Video & Transcript Research : 'outreach'
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AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee Feb 19th, 2025
Finance and Taxation General Fund
Transcript Highlights:
- phases over 24 to 36 months, starting with larger employers and will include ongoing education and outreach
- to... ongoing education and outreach to promote financial literacy and retirement savings.
- I would prefer to see an outreach educational program to encourage people to use things that are already
Keywords:
State Auditor, property investigations, negligence, loss report, civil actions, Alabama Retirement Savings Program, state-facilitated retirement savings, auto-IRA, automatic enrollment, payroll deduction IRA, retirement savings access gap, private sector workers, small business retirement plan, portable retirement account, Roth IRA, traditional IRA, life-cycle fund, capital preservation fund, financial literacy, Department of Workforce
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- It has never been where HTA had looked at the cost of these kids to travel and the outreach that came
- Does this position also outreach that?
- So does this position do that outreach?
- and the Outreach that came from<02:09:39.400><c> the</c><02:09:39.599><c> state</c><02:09:40.320><c>
- ><c> in</c><02:10:09.199><c> the</c> know HTA has not outreached us in the know HTA has not outreached
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- This past year, we doubled the number of active volunteers in the home through outreach at libraries,
- Will you be intentional about trying to go out and do more outreach?
- But my question was in regards to outreach, which we heard a lot today.
- We will be doing all kinds of outreach: paper, texting, and the line.
- We will be doing all kinds of outreach, paper, texting, and the line.
Summary:
The hearing opened with remarks from Senate Chair Robyn Kennedy and House Chair Chynah Tyler, who emphasized that the fiscal year 2026 hearing was focused on the Health and Human Services budget, asked members to keep questions budget-related, and noted that no public testimony would be taken. They also highlighted the choice of Doherty Memorial High School as the venue to showcase Worcester’s investment in career and technical education. Committee members then introduced themselves before the first panel, the Executive Office of Veterans Services and the state veterans homes, began testimony.
Secretary John Santiago said the governor’s FY26 proposal would support implementation of the HERO Act, which he said is now about 95% implemented, including higher disabled veteran annuities, expanded behavioral health benefits, and other service expansions. He described efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, including nearly $20 million in ARPA-funded housing and outreach initiatives, and said the agency has delivered more than 100,000 supportive services to nearly 8,500 veterans. Leaders from the Chelsea and Holyoke veterans homes reported on staffing, quality measures, electronic medical records, and major construction projects at both facilities, including a new Chelsea campus and the new Holyoke home. Members asked about funding transfers, geographic equity in access to the homes, outreach to women veterans and veterans of color, suicide prevention, Gold Star family support, and the impact of federal uncertainty; Santiago said the homes are now licensed and certified, that the current budget is sufficient, and that the agency is expanding engagement and data collection.
The second panel, the Office of the Veteran Advocate, testified that its FY26 request is about $3.3 million, up from the current $2 million, to cover staffing, a larger office, and higher technology costs. Veteran Advocate Bob Notch said the office is a new independent oversight agency created in 2022 to examine systems, coordinate with local veteran service officers, and investigate fatalities or serious harm involving veterans in state care. He said the office’s work depends on research, data, and collaboration with other agencies, and that current funding is only enough for minimum operations. In response to questions, Notch and Deputy Commissioner David O’Callaghan discussed the difficulty of tracking veteran suicides, the need for better data across agencies, and the office’s role as an oversight body rather than a direct service provider. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The Link is a youth- and adult-led nonprofit based in North Minneapolis that provides street outreach
- ,</c><00:36:40.240><c> drop-in</c> increased street outreach, drop-in increased street outreach, drop-in
- During Super Bowl week, partners across systems, law enforcement, service providers, outreach teams,
- </c> enforcement, service providers, outreach enforcement, service providers, outreach teams,<00:48:19.640
- ,</c><00:48:28.640><c> increase</c><00:48:29.320><c> services,</c> to expand outreach, increase services
Keywords:
HF4234, Minnesota private activity bonds, tax-exempt bonds, bond cap, aggregate bond limitation, residential rental projects, multifamily housing, affordable housing finance, housing bonds, public finance, bond allocation, private activity bond cap, Minnesota Statutes 474A.02, tax committee, tax refund, Minnesota Statutes, time limit, claims, tax overpayment, taxation
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to stress, too, that outreach to unrepresented communities expands applicant pools.
