Transcript Highlights:

• It goes up the more tenure the staff is, just because that's where we've lost a lot of staff.
• We've deployed refresher training for staff.
• So again, it can be driven by paperwork issues, staff errors that staff are making... ...during the determination
• , and some auditors and collection staff.
• So I turn around to the staff here, I think Senator Zaffirini's staffer and my staff.

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met to hear interim charges on higher education transparency and on preventing fraud, waste, and abuse in state government. The chair emphasized accountability for taxpayer dollars and asked witnesses to address financial reporting, audit practices, and whether more frequent or comprehensive audits would improve oversight. Legislative Budget Board staff described how public university systems and most community colleges respond to requests about internal audit practices, noting that university systems generally follow a similar annual audit timeline and that community colleges use a more varied mix of internal and external audit arrangements. Members focused on gaps in reporting, especially Texas Southern University’s missing submissions for several years and Collin County Community College’s nonresponse to the LBB survey. The State Auditor’s Office then outlined its higher education audit work, including mandatory statewide single audits, DEI compliance audits, HUB and State Use Program audits, benefits proportional audits, and discretionary audits based on risk. The auditor said the office has released 43 higher-ed audit reports since fiscal year 2021 and has two audits in progress, and explained that internal audit reports from institutions help guide future audit selection. Senators pressed the office on the lack of enforcement authority, the value of internal auditors at each institution, and whether community colleges should have more standardized reporting and audit requirements. The auditor and general counsel said the SAO can refer suspected fraud to law enforcement but cannot itself enforce findings, while several senators suggested stronger clawback authority and more robust internal audit structures. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board explained that it collects annual financial reports, sources-and-uses data, and community college finance reports, and uses them for funding formulas and other reporting. It also trains governing board members and said it has limited regulatory authority, though community colleges must certify compliance annually and can lose eligibility for state funds if they do not. Members questioned the reliability of self-attested data, the adequacy of board training, and whether a single reporting structure would be more efficient. During public testimony, a ScholarShot representative argued for clearer, student-facing financial transparency so students can see total cost of attendance and the gap they must cover before enrolling.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:19:46.480><c> and</c> we pull together a team of staff and we pull together a team of staff and
• </c><00:23:09.520><c> Staff</c> in advance of the meetings. Staff in advance of the meetings.
• I need you to introduce by staff.
• And um how much staff do you have to—when you said our load tripled, how much staff do you hire to do
• opportunities for existing staff.

Bills: SF2434

Keywords: housing, development fund, affordable housing, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, expenditure provisions

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll have non-partisan staff do that, so I assume staff have figured out who's going to start and manage
• /c> staff do that, so staff do that, so I<00:04:11.160><c> assume</c><00:04:11.400><c> staff</c><00:04
• </c><00:21:57.680><c> Capital</c> require the director to staff Capital require the director to staff
• we all are concerned about staff.
• </c> I don't know uh maybe non-partisan staff I don't know uh maybe non-partisan staff can<01:10:32.560

