Transcript Highlights:

• um one of the what came out of the study um one of the what came out of the study was<00:03:52.239
• water so now with this health study water so now with this health study that's<00:09:29.440>
• If there's a silver lining here, it's that the state study, with the state study, it's now abundantly
• with the state that the state study with the state study<00:21:34.320> it's<00:21:34.480>
• <00:26:44.039> and that are at the end of their study and that are at the end of their study

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It has additional study.
• <03:45:11.600> example head-to-head studies on that example head-to-head studies on that example
• <03:55:45.040> to<03:55:45.199> to know worked with our actuaries to to know worked
• with our actuaries to to quantify<03:55:46.000> it.
• We need to finish evaluating the study that was done by DHHS, look at our work in the last two years,

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is to change the deadline for introducing resolutions proposing amendments to the Constitution or study
• are a lot of nationwide consultants that can come in and provide some really, really good business actuarial
• planning, you know, like— Some really, really good business actuarial planning, you know, like what

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: Legislative Management met with a quorum, approved the July 11, 2025 minutes, and then considered recommendations from the Legislative Procedures and Arrangements Committee. Beth Dittes explained proposed special session rule changes, which largely mirror prior special session rules and are intended to speed floor action. The changes would allow faster second readings and transmission between chambers, replace regular standing committees with two joint committees for the special session—Joint Appropriations and Joint Policy—and limit bill introduction methods. The package also included delayed-effective-date changes for the next regular session, such as moving the agency and Supreme Court prefile deadline earlier and advancing several resolution deadlines. Liz Fordall then reviewed revisions to the legislative workplace harassment policy, including clarified definitions, longer intake and review deadlines, an option for informal resolution before a review panel, and clearer disclosure rules. The committee adopted the report and forwarded the rules and policy changes. The committee also approved tentative first-day special session agendas for both chambers, with a Speaker-requested revision to allow time to swear in new House members. Megan Gordon outlined the schedule: early Rules Committee meetings, morning floor sessions, a joint session for the governor’s State of the State, then meetings of the joint appropriations and policy committees, with optional later floor and committee time. Members discussed how the joint committees would handle bills and confirmed the process would mirror the prior special session. The agendas were adopted. Chairman Bekkedahl then reported for the Rural Health Transformation Committee, which had completed its work and recommended five bill drafts for the special session: a Presidential Physical Fitness Test requirement for schools, a nutrition component for physician continuing education, joining a physician assistant licensure compact, expanding pharmacist scope for lab testing and prescribing, and a two-year appropriations bill to cover the program through the next regular session. He explained the federal rural health transformation grant, the state’s application, funding restrictions, and the need to keep the bills aligned with CMS requirements to avoid funding reductions or clawbacks. DHS officials said the department would measure outcomes through required metrics, use templates for awards, and set up an Office of Health Transformation to track long-term impacts. The committee adopted the rural health report and forwarded the bills. Finally, members discussed special-session logistics. Legislative staff said employment committees would approve a limited number of staff, Legislative Management would serve as the delayed-bills committee, and a letter would be sent to legislators explaining the process and a suggested Friday noon drafting deadline for bills to be considered at the January 20 meeting. The committee also discussed how many bills might be introduced and how to assign the rural health bills to the House or Senate for origin. No formal vote was taken on those logistics, and the meeting adjourned with plans to reconvene on January 20.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Resolution by Representative Codes to charge the House Committee on Natural Resources to study
• I bring to you House Resolution No. 179, which is a study commission where we're going to study the effectiveness
• A simple resolution to look at trash collection and study in Washington Parish.
• A simple resolution to look at trash collection and study in Washington Parish.
• So I'm just asking to study if there's really science behind this. I'd appreciate your support.

