Transcript Highlights:

• records received by the Office of Financial Regulation relating to financial technology sandbox applications
• So the exemption is very specific, so it’s not exempting all information in the application.
• It specifically points to very specific information in the application that would be proprietary information

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and temporarily postponed SB 480 before taking up four bills. SB 282, relating to home service warranty association finance requirements, was explained as aligning Florida’s home warranty solvency rules with the framework already adopted for motor vehicle extended warranties. Two amendments were adopted: one correcting a cross-reference tied to the $100 million net worth option and another making a technical title change. A representative of the Florida Service Agreement Association waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered two proposed committee bills preserving public records exemptions. SB 7008 would continue the exemption for certain records held by the Office of Financial Regulation related to financial technology sandbox applications, with staff explaining the exemption is narrow and intended to protect proprietary information. SPB 7010 would continue the exemption for sensitive records held by the Department of Financial Services when acting as receiver for an insolvent insurer, including policyholder personal information, claim data, and trade secrets; staff said the exemption mirrors existing protections and allows consumers to request their own information. Both measures were moved as committee bills and reported favorably. Finally, SB 592 revising the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program was heard. The bill narrows eligibility to certain condominiums, changes owner approval from unanimous consent to 75%, and clarifies eligible roof mitigation techniques. Two amendments were adopted: one requiring the grant work to match the initial inspection report and comply with inspection requirements, and another limiting grants to work that results in a mitigation discount. Testimony was supportive, including from home inspectors and AARP Florida, and senators praised the program’s benefits for hardening homes and lowering insurance costs. SB 592 was reported favorably, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Providing application multiple agencies.
• > are<01:16:17.679> uh Uh our large applications are uh Uh our large applications are uh
• Ble, what's an enterprise application?
• Ble what's a what is an enterprise application? application? application?
• <02:13:34.480> of application of application of of<02:13:37.760> a<02:13:37.840> a

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> So the person would be, uh, it's a $50 application fee.
• <01:24:31.920> is processing of those applications is processing of those applications is
• uh typical process may take an applicant uh typical process may take an applicant maybe<01:26:06.480
• . applicants. applicants.
• >> Applicants.<01:26:34.800> Yeah. >> Applicants. Yeah. >> Applicants.

Bills: SB2024, SB896, SB2613, SB494, SB2391, SB2125, SB2614, SB2615, SB3262, SB3325, SB3118

Keywords: charter schools, public-private partnership, school facilities, education funding, community need, education, capital improvement, reporting, transparency, technical expertise, public school land transfer, Department of Education, DOE, land conveyance, fee simple title, tax map key, TMK, Act 307, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, Act 139

Transcript Highlights:

• If the asylum regulation does not go through, they are still processing first-time asylum applications
• If the asylum regulation does not go through, they are still processing first-time asylum applications
• He goes the distance, including driving applications many miles late at night or early in the morning
• I'd like to note that at the end of FY25, we implemented a modified application of Salesforce to FY25
• We are just shifting a little bit of our approach to first ask and see if we can work with applicants

