Transcript Highlights:

• the program's perspective, right, we we were asked to implement this program to help drive down the rates
• than from the program's perspective or like that salmon trying to go upstream, meaning the in the the rates
• The rates were low enough that we need to put, you know, some debt on the books and gift for to do that
• Rates say in comparison to office of Insurance Regulation, our chairman. And >> so what?
• I believe so. >> Thank you, Mister Chair and thank you for response on the rate making information being

Transcript Highlights:

• What is the job placement rate? What are the salaries? Which are in greatest need?
• Our Associate in Nursing NCLEX pass rate is 92.45%, and we've had 100% job placement.
• Associate in Science and Dental Hygiene: the dental hygiene national board exam pass rate is 100% for
• The State of Florida EMT Paramedic State Board Exam pass rate is 85%, and we've had 81% job placement
• And so of those 5,000 students, our placement rate in Pinellas from Pinellas Technical College across

Summary: The Higher Education Appropriations Committee met for its first meeting of the session and heard presentations focused on workforce education in the Florida College System and district technical colleges. Members introduced themselves and discussed their personal connections to higher education, then heard from Department of Education senior chancellor Kevin O’Farrell, South Florida State College president Fred Hawkins, and Pinellas Technical College representative Mark Hunt. O’Farrell outlined the department’s budget request, including increases for adult education, Florida College System program funds, workforce development capitalization grants, apprenticeship and teacher apprenticeship programs, Open Door scholarships, and CAPE industry certification funding. He emphasized record growth in enrollments, completions, dual enrollment, and program offerings, and described grant-funded expansion in fields such as health sciences, manufacturing, logistics, aerospace, and AI-related programs. Committee members raised concerns about whether current programs match actual labor-market demand, how artificial intelligence may reduce future human labor needs in some fields, and how the state should avoid unwarranted duplication of programs. O’Farrell said the department uses economic forecasts, employer demand data, and a CTE audit process to review programs and phase out those that do not meet performance thresholds. Members also asked for more detail on the teacher apprenticeship model, the transition from technical college clock hours to college credit, job placement and salary outcomes, and the LPN-to-RN pathway. O’Farrell said he would provide additional information later. Hawkins described South Florida State College’s rural service area, low college-going rates, and difficulty recruiting and retaining faculty and staff because salaries lag behind local market alternatives and nearby school district pay. He said the college has had to turn away students in high-demand programs due to staffing and operational limits, while also noting strong outcomes in nursing, dental hygiene, EMT/paramedic, and radiography. Hunt said Pinellas Technical College serves about 5,000 students annually, including many dual-enrolled high school students, and reported a placement rate above 90% and strong local economic returns. He said many programs have waiting lists and that additional operational funding is needed to meet demand, maintain equipment, and keep pace with salary and cost increases. The meeting ended after public comment was opened and no further business was brought before the committee, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Their last FMAR indicates that they're maintaining their investments to a 76 percent performance rating
• Our current vacancy rate right now is 91 percent, so we're at 51 out of 56.
• It is rated as one of the number one items to move forward and to continue to bring to the council so
• Then, scrolling down a little on the next page to the FMAR ratings, we have increased again.
• So there's communication at the district, but then there's also the time we usually see a lower rating

Transcript Highlights:

• We hope that continues, but we also hope that it continues at a, at a stronger growth rate.
• This growth rate is below 5%, which is difficult to keep up with inflation and maybe make the larger
• give or take a couple of years, and we're still on that trajectory even with prices at their current rate
• So the, the royalty rate increases, as you know, of course, only on new leases.
• more and you need to continue drilling to maintain production or actually drill at an accelerating rate

Transcript Highlights:

• Officer suicide rates, but to date, their fellow first responders in fire and EMS have not had access
• And fire and EMS suicide rates are nearly double that of the general population.
• than amounts generally billed by the hospital or 50% higher than the hospital's lowest contracted rate
• Billed charges refer to this charge master list, and frequently insurers pay rates that are as low as
• rate, which can be significantly less than the billed charges.

