Transcript Highlights:

• Our Texas Military forces, the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, the State Guard stand ready to
• And not just the National Guard, but also the reserves are at 68% overweight or obese, and to to talk
• A lot of these soldiers who are in the National Guard, they don't live next to an armory.
• is that National Guard troops, when they're doing their two weeks a year, 1 weekend a month.
• Guard, Texas National Guard, has to travel almost 2 hours to get to his unit training when he does his

Bills: SB 36

Keywords: transportation, regional authorities, mobility, infrastructure, sales tax

Transcript Highlights:

• It includes reservists, National Guard members, and Air National Guard.
• ,<00:04:27.360> and reservists, National Guard members, and reservists, National Guard members
• Air National Guard. Air National Guard.
• <00:07:57.880> Guard National Guard National Guard to<00:07:59.480> serve<00:07:59.840>
• <00:14:49.800> reserve National Guard members and reserve National Guard members and reserve members

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard an introductory presentation from Sam Daily of Believe It Canine Service Partners, a nonprofit that trains service dogs free of charge for disabled veterans. Daily described the organization’s work with veterans, including placements with MACV and a service dog at Veteran Village in Eagan, and said the group has placed 80 teams so far. Senator Howe asked whether the organization had pursued Support Our Troops grants, and Daily said it had received two SOS grants. The first bill taken up was Senate File 4172, as amended, which would expand eligibility for burial in Minnesota state veterans cemeteries to honorably discharged reservists, National Guard members, and Air National Guard members, and would allow some honor guard use for eligible people. Senator Howe said the bill corrects an inequity for Guard and reserve members who served honorably but are not currently eligible. Glenn Pence testified in support, saying the bill recognizes National Guard service and should allow those veterans to be buried with others they served alongside. MDVA’s David Swantek supported the concept but warned that expanded eligibility would increase demand, especially at Little Falls, and could shorten its projected capacity timeline from about 48 years to about 30 years. The committee adopted the A1 amendment and then laid the bill over for inclusion in the Veterans and Military Affairs Finance Omnibus Bill. The committee then heard Senate File 4026, which sets standards for MDVA competitive grants and adds accountability and residency requirements. Senator Koran said the bill would help the department review grants and ensure funds serve Minnesota veterans and families. MDVA chief of staff Dave Belfi supported the bill, saying it reflects agency feedback, aligns with existing residency rules, and does not affect CVSO, VSO, or Support Our Troops grants. The A1 amendment was adopted, and the bill was laid over for inclusion in the omnibus bill. Next, Senate File 4807 was heard, a bill to update pay for National Guard soldiers and airmen called to state active duty. MDVA and National Guard officials said the bill would simplify statute language and raise the minimum base pay for lower ranks to the E5 level, with future adjustments tied to federal pay tables. Senator Kunesh asked about funding, and staff explained the cost would come through an open general-fund emergency appropriation, estimated at about $30,000 annually but varying with activations. The committee adopted amendments to incorporate SF 4172 and SF 4026 into SF 4807, made technical corrections, and then recommended SF 4807, as amended, to pass and be referred to the full committee. Finally, the committee heard Senate File 3603, which would create a program allowing school districts to issue high school diplomas to Minnesota veterans who left school to serve during the Korean conflict or Vietnam War. Senator Rasmussen said the bill recognizes veterans who interrupted their education for service. MDVA’s John Kelly supported the bill, noting it reflects input from MDVA and the Department of Education and that similar programs exist in other states. The committee voted to recommend the bill to pass and refer it to the full committee. The meeting also began discussion of Senate File 4560, which would formalize the Commander's Task Force, but the transcript cuts off before that bill was acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the of the National Guard is we have of the of the National Guard is we have a<00:09:54.000><
• <00:14:33.160> soldiers National Guard and there's 100 soldiers National Guard and there's
• Most people, when they come into the National Guard, stay in the National Guard.
• <00:17:14.520> Guard used by the Minnesota National Guard used by the Minnesota National Guard
• > Guards<00:17:16.839> uh used by many National Guards uh used by many National Guards uh

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• to ask for an Army National Guard helicopter. >> Mhm.
• to ask for an Army National Guard helicopter. >> Mhm.
• to ask for an Army National Guard helicopter. >> Mhm.
• say the state national guard to ask for say the state national guard to ask for an<00:37:17.119>
• an army national guard helicopter. an army national guard helicopter.