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was a FY27 budget session on Health and Human Services held in Mattapan, hosted by the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Opening remarks from Senator Lydia Edwards, Representative Brandy Fluker-Reed, Representative Russell Holmes, and Boston Public Library President David Leonard emphasized the significance of holding the first Ways and Means hearing in Mattapan, the importance of community access, and the role of libraries as human services institutions. Committee members and attendees introduced themselves before agency testimony began. MassAbility testified first, describing its mission to support people with disabilities through employment, independent living, and disability determination services. The agency highlighted federal funding uncertainty, a modest FY27 budget reduction, and a proposed reworking of its home care program, which it said is outdated and should better target those most in need. Members questioned the home care cut, staffing reductions, and federal coordination. MassAbility also shared a participant story about recovery and community support to illustrate the impact of its services. The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing then presented its FY27 request, focusing on interpreter and captioning access, workforce development, emergency communication, aging-related hearing loss, and transition services for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth. Members asked about interpreter shortages, after-hours emergency coverage, ASL education, and community training; the commission said it is expanding mentorship and referral systems but still faces staffing and vendor challenges. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind followed with a $30.8 million request, describing services for nearly 9,000 consumers, peer support groups, vocational rehabilitation, and Turning 22 services, while noting federal funding uncertainty and a 7% budget cut. Members raised concerns about maintaining services with fewer resources, and the commissioner said the agency had trimmed overhead and could manage the proposal. The Office for Refugees and Immigrants closed the segment, outlining expanded legal, housing, workforce, citizenship, and financial literacy supports for immigrants and refugees, including Know Your Rights trainings, legal defense initiatives, and the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative. Members discussed the effects of federal policy changes, the loss of refugee resettlement funding, and the need for state support to fill gaps. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the hearing consisted of agency presentations and committee questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• We cannot move forward with another application of major systems modernization without them having an
• Application process to actually do some of the IT development work that they have been doing, to give
• DISCRETIONARY SIX MONTHS FOR SIX MONTHS FOR PREAPPROVED APPLICANTS SO THEY HAVE TIME TO SECURE CAPITAL
• And this is to the applicants, for all of the applicants that come to the LSOHC: start thinking about
• And this is to the applicants, for all of the applicants that come to the LSOHC: start thinking about

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's also consideration if the applicants were awarded a grant in prior years and at what amount.
• So there's no duplication there unless the 42F awards an applicant who probably applied to that.
• there unless the 42F awards an applicant there unless the 42F awards an applicant who<00:41:56.800
• in the of those applicants are in the agricultural<00:42:39.200> and<00:42:39.359> value
• companies at the time of the application companies at the time of the application midway<00:43:28.960

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2693 relating to capital improvement projects for aerospace infrastructure. Members had no questions, and the recommendation to pass the bill with a defective date of July 1, 2050 was adopted unanimously. The committee then deferred decision making on Senate Bill 26980 relating to transportation and Senate Bill 2374 relating to the blue economy until Thursday, February 19, 2026, in Room 229, pending additional information. In the joint hearing on Senate Bill 2816 relating to state enterprise zones, agencies and organizations including DBEDT, HTDC, Taxation, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Oceanit, the Hawaii Medical Association, and the Queen’s Health System testified in support or submitted written comments. One public testifier urged expanding enterprise zones around the Kakaako/Cancer Center area and combining them with the foreign trade zone to reduce taxes and attract business. A senator questioned whether the enterprise zone program had ever been comprehensively evaluated, noting DBEDT said it had not done a full study in recent years and cited annual report figures including about $221 million in company revenues and $460,000 in foregone state revenue in 2022. The discussion focused on whether the bill would subsidize existing activity or support new economic development, and on the broader policy question of whether enterprise zones should be used to revitalize depressed areas or to target strategic sectors like health care technology. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2900 relating to sports officials. The Department of Education supported the measure, saying the Attorney General is best positioned to represent employees in temporary restraining order matters and that elevating intentional bodily injury of a sports official to a class B felony would improve safety. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing it would escalate conduct already covered by existing assault statutes and go beyond other protected classes. The Department of the Attorney General recommended narrowing the bill by inserting “substantial” before bodily injury in the criminal section and deleting a section that would make the AG’s office act like plaintiff’s counsel in civil matters, suggesting instead that departments adopt policies to help employees obtain TROs without creating an open-ended civil representation role. Several sports and school-related organizations testified in support, and members discussed whether the bill should be narrowed or coordinated with other measures before further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• is applicable to all cos to all appeals. is applicable to all cos to all appeals.
• But that's been the only one in decades of applications.
• But that's been the only one in decades of applications.
• <00:38:15.839> So one in in decades of applications.
• So one in in decades of applications.

