Video & Transcript Research : 'rate deviations'
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US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Paul Lawrence, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Feb 19th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Senate Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- One, I'm trying to get the annual attrition rate for probationary employees over the last four years
- I should also mention that given average attrition rates in the federal government.
- Just in the last month, 2,000 a month is about the rate that would apply to the VA.
- A rating schedule aligns benefits to your disability. Okay, there's an ongoing review.
- But any change to the rating schedule.
Keywords:
veterans affairs, VA modernization, employee layoffs, mental health, suicide prevention, transparency, senate committee, bipartisan support, oversight
Summary:
The meeting involved detailed discussions on various veterans' issues, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amidst a backdrop of significant staffing changes. Members expressed deep concerns over the recent layoffs of over 1,000 VA employees, emphasizing the crucial nature of these positions in the context of mental health support for veterans, particularly amid rising suicide rates. Senators articulated the need for transparency and effective communication between the VA and Congress to avoid further breakdowns in services. The session also spotlighted the ongoing modernization of VA systems and the urgent need to streamline processes to benefit veterans effectively.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 5, 2025 - 03:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- includes the discretionary local effort, which school districts may levy at a not-to-exceed millage rate
- For the past several years, this millage rate has been 0.748, and all school districts levy the full
- into consideration how they may be affected by factors such as the current FTE, the state's birth rate
- We can track graduation rates.
- We have increased our graduation rates amongst our ESE students to a tremendous amount.
Summary:
The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee met to review how Florida’s Education Finance Program (FEFP) works, receive an update from the Department of Education on the October 2024 FTE survey and third FEFP calculation, and hear from three county superintendents about forecasting enrollment and reconciling scholarship students. The chair explained that FEFP is funded by both state and local dollars, is recalculated multiple times during the year, and is now closely tied to school choice policy. Department staff said the third calculation was still being rerun but should be completed soon, and described the forecasting process as collaborative among districts, DOE, and the Education Estimating Conference.
Superintendents from Polk, St. Lucie, and Hendry counties said enrollment shifts, especially students moving to Family Empowerment Scholarships, homeschooling, or private schools, make budgeting and staffing difficult. They said districts often must hold back funds to protect against midyear losses, which affects collective bargaining, staffing, transportation, and classroom organization. Several members raised concerns about duplicate counting, transparency, and whether students receiving scholarship funds can also remain in district classrooms. DOE said districts can access scholarship information through a secure portal and that scholarship funding organizations are paid quarterly, with a new process requiring certification and possible future payment adjustments to reduce duplication.
The superintendents urged better real-time tracking of students through a statewide ID or student information system and suggested scholarship students should be funded separately from district FEFP calculations. Members also discussed whether more frequent or daily attendance-based calculations would improve accuracy, though some warned that daily attendance could create new problems for high-poverty districts. The committee also briefly discussed categoricals, including mental health and ESE funding, with DOE saying it evaluates programs through studies, reporting requirements, and legislative direction. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with a motion to rise and adjourn.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- looking through all of this, realizing that they're one of the agencies that, because of their win rate
- It's a mix of an hourly rate, and it's negotiated.
- What rate of interest are we paying? **Michelle**: Michelle probably knows.
- **Senator Bettencourt**: What the interest rate is, if you know it? You know it?
- after, when you get to an extended payout term like this, if we're running up a one-year interest rate
Bills:
SB 1
Keywords:
campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, Attorney General, budget recommendations, funding swaps, salary increases, Landowner's Compensation Program, public testimony, law enforcement
Summary:
The meeting focused on the budget recommendations for the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), where key issues included the proposed decrease of $163.9 million for the 2024-25 biennium and various methodology swaps for funding. Attorney General Paxton discussed ongoing litigation expenditures and emphasized the need for continued investments in agency staffing to address rising demands within law enforcement. Notably, he requested a 6% salary increase for 2026 and 2027 to retain talented personnel amidst competitive job markets. Public testimony highlighted community awareness challenges regarding the Landowner's Compensation Program, indicating a need for enhanced outreach efforts.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Jan 27th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA DOESN'T HAVE THE LOWEST ADMISSION RATE IN OUR STATE.
