Transcript Highlights:

• And I would imagine the thinking is, when you—at least on the legislative side—the amount of gross receipts

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, how would mandating this—and not to beat a dead horse by any stretch of the imagination, Madam

Committee: House House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• So the idea here is that we have to, and we've had this robust conversation, I imagine we're about to

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• As you might imagine, arbitration in New York is not an easy task.

Bills: SB388 , SB455 , SB917 , SB925 , SB1006

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: dispatchable generation, electricity, natural gas, ERCOT, energy credits, utilities regulation, renewable energy, arbitration, insurance contracts, surplus lines, Texas law, insurance policy, boiler inspection, boiler safety, inspection report deadline, certificate inspection, authorized inspector, inspection agency, Health and Safety Code, board of boiler rules

Transcript Highlights:

• We obviously need to add to that, I would imagine.

Committee: Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: national security, China, Russia, cybersecurity, border security, military deployment, transnational crime, defense modernization, military strategy

Summary: In this meeting, key topics included national security concerns with an emphasis on threats from China, Russia, and transnational criminal organizations. Senior military officials provided testimony on the evolving risks posed by these adversaries, particularly focusing on cybersecurity and advancements in weaponry. The discussion highlighted the importance of a cohesive strategy among government departments to effectively respond to the challenges presented by these threats, emphasizing the need for modernization in defense capabilities. Committee members grilled the witnesses on border security and the implications of deploying military resources in domestic operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• nimble with funding and preparation to be able to train these nurses to do a job that none of us can imagine

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm having a hard time hearing you, so I imagine people at home are going to have to get it in front

Committee: House House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Imagine that is your checkbook at home. It's not being done CBC by CBC by fund source.

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Dr. Kelly O’Dare on first responder behavioral health access, peer support, and suicide prevention. She described UCF Restores, the Second Alarm Project, and related partnerships that provide culturally competent treatment, peer training, clinician education, disaster response support, and behavioral health navigation. She cited survey and state data showing significant rates of sleep problems, anxiety, depression, substance use, and suicide among Florida first responders, and said evidence-based treatment has helped many patients recover, including a reported 76% who no longer met PTSD diagnostic criteria after treatment. Senators asked about measuring outcomes, peer support standards, and whether the state should create more consistent statewide requirements; O’Dare said peer support training must be specialized, linked to higher levels of care, and supported by sustainable funding and statewide coordination. The committee also heard from a public commenter who supported the work and emphasized the need for adequate resources and peer support infrastructure. The committee then received a Department of Children and Families presentation from Casey Penn on the proposed funding methodology for community-based care lead agencies under HB 7089. Penn explained that the new model is intended to be actuarially based, reimbursement-oriented, and more transparent than prior funding approaches, using historical expenditures, standardized reporting, and two main tiers: Tier 1 for largely fixed administrative and operational costs, and Tier 2 for direct child-serving costs based on per-child-per-month blended rates. He said the model includes a 2% risk corridor for Tier 2, hold-harmless funding in the first year, and optional Tier 3 performance incentives, with an estimated additional state appropriation need after offsets. Senators raised concerns about prevention, historical inequities, reasonableness of costs, administrative overhead, blended state and federal funds, adoption subsidies, high-acuity placements, and disaster-related disruptions. Penn said some of those issues could be addressed in future iterations as the child welfare information system is modernized, and he agreed to provide written responses to committee questions. Representatives of the Florida Coalition for Children and CBCs responded that the model is a major improvement but urged additional safeguards, including an administrative cap, clearer separation of direct and indirect costs, and better treatment of federal and pass-through funds. They argued that the system already has oversight and that deficits reflect insufficient appropriations rather than excess spending, while also noting that higher-acuity children and regional differences can drive costs. No votes were taken on either topic, and the meeting ended with committee staff introductions and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• You would not imagine how hard it can be.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met, took roll, and heard introductory remarks from members about their districts and transportation priorities, with several senators noting congestion and mobility challenges in their regions. The committee then received a presentation from the Florida Transportation Commission on its oversight role for FDOT, including annual and quarterly performance reviews, review of the five-year work program, and monitoring of tolling and transit authorities. Members asked whether the commission gets involved in project prioritization; the answer was no, because it is statutorily limited to high-level oversight rather than day-to-day project decisions. The committee next heard two reports related to transportation disadvantaged and paratransit services. FDOT’s Melissa Smith described the statewide Transportation Disadvantaged program, its governance structure, service models, and challenges such as fragmented administration, cost, inconsistent reporting, and rural service limitations. She outlined recommendations including better use of technology, regional partnerships, improved training, and alternative delivery models like microtransit and TNC partnerships. A University of South Florida researcher, Martin Katala, discussed best practices for paratransit and demand-response service, emphasizing route optimization software, dynamic dispatching, service standards, vendor accountability, and the use of TNCs and mobility management to improve efficiency and reduce travel times. A later presentation from UF’s I-Street program focused on emerging technologies for transit, including in-cabin monitoring, automatic restraints, accessible booking and tracking tools, and the need for statewide safety standards and better driver interfaces. Finally, FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue and District 5 Secretary John Tyler provided an update on the transition of SunRail local entities. They explained the differences among commuter rail, intercity rail, and light rail, and said SunRail’s financial transition to local partners was completed on January 1, with operational transition to follow over up to three years. They contrasted that with Tri-Rail, where FDOT still funds operations and discussions about a future transition are ongoing. Members asked about the differences between SunRail, Tri-Rail, Amtrak, and Brightline, and the presenters explained that commuter rail serves regional daily commuters while intercity rail connects regions. The committee concluded without taking any formal votes or other legislative action.

