Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Mark Motoya, a senior policy analyst, and I cover capital infrastructure and governance.
• Our office is in the annex, the Capital North Annex, down by the fountain.
• The fourth item is Senate Bill 82, public school capital outlay changes, sponsored by Chairman Sahls,
• The ninth proposal would amend existing law to increase minimum salaries.
• The tenth proposal would establish a minimum annual salary of $30,000 for public school personnel.

Transcript Highlights:

• animal establishment to ensure minimum animal establishment to ensure minimum standards<00:20:15.520
• And I think that anyone who read our minimum standards of care and thought that they weren't minimum,
• And I think that anyone who read our minimum standards of care and thought that they weren't minimum,
• that anyone who read our minimum that anyone who read our minimum standards<00:23:55.600> of<
• allow us to um make sure that minimum allow us to um make sure that minimum standards<00:28:29.440

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:32 SB 155 Discussion: 03:00 SB 155 Roll Call Vote: 07:50 SB 45 Discussion: 08:39 SB 45 Roll Call Vote: 36:00, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 155 by Senator Carpenter, which would give the commissioner of agriculture, in consultation with the state veterinarian, authority to declare and manage emergency situations affecting livestock, poultry, and other domesticated animals. The sponsor said the bill is intended to speed response to outbreaks, severe weather, and other urgent threats to animal welfare by reducing bureaucratic delays, while still working with the governor in major situations. Senator Webb praised the Department of Agriculture’s emergency response work, and the bill was advanced on a unanimous roll call vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 45 from Senator Webb, a repeat bill aimed at protecting agritourism and working-animal activities from local ordinances that could be used to restrict events such as rodeos, carriage rides, dog agility, and similar operations. Webb and supporter Mindy Patterson of the Cavalry Group argued the bill is meant to prevent local governments from using ordinances to shut down legitimate animal-related businesses and to protect local economies and property rights, not to shield animal abuse. Webb said he was willing to work with local officials and legal counsel on wording. Opposition came from Lisa Krumman of the Kentucky Animal Care and Control Association and Campbell County animal services, who said the bill was not consulted on with animal control officers and could broadly exempt working-animal or agritourism activities from local animal welfare ordinances and inspections. She argued the language could create an “undue burden” challenge to county standards for food, water, space, medical care, and inspections, especially for commercial animal establishments such as breeding facilities and petting zoos. Committee members questioned both sides about the bill’s scope, and Webb said he believed existing public health, safety, zoning, and police-power language would preserve local authority, but no vote was taken on SB 45 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So you can get capital through equity, and you can get capital through debt, and then you can get capital
• And that is when capital is tight.
• <00:21:27.039> And get capital through reinsurance. And get capital through reinsurance.
• And that is when capital is event.
• meant for long-term capital planning. meant for long-term capital planning.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Of our capital program, particularly the earmarked programs and the public school capital outlay council
• Of the capital outlay program.
• capital over time.
• That's where we're headed with capital, and that's where we got to go with capital.
• I'm not gonna give my capital. So, you guys start telling us where you give capital.

Transcript Highlights:

• They amended um class- size minimums.
• going to let those classiz minimums, I'm going to let the<00:02:56.160> minimums<00:02:56.959>
• So under current law, if a minimums.
• If the state with class size minimums.
• <00:29:07.560> [clears throat] act implements minimum [clears throat] act implements minimum

