Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:12.720><c> endowments</c> educational endowments educational endowments This<00:14:14.800><c>
• </c> educational endowment nationwide. educational endowment nationwide.
• I think the proportion for education dollars certainly has grown with that increase in revenue.
• :20:08.080><c> the</c><00:20:08.200><c> proportion</c><00:20:09.000><c> for</c><00:20:09.360><c> education
• </c> Uh I think the proportion for education Uh I think the proportion for education dollars<00:20:10.240

Committee: Senate Rules and Administration

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The rules of the House are suspended so that House File 2685 be recalled from the Committee on Education
• As we all know, last week, the State of Minnesota, the Department of Education in Minnesota, and the
• According to the complaint, defendants, Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota High School
• Department of Education and the Minnesota High School leak have engaged in sex based discrimination by
• Athletics are integral to the American education system because they have educational value.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• In research and education as a way of fueling this industry and helping it move forward.
• I've spent more time being an educator.
• Our organization has supported farm workers through education.
• One, there needs to be some upskilling and training and education.
• One, there needs to be some upskilling and training and education.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're educators, Mr. Speaker.
• And finally, we have Terry Bryan, a career resource educator at the career and technology center.
• And finally, we have Terry Bryan, a career resource educator at the career and technology center.
• This legislation places decision-making back in the hands of local school boards and educators.
• It is about empowering our educators, enhancing the quality of education, and ultimately benefiting our

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 35th day by a 115-1 roll call vote. Members spent much of the opening portion introducing a large number of special guests and visiting groups, including university alumni and students, ambulance and first responder personnel, hospice and behavioral health advocates, public administrators, educators, transportation stakeholders, and other community leaders recognized for service or advocacy work. The chamber then received committee reports recommending passage of several measures, including House Bills 1625, 2383, 3035, 3205, and Senate Bill 888, along with committee substitutes for some of those bills. The House proceeded to third reading and passage on a long series of bills. Among the major measures were HB 2774, a fuel-source bill limiting state and local governments from dictating bids or purchases based solely on fuel source, which passed 138-5; HB 2383, addressing copper theft and related telecommunications equipment crimes, which passed 130-5; and HB 3205, regulating litigation funding and requiring disclosures, which passed 144-1. Several bills drew extended debate. A combined bill on statutes of limitation and child sexual abuse claims, House Committee Substitute for HBs 1664, 1610, 1645, and 2182, passed 98-12 with 39 present after members debated both the abuse-related provisions and a separate reduction in the personal injury statute of limitations. HB 3146, dealing with ballot summary statements and the initiative petition process, passed 90-55 after sharp disagreement over whether it protected voters or undermined judicial review. Other measures passed with broad support, including HB 2146 on hospital investment options (143-1), HB 1756 establishing June’s Week to recognize rare pediatric diseases and families affected by them, HB 1783 on public health contracting (138-6), HB 2099 on expedited removal of squatters (136-1), HB 2896 loosening residency restrictions for university board appointments (111-17), HB 2505/2044 giving grandparents priority in certain custody cases (144-0), HB 1625 increasing penalties for drug trafficking (137-2), HB 2302 removing barriers to employment for people leaving incarceration (142-0), HB 3035 setting depreciation rules for vehicle tax valuation (100-43), HB 1870 updating debt collection and garnishment laws (137-9), HB 2335 giving school districts more flexibility over teacher training schedules (146-2), and HB 1827 allowing occupational therapists to certify disabled parking credentials (145-0).

