Transcript Highlights:

• This includes a $120.7 million one-time deferred maintenance grant; $41 million for the Common Cloud
• This includes credit for prior learning, Common Cloud, deferred maintenance, dual enrollment, and the
• storage. $91,098 in February to be able to move a server into cloud-based storage.
• The cloud-based version was then recommended. Okay.
• So the cloud-based version, that recommendation is to protect that with a redundant server?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up the May Revision update on Proposition 98 and the school rainy-day fund. The Department of Finance said the minimum guarantee rises by $6.4 billion over the Governor’s Budget across the three-year window, with lower average daily attendance projections offsetting some of the revenue gains. Finance also described a reduced $3.9 billion settle-up proposal, increased deposits into the Public School System Stabilization Account, and an ending reserve balance of about $10.3 billion. The LAO said the revenue and LCFF adjustments were reasonable, but urged the Legislature to be cautious about delaying settle-up payments and to consider more budget resiliency, including larger cushions or other tools to protect ongoing programs. Members then questioned the administration and LAO about the size of the settle-up, the rationale for the reserve deposit, declining enrollment, and how lower attendance is creating savings that can be redirected to other school priorities. The LAO said the May Revision’s mix of one-time and ongoing spending was generally reasonable but recommended keeping a strong cushion and considering alternatives such as advance payments or pension-related savings. Questions also focused on how the May Revision’s funding mix affects districts if revenues weaken, and on the treatment of special education, discretionary block grants, and paid family leave costs for LEAs and community colleges. The committee next heard the community colleges portion of the budget. Finance described a higher SCFF COLA, increased apportionment costs, a student support block grant, deferred maintenance, Common Cloud, Calbright, credit for prior learning, and a one-time adult learner demonstration project. The Chancellor’s Office supported the core investments but asked for more funding for enrollment growth, changes to the SCFF growth formula, and a COLA for Student Equity and Achievement. The LAO recommended funding the statutory COLA increase, noted a $52 million current-year apportionment shortfall not yet included in the May Revision, and suggested the Legislature could instead direct some funds to enrollment growth, categorical COLAs, or one-time uses. Members also clarified how COLA and hold-harmless rules apply to different community college districts. Finally, the committee reviewed the proposed state implementation of the federal Workforce Pell program. Finance proposed one-time funding for the Student Aid Commission and Cradle to Career data work, plus trailer bill changes to set up state approval of eligible programs. CSAC said the program is promising but highly complex, with new federal rules just released and significant data, regulatory, and systems work still needed; it said the state will not be ready by July 1 and that ongoing funding will likely be necessary. The LAO agreed that implementation will require careful trailer bill language and noted that ongoing administrative costs remain unresolved. Members asked about other states’ approaches and the practical effect on short-term workforce programs in California.

Transcript Highlights:

• over my career for the rest of my cloud over my career for the rest of my time.<00:30:35.679> In<
• Cloud to Willmar to St.
• Cloud to Wilmer to St. Paul, from St. Cloud to Wilmer to St.
• Cloud.
• <01:37:48.960> Cloud, instead of going to St. Cloud, instead of going to St.

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:

• We have cast a negative cloud over these services, which in turn casts a negative cloud over all the
• cast and there shouldn't be clouds, that's getting cleared up in the process.
• cast and there shouldn't be clouds, that's getting cleared up in the process.
• which in turn casts a negative cloud which in turn casts a negative cloud over<01:17:25.920> all
• cast and there shouldn't be clouds cast and there shouldn't be clouds<01:19:25.199> that<01:19

Bills: HF3378

Keywords: human services, Optum reports, data privacy, transparency, legislative oversight, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I always... the St Cloud area but is equally as the St Cloud area but is equally as important<00:09:16.839
• Cloud. We are the largest social services nonprofit in the central Minnesota area.
• Cloud is the largest social services nonprofit in the central Minnesota area.
• Cloud, and I oversee our senior dining, our senior nutrition program that we provide in 14 counties in
• Representative Olson. the counties in St Cloud but it will the counties in St Cloud but it will offer

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Cloud [member_23770], present. Senator McMath [member_2947], here.
• Senator Cloud was going to do it, and she could not be here as well.
• Senator Cloud had a bill that was going through that directs the department, specifically the Office
• Senator Cloud had a bill that was going through that directs the department specifically office.

