Transcript Highlights:

• We increased childcare funding in the state by approximately 7.8 million dollars on the top line, more
• The agency requests for their increased cost was about $16 million dollars. But we don't.
• at $519,000 increase in the baseline.
• Excuse me, the state employee longevity pay increase was $519,000.
• If you could speak to, I see that they're getting a 67 million Dollars increase.

Bills: SB1177 , SB1177

Committee: House Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget

Keywords: education funding, mental health services, public safety, housing, state budget

Transcript Highlights:

• Since this is a three-for-three swap, there is no increase in the total number of positions at the agency
• services increased by...
• Well, I'm not looking for a drastic increase because I know that we were short-handed.
• , but with the increase in the pay, the overtime is still there.
• If you increase someone's pay, overtime, your dollar amount goes up.

Committee: All ALC-PERSONNEL

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of that is obviously driven by the increase in the number of parcels, but that's not the story here
• The story here is just the increase in property values overall.
• You know, one suggestion that was made a number of years ago was, well, we'd just increase the sales
• in sales tax, what would that increase be?
• Also, I'd like for us to even take a look at how we can prevent some of these property tax increases,

Committee: Senate Finance and Tax

Summary: The Senate Committee on Finance and Tax met to hear a staff presentation on Florida property taxes. Staff Director Azar Khan gave an overview of the property tax system, including constitutional limits, January 1 assessment rules, homestead and non-homestead residential property, commercial and agricultural classifications, tangible personal property, and centrally assessed property. The presentation highlighted major exemptions and assessment caps, such as the homestead exemptions, Save Our Homes, the 10% cap for non-homestead property, and favorable treatment for agricultural/classified use land. It also reviewed long-term growth in just value and taxable value statewide, along with declining millage rates over time as taxable values have risen. Members then discussed the possibility of eliminating property taxes and the fiscal consequences of doing so. Senator Jones asked about the impact on local governments and referenced estimates that replacing property tax revenue could require roughly $43 billion; staff responded that current levied amounts are in the ballpark of more than $30 billion for non-school levies and more than $20 billion for school levies, but that the exact impact would depend on county and district budgets and collections. Senators Bernard, Passidomo, Gates, and others emphasized the need for more data on alternative revenue sources, such as sales tax increases or other combinations, and for input from counties and cities before considering broad tax changes. Chair Avila explained the presentation was intended to give members a foundation before property tax proposals are heard in committee, noting that several bills had already been filed involving homestead and tangible personal property. No bills were voted on, and no formal action was taken beyond the informational presentation. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• York in relation to providing for retroactive benefit calculation for the senior citizens' rent increase
• exemption and the disability rent increase exemption.
• exemption benefits after a period of ineligibility due to a head of household's temporary increase in
• exemption benefits after a period of ineligibility due to a head of household's temporary increase in
• the Administrative Code of the City of New York in relation to eligibility requirements for rent increase

Committee: Senate Housing, Construction, and Community Development

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development met to open the 2006 session and discussed the governor’s executive budget, housing affordability, housing supply, and barriers to construction. Chair Brian Kavanaugh emphasized efforts to lower barriers to building housing and expand rental assistance and SCRIE/DRIE-related eligibility, while Ranking Member Jack Martins called for rolling back regulations that impede housing production. Senator Helming stressed that, especially in upstate New York, lack of electrical capacity is a major obstacle to new housing and urged attention to utility infrastructure; the chair responded that the budget includes a $3.75 billion proposal for water and sewer capacity and noted that electrical transmission and generation issues fall outside the committee’s direct jurisdiction. The committee also noted a joint Senate-Assembly budget hearing on housing scheduled for February 25. The committee then took up a 10-bill agenda, largely consisting of measures previously reported by the committee and many of which had passed the Senate in prior sessions. Bills addressed tenant registration statements for LLCs (S.119), leasing to business and other entities (S.240), notice requirements for SCRIE/DRIE rent increase exemptions (S.561), housing production reporting to the Department of State (S.919A), creation of a New York Main Street Development Center (S.1851), retroactive benefit calculations for SCRIE/DRIE (S.2534), a common application and web portal for housing funding and incentives (S.2707), tenant access to complete rent histories (S.3569), continuation of SCRIE benefits after temporary income increases (S.4252), and eligibility requirements for disability rent increase exemptions (S.6510). Several members raised questions or comments on specific bills, including the absence of an Assembly sponsor on S.2707 and the need for technical alignment with Assembly versions. All ten bills were reported out of committee, with some advanced to the floor and others to the Finance Committee. Senator Walchick voted in the negative on several measures, while Senators Helming and Martins occasionally voted “without recommendation” on selected bills. No bill was defeated, and the meeting adjourned with notice that another housing committee meeting was expected the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• We regularly reported on what we were increasing beyond the prior year and the magnitude of those increases
• We've increased 14%.
• Our taxes were increased rate-wise down.
• Um and the uh increases.
• </c> additional 9% increase in rate. additional 9% increase in rate.

