Transcript Highlights:

• Over the past several years, a series of troubling financial management practices have come to light
• Really, a statement I'd seen in the paper a couple of days ago: Commissioner Strickland had said that
• And so for that, I was interested on behalf of the taxpayers before, but now I'm real interested.
• district, that did not have any type of financial activity that we could determine during their review
• report to the Department of Financial Services, which captures certain financial information as DFS

Summary: The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee met to consider several audit requests and enforcement items involving local governments and special districts. The committee approved operational audits of the City of Miami Beach, the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority, and the City of Daytona Beach. In each case, the requesting member described concerns about transparency, financial management, or internal controls, while local officials or representatives generally said they were willing to cooperate and, in Delray Beach’s case, noted that an internal audit had already been completed and that some issues were being corrected. The committee also received a presentation on the statewide review of neighborhood improvement districts. The reviewers reported that 15 of 21 districts were active and six inactive, with common findings including outdated or missing performance plans, weak web presence, inadequate meeting notices, and limited management mechanisms. They said staffing levels often correlated with the ability to meet statutory requirements, and they recommended updates to district governance and transparency practices. On enforcement, staff reviewed local governments and special districts that had failed to file required financial reports or had submitted audit reports missing required information. The committee approved staff recommendations to proceed under the statutory enforcement process for the noncompliant entities, with flexibility for the chair and vice chair to delay action if additional information is provided in good faith. The committee also voted to send a letter to the Union County Legislative Delegation encouraging a local bill to dissolve the Town of Rayford, based on staff’s view that the town lacked employees, services, debt, and a clear reason to continue existing as an incorporated municipality.

Transcript Highlights:

• So what this bill does, it's a culmination of work over about 3 to 4 years and what's interesting, Chairman
• Part of it is, is due to the concentration of risk and the risk of, of storms.
• the catastrophe reserve Trust Fund removes our debt financing so we don't have all of the interest in
• I've got a bunch of questions, but I'm only gonna ask a few in the interest of time.
• Um, that, uh, companies be able to price it, uh, with their experience and, and one of the interesting

Committee: House Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• of this bill.
• But with the rest of Missouri, you actually have to pay the entire amount plus any interest or filing
• A lot of times it collides with financial hardship around Christmas.
• , some uncertainty around how much funding is going to come through the formula, a lot of interest around
• I would hate to speak on behalf of DESE. And I'm also not a financial expert. Yeah, that's fair.

Committee: House Special Committee on Tax Reform

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We turn the rule in to the Division of Financial Management, who then submits it to the legislature,
• Management. ...is, I mean, we provide it to the legislature through the Division of Financial Management
• We made the initiative with the Division of Financial Management to remove it from the administrative
• , the unified statement of the legislature's Idaho Code.
• In 2025, we adopted a new mission statement to reflect the evolution and focus of Your Health Idaho:

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, you have to prove eligibility. You have to sign a statement of eligibility.
• a financial advisor compared to when you do... ...the cost of underwriting when you don't use a financial
• The average cost of a financial advisor is about $1.50 per thousand dollars of bonds issued.
• So you're saving a lot of money by hiring a financial advisor.
• And so it's interesting to see the sponsor of this bill. And so I vote aye.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's also enough of a financial impact to justify that. Thank you.
• It's also enough of a financial impact to justify that. Thank you.
• It's also enough of a financial impact to justify that.
• </c><00:43:02.720><c> of</c> value statements of value statements of what<00:43:04.680><c> um</c><00:
• state</c><00:45:32.400><c> as</c> financial circumstances of the state as financial circumstances of

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division II work session considered several amendments to HB 2. The first two items were rejected: a proposal to add a new “Lakes” license plate with proceeds to the cyanobacteria fund failed 7-8, and Amendment 1040, which would have imposed a 5% administrative fee on certain dedicated funds to raise general fund revenue, failed 4-5. Representative Maguire explained the fee would apply only to new revenue going forward and would not change existing fund balances; he also described exemptions for federal funds, bequests, and other special cases. Representative Murray questioned the consistency of the approach and who currently pays administrative costs, while Maguire said the charges are often handled case-by-case by agencies or the treasurer. The committee then revisited revenue distribution changes in HB 2. Members first reconsidered and reversed prior acceptance of sections affecting the Education Trust Fund, then adopted Amendment 1381H, which changes the distribution of business profits tax and business enterprise tax revenue, along with related sections, to shift more money to the General Fund. Supporters argued the change was needed to address revenue shortfalls and to align with historical distributions; opponents said it reduced support for education. The reconsideration motion passed 7-3, and the amendment itself passed 5-3. The committee also adopted Amendment 1413H, incorporating the language of HB 741 on open enrollment and student attendance in public schools. Supporters said it was House policy and had sufficient policy and fiscal impact to belong in HB 2; opponents noted the underlying bill had been controversial and passed the House by a relatively close margin. Finally, the committee considered a USNH budget reduction proposal that would cut the University System of New Hampshire by $25 million per year net. Supporters said the cut was necessary to balance the budget and that K-12 obligations had to take priority, while opponents argued the cut would harm workforce development, the state economy, and student retention. The transcript cuts off during extended debate, and no final vote on the USNH item is shown in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's about protecting the right of every Alabamian to access financial services without fear of ideological
• We can safeguard our state from the unpredictable actions of politicized financial institutions.
• It will also distract the Alabama Banking Department from their responsibility of keeping Alabama's financial
• But we do a lot of good, and I'm not here representing a national agenda or a special interest group.
• out of the state, primarily in the small group market of under 25, which in the state of ...market of