Bills: SCR58, SB309, SB514, HCR63, HCR69, HB401, HB487, HB722, HB730, HB745, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1024, HB1032, HB1050, HB1081, HB1086, HB1108, HB1172, HB1173, HB1175, HB1192, HB1218, HB1244

Keywords: SCR 58, Senate Concurrent Resolution, DOTD, Department of Transportation and Development, public-private partnership, P3, public-private partnership contracting, Belle Chasse Toll Bridge, Belle Chasse Bridge, toll bridge, tolling, tolls, transportation infrastructure, roads and highways, Plaquemines Parish, bridge project, toll fees, unauthorized charges, contract oversight, procurement

Transcript Highlights:

• subscription costs for the software as a service is required to upload the instrument data into a cloud-based
• This would give us the ability to put this information into a cloud-based, secured environment that once
• we do this... ...to put this information into a cloud-based, secured environment, that once we do the
• forensic analysis, then the investigator out in the region in their office could see it through a cloud-based

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the clerks of court. FDLE outlined 28 legislative budget requests for fiscal year 2026-27, including funding for a new Fort Myers regional operations center lease, technology and data system upgrades, moving several programs off uncertain federal grants, expanding the wellness office, cryptocurrency seizure efforts, cybersecurity, forensic equipment, digital forensics, criminal history modernization, training, and the SAFE fentanyl enforcement program. Members asked about the reported 79% increase in officer misconduct cases, the role of body cameras and masking, public records request burdens on local agencies, and the status of Fibers and the Uniform Arrest Affidavit systems. FDLE said the misconduct data covers all sworn officers and corrections personnel, that many cases would not be affected by body cameras because they involve off-duty conduct or internal matters, and that it is working with agencies and vendors to improve participation in reporting systems. DJJ Secretary Matt Walsh updated the committee on the Florida Scholars Academy, describing the new unified education system across 39 residential facilities. He reported first-year enrollment, course completions, graduations, and compliance results, and said the program now provides in-person and blended instruction, individualized support, mental health services, and career and technical education. He also discussed staffing shortages in some detention facilities, the need for more residential beds, and the importance of recognizing and supporting staff. In response to questions, he explained how the program addresses students with disabilities and behavioral needs through one-on-one instruction, paraprofessionals, and immediate mental health support. The clerks of court presented a budget request centered on funding shortfalls and rising costs. Clerk and Comptroller Stacey Butterfield said clerks are operating with outdated funding levels despite increased statutory duties, higher postage and staffing costs, and growing workloads in priority case types such as injunctions for protection and other high-risk matters. The clerks requested $22 million in direct appropriations, including support for due process costs, jury management, and staffing for 37 new judges approved last session. Members also asked about Senate Bill 532, which Butterfield described as a CPI-based measure to update court fines and fees that have remained unchanged since 2008. The committee took no votes on the presentations and adjourned after discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our hybrid cloud infrastructure is...
• Our hybrid cloud infrastructure is end of life, coming up on end of life in 2026-2027, and we're asking
• Whether cloud-based redesign or alternative solutions are the best path forward for the current nearly
• If I, whether cloud-based redesign or alternative solutions are best path forward for current nearly

Summary: The committee met for an interim appropriations presentation hearing focused on justice administration agencies. Members heard budget requests from the State Attorney’s Office, Public Defenders, the Justice Administrative Commission, Regional Conflict Counsel, Capital Collateral Regional Counsel, and the Guardian ad Litem Office, followed by a presentation from the Department of Juvenile Justice and a brief public comment from a nonprofit advocate. The chair noted that presentations from the Department of Law Enforcement and the Commission on Offender Review would be moved to a later meeting. The state attorney requested funding to true up underfunded circuits under the existing formula, staff 14 new criminal judgeships, replace declining VOCA victim-services funding with general revenue, and cover a projected due process shortfall. The public defender asked for a higher starting salary for assistant public defenders, funding to restore balance in circuits where public defenders lag behind state attorneys, and staffing for new criminal judgeships. Regional conflict counsel and capital collateral regional counsel also sought salary adjustments, additional attorneys and case costs, and competitive area differential funding to address recruitment and retention issues. The Justice Administrative Commission requested funding for Florida PALM readiness and implementation and for IT hardware and software replacement; it also relayed a clerks’ request for reimbursement related to injunctions for protection, Baker Act, Marchman Act, and sexually violent predator cases. The Guardian ad Litem Office said it now has a guardian ad litem for every child in Florida and requested salary increases for senior and managing attorneys to reduce turnover. The Department of Juvenile Justice presented a much larger budget request to expand residential and detention capacity, increase per diem rates, renovate and replace aging facilities, fund the Broward detention center rebuild, improve cybersecurity and the juvenile information system, and cover rising lease costs. Members asked questions about staffing, compensation, detention and residential treatment needs, mental health and substance-use services, and the Broward project timeline. A nonprofit advocate then asked for better data collection on protection orders and related court actions to support funding for domestic violence and recovery services. The committee adjourned without taking any formal votes on the budget requests.

