Transcript Highlights:

• That would increase the proration rate to an estimated 42.7% in 2025-26 and 50% in 2026-27.
• That would increase payments by $100,000. Open Enrollment Program indexing.
• But he brought into evidence that it's a 2% increase for Social Security.
• The most significant increase that we saw in those projections was, I think, number one, the increase
• That's a meaningful increase in the resources that my districts will receive.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• and some other factors that are going on, those pressures are going to increase.
• suicide plan increased by 44%.
• And the share, creating a suicide plan, increased by 44%.
• There's a wealth of academic literature that points to the fact that increased social media time increases
• There's a wealth of academic literature that points to the fact that increased social media time increases

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I do think, and I understand that the tuition increase was set for several years out now.
• So you do see the increase in heart attacks.
• You do see the increase in strokes, increase in asthma.
• ... ...vehicles to operate at those warehouses, increasing the amount of EV charging, increasing funds
• And we're increasing costs for all Californians to even try to achieve that.

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met to consider several gubernatorial appointments and a referral item. It first acted on appointments not required to appear, including Michael Gunning to the Teachers’ Retirement Board, Eric Hines to the Gambling Control Commission, several nominees to the Civil Rights Council, nominees to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and Omar Passens to the Contractors’ State License Board. The committee also took up a reference of bills to committees. Most of these items were initially left open for absent members, then later approved on add-on votes, with some passing unanimously and others on split votes. The committee then heard testimony from two nominees to the California State University Board of Trustees, Kelly Dermody and Andrea Evans. Both emphasized access, student basic needs, housing affordability, enrollment balance across campuses, and the need to use artificial intelligence responsibly while preserving critical thinking and data privacy. Senators asked about intersegmental cooperation, CSU bachelor’s degree authority, tuition increases, and how the trustees would evaluate affordability and student outcomes. No public opposition was heard, and both nominees were advanced to the full Senate after committee votes. Finally, the committee heard from Dr. Cedric Jamie Rutland, nominated to the South Coast Air Quality Management District Board. He described his background as a pulmonologist and said he would bring a public health and science-based perspective to air quality policy, especially regarding pollution’s effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health. Senators focused on goods movement, warehouse growth, AB 617 communities, environmental justice, refinery and trucking impacts, and balancing emissions reductions with economic realities. After public comment, the committee voted to advance his nomination to the Senate floor, and the meeting concluded after add-on votes and a brief recess/closed session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The increase presented is 6,600, bringing the new total to 56,600.
• That's an $8.4 million increase.
• This is a $4.4 million increase, approximately.
• Now we're estimating a slight increase to about $35 million or $1.8 million.
• So then we had to further increase the building footprint to meet that.

Committee: House Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> 472,000 increase. 472,000 increase.
• c> increase</c><00:33:38.280><c> in</c><00:33:38.520><c> health</c> "...contribution, an increase in
• </c> recommendation called for an increase recommendation called for an increase uh<00:52:31.480><c>
• </c><00:58:06.560><c> are</c> 1,720 over LBR, and the increases are 1,720 over LBR, and the increases
• </c> increase and also some IT equipment. increase and also some IT equipment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:59.559><c> over</c> staggering 9 90% premium increase over staggering 9 90% premium increase
• Please introduce yourself and proceed. increase of I think 16 to 20% over five increase of I think 16
• of 6% in addition to any other regular rate increases the first year and an estimated 16% increase over
• 16% increase over the current estimated 16% increase over the current rate<01:10:31.800><c> by</c><01
• </c><01:22:05.239><c> some</c> aspect of it is likely to increase some aspect of it is likely to increase

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> gambling in Australia the huge increase gambling in Australia the huge increase of<00:37:34.480>
• in addiction, huge increases in bankruptcy, and huge increases in other problems.
• in addiction huge huge increases in addiction huge increases<01:30:44.520><c> in</c><01:30:44.800><c>
• bankruptcy</c><01:30:45.560><c> huge</c><01:30:46.000><c> increases</c> increases in bankruptcy huge
• increases increases in bankruptcy huge increases in<01:30:46.880><c> other</c><01:30:47.520><c> problems

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• That increases it, especially right now.
• No, I would just add, though, that the increase to Chapter 90 and then the boutique authorizations, if
• Certainly there have been some infusions and some supplemental increases in the interim.
• But does this increase bring us to a point?
• We have seen our prices increase by as much as 20% on some projects, so it's definitely gone up.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets

Summary: The Joint Committee on Bonding, State Assets, and Capital Expenditures held its first public hearing on House Bill 4257, a transportation bonding bill. The administration testified in support, describing the bill as a $1.185 billion authorization: $300 million for Chapter 90 municipal road funding and $885 million for statewide transportation capital programs. Officials said the bill would increase municipal aid by 50%, with $200 million distributed under the traditional Chapter 90 formula and $100 million based solely on road mileage to better help rural communities. They also highlighted $500 million for bridge and pavement lifecycle asset management, $200 million for culverts and small bridges, and $185 million for congestion, safety, ADA, sidewalk, and multimodal improvements. Committee members asked about how municipalities would apply, how the road-mile formula would affect rural towns, and how the bill would interact with federal funding uncertainty and debt financing. Administration witnesses explained that projects would be administered through MassDOT district offices and Grant Central, that the bill would not backfill rescinded federal funds, and that the proposal would likely use special obligation bonds backed by Fair Share revenues to reduce pressure on the Commonwealth’s general obligation debt limit. Members also pressed the administration on the shift from general obligation to special obligation financing and on whether the Chapter 90 increase keeps pace with inflation. Administration officials said the special obligation structure would be credit-rated separately and was intended to expand available capital without affecting the GO bond cap, while acknowledging that the Commonwealth’s debt portfolio would grow. They said the Chapter 90 increase would roughly restore purchasing power lost since 2012, though construction inflation has outpaced general inflation. Several members and witnesses emphasized the importance of the road-mile formula for rural communities and the need for technical assistance for small towns. The Massachusetts Municipal Association testified in strong support of the bill, calling Chapter 90 and the new infrastructure authorizations critical for cities and towns facing federal uncertainty and rising costs. The Massachusetts Aggregate and Asphalt Pavement Association also supported the bill, citing the importance of the funding for road and bridge work, the construction season, and the industry’s economic impact. A committee member asked about asphalt price inflation, and the witness said liquid asphalt costs rose sharply after COVID, including increases of around 20% in some years. At the end of the hearing, the chair said members would receive a poll by email to move the bill out quickly, and the committee then voted to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 434 requires that the increase in just value attributable to improvements made to increase
• Senate Bill 434 requires that the increase in just value attributable to improvements made to increase
• property taxes as a result of the increased value.
• That was increased a little bit because of some refunds. Thank you.
• And the rate, the corporate income tax rate, was adjusted to account for that increase.

Summary: The committee took up three tax-related bills and a staff presentation on the state revenue forecast and the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. SB 856, by Senator DeSigley, would require online real estate listing platforms to display estimated property taxes using state-prescribed methods rather than the current owner’s taxes. Supporters from county, city, and property appraiser groups said the bill would improve transparency for homebuyers, especially first-time buyers and those facing large tax increases after a homestead cap reset. Senators discussed ensuring the estimate appears directly on listing platforms. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 110, by Senator Arrington, which clarifies that people holding 98-year-or-longer residential leases remain eligible for the homestead exemption even if the lease ends upon death, aligning such leases with life estates for estate-planning purposes. An amendment was adopted to clarify that leases terminating at the lessee’s death are valid under current law. The Florida Bar’s Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section supported the bill, and Senator Gates noted its importance for long-term leaseholders on barrier islands. The amended bill was reported favorably. SB 434, by Senator Leak, would prevent property tax assessments from increasing because of improvements made to harden homes against wind damage, such as stronger roof attachments, shutters, and secondary water barriers. The sponsor said homeowners should not be penalized for resilience upgrades, and the bill was also reported favorably. Staff director Mr. Khan then reviewed the latest general revenue forecast, noting collections were running about $230 million above prior estimates through November and that the new forecast added roughly $500 million in the first budget year, with a smaller increase in the second year. He said corporate income tax was the main weakness in the forecast, due to softer collections and uncertainty around tariffs, while other sources were generally stronger. In the second half of the presentation, he explained that the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act would significantly affect Florida’s corporate income tax base if fully conformed to, with an estimated $3.5 billion general revenue impact in fiscal year 2026-27, largely because of retroactive provisions such as bonus depreciation and research expensing. Senators and the appropriations chair discussed the budget implications, including possible ways to limit the impact through decoupling or prospective treatment. No votes were taken on the forecast presentation, and the committee adjourned after members requested to be recorded as voting in favor on SB 856 and SB 110.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 434 requires that the increase in just value attributable to improvements made to increase
• Senate Bill 434 requires that the increase in just value attributable to improvements made to increase
• property taxes as a result of the increased value.
• That was increased a little bit because of some refunds. Thank you.
• And the rate, the corporate income tax rate, was adjusted to account for that increase.

