Transcript Highlights:

• discussions about recognizing that in some counties who may need to augment it with some extraordinary measures
• and I know this is not popular, but it's important to remember, in the 1980s and '90s... ...before Measure
• This measure will very partially meet a serious unmet need that is going to become more serious if the
• I'll be in support of the measure. Thank you, Senator. Further discussion?
• Seeing none, are there any objections to this measure? None. Motion passes.

Keywords: 907, all

Summary: The Emergency Board met on June 17, 2026, and approved a series of subcommittee recommendations, mostly on consent, related to federal grant applications, agency funding adjustments, and position authority. Early actions included approval of four federal grant applications from natural resources agencies, three public safety grant applications, a one-time increase for Judicial Department court security, retroactive approval for an AmeriCorps volunteer-generation grant, and a $7.5 million allocation to Southern Oregon University from a special appropriation for short-term financial stability. Members supporting the SOU item emphasized the university’s structural deficits, declining enrollment, and the need for a long-term higher education plan; several members voted no or raised concerns about sustainability, but the motion passed. The board also approved a federal apprenticeship expansion grant for the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, a school nutrition equipment grant for the Department of Education, and an Oregon Health Authority request tied to Medicaid community engagement requirements under H.R. 1. Public safety items included funding for Oregon Military Department readiness facilities, a report on the stalled juvenile justice information system modernization project with a follow-up viability report due in 2026, and a statewide evacuation planning tool for emergency management. The evacuation tool drew strong support as a wildfire preparedness measure, with members noting it could significantly reduce alert times and save lives. A major point of debate was the Department of Justice request to add 16 permanent positions and increase other funds limitation for antitrust enforcement. Supporters argued the federal government has pulled back and Oregon needs capacity to pursue active cases and protect consumers; opponents objected to the process, the size of the expansion, and the incentive structure tied to settlements and awards. Despite those concerns, the motion passed. The board also approved Water Resources Department requests for the Water Well Abandonment, Repair and Replacement program, an assistant water master position in Washington County, and federal funding for Lower Umatilla Basin groundwater data collection. The water master item prompted questions about county cost shifts, but staff said the position would remain externally funded and would not be filled without those resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• Campuses are implementing aggressive cost-containment measures, including a hiring freeze, the permanent
• If the compact funding is not received, these cost-containment measures must go even further, including
• Measurable workforce outcomes. So that's all. Thank you, Madam Chair. Great.
• I will also add that we encourage the Legislature to enact accountability measures and to prioritize
• And then I will just add that we encourage the legislature to enact accountability measures and also,

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those in favor of the measure vote aye. Those opposed vote no. The system is now open.
• Those in favor of the measure vote aye. Those opposed vote no. The system is now open.
• Those in favor of the measure vote aye; those opposed vote no. The Senate is now open to vote.
• Program: a set of related measures or activities with a particular long-term aim.
• Those in favor of the measure vote aye; those opposed vote no. The system is now open.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• with everything going on in the political space right now, it does add specific sections in for measures
• and the reporting that are required for groups that are working on measures to make that clear.
• Obviously we have a couple of ballot measures, some initiatives that are actively being circulated right
• We prevent confusion. This bill would create confusion. The Idaho SHIPO is a national leader.
• We prevent confusion. This bill would create confusion. The Idaho Shippo is a national leader.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But on the other side, did it prevent 100 kids from going to the hospital with asthma?
• Did it prevent X, Y, and Z? So ensuring that there's a comparison of that would be important.
• Californians are struggling with rising costs, and this measure offers practical, immediate relief.
• Californians are struggling with rising costs, and this measure offers practical, immediate relief at
• So there's point monitors and there's paths at certain distances to measure for constituents.