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's interesting because only 2% of our overall population of children has autism, but yet when we talk
• It's interesting because only 2 percent of our overall population of children has autism.
• financial interest by Senator Rodriguez.
• financial interest by Senator Rodriguez.
• But the financial feasibility aspect of it, I think we're mostly there.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a wide range of bills, with several focused on water safety, utilities, and local government transparency. CS/SB 848 on stormwater treatment was explained as clarifying water quality credits and water quality enhancement areas, and it was reported favorably after one support appearance. SB 28, a claim bill for Reginald Jackson against the City of Lakeland arising from injuries caused by a police shooting, was also reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 658 on water safety requirements for rental properties drew extensive testimony in support from child advocacy and drowning prevention advocates, who cited Florida’s high child drowning rates and the disproportionate impact on children with autism; the bill was amended to require front-end certification and remove local add-on authority, then passed favorably. CS/SB 18, a claim bill involving the estate of a deceased minor and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, was reported favorably after questions about the verdict, settlement posture, and who would receive the funds. SB 934 on areas of critical state concern was amended to remove a provision viewed as conflicting with the Live Local Act and then passed favorably. SB 1622, which creates a one-time waiver for certain late-filed financial disclosure fines, also passed favorably with support from an appearance form. SB 1264 on private schools and zoning was reported favorably after members noted ongoing concerns and planned further discussion. CS/CS/SB 260 on electric vehicle storage in towing yards was amended to narrow the bill to storage issues and cap the fee period until inspection; it drew both support and opposition from insurers, fire officials, and vehicle industry representatives, and was reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 1014, dealing with municipal utility service to properties outside city limits, was amended to limit it to residential development and clarify capacity standards, then passed favorably. CS/SB 1102 expanded the local infrastructure surtax to include body camera programs and was reported favorably after an amendment requiring voter approval. Finally, CS/SB 1724 and SB 1566, both on local government utility and budget transparency, were amended and reported favorably despite concerns from cities and counties about implementation costs and burdens.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults residing in certain settings.
• , and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.
• abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults residing in certain settings.
• most often of which are other financial crimes like money laundering and identity theft.
• Examples of available classes include an overview of grants administration, financial reconciliation

Bills: HF3043 , HF2891

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Keywords: public safety, illegal remunerations, healthcare fraud, grants, criminal penalties, state law, grants management, state employees training, certification, monitoring grants, accountability, grant fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• We’re going to move on to the Office of Financial Regulation.
• We're going to move to the Department of Financial Services.
• In the interest of time. Yes, Rep. Owen. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• In our meeting with OIR, one of the main takeaways that I had is that OIR, as well as the Office of Financial
• One point that we found interesting was that they also regulate thousands of pay phones, most of which

