Transcript Highlights:

• Probably the end game will be a mixture.
• And so all of those are interconnected back to the Internet so that cloud systems can interact back to
• we asked, and it was really hard to get data on, and we didn't get a lot of feedback on, was the interaction
• single sign-on definitely exists within agencies, making it easier for the employees of agencies to interact
• That is something that's on the roadmap; it's something we've recognized as important to be able to interact

Summary: The subcommittee first heard a panel on state cloud modernization efforts after canceling an LBR on the Department of Corrections’ OBIS project because the presentation materials were not submitted on time. Florida Digital Service, the Northwest Regional Data Center, and several agencies described how the state is assessing and migrating applications to cloud environments under the cloud-first policy. Northwest explained its 2023 cloud readiness assessment of 890 applications from 24 agencies, the criteria used to rate readiness and risk, and its recommendation to tackle lower-risk applications first. Agency updates covered the Department of Corrections’ modernization of 98 legacy applications tied to OBIS and cloud-native infrastructure, the Department of Elder Affairs’ Microsoft Power Platform modernization, the Department of Health’s health management and child protection systems, and FDOT’s large cloud program for transportation systems. Members repeatedly asked about costs, data ownership, disaster recovery, single sign-on, security tools, and whether cloud migration actually saves money; presenters generally said the focus is more on modernization, resilience, and efficiency than immediate savings, and that cost analyses are often application-specific rather than enterprise-wide. The discussion also covered governance and architecture questions. Florida Digital Service said agencies remain responsible for their own databases and cloud tenants, while FLDS provides advice and an enterprise architecture framework; it does not have statutory oversight over most projects, except for OBIS project oversight due to its size. Northwest said it is acting as a cloud broker for some agencies and is consolidating Azure and AWS payer tenants to seek better pricing, but agencies still make system-by-system decisions based on business needs, risk, latency, and total cost of ownership. Members raised concerns about fragmented data structures, the lack of a complete statewide application inventory, and the need for better interoperability and enterprise standards. Several agencies said disaster recovery is built into their cloud plans, and FDOT and Corrections described ongoing efforts to keep systems current through core platforms, training, and ongoing support. In the second half of the meeting, the Department of State presented two new technology requests. Secretary Byrd described the SunBiz corporate registry system as a 34-year-old platform supporting more than 3.5 million business entities and generating over $575 million in annual general revenue. He said the department had already virtualized the legacy hardware after earlier modernization efforts failed and is now seeking $800,000 recurring for password protection and $5 million nonrecurring to continue procurement for a replacement system. The department also presented the Florida Voter Registration System modernization request, noting that the current system is outdated and requires manual workarounds for some statutory changes. The department requested $2.4948 million nonrecurring and $44,000 recurring to procure a modernized FVRS solution, and staff said the feasibility study recommended a hybrid approach. Members asked about the study’s findings and about creating a database for voter eligibility information for returning citizens; the department said that would require data sharing with all 67 clerks of court and other entities such as DOC.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that assessment is an observation-based program assessment and evaluates the quality of interactions
• And that assessment is an observation-based program assessment and evaluates the quality of interactions
• developed and released to school districts through our partnership with the Florida Center for Interactive
• developed and released to school districts through our partnership with the Florida Center for Interactive
• And I think that alone, along with the other supports that are being talked about, changes the game when