Summary: The committee heard SB 872, which would direct $150 million annually each for Central Valley subsidence repairs and Delta levee work. Senator McNerney and supporters from Restore the Delta, the State Water Contractors, and many water agencies, labor groups, environmental organizations, and local governments argued the bill is urgent to protect water delivery for 27 million Californians, safeguard levees and state assets, and address climate-related flood risks. There was no opposition testimony, and members asked about the bill’s focus on state-owned conveyance; the author said the distinction reflects the separate state and federal water projects. The bill was held while the committee lacked a quorum, with no vote taken at that point. The committee then heard SB 981, which would require CARB to include cost-of-living impacts in its existing regulatory analysis for major rules. Senator Niello and supporters from agriculture, manufacturing, business, propane, restaurants, and commercial property groups said the bill would improve transparency about how regulations affect gasoline, electricity, food, housing, and business costs. Opponents, including Coalition for Clean Air and the Union of Concerned Scientists, argued it would add delay, cost, and redundant analysis to CARB rulemaking and could not reliably measure the effects the bill seeks to capture. Committee members raised concerns that CARB already estimates costs, that the bill is burdensome and narrow, and that it does not fully account for benefits or the role of other agencies. No vote was recorded in the transcript. SB 887, by Senator Padilla, would require data center projects to undergo CEQA review while creating a streamlined path for projects meeting strong environmental, labor, and community-benefit criteria, including zero-carbon electricity, on-site storage, recycled water or water-efficient cooling, and full cost responsibility for grid upgrades. Supporters said data centers are rapidly expanding, can strain energy and water resources, and should be held to clear standards while still allowing beneficial development; labor and environmental groups backed the measure. Opponents from the Data Center Coalition, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, and business groups said the bill is overly prescriptive, discriminatory toward one industry, and could drive investment and jobs out of state. After discussion, the committee established a quorum and voted 3-1 to pass SB 887 as amended to the Senate Energy, Utilities, and Communications Committee, with the bill kept on call. The committee also heard SB 1008, which would renew a CEQA exemption for the closure of at-grade rail crossings ordered by the California Public Utilities Commission. Senator Ochoa Bogh and Union Pacific testified that the measure would help the state act quickly on rail safety by removing redundant environmental review for crossing closures, while still requiring collaboration with local jurisdictions and the PUC. There was support from railroad and business representatives and no opposition. The committee voted 4-0 to pass SB 1008 to the Senate Energy, Utilities, and Communications Committee, and the bill was kept on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am especially happy that the sponsor of this worthy measure happens to be Senator Rogers.
• So that would actually prevent that particular issue. May I ask the question, Chair? Thank you.
• So basically any area that is subject to a census for population measurement that has 50,000 people or
• Senator Dunn, I think you had a meeting about this measure yesterday, so I'm just going to go ahead and
• That's kind of the measurement that we use, basically how much power is generated from the engine down

Bills: SB1041, SB1363, SB1418, SB1419, SB1445, SB1447, SB1488, SB1519, SB1523, SB1560, SB1580

Keywords: electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, marijuana, rural opportunity, dispensary, economic development, licensing, social equity, unserved communities, Arizona, small modular reactors, energy regulation, environmental compatibility, utility construction, agricultural use

Transcript Highlights:

• With 11 yes votes and one pass vote, the measure passes and we will forward it to the full House for
• With 11 yes votes and one pass vote,<00:08:31.199><c> the</c><00:08:31.520><c> measure</c><00:08:32.000
• passes and we will vote, the measure passes and we will forward<00:08:34.159><c> it</c><00:08:34.320
• There are some technical requirements and everything that are a little different that prevents us from
• There are some technical requirements and everything that are a little different that prevents us from

Keywords: Consideration of HB 139 -- 00:03:15 Consideration of HB 356 -- 00:08:48, 958, all

Summary: The committee first adopted a committee substitute for House Bill 139, which would allow a political party to replace a candidate who dies or withdraws after the filing deadline but before ballot certification. Representative Decker explained the substitute as a narrow election-related fix, and the bill was then passed by the committee on an 11-yes, 1-pass vote and sent to the full House. The committee then heard House Bill 356, which would move the Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) qualification test from a once-every-four-years, Frankfort-based format to administration through the Kentucky Community and Technical College System at multiple locations and times. Representative Bridges said the Department of Revenue would still write and control the exam, KCTCS would only administer it, the fiscal note was zero, and the change would improve access and convenience without weakening standards. KCTCS said it was prepared to help if directed. Members generally agreed PVAs should be tested, but some raised concerns about test integrity, whether a broader testing network could create uneven conditions, and whether the change should instead use a smaller number of regional test sites. Others supported the bill as a common-sense way to expand access and avoid forcing candidates to wait years after missing a single test date. The committee also discussed the lack of a study guide for the exam and whether that should be addressed separately. No final vote on House Bill 356 is reflected in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:58:31.679><c> from</c> instructor and he was prevented from instructor and he was prevented from
• Would I now election legitimacy measure.
• </c> providing salary range will prevent providing salary range will prevent employers<04:58:19.920><
• Um, ought to pass as amended on this measure. Thank you.
• Thank amended um on on this um measure. Thank you. you. you.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• putting that obligation on the entity, the district or the subdivision that’s submitting the ballot measure
• come up with a bunch of different scenarios, and that’s why the amendment maker chose no such ballot measure
• The measure passed, you know, 4 to 1, but they didn't get 25% yeses because it's not based on voter turnout
• take care of this situation on their own and let them have that vote, which I know that this doesn't prevent
• take care of this situation on their own and let them have that vote, which I know that this doesn't prevent

