Transcript Highlights:

• process I know there's an application process I know that<00:25:23.559> teams<00:25:24.080>
• create fewer barriers to applications create fewer barriers to applications make<00:25:29.120>
• This was an applicant in 2024.
• This was an applicant in 2024.
• Is that because there's no public housing in that area, or there were no applicants in those areas?

Bills: HF919, HF1192, HF212, HF214

Keywords: wastewater, infrastructure, funding, Litchfield, economic development, environmental compliance, Hastings, water treatment, PFAS, nitrates, bonds, capital investment, public health, HF212, Round Lake-Brewster, Independent School District No. 2907, school construction, school building, sales tax exemption, use tax exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• issuance, then you as the applicant could intervene in that suit. ...that's challenging.
• And do you realize they're having to run comps now before they even can't take somebody's application
• And now we have companies that are using it in their applications, which is what he was talking about
• I don't know that we've made any grant applications, if we have...
• It all depends on the applicant, what they're trying to accomplish.

Summary: The committee first considered several local property-transfer and wildlife/fisheries bills, including SB 229 (Bojeur Parish property transfer), SB 71 (Lafayette Parish property transfer), and a series of Department of Wildlife and Fisheries measures. SB 203 simplified possession rules for fish on multi-day trips and remote camps; SB 429 created an administrative path to register “orphan” boats with lapsed registrations; SB 204 removed a residency-based restriction on certain commercial fishing gear licenses; SB 205 reduced duplicate registration requirements for federally documented boats; SB 213 clarified titling rules for vessels and outboard motors; and SB 257 removed Social Security number requirements from certain commercial fishing tags. Each of these bills was reported favorable, generally without objection, after brief explanations from sponsors and department counsel about reducing red tape, improving enforcement, or modernizing records. The committee also heard SB 214, which would allow the Teche-Vermilion Fresh Water District to stop pumping during an imminent flood threat identified by the National Weather Service or GOSEP, addressing liability concerns and giving local officials more flexibility in emergencies. SB 274, as amended, required lead hazard risk assessments for certain child care, early learning, and pre-kindergarten facilities and required hazards found in assessments to be addressed before licensing. Both bills were reported favorable. SB 379, a technical reorganization bill for the Department of Conservation and Energy, received two amendment sets: one changing investment language and another standardizing judicial-review procedures and online notice requirements; it was reported favorable after those amendments. The committee then adopted HCR 62, urging FEMA to review flood maps every five years instead of every ten and to better account for local flood-protection projects, with members discussing the burden of flood insurance and the need for FEMA to recognize levees, pump stations, and elevated homes. HCR 78 was also reported favorable, memorializing Congress to pass the American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026 in support of Louisiana’s seafood industry. HB 662, as substituted, was reported favorable after being rewritten to codify the department’s internal protocol for seized sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife, prioritizing release, rehabilitation, placement, and euthanasia as a last resort. Finally, the committee considered two more contentious items. HR 216, which urged repudiation of the Louisiana Climate Action Plan of 2022, drew extended debate over whether the plan had been adopted without legislative input and whether it could affect permits or future policy; after discussion, the sponsor voluntarily deferred the resolution to return with a revised approach focused on a legislative hearing or review. SCR 24, dealing with chronic wasting disease rules, was introduced with amendments that would raise the prevalence threshold, cap samples, allow zone removal after three years without new detections, and lift baiting/feed prohibitions above a higher prevalence level; the transcript cuts off before final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do not think that would be applicable here. If so, then we...
• Representation, but I don't see how that's applicable here.
• This is just updating it to be applicable in the future.
• Senator, Bill 1380 requires that before approving an application or an applicant for Medicaid benefits
• If death is confirmed on the applicant, the application will be denied obviously, and no Medicaid payments

Bills: SJR47, SB1491, SB1579, SB1806, SB1552, SB483, SB63, SB137, SB346, SB514, SB1344, SB1360, SB1380, SB1437, SB1189, SB1217, SB1221, SB1262, SB1272, SB1325, SB1339, SB201

Keywords: voter ID, elections, constitutional amendment, Oklahoma, proof of identity, presidential electors, vacancies, oath of office, political party, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, foster care, adoption assistance, transitioning youth, Department of Human Services, voluntary services, county home rule charter

Transcript Highlights:

• I've done hundreds of acres where 2,4-D drifted from a good application to a negative application affecting
• Applicator. Correct, yes. Members, questions?
• And a certified applicator license is $125. $125. Yes, sir.
• They could be a certified applicator or an apprentice.
• You get your Texas application, you fill it out, you send in your money.