- I want to stress, too, that outreach to unrepresented communities expands applicant pools.
- I want to stress, too, that outreach to unrepresented communities expands applicant pools.
- So you, I believe, made a conscious decision to include recruitment and outreach.
- Outreach to communities that have historically been underserved could be gone.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Army Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum established. Members approved the journal and adopted the special order report setting the day’s calendar. The chamber also recognized Sheriff Mike Chitwood as law enforcement officer of the day and later held several introductions and farewell remarks, including lengthy closing speeches from Representatives Eskamani and Overdorf reflecting on their service and legislative priorities.
The House then took up and passed a series of Senate bills, often after adopting House strike-all or conforming amendments. CS/SB 590 on mandatory child abuse reporting was clarified to apply prospectively only and passed 111-0. SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism was amended to incorporate House language, including blue-envelope provisions, and passed 111-0. CS/CS/SB 1668 on the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) was amended to preserve House provisions and passed 112-0. CS/SB 1246 on the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund was amended to expand eligible health science programs and allow certain non-health-care contributions, then passed 112-0. CS/CS/SB 1404 on memory care passed 111-0.
Later bills also advanced with broad support: CS/CS/SB 1030 on recovery residences passed 168-0 after debate over medication-assisted treatment; CS/CS/SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools passed 112-0 after amendments allowing limited coach support for student-athletes with parental consent; CS/CS/SB 422 on automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts passed 108-2; and CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services passed 111-0 after an amendment on exclusive arrangements. The chamber then began debate on CS/CS/SB 1134, which would restrict counties and municipalities from official DEI-related actions and contracting practices. Members questioned its scope and exceptions, and Representative Gant offered an amendment to narrow the bill’s DEI definition; debate on that amendment was underway when the transcript ended.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Energy Development and Transmission Committee Feb 26th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- so generally, we think that developers should follow a few core principles, including proactive outreach
- And so proactive outreach, where, hey, we're thinking about this project, it could go on your land, or
- So we did, in that first stakeholder outreach, some of the agencies that we talked with were the counties
- As far as public outreach, we do have a strategy on that.
- And then the public open houses, that's always part of our public outreach as well.
Summary:
The Energy Development and Transmission Committee met in interim session and approved the November 6 minutes. Chair Novak outlined the committee’s study agenda, including large energy users such as data centers, geothermal, landowner relations, wind and solar, and other energy topics across the state. The meeting was framed as informational only, with no bills or formal legislative action taken beyond the minutes approval.
Testimony focused first on landowner relations. Oliver County Commissioner Dave Berger described the county’s energy history and local support for coal and related development. North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Perdue emphasized proactive, face-to-face communication with landowners, respect for property rights, and the need for developers to be transparent about tradeoffs; he also discussed insurance and liability concerns tied to easements. Committee members asked about eminent domain, local versus state authority, and how communities can better understand the revenue and infrastructure implications of energy development.
Department of Agriculture Deputy Commissioner Tom Bodine then described the department’s ombudsman programs for pipeline restoration and reclamation, wind restoration, and royalty oversight. He said the programs provide confidential, third-party assistance on reclamation and royalty disputes, but do not provide legal advice. Senators raised concerns about post-production deductions in royalty leases and whether the ombudsman can explain them; Bodine said the program can clarify statements and deductions but cannot resolve legal disputes. He also said the department has not received requests related to fiber lines.