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The meeting was a high-level walkthrough of Act 73, with staff from Legislative Council and the Joint Fiscal Office summarizing major education policy, governance, tax, and fiscal changes. The presentation covered class-size minimums and related enforcement, creation of a state aid for school construction program, narrowed tuition eligibility for approved independent schools, changes to State Board of Education appointments, special education reporting and staffing, and a new report on standards for schools deemed small or sparse by necessity. It also noted that some provisions take effect immediately or in 2025, while the major funding and tax changes are contingent on new school districts being operational and a foundation formula report being received, with most of those changes targeted for July 1, 2028. The central fiscal change described was a move from the current locally voted budget and varying homestead tax system to a foundation formula. Under that model, districts would receive an educational opportunity payment based on a base amount per pupil, adjusted by student weights for factors such as pre-K, economic disadvantage, English learner status, and special education, with small-school and sparsity weights replaced by support grants. Districts could still seek limited supplemental district spending above the foundation amount, subject to a cap and a uniform method for raising the funds, with excess collections recaptured at the state level. The presenters also described transition mechanisms to phase in the new system over several years. The tax section explained that Act 73 would replace the current property tax credit with a homestead exemption and create a new non-homestead residential classification intended for second homes and short-term rentals, though further statutory or regulatory work would still be needed to implement it. The JFO presentation emphasized that the act also creates regional assessment districts for reappraisals and includes a transition to smooth changes in education tax rates. No committee vote or formal action was taken during the presentation; it was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• Minimum teachers also was an area that the legislature was more generous...
• Elementary schools receive a minimum of six teachers, middle schools a minimum of seven, and high schools
• a minimum of nine.
• Minimum staffing guarantees are essential.
• I think we need a minimum of two... Low.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One of them has to do with the Higher Education Major Capital Projects Fund, as an example.
• You've been discussing capital outlay changes.
• Many of our college professors are asking for a minimum salary.
• Chair, there are no minimum salaries that we propose to higher education institutions.
• With that being said, six credit hours is the minimum.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And there's a class size minimum that was in last year's bill X73, but it...
• The House bill had some language statutorily defining how some of that worked, class size minimums.
• Minimums. Um, and I am approaching the part about the tuition and not being able to accept tuition.
• It makes it clear that it's CEDAC, which is the Capital Debt Affordability Advisory Committee, would
• That's why we have a capital budget.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're a small town in Franklin County with some big needs when it comes to capital investment.
• We're a small town in Franklin County with some big needs when it comes to capital investment.
• In the next five years, projected capital needs at these three buildings alone are above $1.6 million
• This bill would address this by establishing clear minimum standards for how law enforcement responds
• Municipalities need additional support to complete these much-needed capital projects.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security heard testimony on several bills, with strong support expressed for a proposed municipal and public safety building authority (H. 2571/S. 1650). Municipal officials, fire chiefs, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, regional planning leaders, and Senator Comerford described aging town halls, fire stations, DPW facilities, and other local buildings, especially in small towns and gateway cities, and argued that local budgets and Proposition 2 1/2 make major capital projects difficult to fund. Testimony emphasized the need for a dedicated revenue stream, with the bill proposing a share of marijuana excise tax revenue and a rural funding set-aside. Committee members asked about prioritization and funding levels, and witnesses said even a modest start would help address a large statewide backlog. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee later adjourned unanimously. The committee also heard testimony on H. 2689, requiring fuel gas alarms/detectors in residential dwellings using explosive gases. Representative Jeff Roy, Susan Brown, Jason Cohn, and representatives from NEMA and Kidde supported the bill, describing it as a life-saving measure similar to carbon monoxide detector requirements. Witnesses cited the 2015 Franklin propane explosion that killed Nancy and Robert Brown, the Merrimack Valley gas explosions, and national fire data showing fatalities and property damage from gas leaks. They said detectors are affordable, commercially available, and should be required where gas is used; one witness noted battery-backed or battery-operated options exist. Committee questions focused on cost, battery power, outdoor propane setups, and whether the bill would cover private databases or only residential safety devices. Another major topic was S. 1755 on missing and abducted children. Senator Pavel Payano testified in favor, citing the case of Lee Manuel Villoria Paolino and arguing that misclassification of missing children as runaways can delay urgent response and worsen outcomes, especially for Black and brown youth. He said the bill would set minimum law enforcement response standards, require training, and expand multilingual intake forms. The committee also heard support for expanding the state DNA database through familial DNA searching, with Dr. Amory Myers explaining that the technology could help solve long-unsolved cases while including guardrails to prevent use of private consumer DNA databases. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on H. 2740, “Colby’s Law,” establishing safety standards for BMX and motocross tracks. Colby Lippincott’s family, community members, and industry representatives described his fatal crash and urged requirements for medical staff, insurance, inspections, warning systems, barriers, and access roads. Witnesses said the bill would not end the sport but would create basic protections, and the committee heard that Massachusetts would join a number of other states with similar standards. The hearing ended with a motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• meeting the minimum requirements there? meeting the minimum requirements there?
• That's where this minimum came from.
• That's where this minimum came from. Just across the board.
• it takes takes a whole lot more capital it takes takes a whole lot more capital to<01:12:59.120>
• <01:17:29.840> acreage regarding zoning and the minimum acreage regarding zoning and the minimum

