florida has learned from other states’ survey-based approaches and instead is using administrative data sources such as Medicaid, hospitalizations, emergency department visits, birth and death certificates, with more clinical data to be added over time. She said success is tracked through annual reports, ongoing work plans, and quarterly research reports that measure progress, patient enrollment, treatment outcomes, and potential follow-on funding. The meeting concluded after the presentation and questions, and the subcommittee adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• and nearly $5.5 billion when combined with the ASES and other programs.
• This investment has improved The ASES and other programs.
• After-school programs are essential for working families. Existing investment.
• helped me—programs that provide mentorship, purpose, and real opportunities to grow.
• providing robust programming.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard a full agenda of bills focused on school health, funding, expanded learning, special education, bilingual teacher pipelines, regional representation, and student mental health. AB 2651, by Assembly Member Bonta, would require schools to notify parents when school vaccination rates fall below herd immunity thresholds; supporters said it would give families timely, school-specific information, while opponents raised privacy, stigma, and administrative burden concerns. The bill passed the committee on a 7-1 vote after amendments. AB 2509 would add a five-year rolling average option for calculating funded average daily attendance; the author said it would stabilize school funding amid attendance declines, and the bill passed 7-2. AB 2430 would expand after-school and expanded learning access, especially for high school students, and passed 9-0 after testimony about youth mentorship and program gaps. AB 2526 would expand the low-incidence special education funding category to include students eligible for the California alternate assessment; supporters said it would better align funding with student need, and it passed 9-0. The committee also approved AB 2325, a bilingual teacher pipeline bill creating competitive grants for local partnerships among school districts, community colleges, and universities to recruit and train bilingual teachers. Supporters emphasized the shortage of bilingual educators and the value of multilingual instruction; the bill passed 9-0 after a vote change. AB 2460, presented by Assembly Member Pellerin for Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez, would update school referral protocols to address student mental health needs related to immigration enforcement and family deportation trauma; the bill passed 9-0. The consent calendar, including AB 2324 and AB 2429, also passed unanimously. AB 2404, which would have required at least one Central Valley representative on several governor-appointed bodies including the State Board of Education, drew the most debate. Supporters argued the Central Valley is underrepresented on statewide boards and deserves a voice; opponents said the bill could create geographic quota problems and that board appointments should balance expertise and statewide representation. The committee did not advance the bill, and it failed on a 2-5 vote. Several bills were pulled or not heard, including AB 1644, AB 2362, and AB 2197.

Transcript Highlights:

• period of the go north program period of the go north program how<00:16:01.199> many<00:16
• So again, always happy to talk about these programs.
• We will scholarship programs last year.
• Well, we this year from the program?
• scholarship programs. scholarship programs. >> Very<00:30:50.559> good.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on February 20, 2026, first approving the minutes and then adopting the consent calendar as amended, with item 26045 removed for separate consideration. The committee then heard item 26045 from the Department of Health and Human Services on the Real Health Transformation Grant for Go North. HHS explained that the first-year award is $204 million, with most funds passed through to Go North and only limited administrative and audit costs retained by HHS. Members asked about staffing, procurement, the program’s spending plan, and whether future grant amounts would be fixed. HHS said Go North will administer the grants, staffing is expected to be about 20 positions, procurements will be competitive, and future awards will depend on federal review of performance and spending. The commissioner said the money is intended to create transformative changes that must be sustainable after the grant period. The committee then approved the item. The committee next took up regular calendar item 26041 from HHS and adopted it without discussion. It also approved two adjusted items on tab 11, FIS26028 and FIS26029. Item 26027 from the Department of Transportation was adopted as well. Item 26034 from the Department of Corrections was withdrawn, and members noted that any request for new overtime money would be closely scrutinized, especially given the tight budget and the need to explain how existing salary funds were being used. Committee staff said they would follow up with Corrections on vacancy rates, available funds, and other class lines and provide answers to the committee. The committee then received audit presentations on the state’s college savings plans, including the Unique College Investing Plan and the Fidelity Advisor 529 Plan. Auditors reported clean opinions, no material weaknesses, no audit adjustments, and no unadjusted items requiring reporting. The State Treasurer said the plans are performing well, now total more than $32 billion in assets under management, and are expected to generate about $20 million in revenue this year, with the proceeds supporting scholarship programs for low-income students. The committee placed the audits on file and released them in the usual manner. In other business, members set the next Fiscal Committee meeting for Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the second transfer for the program.
• with the used tire program.
• Some new people will come into the program.
• It's not possible with any program.
• They're not the traditional Forest Legacy Program funds.

