Video & Transcript Research : 'Tax Code Chapter 351'
Page 242 of 500
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 13, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- They do work that will help us strengthen our building codes, that will focus on things like materials
- Bill 385 provides technical clarifications and changes to several provisions of the Florida Trust Code
- eliminate areas of uncertainty among practitioners and to provide consistency in the application of the code
- It reconciles the difference between the Florida Probate Code and the Florida Trust Code.
- was modified by then Senate Bill 1012 to reduce the time to 12 months for providers licensed under chapters
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and heard five bills. HB 1097 would rename the Florida Catastrophic Storm Center at FSU as the Florida Center for Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management, transfer the public hurricane loss projection model from FIU to FSU, and provide recurring and nonrecurring appropriations to support independent insurance research and collaboration with OIR and other universities. Members discussed university roles, model oversight, independence from industry funding, and student/workforce benefits. The bill passed favorably on a roll call vote.
HB 319 would create a regulatory framework for virtual currency kiosk businesses, requiring registration with the Office of Financial Regulation, consumer disclosures, and penalties for violations. Much of the discussion focused on fraud prevention, especially for seniors, and whether the bill should include transaction caps or stronger recovery tools; AARP supported the bill but urged additional protections. The bill passed favorably. CS/HB 385 made technical changes to the Florida Trust Code and Community Property Trust Act, including decanting, trustee claims, redemption by satisfaction, and homestead transfer treatment; an amendment conforming to the Senate version was adopted, and the bill passed favorably.
CS/HB 97 would allow service of process for exploitation injunctions against unascertainable scammers through the same communication method used to contact the victim, such as text or social media, and would let courts freeze funds temporarily while the matter is heard. Testimony from elder law practitioners and AARP supported the bill as a tool against scams, while some members raised due process and overreach concerns; the bill passed favorably. HB 839 would shorten the overpayment recovery window for claims submitted to psychologists and HMOs to match other health providers, with the goal of improving parity and access to mental health care; an amendment was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. The meeting concluded with adjournment after the final roll call votes.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (02/03/2026)
Environment and Agriculture
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Jan 27th, 2026
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The strikehold moves the focus from Chapter 751 to Chapter 39 to deal with substance misuse and potential
- The strikehold moves the focus from Chapter 751 to Chapter 39 to deal with substance misuse and potential
- This removes the reference to Chapter 287 and mirrors language used for CBCs within DCF.
- So any ACCA-licensed facility, you go to Florida HealthFinder, you put in a town or a ZIP code, and it
Keywords:
child welfare, substance abuse, neglect, parental rights, drug exposure, Medicaid, disabilities, employment, healthcare access, income eligibility, veteran benefits, minor clients, financial assistance, education services, Department of Children and Families, Department of Health, aging services, disability assistance, long-term care, Alzheimer's support
Summary:
The committee considered several bills affecting children, disability services, aging, recovery residences, and foster youth benefits. SB 1016 codified the working people with disabilities program for Medicaid waiver recipients, with amendments removing automatic enrollment and improving information sharing between agencies; advocates testified that the program helps people with developmental disabilities work while keeping needed care, though they raised implementation and training concerns. The bill was reported favorably. SB 1002, as amended, clarified that evidence of acute or chronic parental drug abuse can constitute harm or neglect in child welfare cases and allow court intervention and treatment requirements; it was also reported favorably. SB 1594 would preserve veterans’ benefits for foster youth for postsecondary education or aftercare rather than using them as reimbursement to the agency, and it passed favorably. SB 1630 modernized aging and long-term care statutes, expanded emergency service authority, updated oversight of area agencies on aging and guardianship, and permanently established the Florida Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence; after two amendments, it was reported favorably. SB 1030, on recovery residences/substance abuse services, was amended with a substitute that narrowed transfer definitions, sped licensure for existing providers adding levels of care, and limited credentialing entities’ access to resident records; members noted it remained a work in progress, but it was reported favorably.