- THE FLORIDA STATE FOLKS MIGHT THINK IT'S FLORIDA STATE THAT HAS THE LOWEST ADMISSIONS RATE IN OUR STATE
- WORKED THE HARDEST TO GET MONEY FOR WHEN I CHAIRED HIGHER ED APPROPRIATIONS, THE LOWEST ADMISSIONS RATE
- THE LOWEST ADMISSIONS RATE IN FLORIDA IS FLORIDA A AND M. AT 21%.
- THE LOWEST ADMISSIONS RATE IN FLORIDA IS FLORIDA A AND M. AT 21%.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- And that response rate was tremendous.
- And that response rate was tremendous.
- And that’s, of course, in addition to the 100% response rate from contractually obligated businesses.
- We are seeing higher rates of that, which is so exciting.
- We are seeing higher rates of that, which is so exciting.
Summary:
The Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities met virtually and in person for its June meeting. Members approved the March meeting minutes and heard a chair’s report on recent “Meeting the Moment” community conversations, including the successful Lowell event and plans for a July 14 Northampton event and an October National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebration at the State House. The October event will include a panel with MassAbility on artificial intelligence and its impacts on people with disabilities, with discussion of both accessibility benefits and risks such as bias and discrimination.
A major presentation came from the Supplier Diversity Office on its Empowering Abilities in Contracting and Employment (EAC) program. Staff described the program’s evolution from a pilot launched after 2016 legislation to a statewide policy now included in new state contracts. The program aims to increase certification of disability-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, expand workforce participation by people with disabilities, and use vendor reporting to track progress toward a 3% workforce goal. The office reported about 292 active certified businesses, roughly 40 vendors currently on EAC contracts, and expectations that the number of participating vendors will grow to about 130 by November. Commissioners praised the program and asked about its reach, data, and potential replication in other states or institutions.
The advisory council update highlighted broad engagement across topics including accessibility, employment, youth transition, housing, health equity, transportation, technology, AI, and supported decision-making. Members were asked to share fact sheets and resources for posting on the commission website, and two council members will help plan the October employment event. Subcommittee reports followed: the employment subcommittee reviewed transition-to-employment barriers, the disability employment tax credit, veteran services, and a SEED policy brief; the workforce supports subcommittee discussed apprenticeships and a May webinar on addressing workforce barriers through apprenticeships; and the long-term services and supports/health equity subcommittee heard about care coordination training resources and a presentation on post-COVID health care inequities for people with disabilities. The executive director also reported on ongoing work with state agencies, MassHealth-related conversations, caregiver and aging issues, and AI planning. The meeting ended with commissioner announcements on the Paul Spooner Generational Leadership Summit and a Medicaid summit, followed by adjournment by vote.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Health Policy Jan 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- From 2005 to the present, drowning deaths in Florida have ranged between 350 and 500 per year, a rate
- However, children age 4 and under drowned at nearly three times the rate, at approximately 6 per 100,000
- Comparably, children between the ages of 1 and 7 drowned at a rate of approximately 5 per 100,000 and
- National data shows that children ages 1 to 4 have the highest drowning rates, and nearly half of all
- National data shows that children ages 1 to 4 have the highest drowning rates, and nearly half of all
Summary:
The Senate Health Policy Committee met with a quorum and considered several health-related bills, most of them focused on drowning prevention and public safety. SB 428, by Senator Yarborough, would expand Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7. The sponsor and supporting testimony from a pediatric emergency physician and YMCA representatives emphasized Florida’s high drowning rates, especially among very young children, and argued that swim lessons can significantly reduce risk. Senator Harrell noted the need to revisit the funding allocation as eligibility expands. The bill was reported favorably.
The committee also heard SB 606, by Senator Smith, which adds drowning prevention and safe bathing practices to postpartum education provided by hospitals, birthing centers, and, after amendment, no longer requires home birth providers to maintain proof of compliance. A parent who lost a child to drowning and Senator Berman spoke in strong support, stressing that the bill would educate new parents at a critical time. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute.