Representatives from Grid United and One Oak described their project development and landowner engagement practices. Grid United’s Brent Johnson discussed the North Plains Connector transmission project, its route selection process, voluntary acquisition approach, and efforts to avoid eminent domain by working closely with regulators, counties, townships, and landowners. One Oak’s Danette Welsh and Tom Giltner described the company’s midstream operations, extensive North Dakota footprint, and emphasis on direct landowner communication, consistent local regulation, careful construction practices, and post-construction reclamation. Members asked about setbacks, zoning consistency, invasive species prevention, outside advocacy groups, and eminent domain use; One Oak said it has not used eminent domain on its North Dakota projects, largely because most gathering lines are negotiated easements.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> done is we've done individual outreach done is we've done individual outreach to<00:30:26.640><c
- ,</c> mentorship and direct family outreach, mentorship and direct family outreach, Chisum<00:37:37.839
- Instead of waiting for a student to disengage, they prioritize early positive outreach to catch barriers
- This year, the district has strengthened family outreach and communication through monthly newsletters
- However, these positive outreach efforts are labor intensive and require a specialized skill set beyond
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board (12-10-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- connection, and that's the thing I think we often miss in clinical services is that really that outreach
- :31.840><c> that</c> clinical services is that really that clinical services is that really that outreach
- and connection with an outreach and connection with an individual<00:20:34.000><c> to</c><00:20:34.240
- some promising practices that are evolving in terms of that, you know, just a real brief kind of outreach
- some promising practices that are evolving in terms of that, you know, just a real brief kind of outreach
Summary:
The Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board met with a quorum, approved the November 12 minutes by voice vote, and then heard a presentation from former Governor Ernie Fletcher and Dave Johnson on Medicaid reimbursement for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Fletcher argued that addiction should be treated as a chronic disease requiring a longer continuum of care, not just short residential stays, and said recovery should combine clinical treatment with social supports such as housing, transportation, employment, peer coaching, and recovery housing. He cited data on overdose trends, low treatment rates, and high costs for people with SUD, and said current reimbursement models create poor incentives and do not adequately support long-term recovery or measure outcomes well.
Fletcher proposed a “carve through” model administered at the MCO level with standardized metrics, data sharing, and an independent recovery coordinator that would assess patients, coordinate care, and connect them to clinical and social recovery services. He suggested using bundled payments, shared savings, and partial risk arrangements, with recovery housing reimbursed on a PMPM or weekly basis and funded in part through existing Medicaid spending and other sources such as opioid abatement funds. He also emphasized peer support, telemedicine, criminal justice coordination, workforce and education supports, and the use of technology, including text messaging and possibly AI, to maintain long-term follow-up and identify relapse risk.
Members questioned how the model would work in practice, especially the education and staffing requirements for recovery coordinators, reimbursement levels, and how many patients each coordinator or peer would serve. Fletcher said peers could be certified and would need additional training in assessments such as ASAM and recovery residence standards, but he did not give a precise salary figure, saying the market and bundled rates would determine that. He also said follow-up should continue for years, noting relapse risk over the first 18 to 24 months and that meaningful employment and ongoing peer contact help sustain recovery. No formal vote or action was taken on the substance use presentation.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- have over time tried to simplify our application materials, translate key documents, and expanded outreach
- efforts to remove barriers to outreach efforts to remove barriers to application.<00:04:02.239><c> And
- I think we can always do more on outreach and casting a wider net to recruit.
- and and casting a wider net to outreach and and casting a wider net to uh<00:30:08.880><c> recruit.
- for more uh outreach in greater Minnesota,<00:32:11.279><c> non-English</c><00:32:11.919><c> speaking
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senator Manka Dhingra Press Conference Feb 13th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Bois, who is the Executive Director of the Salon Task Force, and Yasmin Waheed, who's a community outreach
- One of our goals will be heavy outreach and engagement and education for our community to ensure all
- I'm the community outreach and engagement specialist working in partnership with the Talent Task Force
Summary:
Washington State Sen. Manka Dhingra opened a press conference focused on survivor-centered policies and funding for victim services, saying the state should continue supporting survivors despite a difficult budget climate and reduced federal support. She highlighted prior state actions such as extending the statute of limitations for sexual assault, restricting firearms for abusers, protecting survivors from discrimination, easing access to protection orders, and addressing female genital mutilation, while emphasizing the need to fund services that are trauma-informed and victim-centered.
Much of the event focused on the request to restore about $21.38 million in victim services funding. Colleen McIngles of the King County Children’s Justice Center warned that without the funding, programs statewide would close, eliminating forensic interviewers, advocates, and coordinated response teams. Kate Garvey of the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center said agencies have already laid off staff and are triaging clients, and that the money would only maintain existing services. Several speakers tied the need for funding to broader public safety and survivor support, including references to federal VOCA cuts and the national reckoning over the Epstein case.
