Video & Transcript Research : 'small communities'
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KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Education (6-7-23) - Re-upload
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 3/4/26
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- >
are Hopefully all our communities are Hopefully all our communities are livable<00:02:10.399 - executive director of community executive director of community development<00:04:07.840>
at< - am the executive director of community am the executive director of community development<00:04:
- We do work with small businesses.
- voters and to ga engage our communities. voters and to ga engage our communities.
Keywords:
tribal governments, Metropolitan Council, grant programs, funding, local government, small business, contracting, veteran-owned businesses, compliance, government contracts, housing finance, reporting requirements, regional development, city programs, elected officials, campaign access, multiple unit dwellings, residential access, voter registration, 1183
Summary:
The committee met on March 4, 2026, and first approved the minutes from March 2 by voice vote. It then took up several Metropolitan Council agency bills, with members repeatedly moving to lay them over for possible inclusion or, in one case, to re-refer a bill to another committee. The first three bills discussed were House File 3884, House File 3881, and House File 3882, all presented as administrative or programmatic changes intended to streamline Met Council processes.
House File 3884 would allow tribal governments and tribal development entities to apply directly for Metropolitan Council Livable Communities Act grants and community tree planting grants, rather than applying through a city or other local government. Testimony from Met Council staff said the bill would simplify access and align the Met Council’s tree-planting program with existing DNR authority. House File 3881 would expand the Met Council’s contracting authority to include small businesses more broadly, require an annual report to the legislature on small-business contracting, and repeal a duplicative statute on certificates of compliance. House File 3882 would make a range of administrative cleanups, including removing an obsolete housing-bond review role, clarifying outdated statutory language, extending the review cycle for metropolitan significance rules from every two years to every 10 years, clarifying reporting and Livable Communities Act provisions, changing regional parks operations-and-maintenance reimbursements to rely on audited financial statements, and clarifying agricultural preserves procedures.
The committee also considered House File 3883, which was amended with an A1 amendment before adoption. That bill updates appointments to the Metropolitan Area Water Supply Advisory Committee, known as MOSAC, including direct appointments for certain county representatives and adding a tribal representative appointed by the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, while also cleaning up outdated language and eligibility provisions. A former MOSAC member spoke in support of the committee’s work, and the chair said the bill was common-sense and renewed the motion to lay it over as amended. Finally, the committee began House File 3363, a bill described by the author as a response to safety concerns after the June events, aimed at removing public access to legislators’ home addresses from Campaign Finance Board materials; discussion had just begun when the transcript ended.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- financing and technical assistance. distance we're eligible for projects assisting our southern communities
- The economic, commercial,... ...population, and cultural growth of the Texas border communities test
- They said, "Hey, we should figure out how we can enhance our communication."
- States, starting with a united, passionate, and engaged community here in Austin.
Keywords:
border region, infrastructure, economic development, government operations, education, international cooperation, infrastructure investment, bond issuance, state agencies, shrimp industry, federal regulations, foreign imports, economic impact, public health, Gulf Coast communities, Texas-Israel relations, Israel, Jerusalem, trade office, foreign relations
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Tourism, Small Business, and Information Technology (9-25-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- what he is experiencing as a small what he is experiencing as a small business<00:03:24.080>
- of Commerce's Small Business Council. of Commerce's Small Business Council.
- It puts small communities like Henderson, with small budgets, on a much bigger stage.
- community. They stayed in a local hotel. community. They stayed in a local hotel.
- the cause of tourism for that community. the cause of tourism for that community.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:13
Kentucky Small Business Update 00:01:50
Kentucky Angel Investment Tax Credit Program Update 00:14:16
State of the Tourism Industry 00:38:03, 958, all
Summary:
The meeting began with a quorum call and approval of the August minutes, then moved to an update from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce on small business conditions. Chamber representatives John Hughes and Amit Patel said Kentucky has benefited from pro-growth policies such as lower income taxes, regulatory modernization, and workforce development, but they emphasized ongoing challenges including workforce shortages, child care access, housing availability, rising insurance costs, and inflation. Patel, speaking as a hotel operator, said recruiting and retaining staff has become difficult and that his company is considering child care stipends and other benefits to help employees. Members asked about child care benefits, community involvement, and health care costs; Patel said the business is discussing additional support for employees and noted that health care costs have tripled over three years. The chamber said it will prioritize child care and housing policy in the upcoming session.