The committee also held confirmation hearings. Robert Astellos, nominated as Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, described efforts to reduce the pre-enrollment list, improve transparency and customer service, expand family involvement, and streamline agency processes; multiple advocacy groups appeared in support, and the committee recommended his confirmation. The committee then unanimously recommended confirmation of the appointees on tabs 7 through 10. The meeting concluded with adjournment.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- offer health coverage and that such coverage is not insurance for the purpose of the Florida Insurance Code
- reduce the time to 12 months for providers licensed under 458, 459, 460, 461, 466, 466, 466, 466, but chapter
- 490, 490, 490, 496, but chapter 490.
- Chapter 461, 466, but chapter 490 was omitted for psychologist services, and that's what this bill is
- Edward Briggs from the American Fire Sprinkler Association, Florida Chapter, requesting to speak.
Summary:
The committee heard and acted on six bills. SB 480, by Senator DeSigley, would allow a narrowly tailored nonprofit agricultural organization to offer health coverage to its members, especially farmers and ranchers, outside the Florida Insurance Code; supporters said it would improve affordable access in rural areas, while the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network warned the plans would not have to cover preexisting conditions or comply with ACA protections. An amendment aligning the bill with the statute for nonprofit religious organizations was adopted, and the bill passed as amended. SB 1226, also by Senator DeSigley, would create a regulatory framework for pet insurance and wellness programs; it drew no opposition and was reported favorably. SB 988, by Senator Truenow, would revise securities exemption and filing requirements under Florida’s Invest Local exemption law; a strike-all amendment clarifying terms, fingerprinting, and related compliance provisions was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably with the committee substitute.
SB 944, by Senator Davis, would correct an omission in the law governing insurance overpayment claims so the 12-month limit applies to psychologists and HMO claims, with an effective date tied to January 1, 2026; the Florida Psychological Association supported the measure, and it was reported favorably with committee substitute after an amendment. SB 756, by Senator Burton, would remove the age-8 diagnosis cutoff and age cap for mandated insurance coverage for autism services, update the autism definition to the current DSM, and also repeal age caps for Down syndrome diagnosis; disability advocates and provider groups supported the bill, and it passed as amended. SB 1078, introduced on behalf of Senator McLean, would streamline permitting and inspection procedures for certain fire alarm and sprinkler projects, set deadlines for local agencies, limit extra documentation demands, and restrict enforcement of local ordinances not properly submitted; fire industry representatives supported the compromise amendment, some senators questioned local flexibility and permitting delays, and the bill was reported favorably after the amendment was adopted. The committee also approved a motion allowing staff to make technical and conforming changes and then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee May 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Hello, I'm Diana Scott from San Francisco, chair of the Bay Area chapter.
- Chair of the Bay Area Chapter of Workers' Circle, Arbeter Ring.
- The changes to Education Code 244 are problematic. Boards approve and adopt agenda items.
- And just to clarify, the change that the bill is making to Education Code 244 is new.
- Luckily enough for us, the Education Code already does protect against anti-Semitism.
Summary:
The Assembly Education Committee held a special hearing on AB 715, with the authors presenting the bill as a response to rising anti-Semitism in K-12 schools. The authors said the measure is intended to strengthen protections for Jewish students, improve district accountability, expand the uniform complaint process, clarify protections related to religion and nationality, and create a state-level anti-Semitism coordinator. They emphasized that the bill was developed through collaboration with the Black, Latino, AAPI, and Jewish caucuses and argued it is meant to protect all students from hate while preserving legitimate classroom discussion.
The hearing included extensive public testimony. Supporters, including students, parents, rabbis, Jewish organizations, and some educators, described harassment, biased curriculum, delayed or ineffective school responses, and fear among Jewish students and families. They urged the committee to act to make schools safer and more responsive. Opponents, including teachers, ethnic studies advocates, civil liberties groups, Palestinian rights advocates, and some Jewish parents, argued the bill was rushed, vague, and could chill academic freedom, censor discussion of Palestine and Israel, and expand complaints against teachers and school districts. Several witnesses said existing complaint and anti-discrimination systems already address these issues.