Legislators also discussed several bills. Sen. T’wina Nobles described SB 5169, which would reduce the need for child victims and witnesses to repeatedly relive trauma in court. Rep. Jamila Taylor and Rep. Roger Goodman discussed HB 1591, which would provide mitigating treatment, resentencing options, and possible vacatur for survivors whose criminal conduct was connected to coercion or abuse. Rep. Chris Stearns and Sen. Tina Orwall discussed court-process reforms in SB 6017 and related efforts to prevent retraumatization of sexual assault survivors, along with recognition of female genital mutilation as sexual assault. Rep. Lauren Davis shared her personal experience with domestic violence and argued that cuts to system-based victim advocacy have left many survivors without support. The press conference also celebrated unanimous Senate passage of the Ebony Alert bill, which advocates said is needed to improve responses to missing Black women and girls; speakers urged the House to pass it next.
CT
Connecticut 2026 Regular Session
Medical Assistance Program Oversight Council Women and Children's Health Committee May 11th Meeting May 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- connecting to resources, they can ask for that, and our resource and referral support team will outreach
- The pediatrician then just needs to pick up the phone, and our team will outreach and call mom directly
- And our team will outreach and call mom directly and help connect her to services.
- connect with our psychiatrist, and then if they ask for resource and referral support, our team will outreach
Summary:
The meeting focused on maternal health and behavioral health services for pregnant and postpartum people in Connecticut. Dr. Fatmata Williams of DSS gave an update on the Husky maternity payment bundle, explaining that it was created in response to worsening maternal and neonatal outcomes and racial disparities. She said the bundle, launched in 2025, shifts payment away from fee-for-service toward prospective case rates, quality measures, and shared savings, while covering services such as doulas and maintaining access to behavioral health and other non-pregnancy-related care outside the bundle. She noted 26 maternity practices are participating, quarterly quality reports have been distributed, reconciliation is planned for 2026, and DSS is considering refinements such as adding newborns, revisiting shared losses, and possibly expanding to FQHCs after further stakeholder review.
Shelly Nolan of DMHAS then described the state’s women’s services and recovery continuum, including pregnant and parenting treatment programs, women’s recovery support programs, community transition support with rent subsidies, the Proud program, REACH navigation, recovery houses, and outpatient services. She emphasized that many programs are under capacity and that DMHAS uses a no-wrong-door approach, real-time bed availability, technical assistance, and training to improve access. She also reviewed initiatives tied to substance-exposed pregnancies and safe sleep, secure storage, naloxone distribution, reproductive health integration, breastfeeding support, and upcoming conferences and trainings. She said the department works closely with DCF and community partners to reduce stigma and improve family-centered care.
Beth Garrigan presented on the Access Mental Health and Substance Use for Moms program, a statewide consultation service for providers serving pregnant and postpartum individuals up to 12 months after delivery. She said the program offers real-time psychiatric consultation, referral support, and one-time face-to-face assessments, and has provided more than 4,300 consultations and resource/referral support to over 700 individuals since 2022. Members and legislators praised the service and discussed how it helps providers connect patients to care, follow up on referrals, and address barriers such as fit, stigma, and workflow. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with plans for the next meeting on June 8 and a request for Dr. Williams’ slides to be posted online.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 16th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- native of San Bernardino and the director of Mary's Table, overseeing all food distribution and outreach
- services for the homeless. ...overseeing all food distribution and outreach services for the homeless
- an ambassador for the Manteca Valley Chamber of Commerce, building community connections through outreach
- Valley Chamber of Commerce, building community connections through outreach and events.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 20, 2026 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Let me just conclude with some other things that we do, broadly speaking, in the outreach area.
- It's been a tremendous outreach for us to the worldwide science community. And I'll end there.
- All of the outreach activity that I mentioned in the last part of my presentation—those are activities
- So again, state funds are a great resource to allow us to continue that outreach mission in a way that
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Mar 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- just really always trying to figure out ways we can better connect the work that's happening, the outreach
- we do require for service providers who are participating in the program to share with us their outreach
- So, for example, the outreach and marketing material that they... ...or outreach plan.
