Transcript Highlights:

• First time getting a unanimous vote in the House on the floor for a PFOS bill and then um really good
• It it is With House Bill 140, it's, it's also illegal to do what they're doing.
• There's, we have multiple appropriations that could, special appropriations, uh, That could be stacked
• Well, and Secretary, you know, we, we just appropriated 20 million for this work.
• So, but we don't want to appropriate money just for the sake of appropriating it if there's not a plan

Committee: House Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• The House will be on the first order of business: prayer by the chaplain.
• the House...
• The committees are the Joint Appropriations Committee, which has 39 members, 23 from the House and 16
• Our joint session will convene at 10 a.m. in the House chambers, so the House will stand in recess until
• Our joint session will convene at 10 a.m. in the House chambers, so the House will stand in recess until

Bills: HB1621 , HB1624 , HB1623 , HB1622 , HB1625 , HB1626 , HB1627 , HCR3038

Summary: The North Dakota House convened in special session with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the reading of communications from the Secretary of State and Governor Kelly Armstrong certifying the special session call. The governor’s executive order said the session was called to act on funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program so the state could accept and appropriate federal funds and avoid interruptions to government services. Three new members, Representatives McNally, Scraw, and Timmons, were sworn in, and the roll showed 91 members present, establishing a quorum. The main business was a Rules Committee report outlining temporary special-session rules. The changes were designed to speed up floor action, including allowing second reading the same day a bill is reported from committee, final passage one day after first reading, and immediate transmission to the other chamber unless reconsideration is noticed. The report also replaced the regular standing committee structure with two joint committees: Joint Appropriations and Joint Policy, allowed remote testimony and remote member participation with approval, and limited bill introduction to Legislative Management-approved bills or bills approved by a two-thirds vote. Several deadline changes for resolutions and bill filing were also described, with some provisions delayed until the special session ends. The House adopted the Rules Committee report after a motion by Representative Bosch and no opposition. During announcements, the clerk listed the membership of the Joint Appropriations and Joint Policy committees, and the Highway Patrol announced safety sessions for legislators in the Rough Rider Room at 11 a.m. that day and the next day. The House then recessed until the joint session scheduled for 10 a.m. the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're also going to include the appropriation section from section 3 of House Bill 2459, and we'll take
• amendments made in the House Companion amendments made in the House Companion House<01:47:36.880><c>
• </c> House Bill 2459. House Bill 2459.
• section from section 3 of appropriation section from section 3 of House<01:47:42.800><c> Bill</c><01
• </c> House Bill 2459. House Bill 2459.

Bills: SB2885 , SB2174 , SB2925 , SB2798 , SB2320 , SB2800 , SB1230 , SB2706 , SB3233 , SB2405 , SB2350 , SB2169 , SB3320

Committees: House Agriculture & Food Systems , House Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: coconut rhinoceros beetle, invasive species, biosecurity, green waste, environmental management, agriculture, quarantine, pest control, transport regulations, Hawaii Revised Statutes, coconut trees, tax credit, natural management, Hawaii, environment, agricultural enforcement, agricultural theft, farm theft, crop theft, commodity theft

