Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your support. Thank you for your support. Thank you. Do we have Bree online? Hi.
• I am here to urge you to support House Bill 2259.
• I'm here in support of House Bill 2259.
• Please support this common sense...
• I'm here in support of House Bill 2259.

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 2260, House Joint Resolution 4209, and House Bill 2259, with testimony and questions on each. HB 2260 would require petition signature gatherers to sign and date each petition sheet, provide their address and county, and require voters’ residence addresses for signature verification; supporters said this would improve accountability and help prevent fraud or duplicate signatures, while opponents argued it would burden volunteers, risk disenfranchising voters who move or use incomplete addresses, and add unnecessary penalties. The Secretary of State and former Secretary of State opposed the bill, saying existing verification methods are effective and that the measure could create costly, unintended barriers. HB 2259 would require 1,000 registered-voter signatures before filing an initiative or referendum and prohibit pay-per-signature compensation, with civil penalties and a private right of action; supporters said it would reduce frivolous filings, title shopping, and fraud incentives, while opponents said it would chill initiative activity, especially for rural communities and referenda with tight timelines. The Secretary of State and former Secretary of State also opposed HB 2259, saying the initiative process should remain accessible and that the bill would add barriers and workload. House Joint Resolution 4209 would amend the state constitution to allow the legislature to modify congressional districts mid-decade by simple majority if another state adopts a new congressional map absent a court order. The prime sponsor argued Washington should not unilaterally stay passive if other states engage in partisan mid-decade redistricting, while opponents said the proposal would weaken Washington’s bipartisan redistricting system, set a bad precedent, and invite retaliation. Testimony on the resolution was sharply divided, with supporters warning that partisan redistricting elsewhere threatens fair representation and opponents saying Washington should preserve its existing commission-based process rather than respond in kind. The hearing on HJR 4209 was concluded after testimony. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt. The chair suspended and reopened hearings as planned, and testimony was taken on all three measures, with HB 2260 and HB 2259 drawing extensive public comment and questions about fraud, access, and administrative burden.

Transcript Highlights:

• Support and technical expertise.
• Ask for your support. Thank you. Any questions for Senator Harris?
• Ask for your support. Thank you. Any questions for Senator Harris?
• So we support this bill, and we ask for you to support this bill and pass it out of committee as well
• We are in full support of this bill.

Bills: SB6130 , SB6247 , SB6260 , SB6268 , SB6278

Committee: Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education

Keywords: voter registration, elections, national holiday, civic engagement, government initiative, school funding, financial management, budgeting, transparency, district governance, SB 6260, public education, K-12, Washington State, OSPI, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, education finance, school transportation, school buses, zero-emission bus

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> urge you to support HF 3389. urge you to support HF 3389.
• </c><00:35:55.520><c> the</c> additional ways you can support the additional ways you can support the
• </c> want to support the basic part of this. want to support the basic part of this.
• We support HF200 of care.
• It is our position here to testify in strong support of here to testify in strong support of House<01

Bills: HF357 , HF3389 , HF1434 , HF2500 , HF1606

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF357, hasenpfeffer, card games, social skill game, Minnesota gambling law, tournament, contest, prize limit, low-stakes gaming, card game exemption, gambling exemption, cribbage, bridge, euchre, pinochle, Texas hold'em, whist, skat, sheepshead, gin

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:47.680><c> uh</c> therapies the education to support uh therapies the education to support
• We are in support of it.
• We are in support of it.
• We are in support of it.
• We are in support of it.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ask for your support. Thank you. Any questions for Senator Harris?
• So we support this bill, and we ask you to support this bill and pass it out of committee as well.
• We are in full support of this bill.
• Thank you for your consideration and continued support. Thank you so much.
• And again, appreciate your support. And we would ask that you...

