Transcript Highlights:

• The bill requires our state colleges and universities to adopt active assailant response plans and conduct
• The bill requires our state colleges and universities to adopt active assailant response plans, conduct
• There are 53 K-12 systems in the state that have the Guardian program, and my understanding is that there
• The Guardian program is simply a part of the bill that our state university system and state college
• It's our responsibility to educate our children. It's our responsibility from birth.

Bills: S0118, S0896, S1690, S1756

Keywords: recreational vehicle parks, special assessments, property tax, occupancy rates, commercial assessment, school safety, guardian program, firearms, crimes near schools, security assessments, public postsecondary education, medical freedom, vaccination, ivermectin, healthcare practitioner liability, immunization exemptions

Summary: The committee first took up CS for SB 896, a school safety bill expanding the Guardian program to public postsecondary institutions. The bill requires active assailant response plans, security risk assessments, threat-management protocols, use of the suspicious activity reporting tool, and allows voluntary participation in Guardian for colleges and universities. A late-file amendment by Senator Polsky was adopted to clarify that students who are also employees or faculty are not eligible for Guardian. Members debated campus carry concerns, storage of firearms, and whether the bill could lead to broader gun access on campuses. Several faculty and gun-safety advocates testified against the bill, while supporters argued trained guardians can deter violence. The committee reported the bill favorably by roll call vote. The committee then approved CS for CS for CS for SB 1690 on child care and early learning services. The bill updates child care laws, clarifies regulations, and reduces overregulation of before- and after-school programs. An amendment expanded authority for the Florida Education Foundation to fundraise for early learning from birth to VPK. Testimony was largely supportive, emphasizing affordability, access to quality child care, and relief for working families, though one speaker opposed the bill as an expansion of government. The bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee passed CS for CS for SB 118, which clarifies how non-ad valorem special assessments are applied to recreational vehicle parks and limits the square footage used for assessment purposes to the maximum size of an RV space. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 1220, the Department of Transportation package, which addresses seaport and airport planning, personal delivery devices, autonomous vehicles, advanced air mobility, toll programming, and other transportation-related changes. Amendments modified provisions on personal delivery devices, utility permits, autonomous vehicle penalties, and law-enforcement cruiser lights. Both bills were reported favorably. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1756, the medical freedom bill, which proposes new vaccine information requirements, conscience-based school immunization exemptions, limits on compelled vaccination during public health emergencies, and behind-the-counter access to ivermectin for adults. The sponsor and supporters framed the bill as strengthening informed consent and parental rights, while opponents and some senators raised concerns about vaccine hesitancy, herd immunity, and the inclusion of ivermectin. Public testimony was extensive and sharply divided. The transcript ends during continued testimony and debate on SB 1756, before a final vote is taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• USE OF THE PROGRAM. WHAT PROGRAM? >> HOPE FLORIDA. >> Rep.
• WHAT I WILL SAY IS TO ME IT IS CLEAR THAT THERE WERE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• >> I AM. >> DO THEY RECEIVE STATE CONTRACT?
• ALSO WE ARE OPERATIONAL IN 23 OTHER STATES.
• I BELIEVE WHAT YOU ARE REFERRING TO IS THE HOPE FLORIDA PROGRAM ENGAGING FAMILIES ALL ACROSS THE STATE

Transcript Highlights:

• And like I previously stated, that 287G program is a federal program, and right now it only applies to
• in these programs.
• those 287G programs?
• Can they sign up for one program but not necessarily another type of program?
• You have the jail program, you have the warrant program.

