Transcript Highlights:

• This leads me to the final legislative auditor's recommendation: continue the sales tax exemption for
• This leads me to the final legislative auditor's recommendation: continue the sales tax exemption for
• This leads us to the legislative auditor's three recommendations.
• This leads us to...
• The more counties involved, the more negotiating power you have, leading to better services at better

Summary: The committee first received a JLARC work session on the 2025 tax preference performance reviews, covering nine tax preferences and recommending legislative action on eight. JLARC reviewed natural gas transportation fuel preferences, travel agent and tour operator B&O rates, a property tax exemption for nonprofit low-income housing developers, and several shorter reviews including senior center property tax relief, a disabled veteran adapted housing remittance, trade convention nexus treatment, wholesale sales of fertilizer/pesticides/seed, a hazardous substance tax exemption for pesticides stored for out-of-state shipment, and three energy-related preferences for a silicon smelter. JLARC generally recommended continuing preferences that met stated or inferred objectives, modifying some to improve reporting or performance metrics, and allowing the unused silicon smelter preferences to expire. The Citizen Commission endorsed JLARC’s recommendations, and committee members asked a few clarifying questions, including about trends in travel agent/tour operator beneficiaries and the housing exemption’s performance metric and data issues. The committee then heard a work session and public hearing on Senate Bill 5754, which would create a Washington State public bank. A presentation from California public banking advocates and the Bank of North Dakota described public banks as government-owned financial institutions intended to keep public funds working locally, support lending for housing, infrastructure, and community development, and partner with community banks and credit unions. Committee questions focused on leverage, liquidity, constitutional issues, and how the model would interact with existing state investment and debt structures. Staff summarized the bill’s structure, including activation conditions, governance, powers, and fiscal impacts, noting the fiscal note was largely indeterminate and startup costs could be significant. Public testimony on SB 5754 was divided. Supporters included statewide elected officials, county and city officials, labor, educators, community advocates, and residents, who argued the bank could lower borrowing costs, improve access to capital, keep public money in Washington, and help finance infrastructure, housing, and disaster resilience. Opponents included community bankers and county treasurers, who warned about risks to safety and liquidity of public funds, questioned the need for a new institution given existing programs, and argued the proposal lacked a proven track record in Washington. The hearing concluded with no vote taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• that reinforce that we are absolutely on the right track, but there is more work to be done, which leads
• highlight is a request for $35.5 million to support children and families served by community-based care lead
• highlight is a request for 35.5 million to support children and families served by community-based care lead
• So that leads me into, with the state having almost $17 billion in reserves, is there any option, because
• a threat to the life and health of individuals with HIV and to public health, as this is likely to lead

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard presentations on the governor’s proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget for the health and human services agencies. Kendall Kelly outlined the overall HHS budget at $48.5 billion, with AHCA accounting for the largest share, and agency heads then highlighted major proposals for Medicaid behavioral health redesign, APD waiver enrollment and facility needs, DCF child welfare, opioid, and mental health investments, DOEA funding for Alzheimer’s, home care, and community services, DOH funding for cancer research, public health initiatives, and lab capacity, and VA funding for facility improvements, cybersecurity, and medication management. Several members praised specific proposals, including increased reimbursement for private duty nursing, Alzheimer’s supports, and the Florida FIRST blood-in-ambulance initiative. Senators also questioned the proposed changes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), with the Surgeon General explaining that the department expects a reduction in covered patients from about 30,000 to about 20,000 because of funding pressures tied to rebates, federal changes, and premium tax credit issues. Public testimony strongly criticized the ADAP changes, citing lack of transparency and warning that many patients could lose access to medications. Other questions focused on the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, DCF’s substance abuse and mental health data dashboard, Kids Care/CHIP expansion implementation, APD bed and facility planning, and the FX Medicaid technology project. DCF said about $7 million is set aside for the dashboard system, and AHCA said the governor’s budget includes $124.4 million for FX maintenance and continued module development, with $13.5 million to begin claims processing work. The committee did not take a substantive vote on the budget presentations and adjourned after questions and public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Give them deepened affection for the people of Arizona that they may lead with a shepherd's heart of
• Give them repentance, that they may lead our state away from Righteousness and honor.
• Give them repentance that they may lead our state away from all that dishonors you and give them wisdom
• removing the President as the chair of the Rules Committee and appointing a member of this body to lead
• Scott has been the lead training officer and has served for 33 years.

