Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a CPA, member of the Minnesota Society of CPAs and leader of the Minnesota Twin Cities Tax Professionals
• I'm a CPA, member of the Minnesota Society of CPAs and leader of the Minnesota Twin Cities Tax Professionals
• And as you know, it was 30/30 in 2019 and 80/80 in increases in LG and CPA.
• And as you know, it was 30/30 in 2019 and 80/80 in increases in LG and CPA.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Actually, for full transparency, I was 30 days late filing my license as a CPA this time.

Bills: HB123

Keywords: pharmacy, pharmacist licensure, Alabama State Board of Pharmacy, renewal fees, continuing education, disciplinary actions, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The money could go toward payroll, insurance, certificates, workforce development, vehicle maintenance
• So I proudly stand here and say Phenomenal J's holds certifications in DBE, MWBE, VBE...
• Thank you. ...holds certifications in DBE, MWBE, VBE, SBE, SBPP participant, SDVOSB, VASB, WASB, and
• These certifications reflect our commitment to economic inclusion. Thank you.
• undertaking, far beyond the limits of existing revenue streams and far, far beyond the AMI limitations of CPA

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on Governor Healey’s economic development proposal, H. 5386, also referred to as the Mass Winds Act, focused on global investment, talent, innovation, housing, and business competitiveness. Governor Healey, Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley, and Secretary of Administration and Finance Matt Gorzkowicz described the bill as a response to federal uncertainty and global competition, building on the 2024 Mass Leads Act. They highlighted proposed investments in a Global Mass initiative, including a $50 million innovation access fund and $20 million for sites to help international companies locate or expand in Massachusetts, along with support for AI, quantum, robotics, defense innovation, climate tech, downtown revitalization, and creative/cultural economy projects. They also emphasized measures to lower business costs, including reducing the LLC filing fee, expanding the small business energy tax exemption, and streamlining housing and development rules. Committee members questioned the administration about non-compete reform, AI and data-center infrastructure, housing affordability, and whether the bill would help retain workers and companies in Massachusetts. The governor and secretaries argued that the non-compete changes would restore the original compromise by requiring any alternative to garden leave to be negotiated at separation, and they said the bill’s housing and workforce provisions are intended to help young workers stay in the state. They also said Massachusetts is already investing in AI training, an AI hub, and energy-related planning, while acknowledging that data-center growth will require careful attention to water, electricity, and ratepayer impacts. Several witnesses testified on specific sections. Northeastern University supported the internship tax credit, saying experiential learning helps students gain jobs and remain in Massachusetts. The Latino Empowerment Advisory Council supported the waiver of redundant English testing for internationally trained nurses, saying it would speed entry into the workforce without lowering clinical standards. Russell Beck opposed the non-compete changes, arguing they would undermine the 2018 compromise and could reduce other forms of employee compensation. The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office opposed the LLC fee reduction, citing revenue loss and fraud concerns. Municipal and regional groups, including the MMA and the Metro Mayors Coalition, supported site plan review codification and downtown/arts investments, while urging continued municipal input. The AFL-CIO asked for trigger language to preserve labor protections if federal law changes, and business and industry witnesses generally supported the bill’s competitiveness and global investment provisions. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with written testimony invited after the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, this is a CPA bill intended to help us get more CPAs into Arizona.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day and several guests in the gallery. Members also adopted a death resolution honoring former lawmaker and University of Arizona administrator George Cunningham, with remarks from colleagues and a moment of respectful silence. The House then handled several procedural motions, including committee substitutions, bill withdrawals and referrals, and a motion to rescind a prior action on HB 2758 so it could be reconsidered. The bulk of the meeting consisted of Committee of the Whole action on multiple bills. The House advanced HB 2049, HB 2090, HB 2092, HB 2179, and HB 2228; HB 2111, HB 2114, HB 2256, HCM 2007, and HR 2003; HB 2098, HB 2265, HB 2663, HB 2666, and HB 2756; and HB 2192, HB 2476, HB 2693, and HB 2877, while retaining HB 2875 on the calendar. Several amendments were adopted, including water-related amendments to HB 2758 and HB 2756, a technical amendment to HB 2265, a felony-related amendment to HB 2666, and a memorial amendment to HCM 2007. HB 2758 drew the most debate, with supporters arguing it protected water transportation and opponents calling it unfair to rural groundwater users; it ultimately advanced from committee and later passed third reading by a 32-24 vote. On third reading, the House passed HB 2089, HB 2258, HB 2322, HB 2786, HB 2758, and HB 2825, with HB 2322 drawing comments about child safety system failures and the need to protect children in state custody. Members also explained votes on HB 2758, reflecting the same split over groundwater transfers and Colorado River shortages. The chamber then read Senate messages and first-read HB 2211, and several members made personal privilege announcements, including recognitions, birthday wishes, a Black History Month reflection, and an announcement that one member plans to resign next week to focus on a congressional campaign. The House adjourned until 1:30 p.m. Monday, February 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Get certification for a peer, which is very needed as well for people with addiction.
• Certification that you have, you can upload that.
• And, the auditor has the, or the CPA, or the auditor has the, it's put onto them to be able to make sure