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:28:22.799><c> with</c><00:28:22.960><c> the</c> to the education building with the to the education
• Um, well, Educate Northern Kentucky also said yes.
• Educate NKY is at 418 Capitol Avenue.
• Education Committee will meet tomorrow at 10:00 a.m.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Education Committee members 10 a.m.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, excused absent senators, and approved the journal from February 17, 2026. The House communicated passage of several bills and requested concurrence, and committee reports were received, including favorable reports on Senate Bills 70, 74, 80, 127, and 154. Senate Bill 191 was also reported and then recommitted to the Appropriations and Revenue Committee. Senate Bill 104 was passed over and retained its place on the calendar. The chamber then took up and passed Senate Bill 47, which provides line-of-duty death benefits for search and rescue volunteers, with supporters emphasizing the dangerous emergency work these teams perform and the need to treat them like other first responders. Senate Bill 159, concerning missing and unidentified persons and aligning Kentucky with federal “Billy’s Law” database requirements, also passed unanimously after testimony about its value in helping families and law enforcement. Senate Bill 85, allowing state retirement beneficiaries to establish special needs trusts, passed unanimously as well, with members describing it as a way to provide long-term security for dependents with special needs. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 78 honoring the CSX Santa Train and Senate Resolution 76 honoring Frank Ryard and the Ryard’s Scoreboard for its long-standing role in Kentucky high school athletics. Members spoke about the scoreboard’s importance to athletes, families, and sports coverage statewide. Later, new bills and a concurrent resolution were introduced, including measures on state government, duty-related disability benefits, arrest-related deaths, detainee fatality review, carbon dioxide sequestration, and a mental health alternative response task force. The Senate received notice that Senate Bill 172 had been delivered to the Governor, then recessed for committee meetings and adjourned until February 19, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• that is way over capacity, that needs to be managed in terms of the safety and security and the education
• bill analysis, but some examples include farming, ranching, and historic, cultural, and on-site education
• This facility would provide much-needed recreation, public health, and educational opportunities for
• Public health, and educational opportunities for residents across our communities.
• And balances the best practice of education.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several local government bills, with most of the discussion focused on HB 2480, which would require cities and counties planning under the Growth Management Act to allow residential uses in commercial and mixed-use zones and limit local requirements for ground-floor retail or mixed-use conditions. The bill sponsor and supporters, including the Lieutenant Governor, Governor’s Office, Commerce, builders, business groups, and housing advocates, argued it would unlock underused commercial land, reduce housing costs, and help address Washington’s housing shortage. Opponents and some cities said the bill could undermine local planning, walkable mixed-use centers, tax base, and neighborhood retail, and asked for more exemptions or narrower application. Several speakers supported the proposed substitute as a compromise, while others urged not to weaken the bill further. No vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 2223, which would create an exception to the conflict-of-interest rules for irrigation district directors whose spouses work for a district contract, modeled on an existing exception for public hospital district commissioners. The sponsor and the Washington State Water Resources Association said the change would help irrigation districts recruit and retain volunteer board members in rural areas while preserving disclosure and recusal requirements. The hearing was brief and no action was taken. HB 2530 would extend the deadline for forming a public facilities district for regional aquatics and sports facilities from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2028. Supporters from Olympia and Tumwater said the extension would give local governments more time to collaborate and pursue an aquatic center that has long been a community priority; one testifier said removing the deadline entirely would also be acceptable. The committee then heard HB 2459, which would expand authority to site certain schools outside urban growth areas and extend utilities to serve them. Supporters, especially representatives of the Tahoma School District and related groups, said the bill would let districts use land they already own to relieve overcrowding. Opponents, including Futurewise, argued it would weaken Growth Management Act planning and local multicounty policies and should remain a local process. Finally, HB 2129 on agritourism was briefly heard, with the sponsor describing it as a way to help farms stay viable and preserve rural character; the committee heard supportive comments about farm preservation and openness to a work group or amendments. No votes or final actions were taken on these bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> relating to the Kentucky Education relating to the Kentucky Education Excellence<00:05:45.840><c
• It is to educate, change habits, and save lives.
• It is to educate, change habits, and save lives.
• </c> educate, change habits, and save lives. educate, change habits, and save lives.
• To education, Senate Senate Bill 52.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is becoming an increasing part of how you fund education as you can see, K-12, higher education
• Period. 80% of that stayed in the endowment. 70% was out to communities in the north for educational
• And you're getting into the education part of our investments across the state.
• NMSEA is comprised of 88 public school districts, 102 charter schools, 10 higher educational entities
• , and 18 other educational entities.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Training and education of developers, certification of crane operators—you get a great question.
• Training and education of developers, certification of crane operators.
• You get a great question. education of developers, certification of crane operators.
• And I think one of the biggest challenges for the industry is honestly education.
• The fourth major area identified for state action is education and research.