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• performance oversight process, and providing quarterly reports on system performance and quality measures
• This bill proposes to maintain that policy and prevent health plans from establishing arbitrary time
• It doesn't prevent Seattle Children's from having a more generous charity care policy.
• In this new language within the law, really it would only require us to measure that 36 months in this
• But it has to be measured from our last inspection, which takes time.

Bills: HB1812, HB2232, HB2250, HB2340, HB2577

Keywords: anesthesia services, healthcare access, reimbursement, patient care, equitable treatment, emergency services, healthcare outcomes, health infrastructure, system improvement, charity care, residency requirements, medical assistance, low-income, HB 2340, nursing assistants, nurse aide, substance use disorder monitoring program, monitoring program, credentialing, licensure

Transcript Highlights:

• performance oversight process, and providing quarterly reports on system performance and quality measures
• This bill proposes to maintain that policy and prevent health plans from establishing arbitrary time
• It doesn't prevent Seattle Children's from having a more generous charity care policy.
• In this new language within the law, really, it would only require us to measure that 36 months in this
• But it has to be measured from our last inspection, which takes time.

Summary: The House Health Care & Wellness Committee held public hearings on several bills. House Bill 2232 would create a Department of Health-operated time-sensitive emergency data repository covering trauma, cardiac, and stroke events, with quality improvement reporting and support for rural facilities; it drew strong support from emergency physicians, nurses, and the Department of Health, while the Washington State Hospital Association said hospitals support the goal but lack the resources to absorb the added requirements. House Bill 1812, as a proposed substitute, would bar insurers and public plans from imposing anesthesia time limits or related reimbursement caps; the sponsor and anesthesia providers said it protects patient safety and fair payment, and the Washington State Society of Anesthesiologists asked for a clarifying amendment on physical status modifiers. House Bill 2250 would limit hospital charity care to Washington residents, while preserving emergency care access; supporters from rural hospitals and the Washington State Hospital Association said the change would help border hospitals facing rising nonresident charity care, and opponents from legal aid, patient advocacy, and LGBTQ groups warned it would create barriers, chill access for immigrants and other vulnerable patients, and conflict with Washington’s safety-net values. The committee also heard House Bill 2340, which would extend existing substance-use monitoring program protections and stipend eligibility to nursing assistants under the Board of Nursing’s CARES program. The sponsor described it as a simple equity measure, and the Board of Nursing supported it, saying it would improve access and reduce stigma; members asked where the stipend funding comes from, and staff and the board said it is currently general-fund supported at about $25,000 annually. House Bill 2577 would change hospital inspection law by requiring acute care hospital inspections every 18 months rather than on average, allowing some accredited inspections to satisfy the requirement every 36 months, and clarifying fire-protection reinspection standards; the sponsor and Department of Health said it responds to a JLARC audit and provides needed clarity, while DOH said it is still working to catch up from inspection delays caused by the public health emergency. The meeting ended after public testimony on the bills was closed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• That said, we do want to emphasize the importance of maintaining meaningful accountability measures around
• That said, we do want to emphasize the importance of maintaining meaningful accountability measures around
• The legislature codified a B&O tax exemption for premium income in 1935 to prevent double taxation.
• Instead of simply preventing double taxation, it has been interpreted to provide a sweeping tax exemption
• The legislature has this opportunity to establish a measure of tax equity with this bill.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a public hearing on nine bills. Senate Bill 5872 would create the Pre-K Promise Account to receive philanthropic donations for ECAP preschool slots; supporters, including DCYF, the governor’s office, and early learning advocates, said it would help expand access to high-quality pre-K with a 10-year Ballmer Group commitment for up to 10,000 new seats annually. Senators asked how the money would flow, and staff and witnesses explained it would be governed by an MOU and deposited annually; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5879 would eliminate two JLARC studies, one on lodging tax reporting and one on training benefits; supporters said the reports were duplicative and burdensome, while the hospitality industry warned against losing transparency, and no action was taken. Senate Bill 6047 would permanently codify various capital budget administration rules, including minor works flexibility and early learning grant changes; testimony focused on technical cleanup and on provisions affecting co-located child care and community projects, with no vote taken. Senate Bill 5988 would authorize the Department of Health to charge fees for accrediting opioid treatment programs, with support from DOH and tribal/nontribal providers who want the state to continue providing the service; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5923 would allow Island Hospital in Skagit County to qualify as a critical access hospital, with local hospital leaders and residents supporting the measure to improve reimbursement and sustain rural care; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5832 would raise the Lemon Law arbitration fee from $3 to $6 to fund the Attorney General’s consumer protection work, and the AG’s office, dealers, and the sponsor said the program is effective and underfunded; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5970 would make permanent the property tax exemption for multipurpose senior citizen centers, with AARP supporting the bill as a benefit to seniors and caregivers; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5994 would preserve timber tax distributions for school districts that recently had qualifying levies, and forest industry witnesses supported the bill while suggesting a possible amendment for state forest transfer lands; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5949 would narrow the B&O tax exemption for insurance-related businesses so it applies only to the entity paying the insurance premiums tax, retroactive to 2019; the Department of Revenue and bill supporters argued it restores tax equity, while insurers, health plans, and business groups opposed it as retroactive, ambiguous, and likely to raise premiums. The committee heard extensive testimony on that bill, but the transcript ends with adjournment and no recorded vote or executive action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 156, introduced by Senator Flores, revises provisions relating to the prevention of gun violence
• to the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• the Committee on Ways and Means, revises provisions governing fiscal information for legislative measures
• committee on ways and means revises provisions governing fiscal and information for legislative measures
• of the state Nevada represented in Senate Assembly do an act as well information for legislative measures