Transcript Highlights:

• but I can get one for you, yeah, if you wouldn't mind because I think that's gonna inform the certification
• that Matthew didn't mention is kind of keeping a little bit closer track on awards that Were certifications
• Auditor Maestes releasing our audit, and then finally, Exhibit B is our final audit provided by Cordova CPAs

Transcript Highlights:

• I also hold a certificate in education finance from Georgetown University.
• qualified workforce members by offering career and technical education programs, leading to industry certifications
• Accounting students hold the record for graduation and passing the CPA test on the first time.

Summary: The committee first took up a confirmation for UCF trustee reappointment candidate Mr. Christie, who described his long service on the board, his UCF business-school background, and his focus on strengthening UCF’s financial foundation, workforce alignment, and engineering and technology programs. Members praised his service and asked about UCF’s future direction, including its role in Florida’s space and engineering sectors. He was allowed to leave early for a meeting with the governor. The committee then heard the Higher Education Appropriations budget presentation for fiscal year 2025-26. The chair outlined a proposed $11.5 billion higher education budget emphasizing workforce education, Florida College System operations, career and technical education, the GATE program, nursing education through the Florida Center for Nursing, UF/IFAS agriculture technology, tutoring, autism and neurodevelopment services, student financial aid, and $250 million for state universities through the Board of Governors. Senator Davis asked about line grant flexibility, and the chair said a conforming bill would address details. The committee adopted a motion allowing technical corrections and then adopted the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Appropriations Committee. The remainder of the meeting focused on confirmations for university boards, especially the University of West Florida, where several nominees were questioned about Title IX compliance, free speech, workforce readiness, military/veteran ties, and prior statements about privatization and higher education. Rebecca Matthews, Rachel Moyah, Ashley Ross, and Adam Kessel each described their backgrounds and goals for UWF; Kessel faced extensive questioning about his past writings on privatization, the GI Bill, and speech suppression, and said he would not recommend privatizing Florida universities and supported veterans’ education benefits. Public testimony on UWF was largely opposed, with speakers arguing the nominees lacked local ties and warning the slate would harm the university and community. The committee also heard from FAMU reappointment nominee Judge Belvin Perry, who emphasized student success, workforce quality, and FAMU’s continued rise, and from UCF nominee Mark Philburn and FSU nominee Peter Jones, both of whom highlighted their professional experience and commitment to student success and prudent stewardship. The meeting extended its time to 6:30 p.m. to continue hearing nominees and public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also hold a certificate in education finance from Georgetown University.
• qualified workforce members by offering career and technical education programs, leading to industry certifications
• Accounting students hold the record for graduation and passing the CPA test on the first time.