Summary: The committee held its second hearing on housing construction innovation, focusing on factory-built and modular housing as a way to lower costs, speed delivery, and expand housing supply. The chair framed the effort as a search for practical innovation paired with land use, financing, and regulatory changes that could make housing more affordable for working families. Government witnesses from HCD, the Strategic Growth Council, and the tax credit and bond allocation agencies explained how factory-built housing is regulated, how California standards and third-party approvals work, and how state programs are trying to build regional demand and financing pipelines for modular production. Testimony from investors and developers emphasized both the promise and the risks of modular construction. JP Morgan Chase and the Housing Accelerator Fund described projects that achieved meaningful time and cost savings, but said lenders still see elevated risk because of manufacturer solvency, upfront deposits, transportation and installation issues, and the need for standardized designs and experienced teams. They urged more standardization, more local factories, better alignment between financing timelines and construction schedules, and state support such as backstops, top-loss capital, and scoring preferences in tax credit and bond programs. Several speakers noted that recent federal changes to the 4% tax credit program increased production capacity, but warned that without continued state investment the pipeline could face a future funding cliff. The workforce panel, including union contractors, factory supervisors, and labor representatives, said modular construction can support good jobs if it is paired with union labor, training, and fair standards. They described benefits for workers such as steadier schedules, less commuting, improved safety, and better work-life balance, while also stressing the need for wages, health coverage, retirement benefits, and apprenticeship opportunities. Union representatives supported a model that keeps both factory and on-site work unionized and said the industry could create more jobs overall if California builds more factories and develops a stable, long-term demand pipeline. No formal votes or actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, House Bill 1021 promotes educational stability for children of military families.
• And it's very, very detailed, very good education for our folks.
• Up next, we're going to talk about professional educator standards.
• I am the Director of Policy for the Professional Educator Standards Board.
• and we oversee all of the K-12 educators in Washington.

Summary: The committee heard updates from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Navy Region Northwest, Fairchild Air Force Base, the Coast Guard, state licensing agencies, the Professional Educator Standards Board, the Washington National Guard, and a veterans behavioral health presenter. Across the military briefings, common themes were readiness, infrastructure, and quality-of-life issues for service members and families, especially child care, housing, food insecurity, medical and dental access, and military spouse employment. JBLM highlighted its role in Indo-Pacific readiness, ongoing PFAS cleanup, 212 new family housing units under construction, efforts to expand child care, and continued work to keep the Lewis Army Museum open. Navy Region Northwest discussed its major installations and economic impact, the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Plan, future carrier and submarine homeporting needs, and asked the legislature to continue support for licensure compacts, educational stability for military children, housing, and medical access. Fairchild emphasized its tanker and survival missions, child care shortages, food insecurity, aging housing, and concerns about wind turbine development near flight paths, while the Coast Guard focused on rebuilding Base Seattle for new icebreakers and on rural access to housing, medical care, and child care at dispersed stations like Neah Bay. Members repeatedly raised food insecurity and asked for follow-up on solutions. JBLM and Fairchild both described increased demand for food assistance during the shutdown, and committee members noted progress in getting mobile food vans onto JBLM. The presenters also praised state action on military spouse licensure and child care, including Senate Bill 5545 and related compact and portability efforts. The Department of Licensing reported about 9,000 self-identified military members or spouses licensed, with average time-to-license just under nine days, and said applications are prioritized when military status is self-identified. The Department of Health said its military-to-civilian crosswalk now covers more than 35 health professions, that temporary practice permits and expedited processing are in place, and that 1,300 credentials were issued to military spouses and domestic partners and 129 to military-trained health professionals in the last fiscal year, all within 30 days. The Professional Educator Standards Board explained that military spouses and service members can receive expedited teacher certification with reduced documentation, and that they are moved to the front of the review queue when they self-identify. Members asked about verification, and staff said the process relies on attestation with investigatory safeguards if needed. The Washington National Guard briefed on its dual state and federal mission, the impact of the recent shutdown on nearly 700 employees who worked without pay, and policy and budget requests including youth academy protections, alignment of the Washington Code of Military Justice with the UCMJ, making Civil Air Patrol a division of the Military Department, 911 funding, disaster assistance, and capital funding for headquarters and readiness facilities. The Guard also warned about drone threats and said it wants authority to identify, track, and monitor suspicious drones. A veterans behavioral health presenter, an Army combat veteran and clinical social worker, described high suicide risk, barriers to care, and the need for more culturally competent services, especially for women veterans and caregivers. He said Washington veterans’ suicide rate remains above the national average and emphasized that childcare, transportation, and provider shortages can prevent timely treatment. Members generally responded supportively throughout, asked for follow-up on food security and other issues, and encouraged agencies to bring forward legislative ideas for future sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Higher education in order to fund provision of food benefits and a number of other areas.
• students who are currently enrolled in that program have the ability to continue with their higher educational
• maintain a minimum amount of staff for families and humanitarian statuses, as well as funding for education
• Including through Cooperative Education Services or Cooperative Extension Services, excuse me, helping
• a sort of mobile food pantry set up, either at an ECECD site, at a public school, or at a higher education