Bills: HB35, HB138, HB754, HB1314, HB1612, HB2254, HB2510, HB2789, HB3560, HB3597, HB4224, HB4273, HB4643, HB4783, HB138

Keywords: peer support, first responders, mental health, confidentiality, emergency services, health impact analysis, cost analysis, coverage mandates, health insurance, legislative analysis, health care data, human trafficking, trafficking prevention, medical assistant training, health care facilities, hospital compliance, clinic compliance, anti-retaliation, whistleblower protection, employee reporting

Transcript Highlights:

• The building was rented out at a whopping rate of $1 per year for a 20-year lease period.
• Texas leads the nation in maternal mortality, in pregnancy sepsis rates, and in infant deaths.
• Um, uh, Roe returned in 2022, the maternal mortality rates in Texas increased by 33%.
• Yes, and while the national rate decreased by 7.5%, is that the data you're familiar with as well?
• The rates are even more dramatic, where black women saw maternal mortality rates go from 31%, 31.6% to

Bills: SB 6, SB 11, SB 33

Keywords: electric power, interconnection, utilities, ERCOT, large load customers, water supply, sewer service, demand management, school prayer, Bible reading, religious text, public schools, Texas Education Code, student prayer, silent prayer, meditation, religious liberty, First Amendment, Establishment Clause, church and state

Transcript Highlights:

• The building was rented out at a whopping rate of $1.5 million per year for a 20-year lease period.
• Texas leads the nation in maternal mortality in pregnancy, sepsis rates, and in infant deaths.
• The maternal mortality rates in Texas increased by 33%. Is that your data? Yes.
• And while the national rate decreased by 7.5%, is that the data you're familiar with? with as well.
• For women, the rates are even more dramatic, where Black women saw maternal mortality rates go from 31.6

Bills: SB6, SB11, SB33

Keywords: electric power, interconnection, utilities, ERCOT, large load customers, water supply, sewer service, demand management, school prayer, Bible reading, religious text, public schools, Texas Education Code, student prayer, silent prayer, meditation, religious liberty, First Amendment, Establishment Clause, church and state

Transcript Highlights:

• Because it's a higher tax rate. We taxed a higher amount. We taxed it a higher amount. Follow-up?
• So you said that the wine tax rate is what we would propose for the THC beverages at $2.25 a gallon.
• But I believe spirits are taxed at a higher rate, but we would be potentially only a less.
• Rate, but we would be potentially only allowing this in locations that sell spirits.
• We don't want to have to be in a position to raise the millage rate.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard a lengthy agenda of bills, with the chair limiting public testimony to about one minute per speaker. Early action included passage of HB 203, which allows certain counties to opt back into transportation concurrency, as amended to narrow the bill to small counties. The committee also favorably reported CS/HB 43, allowing renters to reuse tenant screening reports for 30 days, and HB 897, a timeshare-related strike-all that clarified timeshare governance provisions and annual board meeting requirements. The committee then approved HJR 1,215, proposing a constitutional amendment to eliminate tangible personal property tax for farmers and agricultural businesses, with support from agriculture and business groups. A major portion of the meeting focused on the committee’s hemp package. Members discussed the committee bill PCB for HAT-25-01, which would create a regulatory framework for hemp-derived intoxicating products, including licensing, packaging and labeling restrictions, testing, and sales limitations. Testimony was mixed: industry representatives and distributors generally supported regulation but urged changes on branding, packaging, milligram limits, and sales locations; convenience store and petroleum marketers opposed restrictions that would exclude gas stations; and consumer-safety and addiction advocates supported tighter controls, including bans on synthetics, online sales, and child-appealing packaging. The committee also heard and approved PCB for HAT-25-02, a companion tax bill imposing excise taxes on hemp consumables and beverages, despite concerns raised about possible triple taxation and higher compliance costs. The committee next passed HB 211, expanding the definition of farm products to include edible and non-edible plants and clarifying agricultural preemption on bona fide farm operations. It also favorably reported PCS for HB 561, creating a chief manufacturing officer role within the Department of Commerce, a workforce development grant program, a voluntary manufacturing promotion campaign, and required reporting, along with PCS for HB 563, which adds an annual fee of up to $100 for participants in the promotional campaign. Both manufacturing bills drew broad support from industry and economic development groups. Finally, the committee took up HJR 1257 and its conforming bill HB 1259, which would create property tax benefits for long-term rental properties owned by Floridians with a separate homestead. Supporters argued the measure would encourage long-term rentals and investment in Florida, while opponents from counties and cities warned it would shift tax burdens and reduce local revenue. After debate, the joint resolution passed 9-4 and the implementing bill also passed 9-4, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because our tax rate is a lot for the GRT tax, and $297,000 for the rest of the tax that we collect.
• This will lower confidence in New Mexico's bonds, and it goes on a little bit in the bond ratings and
• We rely on our bond ratings, at least in Santa Fe; I'll acknowledge that.
• We're pretty reliant on our strong bond ratings.
• Unfortunately, those rates are set from ECCD; they do not change.