Summary: The committee first heard a confirmation from UCF trustee reappointee Mr. Christie, who described his background in medical devices and prior board service and said he wanted to help UCF strengthen its financial foundation, workforce alignment, and engineering and technology pipeline. Members asked about UCF’s direction, and he emphasized the university’s role in producing engineers and supporting Florida’s space and technology sectors. The committee then moved to the higher education budget for fiscal year 2025-26, which was presented as an $11.5 billion total budget including local funds and focused heavily on workforce education, nursing, agriculture technology, tutoring, student aid, and university initiatives. Chair Harrell highlighted increases for school district workforce education, Florida College System operations, career and technical education grants, the GATE program, nursing education through USF’s Florida Center for Nursing, UF/IFAS rural and agricultural programs, UCF’s Community School Grant Program, UF’s literacy and tutoring initiatives, autism and neurodevelopment services, full funding for major scholarship programs, and $250 million for state universities through the Board of Governors. Senator Davis asked about line grant flexibility, and Harrell said a conforming bill would address the details. The budget proposal was adopted as a recommendation to the full Appropriations Committee, with staff authorized to make technical corrections. The committee then took up a series of confirmations, beginning with Florida State University reappointee Peter Collins, who emphasized his long FSU ties, leadership on the board, and goal of keeping FSU on a path toward top-10 status and AAU membership. Rebecca Matthews, a new University of West Florida appointee, discussed her education-related volunteer work, Florida Education Foundation service, and interest in supporting UWF’s continued excellence; senators questioned her on Title IX and she said she would support student protections and compliance. Rachel Moyah, another UWF appointee, highlighted her education, school board experience, and priorities of student safety, fiscal discipline, and workforce readiness; she also said she would comply with Title IX and other applicable rules. Ashley Ross, also nominated to UWF, said she would focus on university advancement, military ties, cybersecurity, civil engineering, and strong governance, and agreed that Title IX protections should be preserved and advanced. The most extensive questioning came during the confirmation of Adam Kessel, a UWF appointee and Heritage Foundation fellow, who was asked about prior writings on privatizing public universities, his comments about the GI Bill, and his views on free speech and Project 2025. Kessel said he did not recommend privatizing Florida universities, clarified that his comments about the GI Bill and over-enrollment were about broader higher education policy, and said he supports veterans and the GI Bill. He described his higher education work as focused on civic education, accreditation, student success, tenure, and free speech, and said trustees should improve campus culture through policies, training, and institutional neutrality. Public testimony on UWF was sharply divided: former UWF leaders and community members warned that the new slate of trustees and their vote to make Scott Yenor chair had chilled donations, enrollment, and community trust, while a James Madison Institute representative praised Kessel’s scholarship and thoughtful approach. The committee also heard from FAMU reappointment Belvin Perry, who cited his judicial career and board service and said his goal is to support student success, retain strong faculty and staff, and help FAMU continue rising in national standing. Finally, the committee began hearing from remote appointees, including UCF nominee Mark Philburn, who emphasized his construction, affordable housing, and higher education board experience, and FSU nominee Peter Jones, who described his finance and investment background and long service to FSU boards and committees. The last nominee heard before the transcript ended was Florida Gulf Coast appointee Paul Applegarth, whose audio issues delayed his remarks; he began by noting his prior federal confirmation, military service, and GI Bill-supported education.

Transcript Highlights:

• You, on my birth certificate, if I want to get a birth certificate, I have to request it From Hall County
• On my birth certificate, it says Mary Angela Brown.
• If I want to get a birth certificate, I have to request it from Hall County, Texas.
• Certificate to show that I am a U.S. citizen. It would say Mary Angela Brown.
• have to go and show our marriage certificate to show why we had our name changed.

Bills: SB65, SB248, SB330, SB378, SB844, SB1330, SB1410, SB1475, SB1476, SB1565, SB1618, SB1623, SJR39, SJR47, SB2084, SB1655, SB1679, SB2174, SB1775, SB1873, SB1204, SB1884, SB1916, SB1937, SB1447, SB1500, SB2007, SB2074, SB1944, SB2018, SB1984, SB2026, SB2045, SB2049, SB2062, SB2112, SB2118, SB2127, SB2134, SB2135, SB2139, SB2154, SB1195

Keywords: SB65, naloxone, Narcan, opioid overdose, overdose reversal, opioid antagonist, emergency opioid antagonist, substance abuse services, harm reduction, public health, overdose prevention, good samaritan, civil immunity, criminal immunity, controlled substances, addiction treatment, fentanyl, opioid crisis, school overdose response, first aid

Bills: SB65, SB248, SB330, SB378, SB844, SB1330, SB1410, SB1475, SB1476, SB1565, SB1618, SB1623, SJR39, SJR47, SB2084, SB1655, SB1679, SB2174, SB1775, SB1873, SB1204, SB1884, SB1916, SB1937, SB1447, SB1500, SB2007, SB2074, SB1944, SB2018, SB1984, SB2026, SB2045, SB2049, SB2062, SB2112, SB2118, SB2127, SB2134, SB2135, SB2139, SB2154, SB1195

Keywords: SB65, naloxone, Narcan, opioid overdose, overdose reversal, opioid antagonist, emergency opioid antagonist, substance abuse services, harm reduction, public health, overdose prevention, good samaritan, civil immunity, criminal immunity, controlled substances, addiction treatment, fentanyl, opioid crisis, school overdose response, first aid

Transcript Highlights:

• And at the request of the cosmetology board, also change one of the requirements to get a certificate
• Louisiana Economic Development to be more competitive with the application fees and also the contracted CPAs

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And while this may sound like a great thing, it is until you find out there's no certification to make
• I'm not a CPA, but after reviewing the district's checks... ...registers posted on their own website.

