Video & Transcript : 'fairness in mitigation' :

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HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

PSM-WLA, PSM Public Hearings 02-04-2026

Public Safety and Military Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • about time we should be in an up in its about time we should be in an up in its own<00:53:13.359><c>
  • are in support of the in the counties uh are in support of the measure.<00:54:17.520><c> It's</c><00
  • Next in person, Mr. Erdman, &gt;&gt; Thank you. Next in person, Mr.
  • for FAM in person.
  • </c> in person, a representative. in person, a representative.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several measures. SB 2723, which would designate April 27 as State Sheriff’s Day, was supported by the Department of Law Enforcement and a long-serving sheriff, who described the historical roots of Hawaii’s sheriffs in the Kingdom of Hawaii and said the bill would recognize that legacy. HGA submitted written comments, and there was no opposition or vote taken on the measure during the excerpt. The committees then heard SB 17 on wildfire mitigation. The Public Utilities Commission, DLNR, the State Fire Council, OPSD, the Attorney General’s office, and Kamehameha Schools all testified, mostly in support of the bill’s intent but with suggested amendments. Several witnesses said the bill should better define the working group’s structure, staffing, and funding, and the Attorney General noted constitutional concerns about placing the group outside a principal department and pointed out possible overlap with Acts 302 and 303 from the prior year. Committee members questioned whether SB 17 duplicated earlier wildfire legislation, and witnesses generally said it did not directly conflict but overlapped with existing efforts. On SB 2358, which would require reimbursement for search-and-rescue costs when people leave trails and enter closed areas, the State Fire Council and the Hawaii SAR Alliance testified in opposition or caution, arguing that reimbursement could deter people from calling for help and that Hawaii’s SAR system still has structural and administrative gaps. A committee member asked whether other jurisdictions had used similar measures without discouraging rescues; the Fire Council said Kauai has a similar law but it has not resulted in invoices being sent. No action was taken in the excerpt. The final measure discussed was SB 2475 on Red Hill remediation funding and reimbursement from the Department of Defense. The Board of Water Supply, DLNR, and other testifiers supported the bill, emphasizing the need for long-term research, monitoring, and cleanup, while also noting the unique groundwater conditions and the importance of keeping the funds focused on Red Hill contamination response. Committee members asked about existing federal and state funding, whether the state had received any direct federal money, and what would happen if reimbursement is not obtained. DLNR said it was still working through the reimbursement mechanism and that some federal funding had gone to the Red Hill registry, but not directly to the state for this purpose.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

