Transcript Highlights:

• </c> framework to work within the state framework to work within the state program program program and
• The sub allows the Cabinet to request a hardship waiver as permitted under federal law.
• </c> them into our state them into our state in<00:24:42.240><c> a</c><00:24:42.360><c> way</c> in a
• And I saw this with welfare states.
• the state makes an sources before the state makes an eligibility<00:50:54.960><c> determination</c><

Summary: The committee met with a quorum to consider the Senate Committee Substitute for House Bill 2, a major Medicaid bill. Members first adopted the substitute and then adopted Amendment 9770. The bill was described as a lengthy rewrite aimed at aligning Kentucky Medicaid policy with federal requirements under HR 1, while also preserving program integrity and addressing due process concerns. Senators and staff repeatedly emphasized that the measure was the product of extensive meetings with providers, associations, and work groups. The sponsor’s section-by-section summary highlighted several key changes: delaying and reducing cost-sharing requirements; pushing eligibility redetermination deadlines to the federal date; restoring some flexibility for hardship waivers; allowing self-attestation as a last resort; modifying MCO audit provisions; clarifying non-emergency medical transport GPS costs; expanding waiver attestation authority to nurse practitioners and licensed psychologists; adding qualified aliens to waiver eligibility to comply with federal law; requiring Medicaid data sharing with the oversight board; limiting changes to Medicaid benefits without General Assembly authorization; narrowing the prescription drug exclusion to drugs prescribed primarily for weight loss; and delaying the dental ASO transition until 2029. The substitute also deleted a proposed auditor review requirement and retained an emergency clause. Committee discussion focused heavily on the policy and fiscal implications of the cost-sharing and recertification provisions. Senators raised concerns about whether the co-pays would be effective or simply shift costs to providers, whether the recertification process would burden the Cabinet and cause eligible people to lose coverage, and how the bill would affect people transitioning from Medicaid into work. Supporters said the lower cost-sharing amounts were intended to encourage appropriate use of care, protect providers, and comply with federal law, and they noted that the Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board would help shape future changes. A public witness, Maggie Chisholm, gave emotional testimony about her daughter’s experience with a Medicaid waiver and argued that policy delays and administrative disconnects can harm vulnerable families. No final vote on the bill itself was recorded in the excerpt, but the substitute and amendment were adopted and testimony continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our capacity factors are around state.
• </c> requirement that the state do this? requirement that the state do this? &gt;&gt; Yes.
• </c> physicians in the state of Kentucky. physicians in the state of Kentucky.
• </c><00:40:22.800><c> Western</c><00:40:23.119><c> State</c> State Hospital campus.
• Western State State Hospital campus.

Summary: The committee first approved the October 13 minutes and then moved through a large agenda of contracts and agreements, including a deferred list from the September 2025 agenda. Members questioned several agencies about the purpose, cost, and duration of the items before them, with repeated motions to consider the contracts reviewed without objection passing by roll call. The Office of Energy Policy and Energy and Environment Cabinet presented a solar-and-battery program. Members asked about panel and battery lifespan, warranty coverage, who would pay for replacement or disposal, and whether the program made sense in Kentucky. The agency said panels and batteries generally last 25 to 30 years, warranties would cover replacement during the warranty period, EPA guidance would govern disposal, and federal funds would cover program expenses. Officials estimated the program could reduce participating homeowners’ utility bills by about 70%, with a minimum required savings of 20%. The Department for Community Based Services explained a new vendor contract for SSI initial and redetermination work for children in out-of-home care, saying the work is federally required, the department lacks in-house capacity, and the contract replaced a prior vendor after an RFP protest and rebid. The Department of Highways described umbrella traffic engineering contracts for smaller highway safety projects, noting they are used for spot improvements and are nearing full utilization. The Kentucky Historical Society said its contract funded a temporary exhibit tied to 250th anniversary programming, and the Board of Medical Licensure discussed an amended audit contract, explaining that annual audits were adopted after an auditor’s recommendation and that the board is funded by state allocation plus fees and fines. The Department for Natural Resources/Abandoned Mine Lands gave the most extensive presentation, describing a $5 million engineering services contract as part of a much larger workload increase driven by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, with projects prioritized by citizen complaints and safety impacts; the agency said the contract supports design and oversight for community-scale mine reclamation projects that exceed in-house capacity.