Summary: The Arizona Senate convened for opening day of the second regular session of the 57th Legislature with ceremonial prayers, the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem. Senate President Warren Petersen gave a farewell-style address highlighting his efforts to shift power toward members and committee chairs, preserve conservative policies, and deliver annual tax cuts, including a projected $1 billion cut this year. The chamber then recessed for an opening-day speech by Grand Canyon University President Brian Mueller, who spoke about Arizona’s labor-force needs, workforce training, and GCU’s role in expanding access to education and middle-class jobs, including apprenticeships and technical programs tied to local employers. After returning to order, the Senate adopted its organizational rules for the session, including suspending rules so bills and resolutions could be read by number and short title only on first and second reading and by number and title only on third and final reading. Members also approved a motion to notify the House and Governor that the Senate was organized and ready for business, and the House later reported that it was likewise organized. The chamber then adopted a proposed amendment to Senate Rule 7A and the rules of the 57th Legislature, and the President announced committee assignments for standing and statutory committees, including Appropriations, Education, Finance, Government, Military Affairs and Border Security, Natural Resources, Rules, Legislative Council, Legislative Audit, and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee. The remainder of the session focused on points of personal privilege, with senators introducing family members, constituents, local officials, school leaders, law enforcement officers, tribal leaders, and advocacy guests. Several members used the occasion to emphasize issues they expect to work on this session, including education, public safety, housing, water, early childhood services, veterans, border security, and workforce development. The Senate also received a motion to request House consent for an adjournment schedule, and the body adjourned until Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 1:15 p.m. after announcing upcoming committee meetings and the first batch of bill introductions and references.

Transcript Highlights:

• Prioritizing engagement over compliance strengthens relationships and leads to increased attendance and
• All educators know smaller class sizes lead to improved academic achievement and student behavior.
• Community schools lead to improved learning, stronger families, and healthier communities.
• Enactment of an 80/20 cost share model could also lead to more public school employees electing to enroll
• And I know it potentially leads into a larger issue with the funding formula.

Transcript Highlights:

• IN FLORIDA DESPITE BEING HOME TO LEADING UNIVERSITIES AND EMERGING TECH KNOWLEDGE HE AND SOME OF THE
• WELL-PLANNED PROCUREMENT LEADS TO BOTH RESPONSIBLE USE AND LONG-TERM VALUE.
• USUALLY WHAT WE RECOMMEND IS ONE STATE AGENCY TAKE THE LEAD IN THIS.
• IT WOULD BE THERE HIGHER ED AGENCY IS THE POINT AGENCY LEADING AND FACILITATING NETWORK BEING THE ONE
• WANT TO DELIVER HIGH DEMAND ACADEMIC PROGRAMS THAT PREPARE THE STUDENTS IN THE NEXT GENERATION TO LEAD

Transcript Highlights:

• At the moment, NIFA HOTEC is a lead on that project, and New Mexico could take it as a sub-award.
• resources to help you with very specific facilities and very specific equipment that would keep us on the leading
• So those are just four quick examples where I think we can really lead. Thank you.
• So, we have an amazing opportunity in the state to lead on affordability for electricity if we make a
• HR1 does create uncertainty, but we can lead with clarity, certainty, and coordination.