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several education-related bills. Senate Bill 6130 would move public high schools’ voter registration events from Temperance and Good Citizenship Day in January to National Voter Registration Day in September, with schools offering Future Voter registration to eligible students in history or social studies classes. The sponsor, Sen. Krishnadasan, and supporters from King County Elections, Pierce County, OSPI, and the Legislative Youth Advisory Council said the change would better match student interest and improve youth civic engagement at no fiscal cost. A senator asked about community service opportunities, and the sponsor said that could potentially fit within existing community service recognition programs. Senate Bill 6247 would expand financial oversight and training for school districts, especially those in financial distress or binding conditions. It would require additional ESD involvement, add WASDA training on budgeting and financial health for school directors, and impose stronger consequences for knowing financial misconduct, including future employment bars and state reimbursement of certain unrecovered damages. Sen. Dozier said the bill responds to district financial problems, including Prescott School District. OSPI supported the bill, while the Association of Educational Service Districts, WSSDA, and WEA raised concerns about ESDs being placed in an oversight role, the need to align the bill with other pending training legislation, and whether some enforcement duties should instead rest with the state auditor. Senate Bill 6268 would require OSPI to keep an online record of final special education community complaint decisions for 20 years instead of the current five years on its website. OSPI supported the bill, saying it would improve transparency and help families, educators, and policymakers identify patterns and understand how complaints are resolved; the sponsor said the retention period may be amended. Advocates from Washington Autism Alliance, The Arc, and parent advocates testified in favor, saying the records help families avoid repeated disputes and reveal systemic issues. Senate Bill 6278 would change how PESB reviews teacher and principal preparation programs and adjust student-teaching field placement plan submission timing; the sponsor said the goal is to ensure educators are better prepared, and PESB testified neutral, saying many of the review elements already exist and the bill would add flexibility. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6260, a budget-savings bill affecting public education. It would lengthen school bus depreciation to 15 years, withhold up to 1.9% of MSOC funds to pay for the High School and Beyond Plan platform, and reduce Running Start funding from 1.4 to 1.2 FTE. OFM supported the bill as part of the governor’s budget approach, but many testifiers opposed it, arguing it would cut district resources, keep older buses on the road longer, shift costs to schools, and reduce access to Running Start—especially for low-income, rural, and technical-program students. School district, college, PTA, counselor, and student witnesses said the current 1.4 FTE model has expanded access and completion, while supporters of the bill emphasized state budget pressures and said the changes would preserve other priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• We support, the VFW supports regulation of these products. Thank you, Mr. Fuller. Mr.
• We support psychedelics. We support hyperbaric oxygen chambers. We support.
• We desperately need your support.
• That's why I ask you to support SB 3. support HB 4242. Thank you. All right.
• We support 21, or we support age limits.

Bills: HB 28 , SB 3

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, state health, youth protection, licensing fees, criminal offenses, HB28, public testimony, committee decorum, bill substitute, legislative process

Summary: The meeting featured significant discussions regarding HB28, where the chair outlined the plans to bring forward a substitute for the bill. The chair emphasized the importance of maintaining order and decorum during the proceedings. Members engaged in deliberations, and a number of public witnesses were invited to testify, thereby enriching the discussion around the bill. This interaction provided valuable insights into public sentiment regarding the issues at hand.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, got some cards here in support.
• All right, got some cards here in support. President in support, not wishing to speak.
• I urge you to support SB 157 with the amendment.
• Please support SB 157. Please support SB 157. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Carter. You're welcome.
• Information and support, if requested, Annette Grotty. President's support, not wishing to speak.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met on May 26, 2026, and first took up Senate Bill 433, which would provide Medicaid coverage for certain weight-loss medications. After adopting a House amendment adding customary subject-to-appropriation language, the committee heard from LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein, who said the state currently spends about $240 million a year on GLP-1 drugs for Medicaid patients with obesity and certain other conditions, and that the bill would let the department expand coverage gradually while controlling costs and negotiating better pricing. Members spoke in strong support, and SB 433 was reported favorable as amended. The committee then considered Senate Bill 157, which creates paid parental leave for eligible public K-12 educators and staff. An amendment was adopted to adjust fund language and make the bill proper for Appropriations. Senator Jenkins and supporters, including the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, described the bill as providing six weeks of paid leave for birth, adoption, fostering, and related family-building events, while members discussed whether medical leave should also be included and confirmed the leave applies to fathers as well. The bill drew broad support and was reported favorable as amended. Senate Bill 250, requiring the Office of Group Benefits to offer a comprehensive weight management plan with employees paying the full premium and medication costs, was briefly discussed and reported favorable without objection. The committee then spent considerable time on Senate Bill 237, a child welfare measure from Senator Barrow that would expand notification, access, and investigative procedures for the Child Ombudsman and DCFS, including child-on-child sexual abuse cases and multidisciplinary fatality reviews. Members and agency officials debated the fiscal note, with estimates ranging from about $525,000 to $3.2 million and disagreement over whether some costs were already covered or could be absorbed; after a roll call, the bill passed 10-9 and was reported favorable as amended. Finally, the committee began Senate Bill 155, which requires insurance coverage for medically necessary dental care tied to cancer treatment. Senator Talbot and medical and cancer advocacy witnesses said the bill would remove a barrier to timely chemotherapy or radiation and could prevent more expensive complications later. Members expressed support and discussed a relatively small fiscal note, but the transcript cuts off before final action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am here to support Senate Bill 6045.
• I am here to support Senate Bill 6045.
• I support this bill. my parents, the rights to organize, I support this bill because growing up I would
• I'm here to support SB 6045.
• I'm here in support of SB 6045.