Bills: HR308, HR309, HR310, HR311, HR312, HR313, HR314, HR315, HR316, HR317, HR318, HR319, HR295, HR296, HR297, HR298, HR299, HR300, HR301, HR302, HR303, HR304, HR305, HR306, HR307, HCR115, HCR116, HCR117, SCR71, SCR72, SCR73, HR73, HR118, HR144, HR196, HR237, HR249, HR260, HR267, HR272, HR273, HR276, HR278, HCR85, HCR100, HCR105, HCR107, HCR113, HCR114, SCR5, SCR29, SCR33, SCR37, SCR63, HB255, HB378, HB509, HB1090, SB80, SB131, SB143, SB251, SB254, SB279, SB367, SB384, SB388, SB389, SB398, SB408, SB431, SB468, SB469, SB496, SB25, SB132, SB155, SB157, SB202, SB295, SB433, HR179, HR223, HR225, HR274, HCR89, HR252, HR253, HCR96, HCR103, HCR108, HCR26, HB250, HB265, HB339, HB427, HB445, HB463, HB468, HB606, HB639, HB649, HB665, HB746, HB781, HB853, HB861, HB872, HB886, HB916, HB937, HB1054, HB1068, HB1117, HB1237, HB74, HB108, HB956, HB1085, HB1137, HB62, HB193, HB210, HB220, HB246, HB364, HB420, HB475, HB584, HB622, HB772, HB784, HB949, HB953, HB1043, HB1070, HB1092, HB1134, HB1162, HB1176, HB1196, HB1214, HB1199, SB268, SB283, HB782, SB149, HR84, HB646, HB998, SB56, SB163, SB197, SB97, SB326, SB341, SB518, SB123, SB353, SB479, SB495, HB901, HR20, HR74, HR168, HCR65, HCR71, HCR98, HB284, HB302, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB625, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1191, HB1240, HB1255, SB82, SB89, HB134, HB258, HB359, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB217, SB274, SB300, SB379, SB382, SB441, SB449

Keywords: HR 308, House Resolution 308, Pope Leo XIV, Catholic Church, Holy See, Vatican, commendation, resolution, Louisiana Catholic heritage, St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans, South Louisiana parishes, religious recognition, ceremonial resolution, faith leadership, pontificate, spiritual solidarity, human dignity, peace, mercy

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:27:08.440> but a in a rigorous course of study but a in a rigorous course of study but
• I have no idea what we studied.
• I have no idea what we studied.
• <01:09:42.040> in taught Middle School social studies in taught Middle School social studies
• Students who study here stay here, work here, and pay taxes here.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Studying ways to reduce insurers. 10.
• You're going to have studies. The study probably won't be completed, but we will have a trend.
• It also requires a study of the grants.
• The largest firefighter cancer study ever conducted, a long-term NIOSH study of nearly 30,000 firefighters
• Uh, there should be actuarial analysis.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• score of the likelihood that actuarial score of the likelihood that you're<00:43:13.200> going
• doing a lot of studies to see how<00:51:34.559> we<00:51:34.720> can<00:51:34.800>
• But with failure to appear, we have done some studies, and that’s one of the things that I think that
• So those are some of our initiatives, and we’ve done some studies, and sometimes it’s child care.
• initiatives and we've done some studies initiatives and we've done some studies and<01:27:26.639

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:01 Recognition of New Members: 00:01:17 Disaster Response: 00:01:41 Pretrial Discussion: 00:31:25, 958, all