Transcript Highlights:

• It increases the rates of breastfeeding.
• It increases the rates of breastfeeding.
• Um, your new rate is still under the cap, very much so, but getting closer.
• Your new rate is still under the cap, very much so, but getting closer.
• That rate is not new; it's not a surprise.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• rate, exemption rate is up.
• vaccination rate, exemption rate is up. vaccination rate, exemption rate is up.
• decrease in vaccination rates. decrease in vaccination rates.
• <00:57:16.079> go risk of if the redemption rates go risk of if the redemption rates go higher
• We will look at all rates are lower.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Department of Health presented its supplemental budget requests and described several sources of uncertainty affecting federal funding, including policy changes, shutdown-related disruptions, and shifting appropriations proposals in Congress. Officials said some federal grants had been terminated and then restored, but the department still faces added administrative burden to access funds. They also said trust in public health institutions has declined, and outlined efforts to respond through community engagement, website cleanup, social media, and transparency dashboards. The department highlighted staffing and operations issues, noting a 29.7% vacancy rate and the success of its hiring pilot under Act 291, which has hired 38 candidates with an average 95-day hiring timeline. On the budget side, officials said the supplemental request includes increases in general, special, and revolving funds, and they walked through the first major general fund item for emergency medical services. After discussion, they said the EMS request was reduced from $8 million to $4.5 million to cover collective bargaining increases and keep contracts whole through August 2027. Behavioral health items included the payment crisis center in Ewa, which has connected more than 2,000 people to services, though roughly one-third remain unconnected or return frequently. Members questioned the quality of follow-up data and whether the program is reducing repeat use. The department also discussed state hospital decompression efforts, including use of the behavioral health crisis center, transfers to community hospitals, neighbor-island placements, and direct discharge to long-term care facilities; officials said the hospital is licensed for 292 beds and has seen census pressures rise again. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on Kalaupapa/Kalawao jurisdiction and preservation after patient care ends. Members pressed the department on the lack of a clear statewide plan, the roles of DOH, DNR, and DHHL, and what happens to land, buildings, and the cemetery after the last patient leaves. DOH said the current law is unclear on an end date, that the proposed bill would change the law, and that the landowners’ agreements with the National Park Service and each other will shape the transition. Officials said they would provide more information at a later hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• No, Claremont's tax rate is three times my...
• No, Claremont's tax rate is three times my...
• No, Claremont's tax rate is three times my...
• No, Claremont's tax rate is three times my...
• What kind of bond rating do you think we would get in that situation?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first dealt with a brew pub license bill and corrected some sponsor/subcommittee roster confusion before voting to pass it without discussion. The main item of debate was a bill allowing patrons to take purchased alcoholic beverages into restrooms. The bill sponsor argued the current ban is outdated, rarely enforced, and can leave patrons vulnerable if they set drinks down and leave them unattended; he said establishments could still post their own rules if they wished. Liquor enforcement officials said they were neutral overall, noting both the risk of drinks being left unattended and the practical concerns of underage drinking, over-service, and restroom monitoring. Testimony split between those who saw the law as a non-issue and those who viewed it as a safety measure. One member said he had never seen anyone take alcohol into a restroom and opposed changing the law, while others cited drink-spiking concerns and suggested alternatives such as safe zones behind bars, drink covers, and alert apps. Industry representatives said many operators would prefer to keep the law as-is because it helps with policing drinking in their establishments, though they acknowledged the motivation behind the bill. Several members also raised drafting concerns, saying the wording was confusing about whether the rule applied to patrons or establishments. The committee ultimately voted 5-2 to recommend the bill ought to pass. Afterward, members discussed amending the language to clarify that establishments could still prohibit the practice, but one member suggested a simpler fix would be to strike the word “restroom” from the prohibition entirely. The committee then unanimously voted to reconsider its action so the language could be revised later, and the amendment discussion was left for a future meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• big player in not only steel, but aluminum, also in copper, and we're looking to raise the recycling rate
• , but what we're also recycling rate, but what we're also doing<00:04:13.840> is<00:04:14.159>
• Our rates are low in recycling, but there are other states that are just as low.
• These materials are vital to the industry and are not being recycled at the necessary rates.
• of poverty, and long historic rates of high unemployment.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:22 Forging the Future: Kentucky's National Leadership in Metals Manufacturing 00:01:33 Improvements to Kentucky’s Incentive Programs 00:52:05, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for its third interim meeting, approved the prior meeting minutes, and heard a presentation from the Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2) on Kentucky’s metals industry. Speakers described metals manufacturing and recycling as a major economic backbone for the Commonwealth, including steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and copper operations, with broad impacts across production, fabrication, supply chains, and related businesses. They emphasized that the industry supports high-paying jobs, significant capital investment in Kentucky, and is aligned with broader efforts to expand U.S. manufacturing. A central theme was workforce development. MI2 leaders said the industry faces a persistent talent gap and that current education programs do not always produce the skills needed for modern metals jobs. They argued for stronger exposure and awareness, more direct industry involvement, and a dedicated metals career pathway through high schools, area technology centers, career and technical centers, and KCTCS. They also described pilot efforts in Logan, Warren, and Carroll counties that would introduce students to metals careers in middle school, move them into credits and pathways in high school, and connect them to internships, apprenticeships, and postsecondary training. Recycling and supply-chain security were the other major topics. Testimony stressed that recycled inputs are far cheaper than raw ore extraction and that recycling is increasingly important to competitiveness, environmental performance, and keeping materials from leaving the U.S. Speakers also raised concerns about China’s large steel and aluminum capacity and said unfair trade and global market manipulation make it harder for Kentucky producers to compete. Committee members and presenters framed MI2 as a collaborative effort among industry, state government, and academia to strengthen workforce pipelines, recycling, and long-term industry growth. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• adjustments, updating the PUC's administrative rules for general rate case applications, and really
• Additionally, the tax rates for the two lower income tax brackets will further decrease in 2027, further
• We helped start the transition of renewable clean energy, and now Hawaii has the highest per capita rate
• roughly $28,000 to $48,000, that is very much a reality in Waianae, will be taxed even at a lower rate
• , and that rate will get better year after year.