Bills: SB205, SB582, SB625, SB1884, SB1903, SB2600, SB2617, SB2751, SB111, SB3061, SB1908

Keywords: fetal development, health curriculum, public schools, middle school health education, grade 7, grade 8, State Board of Education, school health advisory council, Texas Education Code, pregnancy, reproductive health, infertility, birth defects, prenatal development, unborn child, trimester, medically accurate instruction, age-appropriate instruction, drug and alcohol effects, lead exposure

Transcript Highlights:

• This is what this bill is requiring: some CPA audits, no intercompany ... stronger guardrails, and there's
• Speaker, I ask for BR. some CPA uh audits. Uh no intercompany some CPA uh audits.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to, you know, in the state of New York, to be compliant with the sales CPA, we’re going to need

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications, chaired by Senator Kevin Parker, considered a lengthy agenda of energy- and utility-related bills. The committee discussed measures on utility outage penalties for combination utilities, a NYSERDA-backed electric landscaping rebate program, stronger utility storm response compliance, a study on utility reporting of late payments to credit agencies, a used zero-emission vehicle rebate program, alternative fuels along the New York State Thruway, a property tax exemption for energy-related utility real property, a NYSERDA pilot microgrid at Glenwood Houses, a prohibition on PSC approval of certain utility rate increases, a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit, a usage monitoring program, and a bill on denial of increased utility rates and charges. Several bills prompted questions about who would pay for the programs or penalties, with sponsors and staff repeatedly stating that fines would be paid by utilities and that many programs would be funded through NYSERDA or existing appropriations, though members raised concerns about whether ratepayer funds or system benefits charges could be used. The electric landscaping rebate bill drew extended debate over whether its equipment definitions could allow companies to use battery equipment charged by generators, while the microgrid pilot and used EV rebate bills were defended as investments to improve reliability, lower peak costs, and build a secondary EV market. Senator May spoke in support of the Glenwood Houses microgrid and the related investment rationale. Most bills were advanced after motions and votes, often with some no votes or without-recommendation votes. The committee reported several measures to third reading, including the utility outage penalties bill, the utility storm response bill, the utility rate increase restriction bill, the usage monitoring program, and the denial of increased utility rates and charges bill. Other bills were advanced to the Finance Committee, Budget and Revenue Committee, or Local Government Committee, including the electric landscaping rebate program, the used EV rebate program, the alternative fuels bill, the tax exemption bill, the Glenwood Houses microgrid pilot, and the sustainable aviation fuel tax credit.

Transcript Highlights:

• me to not only engage with an HR firm to help manage this process, it's also more paperwork for my CPA
• more paperwork this process, it's also more paperwork for<00:44:56.480> my<00:44:56.640> CPA
• 57.520> is<00:44:57.600> again,<00:44:58.280> more<00:44:58.640> fees for my CPA
• , which is again, more fees for my CPA, which is again, more fees that<00:44:59.640> we<00:44:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• is a big cost-saving measure for our cities and counties because we do not give them enough LGED and CPA
• is a big cost-saving measure for our cities and counties because we do not give them enough LGED and CPA
• them<00:44:33.960> enough<00:44:34.640> LGED<00:44:35.160> and<00:44:35.280> CPA
• <00:44:35.880> so,<00:44:36.000> I<00:44:36.040> just them enough LGED and CPA
• And so, I just them enough LGED and CPA.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, House Bill 1887. ...addresses inequities in getting birth certificates for adoptees' rights.
• This is to request a non-certified copy of an adoptee's original birth certificate directly from the
• HB 3092 by Gerdes relating to a certificate of public convenience and necessity to construct... an electric
• Board to offer need-based certification courses.
• Completing the requirements necessary for the certificate and license is also covered.

