Transcript Highlights:

• section of the NMSA 1978.
• An act relating to public finance, providing zero-interest loans to political subdivisions of the state
• An act relating to public finance, providing zero interest loans to political subdivisions of the state
• of office for federal officials. upon the application of two-thirds of the states for the limited purpose
• and request the signatures of the officers of the Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• The interesting thing, as you all know, with lead service lines is some of it's private property, right
• of Monday of last forgot to say uh as of Monday of last week,<00:42:32.600><c> uh</c><00:42:32.760><
• of uh Monday of that deadline, but as of uh Monday of last<00:42:44.160><c> week,</c><00:42:44.840><
• </c> of of drinking water professionals of of drinking water professionals uh<00:48:07.280><c> dedicated
• of order of priorities, In terms of kind of order of priorities, can<01:24:49.760><c> the</c><01:24:

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been to all kinds of trainings, all kinds of conferences, all kinds of just about everything.
• of Independent Nursing Schools, made up of a number of nursing schools.
• That’s a total of 63 schools. Twenty-three of those... That’s a total of 63 schools.
• items that could be incentives, that I was making a statement that the state of Florida would be supporting
• a financial line item to provide financial incentives.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up a series of health and human services bills, beginning with CS/SB 1602, which would require hospital emergency departments to have evidence-based pediatric care protocols, staff training, child-sized equipment and medications, a pediatric care coordinator, and participation in a national pediatric readiness assessment. The bill was reported favorably after no public opposition. CS/SB 1224, aligning Florida law with federal requirements for paramedics to administer controlled substances under physician or nurse practitioner direction, also drew supportive testimony from the Florida Fire Chiefs Association and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1182, requiring coverage of continuous glucose monitors under both pharmacy and durable medical equipment benefits, was likewise reported favorably after brief support from AARP. The committee then considered CS/SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which addresses venous thromboembolism by defining certain conditions as chronic diseases, creating a statewide registry, and requiring screening and training in hospitals, surgical centers, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Family members and blood clot advocates strongly supported the bill, but assisted living representatives objected to being included, arguing the bill would impose unrealistic medical expectations and liability on residential care facilities. Senators also raised concerns about the assisted living provisions, but the bill was reported favorably after the sponsor said more changes were likely later. CS/CS/SB 954, dealing with recovery residences and treatment centers, was amended to reduce the number of active patients from 500 to 300 and then reported favorably after extensive debate over zoning, clustering, neighborhood impacts, and access to recovery housing. CS/SB 1050, which expands the developmental disabilities pilot program and creates an adult pathways waiver option, generated the most extensive testimony. Supporters said it would help reduce the long APD waitlist and expand services, while many families and advocates warned against managed care, citing provider shortages, weak oversight, and the importance of consumer-directed care. Committee members emphasized that participation is voluntary and that people can disenroll, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 614, requiring a public educational webpage about background screening and level-two screening requirements, and CS/SB 1578, expanding breast cancer screening coverage, were both reported favorably with little opposition. CS/SB 1060 created a joint legislative oversight committee for Medicaid financing and operations; after an amendment expanding the committee from three to five members, it was reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 1240, updating DCF substance abuse and mental health procedures including 988, methadone assessment, forensic evaluators, and Baker Act transfer timing, was amended and reported favorably after debate over transfer deadlines and facility responsibilities. Finally, the committee began hearing CS/SB 526, a major nursing education bill aimed at improving Florida’s low NCLEX passage rates by tightening program standards, requiring exit exams and remediation, mandating reporting and inspections, and limiting accreditation extensions. A strike-all amendment was introduced that would also require certain low-performing programs to offer a three-month graduate preceptorship. The transcript cuts off before the bill’s full debate and final action are completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Both those state statutes have very similar purpose statements and they're outlined in section one of
• This proposed legislation is critically needed to ensure the permanency and best interests of children
• This proposed legislation is critically needed to ensure the permanency and best interests of children
• </c> importantly is not in the best interest importantly is not in the best interest of<00:35:30.960>
• Legal representation of children's expressed interest is necessary to ensure the protection of those

Committee: Senate Children and Family Law

Transcript Highlights:

• French Brown: ...Probate Interest Section of the Florida Bar. In support.
• This simple resolution is a statement. Florida condemns the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
• My city of Altamonte Springs implemented most of these techniques, most of this model back in 2016.
• What is the legitimate state interest of the state of Florida for honoring a man that was not a Floridian
• And now I will say, one of my favorite authors, Toni Morrison, she made a statement of never stopping