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then read an amended joint proclamation expanding the special session call to include financial penalties for government officials, criminal penalties for offenses committed by illegal aliens, and programs and appropriations to support law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. No committee reports, governor’s messages, or House messages were on the desk before the chamber moved to the special order calendar. The main item was Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 2B, the immigration bill, along with a late-filed strike-all amendment by Senator Gruters. Gruters said the amendment aligned terminology with federal law, increased penalties for crimes by unauthorized aliens, added transnational crime organizations to gang definitions, required stronger participation in the federal 287(g) program, created financial penalties for noncompliance, offered a $1,000 bonus for officers assisting ICE in large operations, directed more information-sharing with federal agencies, and barred DHSMV from issuing licenses or IDs to unauthorized aliens. He framed the bill as supporting President Trump’s immigration agenda and focusing on criminal illegal aliens rather than street-level enforcement. A long question-and-answer period followed, with Senators Polsky, Pizzo, Smith, Jones, Roscoe, Berman, and others pressing the sponsor on scope, legality, costs, and implementation. Questions focused on whether the bill would require participation beyond jails and detention centers, whether schools or churches could be affected, liability and immunity for local agencies, the size and purpose of the proposed appropriations, and the impact on undocumented students receiving in-state tuition waivers. Gruters and Senator Fine said the 287(g) provisions were intended to apply to jails and detention facilities, that green-card holders and lawful residents would not be affected, and that the tuition waiver repeal would end discounted tuition for students in the country illegally while not affecting their ability to attend. Fine also defended the mandatory death penalty provision for certain capital offenses committed by illegal immigrants, acknowledging it would likely be challenged in court but arguing the bill was designed to test and advance the policy. No final vote or other action on the bill is reflected in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to hear what's working with the state, what's not working with the state, and what the State of
• So one of the things is that with dealing with the state representatives and with the state and the state
• We worked with North Dakota State and South Dakota State.
• Our nursing program, we are the only two-year LPN program in the state of tribal colleges in North Dakota
• now to do our online programming, ...take students from other states now to do our online programming

Summary: The Tribal and State Relations Committee met at Standing Rock and heard extensive comments from tribal council members, state legislators, and tribal program leaders about ongoing state-tribal coordination issues. Early discussion focused on the committee’s purpose, the need for better communication, and frustration that the meeting agenda and time allotted did not include enough state department heads or program experts to address child welfare, ICWA, Medicaid, and other human services concerns. Tribal leaders emphasized that Standing Rock wants more direct, regular communication and more practical follow-through from prior meetings. A major theme was health and human services, including concerns that the state’s rural health transformation efforts and human service zone structure do not fit tribal needs, especially for a direct-service tribe that relies on federal funding and Indian Health Service. Members also raised foster care delays, housing shortages that force children off-reservation, substance abuse treatment capacity, and the need for cultural competency in child welfare and education. Other issues included missing and murdered Indigenous people, law enforcement cooperation, extradition and banishment ordinances, cross-deputization, roads, water and sewer infrastructure, census accuracy, and the need for updated lists of tribal liaisons and bills affecting tribes. Economic development and sovereignty issues were also discussed. Standing Rock leaders raised concerns about e-pull-tabs and charitable gaming, saying state regulation has reduced tribal gaming revenue and that e-tabs should be treated as Class III gaming. They also objected to county-issued fireworks and liquor permits that affect reservation communities, arguing that state and county authority often conflicts with tribal sovereignty. In response, legislators said e-tabs and charitable gaming were likely to return as legislative issues and suggested possible solutions such as restricting e-tabs near tribal lands. The committee also discussed the need for more information on tribal-related bills and for legislators to receive cultural and treaty training. Several tribal projects and programs were presented. Joseph McNeil described Sage Development Authority’s 235-megawatt wind project, which is paused because of federal permitting delays, and asked for state support to move it forward. Dave Arshambo described Wojou’s land regeneration, buffalo, food sovereignty, youth, and wellness programs. Later, Cheryl Carey of Sacred Pipe Resource Center introduced the needs of the urban Native population in Bismarck-Mandan and statewide, noting that many Native people live off-reservation and often fall through the cracks in state-tribal discussions. The committee adjourned for lunch and planned to continue with additional presentations afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will oversee the premier trade programs, the market access program, and foreign market development
• Midwest program which uses those funding programs MAP and FMD to support our agricultural producers overseas
• The next one is sugar program is a huge industry in our state.
• Incredibly important businesses. sector for our state, the sugar program is incredibly important and
• Program, the Regional Agribusiness Program. promotional program and the assisting specialty crop exports

Transcript Highlights:

• Named the Educator Group Insurance Program, or EGIP, would provide increased stability across the state
• The state would oversee the program similarly to how they currently oversee SEIP, the state employees
• Importantly, the EGIP program will be modeled after that current state program using the same tiered
• Um, that means I oversee both the SEG program for state employees and their families and PEEP, the public
• Um, that means I oversee both the SEG program for state employees and their families and PEEP, the public