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including a quorum call, approval of minutes, and informational items on school district financing and KCTCS equipment purchases. It then considered two KCTCS capital projects after initially rolling them together and later unrolling them: a Fire Commission Fire Academy maintenance building project that had grown from an original $2 million authorization to $4.7 million because of design changes, soil issues, and higher mechanical costs, and a $1.5 million renovation of the Blake Lee building at Somerset Community College for a health science simulation lab. Members questioned the large cost increase on the fire academy project and the adequacy of front-end due diligence, while KCTCS said the project was bid and ready to proceed and that a 15% contingency had been included. Both projects were approved by roll call vote, with the Blake Lee project ultimately approved after the committee unrolled the items and took them separately. The committee next heard and approved a University of Kentucky public-private partnership for the Hamburg East Medical Office Building, a five-story, 220,000-square-foot facility with a not-to-exceed budget of $275 million. UK said the project is intended to expand outpatient access, consolidate some services, and support projected growth in patient volume; the building will house multiple specialties, urgent care, therapy, imaging, and a retail pharmacy. Members asked about possible community uses, consolidation of services, and whether the project would free up other space, and UK said it hopes to consolidate some services and free campus space. The project was approved by roll call vote. The committee then approved three UK lease renegotiations: a specialty pharmacy and infusion services lease at Wellington Way in Lexington, a Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences lease at Conte Terrace, and a College of Social Work lease at McGrath Park Way. Members asked about rising lease rates, occupancy, and whether space needs should be reduced; UK and the lessor’s representative said the pharmacy space remains busy, the ophthalmology lease was lower than before, and the social work lease had been negotiated down from a higher request. The committee also approved a Department of Military Affairs project amendment for a Mutual Field Maintenance Shop Restoration project, increasing federal funding by $1 million to $4.5 million because of higher construction costs, and approved a Kentucky State University Shanty Hall renovation project funded by bond and HBCU Title III funds. Finally, it approved a new lease for the Office of Mines and Minerals in Pike County, a new lease for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Pulaski County, and a lease renewal for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Kenton County after questions about rent increases and office utilization; the cabinet said the Kenton County space still has limited vacancy and remains in use by field staff. The meeting ended as the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority began presenting six sewer and water loans and six cleaner water program grant reallocations, with members agreeing to roll those items for later consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is no increase or decrease in the total number of authorized positions.
• This is in response to a substantial increase in workload resulting from federal changes regarding the
• Because this is a growth pool position, the increase will increase the total number of authorized positions
• The Department of Higher Education has recommended the requested position, and this will increase the
• The request is predicated upon the increased administrative workload due to escalating inspection activity

