Transcript Highlights:

• our managed care program.
• We can definitely share with you the programs that we've been examining.
• We can definitely share with you the programs that we've been examining.
• So we administer the program. We apply for grants. We apply for funding.
• We create programs.

Summary: The Health Care Budget Subcommittee held a panel discussion on Florida’s mental health and substance abuse system, with representatives from DCF, AHCA, two managing entities, and two providers describing how the state’s behavioral health network is funded and operated. Members focused on the implementation of prior legislative investments, especially the $50 million in recurring funding from Representative Maney’s bill and the earlier $126 million community behavioral health appropriation. Witnesses said the newer funds were used mainly for crisis beds, discharge planning, outpatient services, regional collaboratives, and a USF Marchman Act report, while the larger behavioral health appropriation supported CAT, FACT, FIT, forensic teams, residential and outpatient services, and crisis care, with most dollars going directly to services and only a small share to administration. A major theme was access to crisis care and the role of mobile response teams, 988, and central receiving facilities in diverting people from Baker Act admissions and reducing readmissions. DCF and providers said mobile response teams have expanded, are being used to de-escalate crises and connect people to care, and have shown strong diversion results and reductions in Baker Acts in some regions. Members also asked about waitlists, children in crisis, and how to handle people without housing or support; providers said discharge planning is individualized but often constrained by homelessness, transportation, and a lack of safe placements, and several witnesses identified housing as one of the biggest barriers to recovery and stability. The committee also examined provider sustainability, reimbursement, and funding gaps. Witnesses described delays caused by contract timing, cost allocation rules, and Medicaid reimbursement rates that do not always keep pace with labor and operating costs, especially for smaller providers and rural networks. DCF and AHCA said managing entities can provide advances, retroactive rate adjustments, and technical assistance, and that Medicaid managed care plans have network standards and complaint/dispute processes. Members raised concerns about a reported $7 million loss in federal non-sustainable funds, provider closures, and whether there is a formal ombudsman process for disputes; DCF said the federal reductions were known and tied to one-time funds, and that the department generally handles provider issues informally while working with managing entities to preserve continuity of care.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> local government aid and county program local government aid and county program aid<00:19:33.039
• </c> local government aid and county program local government aid and county program aid.<00:19:49.919
• </c> emergency medical services aid program. emergency medical services aid program.
• </c><01:58:24.000><c> In</c> to focus on county program aid. In to focus on county program aid.
• County program aid county program aid.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In regards to the medical program, we've seen a sharp increase in interest in the medical program over
• </c> model in regards to the medical program model in regards to the medical program we've<00:25:19.360
• </c> we had a really small medical program we had a really small medical program there<00:52:47.079><
• </c><01:01:54.400><c> to</c> benefit from some of our programs to benefit from some of our programs to
• </c> 40 states have medical cannabis programs 40 states have medical cannabis programs even<01:19:23.480

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and invested in particular aspects of that program.
• and invested in particular aspects of that program.
• and invested in particular aspects of that program.
• For the Medi-Cal program in California, correct.
• Cabaldon has mentioned, over many different program areas.