Bills: SB2064, SB2312, SB2811, SB2662, SB2744, SB2809, SB2862, SB2343, SB2336, SB2075, SB2308, SB2601, SB2397, SB2219, SB2849, SB2449, SB2781

Keywords: state architect, construction projects, design approvals, building codes, state agency oversight, government contracts, transparency, record retention, public oversight, Hawaii Revised Statutes, building permits, task force, state-owned lands, construction, regulatory process, government accountability, external consultants, procurement reform, cost efficiency, in-house expertise

Summary: The committee met for decision-making on measures heard earlier in the week and took up a series of government operations, procurement, public records, public meetings, and related bills. Several measures were deferred one week to February 12, 2026, including bills on state construction projects, government accountability, gubernatorial appointments, the legislature, public procurement, and a bill on Hawaiian lei sales, largely so the committee could compare similar measures, address concerns, or integrate related reports. The committee also deferred SB 2449 on public meetings for the year, citing concerns that the proposed business-day definition was overly prescriptive and unnecessary. The committee passed several bills with amendments. These included measures clarifying UIPA applicability to records created or maintained by agencies, with amendments changing “government function” to “agency function” and committee report language noting Attorney General concerns and exempting ERS for now; SB 2811 on state building projects with technical amendments and a delayed effective date; SB 2809 on budget-related reports; SB 2336 on trees, with a Senate draft and removal of “political subdivision”; SB 2308 on small purchase vendor compliance, setting the threshold at $5,000 and adding a delayed effective date; SB 2601 on procurement, reorganizing misdemeanor language and leaving funding/FTE issues to Ways and Means; SB 2219 on a capital visitor center working group; and SB 2849 on public meetings, with technical amendments and a delayed effective date. Bills on neighborhood board concerns and public notice were also adopted, with SB 2929 drawing testimony both for and against. Testimony was generally supportive on procurement and small business measures, especially SB 2928 establishing permanent small business procurement coordinator positions, which drew strong support from the State Procurement Office, DBEDT, the Chamber of Commerce, DOT, the Ethics Commission, and others. On public notice, the County of Maui supported allowing website posting, while another witness raised concerns about accessibility, centralized notice locations, and impacts on kūpuna and people with disabilities. On search and rescue, the committee heard support for creating a statewide coordination structure, along with discussion of where such an office should reside; the Attorney General raised constitutional and placement concerns, while witnesses suggested law enforcement, DLNR, or DoD as possible homes. The committee also heard support for a bill protecting home addresses of covered public servants and candidates, though the Public First Law Center urged broader coverage and a better fit with existing law.

Transcript Highlights:

• In our federal role, we also report to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau on the status of our National
• We have four brigade-sized units in the Army National Guard and two major formations in the Air National
• Since 9/11, the Florida National Guard has mobilized and deployed over 28,000 soldiers and airmen.
• We currently rank 53 of 54 nationally when comparing Guard personnel to our state's population.
• Guard Bureau to examine the resource allocations of the Florida National Guard and allow an increase