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, the list is managed by the state, for the state, by a third-party private organization, which
• After all of that, the state took my first child from me at 18.
• Senate 115, an act establishing a Massachusetts children's cabinet.
• That's what this cabinet would do.
• Presently, 46 states in the United States have recognized the need for CACs.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities

Summary: The committee hearing covered a wide range of child welfare, family support, and human services bills. Testimony strongly supported a guaranteed cash stipend for young adults aging out of foster care (S.161), with the Attorney General’s Office, youth advocates, and foster care providers describing high rates of homelessness and poverty after exit from care. Providers also urged action on a resolve to study the foster care liability insurance crisis (H.197/S.1280), saying premiums and coverage losses are forcing program cutbacks and could reduce foster care capacity statewide. Another major topic was a direct care worker medication administration program registry (H.237/S.162), which supporters said would help recruit and train workers, especially bilingual staff, to address workforce shortages in human services. Several bills focused on child protection and child welfare system practices. Supporters of H.267/S.145 called for advance notice to children’s attorneys when placements or other major events change, arguing that timely communication is essential to prevent unnecessary disruption and improve advocacy. Testimony also backed legislation to formally recognize and strengthen children’s advocacy centers and the Massachusetts Children’s Alliance (H.233/S.112), with prosecutors and CAC leaders describing the trauma-informed model as a longstanding, effective response to child abuse and trafficking. A bill to establish a Massachusetts children’s cabinet (S.115) drew support from advocates who said cross-agency coordination is needed to align policy and funding for children’s well-being. The committee also heard testimony on bills addressing safety, equity, and family support. Senator Lovely and survivors supported S.152, which would create a civil cause of action for sexual abuse by adults in positions of authority or trust, with witnesses describing grooming and power imbalances in schools and youth-serving settings. H.274, a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness, was supported by advocates who said it would add anti-discrimination protections and voting and privacy rights amid rising criminalization of homelessness. H.272/S.171 to protect maternal health received support from Rep. Montaño, MLRI, and a physician, who said the bills would make cash assistance available earlier in pregnancy and remove the medical-verification barrier. H.4216 on equitable hair care for children in state custody was supported by social workers and advocates who said hair care is tied to identity, dignity, and mental health. H.255 on empowering early educators drew testimony about barriers faced by renters and condo owners trying to open home-based child care programs. H.217, concerning resources and support for pregnant and parenting families, drew testimony from anti-abortion pregnancy resource center advocates. No votes were taken during the hearing, and several bills had no one signed up to testify or were deferred when witnesses were unavailable.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it
• financing and conditions for the operations, maintenance, support, and functioning of the Transportation Cabinet
• support, and functioning of the government of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and its various officers, cabinets
• , departments, boards, commissions, institutions, subdivisions, agencies, and other state-supported activities

Transcript Highlights:

• There are 5 funds that are allowed under this program right across the state.
• Also, for our SBA lending, which sends business to our banks in the state to finance these companies,
• So, I can't recall if the initial state question legalizing Medicaid was on the November ballot or not
• Peaker, just to the point about when When State Question 2 was on the ballot, that was done first by
• House Bill 4029 merely limits the appropriations given to the Oklahoma State Department of Health for

Bills: HB4028 , HB4029 , HB4059 , HB4063 , HB4073 , HB4074 , HB4075 , HB4076 , HB4077 , HB4078 , SB1130 , SB1131 , SB1132 , SB1133 , SB1134 , SB1142 , HB4028 , HB4029 , HB4059 , HB4063 , HB4073 , HB4074 , HB4075 , HB4076 , HB4077 , HB4078 , SB1130 , SB1131 , SB1132 , SB1133 , SB1134 , SB1142

Committee: House Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, ALS, funding, healthcare, State Department of Health, emergency declaration, public finance, state budget, financial regulations, monetary policy, referendum, constitutional amendments, special election, Oklahoma legislature, public voting, recovery fund

Transcript Highlights:

• Every single race in the state will be on that ballot as well, becomes a very long time to spend in the
• House House Bill 4029 is $68 million dollars appropriated to the State Department of Health.
• So, one of our goals was to increase the number of nurses in the state.
• State or expanding existing project nursing programs.
• Do you know what amount this deduction has been costing the state?

