Transcript Highlights:

• So at this time, I reserve...
• I will vote yay for this bill, but reserve my right to change my vote upon possible amendments in discussion
• with the other states at this time. ...for this bill, but reserve my right to change my vote upon possible
• And so at this time, I will vote nay on this bill, but reserve my right to change with conversation with

Bills: HB2311, HB2371, HB2409, HB2410, HB2456, HB2457, HB4005

Keywords: artificial intelligence, disclosure requirements, data privacy, minor protection, online safety, HB2371, Arizona divorce, family law, dissolution of marriage, AI arbitration, AI-assisted arbitration, automated dispute resolution, online arbitration, binding determination, recommendation, superior court appeal, de novo review, marital dissolution, spousal consent, minor children

Transcript Highlights:

• special concert, and if you want a seat, I'm reminded by my middle senator from Windsor County to reserve
• :22:19.679><c> to</c> middle senator from Windsor County to middle senator from Windsor County to reserve
• <c> seat</c><00:22:21.039><c> because</c><00:22:21.440><c> actually</c><00:22:21.840><c> this</c> reserve
• your seat because actually this reserve your seat because actually this is<00:22:22.240><c> always</

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We tend to reserve our Senate resolutions for extremely important moments. This is one of them.
• than we do. we great deal more of that than we do. we tend<00:14:55.199><c> to</c><00:14:55.440><c> reserve
• </c><00:14:56.480><c> our</c><00:14:57.199><c> um</c><00:14:57.680><c> Senate</c> tend to reserve our
• um Senate tend to reserve our um Senate resolutions<00:14:58.720><c> for</c><00:14:59.040><c> extremely

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• structural balance question is: do you balance using some one-time revenue that you'll see from reserves
• And so back then, the legislature chose to use those reserve balances over the course of those three
• you're really thoughtful about taking a budget-cut approach that we saw and also using one-time reserves
• Bybee, so the 30% in reserves and $1.7 billion, where is the line where it starts to affect a bond rating

Summary: The committee first received a lengthy briefing from JFAC Chairman Grow and budget analyst Keith Bybee on the state’s fiscal outlook for fiscal years 2026-2028. They said revenues had been revised upward, but uncertainty remains around tax conformity, sales tax softness, and pending policy decisions that could affect the bottom line. Bybee explained structural balance, noted that ongoing revenues are projected to lag ongoing spending, and reviewed long-term growth in Medicaid, public schools, and other state programs, much of it driven by policy changes. Members asked about the Delaware model for research and development expensing, the use of one-time money versus budget cuts, the impact of tax cuts, reserve levels, bond ratings, and the effects of Medicaid expansion and prior recession-era cuts. Chairman Grow closed by emphasizing that the budget is not structurally balanced and that rainy-day funds are meant for temporary shocks, not recurring gaps. The committee then approved the January 27, 2026 minutes and advanced several gubernatorial appointments with recommendations for confirmation: Brett Thomas to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, Erica Malman to the Idaho Personnel Commission, and Dr. Karen Cabell to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board. Representative John Weber appeared for reappointment to the Idaho State Insurance Fund Board, and Robert Cuoio appeared virtually for reappointment to the Your Health Idaho board; both were thanked and told their appointments would likely be voted on at a later meeting. The remainder of the meeting was devoted to DOPL rule dockets. The committee approved fee-increase dockets for the Contractor Registration Board, the Board of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety, and the Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board. DOPL representatives said the increases were needed to bring boards into compliance with statutory cash-balance requirements after consolidation costs, new licensing software, and other one-time expenses, and noted that the rules included “not to exceed” language. Several senators questioned whether the fee increases reflected broader inefficiencies within DOPL and argued that some boards were being asked to raise fees because of agency-wide costs. Despite those concerns, each docket was approved, and the committee adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the last several years, the division and the board recognized that its cash balance and cash reserves
• and the division anticipates that by the end of fiscal year 2027, they will have a negative cash reserve
• committee to take in mind that whenever the division tries to either reduce or increase the cash reserve
• Either reduce or increase the cash reserve.