Transcript Highlights:

• One is recently I was flying across the country and for seemingly an hour of the flight we were in clouds
• idea where we are, where we're going, but surely the pilots did because the pilots were in the same clouds
• It may seem like you're stuck in a haze of clouds.

Bills: SCR7

Keywords: legislature, adjournment, permissions, Texas Constitution, session, legislative authority, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• can't be tempted to spend this the seed can't be tempted to spend this the seed the<01:44:34.400
• > seed<01:44:34.639> corn.
• the seed corn. the seed corn.
• But as they see storm clouds on them.
• But as they see storm clouds on the<01:55:50.480> horizon,<01:55:50.880> they're<01:55:

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Phase one was funded in the current biennium, and then cloud solutions and services.
• We fully fund cyber security and we partially fund Cloud Solutions and Services.
• We fully fund cyber security and we partially fund Cloud Solutions and Services.
• <01:19:29.920> solution<01:19:30.880> was the Cloud solution was the Cloud solution
• The cloud services issue is also important, as now that the state is switching to a cloud service, we

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Department of Administrative Services presented its capital budget process and priorities, explaining how agencies assess facility needs, rank projects, and submit requests to the governor’s office. DAS described its Plant and Property division, which maintains 96 state buildings, and Public Works, which develops detailed cost estimates for selected projects. Officials said the governor’s office has traditionally narrowed requests into priority tiers, but this year all projects were estimated, creating more work and less detail. They also emphasized that the capital budget book functions as legislative intent and can be binding on how approved funds are used. On the substance of the request, DAS highlighted several priorities: continued funding for the state ERP system upgrade to the cloud, with about $5 million requested for sustainability and related Treasury functions; emergency fund and annex renovation work; a sprinkler replacement at DMV; and elevator repairs at the main building. Karen Rocky also identified maintenance projects that rose in priority after a facility condition assessment, including HVAC work for Portsmouth Circuit Court and Coos County Courthouse, boilers and controls for Carroll County and Lebanon Circuit Court, brick repointing at the main building and annex, window replacement at Spalding, and Brown building elevator replacement. Officials noted that the governor’s proposed capital budget included fewer DAS projects than in past years and no projects for the Bureau of Court Facilities. The committee also discussed lapses and reprogramming of prior appropriations. DAS said the first eight projects approved in 2023 remain under construction and should be extended, while many 2021 projects are delayed because of ARPA-related workload and broader construction backlogs. Members reviewed a 2019 project list and agreed to lapse project number 49, the Spalding roof project, with about $81,000 remaining. DAS also said some small 2019 balances, including courthouse generators, a boiler, cooling and controls, roof and exterior repairs, and the State House Annex elevator, could be redirected through Capital Budget Overview toward the Hillsboro County South Cell Block project. The hearing ended with questions about project schedules, ARPA deadlines, and the division of authority between DoIT and DAS for the ERP system.