Summary: The committee first established a quorum, approved the minutes from the November 7, 2024 meeting, and then heard an update on disaster response and courthouse recovery efforts after the April flooding. Representatives from the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Franklin County Circuit and District Court Clerk’s office, and the Franklin Circuit Court described damage in Perry, Hardin, and especially Franklin counties. Perry County had limited roof and water infiltration issues with no operational impact. Hardin County’s justice center basement took about 18 inches of water, affecting court records and mechanical/electrical equipment, and court operations were briefly suspended. Franklin County’s courthouse was far more severely damaged, with about four feet of water on the first floor, forcing relocation of court operations to temporary sites, including AOC space and the regional jail for custody proceedings. Witnesses said damaged files from Hardin and Franklin counties were removed, sent to an out-of-state vendor for drying and remediation, and would be returned or destroyed as appropriate. They estimated combined costs for file restoration, building repair, and remediation at about $11 million, with insurance through KCOJ/KO expected to cover only part of the losses and FEMA reimbursement still pending a federal disaster declaration. They also said the Franklin County courthouse’s first floor remains gutted, electrical panels and HVAC systems need major replacement, and the second and third floors may be used temporarily once power and data are restored. Members asked about roof damage in Hardin County, the status of FEMA applications, digitization of court records, and whether Senate Bill 25 restricted funds could be used to cover the funding gap; staff said the funds cannot be spent without General Assembly authorization. The committee also discussed broader record-retention and e-filing issues, with members noting the limits of paper filing and the need for better digitization as a backup in emergencies. AOC staff said they are working with the Supreme Court and state law librarian on what records can be digitized and how long hard copies must still be retained. After the disaster-response presentation, the committee moved on to a separate informational presentation on pre-trial services, with introductions from the executive officer of pre-trial services, the president of the Kentucky District Judges Association, a circuit judge, and the manager of pre-trial services, who began explaining how the pre-trial system works for newer committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• We did not do the study.
• We did not do the study.
• cost study.
• cost the department to do an actuarial cost study.<00:56:28.079> It<00:56:28.319> put<
• , those are the types of, I guess, actuarial principles or concepts that you apply to the study to ensure

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So if they're working on a study related to sickle cell, is that allowed under the bill?
• So I think if you're talking about African-American studies, I think that's reasonable.
• ...is entirely on attracting black students and studying issues at that school.
• Pete, and I would like to share some striking studies highlighting the value of DEI in medicine.
• There are many studies. provides. This is why we have it.

Summary: The committee first confirmed Heather L. Turnbull to the Florida Commission on Community Service without debate. It then took up SPB 7022, which sets Florida Retirement System employer contribution rates beginning July 1, 2025, updates rates to address unfunded liability, and preserves the 3% employee contribution rate. Senator Fine said the bill would increase FRS Trust Fund revenue by about $310 million annually and also gives certain elected officers an option related to DROP accumulations. An amendment was adopted, the bill was submitted as a committee bill, and it was reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 1710, a bill by Senator DeSantis/DeSigley to prohibit state agencies, vendors, and grant recipients from using state funds for DEI-related policies, trainings, and programs, and to impose related restrictions on medical institutions of higher education. Senator Polsky and others questioned the bill’s broad and vague language, its effect on health-related work, public-facing agency positions, private contractors, and medical school admissions. The sponsor said the bill was intended to stop DEI from influencing state agencies and that the medical-school portion would likely be amended out later. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers arguing the bill would harm health care, education, access, and minority communities; a few supporters said DEI is ideological and should be removed from government and public institutions. After debate, the bill was reported favorably on a party-line style vote, with Senator Errington voting no. The committee then began SB 1678, relating to entities that boycott Israel, with a delete-all amendment. Senator Leak said the bill would expand Florida’s anti-BDS framework to cover nonprofits, foreign educational institutions, foreign government funds, academic boycotts, political subdivisions, and certain grants, while the amendment aligned the bill with existing law and clarified procurement and divestment provisions. Testimony included support from proponents who said Florida should not do business with entities engaged in boycotts of Israel, and opposition from speakers who argued the bill would restrict academic freedom and conscience. Debate continued as the transcript ended, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those are the demographics that have been studied.
• <04:45:20.200> that to highlight U some of the studies that to highlight U some of the studies
• <04:45:35.760> out extremely low income um has studies out extremely low income um has studies
• This study was done by the Center for American Progress in 2023.
• This study was done by the Center for American Progress in 2023.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Igo's nuclear study. Igo's nuclear study.
• reasonable compromise on a study. reasonable compromise on a study.
• A nuclear study is a good idea. what? A nuclear study is a good idea.
• Recent studies conducted in St.
• Recent studies conducted in St.