Bills: SB6045 , SB6188 , SB6053 , SB5852

Committee: Senate Labor & Commerce

Keywords: agriculture, collective bargaining, labor relations, public employment, agricultural employees, SB 6188, asbestos, asbestos training, asbestos certification, asbestos worker, asbestos supervisor, Department of Labor and Industries, L&I, rulemaking authority, occupational safety, workplace safety, hazardous materials, abatement, encapsulation, removal

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> designated fee structure uh to support designated fee structure uh to support the<00:09:09.519><
• </c><01:25:42.639><c> the</c> economy in addition to supporting the economy in addition to supporting
• There were seven support, 11 opposed.
• there were seven support 11 online there were seven support 11 opposed And with that, we will close public
• <01:47:20.199><c> 322</c> supported 322 supported 322 additional<01:47:23.920><c> comments</c><01:47:

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I come in support of this legislation.
• </c> questions and here for any support. questions and here for any support.
• </c> hours a week that he needs for support hours a week that he needs for support to<00:42:13.440><c
• </c> would encourage you to support the bill. would encourage you to support the bill.
• ><c> something</c><01:51:00.800><c> like</c> you be supportive of something like you be supportive of

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm very supportive.
• I'm very supportive.
• So I want to express support and thank you.
• This funding request supports essential maintenance and security infrastructure that supports the board's
• This funding request supports essential maintenance and security infrastructure that supports the board's

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on State Administration heard several CalVet budget updates first. CalVet reported progress on the Southern California Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon, explaining that DGS is revising the earlier feasibility study to reflect a smaller footprint and lower grading costs, with updated numbers expected by the end of April. Members and public commenters emphasized the project’s importance and asked whether additional budget authority or trailer bill language was needed; CalVet said it may need more spending authority but wanted to return after the revised study is complete. The committee also reviewed the Yountville skilled nursing facility replacement project, where CalVet said construction is nearing completion, a certificate of occupancy was received, and the new 240-bed facility will replace Holderman Hospital while older buildings will be repurposed for lower levels of care. CalVet also defended eliminating about 178 vacant positions at Yountville and West Los Angeles as a fiscal and staffing efficiency measure, saying current care levels can still be met and that retention and hiring efforts are improving. The committee then took up the Department of Cannabis Control’s enforcement and legal affairs proposal. DCC described the size of the illicit cannabis market, said enforcement alone cannot solve the problem, and asked for additional sworn staff, a new Redding-area field office, and more analysts to focus on distribution networks, organized crime, environmental harms, and high-priority public safety cases. Finance supported the proposal as a targeted investment, while the LAO had no additional comment. Members asked about funding impacts and local co-location options, and DCC said the request would be funded from cannabis excise tax revenues and could help shift sales into the legal market. Public testimony from the cannabis industry strongly supported more enforcement against illicit retail and said it would help legal operators compete. DCC also presented its hemp enforcement and regulation proposal tied to AB 8. The department said the law closes loopholes around intoxicating hemp products, strengthens enforcement across agencies, and prepares for hemp to enter the cannabis regulatory framework in 2028. DCC requested staff for a civil enforcement unit, field-testing equipment, lab capacity to detect synthetic cannabinoids, a track-and-trace specialist, and a policy specialist. Members asked about enforcement in informal retail settings and consumer confusion, and DCC said the biggest problems have been smoke shops and online sales. Public commenters from the legal cannabis industry supported the proposal, saying intoxicating hemp has harmed the regulated market and created public safety risks. The Cannabis Control Appeals Panel then requested ongoing funding of $3.4 million to support 12 positions and its quasi-judicial appeals function. The panel said that with provisional licenses largely phased out, more annual licensees now have appeal rights and the workload is beginning to increase, with two cases currently on the docket. The LAO recommended limiting funding to three years and requiring a workload and comparative analysis before making the funding permanent, while Finance supported ongoing funding as consistent with the panel’s permanent statutory role. Members questioned the panel’s compensation and workload, noting that the five-member body is paid at a high statutory rate despite historically meeting only quarterly, though panel staff said the work now includes substantial case preparation and monthly hearings. Finally, the Department of Consumer Affairs introduced two proposals: $2 million ongoing for the Contractors State License Board’s IT needs and $251,000 plus one limited-term position for the Board of Pharmacy to implement Proposition 34-related licensing policy and reduce barriers to licensure.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm very supportive.
• So I want to express support and thank you. So I want to express support and thank you.
• The request will support maintaining staffing and executing its mission.
• The request will support 12 positions and operational expenses.
• This funding request supports essential maintenance and security infrastructure that supports the board's