The committee then received an update from the Cabinet for Economic Development on the Kentucky Angel Investment Tax Credit program from David Brock of KY Innovation and Matt Wingate. Brock outlined the state’s broader innovation and entrepreneurship programs, including innovation hubs, SBIR/STTR matching funds, the Kentucky Enterprise Fund, SSBCI, and STEP, and said these programs have helped create jobs, raise capital, and support exports. He explained that the angel tax credit is intended to encourage private investment in innovative Kentucky small businesses with high growth potential. The credit is generally 25% of investment in non-enhanced counties and 40% in enhanced counties, with annual and per-investor caps and eligibility rules for both businesses and investors. Brock reported that 317 businesses have been certified, 117 have received at least one investment, 445 investors have made 750 investments, $57.2 million has been invested, $19 million in credits has been awarded, and 373 new jobs have been reported since 2021.
Committee members asked about the relationship between the program’s industry verticals and university research, the difference between enhanced and non-enhanced counties, and where investments are occurring geographically. Cabinet staff said the verticals align with the original Innovation Act framework, and that enhanced counties are defined by statute, including distressed and disaster-impacted areas. They said most investments and credits have been in non-enhanced counties, though some examples were cited in Bath County and Auburn. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting beyond approval of the minutes.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- will amend the Government Code to include veteran-owned businesses certified by the United States Small
- The bill adds a new category to the existing HUB definition to ensure that small businesses owned and
- businesses as a category eligible for small business contracts.
- And just to be clear, disabled vets really do struggle in the small business space.
- Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce, as well as multiple roles within my community.
Keywords:
veteran-owned businesses, state contracting, historically underutilized business, economic opportunity, small business, economic development, veterans, certification, Texas legislation, unmanned aircraft, spaceport, criminal offense, aviation regulations, airspace safety, military installations, concurrent jurisdiction, governor's approval, state agency, land acquisition, 1185
Summary:
The Committee on Veteran Affairs heard several bills related to military installations, veterans, and contracting opportunities. Senator Birdwell presented SB 1197, which would extend existing drone restrictions over military bases and airports to spaceports, with exceptions for authorized users; no public testimony was offered at the first hearing, and the bill was left pending before later being reported favorably. Chairman Hancock presented SB 1271, which would allow Texas to accept concurrent jurisdiction over military installations so state and local authorities could handle certain juvenile offenses and provide more rehabilitative options; a committee substitute was explained, but the bill was left pending after no initial witnesses appeared.
The committee also considered SB 390, which would expand the state historically underutilized business definition to include SBA-certified veteran-owned businesses regardless of disability rating. Supporters from the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce and other veterans argued the change would improve access to state contracting, strengthen the economy, and better recognize veterans’ contributions. Senator Eckhardt raised concerns that broadening the category to all veterans might not satisfy the disparity-study basis typically used for HUB classifications, and Jim Brennan echoed that concern while suggesting a separate category might be more workable.
During the pending-legislation portion, the committee voted on several bills. SB 651 and SB 897 were each substituted and reported favorably to the full Senate, with both also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1814 was likewise reported favorably and sent to the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1197 was reported favorably and recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1271 was left pending after a motion to report the committee substitute favorably, and SB 390 was left pending after testimony concluded. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/25/2026 - Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- I feel very small. Okay, thank you. Mr. Vice, okay.
- I feel very small. Okay, thank you. Mr. Vice, okay.
- I'm also the vice president of the Arizona Community Birth Coalition.
- And then finally, the bill imposes heavy burdens on small businesses.
- And now I got to find it when you say a small business that puts too much burden on small businesses,
Bills:
HB2072, HB2251, HB2279, HB2308, HB2323, HB2342, HB2400, HB2408, HB2456, HB2660, HB2697, HB2868, HB2873, HB2877, HB2910, HB2946, HB2955, HB2991, HB4001, HB4010
Keywords:
Cesar Chavez, public holiday, state law, holiday repeal, Arizona Revised Statutes, midwifery, medication administration, healthcare, patient safety, advisory committee, licensed midwives, river trips, liability, outfitter, Grand Canyon, negligence, risk management, contractual waiver, dental practice, business registration
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:20:30.240>
The community. Let me say that again. The community. - So, I ask you on this community.
- Our community is being harassed.
- Our community is being harassed.
- Our community is being harassed.