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee considered a series of administrative rule dockets, mostly from DOPL and related licensing boards. The committee approved rules for the Business Enterprise Program for the Blind, the Rules of Midwifery, the Idaho State Board of Dentistry, and the Idaho Board of Nursing. Those presentations focused largely on zero-based rule rewrites, fee reductions or temporary fee decreases being made permanent, and compliance with House Bill 152’s cash-balance requirements. Testimony generally emphasized stakeholder input, federal or board approval where applicable, and the need to keep fees aligned with board solvency targets. The committee then heard several fee-rule dockets involving boards with low or negative cash balances. The Board of Drinking Water and Wastewater Professionals presented a rule package that clarified licensure requirements, removed some outdated provisions, and increased fees to address a negative cash balance; Idaho Rural Water Association testified in support, saying the changes would reduce regulatory burden while acknowledging the need for higher fees. The committee approved the docket by roll call after some opposition. The Occupational Therapy Licensure Board docket, which proposed a short-term fee increase to restore solvency, failed by roll call vote after members raised concerns about the broader structure of board funding and whether consolidation or other reforms should be considered. The committee also heard a lengthy discussion on the State Board of Acupuncture’s proposed fee increase. The board and a supporting practitioner testified that the board was in deficit, that fees had not been raised in many years, and that the increase was needed to maintain licensure and public safety. Some senators questioned whether licensure remained necessary in light of modern consumer review systems and whether the board should be consolidated or eliminated. A motion to reject the docket failed on a tie, and the original motion to hold the docket for further information passed, leaving the acupuncture rules unresolved. After that, the chair announced the committee would adjourn and reschedule remaining matters.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the last several years, the division and the board recognized that its cash balance and cash reserves
• 2027, they will be having... ...that by the end of fiscal year 2027, they will have a negative cash reserve
• committee to take in mind that whenever the division tries to either reduce or increase the cash reserve
• Either reduce or increase the cash reserve.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee took up several administrative rule dockets, mostly from DOPL and related health licensing boards. The committee first approved a zero-based rewrite for the Business Enterprise Program for blind vendors, then approved temporary and pending rule changes for midwifery, dentistry, and nursing that were aimed at reducing or adjusting fees to address cash-balance requirements under House Bill 152. The Board of Drinking Water and Wastewater Professionals also presented a rule package that streamlined licensure requirements and increased fees to address a negative cash balance; despite support from the Idaho Rural Water Association, the committee rejected that docket on a roll call vote, with members split over the fee increase and the broader structure of board funding. The Occupational Therapy Licensure Board’s fee rule was also rejected after discussion about whether fee increases or broader board consolidation were the better solution. The committee heard extensive testimony from DOPL staff explaining that several boards had accumulated cash balances above or below statutory targets and were adjusting fees accordingly. For the Board of Acupuncture, DOPL proposed a substantial fee increase to move the board toward solvency, citing a negative cash balance, reduced expenditures, and the need to maintain licensure and board operations. The committee then heard virtual testimony from an Idaho acupuncturist who supported licensure and the fee increase, saying the profession values state licensure for public safety and legitimacy and that the higher fees would be manageable for practitioners. Members asked about the need for licensure, consumer protection, and whether some boards should be consolidated or eliminated instead of raising fees. After debate, the committee first moved to hold the acupuncture docket for more information, then considered and failed a substitute motion to reject it; the original motion to hold the docket and seek further information ultimately passed. The committee also received a broader explanation from DOPL leadership about the agency’s consolidation history, shared licensing system, and efforts to keep boards solvent while reducing costs. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced the committee would adjourn and reschedule remaining matters after taking a step back to review the issues further.

Transcript Highlights:

• the first thing that a district is going to do, if money is reduced, is they're going to eat into reserves
• that kind of approach, because some of them have anywhere from 50 to 100% of their annual budget in reserves
• , if I get most of my money that goes to fund education at the first part of the year, and if the reserve
• And if the reserve numbers are drawn June 30, I would fully predict that there would be somewhere around

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also saw at the end of 2021-22, in March, as a matter of fact, where the Federal Reserve started increasing
• Are you taking into account, in the expenditures, is that including, for example, reserves or anything
• So any reserve accounts that they would have built up from a prior year or an allocated balance that
• And is it because the expenditures are not taking into account things like reserves or multi-year projects