Bills: HB 43, HB 3364, HB 3469, HB 3479, HB 43, HB 3364, HB 3469, HB 3479

Keywords: agriculture, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, veterinarian, veterinary medicine, veterinary telemedicine, telehealth, telemedicine, veterinarian-client-patient relationship, VCPR, animal health, livestock, pets, remote care, electronic means, telephone consultation, controlled substances, prescription drugs

Summary: The second bill, House Bill 3469, was introduced to address pest control regulations concerning nuisance birds. Representative Campos explained how the bill proposes non-lethal methods to deter these birds, such as the use of laser lights and sounds, which avoids conflict with both state and federal regulations. The committee heard impassioned testimonies from members of the public who shared firsthand experiences regarding the adverse effects of these birds on property and public health. The meeting concluded with both bills being left pending, reflecting a desire for further deliberation among the committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• This isn't during the application process where you're like, 'Hey, in my opinion, I don't like this;
• There is a full application process that occurs.
• You always have to realize that the process of application is the process of application, which means
• process of application is the process<01:12:03.080> of<01:12:03.360> application<01:12
• :04.080> which<01:12:04.239> means process of application which means process of application

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You have a staff FTE count, if applicable.
• Left, you have a staff FTE count, if applicable.
• We are there to help them with that application, and we are there to help coordinate visits to other
• You have submitted a program application, and you have added this program to your university, so this
• Our deadline is today for applications.

Summary: The committee held its first meeting of the session and received an overview of the Higher Education Appropriations budget from staff director Tim Elwell. He explained the committee’s broad jurisdiction over universities, state colleges, district workforce programs, vocational rehabilitation, blind services, student financial aid, private colleges, and the Board of Governors, and reviewed key budget concepts such as local funds, funds per FTE, performance funding, and the distinction between the total appropriation and the recurring base budget. He noted that higher education is funded largely through state and local sources, with substantial flexibility compared with other state budgets, and that the base budget is heavily weighted toward lump-sum allocations to the public systems. The committee then heard a presentation from the University of South Florida’s Florida Center for Cybersecurity (Cyber Florida), led by retired Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie and USF representative Mark Walsh. They described Cyber Florida as a statewide cybersecurity platform created by the Legislature in 2014 to support education, research, workforce development, public policy, and community engagement. McKenzie emphasized the growing cyber threat environment, Florida’s leadership role, and several funded initiatives, including K-12 outreach, workforce training, a cyber range for county governments, critical infrastructure assessments, grant development, and public conferences and outreach. Members asked about public cyber awareness, the lack of a national cyber defense strategy, school district participation in Cyber Launch, and which counties are most at risk; McKenzie said smaller counties with limited cybersecurity staffing are generally more vulnerable and offered to provide follow-up information. Finally, the committee heard from the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities at the University of Central Florida, led by Dr. Drew Andrews, along with program and parent representatives from participating institutions. Andrews explained the center’s role in coordinating Florida’s postsecondary comprehensive transition programs for students with intellectual disabilities, supporting program development, distributing grants and scholarships, and monitoring outcomes. He reported that the state now has 33 approved programs at 35 institutions, including universities, state colleges, and technical colleges, and that scholarship and grant funding has grown significantly. He said student retention is about 88 percent, many graduates are employed, and median hourly earnings have increased over time. A representative from Southeastern University described how the center’s support helped build and sustain SEU Link, including a new third-year employment-focused option for students.

Transcript Highlights:

• , ensuring that the application is in alignment with the eligibility criteria in the program, and then
• sure taking in the applications making sure they're<00:36:31.480> eligible<00:36:32.480> and
• would have to show that um all applicant would have to show that um all the<00:40:03.839> work
• by mental health providers within 30 days of submission to a complete application.
• within 30 days from a clean application.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a non-germane amendment to HB 297 that would create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Insurance Commissioner DJ Beton, joined by department staff, explained that the proposal is intended to help homeowners afford insurance by funding proactive home improvements that reduce risk and improve insurability. He said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 available on a first-come, first-served basis. Beton described the problem as rising homeowners insurance premiums, hard-market underwriting, nonrenewals, and the resulting shift to more expensive surplus lines coverage. He said eligible projects could include roof fortification, exterior improvements, flood-related foundation work, and removal of hazardous trees or limbs. He cited similar programs in other states, especially Alabama, Louisiana, and North Carolina, as evidence the model can work and noted that industry representatives were present in support. He also said the program would use means testing aligned with the Department of Energy’s weatherization program to target lower-income applicants. Members asked about the non-germane process, who would administer the program, and how the bill would prevent misuse of grant funds. The commissioner said the department would administer the program using one repurposed existing position, with Treasury handling fund flow through an MOU. Staff explained that applicants would have to show completed work through a signed contract, itemized work, and a sworn contractor affidavit, with some upfront payment allowed for materials and the remainder paid after completion. The chair and members discussed that the amendment is being attached to a different bill only to move the proposal through committee and on to House Finance for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• This proposed rule amendment sets forth the requirements for dealers, applicators, training, and record
• And also that the end date occurs when the full determination is made on the regular application for
• who is determined job ready to be required to complete some job search activities before the application
• Well, I can just, in general, at application and at recertification, we verify income.
• Well, I can just, in general, at application and at recertification, we verify income.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• reflects that, just saying that if they run out of money, the awards will be by each individual applicant
• reflects that, just saying that if they run out of money, the awards will be by each individual applicant
• reflects that, just saying that if they run out of money, the awards will be by each individual applicant
• <00:04:18.200> from<00:04:18.440> available each individual applicant from available
• each individual applicant from available sources. sources. sources.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• are put on paper to move forward through the process, the letter of the law, and the permit and application
• He said conversations should happen far before an application is submitted and should be part of the
• He said staff should work to have those conversations early so that long before an application may come
• We send it to the applicable counties, to the water management districts, to the Coast Guard, Army Corps
• “To the panel of subject matter experts and applicable agencies. Okay, thank you.

Summary: The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee first took up the appointment of Joshua Kellum to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Kellum described his background in diversified land, agricultural, materials, and real estate operations and said he views himself as a conservationist. Senators questioned him closely about his development background, the balance of perspectives on the commission, his vote supporting the black bear hunt, and the use of Fish and Wildlife Foundation funds for the “Yes on 2” campaign. Supporters argued he is primarily a land steward and conservation-minded landowner, while opponents said the commission is already dominated by developers and lacks scientific or conservation expertise. After debate, the committee voted to recommend Kellum’s confirmation, with Senator Smith voting no and the rest of the voting members in favor. The committee then received a presentation from FWC on implementation of recently enacted boating and vessel laws. Bill Holcomb outlined changes under SB 1388 (the Boater Freedom Act), including limits on vessel stops and boarding, a new Florida Freedom Boater Safety Inspection decal, and revised rules for Springs Protection Zones. He also reviewed SB 164 on derelict and at-risk vessels, including new enforcement tools, a long-term anchoring permit, and updated penalties; HB 289, Lucy’s Law, which strengthens boating safety penalties and education requirements; SB 830 on the disposition of migrant vessels; and HB 735 on water access facilities and boating infrastructure. Holcomb said FWC is in rulemaking, training officers, and updating forms and permitting systems to implement the laws. Members asked follow-up questions about derelict vessel cost recovery and whether penalties go back to the state, and about the Springs Protection Zone standard. Holcomb said the state can recover removal costs from responsible owners and that the new springs standard requires “significant harm” and that vessel activity be the predominant cause, with subject matter experts and partner agencies helping make those determinations. He said Silver Glen Springs remains a proposed zone but was paused pending the new criteria and rulemaking. The committee took no further action on the presentation and adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the way that I'm reading the committee substitute is that the applicability would be at the time
• Declines to certify a discovery dispute, protesters and applicants are left without a procedural avenue
• This bill ensures that both the protesters and applicants have a clear and fair mechanism.
• Because the proposal allows for both protesters and applicants to request certification of questions,
• We agree that this legislation ensures that both protesters and applicants have a clear and reasonable

Bills: HB573, HB1499, HB1768, HB3071, HB3249, HB3866, HB4112

Keywords: environmental enforcement, legislative oversight, inspection, concrete plants, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, environmental product declaration, grant program, ready-mixed concrete, manufacturers, sustainability, concrete plant, concrete batch plant, wet batching, dry batching, central mixing, standard permit, TCEQ, environmental regulation, air quality, construction permit

Transcript Highlights:

• He said the form itself provides users or applicators the ability to basically fill in a blank; there
• He said they want to make it easier for both staff and applicators to provide accurate information.
• The deletion of quote, “all applicable laws and regulations,” may have unintended legal consequences.
• But the application is technically open until March 31st, at which point no further applications are
• <01:33:44.239> every requested we get from applications every requested we get from applications