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard opening remarks on the Governor’s 2026-27 budget and presentations from the Department of Finance and the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Chair Laird described the proposal as roughly balanced with $23 billion in reserves, while Vice Chair Niello argued the revenue estimates were overly optimistic and warned of a structural deficit, calling for a deeper review of programs and concern over the state’s $20 billion unemployment insurance debt. Finance said the budget is balanced in the budget year but still leaves a roughly $2.9 billion deficit, with out-year gaps above $20 billion, and characterized the plan as largely a workload budget with limited new spending or cuts. The LAO said its office sees substantial downside risk to the revenue forecast, emphasized the volatility of stock-market-driven revenues, and urged the Legislature to begin addressing the structural deficit now rather than waiting until May. Members focused on the implications of federal policy changes, Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and the MCO tax, as well as the state’s reserve strategy. Senators Menjivar and Richardson raised concerns about health coverage reductions, county costs, hospital finances, and the lack of a broader revenue solution, while Finance said the state cannot fully backfill federal cuts and is still assessing the impacts. The LAO recommended rejecting the proposal to suspend the rainy day fund deposit and setting aside the proposed Proposition 98 settle-up rather than using it for spending. Finance defended both proposals as necessary to balance the budget year and said it plans to begin discussions with legislative leaders before the May Revision. The committee also discussed climate and transportation funding, including cap-and-trade/GGRF allocations for Cal Fire, interest earnings from the fund, zero-emission vehicle incentives, and AB 617 air quality investments. Senator Reyes questioned the focus on light-duty ZEV incentives instead of heavy-duty vehicles, and Finance said the proposal is intended to partially replace the federal consumer tax credit and that some heavy-duty funding remains from prior years. Senator Richardson also raised concerns about Olympics-related infrastructure, courthouse repairs, and displaced workers, while other members stressed homelessness funding and the need for more immediate action on out-year budget problems. No formal votes or actions were taken during the portion provided; the hearing was informational and moved into member questions after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• It removes the sales and use tax remittance program.
• This is a very big expansion to the program.
• to accept rental income and not get bumped out of the program.
• literacy promotion program are subject to appropriation.
• literacy promotion program are subject to appropriation.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met in executive session on February 9, 2026, first hearing a staff briefing on Senate Bill 6346, which would impose a tax on individuals earning over $1 million. Staff described the bill’s revenue and spending impacts and reviewed a proposed substitute and 11 amendments addressing items such as public defense funding, charitable deductions, out-of-state tax credits, small business credits, diapers, constitutional issues, and a contingent constitutional amendment. The committee later took up the bill and rejected all of the offered amendments, then advanced the substitute bill with a due pass recommendation to the Rules Committee. Members supporting the bill argued it would help address tax fairness and fund public services, while opponents raised concerns about constitutionality, economic harm, and the effect on businesses and charitable giving. The committee also acted on a series of policy bills. It advanced a substitute bill on grocery store closures in food deserts after adopting a narrower substitute, despite concerns from some members about burdening grocers. It approved a substitute bill expanding voting access for military, overseas, Native American, and disabled voters, adopting a second substitute that removed a cybersecurity review requirement. The committee also advanced bills on tort claim arbitration against governments, victim and witness protections in sexual assault and domestic violence cases, JLARC review of student aid fraud, agricultural collective bargaining, labor relations if federal preemption ends, a cost-of-living adjustment for Plan 1 retirees, workers’ compensation and medical care access, line-of-duty death reimbursements, law enforcement background checks and eligibility, veterans’ discharge definitions, and extraordinary medical placement. Several of these bills had amendments adopted, including changes to tort claim oversight, victim-requested standby counsel, agricultural labor definitions, workers’ compensation penalties, law enforcement volunteer support, and extraordinary medical placement criteria. In the second group of bills, staff briefed measures affecting property taxes, housing, cannabis, disaster-related tax relief, technical tax code changes, aircraft fuel tax revenues, the estate tax, and a pesticide tax exemption. The committee heard that a substitute for the fire protection district bill would alter how city or town levy capacity is reduced and include consultation requirements and board-creation provisions. It also heard that the property tax relief expansion for seniors and disabled retirees needed a substitute to make the consolidated school levy revenue-neutral. Other bills would expand tax exemptions for low-income housing and nonprofit homeownership, authorize local cannabis excise taxes, extend disaster repair tax relief, expand housing-related local sales tax uses, make technical tax code changes, redirect aircraft fuel tax revenues to aeronautics, reduce the estate tax rate, and extend a pesticide tax exemption. The transcript ends during the committee’s consideration of Senate Bill 6346, with the committee debating and rejecting amendments before moving the bill forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we need a regional post-fire program.
• We have the forestry program here at UNH.
• And so we do have a number of programs or projects under the HMGP program that talks about hazardous
• , it's a good program.
• New Mexico Property Insurance Program.