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2885 SD1, which would create mandatory handling and storage rules for commercial and residential coconut rhinoceros beetle host material beginning in 2027, with penalties and an effective date. Support came from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, DLNR, Maui County Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Testifiers generally said the bill would help reduce CRB spread, though some urged additional science-backed methods, better coordination, and technical or cost-share support for smaller operations. Hawaiian Earth Recycling recommended amendments to align the bill with existing Department of Health/EPA composting rules, add other materials that can harbor CRB, allow future approved treatment methods, and replace the bill’s 60-day turning requirement with existing pathogen-reduction standards. One individual supported the goal but argued the state’s CRB strategy has lacked community and cultural consultation and should include a cultural advisement role. Department witnesses said enforcement would rely on inspection and an educate-before-regulate approach, and they noted the challenge of creating enough drop-off sites, especially in rural areas. The committee then took up SB 2174 SD2, which would authorize the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to declare an emergency quarantine, halt operations in affected areas for 96 hours with possible extension, quarantine suspected pest areas, issue notices and compensation to affected farmers, and adopt interim transportation rules for materials that may harbor high-impact invasive species. The department and DLNR supported the measure, emphasizing the need for fast action in the first hours of an invasion. Hawaii Farmers Union supported the compensation provisions but asked for stronger communication with producers and a post-action report to the Board of Agriculture after about 90 days to evaluate effectiveness and economic impacts. In response to questions, department staff said the bill would be a short-term, department-only quarantine authority distinct from the governor-declared biosecurity emergency authority enacted previously, and that it could serve as an intermediate step. They also said outreach would need to be done through farm organizations such as Farmers Union, Farm Bureau, and Cattlemen’s groups. The final measure discussed was SB 2925 SD1, relating to coconut trees. The bill would recognize coconut trees as a source of food and water and a cultural treasure, require rules for coconut tree seed banks, require signage identifying landscape palms where applicable, set labeling standards for non-consumable landscape palms, and create an income tax credit for consumable coconut trees maintained through natural management practices. The transcript ended before testimony or action on this bill was completed, and no vote was taken on any of the measures discussed in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the money that's already been appropriated will be appropriated.
• </c> you that's already been appropriated you that's already been appropriated will<00:10:41.519><c>
• </c> appropriation. It's just a fiscal note. appropriation. It's just a fiscal note.
• take for us to go from, you know, a $300,000 house to a three million dollar house.
• </c> house to a three million dollar house. house to a three million dollar house.

Transcript Highlights:

• the</c><00:19:05.200><c> administrative</c> appropriate to charge the administrative appropriate to
• But why is the House government?
• The ones that we felt were appropriate, many of the ones that we felt were appropriate were exempted.
• </c> felt were appropriate were exempted. felt were appropriate were exempted.
• </c><02:11:14.880><c> Bill</c><02:11:15.760><c> House</c> introduced this year, House Bill House introduced

Summary: The Joint Committee on Dedicated Funds met to review the House budget provision that would impose a 5% administrative charge on a broad list of dedicated funds, with some exemptions. Members discussed the House approach versus the Senate’s more general approach of leaving the governor discretion over which funds could be charged. The chair explained the committee was hearing from agencies about any legal, contractual, or practical reasons their funds should be exempt, and the agenda was expanded to include several departments and written submissions from others. The Department of Education testified first, identifying several funds it said should be exempt: a printing revolving fund that is funded by transfers rather than fees; teacher certification, which is self-funded by educator licensing fees and would require an immediate fee increase if charged; a vending stand set-aside tied to the federal Randolph-Sheppard program and subject to federal approval and vendor committee procedures; and a public school infrastructure/safety account, where most revenue is transferred from the education trust fund or general fund rather than generated by fees. Members questioned the department about the effect on school safety projects and whether the fee would simply reduce the number of projects completed each year. The Veterans Home asked for exemptions for three funds: a donation benefit account used for recreational activities and quality-of-life expenses for residents, a small memorial trust fund whose interest supports veteran activities, and a resident member account that holds veterans’ personal income such as Social Security and pensions. The department argued the charge would reduce donations, cut services, and effectively function like an income tax on vulnerable veterans. The Banking Department also requested exemption for its consumer credit administration license fund, saying it is used to keep exam fees low and is expressly intended by statute to reduce costs on regulated businesses; it said the 5% charge would undermine that framework and could eventually force higher fees. The Department of Justice began testimony on its dedicated funds, starting with the medical legal investigative fund, which pays for death investigations and related services under statute and without general fund support. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the committee mainly heard testimony and asked questions about the practical and legal effects of applying the administrative charge.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are concluding the public hearing on House Bill 2363 and we'll open the hearing on House Bill 2324
• House Bill 2098 eliminates that cap.
• House Bill 2098 strives to answer that question.
• House Bill 2098 strives to reverse that slide.
• However, the House Appropriations Committee adopted an amendment to cap the payments of those corporations