Bills: HF3508, HF3548, HF3549

Keywords: dairy assistance, agriculture, investment, relief initiative, farm support, farm assistance, down payment, state funding, loan modification, grain indemnity, financial security, crop insurance, Minnesota agriculture, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It also gives the maximum minimum range.
• Uh a lot of what you've been minimum.
• They're calling it the capital risk it.
• Reserves are maintain adequate capital.
• > upon capitalization and relies upon capitalization and relies upon assessments<05:26:48.958>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Sen. Regina Birdsell at the request of the Insurance Department. The bill would codify the department’s interpretation that a birth mother’s health insurance is the primary coverage for a newborn, unless the mother has no insurance or coverage under an employer-sponsored plan. Birdsell and Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the measure is a clarification of existing practice and intended to protect vulnerable newborns; a question from Rep. Miles clarified that if a young woman is on her parents’ policy, the newborn would generally be covered under that family coverage. The hearing on SB 47 was then closed. The committee then took up Senate Bill 121, introduced by Grant Bosi for Sen. Kevin Avard, which would require insurers to notify the Insurance Department when they stop writing an entire line of business or, in some cases, Medicare Advantage plans. Commissioner Benton Court said the bill arose from disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, where consumers, brokers, and the department were confused by carriers changing or ending offerings; he said the department wanted a simple notification requirement so it could better advise consumers. Members discussed network adequacy, county-based service areas, and the fact that the bill would make notice a condition of licensure, with possible fines or license action for noncompliance. Witness Paula Rogers of AHIP said her group supported the bill if amended, and the department indicated it would support a change from a 120-day notice period to 90 days to align with state rules; the committee planned to work on an amendment in subcommittee. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 247, introduced by Rep. Brian Cole, which would prohibit network exclusion of pharmacies that refuse to dispense prescriptions when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost. Cole argued the bill is meant to stop pharmacies from being forced to sell drugs at a loss, describing PBMs as middlemen and saying the measure is a compromise that protects local pharmacies. Members questioned whether consumers would pay more and whether pharmacies voluntarily enter PBM contracts; Cole responded that the bill would let pharmacies refuse unprofitable fills while consumers could still obtain the drug through mail order or other channels. He also said the issue has changed over time because the practice now affects a much larger share of generics and is concentrated among a few PBMs. The hearing remained open as questions continued, with no vote taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that segments and campuses are struggling to support capital programs.
• The demand within the CSU Capital Program is significant.
• And those are to be used primarily for deferred renewal and capital.
• And the cost of capital is just as important as the cost of construction.
• I'm heartened by the conversation you had this morning around capital and capital needs in the UC system

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Capital outlay will be here.
• And only $200,000 in total in the 2025 Capital bill was allocated towards top five infrastructure capital
• So this is local capital outlay to Valencia County entities in the 2025 Capital bill.
• eligibility for capital outlay.
• Capital, individual capitals, we need to know when these projects are out there, we need to know what

Transcript Highlights:

• Thirty acres is the minimum. Yes, sir. That's the minimum. Yes, sir. Okay. All right.
• in there, and if we get consistently below that minimum amount, look at adding capital to it.
• And if we get consistently below that minimum amount, look at adding capital to it. Right.
• We need to be having a conversation about injecting capital at that point.
• We are going to have to get that established of what we're going to keep as a minimum.