Bills: HB1800, HB1860, HB2250, HB472, HB649, HB1391, HB1481, HB1509, HB1511, HB1515, HB1518, HB1541, HB1548, HB1576, HB1618, HB1642, HB1643, HB1661, HB1667, HB1678, HB1682, HB1688, HB1692, HB1707, HB1710, HB1711, HB1713, HB1718, HB1721, HB1728, HB1737, HB1740, HB1741, HB1785, HB1801, HB1802, HB1804, HB1810, HB1815, HB1824, HB1838, HB1839, HB1853, HB1854, HB1864, HB1870, HB1881, HB1888, HB1890, HB1891, HB1894, HB1920, HB1959, HB1960, HB1969, HB1973, HB1974, HB2023, HB2050, HB2078, HB2094, HB2095, HB2104, HB2137, HB2152, HB2158, HB2171, HB2207, HB2218, HB2246, HB2270, HB2271, HB2272, HB2279, HB2282, HB2289, HB2293, HB2297, HB2300, HB2309, HB2310, HB2314, HB2319, HB2329, HB2338, HB2339, HB2344, HB2361, HB2385, HB2395, HB2417, HB2429, HB2443, HB2452, HB2474, HB2475, HB2498, HB2505, HB2547, HB2576

Keywords: supplemental appropriations, state budget, Hawaii budget, biennial budget, capital improvement projects, CIP, general fund, special fund, green fee, special land and development fund, clean energy revolving loan fund, agricultural development revolving fund, community grants, nonprofit grants, Office of Community Services, housing, affordable housing, homelessness, health care, mental health

Bills: HB1800, HB1860, HB2250, HB472, HB649, HB1391, HB1481, HB1509, HB1511, HB1515, HB1518, HB1541, HB1548, HB1576, HB1618, HB1642, HB1643, HB1661, HB1667, HB1678, HB1682, HB1688, HB1692, HB1707, HB1710, HB1711, HB1713, HB1718, HB1721, HB1728, HB1737, HB1740, HB1741, HB1785, HB1801, HB1802, HB1804, HB1810, HB1815, HB1824, HB1838, HB1839, HB1853, HB1854, HB1864, HB1870, HB1881, HB1888, HB1890, HB1891, HB1894, HB1920, HB1959, HB1960, HB1969, HB1973, HB1974, HB2023, HB2050, HB2078, HB2094, HB2095, HB2104, HB2137, HB2152, HB2158, HB2171, HB2207, HB2218, HB2246, HB2270, HB2271, HB2272, HB2279, HB2282, HB2289, HB2293, HB2297, HB2300, HB2309, HB2310, HB2314, HB2319, HB2329, HB2338, HB2339, HB2344, HB2361, HB2385, HB2395, HB2417, HB2429, HB2443, HB2452, HB2474, HB2475, HB2498, HB2505, HB2547, HB2576