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• . responsibility. responsibility.
• <00:27:14.559> partnership<00:27:15.039> program through our state partnership program
• through our state partnership program partners,<00:27:16.000> Austria,<00:27:16.880> North
• like our state partnership program.
• like our state partnership program.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The caucus of the whole was held as the annual State of the Guard address, featuring Adjutant General Gregory Knight’s remarks to legislators and guests. Knight said this would likely be his final address before retirement and thanked Gold Star families, military survivors, Governor Phil Scott, honorary commanders, legislative leaders, his family, and many Guard and community partners. He emphasized that the Vermont National Guard is a civic institution, not just a military force, and said its strength depends on a strong relationship with the legislature. Knight reviewed several priorities and accomplishments, including regular transparency updates to the governor, legislature, congressional delegation, and force; the creation of the Vermont National Guard and Veterans Caucus; and legislation supporting education, workforce development, benefits, and service members’ families. He highlighted recruiting and retention efforts, including the Prime employer partnership program, which he said now has 40 employer partners and 24 more pending, and argued that Vermont can attract and retain service members by connecting military experience to civilian jobs and education opportunities. He also discussed organizational climate improvements, mental health and prevention staffing, and the need for more providers who accept military patients and Tricare, noting the Howard Center and other health centers are expanding military and veteran care. The address also covered the Guard’s broader role in emergency response, citizenship, diversity, and international partnerships. Knight described recent deployments and state responses to COVID-19, flooding, and other emergencies, explained Guard duty statuses and called for congressional reform to simplify them, and outlined state partnership work with Austria, North Macedonia, and Senegal, as well as related educational and economic initiatives. He recognized numerous Guard members, recruiters, fiscal staff, media partners, and outside collaborators for their contributions. No votes were taken. The meeting concluded with Speaker recognition of Knight’s service and an announcement that the caucus had ended and the House would gavel in shortly afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• But there are people who are still at DHS who had direct responsibility for the child care program who
• Adhering to state and federal regulations governing programs and funding.
• The state is also responsible for provider investigations and audits and has the authority to impose
• <00:10:25.040> for The state is also responsible for The state is also responsible for provider
• And there, we oversaw the CCOP program. Uh, I oversaw licensing for the state.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• University, contracts limiting liability to the state. ...and Minot State University, contracts limiting
• liability to the state.
• In addition, the state is responsible for furniture, computers, and office equipment for judicial chambers
• over to the state.
• or an expanded program.

Summary: The task force reviewed survey results from state agencies on potential statutory revisions, with Levi reporting 70 proposals from 20 agencies and noting that about 33 might become agency pre-file bills. Members discussed the need to share the survey more broadly within higher education and to better coordinate issues involving IT and other cross-agency functions. The task force then heard from the Office of Management and Budget on three topics: concessions, architect/engineering pre-qualification, and legal notices. OMB said the concessions law is outdated and inconsistent with current practice, and suggested a collaborative rewrite to allow best-value evaluation, raise the threshold, and standardize solicitation templates. On architect/engineering pre-qualification, OMB proposed expanding authority beyond current state-agency limits and creating uniform templates. On legal notices, OMB proposed modernizing publication requirements, exploring online and abbreviated notices, and working with newspapers and other stakeholders on technology and accessibility improvements. Members asked about where concession revenues go, whether political subdivisions must follow the same rules, and how to move from discussion to action. The task force agreed to have OMB work with Legislative Council and affected stakeholders to develop bill drafts, and the motion passed unanimously. The University of North Dakota then presented a series of proposed revisions focused on public buildings and procurement. UND asked to rework the definition of construction so routine maintenance and one-for-one replacements over $250,000 would not automatically trigger public-improvement requirements, suggested raising the threshold to $500,000, and asked for more flexibility based on project complexity and risk. UND also proposed changes to public bid advertisements to reflect electronic bidding, revisions to construction manager-at-risk selection criteria, changes to architect/engineer procurement rules, an increase in the direct-hire design threshold, and a higher legislative-consent threshold for privately funded projects. The task force supported having UND work with counsel and OMB to develop bill drafts, and that motion also passed. The Department of Public Instruction concluded with proposed cleanup to credentialing and education statutes. DPI recommended reviewing its credential categories for relevance, possibly transferring credentialing authority to the Education Standards and Practices Board, removing outdated school safety patrol language, clarifying waiver provisions, and updating dyslexia screening reporting requirements so the statute reflects current practice. Members focused mainly on whether the dyslexia reporting requirement should remain, and DPI said the screening itself would continue even if reporting language were revised. No votes were taken on DPI’s suggestions, and the task force recessed after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And what does remain is already, in many instances, already supported by other state or federal programs
• And this is just one option the program gives DOER the discretion to create a program that they see fit
• , should they choose to do a program.
• And so we just... ...to create a program that they see fit, should they choose to do a program.
• We’re a watershed that moves through four different states and all of the western part of our state here