Bills: HB4028 , HB4029 , HB4059 , HB4063 , HB4073 , HB4074 , HB4075 , HB4076 , HB4077 , HB4078 , SB1130 , SB1131 , SB1132 , SB1133 , SB1134 , SB1142

Committee: Senate Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, ALS, funding, healthcare, State Department of Health, emergency declaration, public finance, state budget, financial regulations, monetary policy, referendum, constitutional amendments, special election, Oklahoma legislature, public voting, recovery fund

Bills: SB297 , HB562

Committee: House State Government

Keywords: water resources, division chief, state governance, Alabama law, exempt service, State Auditor, property investigations, loss and theft, state property, property inventory control

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:22.159><c> government</c> So, not only can state government So, not only can state government
• And these aren't state specifications.
• </c> in the state. Lots of folks. in the state. Lots of folks.
• We're the only state in the milestone.
• They don't have any foot in the state.

Summary: The committee first approved minutes from prior meetings after a motion and second, then heard a presentation from Kent Annis and Boyd Sheerer of the Kentucky Division of Geographic Information on the state’s “KY from Above” aerial imagery and elevation program. The presenters described the program’s goals of creating openly accessible statewide imagery and elevation basemaps, reducing duplicative local and state spending, and supporting uses such as transportation, emergency response, utilities, broadband planning, property taxation, economic development, and education. They said the data is owned by the Commonwealth, distributed in the public domain, and has strong return on investment, with statewide ortho imagery coverage completed in 2022 and elevation phases completed or underway in multiple stages. The witnesses emphasized that the program relies on cost-sharing among state, local, and federal partners and that a small state “seed” appropriation is needed to leverage larger federal contributions. They said about $300,000 a year in seed money could help secure additional federal funds, while a three-year imagery refresh cycle would cost about $5.7 million annually and storage/processing about $150,000 a year. They also noted that no subscription fee is charged for access, opposed charging for use of the data even by for-profit users, and said the program is intended as an economic development tool that avoids multiple entities paying for the same geography. Members asked about the funding request, the potential federal match, and whether the state should charge private companies for access. The witnesses explained that the requested amount was for aerial photography and LAR seed money, that federal funds would not cover aerial photography directly, and that the program already uses a cost-share model with 28 partners rather than subscriptions. They also clarified that imagery is refreshed every three years and elevation data on a longer cycle, with elevation prioritized because it supports accuracy for roads, water lines, and broadband planning. The presentation concluded with no formal vote on the program itself; after questions ended, the chair thanked the witnesses and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> your budget is for provided by the state your budget is for provided by the state budget<00:07:54.000
• </c> throughout the state. throughout the state.
• You do see some of the counties state.
• </c> to another 911 center in the state to another 911 center in the state without<00:26:10.480><c> a
• ,</c><00:28:34.080><c> local,</c> bring together federal, state, local, bring together federal, state

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government heard presentations on several Attorney General and Homeland Security budget items. Amy Burke of the Department of Child Support Services said the program inherited a structural shortfall of more than $13 million after the transition from CHFS, including about $14 million in federal child support incentive funds that had been used to cover core operating costs and county attorney contracts. She explained that federal law requires incentive funds to supplement, not supplant, baseline services, and said the Attorney General’s budget request seeks general fund support to replace that gap and help balance the program going forward. Members asked for clarification on the misuse of the funds, the size of the shortfall, and whether the requested money would be unrestricted; staff said the intent is to use it as a contract offset for core services. Commissioner Rich Ferretti then presented the Department of Criminal Investigations’ request for additional staffing and a Western Kentucky Digital Forensics Lab. He said DCI wants one additional special victims unit investigator and one digital forensic examiner to handle increasingly digital cases involving child exploitation, sexual assault, human trafficking, and technology-facilitated abuse. He also described plans for a lab in Mayfield, co-located with the new Mayfield Police Department facility, to reduce travel time, speed forensic processing, and improve access for rural communities. Committee members responded positively and asked no substantive questions. Finally, the Office of Homeland Security outlined Kentucky’s Next Generation 911 project. Officials said the current 911 system was built for landlines, while most calls now come from mobile devices, and the upgrade will add precise location routing plus text, photo, and video capability. Shelley Clark described the funding model, including wireless subscriber fees and a dedicated tech fund, and reviewed progress on mapping, vendor selection, and migration to the new platform, with completion expected by July 2027. Members asked about local maintenance costs and the impact on rural areas; officials said maintenance is local but supported in part by collected funds, and implementation will not be delayed for rural localities. The meeting concluded with no votes or formal actions taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• state law.
• I, too, am a United States Army veteran.
• state.
• of Washington, the state of Arizona, the state of Louisiana, looking at New Orleans, the state of California
• I looked at a model that was working in another state, so I'd like to tell you about Washington state