Transcript Highlights:

• about modernizing a legal framework that was written before today's medical breakthroughs were even imaginable
• 08.239><c> even</c> today's medical breakthroughs were even today's medical breakthroughs were even imaginable
• . imaginable. imaginable.

Committee: Joint Health Services

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I could imagine that there is a certain need to make sure that we're all using the same definition
• </c><01:11:30.880><c> So,</c><01:11:31.040><c> I</c><01:11:31.280><c> could</c><01:11:31.440><c> imagine
• So, I could imagine health outcomes.
• So, I could imagine that<01:11:32.560><c> there</c><01:11:32.800><c> is</c><01:11:33.120><c> a</c><01

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the June 9 minutes, then reviewed a deferred personnel contract involving workers’ compensation claims administration. Staff explained that the roughly $50 million figure included about $48 million for claims payments and up to $1.45 million per year for administrative services, with billing based on a fee schedule for specific services rendered. Senator Meredith raised concerns about the vendor’s history, the scoring and bid process, and prior allegations involving the company; the administration responded that the procurement had been conducted under 45A through open competition, with outside scorers and no finding of wrongdoing tied to this contract. Meredith moved to disapprove Contract 167, Hart seconded, and the committee voted 5-2 to disapprove it. The committee then deferred a Western Kentucky University personal services contract because the vendors were still not registered with the Secretary of State’s office. Hart moved to defer the contract until the August 2026 meeting, Meredith seconded, and the motion carried. The committee also approved the agenda covering the various contract lists and deferred items. Next, the committee heard from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services on several personal services contracts for medical staffing and related services. Secretary Steven Stack and staff explained that staffing shortages often require outside vendors, that the contracts were competitively bid under 45A, and that the cabinet uses a streamlined vendor pool for specialized needs such as actuaries, auditors, and technical consultants. The committee approved Contracts 52 through 55 without objection. Discussion then began on Contract 61, with Meredith expressing concern that the committee lacked enough detail to judge whether the services could be performed in-house or whether the exchange of resources was appropriate; Stack said the contract was intended to provide efficient access to specialized outside expertise. The transcript cuts off before a final vote on Contract 61 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So imagine doing that even just for one child, but most of these people that are doing this at the district
• So, imagine<01:28:03.640><c> doing</c><01:28:03.880><c> that</c><01:28:04.080><c> even</c><01:28:04.280
• ><c> just</c><01:28:04.480><c> for</c><01:28:04.640><c> one</c> imagine doing that even just for one
• imagine doing that even just for one child,<01:28:05.320><c> but</c><01:28:05.480><c> most</c><01:28:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The commission on the costing of special education met to review several documents and updates, including draft materials on residential placements, an LBA dispute resolution report, prior minutes, rate-setting rules, and a letter involving Senator Hassan. The minutes from March 16 were approved by motion, second, and one abstention. Members also received an update that the LBA special education performance audit is still pending; the report is expected to be very large, NHED and the Board of Education must review and comment before release, and it likely will not be available until late summer or early fall. The separate EFA audit was also noted as still unreleased, and members said they may return later to issues involving EFA costing and differentiated aid. A major focus was HB 1099, which would create a committee to study the cost and liability of providing educational services to students placed in residential facilities. The chair explained that the House version had passed unanimously and the bill was headed to a committee of conference. Members discussed a proposed amendment to add the phrase “including but not limited to” so the study would cover not only court-ordered or treatment-related placements but also other residential placements, including those tied to school district decisions. Some members said this was a substantial expansion, while others said it would simply give the committee broader latitude. Jason Stock of the Winnisquam Regional School Board described how the issue arose during budget work at Winnisquam, where the district was trying to determine who should pay for educational services for students living at Spaulding Youth Center in Northfield. He said the district had 10 students attending Winnisquam, including three foster students and seven students connected to Spaulding, and that Spaulding-specific invoicing for 2024-2025 totaled $141,417.05 for eight students. Members also discussed rising private placement tuition costs and the difficulty of determining residency and fiscal responsibility for students placed in residential settings. Department counsel explained that under RSA 193:27 and 193:28, children placed in a home for children may attend the local district school, and that special education cost responsibility depends on whether the student is identified as disabled and on the nature of the placement. Spaulding representatives had not yet presented by the end of the excerpt, and the committee was still working through the residency and funding questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I can't imagine, I mean I don't know practically how this can be brought. you know of a another work
• c> kind of walk through and and um I I kind of walk through and and um I I can't<00:49:25.920><c> imagine
• 27.440><c> mean</c><00:49:27.520><c> I</c><00:49:27.760><c> don't</c><00:49:27.920><c> know</c> can't imagine
• I mean I don't know can't imagine I mean I don't know practically<00:49:28.880><c> how</c><00:49:29.119