Summary: The Select Committee on Property Taxes met for a listening session focused on a presentation by Amy Baker of the Joint Legislative Office of Economic and Demographic Research on local government revenues and expenditures. Baker reviewed statewide financial data for counties, municipalities, and independent special districts, using 2018-19 as a baseline year because it was stable and pre-COVID. She explained that counties rely heavily on taxes, with ad valorem taxes making up about 73% of county tax revenue and about 24% of total county revenues statewide, while municipalities rely more on charges for services and have a lower statewide ad valorem share of about 14.7%. She also noted wide variation across local governments, with some counties and cities highly dependent on property taxes and others using them minimally or not at all. Special districts were shown to be very different from counties and cities, with hospital-related revenues and expenditures dominating many of them, while water management districts were more reliant on ad valorem taxes and focused expenditures on the physical environment. Baker also summarized expenditure patterns: counties spent the largest share on public safety, while municipalities spent the largest share on general government services, followed by physical environment and public safety. She emphasized that local government structures vary widely and that the committee should study what characteristics are associated with greater property tax reliance. She said the next research steps would be to extend the analysis through later years, including the COVID and inflation period, and to examine institutional and legal factors that shape local fiscal structures. Members asked about unfunded mandates, fuel taxes, reserves, school taxes, millage rates, and how property taxes relate to specific services such as police and fire. Baker said the current analysis did not yet account for mandates or school taxes and that further work could examine links between revenues and expenditures, commercial versus residential tax burdens, and other factors. After the presentation, members reported back on local meetings with counties and municipalities. Several described large differences in millage rates, revenue mixes, and the impact of any property tax changes on fiscally constrained counties versus larger, wealthier ones. Concerns were raised about how local governments would replace lost revenue, especially for public safety and emergency response, and members discussed the need to consider both revenue replacement and ways to rein in spending. The co-chairs said the committee would continue gathering information, send members follow-up homework and requests for panel suggestions, and invite additional input from constituents, stakeholders, and local governments. The meeting ended with no votes or formal actions beyond adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to reserve my right to close.
• Please reserve the right to close, sir. Okay. Any questions for Sheriff Louderback? Ms.
• I reserve the right to close. Any questions for Mr. Louderback on this?
• I welcome any questions and respectfully reserve my right to close. Any questions for Mr.

Summary: The Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence met with a quorum and heard a series of Senate bills, generally receiving sponsor explanations and, in most cases, no public testimony. SB 2595 would create a Class B misdemeanor for harassing, threatening, or intimidating someone while intentionally concealing identity with a mask, with broad affirmative defenses for legitimate mask use; SB 1980 would increase penalties for assaulting peace officers, parole officers, and community supervision officers and add related presumptions and interference protections; and SB 1896 would require magistrates to issue emergency protective orders in certain family violence, sexual assault, stalking, and aggravated cases, with law enforcement required to provide needed information. All three were left pending. The committee also heard SB 955, which increases trafficking of persons from a second-degree to a first-degree felony when the victim was recruited from a correctional facility, and SB 614, which would let the Texas Forensic Science Commission refer dismissed complaints to the Office of Capital and Forensic Writs when they reference a prior FSC report; both were left pending. Members then heard several forensic and criminal procedure bills. SB 1372 would resolve a discovery/access conflict involving the DPS crime lab portal by limiting portal access to defense attorneys rather than defendants directly, prompting questions from members about access for pro se defendants; DPS’s chief crime lab witness testified neutrally. SB 1936 would change the LSD “abuse unit” definition for unmarked/unperforated paper from a square-measurement method to a 10-milligram weight standard, and SB 1937 would require a subject matter expert from the testing lab to participate in pretrial meetings in capital cases involving biological evidence to help identify viable testing and conserve resources. SB 2580 would lower the population threshold for sheriff’s departments to independently use tracking equipment and access certain communications from 3.3 million to 500,000, expanding the authority beyond Harris County; it was described as a public safety and emergency response measure and left pending. The committee also considered SB 2798, which would extend the statute of limitations for certain financial crimes from three years to seven years, with testimony from a Montgomery County assistant district attorney supporting the change because fraud is often discovered late. SB 1099 would increase penalties for felony offenses committed by undocumented or unauthorized aliens, but drew strong opposition from the Texas Civil Rights Project, which argued immigration is a federal matter and that the bill would create difficult and potentially unfair status determinations for local courts; members raised concerns about the lack of an expert-testimony requirement. SB 1278 would create an affirmative defense to prostitution prosecution for trafficking victims compelled by their traffickers to commit the conduct, and testimony from advocates and a member’s personal account emphasized the coercive, traumatic nature of trafficking; members discussed whether the defense should be narrower or framed as mitigation, and the bill was left pending. Finally, SB 127 would extend the statute of limitations for failure to report or conceal child abuse, with members discussing mandatory reporting duties and the need to allow more time for delayed discovery of cover-ups; it too was left pending before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm happy to answer any questions and would like to reserve the right to close. Okay, thank you.
• I reserve my right to close. Okay, members, questions for Chairman Longoria? Okay, thank you.
• I would be happy to answer any questions and reserve the right to close. Thank you for this bill.
• Okay, we'll reserve your right to close. The Chair calls Horace.