SB 162, by Senator Davis, would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. The sponsor said the equipment is relatively low-cost and already used in many facilities, while several witnesses supported the bill as a worker-safety measure. Other senators raised concerns about the lack of data, possible rural hospital impacts, and whether the mandate could add costs without clear evidence of harm. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 340, by Senator Harrell, requiring nursing students to complete a two-hour human trafficking course before licensure, after amending the bill to shift the requirement from nursing programs to the students themselves. Testimony from a trafficking survivor and nursing advocates supported the measure, and it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. Finally, SB 192, presented by Senator Trumbull on behalf of Senator Martin, removed the $1,500 cap on advances chiropractic physicians may collect for examinations or treatment; chiropractic industry representatives supported the change, and the bill was reported favorably.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- From 2005 to the present, drowning deaths in Florida have ranged between 350 and 500 per year, a rate
- However, children age 4 and under drowned at nearly three times the rate, at approximately 6 per 100,000
- Comparably, children between the ages of 1 and 7 drowned at a rate of approximately 5 per 100,000 and
- National data shows that children ages 1 to 4 have the highest drowning rates, and nearly half of all
- National data shows that children ages 1 to 4 have the highest drowning rates, and nearly half of all
Keywords:
drowning prevention, water safety, swimming lessons, swim vouchers, child drowning, infant safety, toddler safety, pool safety, bath safety, safe bathing practices, postpartum education, newborn care, childbirth education, birth centers, home birth providers, Department of Health, public health, water competency, swim instruction, infant supervision
Summary:
The Senate Health Policy Committee met with a quorum and took up several health-related bills, with a strong focus on drowning prevention and patient safety. SB 428 by Senator Yarborough would expand Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7. Supporters, including a pediatric emergency physician and YMCA leadership, cited Florida’s high child drowning rates and argued that swim lessons reduce risk and should be available to more children. Senator Harrell noted the need to consider increasing the program’s funding as eligibility expands. The bill was reported favorably.
The committee also heard SB 606 by Senator Smith, which adds drowning prevention and safe bathing education to postpartum materials provided by hospitals, birthing centers, and, after amendment, no longer home birth providers. A parent who lost a child to drowning testified in support, and senators emphasized the preventability of such deaths. The bill, as amended, was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 340 by Senator Harrell would require nursing students to complete a two-hour human trafficking course before licensure; after a strike-all amendment shifted the requirement from nursing programs to the students themselves, the bill received support from advocates and was reported favorably as a committee substitute.
The committee also considered SB 162 by Senator Davis, which would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies for using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. The sponsor said the equipment is relatively inexpensive and already common in many facilities, while opponents and some senators questioned the medical evidence, enforcement, and possible impacts on rural and smaller facilities. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably, with some members voting no. SB 192, presented by Senator Trumbull on behalf of Senator Martin, would remove the $1,500 cap on advances chiropractic physicians may collect for examinations or treatment; the Florida Chiropractic Society supported the change as pro-small-business, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also received an OPAGA presentation comparing Florida’s health care practitioner regulation system with other states, focusing on board autonomy, rulemaking oversight, board composition, appointments, term limits, and funding mechanisms.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 13th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Increases reimbursement rates for Medi-Cal providers.