Summary: The subcommittee met to review agency travel, budget reduction exercises, and member reports from agency meetings. Early discussion focused on the Department of Management Services (DMS), where members questioned the cost of travel for four out-of-state data/cyber staff and the secretary’s absence. DMS defended the hires as highly specialized enterprise cybersecurity and data personnel, said the positions were lawfully paid and posted, and explained that the staff work on statewide data cataloging and cyber risk reduction rather than agency-by-agency systems. Members also raised concerns about fleet inventory discrepancies and requested follow-up information on hiring, travel, and data inventory timelines. The chair said she would consider travel guardrails and possible reductions, and noted that DMS, the Lottery, and the Florida Commission on Human Relations did not meet the requested reduction target, while the Public Employee Relations Commission did not submit reductions. The committee then heard from the Florida Lottery about the secretary’s trip to Paris for the World Lottery Convention. Lottery staff said the trip was reimbursed through the multi-state lottery organization and was intended to share best practices and improve operations, though members questioned the value of the travel and requested reimbursement records and the trip agenda. The subcommittee also reviewed agency reduction exercises from several agencies. The Department of Revenue exceeded its target and was praised for frugality; DFS, the Florida Gaming Control Commission, the Office of Financial Regulation, the Office of Insurance Regulation, the Public Service Commission, the Division of Administrative Hearings, and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation each described how they met or approached their reduction goals, often through vacancies, reversions, or expense cuts. OIR warned that further reductions could hurt insurance regulation capacity, while OFR and PSC said their reductions were based on historical reversions and lower post-COVID travel or vacancy levels. Members then reported back on agency meetings. DMS members raised fleet tracking, real property audits, salary studies, and health plan savings ideas, and asked for follow-up on the Florida PALM project, cybersecurity grants, and state IT modernization. DFS members said the agency was efficient and that its Palm-related work and insurance consumer programs were important. Lottery members emphasized the agency’s revenue generation for education and its low administrative overhead. Gaming Control members highlighted storage costs for seized gaming equipment and suggested technology-based alternatives. PERC members said a union-related law had doubled their workload and asked for more staffing and possible AI assistance. OIR members stressed the need for a Tampa satellite office and more resources to recruit and retain specialized staff. The chair closed by saying the committee would continue reviewing travel, staffing, and reductions with an eye toward taxpayer value and transparency.

Transcript Highlights:

• The purpose of today's hearing is to gain insight about the long-term financial condition of MOSERS.
• The focus of the hearing will cover a range of topics, including the funding status of MOSERS.
• The focus of the hearing will cover a range of topics, including the funding status of MOSERS, the recent
• of level percent of payroll on the right.
• They do impact the financial position of the plan, what it looks like.

Committee: House Joint Committee on Public Employee Retirement

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Employee Retirement held an informational hearing on the Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System (MOSERS) to review its long-term financial condition, funding status, investment performance, experience study results, and possible legislation. MOSERS staff explained that the plan is a statutorily created defined benefit system covering state employees, several colleges and quasi-governmental entities, with an 11-member board and outside actuarial and investment consultants. They reported the June 30, 2025 valuation showed a funded ratio of 55.4%, assets of about $9.6 billion, liabilities of about $17.4 billion, and a FY27 actuarial employer rate of 27.44%, which the board raised to a 32% minimum contribution rate under a policy adopted in 2023. MOSERS attributed the funding decline over time to several factors: reductions in the assumed investment return from 8.5% to 6.95%, mortality assumption updates, a move from open to closed amortization, and especially weak payroll growth and a shrinking active workforce. Staff said the minimum contribution policy is intended to accelerate UAL paydown and could bring the plan to 80% funded by 2037 rather than 2041, assuming all assumptions are met. The committee also discussed the recent experience study, which kept the investment return assumption at 6.95% and made only modest assumption changes, and a proposed 2026 bill package (SB 1557 and SB 1054) that would automatically refund small balances under $1,000 to terminated non-vested members and add auto-escalation to the deferred compensation plan. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on investment strategy and why MOSERS has lagged some peers. The investment consultant said historical underperformance was driven mainly by asset allocation choices that emphasized a more risk-balanced, diversified portfolio with less public equity exposure than peers during a period when equities performed very strongly. He said the board adopted a more equity-oriented allocation in 2024 and is phasing it in over eight quarters, with recent short-term results improving and the portfolio outperforming its policy benchmark. Members also asked about the effect of inactive members, the rationale for the higher employer contribution, and whether the current board should be held responsible for past decisions; MOSERS officials emphasized that the current board is trying to correct course and that pension funding changes take time. The hearing also touched on ongoing litigation against a former private equity manager, Catalyst Capital, with MOSERS saying it has spent about $20 million in legal fees so far and that the case remains on appeal. The committee took no formal vote and adjourned after the informational presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jill Rodman, Director of the Office of Program Research, nonpartisan staff for the House of Representatives
• Oh, this is going to be an interesting, really wonky discussion of decodified chapters and how they should
• So one of the reasons, one of the underlying goals of this was to make the law more efficacious, to help
• And anything that might be seen as kind of a policy statement is really outside the scope of our office
• And anything that might be seen as kind of a policy statement is really outside the scope of our office