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Schultz. approval of the continuation of the approval of the continuation of the state
• Chair and Representative Schultz, I don't have the health care access fund statement in front of me,
• 00:12:39.920><c> years</c> seeking of the waiver of five years seeking of the waiver of five years so
• c><00:14:48.720><c> but</c> uh statement in front of me but uh statement in front of me but i'm<00:14
• <c> the</c> approval of the continuation of the approval of the continuation of the state<00:20:18.559

Summary: The committee reviewed a side-by-side comparison and fiscal analysis of Senate File 3472, a reinsurance-related bill affecting the premium security plan account, MinnesotaCare, and related health care funding. Staff explained the Senate and House versions of the bill, including how the Senate proposal extends reinsurance for five years and uses a projected $1.087 billion general fund transfer to fully fund claims and administrative costs through fiscal year 2028, while the House version conditions continuation of the program on federal approval of the state innovation waiver. The fiscal presentation also covered appropriations for MNsure, a mental health parity and substance abuse office, and House provisions for delivery reform and a public option study, along with a House transfer of $110.674 million to the health care access fund. Members debated the budget horizon and whether costs should be forecast beyond fiscal year 2025. Representative Schultz argued that the spreadsheet understated the broader fiscal impact of reinsurance and warned about future funding cliffs for MinnesotaCare and other health programs, while other members and staff noted that the state’s standard forecast ends in fiscal year 2025 and that the fiscal note only estimated reinsurance costs through the five-year extension. Supporters said reinsurance was the best available option to reduce premium increases, especially in rural areas, and some pointed to a public option as a longer-term alternative. Opponents argued reinsurance does not address underlying health care costs or deductibles and urged consideration of other reforms. House Research then walked through the policy differences. House-only provisions would change Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association board membership, require platinum plans in certain markets, expand postnatal coverage, require a prescription drug benefit in some plans, set a minimum actuarial value for MinnesotaCare, create an Office of Mental Health Parity and Substance Abuse Accountability, and direct reports on delivery reform and a public option. The shared provisions would extend the premium security program to 2027 and delay the transfer of remaining premium security plan funds to the health care access fund until 2029, with the House language again contingent on federal waiver approval. No formal vote was taken in the excerpt; the chair closed discussion after hearing no further questions and indicated members would be contacted about next steps.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> MDVA's director of government affairs. MDVA's director of government affairs.
• Uh, it was a great way to kind of say, "Hey, how big of a need is there?"
• </c> also with the funding of buying food. also with the funding of buying food.
• </c> a lot of our veterans aren't aware of a lot of our veterans aren't aware of all<00:10:39.200><c>
• We have a lot of trust with you. verify. We have a lot of trust with you.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I actually, it's interesting, I've had somebody reach out to me about the same type of situation
• Um, I actually, it's interesting, I've had somebody reach out to me about the same type of situation
• Okay, and there was no perjury statement at the bottom of that restraining order.
• I know that there's a lot of interesting work that's taken place in the last few years outside of state
• interesting work that there's a lot of interesting work that's<05:11:37.798><c> taken</c><05:11:38.200

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of Mexico to the Gulf of America? of Mexico to the Gulf of America?
• </c> history of it. history of it.
• </c> of what was to be over 250 years of of what was to be over 250 years of bondage<00:21:46.559><c>
• </c> changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to<00:21:58.720>
• the Gulf of Mexico or the Gulf of America or the Gulf of Cuba.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and the State Board of Registration for Professional Soil
• Matt Gilmore, Department of Health. Ashley Davis, Director, Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
• The Board of Nursing was created in 1913 with the purpose of oversight for registered nurses.
• The protection of the public occurs through the licensure of qualified nurses, setting standards for
• that there's lots of people.