Keywords:
accessible parking, disability, kupuna, public accommodations, small business exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, parking permit, blind, deaf, accessibility, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, emergency services, commercial driver's license, first responders, public safety, authorized emergency vehicle
Summary:
The joint hearing covered House Bill 251, which would require hospitals to report costs associated with Medicare and uninsured patients, and House Bill 1875, which would expand protections for gender-affirming health care services. On HB 251, the Department of Health said it supported the intent but described the bill as complicated and potentially impractical as drafted because the department lacks the expertise to produce the required analyses without outside help. Hawaii Health Systems Corporation echoed those concerns, while the Queen’s Health System said it was willing to work with the department to provide the information. In committee discussion, officials explained that hospital support in Hawaii includes public hospital appropriations and the provider tax program, which uses hospital and nursing home contributions to draw federal matching funds; a department witness estimated the net benefit at about $150 million for hospitals and $20 million for nursing facilities, though exact figures would be provided later.
On HB 1875, the Insurance Division testified with concerns that the bill’s language on prohibited actions by malpractice insurers was broad and vague, and that a rate-increase prohibition could conflict with actuarially based insurance pricing. The division also noted it was not the primary enforcement agency for the statute. In contrast, many testifiers strongly supported the bill, including the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, PFLAG Oahu, the ACLU of Hawaii, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, the Hawaii County Democratic Party, and others. Supporters argued that gender-affirming care is medically necessary, evidence-based, and protected by privacy and bodily autonomy principles, and that the bill would protect patients and providers from outside political interference. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:24:24.960>
to help our families and our communities to help our families and our communities - we will participate in any community we will participate in any community conversation<00:39:39.280
- community treatment order. community treatment order.
- the community. the community. >> Okay.<01:33:07.840>
Thank <01:33:08.080>you. - islands and in our rural communities. islands and in our rural communities.
Keywords:
accessible parking, disability, kupuna, public accommodations, small business exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, parking permit, blind, deaf, accessibility, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, emergency services, commercial driver's license, first responders, public safety, authorized emergency vehicle
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 1871, establishing a maternal health monitoring pilot program, drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaii State Commission on Status of Women, and the Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives, with testimony urging provider-neutral language so midwives and other qualified providers would not be excluded. HB 1977, requiring a maternal and infant health information mobile app, received support from ACNM and Philips, which said similar apps in other states improved awareness of services and helped families navigate care; a member asked the Department of Health about implementation time. HB 1858, relating to certificates of fetal deaths, was supported by the Department of Health and clinicians, who said the current statute is outdated and inconsistent with CDC guidance; the department and a physician testified that the bill should shift documentation responsibilities to physicians and APRNs, and members discussed optional versus mandatory issuance language and whether the bill would improve data on home births and transfers.
The committee also heard HB 1591, expanding definitions for preceptor and volunteer-based clinical training to improve income tax credits. The Department of Health supported the measure but preferred a similar, broader bill; Taxation suggested clarifying terms; the University of Hawaii and the State Center for Nursing supported it. ACNM asked that midwifery preceptors and Hawaii-based students enrolled in mainland programs be included, while the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported expansion of the program as a workforce solution. HB 1574, on the health care education loan repayment program, also drew broad support, including from the governor, SHPDA, OHA, and health organizations, but ACNM raised concerns that the bill’s 30% Medicaid-client threshold could exclude many providers and limit participation.
For HB 1575, creating a feasibility committee on Parkinson’s patient air transport, the Department of Health supported the intent but said transportation is more likely an insurance or benefit issue and suggested redirecting funds to Parkinson’s research; the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Hawaii Parkinson Association supported the bill, citing inter-island travel barriers and high costs for patients and caregivers. HB 1854, establishing certification of community behavioral health clinics, was supported by the Department of Health and DHS, which said certification would help clinics qualify for enhanced Medicaid reimbursement and expand access; the Attorney General’s office raised a legal concern about the special fund language and recommended a purpose section, and the committee discussed whether the fund would be self-sustaining and noted a possible amendment to change membership language and reduce the board size if the amendment moved forward.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 4/8/26
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- These folks include our community.
- <00:12:51.720>
Stability the Household and Community Stability the Household and Community - grounded in community voice over time. grounded in community voice over time.
- communities like John. communities like John.
- made in her community. made in her community.
Keywords:
housing, sales tax, homeownership, rent assistance, community stability, education, counseling, financial assistance, housing development, culturally appropriate services, HF1417, manufactured home parks, manufactured housing, mobile home parks, housing development fund, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, MHFA, infrastructure grants, infrastructure loans, affordable housing
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- These areas, even in the small areas, are passing bond issues and stuff to build facilities.
- communities, there's huge production going on in Upton and Reagan County.
- So by investing in these communities, it recognizes these communities' vital role.
- Or reinvestment from stakeholders within the community.
- I'd be remiss if I didn't thank them for their reinvestment in the community. Thank you. Yeah.