Keywords: supplemental appropriations, state budget, Hawaii budget, biennial budget, capital improvement projects, CIP, general fund, special fund, green fee, special land and development fund, clean energy revolving loan fund, agricultural development revolving fund, community grants, nonprofit grants, Office of Community Services, housing, affordable housing, homelessness, health care, mental health

Transcript Highlights:

• Tuition and fee rates have exceeded projected numbers that have been reported to us.
• Tuition and fee rates have exceeded projected numbers that have been reported to us.
• So that would be the average of rate.
• <01:10:00.400> This average public 4-year tuition rate.
• This average public 4-year tuition rate.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• own power plants so household rates own power plants so household rates don't<03:03:34.640> rise
• And by the way, we also have the highest unemployment rate and among the lowest rates of wage growth.
• highest unemployment rate and among the<03:51:55.120> lowest<03:51:55.439> rates<03:51:
• . rate. rate. a<04:01:56.319> 50%<04:01:57.199> fatality<04:01:57.840> rate.
• <04:02:18.479> that Ebola with its 50% fatality rate that Ebola with its 50% fatality rate

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Did you use what rate do you use for inflation across those years?
• Each year has a different inflationary rate. Okay. That’s all. Thank you. Okay. All right.
• And do you know what the current occupancy rate is now for the city?
• I'll see if you have the hotel rates and the projection for that.
• I'll see if you have the hotel rates and the projection for that.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee first received a fiscal status statement and five-year baseline budget update from the Office of Planning and Budget. Members were told there were no changes to the baseline, but several current-year items now require appropriations, including Hurricane Katrina closeout costs under GOSEP, projected Department of Corrections shortfalls for offender medical care and overtime, and a reduction in the minimum foundation program tied to February 1 student counts. After questions about how the five-year percentages and inflation assumptions were calculated, the committee adopted the fiscal status statement. The committee then approved several Facility Planning and Control items, including adding eight higher education deferred maintenance projects to the approved list under Act 751, a $412,993 change order for LSU’s Jesse Coates Building project, a report of four other change orders for informational purposes, and combining two Hornbeck water projects into a single expanded water plant and distribution project. It also approved a two-year extension of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Banner ERP consulting agreement and approved Water Sector Commission recommendations for an additional $5.5 million for the Tencel Water District Association, which included a $100,000 local commitment. A major portion of the meeting focused on a proposed tax increment financing package for a 1,000-room headquarters hotel adjacent to the New Orleans Convention Center. Witnesses described the project as a $550 million private investment supported by state and local tax dedications, with projected benefits including more convention business and improved competitiveness. Members raised concerns about the 45-year term, the use of a 1% state tax dedication, possible cannibalization of existing hotel revenue, and the return on the public incentive. After extensive questioning, the committee deferred the proposal to the next month for further review and requested additional projections. Finally, the committee reviewed contract extensions for Louisiana Economic Development’s marketing vendors and a Department of Education amendment for the Odyssey platform used in the Louisiana Gator program. The education officials explained the contract is based on a per-student amount of $143.50 and that the current amendment is needed to avoid a lapse when the existing term ends June 30. Members discussed whether an RFP should be started for future years to seek a better price, and the department said it would be able to provide academic outcome data after the current testing cycle. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've been fortunate in the last two years that Governor Justice and Governor Morrissey have provided rate
• County aging programs have not received rate increases in a long, long time, and there are a lot of misconceptions
• In the 10 years that I've been with Putnam Aging, we have received one increase in meal rate reimbursement
• In the 10 years that I've been with Putnam Aging, we have received one increase in meal rate reimbursement
• And we are not profiting off a $7 reimbursement rate for the meals. We have to...

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill does not set rates, does not approve rates, and does not require insurers to publish pricing
• It gives Florida homeowners a clear, plain language explanation of why their insurance rates increase
• The bill requires insurers, when they file For a rate change, insurers must include a consumer-facing
• transparency report that explains in percentage terms the major factors influencing the rate.
• It is explicitly not a rate approval. This bill preserves OIR's full authority.