Summary: The committee held its first meeting and heard four bills. HB 2286 would create an alternative route to social worker licensure by removing the exam requirement for advanced social workers and allowing enhanced supervision with supervisor attestation in place of the exam for independent clinical social workers. The sponsor and several social workers testified that the exam is a poor measure of clinical competence and can be a barrier to licensure, while opponents warned that removing the exam could affect public protection and Washington’s participation in the social work compact. Members asked follow-up questions about the compact, the exam format, and accreditation requirements, but no action was taken. HB 2363 would allow music therapy license applicants to practice under supervision for up to six months while waiting for exam verification. The sponsor described it as a technical fix to the new licensure system, and testimony from music therapists, educators, and a patient supported the bill as a way to avoid delays in hiring newly trained therapists while maintaining supervision and patient safety. The bill drew strong support in written testimony and no opposition in the hearing. HB 2324 would change tuition waiver rules for children of eligible veterans and National Guard members by giving eligible children eight years from the date of a parent’s disability determination to use the waiver when that determination occurs after the child turns 18. The sponsor said the bill is meant to align state law with federal dependency education benefits and prevent families from losing access because disability determinations can take years. The committee asked for clarification on how the new timing would work, and the hearing closed without a vote. HB 2098 would eliminate the cap on the advanced computing surcharge, expand Washington College Grant eligibility up to 100% of state median family income, and reduce resident undergraduate tuition by 10% for three years starting in 2027-28. Supporters, including students, labor, and advocacy groups, said the bill would improve affordability and access to higher education by asking large tech companies to pay more. Opponents from business and university groups argued the surcharge would be economically harmful, that the state already has substantial WEA funding, and that the bill would reduce tuition revenue without adequately backfilling institutional budgets. The committee heard extensive testimony and members raised questions about the surcharge cap, WEA spending, and the compacted funding structure, but no final action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please note, the House is not responsible for any bad internet connections on the testifier's end.
• In that case, an appropriate notice will be posted.
• In that case, an appropriate notice will be posted.
• In that case, an appropriate notice will be posted.
• :33:46.399><c> will</c><00:33:46.640><c> be</c> case, an appropriate notice will be case, an appropriate

Summary: The joint Transportation and Public Safety hearing considered HCR 121/HR 117, which asks federal and state transportation and defense agencies to coordinate on expanding Kle Pass as an emergency exit route. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state departments and community representatives, though one member raised equity concerns about other communities needing similar access solutions. Both committees recommended passage, and the resolutions were adopted in tandem. The Transportation Committee then heard a series of road safety and mobility resolutions. These included HCR 43 on studying highway patrol and speed cameras in speeding hotspots; HCR 52/HR 48 on a sidewalk between Iroquois Point and Ewa Beach; HCR 57/HR 53 on traffic calming around Piywa Street in Waipahu; HCR 112/HR 108 on a pedestrian-first policy; HCR 129/HR 125 on safety and congestion near Haiku Elementary; HCR 131/HR 127 on rural air service and short takeoff/landing aircraft; HCR 136/HR 130 on reflective gear for pedestrians at night; HCR 137/HR 131 on school crosswalk safety at Kipapa Elementary; HCR 177/HR 173 on a summer streets pilot; and HR 43 on an emergency access road on the YNI coast. Testimony was mixed but generally supportive of pedestrian and school safety measures, while some transportation and bicycling advocates opposed the reflective-gear resolution as placing too much responsibility on pedestrians rather than improving the built environment. During decision-making, the committee advanced all measures. HCR 43 was amended to specify the study should include district court impacts. HCR 131/HR 127 was amended to shift the rural air service study from the Legislative Reference Bureau to the Department of Transportation. HCR 136/HR 130 was amended to change the reflective-gear proposal from a requirement to an encouragement. HCR 137/HR 131 and HCR 45/HR 38 were also advanced with technical or clarifying amendments, and the remaining resolutions were passed as is. Several members noted reservations or no votes on the reflective-gear measure, but all recommendations were ultimately adopted and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's defined in Article 9 of the General Appropriations Act.
• If healthcare costs exceed appropriated levels.
• Moving on to slide 9, supplemental appropriations.
• I think we need that appropriations authority and I.
• There�s 20�you know, training one program, 20 programs, stay housed.