Committee: Senate Finance and Tax

Transcript Highlights:

• We've increased our communications through a website cleanup and increased our social media activity
• ><c> communications</c> we've uh increased our communications we've uh increased our communications um
• in funds, a $38 million increase in special funds, and a $110 million increase in revolving funds. >
• </c> agreement increases agreement increases mostly<00:25:35.520><c> BU10</c><00:25:36.320><c> also</
• </c> CBA increases. CBA increases.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're asking for a $2.2 million increase for 2026 and a $6 million increase for 2027 to support state
• A 2% increase was to the base budget for the programs and services division.
• We need to address the operating cost increase in that division.
• How is that going to affect the increase that we're going to see?
• An offset, or is it still... are we still expected to carry this increase on future budgets?

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:

• increased to 60%.
• Cost and engineering increases: should there be dollar or percentage caps on cost increases so once a
• Cost and engineering increases should there be a dollar or percentage caps on cost increases so once
• Average rate increases...
• Southwest is increasing.

Committee: Joint Water Topics Overview Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• formally increased to 60%.
• increase in conveyance from 45% to 60%.
• Cost and engineering increases: should there be dollar or percentage caps on cost increases so once a
• Average rate increases...
• Southwest is increasing.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to receive interim status updates on several water-related studies and Department of Water Resources projects. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and then heard updates on the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study. Staff reported that the committee had already received the testimony contemplated in the study plans, including input from state agencies, local governments, and out-of-state entities, and that any further action would be at the committee’s discretion. The Department of Water Resources then provided project and budget updates on NAWS and the Southwest Pipeline Project. Reese reported NAWS is expected to serve about 81,000 users, with a total projected cost of about $571 million and about $96 million remaining, while the Southwest Pipeline Project is estimated at $1.06 billion total with about $409 million remaining. Members asked about funding sources, capacity needs, and whether current and future construction is being designed for increased demand; department staff said current work is designed for ultimate capacity, but some future components may need redesign based on new requests. The committee also discussed local cost shares, Minot’s role in NAWS funding, and whether the system is adequate for peak demand. A major portion of the meeting focused on the department’s cash management, carryover, and long-term water funding outlook. The department said Resources Trust Fund revenues are tied to oil extraction taxes and are affected by stripper well exemptions and future oil price declines. Members expressed concern about large carryover balances and whether the state is obligating more money than can realistically be spent in a biennium. The department reported about $340.6 million in remaining carryover and said it is trying to reduce that through a two-tier pre-construction/construction process and closer project vetting. The department also summarized the Deloitte studies on regional governance and finance and on cost-share policy. Stakeholders generally favored keeping the current governance structures for NAWS and Southwest with improvements, while Red River stakeholders leaned toward a different option; the department said it will bring an implementation plan back in September. On cost share, Deloitte’s recommendations would reduce some percentages, prioritize projects differently, and use other measures to close a projected long-term funding gap. Members debated affordability, local burden, deferred maintenance, and whether statutory changes may be needed to allow the commission more flexibility in prioritizing and funding projects. No formal votes or final actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024, there was a 3.7% increase in patients.
• </c><00:55:21.400><c> in</c> 3.7% increase in 3.7% increase in patients<00:55:23.319><c> um</c><00:55
• </c><00:57:30.880><c> um</c> legislative action um to uh increase um legislative action um to uh increase
• </c> the report date uh we've seen increases the report date uh we've seen increases in<00:59:34.119>
• </c><01:10:26.080><c> patient</c> to say we want to increase patient to say we want to increase patient