Summary: The committee took up SB 116 by Senator Burgess, a veterans bill aimed at several FDVA-related changes. The bill would reduce annual nominations to the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame from 20 to 5, expand FDVA’s survey work to assess veterans’ awareness of available programs and their health literacy, add mental health training to the veterans suicide prevention pilot, strengthen coordination and reporting between Veterans Florida and FDVA, direct FDVA to develop a plan for adult day health care facilities statewide, and allow the Florida Veterans Foundation to use a portion of Gadsden flag plate proceeds for administrative costs. Senator Burgess said the measure builds on prior “Forward March” efforts and helps close service gaps for aging veterans and others who may not know about available benefits. Testimony on SB 116 was uniformly supportive. FDVA leadership said adult day health care could be added at existing facilities such as Port St. Lucie and Lake City, and that the state would need authority and funding to move forward. A veterans legal collaborative, AARP Florida, and Endeavors all voiced support, with speakers emphasizing the importance of better outreach, mental health awareness, and care options that allow veterans to remain at home. The committee then voted favorably on SB 116. The remainder of the meeting was devoted to agency and stakeholder presentations. Florida National Guard officials described a high operational tempo, deployments at home and abroad, hurricane response efforts, and the need to grow the force and infrastructure. FDVA’s adjutant general reported Florida now has the nation’s second-largest veteran population, rising in-migration of younger veterans, a large and aging Vietnam-era population, strong claims and outreach activity, declining veteran homelessness, and improved suicide prevention outcomes. The Florida Veterans Foundation outlined its emergency relief, dental, transportation, and license-plate-funded programs, while Veterans Florida and CareerSource Florida detailed workforce, apprenticeship, SkillBridge, entrepreneurship, and job-fair programs for veterans and spouses, along with efforts to expand recurring funding and better protect customer information.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE FLORIDA NATIONAL GUARD HAS THREE PRIMARY MISSIONS.
• THE SECOND ELEMENT OF OUR MISSION STATEMENT IS WHAT MAKES THE NATIONAL GUARD UNIQUE.
• WE HAVE FOUR BRIGADE UNITS IN TWO MAJOR FORMATIONS IN THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD.
• SINCE 9/11 THE FLORIDA NATIONAL GUARD HAS DEPLOY 28000 AIRMEN.
• LASTLY, IF FLORIDA NATIONAL GUARD IS PROUD OF A HISTORIC ORGANIZATION.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:47:36.040> Guard next Slide the uh the National Guard next Slide the uh the National Guard
• > and<00:50:24.839> the National Guard full-time force and the National Guard full-time force
• <00:57:38.200> Guard the headquarters of the National Guard the headquarters of the National
• Minnesota National Guard we have two Minnesota National Guard we have two Wings<00:57:49.760>
• <01:09:12.480> Guard inlist in the Minnesota National Guard inlist in the Minnesota National

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee held its first hearing of the session and began with introductions from members and staff, many of whom shared personal or family connections to military service. The chair emphasized that the committee would work respectfully and invited members to raise concerns directly. No votes or formal actions were taken during the opening portion of the meeting. The main substantive item was an overview presentation from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. Commissioner Brad Lindsay described the agency’s mission, statewide footprint, and strategic goals, noting Minnesota has more than 286,000 veterans and that MDVA serves veterans in all 87 counties. He outlined the department’s structure, including eight veterans homes, four state veterans cemeteries, tribal and campus outreach, and the agency’s focus on seamless support, awareness of programs, stewardship of resources, and workforce retention. Deputy Commissioner Ben Johnson then detailed the Programs and Services Division, including federal VA claims assistance, veterans employment and education support, state veterans cemeteries and memorial affairs, the State Soldiers Assistance Program, homelessness prevention, tribal veteran service officers, women veterans services, the Minnesota GI Bill, licensing and certification assistance, the state approving agency, veterans preference, emergency assistance, the LinkVet line, and the Minnesota Service Core partnership with Lutheran Social Services. He also noted the agency’s work on food insecurity and burial services. The presentation was informational only, with no committee action reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fattman: expanding the National Guard Welcome Home Veterans Bonus.
• And I asked the question about whether or not we track Massachusetts National Guard men and women who
• And I asked the question about whether or not we track Massachusetts National Guard men and women who
• And so, having a member of my family who serves in the Massachusetts National Guard and knowing that
• National Guard soldiers answer to the law, not a person.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate began with routine formalities, then took up several final-passage and engrossment matters. It adopted emergency preambles for House Bill 1590, establishing a sick leave bank for Eric J. Iwanek, and House Bill 1024, authorizing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to provide sewer service to a parcel in Sharon. The Senate also passed to be enacted Senate Bill 2528, allowing Marblehead to establish fines related to parking violations, and adopted a pair of congratulatory resolutions. Later, it ordered several House bills to third reading, including measures for an additional off-premises alcohol license in Somerset and sick leave banks for David A. Russell and Jean McCarran, and concurred in a gubernatorial amendment to a vital statistics bill. The chamber then considered major committee reports and amendments on military and veterans issues. It advanced a Ways and Means substitute for a bill on free expression and a substitute for a bill on assault and battery upon a transit worker, placing both on the Orders of the Day. The Senate also debated and amended Senate Bill 2503, the EASE Act for military-connected families, with remarks emphasizing school stability for military children, special education continuity, juvenile justice transfers, and use of military protective orders in domestic violence cases. Several proposed amendments were withdrawn or rejected, including tax relief proposals for 100% disabled veterans, while an amendment requiring tracking of veteran suicides was adopted. The bill was then ordered to third reading and passed to be engrossed by roll call, 39-0. Another major item was Senate Bill 2501, clarifying the duties of the adjutant general. The Senate adopted a Ways and Means substitute and considered multiple amendments, including one withdrawn proposal on entry by non-federalized armed forces from other jurisdictions and another adopted amendment requiring recruit training on lawful orders; other amendments were withdrawn. The bill was then ordered to third reading and passed to be engrossed. The Senate also passed House Bill 3388, designating September 22 as Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day. Throughout the session, members also offered and adopted several adjournment motions honoring the lives and service of Judge Leslie E. Harris, former Newton Mayor Seyi Warren, and Anthony P. Dwingnan, and the Senate adjourned to meet again the following Monday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• to look at national updates and, frankly, to look at the posture of the Army and the Air National Guard
• to look at national updates and, frankly, to look at the posture of the Army and the Air National Guard
• And frankly, to look at the posture of the Army and the Air National Guard.
• Guard Bureau and the National Guard Bureau watch, and our 54 states and territories adjutant generals
• The other part that it is important to note is that your National Guard, your Virginia National Guard