Committee: All ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The Occupational Licensing Review Subcommittee met to review two occupational licensing reports: the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and the State Board of Registration for Professional Soil Classifiers. For nursing, board officials described the board’s history, scope, and licensure categories, saying it regulates about 72,000 nurses across RN, LPN, advanced practice, medication assistant, and dialysis technician-related roles. Members asked about workforce shortages, complaint volume, and the board’s finances. The board said Arkansas has enough licensed nurses overall but faces vacancy and distribution issues, receives about 2,200 complaints annually, and most serious complaints involve criminal backgrounds, fraud or misrepresentation, misappropriation, drug abuse, and criminal investigations. Officials also said they are looking at ways to improve efficiency in case handling, including better documentation and added help positions, and noted outreach efforts through nursing associations and the Arkansas Center for Nursing. For professional soil classifiers, Agriculture Department officials explained that the occupation was created in 1975 and now is administered by the Natural Resources Commission after the former board was abolished in 2023. They said the profession is small and specialized, with about 29 registered soil classifiers in Arkansas, and requires a four-year degree plus coursework in biological, earth, and soil sciences. Members asked whether the current number is sufficient, what the work involves, and how the licensing fund is used. Officials said the current number appears adequate, though demand could change with more nutrient management or related work, and that soil classifiers commonly assist with septic system design, perk testing, wetland determinations, and other soil-related projects. They also noted the program has a small reserve and may look at training, curriculum, testing, and administrative budget adjustments. Both reports were reviewed without objection, and no votes were taken. The next meeting was announced for February 19 at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please remain standing and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
• </c><00:04:28.360><c> the</c> of the preceding day Journal of the of the preceding day Journal of the
• Reports of standing committees and divisions: a copy of this order of business is on your desk and online
• of economic interest.
• Representative Friberg says the bill deals with filing periods for statements of economic interest.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, next one, same Department of State. Had a lot of time, huh? Got a lot of time.
• Next one, same Department of State. Got a lot of time. Huh? Got a lot of time.
• One, it conflicts; it exempts our executives from conflict-of-interest laws, as well as we won't be able
• , and we've seen the effects of situations where the conflict of interest can occur, and sometimes...
• ...situations where the conflict of interest can occur and sometimes not benefit the residents of Newark

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met on June 28, 2026 and considered a long list of budget and policy bills, reporting many of them out of committee, often with amendments. Early measures included AB 2550 on continued dependent health coverage for certain adults with disabilities, AB 4794 allowing tax data sharing with the New Jersey Innovation Authority and Secure Choice Savings Board, and AB 3381/SB 1493 updating occupational therapy licensure requirements. The committee also advanced AB 4014, creating a social media research center at a public four-year institution, though one member opposed it as unnecessary spending given existing research on social media harms. Another bill, AB 5048/SB 1281, would ban certain apparel and diaper products with intentionally added PFAS; some members opposed it over safety and cost concerns, especially for firefighter gear, but it was reported. The committee also moved AB 383, which promotes volunteerism to help FamilyCare and SNAP recipients meet eligibility requirements, and AB 4357, extending telehealth pay parity, though one member objected to parity between telehealth and in-person care. The committee then took up several energy, environmental, and housing-related bills. AB 5188, the Advanced Grid Technologies Act, was released despite opposition from some members and labor interests. AB 2524 would let dual-use solar projects participate in community solar, and AB 5236 would strengthen pediatric psychiatry and behavioral health services; both were reported. AB 5348, allowing temporary use of open-space and related funds for certain municipalities, drew sharp criticism as a diversion of preservation money to fill budget holes, but passed. AB 5280 returned unexpended county appropriations to Hudson County and authorized supplemental operating aid; it also passed despite objections about prior bidding violations. AB 5347 provided certain motor vehicle-related funding to municipalities and was reported, as was AB 5334/SB 4423, appropriating Green Acres and CBT revenues for local open space and park projects. A major portion of the meeting focused on tax and business-related bills. AB 5329 increased the child tax credit for 2026-2028, with testimony urging that the expansion be made permanent; it was reported. AB 3899, the General Contractor Licensing Act, also passed. AB 5310/SB 4406 clarified sentencing under certain circumstances and was reported. AB 5330, allowing temporary transfers in the pension system, drew testimony from NJEA warning that the State Health Benefits Program was in crisis and asking for a longer repayment period to avoid rate spikes; the bill was still reported. AB 1326 created a higher education governance and funding task force and was amended to add a Talmudic institution or theological seminary representative. Later, AB 5333/SB 4424 appropriated additional Green Acres and CBT funds for recreation and conservation projects and was reported. The committee also advanced several business and alcohol-related measures, including AB 5235 establishing the School-Based Partnership for Access and Resilience for Kids program, AB 5325 reducing business formation fees, AB 4836/SB 2368 on portable solar devices, AB 4881 establishing an advanced nuclear energy procurement program, AB 3974/SB 3183 revising renewable energy incentive and solar interconnection rules, AB 4013 creating a social media research center focused on addictive behavior, AB 5225 making temporary alcohol beverage provisions permanent, and AB 5295 revising alcoholic beverage licensing laws. The most contentious debate came on AB 4085, the Fair Price Protection Act, which would restrict “surveillance pricing” and regulate grocery pricing practices. Consumer advocates supported the bill as a protection against individualized pricing, while retailers and chambers of commerce argued the language was too broad and could undermine loyalty programs, discounts, and electronic shelf labels. Despite those objections, the committee voted to report the bill after amendments. Finally, AB 4530/SB 3739 on EV supply equipment standards was reported, and AB 5322 imposing a temporary cap on net operating loss deductions under the corporate business tax sparked strong opposition from business groups and a policy debate over whether legitimate losses and investment-related deductions should be limited; the bill was still moved out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> influx of students or some adjustment of influx of students or some adjustment of the<00:05:27.440
• </c> So I want to kind of stay out of their So I want to kind of stay out of their lane.<00:07:01.759
• </c> have kind of picked up just because of have kind of picked up just because of the<00:07:44.960><
• </c> You see a count of of some 82 companies. You see a count of of some 82 companies.
• level of financial depth that you and the general contractor might have.