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• That was amended last session by House Bill 1248.
• They can call you and say, is there something going on at your house?
• Those must be provided to the ag committees of each house.
• And so that's intended to kind of cover their housing too.
• And Crystal is familiar to, I think, House Appropriations; Crystal worked last session.

Committee: Joint Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee

Summary: The committee met to organize upcoming legislative session arrangements and staffing, and to review several rule and security-related items. It first approved a Joint Rule 211 change, recommended by the Employee Benefits Committee, that clarifies the deadline and statutory references for introducing health insurance mandate bills so required cost-benefit materials can be completed in time. Members noted the change would streamline the process, though it would not solve all timing and mandate-determination issues. The committee then discussed a draft bill on confidentiality protections for certain public officials and candidates, but members raised concerns about the statute’s complexity, the practical difficulty of administering it, and whether it would meaningfully improve safety; no action was taken and the topic was set aside for further discussion. The committee received an update on the new NCSL Legislator Security Fund. Staff explained that North Dakota is in process to apply for grant funding that could reimburse up to about $200 per legislator for personal security-related expenses such as home cameras, locks, lighting, or monitoring services, with reimbursement handled through Legislative Council and subject to Emergency Commission approval. Members asked about eligible expenses, timing, and whether new legislators would be included, and staff said the program would likely cover current legislators only for this round. The committee also approved the 2027 joint session schedule for the State of the State, tribal-state message, and State of the Judiciary on January 5, with the tribal and judiciary addresses in the morning and the governor’s address later in the day. The committee next approved the statutory reporting schedule for the Commerce Commissioner and agricultural commodity groups, setting the Commerce report for January 13, 2027, and the agriculture reports and pesticide container disposal update for January 14, 2027. Members questioned the usefulness of some of these recurring reports, but agreed to follow the existing statutory requirements. The largest discussion centered on Legislative Council staffing for the 2027 session: the committee approved reducing session staff to 36 Senate and 41 House employees, eliminating procedural clerk positions in standing committees in favor of permanent policy analysts, while retaining quality assurance clerks and adding a House parking lot attendant. It also approved a 3% salary increase for those staff positions, matching the increase given to state employees. Finally, the committee reviewed a revised organizational session and new legislator training agenda. Staff proposed moving some orientation content into a separate pre-session training day for new legislators on November 30, including laptop setup, mock committee and floor sessions, parliamentary procedure, and HR/benefits training, while adding more security and budgeting instruction. Members strongly supported earlier and more practical training, including follow-up reinforcement during the first week of session, and suggested using experienced or term-limited former legislators as mentors. Staff also described efforts to expand training materials into podcasts, flowcharts, and other formats, and Legislative Council leadership outlined the office’s remaining vacancies and a proposed expansion of policy analysts, program evaluators, legal staff, and training support to better serve the legislature and improve oversight of state programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, of course, it's not appropriate to be used with a student who will experience more trauma.
• It's not appropriate to use it as a disciplinary tool.
• It didn't pass in the House. So where do we stand now?
• </c><00:02:37.120><c> to</c> And of course, it's not appropriate to And of course, it's not appropriate
• It didn't pass in the House. So Senate. It didn't pass in the House.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate, an order paper from the House.
• The House bill, making appropriations for the fiscal year 2025 to provide for supplementing certain existing
• appropriations and for certain other activities and projects, House number 58, comes from the House
• House Bill 58 comes from the House, passed to be engrossed.
• Order that notwithstanding Senate Rule 7 or any rule to the contrary, the House bill making appropriations