Bills: HB712, HB722, HB946, HB1687, HB1809, HB1899, HB2528, HB2583, HB2741, HB2750, HB3021, HB3150, HB3265, HB3658, HB3812, HB3960, HB4392, HB4432

Keywords: prostate cancer, health benefit plans, insurance coverage, cost sharing, preventive health care, auto insurance, total loss evaluation, disclosure, insurance materials, vehicle appraisal, HB 946, Texas Insurance Code, automobile insurance claims, oral release, written release, settlement agreement, claim release, property damage, bodily injury, psychological injury

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have; otherwise, I would respectfully reserve my right to
• We respectfully reserve the floor and the right to close. Are there any questions, members?
• I reserve the right to close. I have a quick question. Do you want this on the local calendar? Yes.
• And with that, I will take any questions and respectfully reserve the right to close.

Bills: HB767, HB 1242, HB1373, HB1404, HB1708, HB1936, HB2041, HB2198, HB2270, HB2315, HB2415, HB2427, HB2455, HB2457, HB2522, HB2523, HB2686, HB2763, HB2775, HB2944, HB3034, HB1683, HB1695

Keywords: highway designation, memorial, Montgomery County, Paul P. Mendes, transportation, HB 1242, Texas Transportation Code, U.S. Highway 281, Brooks County, Ernesto Soliz Cantu, memorial highway, road naming, TxDOT, road signage, commemorative resolution, memorial markers, county road 304, Huppergate Road, Los Robles Trail, Farm-to-Market Road

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, I, um, respectfully reserve the right to close.
• Here's my, my only reservation is I'm like fiercely believe in private property.
• We have your right to reserve your right to close.
• Chairman, we reserve your right to close. Call witnesses. The chair calls Sarah Jennings.

Bills: HB113

Keywords: HB 113, Texas, Government Code Chapter 1253, general obligation bonds, bond election, voter approval, political subdivision, local government, city bonds, county bonds, school district bonds, capital projects, public finance, bond referendum, ballot measure, five-year waiting period, rejected proposition, election law, municipal finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you so much for taking the time to hear this bill, and I respectfully reserve the right to close
• With that, I'm happy to answer any questions and would like to reserve. I agree with the chairman.
• I'm happy to answer any questions and respectfully reserve the right to close.
• I do have witnesses on this bill and would reserve the right to close if you don't have any questions

Bills: HB1511, HB1831, HB1988, HB2147, HB2234

Keywords: housing, affordable housing, state regulations, zoning, local government authority, drug court, juvenile justice, diversion programs, rehabilitation, criminal justice reform, remote proceedings, depositions, virtual hearings, court technology, criminal responsibility, age of maturity, expungement, mental health services, juvenile record sealing, 1184

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, yeah, reserve my right to close.
• I'd like to reserve the right to close. Great, members, are there any questions for Chair Turner?
• provide more information about the spill and the potential impact, uh, to the on the process, and I reserve
• Well, I, I guess the one reservation I could potentially see to that would be that, uh, by, by laying

Bills: HB148, HB203, HJR30

Keywords: HB 148, Texas Education Code, Texas Education Agency, TEA, artificial intelligence, AI, machine learning, automated scoring, constructed response, open-ended answers, student assessments, state testing, standardized tests, public schools, education policy, assessment instruments, school accountability, test scoring, 2026-2027 school year, ad valorem tax

Transcript Highlights:

• I will reserve my right to close unless you have any questions and we will proceed with testimony.
• The fund would consist of $15 million. with at least 35% of the fund reserved for rural underserved areas
• I'll reserve the right to close unless you have any questions and proceed with testimony.
• Thanks members any other questions All right, I'll reserve you a right to close.