Summary: The committee received an informational presentation from the Kentucky Department of Education and the School Facilities Construction Commission on school facilities funding. Staff explained the main funding sources used for school construction and renovation, including the mandatory “nickel” property tax levy, growth and equalized growth nickels, the equalized facility funding nickel, the Fort Knox/BRAC-related nickel for Hardin County, and the recallable nickel that districts can adopt locally. They also described the state equalization formula, noting that local construction costs have risen and that state support is formula-driven rather than a dollar-for-dollar match. The SFCC outlined how unmet facility need is calculated through district facility plans, which are developed locally with community, staff, and board input and then reviewed by KDE staff for consistency and reasonableness. The commission said it will update the statewide unmet need report this fall, adopt it in December, and provide the figure to the committee in January 2026. It reported that the statewide unmet facility need was about $7 billion in 2023, with about $951 million in local revenue available, and said its offers of assistance are paid as debt service over eight years. The commission also said the most recent legislative offer of assistance was its smallest since SFCC’s creation in 1985, and requested an additional $60 million for the next biennium. Members asked about how districts use nickel tax levies, who determines facility need, whether the process includes physical inspections, and how bonding capacity affects offers of assistance. Staff said nickel levies are generally adopted with regular tax rates, that facility need is locally developed but reviewed by KDE, and that KDE project managers and district-hired architects review plans on paper rather than through in-person inspections. They also explained that bonding capacity can affect a district’s ability to use or receive assistance. Questions were also raised about federal funds tied to earlier KIX grants and about districts with zero remaining offers of assistance; staff said most grant-funded projects are underway or complete, and that a zero balance means a district has spent its available assistance. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I won't read all of the stats shown here, but it's interesting to note the variety of state and local
• But I won't read all of the stats shown here, but it's interesting to note the variety of state and local
• But I won't read all of the stats shown here, but it's interesting to note the variety of state and local
• /c><01:25:18.480><c> of</c> seem to be interested in this idea of of seem to be interested in this idea
• Are they just interested, or are they fulfilling a requirement of a class or some kind of credit?

Committee: Senate Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• I really think this balances the interests of all the parties concerned.
• But one of the things I found very interesting when I got into the job, I knew a little about a group
• the things I found very Uh but one of the things I found very interesting<02:39:07.400><c> when</c><
• That, of course, is interesting, but it does lead you to wonder how much energy is really going to be
• is interesting, but it that of course is interesting, but it does<02:52:47.600><c> it</c><02:52:47.720

Transcript Highlights:

• Now we can store all of the information almost on the head of a pen.
• of challenges.
• Children like Bash are left out of one of the most basic parts of childhood: the chance to play with
• Children like Bash are left out of one of the most basic parts of childhood, the chance to play with
• friends. out of one of the most basic parts of childhood, the chance to play with friends.