Committee: All ALC-PERSONNEL

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several personnel and position requests. Item B from Parks, Heritage and Tourism was a one-for-one swap of an administrative coordinator for a Parks and Tourism Program Supervisor Expert to support statewide guest service training; it was reviewed and approved. Item C from the Department of Correction requested a new administrative law judge at the Post-Prison Transfer Board due to increased workload from federal parole revocation changes; it was approved. Item D from Black River Technical College requested a higher education central growth pool position for an associate vice president to serve as a temporary transition role during a CFO retirement. College officials testified that the position would be used only during the training/on-ramp period and could be left vacant otherwise; after questions from members, the request was reviewed and approved. Item E from Parks, Heritage and Tourism sought certification differentials of up to 10% for employees holding required Class A and B CDL licenses; the committee reviewed and approved the request. Item F from the Department of Labor and Licensing asked to use a previously frozen administrative coordinator position in the OSHA division because of increased inspection-related workload; the committee approved the request. Items G and H were continuation requests for higher education positions previously reviewed by the committee, and the committee voted to review them together and approved that review. Items I through N were reports requiring no committee action. Members were told that one packet item had a typo and a corrected version was provided. No further questions or business were raised, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to increase spending on primary care.
• On a personal note, juggling these ever-increasing demands took their toll on me.
• On a personal note, juggling these ever-increasing demands took their toll on me.
• by the COVID pandemic and increasing patient acuity.
• At this time, I'm going to go to Senate 1613, an act to increase access to health transportation.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hybrid hearing on a wide range of bills focused on patient safety, workforce development, health equity, and access to care. A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 2362/S. 1491, which would require health care providers to offer trained chaperones for sensitive exams. Sponsors and supporters said the bill is a common-sense safeguard prompted by cases of physician sexual abuse, and survivors gave emotional testimony describing grooming, isolation, and abuse during exams when no chaperone was present. Support also came from a health services researcher, a physician, and a RAINN representative, all arguing that trained chaperones and clearer documentation would improve transparency and protect patients. Committee members asked about clarifying who may serve as a chaperone and whether the bill would apply to other clinicians such as PTs and OTs. The committee also heard testimony on H. 2401/S. 1485, which would require explicit informed consent for certain educational exams performed on unconscious patients. The bill’s supporters said patients should know in advance if students or physicians will conduct non-medically necessary exams while they are under anesthesia, and that the measure would protect survivors from retraumatization. The hearing then moved to H. 2537, a primary care access bill. Health Care for All, the Massachusetts Medical Society, pediatric and internal medicine physicians, and a patient advocate described long waits, provider shortages, and difficulty finding primary care, especially for low-income people and people of color. They supported the bill’s proposed primary care spending target, payment reforms, Medicaid graduate medical education funding, and a commercial payment floor for health centers. Another set of bills addressed workforce and safety issues. H. 2397/S. 1593 would establish a nursing workforce center; nursing leaders said Massachusetts should make the current workforce council permanent to support data collection, apprenticeships, and long-term planning for the state’s largest health care workforce. H. 2396/S. 1535 would require safe patient handling and mobility programs in health facilities; nurses described serious injuries from lifting patients and said better equipment and programs would reduce staff injuries and improve patient outcomes. H. 2501/S. 1505 on LGBTQ+ health disparities drew support from a medical student and Doctors for America, who urged collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data to improve care and school outcomes. Finally, H. 2448/S. 1522 on patient safety and equitable access to care drew strong support from nursing organizations and individual nurses who described unsafe staffing, burnout, and patient harm, while the Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems opposed the bill as redundant for psychiatric facilities already regulated by the Department of Mental Health.

Transcript Highlights:

• The department's failure to review independent audit reports increases the risk of failing to identify
• The department's failure to review independent audit reports increases the risk of failing to identify
• Both tribal contributions and event wagering and fantasy sports privilege fees continue to increase year
• This inconsistency was flagged because it increases the risk of potential harm to the public and led
• Failure to comply with conflict of interest requirements and recommended practices increases the risk

Committees: House Commerce , House House Commerce Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, what we're trying to do here is just increase those options and opportunities for people.
• And then the second part is I think increasing fees sometimes impacts people who can't afford it.
• And then the second part is I think increasing fees sometimes impacts people who can't afford it.
• And then the second part is I think increasing fees sometimes impacts people who can't afford it.
• And then the second part is I think increasing fees sometimes impacts people who can't afford it.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's likely where we're going to see the participation increase.
• point increase at lunch, which isn't huge, but I looked at what we already are at.
• So I increased that lunch to 80% to 85%. I increased that breakfast to 50% to 60%.
• point increase at lunch, which isn't huge, but I looked at what we already are at.
• So I increased that lunch to 80 to 85%. It increased that breakfast to 50% to 60%.

Committee: Joint Legislative Management

Transcript Highlights:

• at breakfast and a 9 percentage point increase at lunch.
• point increase at lunch, which isn't huge, but I looked at what we already are at.
• So I increased that lunch to 80 to 85%. It increased that breakfast to 50% to 60%.
• And one of them is by increasing CEP and Provision 2 participation.
• Johnson, you had helpful percentages that have been the average increase in... Thank you, Mr.