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we currently support a little over 130 applications in the department across all of the different
• About six years ago, actually, our applications were closer to 200 applications that we supported, so
• we've actually reduced our application over the last six years.
• About six years ago, actually, our applications were closer to 200 applications that we supported, so
• we've actually reduced our application over the last six years.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee convened an informational Division 3 Finance hearing focused on DHHS programmatic issues rather than budget line items. The chair emphasized that members should avoid questions requiring dollar figures and noted that the coming budget cycle would likely be difficult because revenues are expected to be tighter. Commissioner Lori Weaver said the department wanted to use the session to explain its functions at a high level, with more detailed presentations to follow, and to collect questions for later responses. Weaver outlined DHHS’s mission of supporting optimal health for state residents and described the department’s three main responsibilities: protection and prevention, client service delivery, and regulatory oversight. She said DHHS has eight divisions, a $3.6 billion total budget, about $1.217 billion in general funds, roughly a quarter of state positions, and personnel costs that are less than 11% of the budget. She also noted a recent hiring freeze, explained that the department did not request new positions except where required by law, and said vacancy rates had improved from 22% to 14% over the last two years but could rise again because of attrition and the hiring freeze. Weaver and CFO Nathan White then discussed why the DHHS budget is complex, explaining that it is built from multiple funding sources and is shaped by assumptions made months before the fiscal year begins, actual service demand, and cost allocation rules used to draw down federal funds. White highlighted maintenance-of-effort requirements, including TANF, where state spending is needed to secure federal matching funds and shortfalls can trigger penalties. At the committee’s request, DHHS agreed to provide a simplified historical accounting of TANF contributions to show how the match is assembled across positions, contracts, and other factors. The department also reviewed its roadmap, which Weaver described as a framework developed with staff and stakeholders around three themes: culture, community, and customer service. She highlighted priorities such as Mission Zero to end emergency department boarding, expanding access to community-based and residential behavioral health services, reducing reliance on institutional care, improving contract management with nonprofit and provider partners, using data dashboards to guide decisions, and investing in workforce stability and culture. No votes were taken; the main action was DHHS’s commitment to provide additional follow-up materials, including the TANF contribution breakdown.

Transcript Highlights:

• They’ll have to retain the services of a certified applicator to inspect the dwelling and provide whatever
• In many instances, we struggle to even attract applicants, even though our teaching salaries are above
• Since 2022, I've approved applications from 97 residents with registered emotional support animals. to
• applications from 97 residents with registered emotional support animals.
• Prior to 2022, I could count on one hand the number of ESA requests that I received from applicants.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing heard testimony on several housing bills, with much of the discussion focused on seasonal communities and funding for year-round housing in places like Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Cape Cod, and the Berkshires. Speakers supported bills including H. 4410/S. 966 and related seasonal communities legislation, which would allow local option real estate transfer fees and expand tools for towns to preserve and create affordable housing. Testimony emphasized severe housing shortages, high home prices, workforce displacement, and impacts on public safety, schools, health care, and local businesses. Many witnesses said the transfer fee would provide a sustainable local revenue stream, citing prior land bank models on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard as proof the approach can work. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3989 regarding seasonal community designation, with supporters arguing that towns should be included automatically or through a simpler opt-in process, and on H. 4568 to expand the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, which would broaden access to a federal voucher-based savings and self-sufficiency model. Senator Edwards testified in support of a bill to create training for municipal board members, describing it as a toolkit to improve informed local decision-making. Senator O’Connor testified for a bed bug bill, saying it would create clearer landlord and tenant notification and treatment requirements and provide needed legal guidance after his family’s experience with an infestation. Senator Lovely also testified for the Homeworks program, which provides transportation so homeless children in motels and shelters can attend after-school activities. The committee further heard testimony on a bill to fund housing in seasonal communities through a transfer fee and on a companion measure to expand the seasonal communities toolkit, with repeated calls for favorable reports. Witnesses from public safety, health care, housing nonprofits, schools, and local government described staffing shortages and housing insecurity as urgent problems. Later, the committee took testimony on H. 1559/S. 102 to maintain stable housing for families with pets, with animal welfare groups supporting protections against eviction, breed discrimination, and excessive pet rent. They said housing-related pet surrenders are a major driver of shelter intake. The hearing also included testimony on H. 1498 to limit criminalization of homelessness, which would restrict citations, fines, and related consequences for outdoor camping tied solely to homelessness.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm assuming that this would allow that to happen because that application of the burden as applied to
• application application of<00:47:51.760> the<00:47:51.880> burden<00:47:52.440> as<
• ,<00:48:52.200> let's<00:48:52.359> see,<00:48:52.800> the that application,
• let's see, the that application, let's see, the application<00:48:53.640> of<00:48:53.800>
• of the burden as applied to application of the burden as applied to the<00:48:54.960> parent<