Summary: The PEER Review Subcommittee met to consider a large agenda of appropriation, transfer, contract, and other review items. Members approved temporary appropriation requests in Sections B through F, including funding for prosecuting attorneys, education-related adjustments, school operating needs, labor licensing divisions, ARPA fund returns from Workforce Services, IIJA grants for state police CDL implementation and a forestry-related county grant, reserve fund transfers for teacher scholarships, school facilities, and economic development, and a Commerce reallocation tied to organizational realignment. Cash fund requests in Section G and budget classification transfers in Section H were also reviewed, along with pay plan requests in Section I, overtime requests in Section J, and multiple methods of finance in Section K. The committee also reviewed discretionary grants in Section L, including agriculture promotion board grants and DHS aging/adult behavioral health grants, plus RFQs, construction contracts, intergovernmental contracts, and out-of-state contracts in Sections M1 through M5. Several items drew questions from members. Workforce Services explained that $225,000 in TANF-related funds would be returned to the federal government because the two-year hold period for uncashed or moved checks had expired. Commerce officials described the $25 million site infrastructure grant program, saying it supports site development, due diligence, and infrastructure build-out at eligible sites of 30 acres or more, including rural communities, with grant agreements and matching requirements providing accountability. DHS and Education officials answered questions about the Care Solace mental health referral contract, saying it is a statewide concierge/referral service that helps schools connect students to Arkansas providers and follow up so students do not fall through the cracks; members asked for more information on provider selection, school-day scheduling, and Arkansas vendor participation. The committee held one item over: the DHS discretionary grant item for the RSVP retired senior volunteer program in L2, after concerns were raised about whether state general revenue was being used effectively and how much administrative overhead the providers retain. Members also questioned several contracts, including a DHS sole-source contract with EMSLink for document management software and a DHS bridge contract with Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care for Medicaid inspections of care reviews; in both cases, agency staff explained the need to avoid service disruption and said follow-up information would be provided. A Department of Corrections reentry center contract was discussed for its recidivism results, and ARDOT retirement-system investment contracts were briefly explained. The meeting ended after a lengthy discussion of the Medicaid Trust Fund balance, with DFA and DHS officials saying the state is expected to finish the fiscal year without exhausting the fund, that a restricted reserve of $100 million is available as a backstop, and that the larger question is what minimum balance should be maintained going forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:34:56.399> So, uh state capital grounds. So, uh state capital grounds.
• And there was recognized the need to update minimum standards in jails.
• And there was recognized the need to update minimum standards in jails.
• And there was recognized the need to update minimum standards in jails.
• And there was recognized the need to update minimum standards in jails.

Bills: HF962, HF3541, HF2936, HF3762, HF2879

Keywords: Capitol security, public safety, emergency management, state buildings, law enforcement, corrections, legislative approval, rule-making, financial impact, jail regulations, expungement, firearm eligibility, criminal records, organized retail crime, retail theft, supply chain theft, theft enterprise, organized theft, cargo theft, shoplifting

Transcript Highlights:

• on a capital improvement plan, or through putting money into capital reserves for future renewal.
• At a minimum, for... ...collectively, or what we refer to as capital-related revenue requirements, at
• They need to be paying their fair share of that capital in any given year.
• The minimum was a half percent, and the max was 3.7%. The median was 1.5%.
• The minimum was a half percent, and the max was 3.7%.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to review several interim studies and receive updates from the Department of Water Resources. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and welcomed Representative Hansen to the committee. Staff then reported that the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study had both satisfied the presentation requirements in their study directives, with no further required testimony unless members wanted additional information. The department’s main presentation focused on major water projects and agency operations. Reese Haas and staff updated members on the NAWS project, the Southwest Pipeline Project, Devils Lake outlet operations, low-head dam safety work, floodplain management repository implementation, data center water use, and the 2027 Water Development Plan. Members asked detailed questions about NAWS funding sources, remaining project costs, capacity concerns for All Seasons and other users, and whether current construction is being designed for future demand. The department said NAWS remains on track for substantial completion by October, that remaining NAWS funding will come from a mix of federal, state, and local sources, and that current construction is designed for ultimate capacity while some future components will be adjusted for increased demand. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to the department’s cash management, Resources Trust Fund revenues, carryover balances, and the State Water Commission’s cost-share program. The department reported $340.6 million in carryover remaining, explained that much of it is already obligated to long-term projects, and noted that oil price forecasts and stripper-well exemptions will affect future revenues. Members raised concerns about large carryovers, affordability for local sponsors, and whether the state should continue obligating money multiple bienniums ahead. The department said it is working with the commission on a revised prioritization framework, including high/moderate/low project categories and a two-tier pre-construction/construction approach, to better manage obligations and affordability. The committee also reviewed Deloitte’s finalized studies on regional governance/finance and cost-share policy. Deloitte presented options for Southwest, NAWS, and Red River governance, with stakeholders generally favoring keeping NAWS largely as is, using the current Southwest model with improvements, and pursuing a more structured governance option for Red River. On cost share, the department said Deloitte’s recommended package would cover projected needs through the 2030s, but would require policy changes such as lower percentages for some project types, a 25% replacement-project rate with a cap, and possible bonding or delayed reimbursement strategies. No votes were taken on these policy questions, and the chair indicated the committee would continue the discussion at future basin meetings and the September Water Topics meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• A large source of revenue is fixed capital outlay, which we call public education capital outlay, often
• A large source of revenue is fixed capital outlay, which we call public education capital outlay, often
• process by which fixed capital outlay projects are submitted and approved.
• Capital projects are funds that are appropriated by the state Legislature for capital projects, along
• Capital projects are funds that are appropriated by the state legislature, Capital projects are funds