- So, for example, the outreach and marketing material that they will be using includes annual notices
Summary:
The Communications and Conveyance Committee held an oversight hearing on the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), focused on telecommunications, broadband deployment, resiliency, and the California Teleconnect Fund. Chair Tasha Boerner said the hearing was intended to examine structural issues at the CPUC, including whether telecommunications oversight should remain within the commission, while also reviewing major programs such as Last Mile, BEAD, carrier of last resort, and emergency preparedness. CPUC President John Reynolds and Deputy Executive Director Anna Maria Johnson described the commission’s work on public safety, universal service, broadband grants, Lifeline modernization, and network resiliency, including the 72-hour backup power requirement and merger review.
Members questioned CPUC officials about the pace and metrics for Last Mile and BEAD projects, the relationship between middle-mile and last-mile buildout, and how the commission balances carrier obligations with the risk of driving providers out of high-cost areas. They also pressed the CPUC on the California Lifeline home broadband pilot, asking when enrollment would be available, which providers were participating, how much of the state would be covered, and what the surcharge impact would be. CPUC said 15 providers had been approved, one was already serving customers, and the rest were still onboarding, and it committed to provide follow-up information on timelines, coverage, and costs.
A major portion of the hearing centered on the California Teleconnect Fund and proposed changes to how schools would access the program. Superintendent Tony Thurmond argued strongly against shifting administration from county offices of education and districts to individual schools, saying it would add burden, worsen inequities, and risk underuse of a valuable broadband subsidy. Committee members echoed concerns that smaller schools and districts may lack the staff to manage direct applications and reporting. In public comment, the Los Angeles County Office of Education supported the CDE’s position and urged changes that would align the program more closely with E-Rate and reduce administrative burdens. No formal vote was taken, and Chair Boerner closed by saying she remained committed to pursuing reforms to the CPUC and referenced her bills AB 2289 and ACA 9.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor & Commerce Jan 16th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Labor & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- So first, we conduct outreach to domestic workers, domestic farm workers, through the Migrant Seasonal
- So first we conduct outreach to domestic workers, domestic farm workers through the Migrant Seasonal
- And as we get into the next harvest season, as part of that outreach, they're going to be incorporating
- So hopefully that outreach will have an impact on this issue.
- So hopefully that outreach will have an impact on this issue.
Keywords:
pregnancy accommodations, pregnant workers, workplace accommodations, reasonable accommodation, undue hardship, lactation, breastfeeding, express milk, maternity leave, childbirth, pregnancy discrimination, employment law, labor and industries, L&I, confidential records, public records exemption, health care certification, workplace standards, employee rights, employer obligations
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Military and Veterans Affairs Aug 13th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- They don't dismantle them, but they also go out hand-in-hand with our outreach programs.
- We have four staff that go out and provide outreach at the time that the day labor program is also providing
- If they are not abandoned, then outreach goes out, and they're offering services.
- We do have homeless encampments all around Las Cruces and Dona Ana, and we have an outreach team that
- Also again, using the outreach team to see if we could absorb them into our camp.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Economic and Rural Development Aug 12th, 2025
Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We do a lot of outreach. I put a list in there for just the last few months.
- We had a lot of community outreach, STEM, workforce, and other partners.
- On page 33, I've got a list of some of the STEM and outreach we do.