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Safety and Security Conference Committee met on May 13, 2026, with a quorum present and no immediate vote taken. Chairs explained the committee was working ahead of a possible target so it could act quickly later if needed, then proceeded with member introductions and a reminder about committee decorum. Staff noted a microphone delay and said the meeting would include a side-by-side walk-through of the House and Senate policy language and a review of the fiscal spreadsheet. Fiscal staff summarized major differences in court, public safety, and legislative security funding. The House and Senate proposals differed on safety and security funding for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and District Courts, as well as on courthouse grants, capital security enhancements, and a new legislative/protective services unit. Staff also reviewed Senate-only and House-only items, including a Senate proposal to require removal of insignia from public safety vehicles sold to the public, and House provisions for a security services task force and member security costs. Total general fund impacts were reviewed, with the House total corrected to include an open appropriation that had been omitted from the spreadsheet totals. Nonpartisan staff then walked through the policy differences. The Senate language focused on a Protective Services Unit and security for principal state officials, while the House language focused on a Legislative Services Unit and security for legislators. Both bills included provisions on Capitol Complex Security, reporting requirements, and reimbursement arrangements with local law enforcement, but differed on details such as whether elected officials must provide contact information to DPS and how requests for personal protective services are handled. The House-only amendment A8 was presented for discussion; it would revise emergency contact provisions, replace the House’s personal protective services request language with a more detailed threat assessment and mitigation framework, direct implementation of the new unit, and make related reimbursement and technical changes. Judge Richard Kyle, president of the Minnesota District Judges Association, testified in support of stronger judicial and court safety measures. He described rising threats against judges, citing survey results showing high rates of judges limiting personal information, receiving inappropriate communications, changing personal behavior, and experiencing threats to themselves and family members. He said the association supports legislative authorization and funding for home security and personal data protections for judicial officers, and emphasized that safety concerns for judges and court staff have become more serious in recent years.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, thank the LRC staff and Senate staff. You all make us look good every day.
• That's why I've been able to stick around is the LRC staff and our Senate staff.
• Uh thank the LRC staff and and around. Uh thank the LRC staff and and Senate<02:45:05.520><c> staff.
• </c> the LRC staff and our Senate staff. the LRC staff and our Senate staff.
• Also um want to thank my staff. staff. staff. Right<02:45:46.640><c> there.</c> Right there.

Keywords: In an effort to stave off issues that may occur with long format live streams, we have split this stream into two parts., 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I will uh have the staff bring Benber.
• </c><00:44:08.000><c> and</c> assaults on our uh hospital staff and assaults on our uh hospital staff
• </c> safety of patients, visitors, and staff. safety of patients, visitors, and staff.
• So, and then a lot of the times obviously nursing staff and hospital staffs are obviously our nursing
• </c> of the I guess hospital staff. of the I guess hospital staff.

Bills: HF2358, HF3496, HF3504, HF2169, HF3440

Keywords: public safety, coercion, criminal penalties, law enforcement, victim protection, HF3496, supervision abatement, earned compliance credit, earned compliance credits, conditional release, supervised release, corrections, Minnesota Department of Corrections, restitution, willful nonpayment, probation-like supervision, release supervision, community supervision, lifetime conditional release, early termination of supervision

Transcript Highlights:

• We great staff and um they do very well.
• We know if staff are assigned to them.
• But we cover 120 counties with our inspection staff.
• It's also monitored by office personnel, staff here in Frankfort.
• </c><00:51:02.760><c> to</c> um for those inspection staff to um for those inspection staff to uh uh

Keywords: Investments in Information Technology Improvement & Modernization Projects Oversight Board will met upon adjournment of both chambers. The time set is noon on YouTube, But the official time will likely vary based on chamber proceedings. Meeting start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:00 Tools for Managing Remote Work Kentucky Personnel Cabinet 00:00:30 Kentucky Transportation Cabinet 00:20:20 Cabinet for Health and Family Services 00:33:10 Housing, Buildings and Construction 00:47:40 Commonwealth Office of Technology 00:56:20, 958, all