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This supports five FTEs and a dedicated victim services provider.
• And finally, ongoing tech support for MNCIS integration.
• MnDOT, as you know, supports the infrastructure piece.
• This results in less safety and support in our communities.
• enforcement, and support other parts of the criminal justice system.

Bills: HF2432

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF2432, judiciary finance bill, public safety finance bill, corrections policy, crime victims, victim services, Minnesota victims of crime account, court fees, marriage license fee, financial crimes, fraud investigations, insurance fraud, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Commerce Fraud Bureau, wage theft, automobile theft prevention, nonprofit security grants, 911 funding, POST Board

Transcript Highlights:

• Children's behavior also becomes worse toward the end of the year.
• And they also are there to support you if you have postpartum.
• This state doesn't have enough support. and needed that support.
• And they also are there to support you if you have postpartum.
• Services, medical attention, mental health and substance abuse support, nutritional support, housing

Bills: HJR1101 , SB1319 , SB1264 , HB4237 , SB1277 , SB2069 , HB3066 , HB2115 , HB2153 , HB2268 , HB2961 , SB1679 , SB2018 , HB4294 , SB2095 , HB4113 , SB1894 , SB1810 , HB4268 , HB1752 , HB3413 , SB625 , HB3644 , HB3940 , HJR1096 , HJR1100 , HJR1099 , HB2992 , SB1636 , HB4302 , SB1613 , SB1443 , HB1409 , HB1675 , HB1225 , HB1381 , HB4359 , SB1503

Keywords: Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, OMMA, medical marijuana, cannabis, marijuana regulation, administrative rules, permanent rules, rule approval, joint resolution, legislative oversight, Title 75 Section 308, Oklahoma Administrative Code, OAC 442, patients, caregivers, licensees, dispensaries, growers, processors, SB1319

Summary: The House convened, completed the roll call, prayer, and pledge, and then took up a series of Senate amendments, conference reports, and Senate bills. Early action included unanimous adoption and passage of House Bill 3940, which added a five-year Oklahoma National Guard service requirement for benefits. Members also passed H.J.R. 1096 on Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority rule changes, H.J.R. 1100 on Office of Management and Enterprise Services fleet-related rules, and H.J.R. 1099 on Oklahoma Health Care Authority rules, with little debate. The chamber also rejected Senate amendments to H.J.R. 1067 and held a special recognition for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People awareness, including a citation honoring MMIP advocates and Oklahoma’s response through Ida’s Law and related efforts. Several other measures were considered and passed, including House Bill 2992 on Corporation Commission/data center ratepayer protections, Senate Bill 1636 establishing a procedure for cold-case review, House Bill 4302 on children-related disclosure language, Senate Bill 1613 on liquefied petroleum gas, Senate Bill 1443 on anesthesiologist payment in health benefit plans, House Bill 1409 on open meetings, House Bill 1675 on emergency management, House Bill 1225 on vital records, and House Bill 4359 on extending the school testing window from the last three weeks to the last four weeks. House Bill 1381 on alcoholic beverages failed on final passage after debate. Several bills also carried emergency clauses, including House Bill 2992, House Bill 1225, and House Bill 4359, and those emergency votes were adopted where applicable. The longest and most contentious debate centered on Senate Bill 1503, the Choosing Childbirth Act. Supporters argued it would help pregnant women choose childbirth, connect them to resources, and save babies’ lives, while opponents raised concerns about women’s autonomy, maternal health, privacy of online data, out-of-state nonprofit involvement, and whether state funds should instead support Oklahoma-based services and broader health care needs. After extensive debate and multiple questions, the House passed the bill 73-18. The chamber also heard announcements recognizing the Doctor of the Day, Nurse of the Day, Beef Day at the Capitol, and a farewell acknowledgment for Representative Kevin West, who was noted as having presented his last bill on the House floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am here in support of House Bill 713.
• They needed extensive levels of support.
• There was no bridge, no support.
• There was no bridge, no support.
• They support ethical providers, and they allow the state to act when abuse or neglect occur. ...support