Committee: Joint Statute Law Committee

Summary: The Statute Law Committee met on December 10, 2025, approved the June 10, 2025 minutes, and received a publications update noting that the 2025 RCW volumes and session laws are available, with sales continuing a gradual decline but generally tracking prior years. The committee also heard that the office remains fully staffed and financially stable, with projected year-end funds remaining and a healthy publications fund balance. A major discussion centered on a proposal from retired Judge Ann Levinson to make the code more reader-friendly when chapters are repealed and recodified, especially after the civil protection orders reform in E2 SHB 1320, which consolidated multiple protection order laws into new chapter 7.105 RCW. Levinson argued that current disposition-table language such as “repealed by” can be confusing to the public and may appear to signal legislative disapproval, and suggested adding a simple pointer to the new chapter. Code revisers explained their current practice, the limits of their editorial discretion, and the technical and policy concerns involved, while expressing support for some form of “see also” guidance and noting that hyperlinking session-law citations in disposition tables may also help readers find the new law. The committee also discussed office operations, including a planned move from the modular offices back into the rebuilt Pritchard building, expected in late 2026, with improved space, storage, and enclosed offices. Staff proposed changing regular Monday-through-Thursday office hours from 8 a.m.–8 p.m. to 8 a.m.–7 p.m., with exceptions for active work, client requests, and floor action; the proposal was supported by a chart showing that many evenings have no work after 7 p.m., though late nights would still occur during busy periods. The meeting ended with acknowledgments of retiring staff, including editor Barb Sage after 37 years of service, and a farewell to Vice Chair Sam Thompson, whose successor had just been selected.

Transcript Highlights:

• Over the past several years, a series of troubling financial management practices have come to light
• Really, a statement I'd seen in the paper a couple of days ago: Commissioner Strickland had said that
• And so for that, I was interested on behalf of the taxpayers before, but now I'm really interested.
• report to the Department of Financial Services, which captures certain financial information as DFS
• Revenue and the Department of Financial Services or Florida Commerce, as appropriate.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee met to consider several audit requests and enforcement items related to local government accountability. The committee heard requests for operational audits of the City of Miami Beach, the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority, and the City of Daytona Beach. In each case, the requesting member cited concerns about transparency, financial management, or compliance with state law. Representatives from Delray Beach DDA testified that an internal audit had already been completed, that findings were limited, and that they were working to cure issues such as procurement, credit card, and disbursement policies; the DDA chair also said the organization was willing to cooperate and was considering transitioning out of operating Old School Square. For Daytona Beach, the sponsor pointed to excess building permit revenues, vehicle purchases, and reported P-card irregularities as reasons for a broader audit. The committee approved all three audit requests, directing the Auditor General to finalize the scope while considering the stated concerns. The committee also received a presentation on the statewide performance reviews of 21 neighborhood improvement districts. The reviewers reported that 15 districts were active and six inactive, with common issues including outdated or missing performance plans, weak web presence, inadequate meeting notices, and limited management mechanisms. They said staffing levels often correlated with the ability to meet statutory requirements, and recommended that several districts be reviewed to determine whether they were still needed. Members asked about staffing, inactivity criteria, and how the districts were administered, and staff explained that city or county liaisons often supplement district staffing. Later, staff reviewed enforcement actions for local governments that failed to file required financial reports or omitted required information from submitted audits. The committee discussed a list of noncompliant counties, municipalities, and special districts, including the town of Rayford, which staff said had long-standing reporting problems, no apparent municipal services, and no response to repeated outreach. The committee voted to send a letter to the Union County legislative delegation encouraging a local bill to dissolve Rayford. It also approved staff recommendations to proceed against entities still missing required filings or missing audit information, with authority for the chair and vice chair to delay action if additional information is later provided in good faith.

Transcript Highlights:

• A budget is a statement of priorities, fundamentally a statement of priorities.
• It's a statement of priority of our job creators. It's a statement of priority of our job creators.
• Those programs are reserved for purchase of existing homes with traditional market-rate interest mortgages
• Those programs are reserved for purchase of existing homes with traditional market rate interest mortgages
• . are reserved for purchase of existing homes with traditional market rate interest mortgages.