Summary: The committee received testimony from Personnel Cabinet Secretary Mary Elizabeth Bailey and Deputy Secretary Robert Long on the state’s telecommuting policy. Bailey explained that telecommuting in the executive branch is governed by a statewide policy requiring eligible employees to work in the office three days a week and telecommute up to two days a week. Eligibility depends first on the position, not the person: public-facing jobs, roles requiring special equipment or insecure document handling, and other duties that cannot be performed remotely are not eligible. Employees and managers must complete training, sign agreements, comply with safety and IT requirements, and telecommuting privileges can be revoked for poor performance or discipline. She said the cabinet audits compliance and that telecommuting has helped maintain services during inclement weather, disasters, and building renovations. Bailey also said about 33% of the workforce is hybrid, 11% telecommutes full-time, and 56% does not telecommute. Members asked about cost savings, eligibility, discipline, and technology requirements. Bailey said she did not have statewide cost-savings figures and referred that question to the Finance and Administration Cabinet. She said employees must have reliable connectivity and appropriate equipment, but there is no fixed broadband speed requirement; if an employee cannot connect, they must come into the office. She also said telecommuting postings indicate whether a position is eligible, and that performance issues are handled through progressive discipline rather than being ignored. Transportation Cabinet officials then described how their agency manages remote work. Deputy Secretary Mike Hancock, along with IT and human resources leaders, said the cabinet follows the executive branch policy and actively manages telecommuting employees through Microsoft Teams, VPN access, daily standups, project tracking, and manager oversight. They said more than 2,600 of the cabinet’s 4,000 employees cannot telecommute because their jobs are public-facing or field-based, while about 35% are eligible to telecommute up to two days per week. The cabinet also has 13 state employees and 94 contract employees working full-time remotely in IT. Officials said telecommuting has improved recruitment and retention, supported emergency response and weather operations, and allowed the cabinet to continue working during storms and other disruptions. Members asked about phone equipment, monitoring, and “mouse jiggler” devices; officials said phones are often forwarded to personal or state devices, Teams shows real-time availability, and managers rely on daily accountability and project management tools to monitor work.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:25:21.600><c> did</c> in a retention pond, and the staff did in a retention pond, and the staff
• Um, if they have to staff it and provide help.
• Requires documentation, reporting, and staff training.
• And it reporting and staff training.
• </c> delete subdivision 7, and instruct staff delete subdivision 7, and instruct staff to<02:27:27.680

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Department of Management Services must provide the governor-elect, the transition staff, and the
• inauguration staff with temporary office facilities in the capital center during the transition period
• The Department of Management Services must provide the governor-elect, the transition staff, and the
• The committee staff cited some constitutional issues in the bill.
• I’m just reading through some of the committee’s staff concerns.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard and reported favorably several bills. CS/SB 800 would increase penalties for repeated unlicensed engineering practice and create an engineering student loan assistance program funded by licensure fees and fines; Senator Sharif asked about restitution for victims, and the sponsor said the bill does not create a reimbursement mechanism. CS/SB 576 would create a local government cybersecurity protection program administered by Florida Digital Service, with state purchasing support, grant access, and data-sharing requirements; local government and cybersecurity groups waived in support. CS/SB 1078 would establish transition procedures between gubernatorial administrations, including liaisons, briefing books, office space, IT access, and access to agency records under a signed confidentiality agreement. The committee also reported favorably CS/SB 314 on payment stablecoin issuers, CS/SB 530 updating lottery operations and security rules, CS/SB 1614 giving JAC/LAC-related audit findings more enforcement effect for local governments seeking state funds, SB 990 authorizing protective cell captive insurance companies, SB 1588 beginning implementation of the prior gold-and-silver legal tender law, CS/SB 1440 adding cybersecurity-related exemptions and reporting provisions for financial institutions, and CS/SB 1568 creating a stablecoin pilot program for DFS fee payments. Several bills had support testimony from state agencies and industry groups, and some included technical or guardrail amendments that were adopted without objection. The committee also received a budget overview highlighting major funding items, including more than $350 million for Florida Forever, $738 million for Everglades restoration, more than $500 million for water quality projects outside the Everglades, $60 million for Farmers Feeding Florida, and more than $250 million for citrus recovery. Members asked questions about school lunch funding, state park improvements, land acquisition, water quality funding, gaming enforcement offices, and staffing for PERC. After the bills and budget discussion, members recorded a few affirmative votes on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will have a staff brief. We will have a staff briefing by Danny Masterson.
• Are there any questions for staff?
• Staff report by Brandon Popovac. Thank you, Chair Liias.
• Brandon Popovac for a staff report. Thank you, Chair Leas.
• I'm Kelly Simpson, committee staff. Before you is Senate Bill 6148.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held public hearings on several bills. Substitute Senate Bill 5690 would require WSDOT to give utility owners advance notice of fish barrier removal and other projects, seek federal funding for those projects when available, and report back to the Legislature; supporters said it would help small utilities plan for costly relocations, while WSDOT said the bill would not achieve its intended effect and that federal reimbursement for these costs is limited. The committee also heard Engrossed Senate Bill 5746, which would create or continue an advisory process on EV charger infrastructure property crime; the sponsor and supporters said it would help address vandalism and theft affecting charging access, and testimony was overwhelmingly in favor. Senate Bill 5750 would authorize state facilities to charge fees for privately owned EVs using state charging stations and deposit the revenue into the motor vehicle fund; the sponsor said this would make charging costs fairer and recover expenses, with broad support and some questions about whether the policy could be implemented administratively without legislation. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6148, which would increase the maximum term for regional transit authority bonds from 40 years to 75 years, affecting Sound Transit. Sound Transit and transit advocates argued the longer term would better match debt to long-lived assets, help accelerate construction, and reduce near-term financial pressure without raising taxes, while opponents warned it would increase long-term costs and shift repayment burdens to future generations. Committee members asked about interest costs, asset values, and examples of eligible long-lived projects such as tunnels and bridges. No votes were taken during the hearing, and each bill closed with testimony counts recorded on the record.