Bills: HF4560, HF4559, HF2317, HF3179, HF4880, HF2862, HF4374

Keywords: Public Utilities Commission, PUC, energy regulation, utility regulation, electric utility, public utility, rate case, multiyear rate plan, decoupling, rate decoupling, greenhouse gas, social cost of carbon, environmental cost, resource planning, certificate of need, distributed renewable energy, interconnection, budget billing, electronic filing, contested case

Transcript Highlights:

• Let me give you a couple case studies just recently.
• The study committee has made great strides and he'd like to continue that work.
• The impetus for this legislation arose from discussions during the Vulnerable Adult Study Committee.
• The study committee has made great strides and he'd like to continue that work.
• The impetus for this legislation arose from discussions during the Vulnerable Adult Study Committee.

Bills: SB1095, SB1114, SB1116, SB1162, SB1164, SB1178, SB1179, SB1249, SB1253, SB1346, SB1347, SB1446, SB1561, SB1813

Keywords: gender transition, minors, irreversible surgery, health professionals, puberty-blocking drugs, medical procedures, prohibition, Arizona Revised Statutes, behavioral health, patient brokering, appropriation, state funds, Maricopa County, claims review, medical necessity, American Indian health program, healthcare regulations, healthcare compliance, behavioral health technicians, licensing

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1114, which would appropriate $1 million to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office to investigate behavioral health patient brokering statewide. Sponsor Sen. Karen Werner described the bill as a response to fraud involving vulnerable Native Americans and said the county attorney would investigate the whole state. Some members questioned why the Attorney General was not handling the work and whether the funding should go to a county office, while others supported the effort. The committee voted 10-1 with one present to give SB 1114 a due pass recommendation. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1116, which would require that denials or adverse appeal decisions on behavioral health claims for the American Indian Health Program be reviewed by someone with at least two years of relevant clinical experience. Access testified neutral but said the bill’s language was too broad and could increase appeals and staffing needs, estimating about $490,000 for eight FTEs. Sen. Werner said the bill was meant to prevent inappropriate denials by reviewers without relevant expertise. Members raised concerns about definitions and staffing, and the committee approved the bill 7-4 with one present. Senate Bill 1346 would require Access to notify providers of claim deficiencies within 72 hours and decide corrected claims within 10 business days. Supporters said the measure would reduce long delays and help providers stay afloat; Access said it was working on process improvements but warned the bill would require more staff and system changes, estimating about $580,000. The committee passed SB 1346 7-5. Senate Bill 1347, requiring insurance coverage for fertility preservation services for cancer patients at risk of infertility, drew strong support from cancer survivors and advocates, with insurers neutral; the committee passed it unanimously 12-0. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1813, which would require Arizona State Hospital admissions to be based on clinical need rather than county of residence. Supporters argued the Maricopa County cap unfairly delays treatment and is not required by the underlying court ruling, while ADHS warned the bill could conflict with the Arnold v. Sarn settlement and could shift access away from rural counties. After extensive discussion, the committee passed SB 1813 9-2 with one present. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 1178, which would allow naturopathic physicians to administer IV antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals; the initial testimony was largely opposed by medical associations on patient-safety and training grounds, with supporters yet to testify in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• He cited a study by the National Association of Realtors saying that for every $1,000 you add to the
• He cited a study from the National Association of Realtors saying that for every $1,000 added to the
• And this the study<00:51:20.000> that<00:51:20.160> was<00:51:20.319> put<00:51:
• 51:20.559> a<00:51:20.800> number<00:51:20.960> of<00:51:21.119> years study
• that was put out a number of years study that was put out a number of years ago<00:51:21.680> by<