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> of</c><00:37:36.280><c> programs</c><00:37:36.720><c> including</c> different types of programs
• </c><01:32:40.040><c> uh</c> chinu Le was a part of our program uh chinu Le was a part of our program
• at the sheriff's program.
• I'll address that on the other discussion. program um which was very well spent and program um which
• > so</c><01:46:41.960><c> kids</c> programs after school programs so kids programs after school programs

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This program limits the annual percentage for rent increases.
• , the MOP program, has been discussed as the primary program within UC, and had over 500 loans that particular
• The existing DREAM program? The existing program that the UCs offer?
• and better quality of services at those programs.
• and better quality of services at those programs.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 1157, the Affordable Rent Act, which would lower California’s annual rent cap, remove the single-family home exemption, and eliminate the sunset on existing tenant protections. The author and supporters argued that renters are facing severe affordability pressures, especially in single-family rentals, and that stronger statewide rent stabilization is needed to prevent displacement and homelessness. Opponents, including apartment, building, and property-owner groups, said the bill would discourage housing production, harm small landlords, and override a deal they said was intended to be temporary while the state focused on building more housing. Public testimony on AB 1157 was extensive, with many renters, tenant advocates, labor groups, and community organizations speaking in support, while many landlords, business groups, and property-owner representatives spoke in opposition. Committee members were split: some praised the bill as a necessary response to the rent crisis, while others warned it could reduce investment and worsen the housing shortage. The committee ultimately voted 7-5 to pass AB 1157 to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. The committee then approved the consent calendar, including AB 413, AB 1152, and AB 1275, on a 9-0 vote. It also heard ACA 3, which would require the University of California to make available a limited number of down payment loans for eligible long-term support staff who are first-time homebuyers. Supporters said the measure would help lower-wage UC workers afford homeownership and improve retention, while UC and other opponents argued the proposal was duplicative of existing state programs, unnecessary, and potentially harmful to UC finances. The discussion focused on financing mechanics and the relationship to CalHFA, but no final vote on ACA 3 was included in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> programs is over. Thank you, Mr. programs is over. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. Speaker.
• Thank you. money on program dollars that should money on program dollars that should have<00:20:47.280
• </c><00:31:26.720><c> Of</c> related to state program fraud. Of related to state program fraud.
• </c> simultaneously to the state program simultaneously to the state program fraud<00:32:48.399><c> that
• </c> problems in these different programs. problems in these different programs.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• like the BFA and other programs.
• Um so again programs that it supports.
• </c> this you know the the guarantee programs this you know the the guarantee programs work<00:17:55.360
• </c> you know, the risks of our programs you know, the risks of our programs candidly.<00:26:11.440><
• A lot of their programs are.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony on House Bill 1042, which would increase the BFA contingent credit limit. State Treasurer Monica Misipelli explained that under RSA 66, state debt capacity is tied to unrestricted revenue and that guaranteed debt counts in the calculation even though it is contingent rather than direct debt. She said the state currently has about 4.2% to 4.3% debt-to-revenue ratio, about $120 million in additional capacity, and that approving the bill’s proposed increase would reduce available capacity for future state borrowing, including capital budgets. She noted the BFA has a long history of using guarantees without a state payout, but said the legislature should consider whether the full additional $250 million is needed and whether unused guarantee authorizations, such as one for the Pease Development Authority, should be reviewed in the future. Committee members asked whether guarantees have the same effect as actual debt for bonding capacity, and the treasurer confirmed that they do for purposes of the formula. Members also asked about the usual level of debt relative to the statutory 10% cap, and she said the state generally stays well below that limit. BFA Executive Director James Key Wallace then testified that the request was driven by rising project costs, inflation, and the need for more runway so the agency does not have to return to the legislature in an emergency. He said the BFA is self-supported, has never had a guarantee paid out by the state, requires collateral and reserves, and believes the appropriate range is closer to $400 million to $450 million; he also said a Senate bill would raise the limit to $400 million. He added that the BFA’s pipeline includes projects from about $15 million to $100 million and that housing availability is an important factor in business location decisions. After closing the work session on House Bill 1042, the committee opened House Bill 241, a bill on health insurance coverage for pain management services for chronic pain. Representative Dave Nagel, the prime sponsor, gave extensive background on his long career in pain medicine and said the bill is intended to improve access to non-opioid therapies and evidence-based pain management. He described the broad population affected by chronic pain and opioid use disorder, and said the proposal has long had bipartisan and stakeholder support. No vote or final action was taken on House Bill 241 in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• As part of our BED program, the federal fund, $382 million, we ran two bidding processes.
• As part of our BED program, the federal fund, $382 million, we ran two bidding processes.
• We also awarded funds to Acoma Pueblo and Jemez Pueblo as part of that program.
• So this would be a neutral program. Technology neutral is now our policy.
• This would be a different program supporting affordability on a technologically neutral basis.