Committee members then questioned the authors and witnesses about implementation, definitions, and possible effects on curriculum and school boards. The authors said the bill is still intent language and that details would be refined in further negotiations with stakeholders. Representatives from the California School Boards Association and California Teachers Association raised concerns about the new language and possible unintended consequences, while ACLU California Action said it had concerns but wanted to keep working on the bill. The transcript does not show a final vote or action taken on AB 715 during this hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 3/19/25
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- Awareness of VA procedures in the M21 and the 38 Code of Federal Regulations.
- They have earned these benefits, and through their taxes they are paying our salaries.
- They have earned these benefits, and through their taxes they are paying our salaries.
- Department of Veterans Affairs under Title 38, United States Code, or Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations
- adjutant for Chapter 40 out of the South Metro, as well as a member of the VFW.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session -Part 2/Joint Convention of House and Senate/State of the State Address 4/28/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:36:29.440>
is nation-leading child tax credit is nation-leading child tax credit is cutting - We've also lowered taxes for small businesses and we have made Social Security tax-exempt for more than
- <00:42:12.520>
nearly housing even as we cut taxes nearly housing even as we cut taxes nearly - <00:59:38.440>
I'm last chapter working together. I'm last chapter working together. - >
be <00:59:39.800>as hopeful this chapter will be as hopeful this chapter will be as productive
Summary:
The joint convention opened with the House and Senate assembling, a prayer by Reverend Mariah Furness-Tollgard, and roll call establishing a quorum. The chamber then welcomed the Minnesota Supreme Court, constitutional officers, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, and Governor Tim Walz before the governor delivered his final State of the State address. The convention later adjourned by motion.
In his address, Governor Walz reflected on recent tragedies and political violence, including the deaths of Melissa and Mark Hortman, the Annunciation Church shooting, and the federal immigration operation he described as causing fear and disruption. He said Minnesota remained strong because of its people and highlighted accomplishments over the past seven years, especially in education, child care, free school meals, workforce development, housing, infrastructure, clean energy, climate initiatives, reproductive freedom, LGBTQ protections, voting rights, workers’ rights, paid family leave, and public safety measures.
Walz also proposed new actions for the current session, including a significant expansion of the dependent care tax credit, a $907 million bonding bill, support for sustainable aviation fuel, a social media tax on big tech companies, a governor’s council on the future of the AI economy, additional gun violence prevention measures, and a stronger anti-fraud and human services oversight system. He urged legislators to pass the fraud and oversight bills and said he would sign them immediately. The House then voted to adjourn until April 30, 2026, after the joint convention ended.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- According to this, this is an amendment to the Hawaii Medical Board chapter.
- Okay, there is no chapter 423E. Oh, I'm so sorry. Chair, it is 432E-1.4.
- And I looked up that chapter, and there is no 432E chapter in the Hawaii Revised Statutes.
- And I looked up that chapter, and there is no 432E chapter in the Hawaii Revised Statutes.
- This is Jade McMillan on behalf of Tom Maika for the Tax Foundation of Hawaii.
Summary:
The committee opened its first hearing of the 2025 session with procedural instructions about testimony limits, Zoom participation, written testimony, and a reconvening date if needed. It then heard SB 200 on speedy trials. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing it could create conflicts of interest for prosecutors, potentially make victims or witnesses quasi-parties to criminal cases, force traumatizing testimony on continuance motions, and unfairly delay trials for in-custody defendants. A World Care representative supported the bill and urged broader protections for minors, disabled people, and seniors. The chair also pressed the public defender to suggest improvements, emphasizing that the bill was driven by victims and families. No vote or final action was taken on SB 200.
The committee next took up SB 8 on jury duty exemptions for health professionals. Testimony was strongly supportive from nurses, physicians, and disability advocates, who said APRNs and other nurses are in short supply and that jury service can disrupt patient care, especially in rural and neighbor island areas. One witness suggested expanding the exemption to include registered nurses as well as APRNs, while a senator raised concerns about blanket exemptions for non-practicing APRNs and suggested a time limit. The bill remained under discussion with no final action reported.