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committees resumed discussion of amendments to a bill dealing with licensing moratoria, change-of-ownership rules, and related provider oversight issues. Amendment A8 would prevent a licensing moratorium for certain intermediate care service settings from blocking a new license when the change is due to a change of ownership, including temporary licenses and transitional licenses. Department of Human Services staff said they were still reviewing the language but explained the department’s concern was maintaining program integrity and ensuring owners go through full change-of-ownership review so the agency can see who owns a provider and check compliance history. Senators supporting the amendment argued it would keep legitimate businesses from being harmed by a moratorium and could help preserve providers when ownership changes or family members take over after a death. A8 was adopted on a roll call, with both committees voting in support. Amendment A9, also on the moratorium topic, would exempt a change of ownership from the moratorium so long as it does not increase license capacity or service scope. The department said it needed more analysis to avoid unintended consequences, but the amendment was added to the working bill. Amendment A10 proposed a more detailed, data-driven framework for the moratorium and included a provision about refunds after implementation; department staff said the language would add cost and would require technical assistance, while senators emphasized the need to address licensure backlogs and avoid making provider delays worse. A10 was approved by the committees, though not unanimously. Amendment A11 would have set standards for how the commissioner designates provider types or program areas as moderate or high risk, with added transparency criteria. The department said the commissioner already has that authority and raised concerns about federal requirements and the state’s corrective action plan, and Senator Hoffman withdrew the amendment. Amendment A12, offered by Senator Fateh, would preserve remote supports by removing bill language that repealed the service and would add safeguards for remote overnight supervision, including staffing ratios to ensure emergency response times can be met. Several senators supported keeping remote services as an important, cost-effective option amid workforce shortages, while the department said it had program integrity concerns and supported the governor’s proposal to remove the service. The committee nevertheless advanced A12, with members noting the need to balance safety and integrity with access to services.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I can imagine a Parade of Homes property that might have some stone that's not wheelchair accessible
• And I can imagine<02:01:21.760><c> a</c><02:01:22.000><c> parade</c><02:01:22.400><c> of</c><02:01:22.480
• ><c> homes</c><02:01:22.880><c> property</c><02:01:23.760><c> that</c> imagine a parade of homes property
• that imagine a parade of homes property that might<02:01:24.400><c> have</c><02:01:24.880><c> some</

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But can you imagine if all of a sudden the urban core was struck in the way that Wailua was struck?
• But<01:49:09.400><c> can</c><01:49:09.680><c> you</c><01:49:09.800><c> imagine</c><01:49:10.360><c> if
• c> all</c><01:49:10.680><c> of</c><01:49:10.760><c> a</c><01:49:10.800><c> sudden</c> But can you imagine
• if all of a sudden But can you imagine if all of a sudden the<01:49:11.160><c> urban</c><01:49:11.400

Bills: SCR21 , SCR75 , SCR50 , SCR149 , SCR47 , SCR163 , SCR169 , SCR170

Keywords: healthcare, rural clinic, feasibility study, access to care, community health, Volcano community, Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation, emergency services, health assessment, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, health care, interdepartmental collaboration, public awareness, support services, education, health insurance, affordable healthcare, working group, Hawaii Health Plan, Medicaid expansion

Transcript Highlights:

• I can't imagine anybody in here would be opposed to getting more information that would allow them to
• I can't imagine anybody in here would be opposed to getting more information that would allow them to
• If you imagine literally the World's Fair where countries will have booths and things and people will
• They are very successful at their fundraising, but as you can imagine, this is a very expensive type