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard AB 106, an early-action budget bill providing $90 million one-time General Fund to support reproductive health providers affected by the federal H.R. 1 prohibition on Medicaid funding. Department of Finance staff explained that the money would be administered as grants through the Department of Health Care Access and Information because affected providers can no longer bill Medi-Cal during the federal restriction, which lasts through July 4, 2026. Members also discussed why the amount increased from an earlier $60 million estimate, with Finance saying the figure was updated based on additional claims data and provider information. The committee debate focused heavily on the policy implications of the funding. Supporters argued the bill is an emergency response to a targeted federal attack on Planned Parenthood and related family planning services, emphasizing that the funding would backfill non-abortion services such as cancer screenings, contraception, STI testing, mammograms, and prenatal care. Opponents questioned the use of General Fund dollars, the grant structure versus loans for other distressed providers, the Public Records Act exemption, and the bill’s priority compared with rural hospitals, developmental services, public safety, and other budget needs. Finance clarified that the federal funds at issue do not pay for abortion services and that the grant program would be open to eligible providers meeting criteria set by the department. Public testimony was overwhelmingly in support from Planned Parenthood affiliates, Essential Access Health, Western Center on Law and Poverty, the California Medical Association, family physicians, OBGYN groups, and others, while some commenters used the opportunity to raise unrelated budget concerns such as Medi-Cal dental cuts, IHSS, and CalHome funding. After discussion, the committee approved AB 106 on a 12-4 vote and reported it out. The chair also noted that a later hearing would examine broader H.R. 1 impacts in more detail.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, a budget is a statement of priorities, fundamentally a statement of priorities.
• It's a statement of priority of our job creators. It's a statement of priority of our job creators.
• Those programs are reserved for purchase of existing homes with traditional market-rate interest mortgages
• Those programs are reserved for purchase of existing homes with traditional market-rate interest mortgages
• Thank you. are reserved for purchase of existing homes with traditional market rate interest mortgages

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard AB 106, an early-action budget bill providing $90 million one-time General Fund to support reproductive health providers affected by the federal H.R. 1 Medicaid funding prohibition. Department of Finance staff explained that the money would be administered as grants by the Department of Health Care Access and Information because affected providers can no longer bill Medi-Cal during the federal restriction, which runs through July 4, 2026. The Legislative Analyst’s Office had no additional comments. Members also discussed related budget context, including the broader estimated loss to California providers, the use of grant funding rather than loans, and provisions exempting some contract and records information from public disclosure. Committee debate focused on whether the funding was an appropriate priority amid other budget pressures. Supporters argued the bill is an emergency response to a targeted federal attack on Planned Parenthood and other family planning providers, emphasizing that the clinics provide broader primary care services such as cancer screenings, STI testing, contraception, and prenatal care, and that the funding is not for abortion services because federal Medicaid dollars cannot be used for abortion. Opponents questioned the size of the appropriation, the use of General Fund dollars, the transparency exemptions, and why similar aid was not being directed to rural hospitals, disability services, Proposition 36, or other budget needs. Public testimony was overwhelmingly in support from reproductive health, medical, and health equity organizations, with some unrelated comments urging funding for dental care, disability services, housing, and county health systems. After public comment, the committee voted on AB 106 and passed it on a 12-4 vote. The bill was reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Massive conflicts of interest. Hundreds of millions of dollars of government contracts he receives.
• interest while he's making these kinds of decisions.
• The safety and financial security of American people.
• the interests of the American people. interests of many in this country, including American farmers,
• How is this not a conflict of interest, and what do you think of this?

Committee: Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

Keywords: fiscal responsibility, government waste, foreign aid, funding resolution, legislative oversight

Summary: The committee meeting addressed government spending and foreign aid, with a particular emphasis on perceived wasteful expenditures. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing a funding resolution for the committee, which received unanimous support from the members present. The chair noted a quorum at the beginning of the meeting, signaling that the committee was ready to conduct its business. Discussions highlighted ongoing debates concerning fiscal responsibility and the necessity of legislative oversight, notably regarding foreign aid allocations and their implications for domestic fiscal health.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then the treatment of unallotment when used by the governor in our tracking documents and fund statements
• The first thing I heard was 5% withheld just for writing checks, and I think in the interest of reflecting
• The first thing I heard was 5% withheld just for writing checks, and I think in the interest of reflecting
• > budgetary fund statements at the end of budgetary fund statements at the end of the<00:45:14.200><c
• reconciliation with our audited financial statements.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and CBC, gives a good solid foundation and financial path forward for a huge public asset of our state
• They have to disclose, though, if they have an vested interest in the outcome of the litigation, right
• , and you have a vested interest in the outcome of that litigation, that you have to disclose that.
• So this amendment is interesting, and I've just been sort of reading over it while you were speaking.
• This bill came out of Financial Institutions 15 to 0 and passed out of Rules 5 to 1. With that, Mr.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:40.959><c> the</c><00:09:41.120><c> interested</c> but the concern of the interested but the
• The major issue with this program is the conflict of interest.
• The major issue with this program is the conflict of interest.
• The major issue with this program is the conflict of interest.
• There's no conflict of interest.

Committee: Senate Commerce

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Testimony on any such bill will be limited to a statement of name, organization, and position.
• Testimony on any such bill will be limited to a statement of name, organization, and position on the
• That's what's kind of interesting about this bill.
• That's what's kind of interesting about this bill.
• Sherry McHugh, representing the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and speaking

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 988, house, all