Bills: HF2300, HF2432, HF2445, HF2443, HF2439, HF3023, HF1615, HF2563

Keywords: HF2432, judiciary finance bill, public safety finance bill, corrections policy, crime victims, victim services, Minnesota victims of crime account, court fees, marriage license fee, financial crimes, fraud investigations, insurance fraud, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Commerce Fraud Bureau, wage theft, automobile theft prevention, nonprofit security grants, 911 funding, POST Board

Transcript Highlights:

• The study will assess feasibility, identify potential corridors like tollways and other state highways
• our natural abilities in unprecedented ways. example can detect subtle magnetic fields, enabling the study

Bills: HB3146, HB3719, HB3895, HB3923, HB4748, HB4751, HB4936, HB4952, HB4990, HB4991, HB5061, HB5196, HB5238, HB5246, HB5487

Keywords: State Office of Administrative Hearings, SOAH, administrative hearings, contested case, contested case hearing, administrative law judge, ALJ, final decision, proposed decision, agency hearing, hearing continuance, rescheduling, Texas administrative law, Government Code Chapter 2001, workers' compensation, Department of Human Resources, Texas Labor Code, Transportation Code, Agriculture Code, Insurance Code

Transcript Highlights:

• to engage stakeholders and other interested organizations in developing a proposal for a detailed actuarial
• study and a proposal for long-term care financing for the Legislature to consider, and provides $100,000
• 01:48:10.720> a<01:48:10.840> detailed<01:48:11.400> actual<01:48:12.280> actuarial
• proposal for a detailed actual actuarial proposal for a detailed actual actuarial study<01:48:13.840
• > and study and study and a<01:48:15.400> proposal<01:48:16.120> for<01:48:16.640

Bills: SB2053, SB2494, SB2851, SB3073, HB1678, HB1721, HB2475, HB2246, HB1667, HB1516, SB2532, SB3131, SB3154, HB2297, HB1737, SB2143, SB2398, SB2623, HB1740, HB1920, HB1682, SB2153, SB3140, HB1515, SB2835, HB2282, SB3083, SB2031, SB2519, SB2667, SB3096, SB99, SB2138, HB2289, HB2319, HB1711, HB2270, SB3138, SB3076, HB1642, HB2338, HB2171, HB1785, SB2881, HB2505, SB2552, HB1518, HB1815, SB3125, SB3234, HB2158, HB1718, HB2207, HB1801, SB3229, SB2338, SB3069, SB2600, HB2300, HB1800, HB1960, SB2999, SB2060, SB2866, SB2239, HB1741, HB1713, HB2023, HB2417, SB2877, SB2598, SB2921, SB2645, HB2547, HB2275, HB2452, HB2329, HB2339, HB1838, HB1509, HB1661, HB2271, HB2272, HB2344, HB1888, HB1707, SB2340, HB2474, HB1576, HB1853, HB1804, HB1854, HB2095, HB2050, HB472, SB3215, SB2247, SB2400, HB1618, HB1802, HB1969, HB1541, HB2310, HB2498, HB2443, HB2218, HB649, HB2104, HB1710, SB2802, HB1973, HB1974, HB1894, HB1891, HB1890, SB177, SB2101, SB3320, SB2487, HB2429, HB1870, HB1839, HB2583, HB1391, HB2094, SB2671, SB2673, SB2892, SB2057, SB3245, HB306, HB2592, SB3157, SB2861, SB3204, SB3324, SB2580, SB2074, SB411, SB3025, SB2934, SB2567, SB2125, SB3238, SB2367, SB2599, SB3007, SB2001, SB2756, SB3029

Keywords: salvage vehicles, vehicle title transfer, electronic signatures, insurance, administrative efficiency, bribery, corruption, statute of limitations, public servant, criminal justice, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, biological evidence, DNA analysis, post-conviction, evidence retention, court approval

Transcript Highlights:

• The actuary study puts the annual risk at 1.4 billion for the state across every hazard, including hurricanes
• 22:07.240> cat's that's a reasonable amount the cat's that's a reasonable amount the cat's actuary
• <00:22:08.360> study<00:22:09.120> puts<00:22:09.400> the<00:22:09.640> annual
• <00:22:10.120> risk<00:22:10.559> at actuary study puts the annual risk at actuary
• study puts the annual risk at 1.4<00:22:12.000> billion<00:22:13.000> um<00:22:13.200><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on HB 982 HD1, a wildfire-related measure aimed at creating a wildfire recovery fund and a financing structure to address future catastrophic wildfire liability. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Division of Consumer Advocacy, and the Public Utilities Commission submitted comments and were available for questions. Supporters included IBW Local 1260, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Clearway Energy Group, Hawaiian Electric, Par Hawaii, and others, while Charter Communications and the Hawaii Association for Justice opposed or raised concerns. Life of the Land supported the bill but urged changes to the definition of a catastrophic wildfire and noted concerns about prudency review language. IBW Local 1260 asked to restore language from the original draft, and Charter warned the bill could impair existing contract and indemnity rights unless amended. A major focus of the hearing was Hawaiian Electric’s position on the HD1 version. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the original bill but objected to the HD1 requirement for an additional $500 million shareholder contribution, arguing it was not feasible and could delay or prevent the fund from operating. The company said the bill would help protect customers and improve credit ratings by creating a dedicated revenue stream and a bankruptcy-remote financing structure, which it said would lower borrowing costs over time. Members questioned how the $1 billion securitization amount was chosen, whether credit rating agencies had indicated it was sufficient, and how the bill would work in bankruptcy; Hawaiian Electric said the amount was a balance among interests, not based on a specific agency directive, and that it would follow up on bankruptcy questions. Opponents and skeptics raised concerns about liability caps, the new claims process, and unclear language on damages above the fund’s limits. The Hawaii Association for Justice argued the bill limits victims’ remedies and gives too much authority to the new entity without clear guardrails. Committee members also pressed Hawaiian Electric on comparisons to California, the feasibility of the shareholder contribution, and whether alternative capital-raising or divestiture options had been considered. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided; testimony and questioning continued with follow-up information requested from Hawaiian Electric and others.

Transcript Highlights:

• salary—to produce reports and studies and results.
• <00:36:33.960> experts from departments the Actuarial experts from departments the Actuarial
• on salary to produce reports and studies on salary to produce reports and studies and<00:36:39.200
• And your bill is mostly looking to study the effects, right?
• study right to study mostly looking to study right to study the<01:27:13.679> effects<01:27:14.480

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• studies called Spectrum Gaming.
• we we studied a we commissioned a study we we studied a we commissioned a study with<00:47:21.760
• called Spectrum game Spectrum um studies called Spectrum game Spectrum gaming<00:47:27.800> they<
• to how much it was going to make actuary to how much it was going to make and<00:53:38.400> it
• As the Chair pointed out when he presented it, this is a recommendation from a study commission that

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Employees will pay the full actuarial cost as determined by the retirement systems actuary.
• <01:10:35.040> cost will pay the full actuarial cost will pay the full actuarial cost as<01
• . actuary. actuary.
• , what, um, what we found, is what And so, what, um, what we found, is what some<02:46:43.360> studies
• have found, is that there some studies have found, is that there are<02:46:44.960> certain are