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First, I want to thank President Albritton and Chair Hooper for their support of education in the state
• Where students get the appropriate community-type support that they need.
• Services for our veterans who call Florida home and $159 million to support 39 different IT projects.
• President, for your support. I want to thank you, Chair Hooper, for your leadership.
• Does that come with funding support for staff for those judges as well? Sure, I go to you.

Summary: The Senate took up the 2026-2027 budget and related implementing bills. Appropriations Chair Hooper presented a $115 billion General Appropriations Bill, saying it reduces overall spending from the prior year, preserves reserves, and includes a 3% raise for state employees and 5% raises for state law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then outlined major budget areas, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and environmental/agricultural agencies. Highlights included increased funding for school safety, teacher and scholarship funding, workforce education, Medicaid and kid care, corrections operations, judgeships, affordable housing, hurricane recovery, Everglades and water quality projects, and arts and cultural grants. Members asked detailed questions about several items. Senators discussed the Emergency Management Trust Fund, cultural arts grant allocations, Florida Forever land acquisition versus conservation easements, teacher salary support, charter school capital outlay funding, Bright Futures and EASE funding, New College funding, DOC deficits and inmate health care/food service costs, the ADAP HIV drug program, Medicaid reductions for non-critical access hospitals, and the use of opioid settlement and COVID relief funds. Chairs explained that some apparent reductions reflected shifts below the line or reclassification, that the ADAP appropriation would only cover about six months, and that some vacant positions were being removed as part of a right-sizing effort. Questions also covered lottery staffing, concealed weapons permit processing, elections security funding, and arts grant selection and proviso language. The Senate then substituted House bills for the Senate budget and implementing measures, amended them into the Senate posture, and passed them. HB 5001 (the appropriations bill), HB 503 (implementing bill), HB 5201 (collective bargaining), and HB 5205 (retirement) all passed 36-0 and were sent to conference. Other budget-related bills also passed, including SB 2506 on fuel taxes, SB 2508 on the state agency law enforcement radio system surcharge, SB 2510 on court trust funds, SB 2512 creating 13 circuit and 12 county judgeships, SB 2514 on K-12 education, SB 2516 on higher education, and SB 2518 on health. Most of these passed unanimously, with the Senate requesting the House either pass the Senate versions or include them in budget conference.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here in support of House Bill 2218.
• We urge your support for this bill. Thank you. Thank you.
• I'm here in support of HB 2105.
• I urge you to support the Immigrant Worker Protection Act.
• We support the concepts behind this policy and ask your support in moving this bill. Thank you all.

Bills: HB2091 , HB2105 , HB2218 , HB2107 , HB2137 , HB2243 , HB2264

Committee: House Labor & Workplace Standards

Keywords: public employers, employee information, bargaining representatives, labor relations, union representation, immigrant worker protections, immigrant rights, worker protections, I-9 audit, Form I-9, employment eligibility verification, workplace raid, federal immigration inspection, employer notice, anti-retaliation, retaliation, Attorney General enforcement, private right of action, labor law, workplace rights

Transcript Highlights:

• Switch over to child support. We establish legal paternity.
• We come in and get a legal court support order. We got to enforce that support order.
• needs, get that child support.
• Gaming has been estimated to support 73,000 jobs.
• Gaming has been estimated to support 73,000 jobs.