SPEED Task Force (STF) - Tue Jan 6, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We need to mitigate the lack of numbers of professionals in the permitting process because no matter
  • </c><03:03:58.319><c> in</c> Chair could you speak on in in Chair could you speak on in in um<03:04:00.240
  • </c> speaking in opposition or in support? speaking in opposition or in support?
  • </c> um in support and voting in favor. um in support and voting in favor.
  • </c> in person? in person?
Keywords: 910, house, all
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, if you're in your offices, please come to the floor. We're in a quorum call.
  • Sergeants, announce roll call in the halls. Roll call is now in progress.
  • The sergeants will announce the roll call in the halls. Roll call is now in progress.
  • Sergeants now roll a call in the halls. Roll call is now in progress.
  • Roll call in the halls. Is now in progress. Layi Dempsey. Tedford III.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill actually goes to the scheduling of marijuana to clarify and make things in line with federal
  • Roll call is now in progress.
  • Clerk, through the machine sergeants on roll call and all roll call is now in progress. More.
  • on Wheat Day, they come by our offices, and you will receive a A nice loaf of bread made right here in
  • Move the House stand in recess until 1:15 pm. The House was in recess until 1:15 pm.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, if you're in your offices, please come to the floor. We're in a quorum call.
  • Members, if you're in your offices, please come to the floor. We're in a quorum call.
  • Section 26-103 of the state title, in the public schools in this state shall receive in salary and fringe
  • So back in 1980, so back in 1980, welcome. Welcome, pages. Is this us? And are we in order?
  • Number one, and she is in Youth in Government.
Summary: The House met in quorum call and then took up a long series of Senate bills, most of them passing with little or no debate. Early action included SB 1475, renaming the I-35 bridge at Indian Hills in Norman as the Toby Keith Memorial Interchange, which passed 77-5. SB 1447, modifying the RFP process for the state employees’ prescription drug plan, passed 87-0. The chamber also adopted Senate amendments to HB 2288 on the Teacher Retirement System, shortening the return-to-work waiting period for teachers from three years to six months, and both the bill and its emergency clause passed 90-0. Other education-related measures included SB 1521 on conversational AI child protections, SB 1276 making the “bell-to-bell, no-cell” school cellphone restriction permanent, SB 201 raising the minimum teacher salary schedule by $2,000, and SB 1721 extending and restructuring the Oklahoma Advisory Council on Indian Education; all advanced, with SB 201 drawing the most debate over teacher pay, local control, and whether the increase was enough. The House also passed bills on veterans, public safety, and state operations. SB 1533 would allow the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs to bury Oklahoma resident veterans who die out of state. SB 1232 updated penalties for copper theft, SB 1255 shifted medical pardon review from the DOC director to the medical director, SB 1327 restored more authority to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission board, and SB 1525 authorized up to $75,000 for the state’s annual tourism conference; the tourism bill also received emergency passage. Additional measures included SB 667 clarifying chiropractic education language, SB 1436 requiring hospitals to provide information after fetal death, SB 1317 allowing career teacher status to transfer to a new district with approval, SB 604 resolving motor vehicle statutory conflicts, SB 1325 protecting domestic abuse victims, SB 1496 updating OSBI authority, SB 2007 requiring PBMs to honor appealed reimbursement rates going forward, SB 1567 clarifying nursing language, SB 2112 cleaning up open pasture road law, SB 1980 creating gift card protections, SB 1735 aligning career tech oversight, SB 1558 clarifying child-care licensing rules for certain group homes, SB 1491 clarifying replacement presidential electors’ oath requirements, SB 1287 allowing the Abstractors Board to deny licenses to people not legally working in the U.S., and SB 1378 creating an Olympics in Oklahoma revolving fund. Most of these passed by wide margins, and several emergency clauses were adopted. The chamber also rejected a motion to vacate the temporary presiding officer, and later voted to reject Senate amendments to HB 3403 and request further conference, while also requesting a second conference committee report on HB 1851. The session included multiple gallery introductions, including visitors, ag students, and a large page presentation. The House adjourned until Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • The House is now in session. The clerk will call the roll. The House is now in session.
  • So much of the liveliness in my life began in August of 1976.
  • for and in everything.
  • Sergeant announced roll call in the halls. Roll call is now in progress.
  • So the reality on the point-in-time count, and I've been involved in the point-in-time counts in our
Summary: The House convened, called the roll, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized the Nurse of the Day and several student and athletic groups, including Career Tech students, charter school students, Meridian Tech students, and Carl Albert championship teams. A lengthy personal privilege/farewell-style speech was delivered by Representative Lepak, reflecting on his service, family, staff, and legislative colleagues, and offering general advice about public service and the legislative process. The chamber then took up several Senate bills. SB 1369, creating a 988 revolving fund to support Oklahoma’s mental health lifeline, passed 85-7. SB 1441, clarifying penalties for drones contacting critical infrastructure, passed 80-2. SB 137, adding DUI/GBI to electronic monitoring ineligibility and clarifying Department of Corrections language, passed 72-18 after questions about retroactivity and administrative authority. SB 843, raising the minimum ADA threshold from 400 to 550 for school districts to hire relatives of board members, passed 77-4, and its emergency clause also received the required two-thirds vote. The most extensive debate centered on SB 483, which would have authorized county commissioners to establish a relocation assistance program for people seeking to move to supportive housing or services. Members raised concerns about homelessness policy, county capacity, public-private partnerships, safeguards, and possible misuse or “bussing” of people between communities. The bill ultimately failed 35-52, and notice was given of a possible motion to reconsider. Later, SB 1433, requiring agencies to publicly post guidance documents and note they lack the force of law, passed unanimously; SB 1257, updating THC-related language in controlled substances law, passed 68-13; and SB 1365, updating promotional fund language for state retail outlets, lodges, gift shops, and golf courses, failed 43-42, with notice of reconsideration also given. The House then moved to recess until 1:15 p.m.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Mar 13th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Not simply in prosperity, but in principles.
  • Not only in infrastructure, but in innovation. but discernment, not only security but virtue.
  • It feels full circle that today I serve in that same capacity and I am proud to serve in this role, an
  • Texas has represented. not just here in Texas and in Houston, but also on the national stage in D.C.
  • Pat served in various roles and in many places throughout House District 109.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-03 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • If you believe in democracy, you believe in this bill.
  • If you believe in democracy, you believe in this bill.
  • is possible in this great country in which we live.
  • in my life.
  • In the district I run in House District 38, I'm in a D plus four seat.
Summary: The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for former member Chester Clem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum confirmation. Members then adopted the special order report for the day and approved a Rules and Ethics Committee report amending House Rule 15.3 to allow fundraising under certain circumstances during extended or special sessions. The chamber then took up several bills. HB 1405 on a statewide project for missing persons with special needs passed unanimously. CS/CS/CS/SB 290, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, passed 94-10 after debate focused on conservation land surplus procedures and agricultural use of state lands. CS/CS/CS/HB 905, the “Fire Act” on foreign influence, foreign gifts, critical infrastructure, sister city agreements, and related restrictions, passed 80-20 after the House adopted an amendment adding a prohibition on certain surrogacy contracts involving citizens or residents of foreign countries of concern. CS/CS/HB 1197, dealing with information technology procurement and contracting, passed 109-0. HB 1103 on local administration of vessel restrictions passed unanimously. The House also debated CS/CS/CS/HB 399 on land use and development regulations. Supporters said it would limit development fees, standardize compatibility rules, allow manufactured homes in RV parks, and lower voting thresholds for comprehensive plan changes to address housing affordability; opponents argued it would preempt local control, weaken voter-approved urban boundary protections, and risk conservation lands. An amendment to preserve Orange County’s boundary rules failed, while a technical amendment on manufactured homes passed. The bill then passed 71-38. The House also passed several local bills, including measures for the Pace Fire Rescue District, Avalon Beach/Mulat Fire Protection District, East Point Water and Sewer District, Fellsmere Water Control District, and Headwaters Water Control District, with votes ranging from 83-27 to unanimous approval. The transcript also included farewell remarks from Representative Angie Nixon before the House returned to remaining business.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