- meeting after meeting with people concerned about their Medi-Cal— being cut or not enough reimbursement rates
- An opportunity to consider the total cost of care and to be able to have reimbursement rates for our
- enough for more illegal immigrant services when 20% of Californians today cannot afford their utility rates
- Let us choose and make sure that they can afford all of their utility rates.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Appropriations Apr 15th, 2025 at 02:00 pm
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- Basic Care $5 daily rate in the last session, we gave provider increases, and then basic care has a greater
- exceed that except for increases in caseload, additional coverage consistent with 1959 utilization rates
- Except for increases in caseload, additional coverage consistent with 1959 utilization rates and reduction
- Section 30 is the provider rate increase, so all the various providers in the Department of Human Services
- Section 31, the department will review the amount, duration, coverage, utilization rates, medical necessity
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 1012, the Department of Health and Human Services budget. Senator Dever walked through the amended budget, highlighting a roughly $5.85 billion all-funds total, major one-time items for IT, child care, housing, behavioral health, juvenile justice, rural EMS, and supportive housing, along with funding for Medicaid expansion, CCBHCs, opioid settlement uses, and several studies and reporting requirements. Members discussed the provider inflation increase, with Senator Mathern urging a 2%/2% rate instead of 2%/1.5%, but the committee adopted the subcommittee amendment and then passed the amended bill 15-0 with a do-pass recommendation. Senator Dever was named as carrier.
The committee then considered House Bill 1540, a school choice/education savings account-style bill. Senator Shibley explained the subcommittee amendments, including clarifying the Bank of North Dakota as administrator, adding a means test at 400% of the federal poverty guideline, and adjusting the fiscal note to about $21.7 million for the second year. In debate, members raised concerns about the bank being assigned duties outside its normal role, the lack of DPI involvement, and whether the means test should be tiered rather than a hard cutoff. The committee rejected a do-not-pass motion 5-10-1, then approved a do-pass motion on the amended bill 9-6-1, with Senator Wobama noted as the likely carrier.
The meeting ended with the chair announcing the committee would adjourn and reconvene the next morning.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations - Human Resources Division Apr 10th, 2025 at 02:30 pm
Appropriations - Human Resources Division
Transcript Highlights:
- Are these rates set? And whether it's Kobe or Michelle or who...
- Are these rates set, and whether it's Kobe or Michelle or whoever, are these set, and we have no choice
- So I really believe that we have to provide a daily rate that works for the regional facilities that
- And I would like to see us go in with a $115 a day rate.
- I would like to see us go in with a $115 a day rate to try to make that agreement a priority and secure
Summary:
The committee reconvened to work through the amended version of Senate Bill 2025, beginning with a clarification from the Department of Veterans Affairs on the source of funds used to cover the commissioner’s salary equity increase. Commissioner Lonnie Wong explained that the money came from federal highly rural transportation grant administrative/salary funds, within the allowable 10% administrative cap, and that the department had not exceeded that limit. The committee then reviewed the major House changes to the veterans budget, including funding for a veterans benefits specialist FTE, salary equity increases for veterans service officers, additional operating funds, one-time funding for homeless veteran services and the Veterans Post-War Trust Fund, carryover authority for Fisher House and veterans transportation projects, accrued leave, and a document scanning project. Members also discussed a section changing governance authority for veterans affairs and the veterans home, with questions about the ACOVA board and the governor’s appointment authority.
The committee debated the appropriateness of using federal grant administrative funds for salary adjustments and the broader shift in authority over veterans affairs, with some members emphasizing legislative control over salaries and budget decisions and others supporting the reorganization as a way to improve administration. After discussion, Amendment 25.092.0203 was moved, seconded, and adopted on an 8-0 roll call. The committee then moved SB 2025 as amended, and that motion also passed 8-0.
The meeting then shifted to Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation budget issues, where members reviewed FTE reductions, salary equity funding for correctional officers and parole/probation officers, and the status of federal ARPA dollars that had previously been used to backfill salaries and bonuses. DOCR officials described pay levels for correctional officers and compared them with county jail wages, arguing that the proposed equity funding was needed for retention and competitiveness. Members also discussed transitional facility costs, women’s treatment unit funding, and county jail overflow housing, including new or planned bed capacity in Grand Forks, Burleigh-Morton, Rugby, and other facilities. The committee agreed to continue refining the budget through a new long sheet and planned to request amendments for consideration in the following days before adjourning.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education Mar 27th, 2025
S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education
Transcript Highlights:
- virtual hybrid campuses are separate campuses authorized by the TEA that have their own accountability rating
- We are a Texas Rising Star program with the highest state rating possible.