Summary: The State Administration Budget Subcommittee met for an introductory overview of the agencies under its jurisdiction and their current-year budgets. Chair Vicki Lopez welcomed members and staff, and each member briefly introduced themselves and identified areas of interest, with recurring themes including fiscal restraint, insurance regulation, revenue administration, condominium issues, and government efficiency. The chair then outlined the subcommittee’s overall budget, about $3.1 billion, and noted major recent policy areas affecting the budget such as condominium legislation and emergency communications funding. Agency heads then presented high-level summaries of their missions and budgets. The Department of Revenue described property tax oversight, tax administration, and child support enforcement; the Department of Management Services reviewed state purchasing, telecommunications, fleet, state insurance, retirement, and digital services; DBPR highlighted licensing, enforcement, condominiums, and building code work; DFS covered insurance consumer services, risk management, unclaimed property, fire marshal functions, and criminal investigations; the Gaming Control Commission discussed pari-mutuel and tribal gaming oversight and enforcement; OIR explained insurer solvency and rate review; the Lottery emphasized education funding and record sales; OFR described regulation of banking, securities, lending, and money services; DOAH outlined administrative and workers’ compensation adjudication; PSC covered utility rate regulation and consumer complaints; PERC described labor relations and career service appeals; and FCHR summarized discrimination complaint investigations and outreach. Several members asked questions about utility returns, insurance regulation staffing, DMS’s state employee health plan deficit and prescription drug formulary management, agency recommendations for reducing regulatory burden, and state facilities usage. Responses generally emphasized that utility rates and insurer filings are determined through evidentiary and actuarial processes, that OIR has reduced vacancies but still seeks specialized staff and a Tampa office expansion, and that DMS acknowledged rising health plan costs and said the issue likely requires broader budget-level discussion. The chair also pressed multiple presenters to stay focused on agency operations and budgets rather than broader policy issues. No votes or formal actions were taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, I want to thank President All Britain and Chair Hooper for their support of education in the state
• President, for your support. I want to thank you, Chair Hooper, for your leadership.
• So as it relates to the i-budget, in this budget, we provide $55 million of new support.
• Does that come with funding support for staff for those judges as well? Sure, I go to you.
• Does that come with funding support for staff for those judges as well? Sure, I go to you.

Summary: The Senate took up the 2026-2027 budget package, beginning with an overview of the $115 billion General Appropriations Bill (SB 2500). Appropriations Chair Hooper said the budget reduces overall spending from the prior year, preserves reserves, and includes a 3% pay raise for state employees and 5% raises for law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then highlighted major spending in their areas, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/economic development, and environmental/agricultural programs. Major items discussed included school funding increases, workforce and university investments, Medicaid and child welfare funding, corrections operating deficits, housing and hurricane recovery, Everglades and water quality projects, and state employee compensation. Members asked detailed questions about several budget items. In education, senators discussed teacher salaries, declining enrollment supplements, scholarship funding growth, and charter school capital outlay. In higher education, they asked about Bright Futures, New College funding, and the EASE grant program. In health and human services, senators focused on the iBudget waiver, Medicaid hospital rate reductions, the ADAP HIV drug program, and the use of opioid settlement funds. In criminal justice, questions centered on DOC deficits, inmate health care and food service costs, public defender and state attorney funding, and whether the budget would prevent the need for National Guard support. In environmental and state agency budgets, senators discussed Florida Forever land acquisition, conservation easements, cultural grants, the Emergency Management Trust Fund, and election security funding. After the budget presentations and questions, the Senate substituted House bills for the Senate budget bills and adopted amendments to place Senate language onto the House vehicles for conference. The chamber passed HB 5001, the appropriations bill, by a 36-0 vote and agreed to conference. It also passed the implementing bill, collective bargaining and state employee bills, retirement legislation, fuel tax and SLERS bills, the court trust fund bill, judicial certification bill, K-12 and higher education conforming bills, and other related measures, generally by unanimous votes. Several motions were adopted to request the House to pass the Senate versions or include them in budget conference.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> support. Thank you. support. Thank you.
• they support the change.
• </c> the support the support letters<01:45:20.120><c> of</c><01:45:20.360><c> support</c> letters of
• </c> that they support the change. that they support the change.
• </c> urge the support for this amendment. urge the support for this amendment.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all