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• My father and my mother were both educators.
• My father served as the associate commissioner of higher education. He was working.
• My mother was also an educator.
• President, House Bill 1181 comes from the Senate Education Committee.
• Your Education Committee voted 5 to 1 do pass, and I request a green vote.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call, then approved journal corrections and moved to elect Senator Kyle Davison as President Pro Tem. Davison was nominated, elected by unanimous ballot, escorted to the rostrum, sworn in, and gave remarks thanking his family, colleagues, and faith, emphasizing relationships, service, and stewardship. The chamber also recognized National Public Health Week with a floor statement honoring public health workers and training programs, and that statement was ordered printed in the journal. The Senate then considered several House bills, beginning with HB 1485, which increases the personal needs allowance for Medicaid residents in certain facilities by $15 per month and indexes it to inflation; the amendment was adopted and the bill passed 46-1. HB 1018, the State Historical Society budget, was amended to adjust one-time and ongoing funding for museum exhibits, repatriation compliance, archives storage, local historic grants, and the military gallery project, then passed 42-0 with one senator excused from voting due to a conflict. HB 1181, defining gender in state code as an individual’s sex and removing a broader application section, passed 41-6. HB 1144, adding a penalty and enforcement mechanism related to transgender student accommodations and restroom use in public schools, passed 40-7 with its emergency clause. The Senate also passed HB 1600, creating an immigration law clinic at the University of North Dakota School of Law and shifting its funding to the strategic investment and improvements fund, by 34-13. HB 1019, the Parks and Recreation budget, was amended to fund deferred maintenance, technology, sewer work, matching grants, and other park projects, add language requiring legislative approval for new or renamed state parks, and clarify use of the Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library line of credit; a proposed amendment to remove funding for the International Peace Gardens cactus conservatory failed 20-27, and the bill then passed 39-8. HB 1417, dealing with parole/probation violations, court fees, and a study of criminal justice fees, passed 40-7 after amendments. The most extensive debate centered on HB 1450, which would require parent or guardian access to a minor’s medical exam room and notice of questions asked of the minor, with exceptions for emancipation and suspected abuse or trafficking. Supporters framed it as a parental rights and transparency measure, while opponents warned it could hinder screening for abuse, neglect, mental health concerns, and confidential care; multiple senators shared personal experiences on both sides. A proposed amendment to narrow the bill failed 21-26, and the transcript ends amid continued debate on the bill itself, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now I know education and health are still working very very hard on their bills as things are getting
• Now I know education<00:05:01.520><c> and</c><00:05:01.840><c> health</c><00:05:02.080><c> are</c><00
• :05:02.320><c> still</c><00:05:02.560><c> working</c> education and health are still working education
• seems like the two-year, but education seems like the big<00:12:03.399><c> difference</c><00:12:04.399
• It is why we've put more than five billion of new dollars into public education in just the last number

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My master's degree is in substance use counseling and education.
• We need to be educating individuals on the dangers of this particular substance.
• We need to educate our children. Science-based public awareness campaigns.
• They need to... ...to educate our children. Science-based public awareness campaigns.
• We need to make sure that there’s education out there.