Summary: The Senate met in informal session, beginning with recognition of the Masconomet Regional High School girls varsity soccer team, the 2004 MIAA Division 2 state champions, along with coaches, staff, and visiting House members. Senators offered praise for the team’s accomplishments and presented citations, noting the chamber was in informal session to satisfy the constitutional requirement to meet every 72 hours and to handle limited procedural business before a later budget debate. The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Christian Jose Fildago Barros, a young child who had battled a rare neuroblastoma and died on January 13. A moment of silence was observed in his memory. The main legislative action concerned House Bill 58, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill. Senator Rodrigues offered an amendment to replace the bill’s text with Senate Document 16, and the Senate suspended the rules to take up an order setting the bill for a second reading on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, with amendments due electronically by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11. The order was adopted, placing H.58 on the Orders of the Day for Wednesday. The Senate also adopted an order to meet again on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. in formal session, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 750 is what we're calling the Click to Cancel Act.
• I think it's dual-referred to appropriation.
• And at the appropriate time, I'd like to move favorable.
• And at the appropriate time, I'd like to move favorable.
• Any objection to reporting House Bill 950 as amended?

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 750 by Rep. Cox, the “Click to Cancel Act,” regulating automatic renewal contracts. After adopting technical and substantive amendments, members discussed easier cancellation methods, reduced notice requirements, shorter record-retention periods, a 30-day cure period, small-business exemptions, and limiting damages to actual damages. The bill drew support from consumer advocates and opposition cards from industry groups, and it was reported favorably as amended. House Bill 259 by Rep. DeWitt addressed damage to underground infrastructure during BEAD-funded broadband excavation projects, requiring notice before digging and making contractors repair or pay for damage before final payment is released. An amendment added pre-construction coordination, a point of contact, and fault-based liability language. Members discussed rural utility damage, broadband buildout, and the need to protect small water systems; the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then considered HB 220 by Rep. Schlegel, which requires covered platforms to maintain an easy-to-use reporting mechanism for child sexual abuse material and exploitation. After technical and clarifying amendments, the sponsor and members discussed scope, nonprofit and small-business exclusions, AG enforcement discretion, and concerns about clear-and-conspicuous placement. The bill was reported favorably as amended. Next, HB 830 by Rep. Wright required proxy advisors to disclose when anti-management recommendations are not based on written financial analysis and to provide that analysis when it exists. After amendments excluding certain affiliates and 501(c)(3) charities, the sponsor and a witness argued the bill was about transparency and fiduciary duty, while LASERS testified in opposition, saying the measure could make proxy advice unavailable and create a hardship for its internally managed portfolio. The bill was nonetheless reported favorably as amended. The committee also advanced HB 463 by Rep. McMakin, which raises the maximum local 9-1-1 service charge from $1.25 to $2.00, with an amendment requiring annual reporting and local governing authority approval; testimony explained the funding need for Next Generation 9-1-1, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee began HB 536 by Rep. Coates on wireless communication facilities near schools. After adopting technical and then lengthy substantive amendments narrowing the school proximity zone, adjusting setbacks, adding co-location and permit timing provisions, and clarifying uniform application, members raised concerns about whether the bill duplicated existing safety standards, could delay deployment, and whether it would apply only to new towers. The sponsor and a parent witness emphasized school safety and emergency planning, but discussion remained ongoing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a representative for House District 45.
• I represent House District 7.
• Yes, sir, this is appropriations.
• For aircraft appropriations, it is $38 million.
• Florida Housing has the bulk of the traditional recurring housing funding, but we do, in several of our