Transcript Highlights:

• Have any ideas how I can get something out of the cloud that they’re unable to do?
• ,<00:21:54.080> then<00:21:54.400> later records in the cloud, then later records in
• the cloud, then later discovered<00:21:55.200> they<00:21:55.440> couldn't<00:21:55.919
• ideas how I can get something out of any ideas how I can get something out of the<00:22:09.120> cloud
• the cloud that they're unable to do? the cloud that they're unable to do?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 219, which would revise the renewable portfolio standard by changing several class definitions, eliminating Class 2, lowering the utility obligation for Class 1 thermal renewable energy certificates from 2.2% to 1.7%, and adjusting alternative compliance payments. Representative Vose said the bill would save ratepayers an estimated $5.7 million annually, arguing that Class 2 is already saturated and that the changes would not materially affect renewable energy development. Members questioned the fiscal impact, with an amended fiscal note cited as showing a $1.2 million reduction in general fund revenue, and some members raised concerns that the bill could weaken one of the remaining incentives for renewable investment. The committee also reviewed the bill’s history, including that it had been added to HB 2 and then removed in conference committee. No vote was taken in the work session. The committee then heard House Bill 164, concerning local records retention and the creation of a local records manager position. Secretary of State David Scanlan testified that the position has existed in statute for years but has never been funded, and said the need has grown as records management has become more digital and ADA accessibility has become more important. He described the bill as a way to help towns preserve and digitize records, especially for smaller communities with limited resources, while keeping records locally when possible. Members asked about the fiscal note, the potential cost of a public website and storage system, and whether the state could start by funding the position alone; the secretary said the staffing cost estimate remained accurate but that storage costs could rise over time. Several members expressed support and suggested further discussion with the Department of Information or other agencies. The work session was then closed without action. Finally, the committee opened House Bill 365, which would provide proof of U.S. citizenship assistance for indigent voters. Secretary Scanlan said the bill is intended to help voters comply with the new voter registration documentation requirements by allowing the state to verify eligibility through federal, private, and other state databases, and by providing vouchers to cover the cost of obtaining documents such as birth certificates. He compared the proposal to the earlier voter ID law, which he said was successfully implemented with accommodations for voters lacking acceptable ID. Members asked how “indigent” would be defined and how the process would work for out-of-state-born applicants; the secretary said indigency would likely be based on a voter’s statement of inability to pay and that the state would help identify where to obtain records and, if necessary, verify them through outside databases. The discussion continued as the transcript ended, with no vote recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cloud Financial Credit Union, where I'm the executive vice president and chief lending officer.
• Cloud Financial Credit Union. >> Good morning, Chair. I am. >> Mr.
• <00:08:08.479> Cloud<00:08:08.879> Financial believe, is with the St.
• Cloud Financial believe, is with the St. Cloud Financial Credit<00:08:09.680> Union.
• Cloud Financial Credit Union, where I'm the executive vice president and chief lending officer.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House File 3709, which would allow Minnesota banks and credit unions to offer custodial accounts for digital assets such as cryptocurrency. The bill authors said the measure is intended to let local financial institutions provide a regulated “digital safety deposit box” service, keeping innovation and consumer choice under Minnesota oversight rather than pushing customers to out-of-state or offshore providers. The Department of Commerce testified in support, saying it appreciates efforts to incorporate virtual currency into the regulatory framework and that the bill levels the playing field for trusted community institutions. Members and testifiers discussed whether the bill was really about consumer protection, institutional competitiveness, or both. Supporters from the Minnesota Credit Union Network and St. Cloud Financial Credit Union said the bill helps local institutions remain relevant as customers increasingly ask for crypto services, and one testifier said the credit union had seen significant liquidity leave local communities for exchanges. They also emphasized that the accounts are custodial, not exchange services, and are not NCUA-insured; one witness noted some institutions may obtain private insurance for risks like loss of keys or hacking. A Department of Commerce witness also said the agency is working on separate legislation to address unclaimed virtual currency property. Several members raised concerns about volatility, scams, and whether the bill simply helps banks stay relevant. In response, supporters argued that local institutions can provide a trusted point of contact and help customers avoid fraud, unlike stand-alone crypto exchanges or kiosks. The committee also discussed fees, with one witness saying the credit union’s expected charge would be percentage-based with a minimum of $5 and a maximum of $25. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because the first year you're going to have to put seed money into this, which is going to affect the
• So yes, that is correct: seed money will need to come from a line item.
• seed money into this to which<06:29:38.920> is<06:29:39.040> going<06:29:39.160> to
• put monies in an account just the seed put monies in an account just the seed money<06:31:56.520
• taxpayer and then I think that seed taxpayer and then I think that seed money<06:32:20.360> will