The committee then heard SB 144 on chiropractic, with the state chiropractic board offering comments and the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association supporting the measure as a way to address workforce shortages and provide students more hands-on clinical experience. A World Care witness also supported the bill after clarifying her remarks. The chair then moved to SB 107 on medical informed consent, where the Hawaii Medical Board opposed the bill and the Healthcare Association of Hawaii and Queen’s Health System offered comments, citing concerns about duplicative standards. A support witness proposed expanding the bill to better address combined mental and physical health conditions. Finally, SB 189 on breast cancer screening drew support from the Hawaii Medical Association, Hawaii Radiological Society, Queen’s Health Systems, and others, while the Insurance Division raised concerns about possible insurance mandate defrayment and the need for a sunrise analysis. Senators also asked about local demographic data and coverage impacts; the chair indicated decision-making would be deferred to another day.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1165, amending Title 20, Chapter 4, Article 3, A.R.S., relating to health insurance.
- Senate Bill 1175, amending Title 8, Chapter 4, Article 4, A.R.S., by adding Section 8-530.10, relating
- Senate Bill 1233, amending Title 36, Chapter 2, Article 5, relating to state agencies.
- The tobacco tax was put in place to drive people away from tobacco due to its health impacts.
- The tax did such a good job that people stopped smoking.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 120 May 14th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They innovate and pay the taxes.
- We had lots of discussions about the WOOI code, and how much I despise the WOOI code, because when I
- Even the roads themselves are supported by taxes that don't always show up as road taxes on a receipt
- If a county imposes a tax, Tax, it's for things that are bought anywhere in the county.
- And I'll give them to the chapter.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <02:11:53.760>
both and procedurally to both chapter both and procedurally to both chapter - <02:11:58.719>
Uh, provisions that are in chapter 704. - Uh, provisions that are in chapter 704.
- Chapter 706 C is consider an amendment.
- So this um language about chapter 76.
Bills:
HB1531
Keywords:
emergency announcements, American Sign Language, accessibility, public safety, broadcast media, 910, house, all
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1913, which would create a mental health coordinator position within the Office of Veteran Services for the Daniel K. Akaka State Veterans Home and appropriate funds for it. Supporters said veterans, especially on the neighbor islands, need more mental health access and coordination. Several witnesses, including Sean Sonatada and Tom Driscoll, supported the intent but urged amendments to broaden the position beyond one facility and make it a statewide resource. Committee members questioned whether the bill would duplicate existing services at the veterans home and whether the position would be reimbursable through federal VA funding; testimony indicated the state would appropriate the money, while existing home services are already covered through current staff and federal reimbursement structures. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 9, which would designate Hawaii as a Purple Heart state. Testifiers generally supported the measure as a way to honor wounded veterans and their families, though one member asked what benefits the designation would confer. Witnesses clarified that the bill was mainly symbolic and did not appear to create new benefits, and one testifier noted Honolulu County had already adopted a similar Purple Heart designation.
The committee then took up House Bill 1628, which would establish a compassionate release protocol for certain seriously ill or debilitated incarcerated persons. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Hawaii Paroling Authority opposed the bill, arguing that an existing administrative process already works, that the bill could improperly extend eligibility to people serving life without parole or mandatory minimum sentences, and that it lacked victim and family input and sufficient resources. In contrast, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission strongly supported the bill, saying it would reduce the high cost of incarcerating people with complex medical needs, ease burdens on staff and the prison population, and better reflect human dignity. The commission described having seen severe suffering and deaths in custody and said compassionate release is warranted in some cases. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Section 667.17, Penal Code Section 1202, subdivisions A1 and A1B, as well as Penal Code Section 667.9
- A1 and A1B, as well as Penal Code Section 667.9, subdivision A.
- My name is Marian Leff, and I'm here representing grassroots chapters of Brady United.
- My name is Marian Leff, and I'm here representing grassroots chapters of Brady United.
- If adopted, the bill would add Section 4032.5 to the Penal Code.