JDC Public Hearing 01-30-2025

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:09:53.760><c> we're</c> aren't in in contest so again we're aren't in in contest so again we're
  • the</c> service clients in the National in the service clients in the National in the way<00:21:09.520
  • Melt in support, Bana Kint in support, Nanaa Low in support, Jessica Crm in support, Jennifer Chiwa in
  • low in support Jessica CRM in nanaa low in support Jessica CRM in support<00:25:19.799><c> Jennifer</
  • </c> than $20 million in Access act um in than $20 million in Access act um in assets<00:40:43.760><c
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard several bills on January 30. SB 286 and SB 287 both concerned supplemental funding for the Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney: SB 286 for the career criminal prosecution unit and SB 287 for the victim witness assistance program. Testimony from the department explained that these bills are filed each year because the Attorney General’s core budget allocation may not be sufficient, though the department said the core had recently been increased and the supplemental request might no longer be necessary. For SB 287, the department also warned of a possible federal Victims of Crime Act funding freeze that could cut about $1.88 million and severely harm victim services. Both bills drew support from county and community witnesses, and members asked about prior-year funding and why the requests were limited to fiscal 2025-26; no votes were taken in the excerpt. SB 289, from the State Ethics Commission, would create a more uniform administrative fine process under the ethics code and lobbyist law. The commission said the measure would not change substantive enforcement but would let it issue a notice and order of fine first, with the respondent able to request a hearing within 20 days, which would speed up cases that are not factually disputed. Members questioned whether the bill would deny due process or function like an automatic parking ticket, and the commission responded that respondents could still challenge the fine and that the process would apply to violations with fines under $1,000. The committee also heard SB 304, which would add 11 positions for the First Circuit Adult Client Services Branch; Judiciary testimony said probation caseloads are high, with an average of 116 cases per officer, and the added staff would help meet national supervision standards and better serve higher-risk clients. Members asked whether the positions were already in the budget and about current staffing ratios; the witness said the positions were not already funded and that the Judiciary supported the bill with amendments. The committee then heard SB 311, a proposed constitutional amendment to exclude spending money to influence elections from protected free speech. Testimony was strongly divided: supporters argued that Citizens United has distorted elections and empowered special interests, while opponents warned the language was too broad and could affect nonprofit advocacy and grassroots groups. Finally, SB 313 would impose a 1% wealth asset tax on individuals with $20 million or more in assets. The Department of Taxation said it had concerns about the bill’s ambiguity and administration and noted it would require annual valuation and likely additional resources; opponents, including family business representatives and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, argued the tax would be difficult and costly to administer, would require sensitive business disclosures, and could force family businesses to pay from company cash. Supporters said wealthy residents should pay a fair share. The committee heard testimony and questions on these bills, but the excerpt does not show final committee votes or actions.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Judiciary (04/14/2026)