Committee: House Budget

Summary: The House Budget Committee met with a quorum and began by taking up a series of budget bills and committee substitutes, including House Bills 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013, which were laid over. The chair then walked members through a committee amendment package, explaining a mix of technical corrections, fund swaps, and adjustments involving highway patrol fringe costs, summary budget timing, rural health care, the CCBHO FMAP correction, and marijuana-fund reallocations. Members adopted the chair’s decrease amendments and later adopted the corresponding increase amendments, including partial restoration for Care to Learn, a Title I grant language change, an Overpass and Seymour road project, technical corrections for DPS and health-related items, and restorations for Jordan Valley and FQHC substance abuse funding. After a brief recess for session and lunch, the committee returned to House Bill 2 and began considering member amendments. On House Bill 2, the committee adopted Representative Lewis’s amendment making the curriculum transparency and parent portal item a pilot program, and Representative Davidson’s amendment adding $2 million in federal Child Care and Development Block Grant funds for One-Time Wonder School. Representative Steinhoff’s attempt to shift funding from Missouri Star Solutions and WorkKeys to the Success Ready Student Assessment failed, as did Representative Taylor’s proposal to move $1.2 million from career ladder to community college nursing programs. The committee then rejected Representative Steinhoff’s attempt to redirect Title I Innovation and Improvement Grant funds back to the governor’s recommendation, and later adopted Representative Steinhoff’s vocational rehabilitation amendment, which restored the department’s request and drew down additional federal matching funds. The committee also adopted Representative Hyne’s language amendment to allow flexibility between the MOQPK pre-K grant program and the Child Care Works tri-share program, though members discussed concerns about cross-bill flexibility and whether funds would actually be available. Representative Fogle’s amendment to require budget communications sent to committee chairs to also go to the full Budget Committee was defeated after members expressed concern about information overload and the difference between required distribution and requested information. The committee then took up a lengthy debate over Representative Fogle’s amendment to remove language barring Parents as Teachers participation for children already enrolled in public pre-K. Supporters argued the programs serve different purposes and that families should not be forced to choose between them, while opponents said the language was intended to prevent duplication of services and preserve resources for children without other options. After extensive discussion, the amendment failed. The committee continued with additional House Bill 2 amendments, but the transcript ends before final action on the remaining items.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I don't believe in bigger government by any stretch of the imagination. Thank you. >> Sure.
• 55.360><c> the</c> bigger government by any stretch of the bigger government by any stretch of the imagination
• </c> imagination. Thank you. imagination. Thank you. &gt;&gt; All<00:29:59.360><c> right.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the IG, uh, I would imagine your office has been quite busy last uh year or two or maybe in the last
• Uh, the IG uh I would<00:20:45.360><c> imagine</c><00:20:45.679><c> your</c><00:20:45.840><c> office<
• /c><00:20:46.080><c> has</c><00:20:46.320><c> been</c><00:20:46.480><c> quite</c> would imagine your
• office has been quite would imagine your office has been quite busy<00:20:47.280><c> last</c><00:20:47.760

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Yeah, but I can't imagine it's a lot.
• Yeah,<00:30:45.279><c> but</c><00:30:45.760><c> I</c><00:30:45.919><c> can't</c><00:30:46.080><c> imagine
• </c><00:30:46.880><c> I</c> &gt;&gt; Yeah, but I can't imagine it's a lot.
• I &gt;&gt; Yeah, but I can't imagine it's a lot.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2246, which would expand public financial disclosure requirements. The State Ethics Commission strongly supported the bill, saying broader disclosure could help restore public trust and potentially deter corruption, and it offered a clarifying amendment to make clear the requirement applies to board and commission members rather than all employees of listed agencies. Several organizations and individuals also testified in support. A committee member asked about the amendment, and the commission explained it was intended as a clarification rather than a substantive change. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2250, which would add homeless facilities to the locations covered by the drug-free-zone offense for promoting controlled substances. The Public Defender opposed the measure, arguing that many homeless facilities are unmarked and not easily identifiable, creating notice, fairness, and due process concerns and risking arbitrary enforcement. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying it targets distributors rather than users, that notice can be proven through evidence, and that the law is aimed at protecting vulnerable people in shelters and similar facilities. In questioning, senators asked how homeless facilities would be identified and whether the bill would cover all shelter models; the prosecutor said the definition is cross-referenced in statute and must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii and other groups testified in opposition, while several service and advocacy groups testified in support. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2325, which would allow courts to review and potentially reduce sentences for certain juvenile offenders after 15 years if the person is not a danger to the community. Judiciary staff said the court supports the bill’s intent but noted Hawaii’s indeterminate sentencing structure leaves no alternative sentence for a court to reduce to, suggesting the measure may need structural sentencing changes or could instead be directed to the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Public defender representatives and youth-justice advocates supported the bill, emphasizing rehabilitation, adolescent brain development, trauma, and the need for a meaningful opportunity for release. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would imagine that the response rate would be pretty low, but that's a way to knock a whole bunch of
• I would imagine that the response rate would be pretty low, but that's a way to knock a whole bunch of
• I would imagine that the response rate would be pretty low, but that's a way to knock a whole bunch of
• I would imagine that the response rate would be pretty low, but that's a way to knock a whole bunch of

Committee: House Public Works and Highways

Keywords: 1189, house, all