Bills: HB2056 , HB2202 , HB2207 , HB2224 , HB2303 , HB2344 , HB2532 , HB2759 , HB2798

Committees: House Appropriations , House House Appropriations Committee of Reference

Keywords: brackish water, groundwater, desalination, water resources, feasibility study, environmental impact, dementia care, telementoring, healthcare education, rural communities, grant funding, braille, disability access, education funding, state corrections, inclusion, produce incentive, agriculture, economic support, funding

Transcript Highlights:

• The executive administration cabinet.
• state, the state<00:18:03.200><c> treasurer,</c><00:18:04.240><c> a</c><00:18:04.559><c> representative
• </c><00:18:05.679><c> from</c> state treasurer, a representative from state treasurer, a representative
• </c> decades, Kentucky and many other states decades, Kentucky and many other states have<00:24:18.000
• To state government, House Bills 480 and To state government, House Bills 480 and 483.<00:40:40.960><

Transcript Highlights:

• Retain New Americans in the state.
• This office has been long overdue in our state.
• One is for the administration at the state level.
• And then there's the other that they call state-level activities, which we can use on various state programs
• It's the smaller of the two set-asides for the state, and then the state-level activities funds are spent

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 124, which would create a permanent Office of New Americans within the Department of Workforce Solutions. The sponsor and supporters said the office would help immigrant and refugee workers access training, licensing, language support, and other workforce resources, while also helping employers fill labor shortages in industries such as construction, agriculture, oil and gas, health care, and child care. Support came from advocates, business groups, faith organizations, and immigrant-rights groups; there was no opposition. Members asked about data protection, the number of other states with similar offices, and whether the office could help recruit and credential foreign-trained medical professionals. The bill passed on a do-pass motion with several yes votes and some no votes recorded, and the sponsor explained the vote as a way to support families and workforce integration. The committee then considered House Bill 314, which would authorize zero-interest loans through the Local Government Division for political subdivisions to repair flood- and debris-damaged public infrastructure and remove debris from the October 19, 2024 storm event. There was no public testimony in support or opposition. Members briefly asked about the $150 million appropriation and whether it was already in the budget, and the sponsor said it was. The bill received a do-pass motion, a second, and was approved without opposition. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 64, as amended, to codify the Office of Special Education and a deputy secretary position within the Public Education Department. The sponsor and department officials said the bill would formalize an office already created by executive order, improve statewide coordination, support compliance with IDEA and the Yazzie-Martinez case, and develop a statewide IEP template to reduce inconsistency across districts. They emphasized that gifted education would remain in Curriculum and Instruction and that the bill would not add new paperwork or mandates for districts. Supporters included education leaders, disability advocates, vocational rehabilitation, and special education professionals; there was no opposition. Members raised questions about parent understanding of IEPs, monitoring and enforcement, funding, charter school coverage, and the treatment of gifted and twice-exceptional students. The bill passed on a do-pass motion with unanimous support from those present.

Transcript Highlights:

• of State.
• We are on Secretary of State at this time. Mr.
• This is a bill to make sure that state governments and agencies, state entities, don't use state funds
• So given the portion of our population in the state is LGBTQ, why would our state not be able to directly
• It's saying state resources and state dollars shall not be attributed to it.