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Jessica Spencer on cannabis, criminal justice, and mental health. She argued that marijuana products have become far more potent over time, that high-potency THC and hemp-derived products are widely available in Florida, and that daily or near-daily use can contribute to addiction, psychosis, and other mental health problems, especially for adolescents. She also said cannabis is linked to violent crime and suicide in some cases, urged more prevention funding in schools, stronger regulation of Delta-8 and similar products, better law enforcement and regulatory oversight, expanded treatment and diversion options, and more expungement opportunities for simple possession. Senators questioned her about potency data, testing methods, and whether she was claiming causation in violent cases; she said she was and noted she had worked on the No on 3 campaign while still favoring decriminalization of simple possession rather than full legalization. The committee then took up several bills. CS/SB 150, “Trooper’s Law,” was amended and reported favorably; it makes extreme animal cruelty during a declared emergency a third-degree felony, inspired by the rescue of a dog during Hurricane Milton. SB 234, the Jason Rayner Act, was reported favorably after debate over its changes to self-defense language and mandatory life imprisonment for manslaughter committed against a law enforcement officer; supporters said it closes a loophole exposed in the Rayner case, while opponents raised concerns about unintended consequences and mandatory sentencing. CS/SB 138, “Trenton’s Law,” also passed after amendment; it increases penalties for repeat DUI/vehicular homicide offenders and adds language on intoxicating substances, with supporters citing the death of Trenton Stewart and opponents warning about cannabis impairment standards and first refusal penalties. SB 130, dealing with compensation for wrongful incarceration, was reported favorably. The bill removes Florida’s “clean hands” bar, extends the filing deadline from 90 days to two years, and allows exonerees with factual innocence findings to pursue compensation and civil remedies. Support came from innocence and civil liberties advocates. The committee also received a law enforcement presentation from Florida Highway Patrol Lieutenant Channing Taylor on impaired driving enforcement, DRE training, and crash data, emphasizing that drug impairment—especially cannabis—plays a major role in fatal crashes and that officers rely on observation and field testing because roadside chemical testing is limited.

Transcript Highlights:

• of communities from the needs<00:18:22.799><c> of</c><00:18:22.919><c> our</c><00:18:23.159><c> education
• system uh to to needs of our education system uh to to just<00:18:26.440><c> governmental</c><00:18:
• </c><00:18:37.720><c> of</c> their daily lives their education of their daily lives their education of
• We're facing a massive deficit, and education and health care are a big part of that, but it's half of
• </c><00:24:07.200><c> and</c> massive deficit and education and massive deficit and education and Healthcare

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2026, the LEAs will receive a 2.7% increase to the general education formula.
• In 2027, they will receive up to a 3% increase in the general education formula.
• In 2026, the LEAs will receive a 2.7% increase to the general education formula.
• Um, and, you know, the intention to dismantle the Department of Education.
• </c> of the increases in um special education of the increases in um special education around<00:17:29.200

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Education and corrective...
• I have concerns specifically about the education tax credit outreach you described.
• In some cases, they did not get the services, and they had assigned their education tax credit over to
• amount of the education credit they were<01:06:14.839><c> supposed</c><01:06:15.160><c> to</c><01:06
• </c><01:18:35.199><c> on</c> providing Outreach and education on providing Outreach and education on

Bills: HF2274 , HF1932

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: taxation, income tax, property tax, corporate tax, homestead credit, local government aid, tax credits, economic development, taxpayer assistance, tax credit outreach, tax preparation, free tax help, IRS, Department of Revenue, general fund appropriation, earned income tax credit, child tax credit, volunteer income tax assistance, VITA, low-income taxpayers

Transcript Highlights:

• For three-plus decades, I have been an advocate, a consultant, an educator, and helped assist in the
• Postural screening requires many hours of time for school nurses and some physical education teachers
• AORN has educated our members about the hazards of surgical smoke for decades.
• When I stepped away, When I stepped away from the operating room into my education role, my symptoms
• I do want to express that during education conferences, joint conferences, I have met several surgical