Summary: The committee met to consider a series of appropriation, reserve transfer, and grant requests. Early items included temporary appropriations for the Department of Education’s Educational Freedom Account program ($32 million), the State Crime Lab ($476,000), and DFA Assessment Coordination ($90,000), along with a $1 ARPA return from the Department of Health. The committee approved these items after brief questions, including a discussion about contract cost increases at Assessment Coordination and a clarification that the $1 ARPA item was simply an unused-funds return. The most extensive discussion centered on the Department of Education’s EFA funding. Members questioned the growth in participation, the use of one-time funds and restricted reserves, and safeguards against fraud or improper purchases. Agency officials said about 44,000 students were being funded, that purchases are reviewed and flagged for unusual activity, and that homeschool students are not required to buy a curriculum so long as purchases are eligible and approved. The committee approved the EFA appropriation and related reserve transfer, and officials said the governor’s proposed budget would include the program in the RSA going forward. The committee also approved a DHS reallocation request and reviewed a building authority loan for a data center power supply replacement. In the federal grant section, members discussed a Department of Agriculture request for Central Arkansas Water to acquire land in the Maumelle watershed. Debate focused on the environmental benefits versus local property-tax and development concerns in Perry County, with testimony from the agency, Central Arkansas Water, and Potlatch about watershed protection, public access, and potential development impacts. After extended discussion, the committee adopted a motion to defer the item to the full Legislative Council and asked the department to remove the Perry County portion from the request, limiting the grant-funded purchase to Pulaski County property. The committee then reviewed remaining items, including a Veterans Affairs pay-plan appropriation, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• known as the IDD pilot program, that was established in 2023.
• Participation in the pilot program is completely voluntary.
• They would return to a comparable waiver program.
• liaison provides the voice and direction of the program.
• I think it is a good program that we're setting up.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met with a quorum and considered a series of bills, most of them receiving favorable reports. SB 132, as amended, would require the Department of Financial Services to contract for a study on whether Florida should recognize gold and silver as legal tender; an amendment advanced the report deadline to December 1, 2025, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1050, also amended, expands the intellectual and developmental disabilities managed care pilot program statewide, emphasizes that enrollment is voluntary, adds transparency and reporting requirements for APD, creates a statewide family care council, and requires related studies and coordination; it was reported favorably after supportive testimony about reducing the APD wait list. SB 820 codifies the Office of Faith and Community in the Governor’s office, and the bill drew extended debate over church-state separation and concerns about political activity by the office; despite opposition from several senators, it was reported favorably. SB 1060 creates a joint legislative oversight committee for Medicaid financing and operations, with supporters citing the size of the program and the need for stronger legislative review; it passed favorably. SB 7032 presumes Medicaid eligibility for permanently disabled individuals receiving certain long-term services during redetermination, to prevent gaps in care, and was reported favorably with broad support. SB 12, a claim bill for a minor injured in a DCF-related case, was also reported favorably without opposition. The committee also approved several infrastructure and tax-related measures. SJR 318 proposes an ad valorem exemption for certain tangible personal property used in agriculture or agritourism, such as equipment and tractors, and was reported favorably with support from agricultural and business groups. SB 818, as amended, revises utility relocation funding for public road and rail projects, shifting the financing structure after constitutional concerns were raised and adding a $50 million grant program; it passed after discussion of the impact on local governments and utilities. SB 1348 modernizes DMV services through tax collectors, adds a distracted driving course option, bans appointment scalping, and extends certain disabled parking permit terms; it was reported favorably. SB 1664 requires voter reapproval of local taxes, including tourist development taxes and local option sales taxes, when they expire, with special rules for taxes tied to revenue bonds; it drew significant debate over impacts on tourism-dependent counties and was reported favorably despite opposition from some members and local government groups. SB 1050, SB 820, SB 1060, SB 7032, SB 12, SJR 318, SB 818, SB 1348, and SB 1664 all received favorable committee votes, and the meeting ended with final missed-vote requests and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows the compliance programs.
• ,<01:09:07.920> they're activity of the program, they're activity of the program, they're
• that administers the Medicaid program. that administers the Medicaid program.
• much fraud we are seeing in the program. much fraud we are seeing in the program.
• We want program integrity.

Bills: HF3423, HF2354, HF3634

Keywords: healthcare, provider enrollment, medical assistance, legislation, state funds, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, service verification, Medicaid, human services, electronic documentation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• program that they did for several years. program that they did for several years.
• And even if there are youth programs or programs for kids to be involved with, uh, when we talk about
• And even if there are youth programs or programs for kids to be involved with, uh, when we talk about
• And I would like to see more grants for the mentoring, more grants for programs like our Explorer program
• was probably the best retention program was probably the best retention program that<00:56:37.480

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity convened its first meeting of the 2026 interim, established a quorum, and introduced staff and a summer student intern. The chair explained that the commission’s first topic would be crime, public safety, violence prevention, and mentoring, and invited the police chiefs of Lexington, Louisville, and Bowling Green to discuss how the legislature could help them do their jobs more effectively. The chiefs described a shift in policing from a more enforcement-only approach to community policing built on relationships, trust, and prevention. They said community engagement and mentorship are central to reducing violence, and cited examples such as community engagement teams, youth programs, and efforts to build trust through regular presence in neighborhoods. Louisville’s chief said the department’s community engagement work has helped improve homicide solvability, while Bowling Green’s chief emphasized that juvenile crime and stolen guns are major concerns and that the state cannot arrest its way out of the problem. All three stressed that policing depends on cooperation with residents, prosecutors, and courts. Members then asked about recruiting officers who reflect the communities they serve. The chiefs said successful recruitment depends on personal relationships, officers serving as ambassadors, and reaching people through community presence rather than only traditional ads. Bowling Green described junior police academy and cadet programs that begin with youth and often lead to hiring, while Lexington said it uses social media, a community police academy, and outreach to keep local residents in the profession. They also said character matters more than background and that officers should be embedded in the neighborhoods they serve. A final exchange focused on immigrant and refugee communities and fear of police. The chiefs said they are trying to reduce fear through community police academies, multilingual outreach, neighborhood meetings, and clear communication that local police do not enforce civil immigration detainers. Louisville said it has marked SWAT vehicles more clearly and works with community organizations to spread accurate information. The chiefs repeatedly emphasized that their role is to keep people safe, protect constitutional rights, and make sure residents feel able to call 911 when they need help.