Summary: The Legislative Management Committee met to address the fiscal impact of Initiated Constitutional Measure No. 3, which would require public schools, public school districts, and public charter schools to provide breakfast and lunch at no cost to students and allow reimbursement from the state, with implementation beginning in the 2027-28 school year. The committee first filled a vacancy created by Representative Jared Hagert’s resignation by appointing Representative Berg to the committee. Legislative Council and DPI staff explained the measure’s requirements, including federal reimbursement participation, possible use of the legacy earnings fund if other funding is unavailable, and the authority of the Legislature and superintendent of public instruction to clarify implementation details. Linnell Johnson of DPI testified that the estimated fiscal impact for the 2027-2029 biennium is between $124 million and $134 million, based on participation assumptions, federal reimbursement rates, and the extent to which schools continue to collect applications or use community eligibility/provision 2 options. She also noted a likely additional administrative cost of about $300,000 for DPI to operate the program. Members asked about school participation, Title I implications, special diets, staffing, and whether the measure could reduce federal reimbursements if families stop applying. Johnson said the estimate is uncertain and could be higher if applications decline, but that schools would still have incentives to participate in federal programs because of reimbursement and other funding ties. After discussion, the committee adopted a motion to report a fiscal impact range of $124,300,000 to $134,300,000 per biennium to the Secretary of State. The committee then received an informational update from Legislative Council attorney Dustin Richard on the ongoing redistricting litigation. He explained that the U.S. Supreme Court vacated the Eighth Circuit’s ruling and sent the case back for reconsideration in light of Louisiana v. Callais, while the district court-imposed map remains in effect for now. No action was taken on that update, and the meeting adjourned after members noted minutes from the prior meeting were not yet available for approval.

Transcript Highlights:

• point increase at lunch, which isn't huge, but I looked at what we already are at.
• So I increased that lunch to 80% to 85%. I increased that breakfast to 50% to 60%.
• point increase at lunch, which isn't huge, but I looked at what we already are at.
• So I increased that lunch to 80 to 85%. It increased that breakfast to 50% to 60%.
• One of them is by increasing CEP and Provision 2 participation.

Committee: Joint Legislative Management

Summary: The Legislative Management Committee met to fill a vacancy created by Representative Jared Hagert’s resignation, and the House majority recommended Representative Berg to replace him on the committee. The motion to appoint Berg was approved unanimously. The committee then took up its assigned task of estimating the fiscal impact of Initiated Constitutional Measure No. 3, the school meals measure, which would require public schools, and optionally nonpublic and tribal schools, to provide breakfast and lunch at no cost to students and reimburse schools through state funds after federal reimbursements are maximized. Legislative Council’s Liz Fordall summarized the measure’s requirements and answered questions about implementation, including the 2027-28 start date, the measure’s interaction with the Legacy Earnings Fund, and the fact that the Legislature would still control the funding source. DPI’s Linnell Johnson then testified at length on current school meal programs, direct certification, CEP and Provision 2 participation, and likely behavioral changes if the measure passed. She estimated the biennial fiscal impact at $124 million to $134 million, with an additional roughly $300,000 in administrative costs, and explained that the estimate assumed higher participation and some schools shifting to CEP/Provision 2 to preserve federal reimbursements. She also noted that if no new applications were filed in non-CEP schools, the cost could be substantially higher. After discussion, Senator Sorvaag moved to report a fiscal impact range of $124,300,000 to $134,300,000 per biennium to the Secretary of State, and the motion carried. The committee also received an informational update from Legislative Council attorney Dustin Richard on the ongoing redistricting litigation, explaining that the U.S. Supreme Court vacated the Eighth Circuit’s prior ruling and remanded the case for further consideration in light of Louisiana v. Callais, leaving the court-imposed map in effect for now. No action was required on that item, and the meeting adjourned after a brief note that the prior minutes would be brought back at a later meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're expected to see a continued decline due to increasing temperatures.
• So all this leads to the increased likelihood of seeing more droughts in the future.
• This year adds to a recent pattern of increased frequency of drought declarations.
• Do we need to increase funding?
• Do we need to increase funding in that area?