Keywords:
emergency preparedness, flood-prone communities, Texas Rural Emergency Preparedness Fund, disaster relief, funding, youth camp, safety regulations, advisory committee, child welfare, health standards, summer camp, camp safety, child abuse reporting, child neglect, mandatory reporting, background check, criminal history check, sex offender registry, CPR training, first aid
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 3/17/25
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- He said all of these homeowner communities are immediately adjacent to the proposed sacred community
- <00:25:31.200>
also different uh of these communities also different uh of these communities - We live in community with them.
- these communities.
- <00:45:47.680>
and people that live in the community and people that live in the community
Keywords:
sacred communities, micro units, religious institutions, housing regulations, homelessness, conditional use permits, immigration enforcement, sanctuary policies, sanctuary city, noncooperation ordinance, ICE, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, federal immigration authorities, deportation, undocumented immigrant, undocumented person, immigration status data, data sharing, preemption, local government
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- will amend the government code to include veteran-owned businesses certified by the United States Small
- The bill adds a new category to the existing HUB definition to ensure that small businesses owned and
- We strongly support Senate Bill 390 and the Governor's Small Business Freedoms Council's legislative
- businesses as a category eligible for small business contracts.
- It's an honor to be here with you today representing myself as a small business owner and a veteran.
Keywords:
veteran-owned businesses, state contracting, historically underutilized business, economic opportunity, small business, economic development, veterans, certification, Texas legislation, unmanned aircraft, spaceport, criminal offense, aviation regulations, airspace safety, military installations, concurrent jurisdiction, governor's approval, state agency, land acquisition, Veteran Affairs
Summary:
The meeting of the Committee on Veteran Affairs addressed several significant bills aimed at supporting veterans and their businesses. Among the bills discussed was SB390, which seeks to expand the definition of historically underutilized businesses to include all veteran-owned businesses, regardless of disability status. This change aims to create a more equitable economic landscape for veterans and to foster their participation in state procurement opportunities. The committee heard strong testimony supporting this initiative, emphasizing the importance of providing veterans with fair chances in business development.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Tourism, Small Business, and Information Technology (9-28-23)
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Mar 3rd, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a good bill, especially small little disputes need to be reconciled without having to draw in a
- represent about over 900 utilities that provide water and wastewater utility services to rural communities
- represent about over 900 utilities that provide water and wastewater utility services to rural communities
- I appreciate what you do, and you're an invaluable service to communities.
- The family in this community of capital people is phenomenal and has not gone unnoticed from every family
Keywords:
water resources, interlocal contracts, local government, collaboration, planning activities, wildfire response, firefighting equipment, emergency services, state database, Texas Forest Service, customer complaints, Public Utility Commission, water service, complaint process, utility regulation, SB 971, Texas Water Assistance Program, Water Code, rural political subdivision, rural water
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs met on Texas Water Day and limited public testimony to two minutes. The chair emphasized the need to move quickly because of scheduling conflicts with other committees and noted the importance of water policy and related stakeholders. The committee heard several bills focused on water administration, rural utilities, emergency response, and public works contracting.
Senate Bill 790 by Senator Alvarado would let the Public Utility Commission create a simplified process for resolving tenant complaints over water or wastewater bill discrepancies; it was described as a way to avoid lengthy contested-case hearings for small disputes. Senate Bill 971 by Senator Sparks would clean up conflicting statutory definitions of “rural political subdivision” so Texas Water Development Board programs are applied consistently; Texas Rural Water Association testified in support. Senate Bill 767, also by Senator Sparks, would expand and improve a statewide database of fire-response equipment so departments, including volunteer and rural departments, can locate and share resources more effectively during emergencies; fire service witnesses supported the bill and suggested annual updates to keep the database current.
Chair Perry laid out Senate Bill 480 to clarify that local governments and special districts may enter interlocal agreements for water-related planning and research, including aquifer management and flood/water planning. He also presented Senate Bill 1066, which raises payment and performance bond thresholds for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department public works contracts to $150,000, arguing the change would reflect inflation and help smaller vendors on lower-risk projects. Witnesses were heard on the bills, with no opposition recorded in the transcript.
The committee voted out all five bills favorably. SB 1066, SB 480, SB 767, SB 790, and SB 971 each received unanimous committee approval and were recommended to the local and contested calendar, with SB 767 noted as amended by a suggested annual-update requirement for the equipment database.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Agriculture (7-20-23)
Keywords:
KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hvz_NVCo--M, 2026-06-21T07:17:04+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Call to Order: 00:00:12
Roll Call: 00:00:18
Approval of June 8, 2023 Minutes: 00:02:30
Discussion on the implementation of 2023 Regular Session HB 9 Relating to Economic Relief for Local Communities: 00:02:45
Update on the Management of Asian Carp in Kentucky 00:45:21, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health Apr 17th, 2025
S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm here on behalf of the communities that go unheard when we talk about health, those living in gaps
- This study isn't just data collection, it's a promise, a promise that we see these communities, we hear
- Uh, in rural communities, accessing healthy food at affordable rates can often mean driving 30 miles.