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 3 February, 2026; 3:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up several bills described as vehicles to keep options open for pending rural health issues, especially the rural health transformation fund and the Greenwood Hospital situation. The chair explained that Greenwood Hospital is struggling financially and operationally, including a Medicaid overpayment dispute in which Medicaid planned to recoup $2 million from a December payment, threatening payroll and continued operation. The committee discussed a proposed committee substitute that would delay recoupment until May 1 and preserve legislative flexibility to help Greenwood if a workable plan emerges. The committee adopted motions for title sufficiency and due pass on the block of bills, including the committee substitute and reverse repealer provisions. The committee then turned to two certificate-of-need bills. One bill, 2474, was presented as a rural hospitals measure that would let certain rural hospitals obtain certificates of need for services such as outpatient dialysis units, ambulatory surgical facilities, and geriatric psychiatric units, with definitions aimed largely at Delta and other rural counties. The chair also included a provision making the state health officer’s licensing decision final and not subject to judicial review, with only a short reconsideration process available. Senator Hill objected, arguing the bill concentrated too much power in the health department, eliminated meaningful court review, and unfairly picked winners and losers instead of letting the market work. The chair responded that the goal was to reduce costly, repetitive litigation and preserve access to care in areas where hospitals struggle financially. The committee then considered Senator Blackwell’s broader CO bill, which would address appeals and litigation more generally by shifting costs to the losing party in CO disputes. A reverse repealer was adopted first, and the chair explained that the bill was intended to reduce endless and expensive appeals while still allowing a limited opportunity for reconsideration. Senators Hill and others raised concerns about limiting judicial review and expanding health department power, while the chair said many states have no judicial review in this area and that the committee was exploring the issue further. The chair said he had asked several members to study the matter and contact the National Council of State Legislatures. The committee ultimately adopted the motions on the bills and amendments by voice vote, with the ayes prevailing each time.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the court must then look at whether the data is discoverable under the applicable rules of evidence
• rules of evidence, civil the applicable rules of evidence, civil procedure,<00:13:12.480> or<
• It's an application of existing statute to the proposed amendment.
• It's<01:18:10.480> an<01:18:10.719> application<01:18:11.120> of<01:18:11.360>
• > existing<01:18:11.920> statute It's an application of existing statute It's an application

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The conference committee took testimony on Senate File 3051, which would allow law enforcement to release unredacted collision crash investigation video and related data to certain requesters, rather than requiring redaction first. Joel Carlson, speaking for the Minnesota Association for Justice, said the bill is intended to save local governments time and money because redacted video is often later released unredacted through court motions anyway. He emphasized that the proposal is limited to people already entitled to crash reports, requires a written request and accident report, does not create an affirmative duty to release data, and preserves law enforcement’s ability to withhold data for active investigations or other protected information. He also cited the Burks decision as support for the view that a subject of data is entitled to the full data even if it includes other subjects. Colonel Christina Bogavich of the Minnesota State Patrol raised concerns that the bill would still require staff to review videos for exceptions, including private data involving bystanders, juveniles, undercover officers, CAD information, and other protected material, so it would not create the claimed time savings. She also said the bill expands the number of potential requesters and lacks a liability provision if released data is improperly disseminated. Committee members and staff discussed the current Data Practices Act, including that private data can still be discoverable in litigation through a court balancing test and that protective orders may apply. A preliminary fiscal note estimated a Department of Public Safety cost of $4,026,334 annually, and members requested copies of the note. Members questioned whether the bill would actually reduce work or simply shift when the work occurs, and whether a litigation-specific exception to redaction should be added. Carlson said he was open to changes, including making release permissive rather than mandatory and strengthening the use restrictions, while members noted the proposal had not yet been heard in the House and would need more vetting. No vote or final action was taken on the provision during this discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• application application but<01:46:24.599> naturally<01:46:25.599> uh<01:46:25.719>
• um typically our type application um typically our type of<01:46:45.520> uh<01:46:45.880>
• so again I I've seen applications so again I I've seen municipalities<01:47:13.480> zoning<01
• He added that a definition would be very helpful in trying to present an application or to be able to
• He added that a definition would be very helpful in trying to present an application or to be able to