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Not sure who's leading this, if you would please go ahead right here. Well, good morning, Mr.
• Over on page 9, Chart 3 highlights that this mandate has led New Mexico to lead the nation in CEP participation
• So the state's investment is leading to increased participation, but we are also seeing increased program
• We are proud that New Mexico is one of the states leading the nation in addressing food insecurity and
• Our state is also hosting the National Farm to School Conference, leading in that as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and I can say that due to the activity at the end of the session and in particular the work leading
• :16:01.600><c> particular</c><00:16:02.000><c> the</c><00:16:02.240><c> work</c><00:16:02.480><c> leading
• I'm a little bit concerned on the image that that portrays out to the public going forward if the lead
• I'm a little bit concerned on the image that that portrays out to the public going forward if the lead
• I'm a little bit concerned on the image that that portrays out to the public going forward if the lead

Committee: Senate Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• know almost everyone here has a family member or themselves who has suffered with addiction, which leads
• suffered with themselves who has suffered with addiction<00:08:51.920><c> which</c><00:08:52.480><c> leads
• </c> addiction which leads to these problems. addiction which leads to these problems.
• For example, when they're dealing with financial problems that lead to garnishment.

Transcript Highlights:

• ENGAGE SENATOR COLLINS AND I SPOKE WITH SEVERAL IDEAS ABOUT THE SCHOOL AND I SAT WITH THE GROUP THAT LEADS
• WE ARE RECOGNIZED AS A LEAD TO SCHOOL IN FLORIDA FOR MILITARY AFFAIRS AND ENROLLEES BUT THERE IS ALWAYS
• WE WANT FLORIDA TO LEAD ON THIS. UWF SHOULD BE AT THE FOREFRONT OF THAT.
• I HAVE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF LEADING SEVERAL ORGANIZATIONS IN PENSACOLA AND A CITY GOVERNMENT AND CHURCH
• STUDENTS NEED TO FOCUS ON IN EDUCATION THAT WILL LEAD TO A CAREER PATH AND ULTIMATELY THAT IS WHAT IS

Transcript Highlights:

• studies and scholarly evidence supporting the fact that the lack of climate control in prison settings leads
• Some things we ponder are: will this program lead to a certificate of value for the student?
• The tragic events leading up to the filing of this bill are a stark reminder."
• Workplace violence in healthcare has been on a steady rise for years, and it is cited as one of the leading
• serving less than 180 days and claiming to be veterans, or mixing non-veterans with veterans, which leads

Bills: HB1826 , HB2854 , HB3006 , HB4614 , HB5261 , HB5639

Committee: House Corrections

Transcript Highlights:

• Such measures would be detrimental as they could lead to dangerous levels of idleness among our population
• The fines and fees system is dehumanizing, often leading to decades-long debts and stripping people of
• The cost of phone calls creates a real social and governmental burden, leading to other problems.
• My name is Leah Kondis, and I lead the Minneapolis local group of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in
• He is also leading our youth program now, which does a great job.

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• But let me... ...tell you that this bill is going to lead to a massive property tax increase.
• Private prisons prioritize profit over rehabilitation, leading to cost-cutting measures that result in
• Private prisons cut costs by having fewer staff or paying lower wages, leading to higher turnover and
• This leads to Cost-cutting measures sometimes compromise safety and reduce access to essential services
• We believe this bill would lead to a substantial increase in state expenses and expand government growth

Bills: HB153 , HB1410 , HB1461 , HB1760 , HB1762 , HB3261 , HB3773 , HB153

Committee: House Corrections

Transcript Highlights:

• traffic, and months, sometimes years, of disruption directly attributed to public works projects can lead
• We must, as a state, step forward and have bold language like this to lead.
• We're going to lead, and we're going to stand by those who stood by us.
• Regional councils serve as the lead and point of contact for the EDA economic development districts by
• Now, this is something where we are coming together and leading.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Tourism