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • All in favor say I. I'm seeing none. All in favor say I.
  • </c><00:24:24.159><c> family</c> uh in what context uh you know in family uh in what context uh you know
  • Are you in the room or out in the Chief.
  • In fact, um I've included in any safer.
  • </c> had in mind. had in mind.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V Feb 24th, 2025

Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V

Transcript Highlights:
  • Fair? Fair enough. Thank you. Thank you.
  • Fair? Fair, yes. You're in the Senate is asking the same questions.
  • We've seen a 30% increase in. In these grants, in a demand for these grants in recent years.
  • Tourism. in Texas generated over $94 billion in spending here in Texas which led to over $9 billion in
  • In 2013.
Keywords: 1184, house, all
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V Feb 24th, 2025

Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V

Transcript Highlights:
  • Fair, fair. Yes ma'am. You're in... the Senate is asking the same questions. Well, what a surprise.
  • Tourism promotion in Texas generated over 94 billion in spending here in Texas, which led to over 9 billion
  • in Texas.
  • Investing in the arts is a proven economic driver in Texas.
  • in the state.
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE Mar 5th, 2026

JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:
  • So there’s some in Little Rock. There’s one in Batesville.
  • expected in 27.
  • There's $400,000 in the budget, but it's my understanding that in special development or in professional
  • my district over at DeWitt when they put in a ...maybe one time used in my district over in DeWitt when
  • Executive rec in a second. All in any discussion? All in favor say aye. Any opposed?
Summary: The committee heard budget presentations and took executive recommendations on several Department of Human Services divisions, including Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services; Children and Family Services; County Operations; Developmental Disability Services; and Medical Services, with most divisions showing little or no significant change in total appropriations. Staff and agency witnesses repeatedly explained that many large appropriations are maintained for flexibility, federal matching requirements, or contingency needs, even when actual spending is much lower than the authorized amount. Members also raised concerns about staffing vacancies, long-vacant budgeted positions, and the use of excess appropriation authority across DHS. In Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health, members questioned federal funding levels for mental health and substance abuse grants, the status of senior centers and Meals on Wheels, the Medicaid tobacco settlement program, community alcohol safety grants, and the veterans mental health grant. Agency officials said federal block grants are largely committed, that senior center funding had been delayed by shutdown timing but was now back on track, that the tobacco settlement program had been moved internally within DHS, and that the veterans mental health appropriation remains unfunded. Senators also criticized the adequacy of support for seniors and asked for more detail on how transportation, meal services, and local contributions are funded. In Children and Family Services, members asked about rising appropriation levels, foster care and adoption subsidies, professional fees, the number of children in foster care, and the Children’s Trust Fund. DHS said increases reflect added flexibility for residential treatment, adoption subsidies, and prevention services, while the foster care population has remained fairly steady at about 3,400 children. The Children’s Trust Fund was described as supporting primary prevention programs such as Baby and Me and community schools, and members asked whether it could be administratively combined with other efforts. Questions also covered TANF subgrants, with DHS explaining that it had reduced outside subgrants after discovering over-obligation and was rebuilding reserves. In County Operations, members focused on the summer EBT program, SNAP employment and training, the farmer’s market program, and the state’s TANF reserve position. DHS said summer EBT is still being funded through temporary appropriations because it is a newer program, SNAP employment and training is largely federally funded and may expand under a pending policy change, and TANF reserves were drawn down after prior over-obligation but are now being stabilized. In Developmental Disability Services, members asked about vacancies, human development center staffing, facility construction funds, and the Booneville work program, and DHS said the program has reopened and staffing recruitment continues. In Medical Services, members asked about FMAP, the Our Kids B CHIP program, school-based Medicaid reimbursements, nursing home distress funds, and several large appropriation lines that far exceed actual spending; DHS said these are maintained for claims payment, nursing home receivership contingencies, and other flexibility needs. Each division reviewed was adopted by executive recommendation after questions concluded.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • $3 billion that those airports and that property would be worth today in a fair market value analysis
  • </c> in a little bit. in a little bit.
  • in uh in Letcher to build an airport in uh in Letcher County.<00:17:13.880><c> Of</c><00:17:13.920><
  • And it's not an easy thing to do. in terms of numbers in those positions in terms of numbers in those
  • when it comes to the airport and investing in the surrounding neighborhoods and also working to mitigate
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The task force was called to order with a quorum present, and Commissioner Mark Carter of the Kentucky Department of Aviation gave the first presentation. He outlined the state’s airport system, noting 58 public-use airports, the department’s small staff, and its funding structure through a jet fuel tax that generates about $23 million annually, leaving roughly $15 million for airport investment after required deductions. Carter highlighted recent projects at airports including Bardstown, Madisonville, Central Kentucky Regional, Paducah, Sparta, Danville, and Henderson, and said the department has also expanded data collection on airport activity, hangars, schools, and training programs. He emphasized that the department recently completed the first statewide economic impact study of general aviation airports and is developing a five-year airport needs plan. Carter said several things are working well, including stronger communication with airports, the public, the legislature, and especially the FAA’s Memphis district office, which now involves the state more in project selection. He said the department is reasonably staffed overall, but identified workforce development and advanced air mobility as major gaps. In response to questions from Senator Nunn and Representative York, he said he did not have specific workforce shortage numbers on hand, but cited Boeing reports showing large national and global shortages of pilots and mechanics, and explained that instructor shortages and low wages limit training capacity. He also said air traffic control is an FAA function, though EKU has shown interest in developing a training program. Carter identified several needs for improvement: more workforce investment, more aviation education in high schools, more scholarships for pilot and mechanic training, more attention to advanced air mobility, and more frequent, institutionalized data collection. He also pointed to major pending capital needs at airports such as Elizabethtown, Owensboro, Harlan, Leitchfield-Grayson County, and Whitesburg-Letcher County, all of which would require FAA and state support. He urged airports to do a better job marketing their economic value and said the state should continue updating aviation studies so lawmakers have current information for policy decisions. The task force then heard from Lexington Blue Grass Airport Director Eric Frankl, who welcomed the new CVG director and thanked the legislature for creating the task force and supporting aviation infrastructure. Frankl said Blue Grass Airport has rebounded from the pandemic and now exceeds pre-pandemic passenger levels, while serving a mix of private aviation, pilot training, corporate aviation, and commercial airline activity. He described ongoing terminal-area planning, parking technology upgrades, and a major parking lot expansion expected to finish by early spring 2026, and said the airport is planning for future technologies such as vertiports and electric aerial vehicles. Frankl estimated that a broader terminal modernization program will cost roughly $500 million to $700 million over the next 5 to 10 years and said the airport needs continued state support to close funding gaps and remain competitive with other states investing in aviation.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Indian Affairs Sep 25th, 2025