Bills: HB 1089, HB 1163, HB 1177, HB 1238, HB1318, HB1400, HB1407, HB1532, HJR7, HJR7

Keywords: coastal protection, environmental management, Gulf Coast, storm risk management, funding, Texas General Land Office, healthcare, insurance reform, patient access, insurance regulation, affordable care, health insurance, consumer rights, coverage transparency, claims process, insurance regulations, aggregate production, environmental impact, financial responsibility, reclamation

Transcript Highlights:

• Probably another one's open since I've been talking, but all that being said, it's very hard to get reservations
• Probably another one's open since I've been talking, but all that being said, it's very hard to get reservations
• Knight and Pete Squir to come to the table and explain the P2025-P100 resolution as amended. get reservations
• those places my get reservations those places my favorite<00:06:52.360><c> is</c><00:06:52.560><c> Maya

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And they also have to reserve capacity years in advance.
• We do have an ancillary service that's being dispatchable, reliability reserve service, right?
• We have ancillary services for ers and fast frequency and now dispatchable reliability reserve service
• As I look at your app and I look at the 17,000MW of operating reserves right now.
• And that's 17,000 wouldn't be what we would be paying for reserves on a day.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce convened to discuss critical infrastructure and supply chain integrity, particularly focusing on Texas's power grid and associated vulnerabilities. The meeting highlighted Texas's recent ranking as 10th in electricity affordability, emphasizing the state's commitment to maintaining a reliable and resilient electric grid. New committee members introduced themselves, and the agenda included testimony from ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission regarding the implementation of the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act, which aims to mitigate risks posed by foreign entities to the power grid. Chad Sealy from ERCOT presented updates on the attestation process for market participants, revealing that over 1,500 entities had submitted attestations regarding their corporate structures and affiliations with designated foreign countries. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of the current vetting process, particularly regarding indirect relationships with foreign adversaries. Testimonies from the PUC and the Attorney General's office underscored the challenges of enforcing compliance and the need for improved legislative measures to enhance oversight and security. The committee also heard from experts, including Dr. Emma Stewart from Idaho National Laboratory, who discussed the evolving threats to the grid from foreign adversaries and the importance of securing communication systems. Recommendations included prioritizing inspections of critical components and enhancing collaboration with national laboratories to address vulnerabilities. The discussion concluded with an acknowledgment of the balance needed between ensuring grid security and maintaining affordability for consumers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyone voting with reservations or no? Hearing none, all other members vote I.
• Anyone voting<01:08:13.280><c> with</c><01:08:13.520><c> reservations</c><01:08:14.079><c> or</c><01:
• </c> voting with reservations or no? voting with reservations or no?
• Anyone pro present wanting to vote with reservations or no?
• Anyone present wanting to vote with reservations or no?

Bills: HB1979

Keywords: environmental review, affordable housing, clean energy, judicial proceedings, public participation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1979 HD3, which would shorten the time to file certain judicial challenges to environmental assessments and environmental impact statements for affordable housing and clean energy projects, and would also affect transfer of some environmental court appeals to the Supreme Court. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the amended bill, saying the changes were improved from earlier versions and that the shorter filing period was reasonable for these priority projects. Hawaii Gas asked that the bill’s clean energy definition be broadened to align with existing renewable energy law so emerging technologies like renewable hydrogen and renewable gas would be included. Kauai Island Utility Co-op and Greenpeace Hawaii testified in support and opposition, respectively, with supporters arguing the bill would reduce litigation uncertainty and opponents saying the shorter deadline would limit public participation and not solve the real causes of project delays. Opposition testimony came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, 350 Hawaii, and others, who argued the bill could chill legitimate public-interest claims, especially where there is limited public notice, and that environmental review was being unfairly blamed for delays caused by permitting, financing, or infrastructure problems. Several speakers said the measure would reduce transparency and make it harder for communities to respond in time. One testifier from Earthjustice said the environmental review process itself is not the problem and should not be weakened for projects that still need public disclosure and community engagement. The committee then moved to decision-making and, citing the volume of opposition and concerns about public participation, transparency, and whether the bill would actually improve timelines, the chair deferred HB 1979 HD3 indefinitely. The hearing was adjourned after the vote decision was announced. The transcript then shifted to HB 2585, relating to tourism and statewide standards for agritourism. Testimony was mixed: farmers and agricultural groups described agritourism as essential to keeping small farms and ranches viable, while also urging safeguards so it would not be abused or displace real agricultural production. Some speakers warned the bill’s revenue-based limits could unintentionally shut down existing farm stays and related operations, especially in Maui County. The Hawaii Farm Bureau said it supported the intent but wanted clearer protections for bona fide agriculture and more flexibility around revenue requirements and force majeure situations. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I reserve the right to close, and I'm happy to answer any questions. Thank you, sir.
• And I respectfully reserve my right to close, sir. All right, thank you. Members, any questions?
• And you want to reserve your right to close? Reserve the right to close. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• We will reserve your right to close and we'll proceed to testimony.
• We will reserve the right to close and we'll go to testimony. Thank you.