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's what happens if you want to substitute white pepper for black pepper or put dill seeds instead
• of celery seeds or, yeah, put turmeric into something.
• <00:43:24.560> instead black pepper or put dill seeds instead black pepper or put dill seeds
• instead of<00:43:25.040> celery<00:43:25.440> seeds<00:43:26.319> or<00:43:26.720
• > as<00:43:27.599> um of celery seeds or as um of celery seeds or as um yeah<00:43:30.160

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Establishing a revolving fund requires seed money.
• Establishing a revolving fund requires seed money.
• money this would come from an seed money this would come from an increase<03:16:37.199> in<03
• 21:16.920> would<03:21:17.120> require<03:21:17.560> initial<03:21:17.880> seed
• <03:21:18.199> money bill would require initial seed money bill would require initial seed

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is, recently, I was flying across the country, and for seemingly an hour of the flight, we were in clouds
• But surely the pilots did because the pilots were in the same clouds, but the pilots had something that
• be 100 bills flying across the floor all at one time, it may seem like you're stuck in a haze of clouds

Summary: The Texas Senate convened for the opening of the 89th Legislature with an invocation, roll call, and certification of the newly elected senators by the Secretary of State. Senators-elect were then administered the oath of office by Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, formally seating the new members. Governor Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott addressed the chamber, congratulating members and emphasizing priorities such as border security, education, energy, foster care, and school choice, while Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick highlighted the Senate’s bipartisan culture and the work ahead. The chamber then held its organizational business, including the election of Senator Brandon Creighton as President Pro Tempore. Senator Parker nominated Creighton and Senator Bettencourt seconded the nomination, both praising his background, legislative record, and leadership. The Senate voted by standing vote to elect Creighton, who was then escorted to the dais and sworn in. In his remarks, Creighton reflected on his family, his time as a Senate messenger, and his priorities for the session, including Texas sovereignty, economic opportunity, education, and conservative policy goals. The only formal legislative action taken was adoption of Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7, granting permission for the Legislature to adjourn for more than three days during the specified period. The resolution passed by a roll call vote of 31 ayes and no nays. The Senate then adopted a motion to recess until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, after a caucus meeting earlier that morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Cloud, would you carry the bill? Representative Cloud, would you carry the bill?

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and took up Senate Bill 2224, which had been reviewed by a subcommittee. Representative McLeod reported that the subcommittee unanimously recommended amendment version 0107, incorporating several changes: a word change adding “paper,” inclusion of executive hearings, revision of subsection 3 to remove administrative procedure and use district court instead, and a 30-day appeal period to district court with a citation to section 28-32-49. Legislative Council staff was present to answer questions about the code language. The committee first voted on the amendments, with Representative McLeod moving adoption of version 0107 and Representative Schneider seconding. The motion to amend passed 13-0, with one member absent and not voting. The committee then considered the bill as amended, and Representative Wolff moved a do pass recommendation, seconded by Representative Schneider. On the final vote, the committee approved Senate Bill 2224 as amended by a 13-0 roll call vote, again with one member absent and not voting. Representative McLeod was designated to carry the bill. The meeting then adjourned after some brief informal comments about keeping nameplates.

Transcript Highlights:

• I could not find an option that was really less than, like, $1,200-plus a year for just the cloud storage
• These are all companies that offer cameras for installation, professional installation, and cloud storage
• so, looking at it technically under this amendment/bill, they could store the data locally or via a cloud
• A cloud service is very, very secure, and you're unlikely to lose the data.

Bills: HF2436

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, there's a dark cloud over our heads, but we have the ability, we have the brain power, we have
• We should look at the little cloud above.
• before the question and answer session: is this a revenue issue that we're facing today with the dark cloud
• , if you want to call it a dark cloud, or is this a spending issue?
• I think that's where we just need to see where that dark cloud is, see how we maneuver around it, over

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Cloud and Minden Township communities, and I also serve as the co-chair of the House Higher Education
• Cloud, split with my companion here, St. Augusta, St. Joseph, and we work with Dan.
• Cloud.
• Cloud Police Department, but I also have sheriffs.
• Cloud Police Department, but I also have sheriffs.

Keywords: 1183, house