- We're looking at how this impacts communities of color.
- And I live in a historic Latino community. So, let's get some more data. Let's fix this.
Bills:
HB231
Keywords:
HB 231, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, permit exemption, dam, reservoir, erosion control, flood control, floodwater control, sediment control, watershed protection, Natural Resources Conservation Service, NRCS, Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, local sponsor, water appropriation, small dam, water diversion, maintenance, rehabilitation
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (2-12-24) - REUPLOAD
Keywords:
KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahkaD98LPYo, 2026-06-21T07:17:06+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, The original live stream failed and a back up was recovered. There is a small blip around 53:30 that could not be recovered., 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- This is to ensure continued community involvement.
- perspectives, and community voice.
- Deserving Life, Community Engagement Center, N.M.
- YADC…” “Whether it’s in the community or at a facility like YADC, we in the community get to suffer
- The number of youth that are in that position is very small, very small.
Keywords:
sexual crimes, statute of limitations, criminal justice, victim rights, child abuse, procurement, contracting, small business, local government, disaster recovery, emergency procurement, certification, public spending, juvenile justice, delinquency, rehabilitation, community corrections, risk assessment, public safety, health regulations
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- communities, there are 78.5 primary care physicians per 100,000 people.
- This bill is one small step to address a very large problem.
- And on behalf of the community back home, we thank you. Thank you, sir.
- According to a report by the Texas Association of Community Colleges, 11.8% of community college students
- Every community encountered on earth engages with and has music.
Keywords:
living expenses, higher education, student support, homeless students, financial aid, grant program, baccalaureate degrees, junior colleges, workforce development, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, competency-based education, baccalaureate degree, cost of attendance, dual credit, computer science, course credit, foreign language requirement, curriculum review, governing board, faculty council
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Jan 12th, 2026
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Faith-based batterers intervention programs really are vital to our communities in Florida.
- And finally, the bill addresses best practices of community-based care lead organizations.
- So we had a heavy dose of communications between them and us throughout this as well.
- We have really not had a good funding model, especially for those small areas that I represent.
- For instance, Communities Connected for Kids, CC for Kids, has done an excellent job.
Keywords:
child protection, medical records, investigation, abuse, neglect, healthcare, Child Protection Team, diagnosis, Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimers, dementia, related dementias, brain health, early detection, caregiver support, elderly affairs, Department of Elderly Affairs, Department of Health, public health outreach, memory loss
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first heard SB 624, which would codify DCF’s current practice of allowing batterers intervention programs to offer supplemental faith-based activities so long as participation is voluntary. The bill drew support from faith-based and family organizations, which argued it would restore access to effective rehabilitation options and remove discriminatory barriers. SB 624 was reported favorably after a roll call vote.
The committee then heard SB 42, which would require child protective investigators and child protection teams to rely on qualified medical professionals when a child has a documented pre-existing diagnosis or when a parent requests an exam, and would require clearer notice to parents and custodians at the start of an investigation. Testimony overwhelmingly came from parents, advocates, and disability rights representatives describing cases in which medically complex children were allegedly misdiagnosed as abuse victims and families were separated unnecessarily. Members expressed sympathy and support, and SB 42 was reported favorably.
Next, the committee considered CS/SB 578, creating an Alzheimer’s disease awareness initiative within the Department of Elder Affairs to promote early detection, brain health education, research updates, and clinical trial awareness, with outreach focused on older adults and at-risk populations. An amendment was adopted to place the campaign within the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative. A caregiver testified about the need for public education and early diagnosis, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee also took up SPB 7018, a committee bill on child welfare that would extend the definition of “visitor” for foster homes to reduce repeated background checks, make the Step Into Success foster youth workforce pilot permanent and statewide, and create a program through the Florida Institute for Child Welfare to catalog best practices among community-based care lead agencies. The bill was approved as a committee bill and reported favorably. Finally, the Department of Children and Families presented its 2025-26 final funding methodology and rates report for community-based care. Members questioned the proposed tiered model, including insurance costs, risk corridors, prevention funding, performance measures, and regional funding disparities. No vote was taken on the presentation, but members discussed the possible need for follow-up legislation and additional stakeholder input.