Transcript Highlights:

• And two, we are a staff of five.
• I created a letter that I sent to all of our staff and to all of our families.
• I have done several trainings myself for our schools, for our staff.
• In the past, the district has decided on employment of teachers and staff...
• I'm very proud of the work my staff does. Do we know we can get better?

Summary: The committee first heard a follow-up on the Arizona State Board of Chiropractic Examiners special audit. The Auditor General’s contractor reported that the board has made progress on most of the 28 recommendations from the 2024 audit, with 25 in process and three not yet implemented. Remaining concerns included complaint investigations not being resolved within 180 days, continued open meeting law compliance problems, and failure to consult the Attorney General’s open meeting law experts. The follow-up also identified new issues with posting disciplinary/non-disciplinary actions and maintaining a complete public records request log. Board staff said they had adopted new complaint timelines, subpoena limits, conflict-of-interest procedures, public meeting guidance, training, and a new licensing platform, and they described efforts to professionalize investigations and improve transparency. Members pressed the board on open meeting violations, complaint backlogs, lobbying activity, and the resignation of the board chair, while the executive director said the audit findings were being treated as a roadmap for reform. The committee then received the January 2026 Arizona school district financial risk analysis. The Auditor General’s office said the number of highest-risk districts rose from two to nine, and districts approaching highest risk increased from seven to nine. The report highlighted common risk factors such as declining student counts, budget reserve problems, use of capital funds for operations, and weakening general fund positions. Tucson Unified was used as an example of a highest-risk district, with declining enrollment, reserve declines, and capital funds redirected to operations; Scottsdale Unified was cited as approaching highest risk. The office explained its web-based dashboard, district action plans, and ongoing outreach to affected districts. Sierra Vista Unified School District superintendent Terry Romo then presented the district’s response to its financial risk designation. She said she inherited the problems, quickly developed an action plan, and is working to stabilize enrollment, reduce staffing through attrition, close an elementary school, freeze nonessential spending, tighten purchase controls, and renegotiate or cancel high-cost contracts. She also said the district is redirecting DAA funds, considering sale or lease of property, and improving communication with families through letters, videos, and enrollment outreach. Committee members questioned the district about declining enrollment, school safety, academic performance, and the pace of corrective action, while Romo emphasized that the district is trying to protect both students and finances and avoid returning to the high-risk list.

