Transcript Highlights:

• They review all of our contracts, leases, emergency purchase orders, memorandums, and any other legal
• This division includes our IT department, purchasing, accounting, and personnel.
• This division includes our IT department, purchasing, accounting, and personnel.
• The operating capital outlay, OCO, is approximately $3 million that has been used primarily to purchase
• The operating capital outlay, OCO, is approximately $3 million that has been to use primarily to purchase

Summary: The committee met to review agency program funding as it prepared to build the budget, hearing brief presentations from six agencies and then taking member questions. Florida Division of Emergency Management highlighted its role in response, preparedness, recovery, and mitigation, describing a largely federal pass-through budget, major technology investments, and large disaster and preparedness grant activity. The Department of Commerce, Department of State, Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Department of Transportation, Department of Military Affairs, Florida State Guard, and Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles also summarized their budgets, staffing, and major programs, including workforce and economic development, elections and arts funding, housing assistance, transportation work programs, military readiness, state guard expansion, and highway safety and motorist services. Members focused questions on several issues: arts and library grant funding and whether award criteria had changed; Commerce’s rural infrastructure and job growth grants and why funds were not being disbursed faster; Florida Housing’s use of SAIL, Live Local, Hometown Heroes, and SHIP funds and how smaller agencies learn about and access funding; and DOT’s work program gap between agency and governor proposals. The most extensive questioning was directed to Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles about long DMV lines, vacancies, overtime, staffing shortages, and the ability to shift funds between divisions. The department said staffing and pay constraints, especially in South Florida, were driving service delays and vacancy rates, and that overtime was being used because troopers were leaving for better-paying jobs. The Florida State Guard was also questioned about its spending and procurement pace, including aircraft purchases and facilities. Its director said long procurement timelines explained the low initial spending and that obligations had risen sharply as contracts matured. Members also asked about the department’s public opposition to Amendment 3 and whether agency resources were used in that effort; the director said no contracts or purchases were made to influence the vote and said the colonel’s comments were made off the clock. The meeting ended with the chair asking agencies to respond promptly to unanswered questions, and the committee adjourned without any recorded votes or formal actions beyond receiving the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Gordon then asked about an Anthem plan and whether, if a person elects to purchase the
• Representative Gordon asked whether, if a person has an Anthem plan and elects to purchase the dental
• the plan and they elect to purchase the dental<00:28:59.840><c> Rider</c><00:29:00.559><c> on</c><00
• </c><00:29:22.640><c> a</c><00:29:22.880><c> separate</c> like a they've purchased a separate like a
• they've purchased a separate supplemental<00:29:23.919><c> Dental</c><00:29:24.279><c> only</c><00:29

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:20 SB18 Discussion: 01:36 SB18 Vote: 05:07 SB24 Discussion: 06:37 SB24 Vote: 10:50 HB524 Discussion: 12:03 HB524 Vote: 13:55 HB421 Discussion: 15:13 HB421 Vote: 20:50 HB236 Discussion: 21:53 HB236 Vote: 23:34 HB210 Discussion: 25:40 HB210 Vote: 29:56, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up several insurance and health-related bills, beginning with Senate Bill 18, which was presented by Senator Girdler and insurance witness Adam Sheridan. The bill was described as addressing a shortage of garage liability insurance for used auto dealers in Kentucky, which has left many small dealers with only one or two coverage options and, in some cases, unable to obtain the insurance needed for a dealer license. The committee adopted a motion and second, then passed SB 18 unanimously and reported it favorably with the recommendation that it pass on the House floor. The committee then considered Senate Bill 24, also presented by Senator Girdler with testimony from Eric DeCampo of the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The bill was framed as an anti-fraud measure that would expand the definition of a fraudulent insurance act to cover misrepresentations about property damage and repair costs in property insurance claims. Testimony emphasized that insurance fraud raises premiums for consumers and that the bill would help deter inflated or fabricated claims. After a brief question about whether the bill created new felonies, the committee voted to pass SB 24 unanimously and report it favorably. House Bill 524, presented by Rep. Aaron Thompson with officials from the Office of the Controller and State Risk, would extend reinsurance requirements for the state’s fire and tornado/self-insurance fund from July 1 of this year to July 1, 2030, and rename the fund the Commonwealth’s Property and Casualty Insurance Fund. The bill was moved, seconded, and passed unanimously. House Bill 421, presented by Rep. Amy Neighbors, would require full coverage of FDA-approved bowel preps without out-of-pocket cost or prior authorization issues and update colorectal cancer screening coverage rules for high-risk patients by incorporating multisociety task force guidelines. Members discussed the bill’s personal importance and its minimal fiscal impact; it passed unanimously with a committee substitute. House Bill 236, presented by Rep. Adam Moore and Commissioner Sharon Clark, would cap annual out-of-pocket costs for epinephrine at $100. Members spoke in support, including personal remarks about the importance of access to epinephrine, and the bill passed unanimously with a favorable recommendation. Finally, House Bill 210, presented by Rep. Michael “Sarge” Pollock and Dr. Steve Robertson of the Kentucky Dental Association, addressed dental limited benefit plans and direct payment to dentists. Members asked whether the bill also affected vision/hearing arrangements or third-party administrators; the witness said it was intended for non-ERISA dental plans in Kentucky and suggested follow-up with the commissioner for further clarification. The committee adopted the committee substitute and then passed HB 210 favorably, with 15 yes votes and no votes against. The meeting then adjourned, with a reminder about the Banking and Insurance dinner later that evening.