House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Oh, also, last week we were in Winter Rock, and we are in...
  • Alaska, 7 in Hawaii, and 52 in New Mexico.
  • It's not once in a hundred years or once in a million years. In a thousand years, it's now.
  • That came out in early 2024 regarding a dam above Chimayo that was built in the early 60s to mitigate
  • In 2023, Mr.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Room 016 Conference PM - 04-22-2025

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Reconvening our conference committee on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025, at 1:30 PM here in Conference Room
  • Opening our conference committee meeting here on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025, at 1:45 PM in Conference
  • Our position in the House is to have an advisory board.
  • various members in my committee.
  • We're in Conference Room 16 opening on HB 806, HD 1, SD 2, relating to fireworks.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Natural Resources Committee Jan 12th, 2026

Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • Are there any members in the hearing room in support of this measure?
  • The exemption is not new or unprecedented, as I said, in Proposition 84 back in 2006, Proposition 1 in
  • Are the persons here in this hearing room in support of this measure?
  • Any persons in the hearing room in support of this measure?
  • here in California.
Keywords: 988, house, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Jan 15th, 2026

Utilities and Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • That report was done in 2023.
  • In my humble opinion, the only wrong choice is to do nothing in this instance.
  • Their letter came in yesterday.
  • date in Humboldt of 2041.
  • in their process.
Keywords: 988, house, all
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 30th, 2026