- on by 3rd grade to have better reading, better math, better attendance, and lower special education rates
- I also, as an educator in the public school system, also saw the highest burnout rates amongst pre-K
- The typical advertised rate for a school public pre-K program is about 665, and then you add in the cost
Bills:
HB117
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education Mar 27th, 2025
S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education
Transcript Highlights:
- virtual and hybrid campuses or separate campuses... ...by the TEA that have their own accountability rating
- We are a Texas Rising Star program with the highest state rating possible.
- by third grade to have better reading, better math, better attendance, and lower special education rates
- In the public school system, we also saw the highest burnout rates amongst pre-K teachers in the public
- The typical advertised rate for a public school pre-K program is about $6.65, and then you add in the
Keywords:
early childhood education, task force, governance, Texas Education Agency, child care, education policy, virtual education, hybrid learning, school funding, average daily attendance, education technology, remote learning, education legislation, workforce development, adult education, high school diploma, industry certification, pilot program, gifted education, education support
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Taxes Committee hears bill to eliminate lowest income tax tier, HF812 3/5/25
Transcript Highlights:
- we've become the highest marginal state individual income tax, I'm sorry, and it's got the highest rates
- Iowa has a 3.9 single rate. Wisconsin has a 3.5 lowest bracket.
- And it has the same problem as other proposals we've seen that would change the rate in the first bracket
- would uh other proposals we've seen that would uh change<00:05:21.440>
the <00:05:21.560>rate - change the rate in the first bracket. change the rate in the first bracket.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, May 1, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- research projects at an alarming rate. research projects at an alarming rate.
- Or we can just pay the higher interest rates. Well, now you already saw the rates.
- ,<04:05:10.720>
a alluded to, higher interest rates, a alluded to, higher interest rates, - lowering that abusive federal match rate lowering that abusive federal match rate subsidizing<04
- ,<04:36:48.719>
which <04:36:49.039>seems rates, which seems rates, which seems likely.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Natural Resources Committee Jun 8th, 2026
Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- It has one of the highest childhood asthma hospitalization rates in our state, nearly twice as high as
- It has one of the highest childhood asthma hospitalization rates in our state, nearly twice as high as
- Our communities continue to struggle with high rates of asthma and respiratory illness while confronting
- the most severe economic challenges in California: 57 out of 58 counties, with a 12.5% unemployment rate
- the most severe economic challenges in California: 57 out of 58 counties, with a 12.5% unemployment rate
Summary:
The committee heard several climate, coastal, and air quality measures. Senator Laird presented SCR 136 marking the 50th anniversary of the Coastal Act and Coastal Conservancy Act, and SJR 12 opposing the federal offshore oil and gas leasing program; both drew broad support from environmental groups, local governments, and other advocates, with no opposition on the record. Senator Padilla presented SB 10, which would require certain state agencies to include gender impact assessments in climate planning, with supporters arguing climate harms fall disproportionately on women and LGBTQ+ communities; it also drew support from environmental and equity organizations and no formal opposition at the hearing.
Padilla also presented SB 675 to restructure the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District board and expand public disclosure of permits, enforcement actions, and related information. Supporters, including the City of Imperial, residents, and environmental groups, said the district needs more representative governance and transparency because Imperial County faces severe air pollution and health burdens. Opponents, including the district, business groups, and agricultural interests, argued the bill would impose unfunded mandates, create administrative burdens, and could slow investment and permitting in the county. The bill was amended to remove a Title V permitting prohibition, and the committee ultimately approved it on a roll call vote.
Senator Allen presented SB 1229, which would limit use of the Coastal Act’s disaster-rebuild exemption when a replacement structure would newly impede coastal public access, aiming to prevent investors from exploiting post-disaster rebuilding rules. Support came from Sierra Club, Surfrider, and other coastal advocates, who said the bill protects public access and sensitive coastal resources while still allowing homeowners to rebuild. The committee also took up the consent calendar, which included several measures such as ACR 157, SB 899, SB 949, SB 963, SB 1008, SB 1207, SB 1428, and SJR 5. Final roll calls showed SCR 136, SJR 12, SB 10, SB 675, and SB 1229 all advancing out of committee, along with the consent items.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Pension Policy Apr 21st, 2026 at 11:30 am
Select Committee on Pension Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- observation I have is that we're obviously very concerned about court cases that would impact the rates
- , the pension rates, by virtue of cost, okay, in terms of a settlement.