Transcript Highlights:

• Potassium is a key element in crop fertilizers and is typically supplied by purchasing potash, which
• </c> already required in the purchase already required in the purchase agreement<00:59:12.760><c> in<
• So what's the recourse for a purchaser if they did not have that information?
• </c> how what's the recourse for a purchaser how what's the recourse for a purchaser if<01:04:10.359>
• I would think anyone purchasing property would notice that.

Bills: HF1621 , HF1701 , HF1796 , HF1676 , HF40 , HF1428 , HF1540

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF1621, CelluComp, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, appropriation, grant, commercialization, fiber-based barrier packaging, packaging materials, PFAS, perfluoroalkyl substances, polyfluoroalkyl substances, plastic reduction, sustainable packaging, environmental health, materials innovation, bio-based packaging, food packaging, agriculture finance, one-time grant, state subsidy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> purchasing program to fill in the holes. purchasing program to fill in the holes.
• </c><00:13:08.320><c> That's</c><00:13:08.560><c> it,</c> purchase another 3 days.
• That's it, purchase another 3 days. That's it, Madam<00:13:09.120><c> Chair.
• </c><00:50:35.440><c> health</c> public view, people who purchase health public view, people who purchase
• </c><01:20:10.719><c> insurance</c> program for folks purchasing insurance program for folks purchasing

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to use it in the schools.
• to use it in the schools.
• the School Energy Coalition.
• Many schools still lack modern HVAC systems.
• Thank you. ...upgrades in schools.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And how are you going to handle this with the schools?
• Because I've been in several balloon releases at my kids' school.
• to now make it unlawful or somebody could be charged with something at the school?
• I'm going straight to the school board on this one, but...
• Straight to the school board, Mike Strain, I'm quoting him. Thank you. Thank you.

Committee: House Natural Resources & Environment

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You've got to go to school for four years.
• The Pell Grant program has, over time, fallen behind and lost some purchasing power.
• In the 2021-22 budget year, California took a bold step to require high schools, including charter schools
• In the 2021-22 budget year, California took a bold step to require high schools, including charter schools
• The high school FAFSA completion... The Governor's budget reflects this reality.

Summary: The subcommittee on Education Finance heard an overview of the governor’s budget proposals and higher education financial aid trends, with a major focus on the Middle Class Scholarship (MCS), Cal Grant spending, and the effects of recent federal student aid changes. The Department of Finance said the budget would fully fund Cal Grant at projected levels and reduce MCS coverage from 35% to 17.5% of unmet need in 2026-27, while the Legislative Analyst’s Office supported considering the reduction as a cost-saving measure given out-year deficits. UC and CSU representatives opposed the cut, saying MCS is important to affordability and debt-free degree goals; they estimated average awards would fall substantially and that campuses do not have funds to backfill the loss. The Student Aid Commission said the proposal would reduce aid but simplify administration, and members questioned how lower awards would affect students, borrowing, and work-study options. No vote was taken, and the issue was held open for possible future action. The committee then discussed federal changes to student loans and Pell Grant policy under H.R. 1, including caps on Parent PLUS loans, elimination of Grad PLUS loans, and new proration rules for federal direct loans based on enrollment intensity. The LAO said these changes would likely push some borrowers into the private market, especially graduate and professional students and some parents of students at private institutions. CSU said the changes would affect thousands of graduate and part-time students and could reduce access by about $97 million in loan availability for part-time borrowers, while UC said the new definitions of professional degrees were too restrictive and would reduce access for nursing, teaching, law, dentistry, and other programs. Community colleges said they use relatively little federal loan aid but are monitoring Workforce Pell. Members raised concerns about workforce impacts, social mobility, and whether the state should consider alternative loan programs or other ways to reduce student costs. This issue was also held open. In the segment financial aid update, the LAO reported Cal Grant spending is projected to rise to about $3.2 billion in 2026-27, driven by more recipients and higher awards tied to UC and CSU tuition increases, while CSAC said FAFSA and CADAA applications are up significantly year over year. CSU, community colleges, and UC described their aid packaging and rising aid totals, with CSU reporting over $5.5 billion in aid to 381,000 students, community colleges reporting over $4.3 billion to more than 920,000 students, and UC reporting $3.17 billion in grant aid to undergraduates. Members asked about Cal Grant reform, application trends, and long-term outcomes; UC and community colleges pointed to alumni and wage dashboards, and the LAO noted the state’s Cradle to Career data effort. The committee then took public comment, including testimony on library funding and other education-related priorities, and concluded by holding the issues open without formal action.