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They have the RGGI program as well. That is a source of funding.
• They have the RGGI program as well.
• What would this program call?
• I would also add that any increase to the system benefit charge for the RGGI program...
• They can propose programs. But we also, our job is also to direct policy.

Committee: Senate Energy And Telecommunications

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, chaired by Senator Kevin Parker, met to consider a series of energy, utility, housing, and labor-related bills. The committee discussed Senator Parker’s clean hydrogen bill authorizing NYSERDA to administer programs to fund clean hydrogen projects, with members debating how it would be financed through NYSERDA’s system benefit charge and RGGI funds and whether there should be a fiscal estimate. Despite concerns from some members about cost transparency and the use of ratepayer-supported funds, the bill advanced to the Finance Committee with three without-recommendation votes. The committee also advanced Senator Parker’s bill directing NYSERDA to study hydrogen feasibility, Senator Gonzalez’s Green Affordable Pre-Electrification Program bill, Senator Hinchey’s natural carbon sequestration research program bill, Senator Gineris’s bill increasing penalties for utility annual report failures, Senator Comrie’s EV charging fee transparency bill, and Senator Parker’s battery energy storage workforce and labor standards bill. Senator Comrie’s outage hotline bill moved to third reading, while Senator Parker’s renewable hydrogen center program bill advanced despite a technical objection that a deadline in the bill had already passed, and the battery storage bill was referred to the Labor Committee. Several bills drew specific concerns. On the outage hotline bill, members questioned whether small municipal electric and water systems should be exempted rather than required to petition for an exemption, and one member said they would not support the bill without a carve-out. On the annual report penalty bill, members asked about the lack of documentation for the penalty increase and whether municipal utilities would be affected; the sponsor explained the penalty was updated from a 1900-era statute to reflect inflation and that municipal utilities file with the PSC. On the EV charging transparency bill, a member suggested the bill should also require credit card payment options, not just prohibit mobile-device-only payment. On the battery storage labor bill, members asked whether remote operations would count as on-site work and whether out-of-state remote monitoring would be covered; the sponsor said that was the intent and would follow up with labor counsel on residency questions. The committee concluded by adjourning after moving the listed bills forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• With the Real ID Act through the state-to-state program.
• One, first is the rehabilitation programming.
• There's also, we've heard of the ARC program.
• of programs that we are familiar with that were not included.
• We need these programs. Otherwise, we do an injustice.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to remain in one program.
• I work with a lot of young people that have been very exceptional in a vocational program.
• He doesn't want to come out of the welding program.
• They won't be in those programs. They'll be in tech, vocational.
• We went from three years of a single program to allow the students to change programs to explore.

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met with two bills on the agenda. HB 1055, by Rep. Albert, would make permanent the Center for the Study of Election Law at Florida State University’s College of Law, which was created temporarily in 2023. The sponsor described the center as successful and tied to Florida’s election reputation. There was brief public testimony, including support from FSU-affiliated witnesses, and no debate or amendments. The bill passed unanimously. The committee then heard HB 1105, by Rep. Kinghart-Johnson, a broader education bill affecting Bright Futures and related programs. As explained by the sponsor, the bill would change the Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship requirement from three full credits in one program to three full credits total, align the CTE diploma with scholarship eligibility, add the AP Capstone Diploma as an automatic Bright Futures Academic Scholarship qualifier, and remove barriers for some students whose parents are retired military or public service employees stationed out of state. An amendment was adopted that revised AP Capstone requirements, kept the Gold Seal GPA requirement unchanged, and added the ACE diploma as a qualifier for the Florida Seal of Fine Arts. Public testimony on HB 1105 included two social work students who supported expanding opportunities but warned that the bill could steer students into vocational tracks without enough safeguards, transparency, or access to transportation, internships, and counseling. Several members spoke in support of the bill’s goal of recognizing multiple paths to success, while also acknowledging concerns raised by speakers. In closing, the sponsor said the bill was intended to improve access and correct language that treated vocational pathways as lesser options. HB 1105 passed unanimously as amended, and the meeting adjourned afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, what is your connection to the program?
• Talk to me about this program specifically. What does it aim to do?
• </c> to me about this program specifically. to me about this program specifically.
• I think there was 123 homes built across the state of Minnesota per this program.
• The reality is there is not enough government money, whether it be this program or similar programs to