Transcript Highlights:

• Elena Bucker, committee staff.
• Jeff Olson, staff to the committee.
• For the record, Elena Becker, committee staff.
• We'll now take a staff report on House Bill 2343.
• Jeff Holson, staff to the committee.

Bills: HB2104, HB2554, HB2619

Keywords: aviation, wildland fires, funding, disaster relief, emergency response, tribal rights, fishing rights, salmon management, state-tribal agreements, natural resources, agriculture, regulations, farming, compliance, economic impact, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I just feel the need to kind of check along the way with our professional staff. >> [snorts] >> And
• I don't want to bring non-partisan staff into this. I won't do that. Um, what? The recess?
• I don't want to bring non-partisan staff into this. I won't do that. Um, what? The recess?
• </c> professional staff. professional staff.
• </c> staff into this. staff into this.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Hazardous material inspectors, electrical staff, plumbing staff, boiler staff, HVAC staff, and building
• electrical staff increased plumbing staff<00:26:14.880><c> increased</c><00:26:15.440><c> boiler</c>
• <00:26:15.919><c> staff</c><00:26:16.480><c> increased</c> staff increased boiler staff increased staff
• increased boiler staff increased HVAC<00:26:18.320><c> staff</c><00:26:18.799><c> increased</c><00:26
• :19.440><c> building</c><00:26:19.840><c> code</c> HVAC staff increased building code HVAC staff increased

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:40 HB 500 Discussion 00:01:50 HB 500 Vote 00:38:40 HB 504 Discussion 00:41:45 HB 504 Vote 00:47:00, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am so pleased we have an amazing staff. And of course, Tim Elwell is our staff director.
• You have a staff fte accounted for clickable.
• We have a couple of programs that have had the same staff. But in others, the staff has changed.
• He's doing a better job than some of our paid staff.
• We it's one for CPI staff, one for a case manager, staff and one for licensing professionals.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So staff will be spread thin.
• by other staff as there is capacity.
• That staff person and it will be picked up by other staff as there is capacity. And, oh, okay.
• We already, this staff position is filled.
• No additional staff are necessary for grant delivery.

Keywords: 907, all

Summary: The Emergency Board met on June 17, 2026, and approved a series of subcommittee recommendations, mostly on consent, related to federal grant applications, agency funding adjustments, and position authority. Early actions included approval of four federal grant applications from natural resources agencies, three public safety grant applications, a one-time increase for Judicial Department court security, retroactive approval for an AmeriCorps volunteer-generation grant, and a $7.5 million allocation to Southern Oregon University from a special appropriation for short-term financial stability. Members supporting the SOU item emphasized the university’s structural deficits, declining enrollment, and the need for a long-term higher education plan; several members voted no or raised concerns about sustainability, but the motion passed. The board also approved a federal apprenticeship expansion grant for the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, a school nutrition equipment grant for the Department of Education, and an Oregon Health Authority request tied to Medicaid community engagement requirements under H.R. 1. Public safety items included funding for Oregon Military Department readiness facilities, a report on the stalled juvenile justice information system modernization project with a follow-up viability report due in 2026, and a statewide evacuation planning tool for emergency management. The evacuation tool drew strong support as a wildfire preparedness measure, with members noting it could significantly reduce alert times and save lives. A major point of debate was the Department of Justice request to add 16 permanent positions and increase other funds limitation for antitrust enforcement. Supporters argued the federal government has pulled back and Oregon needs capacity to pursue active cases and protect consumers; opponents objected to the process, the size of the expansion, and the incentive structure tied to settlements and awards. Despite those concerns, the motion passed. The board also approved Water Resources Department requests for the Water Well Abandonment, Repair and Replacement program, an assistant water master position in Washington County, and federal funding for Lower Umatilla Basin groundwater data collection. The water master item prompted questions about county cost shifts, but staff said the position would remain externally funded and would not be filled without those resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• with the adoption of the spreadsheet, the table document, and amendments presented by nonpartisan staff
• <00:40:00.480><c> are</c> move that nonpartisan staff are move that nonpartisan staff are empowered<00
• Well, Madam Chair, I just wanted to thank our nonpartisan staff and our partisan staff as well.
• thank all of our staff who made this thank all of our staff who made this happen<00:40:25.440><c> and
• </c> nonpartisan staff and our partisan staff nonpartisan staff and our partisan staff as<00:40:34.560