Summary: The Health and Human Services Oversight Committee met on February 2 and first approved the draft minutes from the prior meeting, with minor corrections to the meeting date and attendance notation. DHHS Associate Commissioner Patricia Tilly then gave a department update, describing the current uncertainty around federal priorities and funding, and provided two substantive reports: progress on the new Hampstead Youth Development Center and an update on the department’s review of an ALS registry proposal. She said the YDC project is underway with tree clearing, fencing, stormwater and site-prep work, and remains on track for completion by June 30, 2026 and operation by August 30, 2026. The center currently has 12 youth, and the new design is intended to provide flexibility for fluctuating census levels. On ALS, Tilly explained that HB 576 had prompted the department to examine whether a registry could be built, but the estimated cost of a HIPAA-compliant system was about $750,000. She said DHHS is reviewing whether existing data sources, such as hospital discharge data and CHIS claims data, could provide useful information, but noted both are incomplete for registry purposes. Committee members discussed whether the Rare Disease Advisory Council, Dartmouth, or existing cancer registry infrastructure could help reduce costs. DHHS said it is neutral and willing to continue exploring alternatives, while members emphasized the value of a registry and the need to consider shared infrastructure and funding. The committee also heard from Jenny Horan of the Alzheimer’s Association, who presented the subcommittee’s report on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. She said the subcommittee spent the past year gathering information on dementia care, abuse and exploitation issues, caregiver strain, and available services, and is now moving into a second phase focused on identifying gaps and developing a state plan. Members asked about geriatric psychiatric capacity and long-term care availability; Horan said the state has limited capacity and that the plan will help clarify where needs are greatest. She offered to return for follow-up questions at a later meeting. Finally, Olivia May of DHHS presented the quarterly report on the 12-month postpartum Medicaid coverage extension. She said New Hampshire implemented the extension after federal and state action, and the first claims data are still emerging because of reporting lags. In the initial cohort studied, 95% received some medical services during the extended period, 52.4% received mental health or substance use disorder treatment, 26.7% received preventive visits, and 3.2% received heart or hypertension services. Members asked about return on investment and whether higher federal matching rates are being used appropriately; DHHS said it claims the highest possible match based on eligibility group and will return with more data over time. The committee then heard the annual therapeutic cannabis program report from Michael Holt, who said the program had 1,475 registered patients as of June 30, 2024 and that growth has slowed, with New Hampshire having the lowest per-capita medical cannabis enrollment nationally.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that one thing that we needed is to increase the disabled veteran homestead market value exclusion
• They came here and they asked us to increase that due to the fact that properties have increased so much
• They say, "This will increase other individuals' property taxes."
• that properties have increased so fact that properties have increased so much<00:03:29.400><c> over<
• :03:51.960><c> individuals'</c> "This will increase other individuals' "This will increase other individuals

Transcript Highlights:

• next by Anum and then a 3.3% increase next by Anum and then a 3.9%<00:04:47.759><c> increase</c><00:
• </c> a few driving factors in the increased a few driving factors in the increased payments<00:09:53.240
• And we're seeing the increase in the number of drugs available, as well as an increase in the number
• </c><00:20:16.200><c> of</c> a healthcare access fund increase of a healthcare access fund increase of
• <00:22:30.960><c> over</c> increase over increase over time<00:22:32.880><c> um</c><00:22:33.799><c>

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• The overall increase from November was $15 million or 10%.
• Compared to last December, this month's revenues represent an increase of $16 million or 10.6%.
• To date, adjusted gross receipts for fiscal year 2025-2026 are approximately $155 million, an increase
• Net device revenue for December 2025 was $67,082,013, an increase of $3 million or 5% when compared to
• November 2025 and an increase of $3.4 million or 5.3% when compared to last December.

Summary: The Louisiana Gaming Control Board met on January 15, 2026, approved the December 18, 2025 minutes, and received a revenue report showing continued growth across several gaming sectors. State police reported December riverboat AGR of $167.8 million, Caesars New Orleans revenue of $283,602, racetrack slot AGR of $26.9 million, video gaming net device revenue of $67.1 million, retail and mobile sports wagering totals of $24.7 million and $373 million respectively, and daily fantasy sports gross revenue of about $4.8 million. The board noted increases in year-to-date revenues and fees in multiple categories, including the impact of Bally’s Baton Rouge landside opening and gains in the Shreveport-Bossier and Lake Charles markets. The board then approved a second temporary certificate of compliance for Bally’s Shreveport Casino and Hotel through February 28, 2026. AVS and the Attorney General’s office reported that most life-safety deficiencies had been corrected, including repair and successful testing of the emergency generator system, but a final verification blackout drill still needed to be completed. The extension was granted to allow AVS to complete that inspection. The board also approved a $1,500 settlement with MPL Enterprises, Inc. for late filing of annual forms and fees required for its Type 6 video draw poker license. In the final item, the board heard Thomas Rasko’s appeal of a revocation decision involving his non-key gaming employee permit. After argument from both Rasko and the Division, the board voted to affirm the hearing officer’s decision, revoking the permit and finding him unsuitable to participate in Louisiana’s gaming industry. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I believe all of our districts are dealing with those increased insurance costs.
• In the past, we have increased the basic allotment significantly in 2019.
• I want to say this is four times the average increase in public education a year.
• a permanent increase.
• Increase not more than two years like it has been, but what I think it needs to stay: permanent increase