Summary: The Commerce and Tourism Committee heard and favorably reported several bills. SB 1672 removed duplicative state provisions related to labor pools; CS/SB 940 prohibited third-party sale of restaurant reservations without the restaurant’s consent; and CS/SB 1820 made changes to motor vehicle manufacturer and dealer franchise law, including disclosure of performance measures, anti-retaliation protections, and limits on franchise termination or nonrenewal. The committee also approved CS/SB 324, creating a revolving loan program to help small businesses affected by prolonged public works construction, and SB 936, which creates a recurring three-year study of the effects of AI, robotics, and automation on Florida’s workforce and economy. SB 1322, the Florida Rural Jobs Act, was amended and reported favorably to encourage private investment in rural small businesses through a state tax credit program. The committee also reported favorably on CS/SB 910, which regulates for-profit veterans’ benefit assistance services, and CS/SB 656, which extends protections from extraordinary collection actions to all bill-of-care payment actions by hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers. The committee spent substantial time on CS/SB 1264, a broad Department of Commerce agency bill. The strike-all amendment added or revised provisions on Secure Florida, the RISE venture capital tax credit program, data center tax exemptions, business development classifications, military land transfers, and other economic development matters, while also repealing regional planning councils from statute. That repeal drew extensive opposition from local officials and regional council representatives, who argued the councils are important for emergency management, grant writing, planning, and support for small and rural communities. Supporters of the amendment said the councils could continue locally without state statutory involvement. After debate, the amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably, though Senators Davis and Smith voted no. The committee also considered CS/SB 1238, which would tighten reemployment assistance rules by disqualifying claimants who fail to meet job-search requirements or refuse work, and by adding verification and reporting requirements. Supporters framed it as adding guardrails and preventing fraud, while opponents argued Florida’s unemployment system is already difficult to access and that the bill would add unnecessary barriers and costs. Despite opposition from labor and advocacy groups, the bill was reported favorably, with Senators Smith and Arrington voting no. Finally, the committee unanimously recommended confirmation of Alexis Yarborough and John Gilbert to the Board of Supervisors of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the big picture, there are other items that are probably longer lead discussions in terms of what
• the legislature as a whole are tackling so many important issues. crucial issues that are going to lead
• This will lead to cleanup and remediation efforts being accomplished much faster as well, a win for Texas
• Texas is increasingly relying on imports from countries like Turkey and Egypt, leading to higher costs
• In fact, Texas was the leading destination for U.S. cement shipments in 2023 and consumed 16% to 17%

Bills: SB2037 , SB1757 , SB1758 , SB1759 , HB29

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Versions we've tried were still gamed and led to the continued market downturn that you saw leading up
• Versions we've tried were still gamed and led to the continued market downturn that you saw leading up
• those believing that narrative, I would highlight recent news saying Citizens' Property Insurance leads
• important to remember that recent insurance reforms were not just about limiting frivolous lawsuits, leading
• And we believe that the reforms that were done in 2022 have helped lead to this point.

Summary: The committee met to hear five banking and insurance-related bills. HB 1549, an Office of Financial Regulation agency bill to help more efficiently regulate financial institutions, was amended to match Senate companion language and then passed unanimously. HB 1231 would extend physician payment and prior-authorization protections similar to a prior dental law, including limits on virtual credit card payments as the sole payment method; physicians and medical groups supported it as a way to reduce fees and retroactive denials, while insurers were not heard in opposition, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then heard HB 999, which would make gold and silver legal tender and allow transactions in bullion through electronic debit mechanisms. The sponsor and several proponents framed it as an inflation hedge and economic freedom measure, while questions focused on definitions, transaction costs, and vendor participation. The bill passed on a mostly party-line vote, with one member voting no. The committee also approved HM 4363, a memorial urging Congress to establish a sovereign wealth fund; the sponsor described it as a way to steward national wealth, and the memorial passed with one dissenting vote. Finally, the committee took up HB 1551, which would create a prevailing-party attorney fee framework in insurance contract disputes. The sponsor argued it would restore balance, deter meritless litigation, and help consumers with valid claims recover fees, while insurers, business groups, and defense attorneys warned it would revive one-way fee shifting, increase litigation, and raise premiums. Consumer advocates and some members supported it as necessary to give policyholders meaningful recourse. After debate, the bill passed favorably, with one member voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• The lead sponsor, Senator Stewart, is on her way.
• From the health perspective, we see fires and floods caused by climate change, leading to higher rates
• funding goes to Environment and Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources; they're the two agencies in the lead
• So they are tasked, and they have been since they got the governor, with leading on changing and adaptation
• Will this bill lead to increased financial strain on rural counties with limited resources?