Committee: Joint Joint Legislative Committee on Water Supply During Drought

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first elected Rep. Reeves as chair and Rep. Dent as vice chair for the coming year, with the vote appearing unanimous. After a brief discussion about who would chair the rest of the meeting, the committee proceeded to its regular agenda focused on the 2026 drought situation in Washington. The Washington state climatologist, Karen Mbacca, and Department of Ecology drought staff presented data showing a statewide drought declaration issued April 8 due to very low snowpack, warm winter temperatures, and resulting water supply concerns. They described the state’s statutory drought criteria, current reservoir and streamflow conditions, Yakima Basin water supply forecasts, likely summer temperature and precipitation outlooks, and the possibility of an El Niño developing later in the year. Ecology said the declaration makes $3 million in drought response grants available and allows expedited water transfer processing, and staff said they are already hearing concerns about impacts to agriculture, fish, and drinking water systems. Committee members discussed the need for longer-term drought preparedness, possible legislative tools, and whether additional funding or reservoir/storage strategies should be considered. Rep. Dent and others asked about available grant money and future mitigation planning, while Ecology said it is open to working with the legislature and stakeholders on resilience measures. The committee then heard a contrasting presentation from Dr. Cliff Mass of the University of Washington, who argued there is no current drought emergency because reservoirs are full, precipitation and soil moisture are near or above normal in many areas, and agriculture is performing well; he said the state’s drought declaration is not justified by current conditions. Members questioned him about reservoir capacity, drought definitions, and forecasts, and the meeting ended with several members thanking departing legislators and noting the importance of continued water planning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Will it be sufficient from existing tax and the tax increase, the tax plus fare revenue?
• We should increase oversight. What do you think about that? You asked a number of questions.
• Are they taking to increase the ridership or the lost riders?
• ...to increase the ridership of all the lost riders to come back. Is it really secure?
• Month-to-month increases in ridership to nearly 80% of pre-pandemic levels.

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Transcript Highlights:

• That's what's increasing. They want to provide for population increase.
• That's what's increasing. They want to provide for population increase.
• When you increase the amount that would be claimed for sovereign immunity limits, that increases the
• number of demands, and those demands increase. ...claim for sovereign immunity limits, that increases
• While you did see an increase, while we've seen an increase in the number of the exemptions, in the 23

Bills: S0036 , S0620 , S0796 , S0934 , S1080 , S1096 , S1366 , S1536 , S1548 , S1580 , S1588 , S1620 , S1756 , S7034 , S7044

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: nursing title, advanced practice registered nurse, advertising, professional standards, disciplinary action, candidate qualifying, federal office, election integrity, regulatory compliance, political candidacy, veterinary medicine, telehealth, veterinary professional associate, animal health, public safety, access to veterinary services, payment bond exemption, Habitat for Humanity, Florida Forever Act, land acquisition

Transcript Highlights:

• We increased their funding when it comes to FBA, but also in what we're going to compensate their educating
• We increased child care funding in the state by approximately $7.8 million on the top line more than
• So my question from this morning's review showed an increased operational cost for veterans' homes.
• We increased, whether it's the restoration of the embargoed funds, a $519,000 increase in the baseline
• They asked for an increase in their maintenance of effort of Title 19 at $49 million.

Bills: SB1177

Committee: House Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget

Summary: The Joint Appropriations and Budget Committee took up Senate Bill 1177, the main budget bill, and first adopted the committee substitute as the working version. Chairman Caldwell presented the bill as the measure funding state government and answered a series of questions about major budget items, including CareerTech funding, child care, school security, teacher pay raises, the state plane purchase, Medicaid, mental health, veterans’ homes, and higher education projects. He said CareerTech received increased funding, child care funding was increased by roughly $12 million over last year, school security funding was continued at $50 million, and teacher pay raises were included through a mechanism that would raise the state minimum by $2,000. He also explained the $3 million state plane item as a restructuring of state aviation assets, and said the budget did not cut law enforcement funding tied to 287(g) agreements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Must come and ask our permission to increase their interest rate and fees.
• Speaker, they are asking for a modest increase in the interest rate from 4% to 5%, a modest increase
• In light of inflation, increased taxes, and other prices, pawnbrokers must have a modest increase to
• These are modest increases.
• an increase since the early 2000s.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, offered the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer, approved the prior day’s minutes, recognized visitors from the Colville Tribal Business Council, and then caucused briefly before taking up bills. The chamber also received a Senate message announcing passage of Substitute Senate Bill 5000. Members advanced and passed several bills. House Bill 1269, raising pawnbroker interest rates and fees modestly, passed 83-14 after supporters said it would help small businesses serving unbanked customers and maintain operations amid inflation. Substitute House Bill 2123, changing foreign national campaign contribution reporting rules, passed 68-29 amid debate over whether it appropriately reduced burdens on candidate campaigns while still protecting initiative campaigns. Substitute House Bill 2178, a technical court-rules and procedure cleanup bill, passed 89-8; House Bill 2120, which removes two duplicative JLARC reports to free staff for higher-value audits, passed unanimously 97-0; House Bill 2309, eliminating postgraduate degree requirements for certain state jobs to reduce employment barriers, passed 97-0; and Substitute House Bill 2158, allowing electronic remote notarization of physical documents, passed 96-0. The House also passed Substitute House Bill 2411, expanding shared leave eligibility to include absences related to hate crimes and immigration enforcement actions, by a vote of 60-36 after supporters framed it as support for public employees and opponents raised cost and policy concerns. House Joint Memorial 4004, a nonbinding request to Congress concerning sea lion management to protect salmon and treaty fishing rights, passed 80-16 after debate focused on salmon restoration and tribal rights. Finally, Substitute House Joint Memorial 4001, honoring Russell Blount by naming the future East 34th Street overpass over I-5, passed 96-0. The House then adjourned until the next scheduled session.