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To be blunt, though, the program isn't working.
• Furthermore, there is not a single program or policy in the state of.
• California certainly has no state program to solve this problem.
• No program has been spared. That is why codifying California Farm to School Program is essential.
• So our work at CAF and the CDFA Farm to School Program are essential.

Committee: House Agriculture

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On line 148, we have the savings from the elimination of the Sentence to Serve program.
• Training funding is one of the most successful grant programs.
• We have a DPS ICPOET grant program in the Office of Justice Programs.
• Two years ago, the legislature created this program.
• And many of your colleagues who support this program.

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And that program also been put in the constitution.
• But we do need the ability to manage these programs.
• I actually will push back very hard when you say it's our intent to repeal that program.
• The rest of the nation is able to manage the programs. I don't know.
• And what That would mean limited services somewhere under the current program.

Bills: HB4440 , HJR1067 , HJR1087 , HJR1089

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: Medicaid, low-income adults, healthcare, eligibility restrictions, constitutional amendment, Medicaid expansion, SoonerCare, health coverage, federal matching funds, FMAP, Article XXV-A, state question, special election, Title 63, public assistance, healthcare funding, federal-state match, Medicaid eligibility, Oklahoma Constitution, ad valorem

Transcript Highlights:

• Effective outreach and treatment programs for patients who have been exposed to xylazine and ways to
• address any gaps that might exist in available outreach and treatment programs and services.
• And it's really a remarkable set of investments and programs that exist.
• And I think a lot of that has to do with the reach and access of these programs.
• And I think a lot of that has to do with kind of the reach and access of these programs.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Working Group on Outreach and Treatment of the Special Commission on Xylazine held its first meeting, chaired by Gabe Adams-Cain in Senator John Villis’s absence. Members introduced themselves and described priorities such as improving education about xylazine, expanding first responder and clinical training, and ensuring patients and providers know how to respond to xylazine-related wounds and complications. Several participants emphasized that outreach should reach both people who have not been exposed and those already affected, and that stigma is a major barrier for patients and families. Discussion focused on the main challenges to treatment and outreach, including limited awareness, inconsistent wound care access, gaps in geographic coverage, cost of supplies, and the need for better training in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Dr. Kimmel noted that harm reduction and outreach programs are already providing much of the care, but often lack specialized staff, sufficient supplies, and standardized protocols. He also said xylazine can complicate withdrawal and make it harder for people to engage in substance use treatment. Members discussed the value of non-stigmatizing, consensus messaging, family support organizations, and existing resources such as PARI, StreetCheck, and state-funded syringe service and naloxone networks. The group also reviewed the commission timeline and next steps. Staff said materials for the December 11 full commission meeting should be submitted by December 2, with draft presentation materials to be shared by December 4 and reviewed by December 9. Members agreed to do additional follow-up research on topics including the cost-effectiveness and contents of self-care wound kits, outreach to family and recovery organizations, incarcerated populations, and geographic access gaps. The meeting ended with agreement to use a PowerPoint-style presentation and to continue compiling research through a shared folder, followed by adjournment at 9:55 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• It removes language that allows up to 50% of the allocation for the improvement of instructional programs
• one that allows county boards to use half of the allocation of the teacher and leader induction programs
• The first section directs the Department of Human Services to pay licensed child care program subsidy
• The first section directs the Department of Human Services to pay licensed child care program subsidy
• All this money that has been accumulated through this program is going to go into general revenue.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 994, senate, all