Summary: The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee met to organize for the session, take roll, and hear introductory remarks from members and agency heads. Members briefly introduced themselves and their districts, with several noting transportation, economic development, emergency response, military, and hurricane recovery issues in their areas. Chair Shove then outlined the subcommittee’s jurisdiction and current-year budget, noting a total of about $20.3 billion, with most funding coming from trust funds and only a small share from general revenue. The committee also heard that upcoming meetings would include presentations from major agencies in the subcommittee’s purview. The first agency presentation was from the Department of Military Affairs and the Florida National Guard. Major General John Haas described the Guard’s three missions—supporting national security, responding to state emergencies, and adding value to the state—and highlighted deployments for hurricanes, border security support, and ongoing support to the Department of Corrections. He emphasized that the Guard is understrength relative to Florida’s size and demand, said recruiting is strong, and identified force structure growth as the main challenge. Members asked about aircraft, funding sources, and recruiting; Haas explained the Guard’s helicopter and fixed-wing fleet, said aircraft purchases are funded through legislative appropriations, and reported strong interest in the Florida State Guard’s recruiting pipeline. Executive Director Mark Thieme then described the Florida State Guard’s expansion into air, ground, and maritime capabilities, including Black Hawks, boats, drones, canine search-and-rescue teams, and ground support units. He said the agency supported immigration enforcement and hurricane response, and asked for continued legislative support to expand aviation, maritime, and medical capabilities. Members praised the Guard’s disaster response work and asked about aircraft, funding, and staffing. Secretary Cord Byrd of the Department of State followed, focusing on election administration, election security, the SunBiz and voter registration IT systems, arts and culture, corporations, libraries, and historical resources. He said Florida’s election system remains a national model, reported two prosecutions for non-citizen voting, and discussed modernization needs for legacy IT systems. The committee also asked about voter lookup tools, password privacy for SunBiz, and arts funding vetoes. Secretary Alex Kelly of the Department of Commerce described the agency’s broad portfolio, including workforce, economic, community, and international commerce functions, plus housing recovery, broadband, small business support, rural infrastructure, defense-community grants, and law enforcement recruitment bonuses. He said access to capital is the biggest barrier for small businesses and noted ongoing work with CareerSource, the Department of Corrections, and other partners on workforce and reentry. Secretary Jared Perdue of the Department of Transportation then outlined FDOT’s record budget and five-year work program, emphasizing emergency response, preservation and maintenance, safety, and major investments in roads, ports, airports, transit, and spaceport infrastructure. He said the department has removed millions of cubic yards of storm debris, is ahead of schedule on the Moving Florida Forward initiative, and faces a large unfunded project backlog. Members asked about supply chain issues, project priorities, and workforce needs, and Perdue said FDOT is open to collaboration on recruitment and retention.

Transcript Highlights:

• Analytics to appropriately and aggressively prosecute.
• And we want to be able to fund them appropriately. Right now, they are.
• The appropriations that you all have given us in previous years have mattered.
• We base our staff salaries on the appropriations you give us.
• Where is this money allocated or appropriated for individuals' salaries?

Committee: House A&B Judiciary Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• So one, House Bill 353 does not prohibit eminent domain.
• ,</c> seeking to purchase my house, seeking to purchase my house, my<00:02:46.239><c> calculation</c>
• So maybe the house is only worth on a market $150,000.
• So maybe the house is only worth on a market $150,000.
• So maybe the house is only worth on a market $150,000.