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The other way is our applications have what's called background check questions on them.
• The other way is our applications have what's called background check questions on them.
• So two different ways and application.
• <00:27:30.720> Some<00:27:30.880> of checks for initial application.
• Some of checks for initial application.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 525, which would have transferred administration of the program for the deaf and hard of hearing and the related board to OPLC. The chair said the sponsor was no longer interested in moving forward, and Representative Schmidt moved ITL. The motion passed 14-0 with two members absent, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar. The committee then considered Senate Bill 182 on the maternal mortality review committee. The chair described a narrower amendment that would keep the name change, clarify operations so recommendations are returned to the appropriate entities, and expand contact with family members and close contacts, while dropping a proposed addition of a Department of Corrections member. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill was then moved ITL and placed on the consent calendar. Senate Bill 185, dealing with OPLC investigations and backlog reduction, received an update from OPLC General Counsel Nicholas Fry. He described efforts to improve public communication, clear the complaint backlog, standardize intake and expert review, add automated responses and website updates, use weekly legal-viability reviews, create preliminary investigation protocols, and establish a process for law-enforcement referrals. Members asked about board involvement and criminal-conviction cases; Fry said boards are kept informed and that such matters can proceed either through complaints or application/background-check processes. Representative Groa requested a follow-up update in January, and the committee agreed to an oral report then if needed. The bill was then voted ITL unanimously and placed on the consent calendar. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 349 on optometrists performing ophthalmologic laser procedures. Dr. Angelique Sawyer testified in support, saying the amendment adds more specific proctoring and qualification requirements, based on language requested after earlier hearings, and that similar systems exist in other states. Representative Sers confirmed that the new sections were the key additions, while Representative Schmidt said he remained open to the concept but wanted a thorough review and asked about a subcommittee. The discussion was still ongoing when the transcript ended, with no vote recorded on HB 349.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under applicant and department staff.
• For these applications, applicants are required to submit engineering plans using standard rainfall runoff
• A parent by notification is application.
• application they have to make.
• <05:24:20.160> to<05:24:20.400> the application to the application to the department<05

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Their testimony on 219, which is also applicable as you pull cards, I'll give you the high sign that
• The feedback from the Department of Energy: both applications were rejected.
• <02:26:46.840> were energy both both applications were energy both both applications were
• those projects comes from applicant those projects comes from applicant investment<04:25:03.760>
• date but the aggregate applicant date but the aggregate applicant investment<04:25:22.600> was

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• adds that any application for a license or<01:17:26.200> registration<01:17:27.240> shall<
• Section five strengthens the commissioner's authority after application to revoke, suspend, terminate
• Section 15 repeals a broad overarching applicability section of the statute in connection with consumer
• a section of the statute applicability a section of the statute in<01:22:19.960> connection<01
• Section 38 clarifies applicability of various provisions to include credit union.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we worked in that space to create another layer of flexibility, an application, a waiver application
• > flexibility another layer of flexibility another layer of flexibility an<01:01:13.880> application
• ,<01:01:14.520> a<01:01:14.560> waiver<01:01:14.960> application<01:01:16.040
• > and an application, a waiver application and an application, a waiver application and then<01
• <01:31:40.400> of miles away to where their application of miles away to where their application

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:21.240> uh<00:13:21.360> pesticides limit the applicable uh pesticides limit
• the applicable uh pesticides in<00:13:23.080> that<00:13:23.280> are<00:13:23.360>
• In short, the bill gives credit to the applicant for having the required education, having passed the
• application or renewals.
• It does not allow applicants to use full reciprocity with their license from another state to receive

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For monitoring, inspecting, reporting, and application requirements.
• It amends requirements in an application process for motor vehicle registrations.
• But the trademark application says Donald J. Trump International Airport.
• But the trademark application says Donald J. Trump International Airport.
• We know that that trademark application is going to be approved.