Summary:
The committee first adopted a seven-bill consent calendar, then heard several public safety measures. AB 1127 by Assembly Member Gabriel would restrict sale of certain semi-automatic handguns that can be easily converted to automatic weapons with “switches”; supporters, including Everytown and Moms Demand Action, said it targets a specific Glock-style design flaw linked to mass shootings, while the NRA and gun-rights groups argued the bill duplicates existing federal law and effectively bans popular handguns. The bill was moved on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Judiciary and remained on call. AB 468, also by Gabriel, would increase penalties and clarify offenses involving looting and impersonating emergency personnel in evacuation zones and during disasters; firefighters, district attorneys, and law enforcement supported it as a deterrent, while public defenders and justice advocates warned it was overbroad and could worsen racial profiling. The committee approved the bill on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations, also held on call.
The committee then heard AB 1187 by Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez, which would require eight hours of firearm safety training, including live-fire instruction, before obtaining a firearm safety certificate and would add a requirement for new residents who import firearms. Supporters said California should require training comparable to other safety-sensitive activities and that the measure would reduce gun deaths; opponents argued the bill misunderstands the existing FSC process, would be hard to implement because of range and instructor limits, and would burden a constitutional right. The bill passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations and was held on call. The committee also heard AB 1424 by Rodriguez, which would require CDCR climate resiliency and heat-safety measures in prisons, including temperature monitoring, shade, showers, fans, and emergency planning. Prisoner-rights and labor groups strongly supported the bill, citing extreme heat, wildfire, and flooding risks, while one opponent said the monitoring mandate could be too costly; the bill was moved on a due-pass motion to Labor and Employment and held on call.
Finally, the committee began hearing AB 1258 by Assembly Member Kalra, which would extend the sunset of the Young Adult Deferred Entry Program through 2029 for selected counties. Kalra and Santa Clara County Judge Erica You described the program’s success in reducing recidivism and providing wraparound services for young adults with felony charges, including housing, counseling, and parenting support. The transcript cuts off before the committee completed action on AB 1258.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Aug 12th, 2025
New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The program was funded from an investment of the state's severance tax permanent fund.
- every dollar we received back from that program goes back to the State Investment Council's severance tax
- And then lastly, you could not have... have any delinquent taxes prior to the pandemic.
- So it's interesting; their gross receipts tax went up during COVID.
- Because I've been trying to find bills and things we've chaptered, and I haven't found them yet.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Cyrus, we show you are the Legislative and Conservation Director for the Lone Star Chapter.
- Section 3506 seeks to repeal Chapter 132 of the National Resource Code and withdraw its membership from
- Members, House Bill 3707. the criminal code and how we can further address the problems of oilfield theft
- Yeah, that's something that would be really, really... it would be in a different section of code, but
Keywords:
carbon sequestration, environmental policy, Texas, energy, climate change, regulatory council, geothermal energy, workforce development, education and training, energy industry, apprenticeship, energy production, energy policy, renewable energy, state council, administrative law, public information, transparency, government accountability, judicial process
AL
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- This is not a tax.
- First off, it establishes a tax credit that will encourage employers to loan their employees that are
- Speaker, this is simply the historic tax credit bill that continues the historic tax credit program we've
- 44:39.880>
tax <00:44:40.200>credit continues the historic tax credit continues the historic - On page 52 of the calendar, House Bill 438 by Representative Faulkner, relating to income tax.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- So, you can access the full report there with the QR code. Um, and thank you.
- We're in the midst of our policy prioritization process, so I've been doing outreach with our chapters
- <00:54:11.920>
to producers do with their local chapter to producers do with their local chapter - <01:41:00.800>
on levying of our general excise tax on levying of our general excise tax on - <01:41:36.159>
while by continuing to levy those taxes while by continuing to levy those taxes
Summary:
The joint informational briefing focused on how federal policy changes, tariffs, funding cuts, the federal shutdown, and delays in the farm bill are affecting Hawaii agriculture and food access. Opening remarks emphasized Hawaii’s heavy dependence on imported food and farm inputs, the state’s vulnerability to disruptions in USDA services, and the need for stronger state, county, and community coordination. Speakers also noted that immigration enforcement and broader global supply-chain pressures can affect local farm labor, production, and food availability.