Committee: House Children and Families

Summary: The Committee on Children and Families met with a quorum and first took up several bills for executive action. House Bill 2418, the Loy Voka Assistance Bill, was amended with a technical substitute correcting a statutory section reference and then voted do pass by a 12-0 roll call. House Bill 1819, the child care facilities bill, received an amendment, was rolled into a substitute, and was also voted do pass unanimously. House Bill 3077, the Schmidt social media curriculum bill, was revised through a committee substitute that shifted oversight from DESE to local school boards, narrowed and clarified language, changed references from “curriculum” to “instructional material,” and lowered the grade level from 6 to 3; it then passed 13-0. The committee then heard House Bill 3451 from Representative Sites, which would require the Department of Social Services to audio- or video-record face-to-face child abuse or neglect assessment interviews, securely store the recordings, and retain them for at least five years. Supporters, including Representative Proudie, said the bill would reduce trauma to children, preserve evidence, and would not create major costs because recording equipment is already available; no one testified in opposition or for informational purposes. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3534 and House Bill 2342, presented by Representatives Proudie and Jones, to require new or updated public playgrounds and playground surfaces built by the state or political subdivisions to meet accessibility standards. Testimony in favor came from children and parents describing barriers posed by wood chips, gravel, and inaccessible equipment, and emphasizing the importance of inclusive play and the availability of grant funding for surfacing improvements. Committee members generally supported the concept, asked about scope and retrofitting, and the sponsors clarified the bills apply prospectively to public projects; there was no opposition testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• of of the members of the Alliance of of the Therapy<00:09:21.200><c> Dogs.
• Um, I'm just going to read you a short statement and then I'm going to talk about aspects of this.
• Um, all of it is pertinent. Um, right now we're looking at this as being a financial burden.
• However, I have never felt the amount of support from a representative as a statement that he... ...and
• No, that's interesting. I mean, I guess I see those sort of as two buckets.

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• side of the road.
• </c> decision in light of what we're facing. decision in light of what we're facing.
• You know, there's the analogy of making sausage, and that is how it kind of always is.
• Um, some of those important things. There's not a lot of nonprofits.
• On the issue of amendments, 14 bills have you caucused already for both of you?

Transcript Highlights:

• Gentlemen, please provide your assessment of the harms to U.S. vital interests if we reduce our engagements
• Many of our security and economic interests overlap with those of our African and European partners.
• What's your current assessment of the threat that al-Shabaab poses to our national interest and specifically
• defense of any part of the eastern flank.
• well on behalf of all of us.

Committee: Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: committee meeting, legislation, public testimony, SB4, HB2214, bipartisan support

Summary: The committee convened to discuss various bills and hear testimonies related to legislative matters, including public concerns and implications surrounding the proposed legislation. Notably, the members engaged in a vigorous debate over SB4, where several representatives shared differing viewpoints on its impact on local communities and the environment. Public testimonies were heard, with advocates arguing for the bill's potential benefits, while opponents raised significant concerns regarding the fiscal implications and land use. Following these discussions, the committee moved to vote on HB2214, which passed without issue, illustrating the bipartisan support for certain initiatives tied to public welfare.

Transcript Highlights:

• a minimum of 1 hour of classroom study regarding the origin and nature of Communism.
• ><c> of</c> simply requires a minimum of 1 hour of simply requires a minimum of 1 hour of classroom<00
• </c> is kind of a finite body of is kind of a finite body of knowledge<00:17:10.160><c> but</c><00:17
• </c><01:06:56.079><c> of</c> RSA 193 e2a as noted in the statement of RSA 193 e2a as noted in the statement
• RSA 193-E:2-a, as noted in the statement of purpose for that statute, documents the widespread participation

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 749, which would require high schools to provide at least one hour of instruction on the nature and history of communism. The prime sponsor said the bill was prompted by concerns that students lack basic historical knowledge about communism and its effects, and argued that a short, flexible requirement could be embedded in an existing course without creating a new full class. He described communism as a totalitarian ideology and cited historical examples including the Soviet Union, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Cold War, and current events involving Russia, Ukraine, and Taiwan as reasons students should understand the topic. Members asked whether the subject is already covered in current social studies standards, whether one hour is enough, and whether the bill would apply to public, private, parochial, and charter schools. The sponsor said he did not believe communism is specifically required in current standards, that he would prefer a full course but was proposing a minimal requirement, and that he intended the bill to apply broadly to schools under the Department of Education’s umbrella, though he acknowledged the wording may need clarification for charter schools. He also said the proposal was both reactive and proactive, based on anecdotal concerns and his teaching experience. A second supporter testified that he was born in the Soviet Union and favored the bill, but suggested the instruction should emphasize critical thinking and explain both why communism can appeal to some people and why it can have harmful consequences. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.