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer, pledge, and several introductions recognizing visitors, students, local officials, and professional groups in the gallery. The chamber then took up a report from the Ethics and Elections Committee confirming 42 executive appointments; the report was adopted by a vote of 36-0. The Senate also adopted a resolution honoring the Ripple Project for childhood cancer awareness and funding. The bulk of the meeting was spent on special-order bills, many of them open-government sunset review measures and policy bills. The Senate passed bills preserving or updating public records exemptions for aquaculture records, trade secrets, and cybersecurity information; a child-abuse reporting statute of limitations bill; a commercial driving schools bill; a human trafficking training requirement for nursing graduates; a new injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person and its companion public-records bill; a nature-based coastal resiliency bill with an amendment restricting dredge-and-fill in Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve; a chiropractic patient-funds bill; specialty license plate legislation; a one-time waiver for late financial disclosure fines; public school personnel compensation changes; the Florida Farm Bill with amendments protecting Everglades lands and technical corrections; homestead exemption clarification for long-term leaseholders; disability presumption clarifications for firefighters and law enforcement; reinsurance intermediary manager conformity changes; patriotic displays in public schools; ADS-B aviation fee restrictions; autism-related law enforcement training and a blue envelope program; public post-secondary safety policy requirements; and a bill allowing licensed agents to market health care sharing ministries. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including local vessel restrictions, temporary certificates for practice, and domestic animals. Members debated a number of measures, especially the health care sharing ministries bill, where opponents raised consumer-protection and commission concerns and supporters argued for free speech, religious liberty, and expanded consumer choice; it passed 32-5. Other debated bills included the autism law enforcement bill, the school athletics bill addressing coach support for student-athletes, and the Farm Bill, where senators discussed surplus land safeguards and biosolids timing. Most bills passed overwhelmingly, often 37-0 or 38-0, with a few closer votes such as the patriotic displays bill (36-2) and the health care sharing ministries bill (32-5).

Transcript Highlights:

• . 2, proposing a constitutional amendment prohibiting the legislature from imposing death taxes applicable
• . 2, proposing a constitutional amendment prohibiting the legislature from imposing death taxes applicable
• . 2, proposing a constitutional amendment prohibiting the legislature from imposing death taxes applicable
• As part of the current application process for a license to operate a residential treatment center, or
• Senate Bill 2311 strengthens the current educational planning requirements for RTC license applicants

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Pastor Tedrick Woods, followed by routine chamber actions including excusing Senator Gutierrez and receiving House messages that the House had passed HB 21 and HB 49. Senators also recognized advocates visiting the gallery on focal segmental glomerulosclerosis awareness and introduced the Doctor of the Day. The chamber adopted several resolutions, including HCR 66, by voice vote. The Senate then took up and passed a series of measures, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. Among the bills finally passed were HJR 2, which would prohibit state death taxes; HB 206, limiting counties from requiring cash bonds for pipeline construction; HB 517, barring property owners associations from fining homeowners for discolored vegetation during watering restrictions; HB 2756, requiring TDCJ correctional officers to receive de-escalation and behavioral health training; HB 451, expanding screening for commercial sexual exploitation risk among children in DFPS and TJJD custody; SB 705, cleaning up the air conditioning and refrigeration contractors advisory board; SB 2017, creating an offense for burnouts and wheelies; SB 1858, expanding body armor grant eligibility to ISDs; SB 1400, directing a study on transfer-student outcomes for community college funding; SB 2764, requiring notice to manufactured home buyers about converting homes to real property; SB 748, a licensing cleanup bill on laser hair removal; SB 2519, restricting certain ad valorem tax uses and bonds after amendment; SB 2878, the courts bill with amendments on Brazoria County courts and youth diversion provisions; SB 466, allowing families to request fetal death certificates at any gestational age; SB 1608, requiring timely physical exams for inpatient mental health admissions; SB 1730, limiting civil damages claims arising from certain uses of force or deadly force; SB 2417, clarifying Attorney General antitrust investigation work product and discovery rules; and SB 1946, creating a family violence, criminal homicide prevention task force. The Senate also passed HB 3204, renaming and updating the Polytechnic College at Sam Houston State University, and SB 1986, requiring opioid warning labels. Several bills drew brief debate or amendments. Senators discussed broader HOA reform while considering HB 517, and SB 2203 on TCEQ discovery procedures was amended to require party motions, set a 15-day expiration for certified issues, and limit hearing abatement. SB 2017 was amended to change the mens rea language from knowingly to intentional. SB 2519 was narrowed by amendment to a forward-looking policy statement separating maintenance-and-operation taxes from debt-service taxes. SB 2878 also received amendments to reduce the number of new Brazoria County courts and add youth diversion and crisis-response provisions. SB 466 prompted a floor debate over whether fetal death certificates are appropriate for pre-20-week losses, with supporters emphasizing family closure and opponents arguing the document has no estate-related purpose. SB 1730 also prompted questions about the relationship between criminal findings and civil liability in self-defense cases. The session concluded with additional House and Senate measures being signed in the presence of the Senate and continued consideration of SB 2177, a grant program to help local law enforcement solve violent and sexual offenses.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's different than the initial charter applications, isn't it?
• UT Austin had 73,000 applicants for 9,200 spots.
• I sought letters of recommendation from my teachers, sent in an application, and was ecstatic when I
• I vividly recall supporting my first student about a decade ago with the TASFA application.
• No, they're allowed to stay pending the adjudication of their application.