Sharon Herd, chair of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, described both positive and negative federal impacts. She said Hawaii has benefited from some recurring grants and a large new $8.8 million federal grant, but also reported about $22 million in losses from suspended or terminated grants, including farm-to-school and water-related projects. She said some USDA programs, such as microgrants for food security and FISMIP, are currently suspended, while the specialty crop block grant remains active. She also said Hawaii farms declined from 7,328 to 6,569 between the 2017 and 2022 censuses and argued the state cannot rely on imports alone to feed its people.
Amanda Shaw of Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii presented findings from federal funding cut reports. She said the first report, in March, identified about $88 million in potential cuts, and the newer report found $64.7 million in confirmed cuts and about $175 million in potential cuts. She said federal shifts are creating uncertainty for farmers, food-system organizations, and school and community food programs, and noted that 4,000 to 5,000 Hawaii farmers could receive less money because of changes to payment-factor provisions for socially disadvantaged farmers. She also said Hawaii has lost 18% of local USDA staff since September 2024, with possible further national reductions expected. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, and the chair noted that any legal questions, including the reported SNAP changes, would be for the Judiciary Committee to assess later.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- um tax of the tax because of the of the um tax of the tax uh<00:42:47.160>
process. - credit um different tax exemption or tax credit um different tax exemption or tax credit statutes
- Codes code issues best address this by requiring the building code review board to update the code to
- So code, electric code, and so forth.
- building code. building code.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Other counties that are not in that carve-out would report at a ZIP code level.
- Why ZIP codes? I'll give an example.
- We can talk about more, but then there are counties with 100 or fewer ZIP codes.
- They have the ZIP code of these residents.
- They have the ZIP code of these residents.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (02/28/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- You want to talk about the so we can use this one to fix coding as 100% general from coding buildings
- >
annually screwed this one up Timber tax annually screwed this one up Timber tax annually distributed - Would you like me to send chapter and verse to Jack?
- Would you like me to send chapter and verse to Jack?
- Would you like me to send chapter and verse to Jack?
Summary:
The committee reviewed the Department of Corrections budget, with the chair initially noting that the overall numbers looked close to fiscal year 2024 spending, except for federal funds. Department officials explained that prior ARPA expenditures and delayed revenue recognition had distorted the comparison, and that the corrected general fund spend was about $169.7 million. Members then focused on whether the budget’s staffing assumptions were realistic, especially the shift from overtime to full-time lines and the use of vacant positions to offset overtime costs. The department said it is leaning on vacancy savings, but would return for additional appropriations if unforeseen staffing problems arise.
A major portion of the discussion centered on recruitment, retention, and staffing levels. Officials reported a 42% vacancy rate in enforcement ranks, down from 51% in January 2023, with 28 new officers headed to the next academy and 33 new hires already tracked. They said overtime is more expensive than regular staffing because of benefits and that it takes about 11 months for a new hire to break even. Members also asked about the split between incarcerated and supervised populations; the department said it oversees about 1,970 inmates in facilities and just over 4,000 people in the community, with 77 positions supervising the community population and the inmate population remaining the most expensive area.
The committee also discussed how sentencing and statutory changes affect incarceration levels, including misdemeanor/felony thresholds and theft thresholds, with the department agreeing that such changes can significantly affect prison and jail populations. Members asked about education and recidivism, and the department said base education is the most important foundation, followed by vocational training, while noting that many incarcerated men lack a high school diploma. The department also described a $1.3 million reduction in contracted forensic evaluation services, explaining that these evaluations are court-ordered competency assessments and are not statutorily required to be provided by DOC. Finally, members reviewed victim services funding and staffing, including VOCA-supported positions, and the department explained that a new victim witness specialist would help support survivors at parole hearings and safety planning.