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of energy bills, with much of the discussion focused on offshore wind, battery storage, solar, nuclear study proposals, and a bill to redefine clean energy. Several Barnstable-area legislators and witnesses raised concerns about offshore wind transmission infrastructure near neighborhoods, beaches, and drinking water supplies, and supported bills to create a special commission and increase local input and oversight. In contrast, environmental, consumer, labor, and clean energy groups strongly backed offshore wind expansion bills, arguing that offshore wind lowers long-term costs, improves winter reliability, reduces fossil fuel dependence, supports jobs and local supply chains, and should include wildlife protections, labor standards, and community benefits. Some witnesses and committee members noted that parts of the offshore wind legislation overlap with the Governor’s energy affordability bill, and asked for clarification on which provisions were new versus duplicative. The committee also heard testimony on battery storage and solar legislation. Two student witnesses and several industry representatives supported a bill to study grid battery storage, saying storage can reduce outages, lower peak prices, and improve grid resilience during extreme weather. Witnesses from solar and storage companies supported a broader clean energy transition bill that would expand storage procurement, create a retail-style storage program for distributed batteries, set a 10-gigawatt solar target by 2035, and streamline siting and interconnection. Committee members pressed witnesses on whether these provisions were already included in the Governor’s affordability bill and asked for a section-by-section breakdown of what was new. One witness also urged allowing developers to bond interconnection payments to reduce financing costs. Another major topic was a bill defining clean energy, especially whether existing pumped-storage hydropower should qualify for subsidies or be excluded. Supporters of the bill argued that existing pumped storage should not receive additional ratepayer subsidies because it is already built, can have environmental impacts on rivers and ecosystems, and could cost ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Opponents said pumped storage is an important reliability resource and should remain eligible. The committee also heard testimony on nuclear-energy study bills: some witnesses supported creating a commission to examine nuclear power as a reliable, carbon-free option, while others opposed nuclear study bills and argued that nuclear is costly, unsafe, and inconsistent with the state’s clean energy goals. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This program, as you'll see on the slide, has been wildly successful, and really the state fiscal year
• This program, as you'll see on the slide, has been wildly successful, and really the state fiscal year
• fiscal year 25, we had to pause state fiscal year 25, we had to pause the<00:19:48.320> program
• Thank state great state of Minnesota.
• by the state into this program<01:25:09.199> is<01:25:09.440> paying<01:25:09.679>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Board of Trustees has policy responsibility for system planning, academic programs, fiscal management
• the public safety officers in our state. programs our enrollment declines programs our enrollment declines
• c> education state the program integrates education state the program integrates education Theory
• Over 50,000 youth are involved in our 4-H programs or our other youth programs throughout the state yearly
• Over 50,000 youth are involved in our 4-H programs or our other youth programs throughout the state yearly

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So today we welcome State Treasurer Fiona Ma, who will provide an overview and update on the CHFFA program
• It's important to note that these funds support residency programs across the state, not just those sponsored
• Of these areas, funding for new programs has the potential to provide the biggest bang for the state
• This situation involves two different state entities with two different programs that have a lot of similarities
• It is the only state Graduate Medical Education (GME) program focused exclusively on primary care and

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > direct state programs that provide direct state programs that provide direct subsidies<00:29:22.159
• And that is pushing the responsibility to states and local government.
• And that is pushing the responsibility to states and local government.
• And that is pushing the responsibility to states and local government.
• And that is pushing the responsibility to states and local government.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Increasingly, that burden moves to the state financial assistance programs, including those administered
• state readiness and response plans.
• The department will continue to work with our state and federal agencies in Texas in response to this
• Active planning efforts for a state response, including partnering with the Texas Parks and Wildlife
• devastation could occur in our state, I think we really should be looking at a Texas state response,

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:57:06.000> which<00:57:06.440> though program in the state of which though program in
• The sending district is responsible for 25% of that payment, and then the state is responsible for 75%
• The sending district is responsible for 25% of that payment, and then the state is responsible for 75%
• :37.120> for and then the state is responsible for and then the state is responsible for 75%<01
• He said he feels fairly confident stating that the program is unconstitutional under the state constitution