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened, heard a prayer and pledge, established a quorum, excused absent senators, and adopted the prior journal. The chamber received House messages, including referral of Senate Confirmation 89 for Rex Jones to the Underground and Aboveground Storage Tank Trust Funds Management Board, and concurred in Senate Bill 231 after a 30-0 vote. Several local House bills were referred to the Committee on Local Legislation. During personal remarks, Senator Coleman-Madison recognized Women’s History Month and highlighted Alabama native Mary Ellen Jolly and her book, "Accidental Activist," praising women who support the legislature. The Senate then processed committee reports, including favorable reports on multiple Finance and Taxation General Fund bills (SB 143, 144, 145 with substitute, 152, 153, 154, 162, 226 with substitute, and 146 with substitute and one abstention), as well as confirmations for Nancy Sandford, Marty Abrams, and Jim Page to the University of North Alabama Board of Trustees, all of which were confirmed. Committee reports also advanced several county and municipal and local legislation measures, including SB 292, HB 351, HB 141, HB 273, HB 504, HB 488, SB 343, and SB 346. On the floor, SB 333 on class two municipalities passed after adoption of its BIR and committee amendment, and HB 308, a proposed constitutional amendment for Mobile County, passed after the Senate tabled the committee amendment, adopted a substitute amendment by Senator Figures, and approved the certification resolution. SB 334 for Shelby County, SB 339 for Crenshaw County, and HB 507 for Covington County also passed, with certification resolutions adopted where required. The governor returned SB 228 with an executive amendment, and the Senate concurred 33-0. The Rules Committee report set the special order calendar for the next legislative day, listing bills including SB 91, SB 280, SB 181, SB 237, SB 326, SB 255, HB 77, HB 104, HB 110, HB 271, HB 362, HB 332, HB 429, SB 211, HB 125, HB 122, HB 124, SB 140, SB 199, and SB 332. Senator Singleton spoke at length criticizing the handling of minority-sponsored bills and questioning several measures, and after debate the Senate adopted the special order calendar 34-0. SB 91 was then carried over at the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• I recently just got my PhD in public administration from UCF, and I studied the unemployment system for
• one of the requirements of 7089 as it relates directly to the funding formula was that it be an actuarially
• availability of the data that would have been required to meet the foundational elements of the actuarial
• availability of the data that would have been required to meet the foundational elements of the actuarial

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee held its first meeting of the term and heard introductory remarks from the chair, vice chair, ranking member, and members, who broadly described their interest in child welfare, mental health, aging services, homelessness, and agency accountability. The chair then outlined the subcommittee’s jurisdiction, including child welfare, mental health and substance abuse safety net services, domestic violence, developmental disabilities, elder services, and child support, and introduced the Department of Children and Families (DCF) as the first agency panel for the term. DCF presented an implementation update on HB 7089, a 2024 law aimed at increasing accountability and transparency for community-based care (CBC) lead agencies that deliver most child welfare services under contract. The department said the bill was prompted by forensic examinations that found problems such as noncompetitive procurement, related-party transactions, excessive executive compensation, and weak financial oversight. DCF described new contract requirements and monitoring tools covering board governance and annual training, conflict-of-interest disclosures, financial penalties for noncompliance, fidelity bond requirements, limits on direct service provision by lead agencies, related-party procurement rules, procurement thresholds, real-property approvals, compensation caps, expanded public reporting, and a new Future of Child Protection and Funding Work Group. DCF reported that some lead agencies had completed required board training, others were still on schedule, and two agencies exceeding the direct-service threshold had been referred to the Auditor General. Members asked DCF about the reasons for the bill, the impact on children, the work group’s regional representation, aging-out youth, the Embrace Families transition, board training requirements, and whether enforcement actions had been taken. DCF said the bill was intended to protect funds for children and families and improve oversight, and clarified that the Central Florida lead agency contract was awarded through competitive procurement rather than an absorption. DCF also said the board training was designed to be meaningful but not overly burdensome, with timing left partly to lead agencies as they implement the new requirements. The committee then heard from two CBC leaders, who generally supported the accountability goals of HB 7089 and said their agencies had already addressed most of the new governance and disclosure requirements. They reported that board training had been completed or was being scheduled, but both agencies said the fidelity bond requirement has been difficult or impossible to obtain in the market as written, though they were able to secure the separate performance bond. The CBC witnesses also warned that recruiting providers is increasingly difficult, especially for higher-acuity children and group-home placements, due to limited provider supply, regulatory burden, insurance costs, and rising risk. They said these pressures are contributing to budget deficits in some areas and urged lawmakers to consider the funding model, insurance and indemnification issues, and the risk of overregulation reducing provider participation.