Keywords: House Committee Room A, General Assembly Building, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She said it Kentucky National Guard.
• My dad's in the National Guard. >> Thank you. >> Laura Pesus, representing the National Guard, and I'm
• Guard. and I'm representing the National Guard. and I'm representing the National Guard.
• My dad's in the National Shockford. My dad's in the National Guard. Guard. Guard.
• and I also represent the National Guard. and I also represent the National Guard.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met on Military Kids Day and first heard an update from USA Cares, a nonprofit that provides emergency financial assistance and follow-up support to military and veteran families. Representatives said the organization helps families facing housing, vehicle, and utility crises, as well as transition challenges, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and related risks. They reported that the state’s prior $2 million appropriation was nearly all directed to direct aid, with about 97% used for family assistance and 364 families served in the past 18 months, including more than 500 dependents. They also described a new post-assistance mental health survey and referral effort with the University of Louisville, and said they are requesting another $2 million over the next two-year budget cycle. Members asked about referral sources, the impact of possible VA benefit changes, substance abuse, and whether USA Cares can connect clients to treatment. USA Cares said the VA is its most steady referral source, with referrals also coming from homeless crisis lines, HUD-VASH, KDVA, and local resources. They said they already consider reductions in benefits when reviewing applications and that they do make warm handoffs to VA counselors and other professionals, while expanding a follow-up mental health assessment program to better identify substance abuse, mental health issues, and suicide risk. The committee then took up Senate Resolution 103, which recognizes and honors military children on Military Kids Day and commemorates the event’s history and growth. The resolution notes the event began in 2017, was inspired by a military spouse’s suggestion, and has grown from roughly 20-40 participants to about 250. Members and the sponsor spoke about the resilience and leadership of military kids and the importance of the event. The resolution was adopted, and Senator Jimmy Higdon was recognized with a service coin in appreciation of his leadership in creating Military Kids Day.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:47.199> Guard a specific group of National Guard a specific group of National Guard
• <00:07:59.879> that National Guard and Reserve veterans that National Guard and Reserve veterans
• they chose to get out of the National they chose to get out of the National Guard<00:08:16.680><
• Guard, with the missions that our National Guard members and our reservists have had.
• Guard Association has Kentucky National Guard Association has invited<00:20:20.200> everyone<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection held its first meeting of the 2025 session, welcomed new members, announced a 24-hour rule for committee amendments, and reviewed basic meeting procedures. After roll call confirmed a quorum, members recited the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer. The chair also recognized Representative Thomas for his service to the committee and presented remarks of appreciation as he moved into other duties. The committee then considered House Bill 191, which would extend burial eligibility in Kentucky state veterans cemeteries to certain National Guard and Reserve members who were honorably discharged but never activated under Title 10. Testimony from Rep. Aaron Thompson and KDVA officials explained that the bill aligns with the federal Burial Guard Reserve Act of 2022 and would cover some long-serving Guard and Reserve members, including those who served during disasters such as the Eastern Kentucky floods and western Kentucky tornadoes. Members voiced support, and the bill passed the committee with a favorable recommendation after adoption of a title amendment. Next, the committee took up House Bill 152, which would create a supplemental Medicaid payment program for public EMS agencies through voluntary intergovernmental transfers, with no general fund dollars used. Rep. Michael Meredith and EMS chiefs testified that the measure would help public agencies recover more of the cost of Medicaid transports; one example cited was a local agency that could increase reimbursement substantially under the program. In response to questions, witnesses said the existing program for public and private agencies is mandatory, while this bill creates an additional voluntary enhancement for public agencies only, and that the program could be affected if Medicaid match rates change. The committee approved the bill with a favorable recommendation and a title amendment. The meeting ended with announcements about Military Kids Day on February 25 and a Kentucky National Guard Association reception and dinner on February 15, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Florida National Guard is prepared every day to execute the governor's plan to the fullest extent
• The Florida National Guard has three primary missions: to provide highly trained units and personnel
• The second element is what makes the National Guard truly unique, in that the National Guard is the only
• In my federal role, I report to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau on the status of the National
• Lastly, I would tell you that your Florida National Guard is a proud and historical organization.