Bills: SB1798, SB1835, SB1319, SB2942, SB2928, SB784, SB1049

Keywords: higher education, tuition rates, financial support, immigration status, Texas law, SB 1835, resident tuition, nonresident students, scholarship students, public higher education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Education Code Section 54.213, tuition waiver, in-state tuition, out-of-state students, higher education finance, enrollment cap, capacity limit, workforce development area, nonimmigrant visa

Transcript Highlights:

• Is the list of 84 projects whose application request total approximately $256,400,000. Mr.
• President and Senator, um, It requires an applicable entity to submit any claims utilization.
• President and Senator, these, this $40 million would be primarily earmarked for, uh, applications to
• greenhouse emissions, all those are qualified to get the application to rise to the top.
• President, so that'll be the application process.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now we do go through an application process, and we request what their project activity is estimated
• application application process<00:52:58.000> and<00:52:58.240> we<00:52:58.799> request
• in, they work with the program office to make sure what the district or vendor is reporting is applicable
• and allowable under the is applicable and allowable under the dollars<00:58:17.160> so<00:58:
• Districts have to apply, and the application is evaluated by an external team through the RFP process

Keywords: This meeting will take place upon adjournment of both chambers today. There is not an exact time, there for the live stream has been created with a place holder time of 4:00 PM est., 958, all

Summary: Chairman Hart called the meeting to order, confirmed a quorum, welcomed Representative Rachel Roarx, and the committee approved the February 11 minutes. The committee then moved through its agenda of PSC and related contract items, including a motion to consider the reviewed contracts without objection. One Department of Highways item was deferred when the virtual representatives were not yet available. The committee first took up Kentucky Housing Corporation contracts. Members questioned outside legal services for foreclosures and bankruptcies, why the work was not handled entirely in-house, and how much of the workload and cost it represented. Witnesses said the agency’s need was largely geographic rather than a lack of expertise, that less than 1% of the loan portfolio is referred out for foreclosures, and that many fees are reimbursable through FHA. Both Kentucky Housing Corporation items were approved. The committee then considered a Department for Community Based Services contract tied to a protest and a temporary renewal with PCG. Witnesses said the contract increase was needed to bridge the gap while the protest and RFP process were unresolved, and that the initial vendor received no funds. The committee approved the item, with Senator Douglas explaining his vote as a preference for straightforward answers. The committee also heard a Northern Kentucky University contract for a Workday ERP replacement, including implementation consulting and separate license fees. University officials explained the move from SAP to Workday, the complexity of the systems, and the need for a consulting partner; they said the total effort would span 10 years and that the contract was priced below comparable institutions. After extensive questioning about cost, budget, and value, the vote ended 4-4 and the chair noted the contract would move forward through the Finance Committee if no disapproval motion was made. Finally, the Office of Inspector General presented a contract for culture change training in nursing facilities funded by civil monetary penalties; witnesses said the goal was to improve staff satisfaction, communication, and resident outcomes, and that the CMP fund balance was about $38 million. Discussion also covered survey backlogs and CMS restrictions on the funds, with the item still under review as the transcript ended.