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're trying to prevent the use of tobacco.
• the history of this entire program that there was a point when a portion of it went to tobacco prevention
• permanent supportive housing, recovery-oriented and person-centered services, processes, and outcome measures
• permanent supportive housing, recovery-oriented and person-centered services, processes, and outcome measures
• program operations for the funding of $4.6 million included in Section 1 of the bill. ...and outcome measures

Bills: SB2015

Keywords: corrections, rehabilitation, prison budget, department of corrections, adult services, youth services, correctional facilities, Heart River correctional center, Missouri River correctional center, James River correctional center, minimum security facility, county jails, regional jails, deferred maintenance, capital construction, strategic investment and improvements fund, Bank of North Dakota, line of credit, tasers, body cameras

Summary: The committee met to review revised long sheets and section-by-section language for a human services/health budget bill, with much of the discussion focused on how to present block grant funding and full-time equivalent (FTE) positions for behavioral health clinics and CCBHCs. Members debated whether to keep FTE counts in the budget at all, ultimately leaning toward removing or zeroing out the FTE references while keeping the dollar authority, and reducing the salaries-and-wages block grant by about $4.75 million. They also discussed public health federal authority, agreeing to remove about $60 million in unused federal spending authority tied to COVID-era funds, and clarified that if federal money later becomes available it could be requested through the Emergency Commission. A major topic was the provider inflation increase. The House version had 2% and 2%, while members debated alternatives and appeared to settle, at least for further work, on 2% in the first year and 1.5% in the second year, with staff asked to recalculate the fiscal impact. The committee also reviewed FMAP changes, noting a revised 2027 FMAP estimate and its effect on general fund and other funds, and discussed whether to adjust public health and other line items accordingly. Several members emphasized that many of these numbers are still tentative and will be refined before final action. The committee also touched on several policy items and capital-related provisions, including behavioral health services, Medicaid expansion, the moratorium on new ICF beds, and a proposed amendment for a medical homes/fourplex-related item that would show a $400,000 legislative investment with repayment from a developer. There was extended discussion of the All True hospital/facility proposal, with some members favoring leaving it in with a smaller initial commitment and others preferring to remove it and revisit later in conference committee. The meeting ended with staff asked to continue updating the bill language and members instructed to review remaining sections before the next meeting; no final votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• WORKING WITH CHAIR GAETZ THESE ARE REASONABLE REGULATIONS TO PROTECT THE INTEGRITY OF THE BALLOT AND PREVENT
• MESSAGING AND INFORMING WHEN THEY CROSS OVER INTO ATTEMPTING TO INFLUENCE THE OUTCOME OF THE BALLOT MEASURE
• BY MAKING IT PROHIBITIVELY DIFFICULT TO PLACE MEASURES ON THE BALLOT, THE LEGISLATURE IS EFFECTIVELY
• STRICTEST CITIZEN LED AMENDMENT PROCESSES IN THE NATION TO CODIFY THE TYPES OF INTERFERENCE AND TO PREVENT
• THE MEASURE BEFORE YOU COULD CRIMINALIZE OF ALL INTO YOUR, VERY HALLMARK OF PARTICIPATION.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• think is fairly straightforward, watershed projects—we'll see a couple of those each year—flood prevention
• It's a very technical program run by the DOE. with a computerized system to assess the best measures
• This helps bring up the neighborhood, cuts down on crime, and prevents people from going in there and