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:

• Mancino, the Adjutant General of the Oklahoma National Guard. General Mancino, you are recognized.
• The Oklahoma National Guard is our military.
• It's also important to recognize that the Oklahoma National Guard has evolved.
• For 25 years, I had the privilege of serving in the Oklahoma Air National Guard.
• Today, we're honored to have a number of the members of the Oklahoma Army National Guard and Air National

Bills: SB1290, SB1530, SB1847, HR1050, SB169, SB1377, SB1990, SB1991, SB1778, SB1579, SB1992, SB3, SB2028, SB1928, SB2127, SB2117, SB1439, SB1930, SB330, SB1191, SB2110, SB2134, SB2069, SB2095, SB1613, SB1246, SB1976, SB1346, SB1509, SB2071, SB259, SB1314

Keywords: 2-1-1 services, revolving fund, Department of Human Services, crisis pregnancy, abortion, legal funding, research funding, development rebate, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, tax incentives, higher education partnerships, Medicaid, ADvantage Waiver, home-based services, eligibility criteria, healthcare, senior services, Taiwan, Oklahoma, sister-state relationship

Transcript Highlights:

• With the Army National Guard, not necessarily the Air Force National Guard, to get some of our people
• Army or Air National Guard. Army or Air National Guard.
• Sir, it could be that and also our sort National Guard, full-time National Guard people.
• Guard and Air Vermont Army National Guard and Air National<01:13:12.320> Guard<01:13:12.560><
• Guard. from my National Guard.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Bear, Chairman. file 12 engrossed Wyoming National Guard file 12 engrossed Wyoming National
• He added that the State Guard would come under the governing of the National Guard and that those same
• <01:18:54.800> guard<01:18:55.280> and the governing of the national guard and the
• <01:23:51.679> guard know, just in case our national guard know, just in case our national
• Guard, what your if you're a National Guard, what your typical<01:31:50.400> cost<01:31:50.719