- to the system, we need to know about that so we can make that part of our analysis in terms of the rates
- in June, you'll hear about our latest actuarial valuation report and newly calculated contribution rates
- September, we'll provide you an update on what exactly the Pension Funding Council did relative to the rate
Summary:
The committee began by approving the November minutes on a roll-call vote, with a majority of members voting aye and the minutes adopted. Staff then provided updates on pending pension-related litigation, including Fowler et al. v. Leathers, where cross-motions for summary judgment were scheduled for May 1, and Dolan v. King County, where the court ruled against the state’s position on reimbursement of attorney’s fees but did not award fees against the state. The actuary also previewed upcoming presentations on OSA’s annual update and the June actuarial valuation and contribution rates, which will reflect updated demographic assumptions.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the interim work plan and possible study topics. Members discussed a potential study of Plan 3, including how it compares with Plan 2, retirement ages, benefit adequacy, and whether the plan is meeting its original purpose. Staff agreed to work with DRS on a study outline and bring back a proposal. Members also raised the ongoing COLA issue, noting interest from retiree groups and the need to develop a recommendation for the next budget cycle, likely by October or November. Another major topic was LEOFF 1 disability/medical boards; staff said they are still gathering basic information on how many boards exist, who administers them, and what they cost, and suggested separate briefings on House Bill 2034, LEOFF 1 governance, and the medical study.
The committee also reviewed constituent correspondence, which included requests related to Plan 1 COLAs, a Plan 3 study, teacher retirement age, and a missed early retirement factor. Staff explained that correspondence procedures are being revised for cybersecurity and privacy reasons, and future public correspondence may be handled differently. The committee approved the draft May agenda, which will include the OPMA refresher, OSA’s annual update, the LEOFF 1 medical board study update, a Plan 2/Plan 3 study outline, an overview of House Bill 2034, and a correspondence update. The meeting then adjourned without further business.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 9th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Even more concerning, colorectal cancer rates among young adults under the age of 50 have doubled since
- Here in California, rates among adults under 50 have increased by about 3 percent annually... diagnosed
- Even more concerning, colorectal cancer rates among young adults under the age of 50 have doubled since
- Here in California, rates among adults under 50 have increased by about 3 percent annually Adults under
- When detected early, the five-year survival rate is about 90 percent, but that number drops significantly
Summary:
The Assembly met after a quorum call and brief procedural business, including approval of the prior day’s journal, suspension of certain rules for guest introductions, and moving AB 568 to the inactive file. The chamber then recognized several visiting groups, including a fourth-grade class from Marigold Elementary School, representatives of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses and its Royal Court, and students from the University of California Students Association on lobby day.
The main floor actions centered on two resolutions. ACR 147 by Assembly Member Lackey designated March 9, 2026 as California Special Olympics Day. Members from both parties spoke in strong support, sharing personal connections to Special Olympics and praising its impact on athletes, families, and volunteers. The resolution received 70 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 89 by Assembly Member Patterson declared March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Speakers emphasized rising colorectal cancer rates among younger adults, the importance of screening, and new testing options including blood tests. The resolution also received 70 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote.
After the resolutions, Assembly Member Rodriguez offered an adjournment in memory of Bob Yuloa of Chino, a Navy veteran and longtime community servant. The Assembly then announced upcoming committee and floor session dates and adjourned until Thursday, March 12 at 9 a.m.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Ethics Commission (9-9-25) Part 2 - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- We formed a committee to do this, and we are currently reviewing and rating the applicants based on the
- We formed a committee to do this, and we are currently reviewing and rating the applicants based on the
- We formed a committee to do this, and we are currently reviewing and rating the applicants based on the
- We formed a committee to do this, and we are currently reviewing and rating the applicants based on the
- We are currently reviewing and rating the applicants based on the résumés that we've looked at.