Transcript Highlights:

• of<00:10:33.120><c> artists</c><00:10:33.440><c> in</c><00:10:33.600><c> the</c><00:10:33.760><c> schools
• </c><00:10:34.880><c> um</c><00:10:35.040><c> you</c><00:10:35.120><c> know</c> of artists in the schools
• or um you know of artists in the schools or um you know sitting<00:10:35.519><c> on</c><00:10:35.600
• of artwork, school programming, and cultural activities.
• Uh, we also have testimony from the mayor of Kauai, Derek Kawakami, in support of Yime High School and

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees met on a 3:00 p.m. agenda that included House Concurrent Resolution 94 and several gubernatorial nominations. HCR 94, which asks the governor to proclaim Hawaii a Purple Heart State on August 7, 2025, drew support from the Hawaii Veterans of Foreign Wars and no opposing testimony. The chair recommended passage as is, and the committees adopted the recommendation without objection. The bulk of the meeting focused on nominations to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, along with one nomination to the Medical Advisory Board. Nominees and supporters emphasized experience, continuity, and service: Dana Alla Lopez, Beverly Lee, and others described prior commission work; Janet Sato and Marcia Deutsch highlighted long involvement in arts education, grants review, and public art; and Randall Francisco stressed arts advocacy and accessibility. Testimony in support also came from commission staff, the Association for Hawaiian Civic Clubs, the County of Kauai Office of Economic Development, the mayor of Kauai, and others. One nominee, Judy Kvel Kovville, had support from the Department of Transportation. Several committee members raised broader questions about sustaining arts funding amid possible federal cuts and changes in state project financing that could reduce revenue under the 1% for art law. The nominees for the arts-related posts said they were open to exploring new funding sources, including private philanthropy, community support, and learning from other states. After discussion, the committee voted to advise and consent on all listed nominations—GM506, GM507, GM508, GM556, GM654, GM740, GM742, and GM743—with no votes or reservations, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are we talking about school zones and identifying where that might apply, as opposed to just saying 50
• Our city does presentations on this in our local high schools. So just thank you. Thank you all.
• During the school year, we're extremely concerned about how this bill would affect them.
• Are there kids enrolled in the public schools?
• School buses pick them up at the hotels.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard and voted on a series of bills dealing with traffic enforcement, drug-related homicide charges, vessel regulation, crime-stoppers records, cyber harassment, pawn data sharing, hotel removals of nonpaying guests, and Fish and Wildlife Commission authority. Members and witnesses generally framed the bills around public safety, law enforcement efficiency, victim protection, and property rights, while several bills drew concerns about criminal penalties, due process, and impacts on workers or families. Public testimony included support from sheriffs, police chiefs, AARP, hospitality workers, civil liberties groups, and industry representatives, depending on the bill. PCS for CSHB 351, creating a criminal offense for dangerous excessive speeding, passed 13-4 after debate over whether the new offense would expand search-and-seizure authority and whether the penalties were too harsh. HB 457, which expands third-degree murder to include unlawful distribution of controlled substances resulting in death and removes the under-18 exclusion, was amended to add a knowledge/should-have-known fentanyl standard and then passed unanimously 17-0. CS for HB 1285 on disposition of migrant vessels and HB 1149 on vessel accountability both passed unanimously after brief discussion and a cleanup amendment on HB 1149. HB 397, providing a public records exemption for Crime Stoppers organizations, passed 16-0 after a clarifying amendment. HB 1451 on sexual cyber harassment also passed 16-0 after an amendment expanding definitions, penalties, civil remedies, and limitations periods. PCS for HB 1359, requiring FDLE to study a statewide pawn database, passed 16-0 with support from law enforcement and concerns about linking local systems and private vendors. CSHB 535, which clarifies when guests in public lodging establishments may be removed for nonpayment and also addressed service-charge language affecting gratuities, generated the most extended debate and strong opposition from hospitality workers and labor advocates over due process and tipped income. Supporters argued it would clarify transient occupancy and protect property owners, but the bill passed 11-6. Finally, CS/HB 1133 on Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission appointments and warrant requirements for FWC officers passed 16-0 after an amendment requiring warrants or probable cause for entry onto private land. The meeting adjourned after all agenda items were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• DOC is now recommending the purchase of a new prison. Hey, did I hear something?
• DOC is now recommending the purchase of a new prison. and then this body comes back and says, and then
• DOC is now recommending the purchase of a new prison. subject matter experts necessary to analyze the
• DOC is now recommending the purchase of a new prison.
• </c> The purchase of a new prison.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's not what we do when there's a school shooter.
• We don't carpet bomb the school with a school shooter inside.
• We don't carpet bomb the school with a school shooter inside.
• </c> I was born in high school.
• Um and goods that people are purchasing.