• based on their age and when they were built, that need some weatherization and energy efficiency measures
• Efficiency measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• That measure passes. The vote is 5 to 0; that measure passes.
• File item 2, vote is 6 to 0; that measure passes.
• File item 4, the vote is 5 to 0; that measure passes.
• File item 5, the vote is 1 aye, 2 noes; that measure fails.
• File item 7, 5 ayes, 0 noes; that measure passes. File item 8, 6 ayes, 0 noes; that measure passes.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We found the program needs to implement changes to improve its program monitoring and better measure
• Measuring effectiveness was a challenge.
• We also reviewed the Governor's Commission on Addiction Treatment and Prevention because it financially
• Observation number five recommends using federally required interview data to more effectively measure
• section reports on deficiencies noted with the Governor's Commission on Addiction Treatment and Prevention

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee opened by approving the May 15 minutes and then recognized Pam Ellis for her long service with the Legislative Budget Assistant’s office and upcoming retirement. The committee adopted the consent calendar with two items removed for separate consideration, then approved transfers for the Administrative Office of the Courts and the Department of Environmental Services after questions about court benefit costs and dam project funding. The Department of Health and Human Services also received approval for a general fund transfer item. A major portion of the meeting focused on the Youth Development Center settlement fund. New administrator Jared Boyle, joined by the Attorney General, described the fund’s remaining caseload, the payment matrix, and the need for additional funding to begin hearings in August. Members raised concerns about administrative costs, attorneys’ fees, payday loans, structured settlements, and the long-term fiscal impact on the state. Boyle requested $55 million, but the committee ultimately approved a reduced appropriation of $20 million, with members noting the possibility of returning for more funding later depending on revenues and the October revenue review. The Department of Corrections then received approval for a smaller shortfall transfer and a larger overtime-related transfer, with officials citing a 52% corrections officer vacancy rate, ongoing recruitment, academy classes, and efforts to use civilian staff in some non-security roles. A late item from the Veterans Home was also approved to cover overtime, holiday pay, and indirect cost shortfalls within its existing budget. The committee then heard an informational presentation on implementation of Senate Bill 134 and the new federal Medicaid work-requirement rule. DHHS said it plans to submit a state plan amendment, seek approval for hardship exceptions, start with one eligibility check cycle, and use existing federal grant funding to make system changes. Finally, the committee received a performance audit of the Doorway opioid treatment program, which found weak written procedures, incomplete data use, reimbursement delays, and problems with the Governor’s Commission on Addiction Treatment and Prevention. Members discussed follow-up reporting, and the next Fiscal Committee meeting was scheduled for August 21 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Both initiatives are central to the state's broader strategy to prevent and reduce homelessness.
• Over the past decade, San Francisco has made measurable, sustained progress in expanding access to safety
• In San Francisco, we've operationalized these initiatives with measurable results.
• learned through the unwinding campaign in terms of the certain metrics and things we are going to measure
• Even with the passage of a local sales tax measure and $200 million in mid-year cuts already made this