Bills: HB1520, HB1545, HJR110, HJR203, HB245, HB1465, HB1482, HB294, HB793, HB809, HB3928, HB334, HB2037, HB1973, HB285, HB4341, HB4264, HB 1043, HB837, HB 1234, HB 1193, HB 1194, HB1646, HB1729, HB2498, HB1314, HB2295, HB1353, HB1531, HB1988, HB5398, HB3960, HB3923, HB1407, HB1764, HB2221, HB2214, HB2517, HB2518, HB2213, HB5008, HB5092, HB3421, HB3663, HB3748, HB3800, HB3756, HB2613, HB3782, HB5246, HB4344, HB4044, HB4066, HB2702, HB2807, HB2869, HB2898, HB3181, HB3250, HB4153, HB2091, HB2115, HB2542, HB2768, HB3349, HB3352, HB4406, HB1593, HB1899, HB3133, HB4432, HB4960, HB3214, HB3915, HB3508, HB2145, SB304, SB608, SB2312, SB494, SB530, HB45, HB2520, HB35, HB47, HB318, HB349, HB554, HB1359, HB1373, HB2254, HB2259, HB2853, HB3073, HB3088, HB353, HB355, HB786, HB762, HB705, HB932, HB849, HB 1119, HB3041, HB713, HB3104, HB3970, HB4042, HB4490, HB1731, HB2607, HB3689, HB1788, HB1612, HB138, HB15, HB1971, HB1338, HB2989, HB267, HB 1201, HB2954, HB5265, HB1804, HB5061, HB1520, HB1545, HJR110, HJR203, HB1887, HB1914, HB2402, HB2306, HB1809, HB2350, HB3000, HB3237, HB3326, HB3211, HB 1056, HB2081, HB2187, HB3092, HB3308, HB3526, HB3750, HB3527, HB4219, HB4230, HB4290, HB5238, HB4804, HB4749, HB245, HB1465, HB1482, HB294, HB793, HB809, HB3928, HB334, HB2037, HB1973, HB285, HB4341, HB4264, HB 1043, HB837, HB 1234, HB 1193, HB 1194, HB1646, HB1729, HB2498, HB1314, HB2295, HB1353, HB1531, HB1988, HB5398, HB3960, HB3923, HB1407, HB1764, HB2221, HB2214, HB2517, HB2518, HB2213, HB5008, HB5092, HB3421, HB3663, HB3748, HB3800, HB3756, HB2613, HB3782, HB5246, HB4344, HB4044, HB4066, HB2702, HB2807, HB2869, HB2898, HB3181, HB3250, HB4153, HB2091, HB2115, HB2542, HB2768, HB3349, HB3352, HB4406, HB1593, HB1899, HB3133, HB4432, HB4960, HB3214, HB3915, HB3508, HB2145, HCR6, HCR12, HCR34, HCR50, HCR55, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR74, HCR75, HCR78, HCR80, HCR93, HCR100, HCR107, HCR116, HCR117, HCR90

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm currently the coordinator of the UNM TALS massage therapy certificate program, and I'm also the chair
• So in some instances, you can't get a certificate of Indian blood depending on that tribe, nation, or
• I'm a CPA.

Bills: SB246, SB146, SB300, SB301, SB309, SM17

Keywords: massage therapy, licensure, health and safety standards, continuing education, establishment licensing, civil rights, sovereign immunity, damages, public body, lawsuit limitations, legal notice, child welfare, computing infrastructure, data management, Department of Health, appropriation, foster care, Indian children, cultural competency, training services

Transcript Highlights:

• , network and security certification for teachers. that they could go and share their information and
• We have students who are earning education-based certificates in high school.
• Those certificates are required for adults to do their job, and students are earning four to six of these
• . certifications in some of our schools in San Antonio.
• limit like, because we're reducing the required training because the training hours are crazy, but a CPA

Bills: HB150, HB869, HB876, HB 1043, HB1494, HB1522, HB150

Keywords: cybersecurity, state command, information resources, data protection, incident response, information technology, classification officer, job descriptions, state positions, competency-based, information sharing, government efficiency, public sector, private sector, distributed ledger, title registry, real estate, property liens, pilot program, healthcare

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, typically you get your certificate on a program through the vendor that owns the program.
• Um, because that's a huge question, the license certification.
• Um, because that's a huge question, the license certification.
• Um, because that's a huge question, the license certification.
• > um<02:07:17.520> is this certification piece um is this certification piece um is significant

Keywords: 1189, house, all