Committee: House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A local co-op supports jobs, local purchasing, and then has the added benefit of profits being returned
• This wealth-building opportunity enabled my wife and I — my wife was a public elementary school teacher
• — to purchase a home in the San Francisco Bay Area.
• And I just want to repeat that for clarity: a baker and a public school elementary school teacher were
• able to purchase a home in one of the most expensive home markets in the country.

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and limited independent school district property tax levy growth to 2.5%.
• And for school taxes, now, there was a major change.
• And for school taxes, now, there was a major change.
• Because like the schools, we have looked at what we want to invest...
• Of course, school districts have an approximately 2.5% limitation.

Bills: SB9

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, tax rate calculation, Tax Code, local government finance, municipality, county, special taxing unit, sales and use tax, property tax cap, tax rollback, tax levy, maintenance and operations, debt rate, disaster relief rate, Texas Legislature, local taxing unit

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met to hear Senate Bill 9, which would lower the voter-approval tax rate for certain local taxing units from 3.5% to 2.5%. Sen. Bettencourt, the bill author, argued the change would continue the state’s property tax reforms begun in 2019, slow local levy growth, and give voters more say over larger tax increases. He and supporters cited data showing property tax levies have grown faster than population plus inflation, and said the bill would help protect taxpayers while preserving the state’s broader investments in school tax relief, water, rural law enforcement, and ambulance funding. Supporters included the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association, the Texas Association of Business, the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and the Texas Association of Manufacturers. They said the bill would improve transparency, encourage more disciplined budgeting, and create certainty for homeowners and businesses. They argued that lower tax-rate growth would help attract and retain employers and investment, and that voters would still be able to approve higher rates when needed. Local officials and other opponents said the bill would constrain cities and counties facing rapid growth, inflation, infrastructure needs, and public safety costs. Testimony from county judges, city finance officials, firefighters, and urban county representatives emphasized pressures from jail operations, roads, water, EMS, police and fire staffing, and unfunded mandates. Several witnesses asked for carve-outs or exemptions for public safety and disaster-related costs, warning that a one-size-fits-all cap could force service cuts or shift costs elsewhere. The committee heard extensive questioning but no final vote or disposition on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> from high school, from high school, from<02:21:49.439><c> college,</c><02:21:50.880><c> and</c>
• </c> and parents from schools. and parents from schools.
• ><c> churches,</c> enforcement at schools, churches, enforcement at schools, churches, hospitals,<02:
• And it was a school that had over 150 languages represented just in that one elementary school.
• I went to school in New Mexico.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Wire transfers through banks to virtual asset service providers for purchase of digital assets.
• And purchases and redemptions of cashier's checks.
• And also the purchases of high-value property, vehicles, planes, trips to expenses and international
• Otherwise, it's very hard to say once they fill it out on a FinCEN 104 that it's illegal. purchases of
• high value property, purchases of high value property, vehicles,<01:27:56.400><c> planes,</c><01:27:

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> causes a significant loss in purchasing causes a significant loss in purchasing power<00:19:25.440
• ,</c><01:12:36.560><c> sober</c> offices, at their work, schools, sober offices, at their work, schools
• </c><01:14:14.800><c> or</c> family, graduated high school or family, graduated high school or college
• ,</c> out of college, they're out of school, out of college, they're out of school, they<01:29:14.159
• 15.040><c> and</c> they have some school debts and they have some school debts and different<01:29:15.440

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This type of supplies, prices on school supplies.
• So we're thinking about school supplies and tax-free.
• The average elementary school student's back-to-school list in Pennsylvania contains 16 to 17 items.
• obligations to fully fund our public schools.
• Others that benefit: look at our school districts.