Summary:
The meeting began with a procedural motion to have the record reflect that the Government Contracts Review Committee had met earlier that morning, that the chairman had attended in person, and that the committee approved a retroactive contract for enforcement counsel in the case under consideration. The motion was seconded, clarified to include any future ratification or approval if needed, and then approved unanimously. The commission then took up a motion to deny a motion to dismiss in matters 24 LEC3 and 24 LEC6; after clarifying that it was denying the motion made on August 18 and not considering a new filing, the motion passed unanimously.
Staff then reported that the commission office was busy with required forms and that the budget remained in good standing and within parameters. The commission approved the financial report by motion. It was also noted that informal advisory opinions issued since the last meeting were included in the materials for review, with any questions to be handled in closed session if needed.
The chairman updated members on the search for a new executive director, saying Denita would serve as acting executive director in the interim. He reported that several strong applications had been received, that a committee was reviewing and ranking candidates, and that the formal application period had closed on August 15. Members were told they could forward recommendations to the personnel committee, but that the full commission would make the final hiring decision. In new business, a member offered a remembrance of Representative Jeff Greer, and the commission observed a moment of silence in his honor before adjourning.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- One of the tenets that we have is that when we take out our debt, we have a target rate of 6% on our
- sense that we could take, let's just say, $10 million and invest that and potentially get a higher rate
- Senators, let's go to tab three: House Bill 7031 on sales tax rate reductions.
- House Bill 7031 on sales tax rate reductions by the Ways and Means Committee.
- It also reduced the commercial rent rate from 2% to 1.25%.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee heard three measures focused on state finances. SB 1906 by Senator Brodeur would add a ninth element to the state debt reduction strategy report and create a program to transfer $250 million annually from the General Revenue Fund to accelerate retirement of outstanding state debt, while exempting the Department of Transportation and Florida Turnpike Enterprise. Members questioned the fiscal tradeoffs and flexibility, but the bill was supported in debate and reported favorably.
The committee then considered SJR 1908 by Chair Hooper, which would amend the Constitution to raise the Budget Stabilization Fund cap from 10% to 25% of general revenue collections, require $750 million annual deposits until the cap is reached, and allow withdrawals for critical state needs by separate bill with a two-thirds vote, while keeping existing rules for emergencies and revenue shortfalls. Testimony and debate centered on whether Florida already has sufficient reserves, how “critical state need” would be defined, and whether the new requirement would reduce flexibility during recessions or federal funding cuts. Despite opposition from advocacy groups and several senators, the resolution was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee took up HB 7031 as the vehicle for the tax package and adopted a delete-everything amendment to place it in the proper posture for conference. As amended, the bill was described as reducing the state sales tax by 0.75%, lowering the commercial rent tax from 2% to 1.25%, eliminating the business rent tax, and creating permanent sales tax exemptions while preserving sales tax holidays. The amended bill was reported favorably, and the committee then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We would recommend you take a look either at. excluding school districts or changing the tax rate that
- triggers the taxpayer impact statement. in subsection c2 the no new revenue tax rate excludes the impact
- of stay date and recapture and so it's a rate that doesn't make a whole lot of sense for school districts
- and a balanced budget at that rate may not make a whole lot of sense for school districts because their
- It was just when that amendment went on, school district revenue and tax rate requirements fell. function
Bills:
HB 431, HB 1522, HB 1922, HB 2467, HB 2468, HB 3228, HB 3229, HB 3306, HB 3803, HB 3804, HB 3805, HB 3806, HB 4219, HB 4238, HB 4344, HB 4386, HB 4739
Keywords:
HB 431, Texas Property Code, Property Code Chapter 202, solar roof tiles, solar shingles, solar energy device, homeowners association, HOA, property owners' association, POA, renewable energy, residential solar, distributed solar, roof-mounted solar, homeowner rights, architectural control, open meetings, public notice, transparency, government efficiency