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health heard testimony on a wide range of bills focused on environmental health, disease prevention, and access to care. Major topics included restricting polystyrene use, creating a pancreatic cancer awareness and early-detection initiative, improving indoor air quality through a task force and new regulations, expanding access to epinephrine in public places, improving access to health care for people with long COVID, creating an OBGYN loan repayment program for underserved areas, expanding access to hygiene products, modernizing licensure for dietitians and nutritionists, updating school postural screening requirements, and restricting harmful diet pills and muscle-building supplements. Several legislators also testified in support of their own bills, including measures on menstrual product access and ingredient disclosure, and surgical smoke protections. Testimony on the polystyrene bill emphasized local municipal bans and the need to reduce plastic pollution. Pancreatic cancer advocates and patients described the disease’s low survival rate, the difficulty of early diagnosis, and the need for an awareness campaign and implementation of commission recommendations. Indoor air quality supporters from environmental justice groups, public health organizations, and residents described asthma, mold, pollution, and the need for a task force with technical expertise; some witnesses urged adding remediation professionals to the task force. On epinephrine access, family members of a man who died after a bee sting and an allergy organization stressed that anaphylaxis can be sudden and fatal and that stock epinephrine in public venues could save lives. Long COVID advocates said the condition affects hundreds of thousands of residents and called for better surveillance and access to care, with a request to include MECFS in the bills’ scope. Other testimony focused on workforce and equity issues. Supporters of the OBGYN loan repayment bill said it would help address maternal health disparities and provider shortages, especially in rural and underserved communities. Hope and Comfort described widespread hygiene insecurity and a long waiting list for basic products, urging a task force to study statewide solutions. Dietitians and nutritionists supported modernization of licensure to clarify standards for medical nutrition therapy while allowing broader wellness counseling. School nurses backed reducing mandatory postural screenings, arguing the current law is not evidence-based, is not reimbursed by MassHealth, and takes time from other student health needs. On the supplement bill, the industry trade group opposed restrictions as overbroad and burdensome, while a public health expert cited research linking weight-loss and muscle-building supplements to serious harms and urged passage. The committee also heard support for menstrual product access and surgical smoke protections, with legislators and advocates describing those bills as longstanding priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• My dad was an educator. Went to UNM. After I graduated. I didn't want to go back to the oil field.
• So when you talk about public education Talk about Lasunas.
• What I see as just a layperson here, early childhood educator Is a very high need for data centers if
• The education and technology notes are for fiscal year 24, 25, and 26.
• , higher ed, K-12, and Early childhood education.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The overarching theme for these two days is to be educational.
• Sorry about that, but the Supreme Court came out and ruled that a child's public education could not
• Sorry about that, but the Supreme Court came out and ruled that a child's public education could not
• States all ran back in legislators for To equal education, states all ran back, and legislators for a
• number of years looked at how they were going to run public education with our Constitution and with

Summary: The Select Committee on Property Taxes met for an educational session focused on how Florida funds public schools and how property taxes are assessed and levied. Dr. Jim Zengali of the Department of Revenue explained the FEFP school funding formula, noting that it is built on weighted student counts, a base student allocation, and programmatic add-ons such as transportation, exceptional student education, school safety, and mental health. He said school funding is roughly split between state general revenue and local property taxes through required local effort, with additional discretionary and capital outlay millages contributing to total school funding. He also described the Department of Revenue’s role in certifying property rolls at fair market value and reviewing them for substantial compliance, including the so-called “nuclear option” if a roll is not approved. Members asked about trends in millage rates, county-by-county funding differences, the effect of growth and enrollment changes, and how property appraisals are reviewed. Zengali said aggregate millage for school funding has declined over the last decade while revenues have still increased, and he agreed to provide additional data on county trends, parcel strata, student growth, and enrollment impacts. He also clarified that school funding is equalized so students receive similar resources regardless of county wealth, and that federal funding plays only a small role in the FEFP. Amy Baker of the Joint Legislative Office of Economic and Demographic Research then discussed existing homestead benefits. She said about half of Florida’s parcels are homestead properties, most fall in the $250,000 to $500,000 value range, and many seniors without mortgages pay property taxes in lump sums rather than through escrow. Baker explained that Florida’s homestead tax burden is middle-of-the-pack nationally and that the main benefits are Save Our Homes and portability on the differential side, plus the $25,000 homestead exemption and related exemptions on the exemption side. She said these benefits reduce taxable value substantially, with homestead properties receiving a large share of the reductions, and noted that the committee requested follow-up data on exemption usage, portability timing, senior exemptions, and county-level patterns. The final presentation, by Lizette Kelly of the Department of Revenue, covered millage rates and the TRIM process. She reviewed the history of truth-in-millage notices, required taxpayer mailings, public hearing notices, and later changes that tied local millage resets to rollback and majority-vote rates. Kelly explained the difference between proposed and adopted millage, the rollback rate, and the majority-vote rate, and described how taxing authorities include counties, cities, special districts, and MSTUs. She also outlined how county taxable value is calculated from just value through assessment differentials and exemptions, and how certain exemptions, such as the additional senior exemption, apply only to the taxing authority that adopted them. No votes were taken during the meeting, but members requested several follow-up data reports for later discussion.