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> It need to be one set of rules because there is evil application if you'll allow me to explain.
• >> May I whatever path that is is fine. >> It need to be one set of rules because there is evil application
• >> May I whatever path that is is fine. >> It need to be one set of rules because there is evil application
• >> May I whatever path that is is fine. >> It need to be one set of rules because there is evil application
• >> May I whatever path that is is fine. >> It need to be one set of rules because there is evil application

Bills: SB209, SB248, HB122, SB99, SB209, SB248, HB122, SB99

Keywords: sales tax exemption, Consumer Price Index, local government, clothing, school supplies, emergency preparedness, Alabama Administrative Procedure Act, APA, administrative law, judicial review, agency deference, Chevron deference, de novo review, contested case, state agency, regulatory power, individual liberty, statutory interpretation, rule interpretation, license revocation

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're on board with that and we're entertaining their application.
• Submitted an application; it took us a day and a half to approve it.
• And Santa Rosa filled out their application.
• The application took ten minutes to fill out. That was it.
• We'll start working in the background on this application.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then if you look in 2024, we had 248 applicants, and you can see that qualified wages have grown
• were 71 applicants were 71 applicants >> made<00:47:21.920> do<00:47:22.000> we<
• and you can see that applicants and you can see that qualified<00:47:34.240> wages<00:47:34.800
• , growing wages, is it growing applicants, growing wages, is it growing applicants, is<00:52:35.440
• , meaning $7 million in applications, meaning there's<01:10:41.760> more<01:10:42.000> than

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met to review tax expenditures, elect a chair and clerk, and hear updates on two credits due for periodic review: the career and technical education (CTE) center tax credit and the research and development (R&D) tax credit. Members first organized the meeting, then heard from Jennifer Ramsey of DRA, who explained the purpose of the tax expenditure review process and summarized the CTE and R&D credits. She said the CTE credit allows donations to CTE centers for a credit against business profits tax, is capped at 25% of a taxpayer’s liability, has a $500,000 aggregate limit, and was extended in SB 98 to fiscal year 2031. She also noted DRA could not provide detailed financial data because of statistical disclosure limits when too few taxpayers claim the credit. Committee members pressed for more historical and aggregate information, arguing they needed numbers to judge whether the credit is effective and worth continuing. The committee then heard from Chrissy Vanderhook of the Department of Education on the CTE credit. She described New Hampshire’s CTE system as serving 26 secondary centers and seven post-secondary centers, with industry partners providing internships, work-based learning, equipment, employee time, and other in-kind support that can qualify for the credit. She said the department reports annually to legislative leaders and that fiscal year 2025 credit activity was down about 48% from FY24, partly due to staffing changes and outreach issues. Members asked whether the program extends to community college-level programs, and she said it can, though she was not sure how broadly it is used that way. The committee also discussed a new Granite Patron of the Arts credit, which DRA said went into effect July 1 and is included in the tax expenditure report even though it is not yet listed in the statute. For the R&D credit, Ramsey explained that it offsets business profits tax and can carry forward to business enterprise tax, is based on incremental research spending, and currently has a $7 million annual aggregate cap. She said the cap has not yet been reached but could require proration as early as fiscal year 2026 if not increased. She noted there were 271 taxpayers claiming the credit in fiscal 2024 and that a proposal last session to raise the cap to $10 million and increase the per-company limit did not advance. Mark Liberty of BEA said the credit is an important recruitment and retention tool, especially for life sciences, aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing, but acknowledged BEA does not track direct revenue return. Andrea Hchvaria of New Hampshire Life Sciences argued the R&D credit is critical for startups and cited growth in applicants from 71 in 2008 to 248 in 2024, with qualified wages rising substantially over that period. Committee members repeatedly asked for more objective economic-impact data, but DRA said it only tracks who claimed the credit and the amount claimed, not broader business outcomes.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> if if if the the applicant fails the >> if if if the the applicant fails the road<04:16
• practice includes encouraging applicants practice includes encouraging applicants to<04:20:03.840
• amount of uh percentage of applicants amount of uh percentage of applicants fail<04:23:15.680>
• [clears throat] >> Representative Beu. the applicants failing three times and the applicants failing
• <04:27:15.680> there you've got [snorts] an applicant there you've got [snorts] an applicant

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we could target applications.
• Um, we could target applications.
• Um, we could target applications.
• Um, we could target applications.
• . applications. applications.

Keywords: 910, house, all