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 292, which would authorize a governor’s warrant to cover special education aid shortfalls from the education trust fund, and from the general fund if needed, so local school districts would not have to absorb prorated costs or raise local property taxes. Senator Lang said the bill was prompted by a prior $15 million special education funding shortfall caused by higher-than-expected catastrophic aid claims, including more qualifying students and the recent increase in the special education age limit to 22. He emphasized that the bill is intended to ensure the state meets its funding commitment and avoid shifting costs to towns. Members asked about how the bill interacts with House Bill 742 and House Bill 773, including whether the language should be merged or whether the state should fund 100% versus an 80% floor. Lang said he was open to improving the bill and to adding a study committee or performance audit on special education costs, but maintained that the state should not push costs to local taxpayers when it has available funds. The hearing on SB 292 was then closed, with no vote taken. The committee then opened Senate Bill 98, which would extend for five more years a tax credit program for donations to regional career and technical education centers. Senator Waters said the program has been successful in building partnerships between CTE centers and employers, especially through equipment donations that support training and apprenticeships. He cited examples including automotive, marine trades, and advanced manufacturing programs, and said the five-year extension would let lawmakers continue to review whether the incentive is working as intended. Several members questioned whether the credit is effectively a 100% subsidy and how the cap works. Waters and another member explained that the underlying program has an aggregate cap of $500,000 and that credits are prorated if requests exceed that amount; they also said the donations are primarily equipment, not cash. Some members raised concerns about whether businesses could also claim other tax deductions or credits, but the sponsor said the existing structure has been in place for years and has been revisited periodically. No vote was taken during the hearing excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So slide four is an overview of the programs that we have at the Water Development Board that are responsible
• So, but at the end, who in the state of Texas, because I don't know who is ultimately responsible for
• state to better our state going forward.
• enforcement programs.
• So when any state agency finds through their regulatory programs and documents a case of groundwater

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , the impact of the recent floods in on state parks, the game warden's role in response, and how the
• I'm very proud of the response of our game wardens, state park police, state park staff.
• The Texas Farm and Ranchlands Program, our conservation easement program.
• do any emergency response.
• Just this past session, a new bill was passed, which will make the state responsible for all the mobile

Transcript Highlights:

• undermines the key to the whole program: incentive to behave and incentive to engage in programming.
• undermines the key to the whole program: incentive to behave and incentive to engage in programming.
• representative Whitty uh the program representative Whitty uh the program that<00:19:23.760>
• <00:20:17.720> so they want to stay on that program so they want to stay on that program so
• release for years gender responsiveness release for years gender responsiveness was<01:06:50.200

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It is the responsible thing for us to do.
• The state has not reached the 10 percent threshold.
• The state has never had more money in the history of the state.
• The state has never received more money in the history of the state.
• They are ones that match the priorities of the state.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Accountability and Oversight heard ACA 20, the Safe for California Futures Act, a constitutional amendment to strengthen the state’s Budget Stabilization Account (rainy day fund). The authors, Assembly Members Gabriel and Valencia, said the measure would raise the reserve cap from 10% to 20% of General Fund revenues, change how reserve deposits are treated under the Gann limit so deposits would not count against the spending cap until withdrawn, and update eligible debt repayments to include items such as budget loans, Proposition 98 settle-up obligations, and unemployment insurance debt. They emphasized that the proposal was intended to protect schools and core public services and to help California better withstand revenue volatility and future downturns. Committee discussion focused heavily on the technical effects of the measure, especially its interaction with Proposition 98 and the Gann limit. LAO and Department of Finance staff explained that Prop. 98 funding would not be changed directly, that the reserve deposits would be treated as exclusions from the appropriations limit, and that withdrawals would count when spent. Members asked about current reserve levels, mandatory deposits, and whether the measure would create more room for discretionary spending; supporters argued it would simply allow the state to save more in good years, while one member expressed concern that it could function as a slush fund and expand spending opportunities. Several members cited recent budget volatility, record revenues, and the need for stronger reserves, while others stressed that the measure should be understood as a future-oriented savings reform rather than a response to this year’s budget choices. Public testimony was uniformly supportive. California Forward, Elevate California, and the California Chamber of Commerce all backed the proposal, with the Chamber noting support for the policy and highlighting the importance of addressing unemployment insurance debt for small businesses. The chair concluded by thanking the authors, staff, and witnesses, and said ACA 20 was expected to move to the Assembly floor the next day.