Summary: The committee discussed House Bill 353, a proposal to tighten eminent-domain procedures and property protections while still allowing public projects. Supporters said the bill would not prohibit condemnation, but would require proof that property is in blight, give owners notice and an opportunity to cure, require a reasonable plan and funding for the public use, and ensure the taking is limited to what is necessary. They argued this would protect good-faith property owners, prevent abandoned projects, and make the process more efficient for utilities and infrastructure by encouraging easements where possible instead of full takings. Much of the discussion focused on the proper measure of compensation and the broader constitutional limits on eminent domain. Several members argued that compensation should reflect current market value and that public benefit should not be treated as the standard for value. Others said market value can be unfair in cases involving unique property uses, damage to land, or public-private projects, and suggested owners should share in some upside. Members also raised concerns about Kelo v. City of New London, the risk of abuse by governments or large corporations, and the need to protect farmers and rural landowners from one-sided treatment. A number of legislators supported the concept but asked for more detail on how the bill would work in practice, whether it is based on model legislation from other states, and how it could be tailored to Kentucky. The bill sponsor said it was a modified model policy and was open to amendments to make it more Kentucky-specific. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> can live on and also afford housing. can live on and also afford housing.
• </c> didn't make it um in through the House. didn't make it um in through the House.
• </c> continue rebuilding to an appropriate continue rebuilding to an appropriate reserve<01:48:12.400
• </c> appropriately clarifies that poolled appropriately clarifies that poolled risk<02:01:38.400><c>
• </c> housing agency in Northern New England. housing agency in Northern New England.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• We will take them up in open session tomorrow at the appropriate time.
• time on Friday, until the appropriate time on Friday, February<00:13:42.240><c> 20th.
• uh the nominations to the appropriate uh the nominations to the appropriate<00:13:50.560><c> time</c
• </c><00:13:51.760><c> Uh,</c><00:13:52.079><c> any</c> appropriate time on Friday.
• Uh, any appropriate time on Friday.

Transcript Highlights:

• , or excuse me, hearing on House Bill 2182.
• House Bill 2242 delivers that.
• House Bill 2182.
• I urge you to pass House Bill 2182.
• And that concludes public testimony on House Bill 2182. So we'll go back to House Bill 1496.

Bills: HB1496 , HB2182 , HB2196 , HB2242

Committee: House Health Care & Wellness

Keywords: patients' rights, healthcare information, medical confidentiality, health data security, healthcare access, abortion, medications, reproductive health, access, healthcare, PANDA, PANS, treatment access, mental health, legislation, preventive services, state authority, definitions clarification, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• The House will come to order.
• Second reading of House Files. Second reading, House File Number 2433. Introduction of bills.
• Announcements. chief clerk will report the House files chief clerk will report the House files and<00
• </c> Introduction of first reading of house Introduction of first reading of house files files files
• </c> The house stands in recess. The house stands in recess. [Music]

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Appropriations Committee on Higher Education.
• Here you have housing, parking, and bookstores as examples of auxiliaries.
• So now you're only appropriating state funds to the institutions.
• very low, but the state appropriations is very high.
• The state appropriations are critical to our success.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education received a presentation from Tim Jones, Senior Vice Chancellor and CFO for the State University System of Florida, on the system’s funding methodology, budget structure, tuition, and performance-based funding. He outlined the system’s scale, including 12 universities, more than 430,000 students taking classes, about 78,000 employees, and a roughly $20 billion operating budget. He also reviewed tuition levels, noting Florida’s low resident undergraduate tuition, the lack of tuition increases since 2013, and the distinction between state-set resident tuition and Board of Governors authority over other tuition categories. Jones described several funding components, including performance funding, preeminence funding, faculty recruitment and retention programs, universities of distinction, nursing pipeline and matching programs, and operational enhancements. He explained that performance funding is based on a 100-point model tied to retention, graduation, employment, and other metrics, with student success plans required if scores decline or fall below 70 points. He said the current performance funding allocation is $350 million and the legislative budget request seeks $400 million. He also said the new SUS 30 strategic plan will lead to updates in the performance metrics and benchmarks, with some changes possibly phased in over time. Senators asked questions about how the new strategic plan will affect future scoring, how long universities have to improve after declining scores, and how out-of-state enrollment and tuition are handled. Jones said universities will be evaluated on the current metrics for the upcoming budget cycle, while the new plan’s changes will be developed later and may include glide paths. He also said there is no statutory cap on nonresident students, though the Board of Governors has a 10% systemwide guideline under discussion, and that graduate out-of-state tuition varies by program and requires institutional and Board of Governors approval. No votes were taken, no public testimony was offered, and the committee adjourned.