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any initial comments that you'd like to make, Chair Heintzeman, or would you like the staff
• And then our DFL staff, although Mr. Strowmire isn't here today, Mr.
• And then our DFL staff, although Mr. Strowmire isn't here today, Mr.
• </c><00:30:06.320><c> to</c> on ways and means and instruct staff to on ways and means and instruct staff
• </c><00:30:24.320><c> make</c> direction that nonpartisan staff make direction that nonpartisan staff

Bills: HF2439

Keywords: environmental protection, pollution reduction, waste management, climate change, funding allocations, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't have something that is pre-built to share with staff.
• We don't have something that is pre-built to share with staff at this time.
• In fact, there was a requirement that school districts ensure that teachers, staff, support staff are
• Usually it's one or two that also then support, and we have district staff.
• So staffing, keeping the schools fully staffed and even the support staff, is a big challenge.

Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met to review Florida’s cell phone and social media literacy law, with Representative Brad Yeager describing the 2023 policy as aimed at removing classroom distractions and teaching students how to use social media responsibly. He said the law was intended to keep phones out of classrooms unless used for instruction, require social media literacy education, and limit access to certain sites on school Wi-Fi and government devices. Yeager said feedback since passage has been mixed: many teachers support it and some have adopted inexpensive shoe-organizer or pouch systems, but implementation varies by school and administrator enforcement. He said he is not currently pursuing a broader statewide mandate. Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez and Timber Creek High School Principal Mr. Wasco described Orange County’s approach as bell-to-bell phone restrictions, while Pasco County’s Dr. Zetchy described a similar policy with some flexibility during lunch or passing periods at the high school level. Both districts said the policy was implemented with parent communication, town halls, surveys, and transition periods, and that concerns about emergencies were addressed by allowing phones to be returned at the end of the day and by establishing procedures for parent contact. They reported few theft problems and said discipline issues related to phones have generally been manageable, though some teachers still struggle with enforcement or with students trying to evade the rules. A major portion of the discussion focused on social media literacy instruction. Orange County said it uses counselor-led programs, Canvas courses, resiliency days, and curriculum materials to teach students about cyberbullying, human trafficking, privacy, and the permanence of online posts, with progress tracked through the learning platform. Pasco said it has some resiliency modules but lacks a fully built-out, pre-made social media curriculum and would welcome more guidance from DOE, especially for high school classrooms where instructional time is limited. Members also asked about student anxiety, 504/IEP accommodations, caregiver students, and parent education; the districts said exceptions are handled through school committees and that parent academies and district resources are being used to help families set boundaries and understand the risks and benefits of phones and social media. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• And [clears throat] my staff is sitting up here. Uh Sam's... My staff is sitting up here.
• Uh, Sam's staff, Kurt's staff, our minority office, and I'd like to just turn the attention to them right
• And especially the Ways and Means Chair, Senator Dela Cruz, and his staff.
• And I also want to thank my staff, CIP staff Joseph Kupshay, and district staff Alex Ozawa, Nicoletovich
• And I want to take this opportunity to thank my staff, Kathy, Sierra, and Anne.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I will note that there was a transitional period in this outgoing staff and incoming staff where those
• We do have some new staff members on the team that are actively working on defining the timeline so we
• So I don't think that issue goes away, and it's hard to kind of staff here. that some members of the
• My hope is once we get an accounting firm on to help support staff, we are going to get this done in
• But as previous staff has mentioned, we've been actively working on bringing in consultant support.