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:34.320> Guard<00:08:34.719> into the entire Vermont National Guard into the
• leadership in the Vermont Air National leadership in the Vermont Air National Guard,<00:10:21.120
• <00:15:14.480> Guard ensures that the Vermont National Guard ensures that the Vermont National
• responsiveness of the Vermont National responsiveness of the Vermont National Guard.<00:18:05.679
• a The Vermont National Guard is entering a consequential<00:19:07.520> period.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Local police chiefs did not call for the National Guard. We get the National Guard.
• We got the National Guard. We got the National Guard.
• National Guard. National Guard.
• National Guard. National Guard.
• We get the National Guard. We get the National Guard.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, June 27, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Memorial 4005, as the chair mentioned, relates to the Florida National Guard.
• That is the number of troops that are assigned to the state of Florida for Florida's National Guard.
• Daly, regarding the force structure, I don't understand more from the National Guard side, so I just
• I guess the Florida National Guard has. And they had some concerns.
• There is, I know that we have an infrastructure all across the state to support the National Guard in

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee heard and passed two measures before receiving a staff presentation on the local bill process and local delegation meetings. HB 4007, by Rep. Snyder, would cap reimbursement for certain inmate emergency medical services in Martin County at 110% of the Medicare rate, with a higher cap if a provider shows it is operating at a loss. Snyder said the bill is intended to create predictability and save taxpayer dollars; members asked about fiscal effects and whether other counties could adopt similar language. Public testimony came in support from Martin County and related local officials, and the bill was reported favorably by a 17-0 vote. The committee also passed HM 4005, by Rep. Daly, which urges Congress to increase Florida National Guard force structure. Daly argued Florida’s troop allocation is outdated and inadequate for the state’s population and disaster demands, contributing to burnout and recruiting problems. Members asked about the basis for the current allocation, possible budget and infrastructure impacts, and the National Guard’s needs; there was no opposition or public testimony, and the memorial was reported favorably by a 17-0 vote. After the votes, Reps. Holcomb and Kendall gave a detailed presentation explaining how local bills differ from general laws, constitutional limits on local legislation, required local delegation meetings and notice, certification and economic impact forms, and amendment procedures. Members asked several process questions, including about multi-county delegations and Miami-Dade’s special status. The meeting ended with a few recognitions and adjournment before session.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1085, Mississippi National Guard Service Members Medical Readiness Act.
• > Service Mississippi National Guard Service Mississippi National Guard Service Members<00:03:22.720
• Guard can establish Mississippi National Guard can establish its<00:04:29.360> own<00:04:29.759
• some specific language that the National some specific language that the National Guard<00:04:46.479
• <00:05:08.400> uh National Guard in their states. uh National Guard in their states. uh extent

Keywords: Veterans and Military Affairs - Room 210, 19 February, 2026; 2:00 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee began by having a group of student pages introduce themselves, with the chair praising them as the best group of pages he had seen in his seven sessions. He then moved quickly through the agenda, noting that four bills were on the calendar and that three had already been voted on in committee substitute form. House Bill 1076, the Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act, was presented as a strike-all using the same language previously approved 52-0 to place limits on claim sharks. House Bill 1084 would increase authorized military leave for training from 15 to 21 days; members were told it was double referred and would also go to Appropriations, but the language was the same as previously passed 52-0. House Bill 1085, the Mississippi National Guard Service Members Medical Readiness Act, was described as a strike-all version of the committee’s earlier Tricare-related bill, again said to be verbatim to the version previously passed 51-0. House Bill 1713 was explained in more detail as a measure to codify long-standing authority for the Mississippi National Guard to offer state-sponsored voluntary death and dismemberment insurance, up to $25,000 per person. The new language would clarify who administers the program and who is eligible, and the sponsor emphasized that the coverage is voluntary and has no fiscal note because participants would pay for it themselves. After brief questions, each bill was moved by title sufficient do pass and approved by voice vote, with the chair announcing the ayes had it. The chair also said there would be at least one more meeting later for reappointed nominations once a peer report was available, and the committee then rose and reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• It will be for Oklahoma National Guard families.
• It is a state national guard.
• What the the national guard of the United States, the Army National Guard and Air National Guard that
• It's going to be one of the best museums in the nation for our National Guard.
• So, for the 8,600 members of the National Guard, 200 members of the National Guard is not very many.

Keywords: 914, all