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • in Venakee.
  • and in Gany County.
  • committed in Idaho, and Idaho taxpayers are paying for them in our correctional institutions.
  • Now they still have nine years, and then they issue a warrant in case they get in trouble again.
  • Now they still have nine years, and then they issue a warrant in case they get in trouble again.
Keywords: 989, all
Summary: The Senate State Affairs Committee first approved minutes from March 18 and March 20, 2026. It then sent RS 33851 to print after sponsor Jim Guthrie explained it was a revised version of an earlier bill, adjusted to avoid possible free speech concerns; Senator Shippey voted no on the print motion. RS 33853, a kratom-related proposal to classify mitragynine speciosa as a Schedule I drug with a delayed effective date and stepped penalties, was introduced by Senator Burnt and Representative Bingham, but no action was taken on it. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1441, which would require local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with ICE through 287(g) agreements unless they could show lack of resources or other exceptions. Senator Anthon said the bill was intended to create a statewide standard with local exceptions and asked that it be sent to the 14th order for possible amendment, including changes related to tort claims coverage. County and sheriff representatives testified that the bill blurred constitutional roles between sheriffs and county commissions, created an unfunded mandate, and risked federal overreach. Supporters argued it would promote cooperation on immigration enforcement. The committee voted 6-3 to send SB 1441 to the 14th order for possible amendment. Senate Bill 1443, sponsored by Senator Den Hartog, would allow the Department of Corrections director to conditionally release certain incarcerated noncitizen offenders with final deportation orders to ICE custody before they finish their Idaho sentences, with restitution, victim notification, and a warrant process if they return. The sponsor and the DOC director said the bill was intended to reduce costs while keeping offenders in confinement under ICE custody and preserving the remainder of the sentence if they reenter the U.S. Testimony from sheriffs, county representatives, and the Idaho Fraternal Order of Police raised concerns about victim safety, lack of probation or supervision after deportation, uncertainty about how the sentence tolling would work, and the new warrant authority. The motion to send SB 1443 to the floor with a due pass recommendation failed 4-5, and the bill was held in committee.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

February 4, 2025 - 03:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • Is it all in order?
  • In 2022, you, the legislature, were in special session in May.
  • So in that sense, the tax dollars that were spent for a roof are still in the roof.
  • In terms of FTE, in 22, when we started the program, I had one employee, okay?
  • There's $38 million in deliverables next year. There's $38 million in deliverables next year.
Summary: The State Administration Budget Subcommittee heard presentations from the Department of Financial Services on the My Safe Florida Home program, the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot, and the Florida PALM financial system replacement project. For My Safe Florida Home, Stephen Fielder explained the wind-mitigation grant program, including its inspection-first process, two-to-one matching grants for most homeowners, low-income exemptions from the match, and eligible improvements such as roofs, clips/straps, water barriers, and opening protection. He reported roughly 109,000 initial inspections, nearly 59,000 grants approved, 31,000 final inspections, 25,000 reimbursements, and about $240 million paid out through the end of 2024. Members asked about premium savings, contractor pricing, fraud, owner-builder eligibility, reimbursement timing, and whether the program should have a dedicated funding source; Fielder said the program is currently closed, more than 40,000 people have signed up for updates, and the office has seen some price-gouging and impersonation issues but no major fraud trend. The committee also discussed the new prioritization rules that took effect July 1, 2024, which direct grant awards by age and income. Fielder said the program used a survey of existing applicants to implement the new priority groups and that the first group was over age 60 and low-income. Members raised questions about how premium reductions are measured, whether insurance company changes or rising insured values affect the data, and whether the program can track long-term outcomes after reimbursement. Fielder said the office reports raw premium changes based on declarations pages, knows the insurer for participants, and has validated results with multiple insurers, but does not track homeowners after they leave the program or enforce continued insurance coverage. For the My Safe Florida Condo Pilot, Fielder said the program is modeled on the home program but uses association-level applications, a maximum grant of $175,000 per association, and a similar two-to-one match. He said the application window opened briefly in November and was closed quickly because available funding could be exhausted and the department is prohibited from creating a waiting list. He identified several needed statutory changes, including better distinguishing condos from single-family homes, adjusting roof requirements for flat concrete roofs, and revisiting the unanimous unit-owner vote requirement, which he said has been a major obstacle. Chair Lopez noted the pilot is intended to be a learning process and thanked DFS staff for identifying implementation issues. The final presentation covered Florida PALM, the state’s effort to replace the 40-year-old FLAIR accounting system with a PeopleSoft-based financial management system. Fielder and PALM Director Jimmy Cox said the project began in 2014, the state contracted with Accenture in 2018, cash management went live in 2021, and the project was paused in 2022 for legislative review and remediation. They said the system is expected to go live in 2026, possibly in July rather than January, and that the project has spent about $225 million to date, with a current-year budget of about $60.9 million and a projected next-year request of about $64 million. Members asked about cybersecurity, cloud hosting, project scope, and whether the system is unique to Florida; staff said the system is not Florida-specific, access is credentialed through agency identity management, and the cloud host location is confidential. After the presentations, Chair Lopez assigned members to work with specific agencies on budget review meetings, asked them to discuss agency structure, priorities, staffing, waste reduction, and other budget issues, and set a deadline to report findings in the first week of regular session. The meeting then adjourned without objection.