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Accountability and Oversight held a hearing on how H.R. 1’s new federal work and community engagement rules will affect Medi-Cal and CalFresh, especially for Californians with behavioral health needs, people experiencing homelessness, and justice-involved individuals. The Legislative Analyst’s Office outlined the scope of the changes, including Medi-Cal work requirements beginning in January 2027 and CalFresh changes beginning in June 2026, and estimated large potential coverage losses if people cannot document exemptions or comply with reporting rules. State departments said they are still awaiting some federal guidance but are already building implementation plans, data matching, outreach campaigns, and system changes to reduce disruption and automatically identify exemptions where possible. Department of Health Care Services and Department of Social Services officials described efforts to use existing data, CalSAWS, and cross-program coordination to streamline exemption screening, including for medical frailty, serious mental illness, substance use disorders, and student status. They said outreach will include text messaging, webinars, county training, and community-based partners, while also acknowledging that many people will still need direct worker contact. County representatives stressed that the new rules will create major administrative burdens, require significant new staffing, and could lead to coverage loss if counties are not adequately funded. They urged the Legislature to release the $20 million in current-year General Fund for CalFresh implementation and to consider a much larger county augmentation next year. Assembly members pressed the administration on outreach strategy, county funding, consistency across counties, and how to avoid harming eligible people through overly aggressive implementation. They also asked about coordination with universities, CDCR, and community-based organizations, and about how exemptions would be documented for mental health and substance use conditions. Department officials said they are working with counties, education institutions, and correctional agencies, and that they are trying to align Medi-Cal and CalFresh rules where possible, but not all federal definitions match. Public commenters from legal aid, counties, labor, and public hospitals warned that work requirements do not increase employment, will worsen food insecurity and health outcomes, and will strain county systems unless the state provides more funding and support.

Transcript Highlights:

• A great state is measured by how it... ...validated by accountability.
• A great state is measured by how it repairs the wrongs done in its own name.
• Preventative and restorative dental care can reduce emergency room visits, improve quality of life, and
• First, the amendment directs the development of standardized measurable performance metrics, so we know
• dam being nearly 70 years old and being classified by the state as a high hazard, this bill is a measured

Summary: The committee first took up SB 694, which would compensate the descendants of the Groveland Four—Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepard, and Ernest Thomas—for the wrongful convictions, incarceration, and death tied to the 1949 case. Senator Bracey Davis described the bill as a final step after prior state apologies, pardons, and exonerations. The committee adopted a $4 million amendment that divided compensation equally among the four families and updated the recipient for Ernest Thomas’s share. Multiple family members and advocates testified in support, emphasizing the decades of trauma and the need for full justice. Senators in debate largely supported the bill, and it was reported favorably. The committee then approved SB 330, which clarifies disability provisions for firefighters, law enforcement officers, and correctional officers by refining the definition of heart disease and allowing certain officers who transfer agencies to rely on a prior physical under specified conditions. SB 474 also passed, expanding military leave protections to include public officials and employees who serve in the Coast Guard or Florida State Guard, adjusting pay eligibility for federal service, and updating related retirement and assistance provisions. SB 96, the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program bill, was amended to expand eligibility to veterans with incomes up to 400% of the federal poverty level and to move funding into the General Appropriations Act; members debated whether the broader eligibility could increase demand, but the bill was reported favorably. The committee also advanced SB 7018 on child welfare, making the Step Into Success pilot program permanent statewide, adjusting visitor/background-check rules for out-of-home placements, and creating a best-practices program through the Florida Institute for Child Welfare. CS/SB 480 on state IT governance was reported favorably after amendments that strengthened vendor performance metrics and restored state data center security provisions; it creates a new central IT governance structure under the Governor’s office and aims to improve oversight of procurement, spending, and technical debt. SB 1066, addressing partial restoration of the Ocklawaha River and Kirkpatrick Dam, passed after a late-file amendment and extensive testimony from environmental, recreation, and local economic interests. SB 1216, which gives school districts more flexibility in educator compensation, and SB 1120, which increases oversight and reporting for water management district spending, were also reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered SB 1366 on claims against the government, which raises sovereign immunity caps, ties future adjustments to CPI, shortens claim deadlines, and changes attorney-fee provisions. The bill drew support from local government and public-hospital groups as a compromise, but also significant concern from some senators about the impact on self-insured agencies and whether the fee changes would discourage attorneys from taking cases. The discussion remained ongoing, and the bill was still moving forward as the meeting continued.