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met to hear an overview of State University System finances from the Board of Governors and detailed budget presentations from Florida State University, the University of Central Florida, and the University of North Florida. The witnesses explained how university budgets are organized into fund categories such as education and general, contracts and grants, auxiliaries, local/designated funds, capital projects, and component units such as direct support organizations. They also described carry forward funds, the statutory reserve and spending-plan requirements, the PICO/HECO capital outlay process, and how universities use investment accounts, audits, and board oversight to manage restricted and unspent funds. The universities emphasized that most operating dollars are restricted to specific uses and that state support helps keep tuition low. Members asked about differences in funding levels among institutions, especially why FSU receives more funding than UCF despite lower enrollment. Officials said preeminence funding, performance funding, and special legislative appropriations explain much of the difference, and the Board of Governors noted that Florida now has four preeminent universities, with UCF nearing that status. Questions also focused on what happens to unspent carry forward money, how it is invested, and whether the Board of Governors or Legislature can require funds to be returned; officials said the money is invested conservatively, subject to board and audit oversight, and can roll forward under a detailed spending plan, though the Legislature can change funding levels. The committee also discussed capital projects, with members asking about delays, inflation, and whether more projects should be phased or funded faster; witnesses said PICO funds remain with the state until needed and are reimbursed as construction proceeds. A substantial portion of the discussion covered athletics, research, student fees, and endowments. The universities said athletics is generally expected to be self-supporting, though limited use of auxiliary or carry forward funds may be allowed for projects benefiting the broader student body. They also described the financial pressures from name, image, and likeness changes and new NCAA-related costs, and said institutions are planning for those changes now. On research, the universities explained sponsored research funding, indirect cost recovery, compliance obligations, and tech transfer, but did not provide specific commercialization revenue figures and said they would follow up. Members also asked about student fee increases, student input, counseling and wellness funding, and how housing costs affect affordability; the universities said student committees and boards review fees, and aid packaging is intended to keep student debt low. Endowments were described as being held in separate foundations/DSOs with independent investment committees and used mainly for scholarships, faculty support, and research.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill sets minimum and stability.
• the rate you think is the minimum. the rate you think is the minimum.
• Is building up a a capital doing?
• that funds will be put into a capital that funds will be put into a capital reserve<02:18:49.200
• They are not capital funds.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The capital we recommended was kind of a minimum capital to launch our product, so that 10, you know,
• You know, our capital really is a minimum capital strategy.
• , our capital really is a minimum<01:51:54.159> capital<01:51:54.960> uh<01:51:55.119><
• So, you minimum capital uh strategy.
• <01:52:42.800> Um minimum capital we would need. Okay. Um minimum capital we would need.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to his capital. Thank you. [applause] Welcome, gentlemen. own, Mr.
• Welcome to<00:19:40.240> his<00:19:40.559> capital.
• <00:19:41.633> [applause] to his capital. Thank you. [applause] to his capital.
• >> Sure, but it's a two drink minimum. >> Sure, but it's a two drink minimum.
• You've invited over to the old capital You've invited over to the old capital in<00:32:18.159>

Keywords: MS House Floor - 3 March, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then dispensed with the reading of the journal and introductions. The session included many gallery introductions recognizing Jackson State University Day and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Day, along with visiting university officials, alumni, students, community leaders, and other guests. Members also offered remarks honoring JSU achievements and several individuals, including a doctor of the day, a mayor, military personnel, and a legislative intern. One member asked for adjournment in memory of two West Bolivar students who died in a house fire, and the chamber observed that request. On the calendar, the House took up several House resolutions in blocks. Items 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 were adopted without objection, and House Resolution 72 and House Resolution 75 were each adopted by voice vote. The chamber then considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 526, described as congratulating the Ole Miss Rebels; it was adopted by a recorded vote of 121 yeas and 0 nays. A request was made for immediate release on that resolution, and there was no objection. Members also discussed adding the full House membership as co-authors on House Resolution 78, which was noted as honoring an outstanding Jackson State baseball player. Several announcements were made about committee meetings and events, including Medicaid, Judiciary, State Affairs, and Accountability, Efficiency, and Transparency meetings, though State Affairs was later announced not to meet that afternoon. Members also announced a legislative reception hosted by the Mississippi Tourism Association and Game and Hospitality Association, and a 100-year anniversary event for the Mississippi Forester Commission. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 10:00 a.m. the next day.