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 3709, which would change the partial manual audit process so early voting could be audited by voting location rather than by randomly selected precincts. The author and several supporters said the current precinct-based process is antiquated, labor-intensive, and especially difficult in countywide voting systems and large counties. Opponents and some neutral witnesses raised concerns about whether the change would still allow an apples-to-apples audit against official precinct results, whether random selection procedures should be more clearly defined, and how ballot secrecy and mail ballots would be handled. The Secretary of State’s office said counties already use random selection methods and that the bill would largely standardize early voting audits with election-day procedures, while also noting ballot privacy issues can arise in public records requests. After testimony, the bill was left pending. The committee then took up House Bill 766, as substituted, which would require precinct chair applicants to provide an email address, phone number, or both, while making that contact information confidential. Supporters said the change would help parties and local officials contact applicants more efficiently. Opponents argued it could expose personal contact information to public records requests and harassment, and some suggested the information should instead be handled through party rules. The bill was left pending after the committee substitute was withdrawn. House Bill 3775 followed and would set clearer timelines for when early voting ballot boards may begin opening carrier envelopes, with different start times based on county size. Supporters said the bill would address counties opening ballots too early and improve ballot security, while opponents warned it could delay defect notices and cure opportunities for mail voters and create problems in large counties that process high volumes of ballots. Testimony also focused on whether the bill referred to carrier envelopes or secrecy envelopes and on how counties like Harris County currently image and secure ballot materials. The bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 4275, which would require countywide polling systems to have polling places in each election precinct, intended to address uneven distribution of polling locations across county commissioner precincts. Supporters said the bill would make polling place distribution fairer and more consistent, especially in Harris County, while opponents said it would undermine countywide voting, increase costs, require more equipment and staff, and reduce local flexibility. Several witnesses also raised concerns about ballot secrecy and the practical burden on large and rural counties. The bill remained under discussion as testimony continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• This request places $7.9 billion in the Unbudgeted Reserve in the Grants and Donations Trust Fund and
• I think this is going into reserve.

Summary: The Legislative Budget Commission met with a quorum present and considered two Agency for Health Care Administration budget amendments related to Medicaid supplemental payments. The first amendment, EOGB 2026-0831, authorized $2.1 billion in budget authority for the Low-Income Pool to support safety-net providers with uncompensated charity care. Members asked about the timing of AHCA’s submission to CMS and whether the program addressed hospital shortfalls for insured patients and CHIP-related concerns. AHCA said approvals have generally been slower under the current federal review process, and the amendment was adopted without objection. The second amendment, EOGB 2026-0875, placed $7.9 billion in reserve for Florida’s Directed Payment Program for Hospitals pending final CMS approval. Senators and representatives questioned the role of hospital attestations regarding hold harmless agreements, whether any agreements had to be unwound, and how long final approval might take. AHCA said all hospitals had submitted attestations, no unwinding was known to be necessary, and approval was expected soon. Members also raised concerns about cancer hospitals, including Moffitt and the University of Miami, not participating in the directed payment program. AHCA responded that those institutions participate instead in a separate Florida Cancer Hospital supplemental payment program, which had already been approved. Both amendments were adopted without objection, and the commission then adjourned.