Summary: The Senate returned from recess and first handled routine calendar matters, laying several bills on the table or over in their order without objection. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 1400, which addresses sentencing for second-degree murder in response to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Commonwealth v. Lee decision. Senator Street offered an amendment to replace mandatory life without parole with parole eligibility after 25 years and individualized review, but the Senate tabled the amendment by a 26-24 roll call. The bill then advanced to final passage after extended debate over whether it adequately met the court’s constitutional ruling and how it would affect victims, culpability, and retroactivity. It initially passed 31-19, then after reconsideration and a correction to one member’s vote, passed 30-20 and was sent to the House. The Senate next considered Senate Bill 1212, which tightens the handling of sexual assault evidence kits by removing discretionary language that had contributed to inconsistent testing practices. Supporters said it would improve statewide consistency, preserve a survivor’s right to decline testing, and help reduce the rape kit backlog. The bill passed unanimously, 50-0, and was sent to the House. The chamber then moved through additional calendar items, including re-referrals of several House bills to Appropriations and multiple bills being passed over. Later, the Senate took up House Bill 1667 on a supplemental calendar after suspending the rules. The bill became the vehicle for several amendments tied to affordability and tax policy. Senators adopted a back-to-school sales tax holiday amendment, a data-center tax exemption repeal amendment, and a school-choice-related amendment transferring EITC provisions and increasing scholarships by $25 million. Other proposed amendments, including a digital advertising tax and a combined reporting corporate tax reform, were tabled. After further debate on the bill’s impact on electric bills, data centers, and the state budget, House Bill 1667 was agreed to as amended and the Senate recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• School board members to go through at least one training on the basics of school fiscal management.
• I speak as a former school board member, I know a good number of you are former school board members,
• It's plaguing our children, schools, and environment.
• In our schools, vape pens are being confiscated at an alarming rate.
• Their local school has closed.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Many students that attend that school allow the school to do some capital improvement on the school campus
• Current penalties are enhanced for schools. So it just put schools on on par with the works.
• Not only do you have to go to undergraduate school medical school, then you have to do residency.
• School superintendents, school board members, mayors, City Commissioner Carey commissioners.
• This proposed legislation directs state agencies, District School boards and charter schools dubbed a

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• expiration of the lease for that building, and so I don't think that the city is even considering purchasing
• 14.240><c> considering</c> city is even considering city is even considering uh<00:08:15.720><c> purchasing
• </c> uh purchasing uh purchasing uh<00:08:17.680><c> the</c><00:08:17.880><c> property,</c><00:08:18.880

Bills: HB2583 , HB1591 , HB1749 , HB2423

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: HB2583, Hawaii Micro-Lending Credit Enhancement Program, DBEDT, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, micro-loan, microloan, small business lending, small business financing, loan loss reserve, first-loss reserve, credit enhancement, partial guarantee, risk-sharing, community development financial institution, CDFI, working capital, inventory financing, equipment financing, leasehold improvements, startup loans

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Consumer Protection meeting was a decision-making session on a series of House bills, with no oral testimony taken. The committees first acted on HB 2583, recommending passage on amended, and HB 1591, recommending passage with amendments related to health care. They also recommended passage on amended for HB 1749 on cesspools and HB 2423 on biodiesel, with each recommendation adopted by the members present. The committees then considered a second agenda block that included HB 2080, HB 1520, HB 1576, HB 1711, HB 1785, HB 1802, HB 1838, HB 1842, HB 1853, HB 1976, HB 2104, HB 2218, HB 2246, HB 2270, HB 2289, HB 2361, HB 2551, and HB 2606. Most were recommended for passage unamended and adopted without objection. HB 1520 was deferred because the Senate bill had already crossed over. HB 1711 was amended to replace the option period established by the corporation with a period of up to 10 years. HB 2289 was amended to remove repeal of a ceiling and set a $1 million expenditure ceiling for the automated victim information and notification system special fund. Several members noted reservations on HB 1842, which involved transfer of the Westridge parcel near a rail station; concerns were raised about the property’s value, the long-term lease status, and whether the city would actually accept or pursue the transfer. HB 1853 was passed unamended, with the committee noting the Lions Association had suggestions that could be addressed later in conference. HB 2218 was passed unamended while adopting DLNR testimony to clarify collaboration with community groups in stewarding public lands and recreational areas. In each case, the stated recommendations were adopted, often with members voting no with reservation rather than in opposition.