Transcript Highlights:

• revenue with increasing deficits—is that we need to focus on outcomes.
• revenue with increasing deficits.
• Is it successful, or are cost increases just unsustainable?
• It's strategically important with our structural deficit and increasing revenues with increasing deficits
• But strategically, with our structural deficit and increasing revenues with increasing deficits, that's

Summary: The subcommittee heard budget proposals for Exposition Park, the California Science Center, the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI), the Debt Collection Licensing Act program, and the Board of Registered Nursing. For Exposition Park, the administration requested $96.5 million for utility replacement, site improvements, code compliance, accessibility, and safety upgrades, plus $1.698 million for operational sustainability funded from the park’s improvement fund. The LAO said the proposals had merit but noted the first item could be downscaled if needed because of the state’s budget condition. Members emphasized the park’s deferred maintenance, major upcoming events, and the need to protect a statewide asset; both Exposition Park items were held open. The Science Center requested funding to open and operate the new Air and Space Center, including staffing for the facility that will display the Space Shuttle Endeavour and expand exhibit space. The LAO supported the proposal but suggested the Legislature consider alternative funding sources such as admission fees, parking fees, or private funds. Members discussed the Science Center’s public-private funding model, the importance of keeping access affordable for disadvantaged communities, and the tradeoff between free admission and long-term operating support. The item was also held open. DFPI sought continuation of expenditure authority for the California Consumer Financial Protection Law, debt collection licensing, and broker-dealer/investment adviser workloads, and the LAO recommended limited-term funding with more cumulative reporting before permanent funding is considered. Members pressed the department on whether its workload and spending are tied to measurable outcomes rather than just activity counts, and DFPI cited complaint resolution, enforcement actions, and restitution recovered as examples of impact. The Debt Collection Licensing Act item drew similar LAO comments, but members raised stronger concerns about the financing model, the gap between projected and actual licensee counts, and whether spending levels are justified; that item was held open. The Board of Registered Nursing requested $1.4 million for eight special investigators to address rising complaints, and the board said most complaints are resolved through investigation, referral, probation, or rehabilitation rather than discipline. Members asked about complaint backlogs, viral and potentially automated complaints, bias in care, and the lack of broader inspection authority; the item was also held open.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I kind of have to question when COVID hit, particularly nurses' salaries really increased.
• And I think that increased the complaints. It also staff dealt with that.
• We know that increases adherence. It's also extremely expensive.
• We expect higher insurance premiums, a 20% increase. That's cost to the program.
• We expect higher insurance premiums, 20% increase. That's cost to the program.

Committee: House Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• One instance of a 17-year-old period supplemented broodstock program showed a 2.6 increase where the
• So a lot of reasons to think this could be a good tool in our hatchery program to increase our natural
• some relief possible to mitigate the damages of those fee increases.
• They slow water down and they increase connections between surface and groundwater.
• valuable habitats for a lot of species, and increase heterogeneity.

Bills: SB6104 , SB6241 , SJM8015 , SB6318

Committee: Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: agriculture, protection, state regulation, farmers, land use, sustainability, steelhead, conservation, wildlife, fishing, environmental protection, federal response, wildfire protection, community safety, infrastructure, natural resources, commercial shellfish, fees, fishing industry, regulations