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 met to consider House Bill 2, the major public education and school finance bill. The committee first reconsidered and withdrew the prior committee substitute, then took up a new substitute. Senator Creighton explained several changes, including a correction to the golden penny yield weight, an increase in the special education evaluation incentive cap from $45 million to $67 million, timing changes to avoid a funding gap for Bluebonnet curriculum training grants, narrowed language affecting educator preparation providers, added facility-usage reporting language, incorporation of bilingual allotment language from Senate Bill 2185, removal of the $20 million annual cap on JROTC funding, and a prevailing-clause provision to make HB 2 controlling over conflicting measures. Members generally praised the bill’s historic funding level but raised concerns about details and future floor debate. Senator Menendez said he appreciated the special education, safety, and teacher pay funding but was not ready to fully support the bill because of inflationary pressures, facilities funding, and district-specific impacts, and indicated he might vote present. Senator Parker strongly supported the bill, emphasizing historic funding, teacher pay, and the need to continue refining the package. Senator Witt also said he would vote present while seeking more refinement, especially on certification issues for public and charter schools. Senator Bettencourt highlighted the bill’s scale, including about $8 billion in new funding and $1.3 billion for special education, while Senator Hinojosa asked for more flexibility in the basic allotment and thanked the author for bilingual education and coastal-area provisions. The committee then adopted the new committee substitute and voted to report HB 2 favorably to the full Senate. The motion passed 9 ayes and 2 present not voting, with the bill reported as committee substitute do pass and be printed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh the reason inflationary increases.
• </c> estimating inflationary costs increases estimating inflationary costs increases or<00:36:39.280>
• </c> &gt;&gt; how high you estimate the increases &gt;&gt; how high you estimate the increases right
• </c><00:42:41.040><c> in</c> you know a uh demonstrated increase in you know a uh demonstrated increase
• ,</c> will recommend an increase, will recommend an increase, &gt;&gt; right, &gt;&gt; right, &gt;&gt

Summary: The committee first took up a short-form administrative licensing measure requested by the administration to correct and clarify renewal provisions in a prior bill. Members raised no questions, and the committee voted to adopt the proposed Senate draft and recommit the bill back to the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee for a further public hearing. The committee then heard SB 2876 on natural hair braiding, which would exempt natural hair braiders from licensing under certain conditions. The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology said it views hair braiding as within the broader scope of cosmetology, but agreed that people who only braid hair should not need a license because the training and exam requirements are minimal. The board warned, however, that exempting braiders could create consumer protection gaps involving sanitation, training, and enforcement, and noted that related services such as waxing, cutting, coloring, shampooing, and relaxing would still require licensure. Supporters included the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii and the Institute for Justice. The committee also heard SB 2950 on captive insurance and SB 2951 on insurance proceeds. On SB 2950, the Insurance Division opposed the bill, saying captive insurance is designed for formal self-insurance for companies and that allowing captives to insure the public would not fit the existing regulatory framework; a fire survivor advocate supported the measure as a way to expand disaster-related insurance options. On SB 2951, which would require mortgage servicers to follow certain rules for disbursing insurance proceeds after residential damage or destruction, United Policy Holders strongly supported the bill, citing delays in releasing funds and the need to help survivors rebuild, while banking and financial industry groups submitted opposition or comments. Finally, the committee heard SB 2952, SB 2960, and SB 2964, all related to property insurance and disaster recovery. SB 2952 and SB 2960 would extend the time policyholders have after a declared disaster to submit documentation and recover replacement cost value, with supporters arguing that rebuilding after major disasters takes far longer than standard policy deadlines allow and that the bills would improve consumer protection and transparency; the Insurance Division, the Insurance Council, and national insurance groups opposed the measures. SB 2964 would require annual disclosures of replacement cost value and coverage sufficiency; the Insurance Council opposed it as costly and unnecessary because policies already include inflation-related adjustments, while United Policy Holders and fire survivors supported it, saying many homeowners are underinsured and do not understand their coverage.