- My second question is to bring to your attention, as I was looking through your outreach, and I think
- You've begun the outreach to the local schools and higher education institutions.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: State Public Safety Leaders Discuss Capitol Security - 07/29/25
Transcript Highlights:
- approach combines police officers, community service agents, security officers, trip agents, and outreach
- combination of directive patrols, a newly initiated beat in the Hamlin-Midway area, and our consistent outreach
- <c> consistent</c> Hamlin Midway area, and our consistent Hamlin Midway area, and our consistent outreach
- 37.599><c> by</c><00:07:37.759><c> our</c><00:07:37.919><c> homeless</c><00:07:38.319><c> action</c> outreach
- efforts by our homeless action outreach efforts by our homeless action team,<00:07:39.360><c> we</c>
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to collaborate with relevant agencies to develop initiatives and outreach
- relevant agencies to develop<00:03:04.000><c> initiatives</c><00:03:04.800><c> and</c><00:03:05.040><c> outreach
- </c> develop initiatives and outreach develop initiatives and outreach programs<00:03:05.840><c> to</
- Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to collaborate with relevant agencies to develop initiatives and outreach
Summary:
The joint meeting of the Senate committees on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs heard testimony on several resolutions focused on community safety, emergency preparedness, and commemorative actions. STR 16 and SR 30 sought permission for the City and County of Honolulu to use restricted vacant land on the Pearl City Peninsula for youth ball programs; Pearl City Neighborhood Board chair Larry Vere testified in support, describing a shortage of youth sports space and the availability of the former Navy fuel farm area. STR 22 asked Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to work with other agencies on outreach to help kūpuna prepare for emergencies; testimony from AARP Hawaii, neighborhood boards, and others emphasized lessons from the Lahaina wildfires and the need for statewide, community-based preparedness efforts. Testifiers also urged that disabled seniors be included, and committee members discussed coordination with neighborhood boards, area agencies on aging, and nonprofits. STR 112 and SR 93 proposed lighting City Hall purple on August 7 for National Purple Heart Day, and STR 84 and SR 67 addressed disaster preparedness and drills in Maui after the wildfires. STR 184 and SR 146 would direct county police to enforce registration rules for out-of-state vehicles, and STR 229 and SR 205 would call for explosion-detection technology to respond to illegal fireworks and gunfire; Larry Vere supported the latter as a way to speed law enforcement response, while one senator said she would vote no on the vehicle-registration measure pending more information about possible effects on the Nation/Kingdom of Hawaii community.
In decision-making, both committees adopted recommendations to pass STR 16, STR 22, STR 84/SR 67, and STR 184/SR 146, with STR 112/SR 93 and STR 229/SR 205 passed with technical, nonsubstantive amendments. The committee report for STR 22 was also noted to include disabled seniors and to engage neighborhood boards and community groups already working on preparedness. For STR 184/SR 146, one senator recorded a no vote because of concerns about impacts on Native Hawaiian sovereignty-related communities. The meeting concluded after all listed measures were acted on and the joint committee hearings were adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Beyond presentations, our team also engages in public outreach by hosting booths at trade shows, participating
- privilege of sharing with you today: during the past fiscal year, 2023-24, the division increased its outreach
- including already working with teams in four of our five CTMH offices and engaging in statewide outreach
- Offices and engaging in statewide outreach, such as at the recent Pensacola CAI Expo in North Florida
- program, assisting with educational opportunities, and connecting with constituents through public outreach
Summary:
The Committee on Regulated Industries met for a panel discussion on current issues affecting Florida condominiums. DBPR Secretary Melanie Griffin highlighted the department’s expanded condo education, complaint, and ombudsman services under HB 1021, including new online resources, board member certification, increased outreach, and broader complaint jurisdiction. She said the division has filled most of its new positions and that the new condo website is intended to improve transparency and access to records and information.
Other panelists focused on insurance, inspections, and market impacts. Insurance agent Mike Clarkson said the condo insurance market remains difficult, especially for older buildings, and raised concerns about roof replacement demands, Citizens’ depopulation practices, and the mismatch between reserve studies and insurer timelines. Building officials representative Ron Laceca described challenges with phase one and phase two inspections, including incomplete databases, limited contractor capacity, and the need for local flexibility and better recordkeeping. University of Florida researcher Bill Hughes said his data show the condo market has not suffered a major overall decline from the new laws; he argued the rules have made costs more transparent and may strengthen the market over time.
Community association manager Jamie Ballard said the biggest pressures on associations are rising insurance costs and early roof replacement requirements, and she supported board certification while opposing the continuing education exemption for long-tenured CAMs. In committee discussion, members pressed witnesses on whether recent condo laws caused insurance and roof-cost problems, and witnesses generally said those issues are driven more by the market than by the legislation. Senators also discussed possible reforms, including better data collection, clearer reporting duties for managers, and possible changes to insurance and reserve practices. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with adjournment.