Bills: HB3415 , HB2206 , HB3414 , HB3265 , HB3310 , HB3413 , HB4486 , HB1219

Committee: Senate Retirement and Government Resources

Summary: The Senate Committee on Retirement and Government Resources met with a quorum and first took up two executive nominations for Ben Lepak, one to serve as Secretary of State and one to serve in the governor’s cabinet. Lepak described the Secretary of State office’s work on business filings, recordkeeping, and initiative petitions, and said the office’s career staff handled those duties well. Senators asked about fairness in the initiative petition process and administrative rules; Lepak emphasized transparency and ministerial, nonpolitical administration. Both nominations advanced on 8-0 votes. The committee then considered several House bills tied largely to government transparency and purchasing oversight. House Bill 3415 would require state entities to report contracts and subcontractors, include performance metrics, publicly post contracts and assessments, and document consultant outcomes; it passed 8-0 despite concerns about a $2 million fiscal impact and added OMES workload. House Bill 3414 would require OMES to identify whether contracts are service-based and create a digital warehouse for intangible assets; it passed 6-0. House Bill 3310 would authorize OMES payment-procedure rules, require invoice legitimacy checks and a 60-day payment window, and create compliance reporting with possible budget recommendations for noncompliance; it passed 7-0 after questions about appeals and penalties. House Bill 3413, requiring agencies to include more detail on contractors and consultants in annual budget submissions, also passed 7-0. The committee also approved House Bill 2206, which moves new school resource officers into a law-enforcement retirement system rather than teacher retirement, with testimony that it would help recruit officers and would apply only to new hires; it passed 6-0. House Bill 3265, which expands who can make PTSD disability determinations for first responders to include psychologists and certain licensed mental health professionals, passed 7-0 after discussion of psychiatrist shortages and concerns about diagnostic standards. House Bill 4486, authorizing a Gold Star monument at the Capitol funded by private donations, passed 7-0. Finally, House Bill 1219, barring state agencies and schools from using state funds or resources to promote LGBTQ or Pride Month events or fly the Pride flag, generated extensive debate over its impact on outreach, public health, education, and LGBTQ Oklahomans; it passed 5-2 and the committee adjourned with notice of a larger agenda the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and I'm fighting this fight in many, many states.
• We're considering legal action in other states.
• states they have, Arkansas and Alabama.
• are a net positive for the state.
• They replaced cabinet doors with doors that didn't match my existing undamaged cabinets.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services heard testimony on a wide range of insurance-related bills. Topics included public adjusters (H. 1100/S. 785), electronic cancellation notices (H. 1123/S. 701), insurance rebates and loss-mitigation devices (H. 1233), flood hazard determinations (H. 1087 and related flood bills), organ donor insurance protections (H. 1248/S. 727), mental health parity in disability policies (S. 780), motor vehicle service contracts (H. 1139/S. 812), modernization of business-to-business insurance transactions (H. 1105), and a bill changing the GIC withdrawal notice deadline (H. 1150). Committee chairs set a three-minute testimony limit and heard from legislators, industry representatives, advocates, and affected consumers. Testimony on public adjusters was sharply divided. Insurance agents and property-casualty industry representatives argued that bills barring insurers from prohibiting public adjusters would interfere with policy terms, while public adjusters and several consumers described cases where adjusters helped secure substantially higher settlements and said some surplus lines policies already contain anti-public-adjuster endorsements. On electronic notices, the insurance industry supported consumer opt-in email communications, while agents warned that email-only cancellation notices could cause consumers to miss cancellations. On rebates/loss mitigation, insurers supported allowing risk-mitigation devices outside the policy to encourage innovation, while agents opposed the bill as an improper inducement. Flood-related bills drew opposition from insurers who said flood determinations are complex and federally governed. The committee also heard strong support for organ donor protections from a kidney transplant recipient and the American Kidney Fund, who said the bill would prevent insurance discrimination against living donors and could encourage more donations. On disability parity, a disability insurance specialist opposed S. 780, arguing that mental health limitations are a consumer choice that helps keep coverage affordable, while the bill’s sponsor said it would prevent unequal limits on behavioral health claims. The committee also heard support for H. 1139/S. 812 from the service contract industry, and support for H. 1105 from APCIA as a modernization measure for specialty commercial lines. No votes were taken; after testimony concluded, the chairs closed the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are not employees of the state.
• Our state workforce is about 75% white, and in fiscal year 2024, 24% of state hires have been people
• voters in the state.
• Yes, there is, but it basically includes the state National Guard and the state militia.
• The state—what was the second thing? The state militia. Oh, is that a thing?