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• of recent changes to the Model Business Corporation Act, as well as developments in Delaware, the leading
• Another was our nation-leading child tax credit.
• reducing the tax and getting rid of the tax on Social Security for 80% of seniors, creating the nation-leading
• Leading tax credit, the child tax credit, but I don't get sick of talking about it.
• We also have to remember, the legislature has the freedom to use that 5% leading up to that over 5% to

Transcript Highlights:

• have a concrete timeline to come into compliance, that they understand the pro-housing policies that lead
• this data, and we're working directly with grantees to... to get them into compliance, which will lead
• funding or being more successful on outcomes and begin to give them direct resources that are going to lead
• I want to share with the committee, Mr Chairman, that San Diego is proud to lead when it comes as a national
• did hear a comment about, you know, some concern over the accountability conversation because it can lead

Transcript Highlights:

• CareerSource Florida is proud to play a leading role in our state's workforce development system, providing
• So I actually think we're well positioned because we've already been kind of leading the charge with
• So I actually think we're well positioned because we've been, we've already been kind of leading the
• So the emphasis on co-enrollments are great to. kind of leading the charge with some of these changes
• , it didn't look like there was a demand, and it's actually one of their most popular programs and leads

Summary: The subcommittee met to receive an informational presentation from CareerSource Florida President and CEO Adrian Johnson, joined by Anthony Gagliano of CareerSource Suncoast, on the structure, funding, and services of Florida’s workforce development system. Johnson explained that CareerSource serves job seekers and businesses through 21 local workforce development boards and nearly 100 career centers, using federal and state funding streams such as WIOA, Wagner-Peyser, SNAP Employment and Training, and TANF. She described services including case management, training, wraparound supports, job matching, rapid response for layoffs and disasters, and business services such as recruitment, customized training, and on-the-job training. She also highlighted the REACH Act’s role in consolidating local boards from 24 to 21, creating the Master Credential List and Credential Review Committee, and implementing performance-based letter grades for local boards. Members asked detailed questions about funding formulas, letter grade metrics, apprenticeships, youth services, small business access, and the demand occupation list. Johnson said federal allocations are driven largely by unemployment and poverty formulas, which has reduced Florida’s WIOA funding by about $27 million over four years because of the state’s low unemployment rate. She explained the letter grades measure outcomes such as increased earnings, reduced public assistance, employment and training outcomes, work-based learning, business engagement, and service to individuals in certain programs, and said the system is being reviewed for possible changes, including removing extra credit and adjusting weights. On youth services, she said Florida has a waiver allowing a 50/50 split between in-school and out-of-school youth funding, and that local partnerships drive outreach. On the demand occupation list, she said it is based on state labor market data and projections, but local boards can submit evidence of local demand when data does not reflect conditions in their area. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on apprenticeships and workforce training grants. Johnson and Gagliano described apprenticeship navigators funded by the $7.75 million apprenticeship expansion allocation, which help employers navigate registration and expand apprenticeships into nontraditional fields such as IT, health care, education, and hospitality. Gagliano gave examples from CareerSource Suncoast and said navigators helped employers move faster through registration and develop programs with local education providers. Johnson also discussed Incumbent Worker Training Grants and Quick Response Training Grants, noting recent awards of nearly $3 million to 69 businesses and $6.5 million to 24 businesses, respectively, and said these programs are targeted toward high-skill, high-wage occupations and priority industries. The meeting ended with no votes or formal action; the chair thanked the presenters, invited follow-up questions, and adjourned the meeting without objection.