Bills: HB2309 , HB2249 , HB2417 , SGA9066 , SGA9246 , SGA9268

Committee: Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections

Keywords: state employment, classified service, civil service, job qualifications, degree requirements, postgraduate degree, master's degree, doctorate, higher education, Office of Financial Management, OFM, classification plan, salary survey, market rate pay, compensation, workforce diversity, hiring reform, employment eligibility, work authorization, DACA

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Edward Hatchet to the Kentucky State Edward Hatchet to the Kentucky State University<00:11:05.680
• Kentucky State Fair Board, Senator Kentucky State Fair Board, Senator Mills.<00:13:52.880><c> Senate<
• </c> 480, an act relating to state contracts. 480, an act relating to state contracts.
• </c> program, the 3D State Championship. program, the 3D State Championship.
• </c><05:26:18.798><c> Senator</c> Kentucky State Fair Board. Senator Kentucky State Fair Board.

Bills: HB567 , HB776 , HB2 , HB568 , HB619

Transcript Highlights:

• Different states are beginning to implement this.
• There's so many people throughout the state who have willingness to work together.
• We, as a state, need to take that as a priority.
• So my preschool has a filing cabinet.
• So when DCF shows up to inspect three times a year, they pull out that filing cabinet.

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard and passed several bills. HB 293 would codify the Office of Faith and Community in the Executive Office of the Governor, create a liaison and advisory council, and was supported by faith-based and nonprofit groups; some members questioned possible duplication with existing services and the source of any future funding, but the bill passed 24-0. CS/HB 547 would create an exception to the 30-day notice requirement before hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers sell medical debt when the debt buyer agrees not to use interest, fees, or extraordinary collection actions and must return charity-care-eligible debt; it passed unanimously after brief support testimony. CS/HB 1553 would require reporting of uterine fibroid data to the Department of Health to create a de-identified public database and reauthorize funding for implementation; it also passed 24-0, with members noting the earlier database mandate had not been carried out. The committee then took up CS/HB 1195, “Gage’s Law,” which would require hospitals and hospital-based emergency departments to test for fentanyl in urine drug screens for suspected overdose or poisoning cases. The bill was presented as a response to overdose deaths and the need to better detect fentanyl, and emotional testimony from a parent described a son’s death after a hospital did not test for fentanyl. Members from both parties spoke in strong support, emphasizing stigma, the need for better treatment and data, and the potential to save lives; the bill passed 24-0. CS/HB 47 on child care and early learning providers would streamline inspections, speed background screening, offer free online training/testing, update definitions, protect certain family child care homes from insurance issues, and create a license-exempt category for employer-provided child care; after questions about parent notice, database listing, background checks, and insurance, an amendment was adopted and the bill passed 24-0 as amended. Finally, CS/HB 647 would allow advanced practice registered nurses to sign death certificates in hospice settings, addressing delays that can leave families waiting to complete burial arrangements. Support testimony came from advocacy and hospice groups, and members cited the bill’s importance for families and religious burial timelines. The bill passed 23-0. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• the state. So there is not a lack of services in that aspect.
• and proposed agency action by those state agencies.
• The Administrative Commission is composed of the governor and cabinet.
• Two of those cabinet officers are heads of state agencies, DFS and DAX, that are party litigants to many
• It's at no cost to the state agencies.

Summary: The Joint Administrative Procedures Committee heard a presentation from Representative Esposito on a proposal to strengthen oversight of agency rulemaking under Chapter 120. The bill would require cost-benefit analysis at the front end and after implementation, create an eight-year sunset and review process for rules, and require express legislative authority for agency rulemaking. Members questioned the lack of concrete examples of burdensome rules, the effect on already slow rulemaking, the choice of an eight-year sunset, and the bill’s origin; Esposito said she was working with stakeholders and cited her chamber-of-commerce background and research with the Cicero Institute. No vote was taken on the bill itself. Staff then reported on legislatively mandated rulemaking from 2023 and 2024, noting that most required rules had been adopted, proposed, noticed, or scheduled, with a few agencies still outstanding. The Department of Financial Services explained a delayed notice of rule development for the MySafe Florida Home condominium pilot program as an oversight that has since been corrected, and the Department of Education said it did not proceed with rulemaking for the Fostering Prosperity grants because the program received no funding in the 2025 budget. The Department of Health described delayed rulemaking for the sickle cell disease and trait registry, saying the registry and opt-out forms were being implemented and that notices of rule development had now been filed. Members pressed the department on why rules took so long and discussed the need for statutory deadlines. The Department of Children and Families reported on two 2023 human-trafficking-related rules: signage requirements for residential treatment facilities and children’s safe homes, and a new certification process for adult safe homes. DCF said the signage rule is now moving forward and the adult safe home certification rule has been submitted for final review after workshops and stakeholder feedback. Senators questioned the lengthy timeline and the lack of oversight during the interim, while the chair emphasized the need for time-certain deadlines in legislation and for JAPAC oversight hearings. The committee also considered staff-proposed amendments to Chapter 120 addressing emergency rules pending legislative ratification and the process for initiating ratification, including a one-year limit and notice to JAPAC. After discussion, the committee voted to forward the proposed amendments to the Senate President and House Speaker. Finally, members discussed a proposed amendment to the administrative law judge appointment and retention process under Section 120.65. DOAH’s interim director opposed the change, saying ALJs and workers’ compensation judges have different functions and warning against shifting appointment power to cabinet officers whose agencies appear before DOAH. Members raised concerns about timeliness, consistency, and accountability in DOAH decisions. The committee voted to forward this proposal as well, with Senator Smith voting no on that motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• on their own, they typically will prioritize tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations and cutting state
• Uh, you'll still see leadership meetings in the governor's cabinet room to talk about budget issues.
• </c><00:03:02.720><c> budget</c><00:03:03.040><c> for</c> focus on completing a state budget for focus
• on completing a state budget for the<00:03:03.280><c> people</c><00:03:03.440><c> of</c><00:03:03.599
• </c><00:03:29.519><c> room</c> meetings in the governor's cabinet room meetings in the governor's cabinet

Summary: House Democratic leaders and House Republican leaders announced a compromise set of budget targets reached Friday night, describing it as a numbers-only deal that leaves policy issues aside. They said the targets are the first step in the budget process: House committee chairs will write bills to fit the targets, those bills will go to Ways and Means, and later leaders will negotiate global targets with the governor and Senate. Leaders emphasized that the agreement reflects compromise rather than either party’s ideal budget, and that they will continue talks with Governor Walz and the Senate over the next several weeks. The speakers highlighted what was not included in the deal, saying it does not target paid family and medical leave, earned sick and safe time, reproductive rights, or universal school meals. They said the House priorities that did make it in include housing, education, pensions, public safety, and transportation. On education, they said the compromise provides $40 million in new money in the first biennium for the READ Act and no cuts in either biennium, contrasting that with larger cuts in the governor’s and Senate proposals. They also said schools could still choose to fund unemployment insurance for school workers from existing resources, though it was not earmarked in the targets. Leaders said the agreement leaves room for committee chairs to make choices within the targets, including in health and human services, where they described the target as a reduction in projected growth rather than a cut to existing appropriations. They said the budget plan sets aside discretionary inflation adjustments in the first biennium while preserving inflation indexing for items like the K-12 formula. They also said the deal improves the state’s long-term balance, with a projected $1.6 billion balance in the first biennium and a $1.3 billion deficit in the second, and that the House’s numbers do not include the same revenue assumptions as the governor’s and Senate’s plans. In questions, leaders said conference committees will require majority support from both House and Senate conferees, and that the House will send equal numbers of Democratic and Republican conferees. They said the bonding bill size is still under discussion, but the adopted numbers would allow for roughly a $700 million general obligation bill. They also said large state spending for professional sports facilities is likely over, and explained that the press conference was held without Republican leaders for logistical reasons after the deal was reached late Friday.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have many miles in our interstate and also in our state roads, state highway roads, and then it goes
• state highways.
• a state-managed highway.
• Take care of state roads.
• state: it's our school buses.

Bills: SB2 , SB2

Committees: Senate Senate Finance , Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: SB 2, State Highway Project Bonds, highway funding, transportation bonds, state road fund, motor vehicle fees, vehicle registration fees, electric vehicle fee, EV surcharge, plug-in hybrid fee, weight distance tax, road construction, infrastructure financing, Department of Transportation, State Transportation Commission, bonding authority, county road funds, municipal road funds, transportation improvement program, state highways