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee held its first interim meeting, took roll, and established a quorum. Members introduced themselves, many noting backgrounds in education, school boards, local government, or parenting, and Chair Jenna Persons-Mulicka outlined the committee’s goal of building the fiscal year 2025-26 Pre-K-12 budget. She also reviewed the fiscal year 2024-25 education budget, noting that the Pre-K-12 portion totals about $21 billion, with the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) as the largest driver, along with major funding for VPK, school readiness, and school recognition. She explained that federal COVID relief funds have ended and that recent school choice legislation has affected budget structure. Commissioner Manny Diaz and department leaders then gave overviews of their divisions. Diaz highlighted Florida’s education rankings, record graduation rate, progress monitoring, expanded school choice participation, charter school growth, and teacher salary investments, while emphasizing a focus on literacy, math, and early learning. Carrie Miller described the Division of Early Learning’s school readiness and VPK programs, their funding, eligibility, accountability systems, and the importance of kindergarten readiness. Paul Burns outlined the Division of Public Schools’ work on educator quality, literacy, standards, certification, family outreach, federal programs, and school improvement. Suzanne Pridgen reviewed finance and operations functions, including budget management, FEFP calculations, grants, procurement, transportation, and emergency management. Adam Emerson described parental choice programs, including scholarships, charter schools, schools of hope, virtual education, and home education. Darren Norris detailed the Office of Safe Schools’ responsibilities for risk assessments, compliance inspections, threat management, grants, and training created after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas tragedy. Members asked questions about several issues, including whether the Safe Schools office recommends changes to the school safety grant distribution formula, whether early learning eligibility should shift from federal poverty level to state median income, how scholarship payments are verified to avoid funding students who return to public school, and whether daily attendance systems could improve funding accuracy. Other questions addressed hurricane-related survey disruptions, VPK provider reimbursement rates and instructional hours, teacher salary increases, school start time costs, and how voucher schools handle IEP accommodations. Department officials generally said some issues remain under review, supported moving school readiness eligibility to SMI, noted that scholarship and enrollment data are cross-checked and adjusted when needed, and said progress monitoring now helps schools support mobile students. On school safety, officials said exemptions are allowed in statute for some items but not for classroom doors, and that district-specific conditions matter. No votes were taken and no formal actions were reported beyond receiving presentations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• and others, Senate Bill 418, a bill to be entitled an act relating to law enforcement officer interactions
• my Senate companion to my House bill, which requires law enforcement to have training on how to interact
• And it's a very different experience interacting with the court system where you have a family member
• does not always have to be tied to someone else's failure, and doesn't always have to be a zero-sum game
• And I was actually at the state game when we beat the school from Jacksonville. Rep.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Army Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum and journal business before taking up the special order calendar. Several bills were explained and moved through amendment and final passage, including CS/SB 590 on the statute of limitations for mandatory reporters’ child-abuse reporting violations, which was clarified on the floor to apply prospectively only and passed 111-0. CS/SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder was amended to align with the House version and passed 111-0. The chamber also recognized Spina Bifida Week and guests in the gallery before considering additional measures. Members then passed CS/CS/SB 1668 on the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA), described as preserving the program’s actuarial soundness, by a 112-0 vote; CS/SB 1246 on the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund, expanded to support broader health science education programs and non-health-care partner contributions, by 112-0; CS/CS/SB 1404 on memory care facility standards by 111-0; CS/CS/SB 1030 on recovery residences, including transfer-of-ownership and MAT-related provisions, by 168-0; CS/CS/SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools, allowing limited coach support for student welfare with parental consent and other guardrails, by 112-0; CS/CS/SB 422 on automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts, limiting use of ADS-B data for airport billing, by 108-2; and CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services, modernizing licensure and exclusivity rules, by 111-0. The House also took up CS/SB 1134 on official actions of local governments and DEI-related restrictions. The sponsor argued the bill would prohibit counties and municipalities from official DEI actions and related funding while preserving numerous exceptions for holidays, observances, public safety, and other activities. Members asked extensive questions about how the bill would affect local programs, events, and offices, and Representative Gant offered an amendment to narrow the bill’s DEI definition by removing two prongs; debate centered on vagueness, enforcement, and local-government impacts. The transcript cuts off during consideration of that amendment, so no final action on the bill is shown. The session also included lengthy farewell remarks from Representatives Eskamani and Overdorf, reflecting on their service, staff, constituents, and policy priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whether a student is in a gym, on a football field, or attending an away game, the goal is the same:
• Section 53-06.1-03 of the North Dakota Century Code relating to two organizations conducting charitable gaming
• Section 53-06.1-03 of the North Dakota Century Code relating to two organizations conducting charitable gaming
• subsidiaries, partnerships, and organizations; the benefits and detriments of licensed charitable gaming
• organizations; and the interaction between gaming manufacturers and distributors and licensees.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum call, then took up House amendments to Senate Bills 2009, 2147, and 2113. On motion, the Senate refused to concur in the House amendments and appointed conference committees for each bill. The chamber then considered several House bills, adopting amendments and passing House Bill 1556, which creates a Children's Cabinet work group to study out-of-home placement and treatment for children with behavioral health issues, and House Bill 1363, which directs development of a customizable cardiac emergency response plan template for schools and athletic events. House Bill 1533, requiring students to complete a half-unit of financial literacy for graduation, also passed after amendment. House Bill 1226, dealing with masks in public places and protest-related identification concerns, passed after the Judiciary Committee removed language about complying with law enforcement requests to unmask.

Transcript Highlights:

• In Massachusetts, girls were physically injured during a basketball game, forcing the team to forfeit
• My dissertation is focused on the interaction of gender, queerness, and athletics.
• We have seen an increase in adults stalking young athletes from game to game or meet to meet, following
• I am not here to play games.
• I have to say, I love it when she has a game or a practice.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is very important that every single time we interact with the family, we are fully documenting that
• On slide 10, this is a graphic just to show the interaction we have with our other state partners as
• This graphic shows the interaction we have with our other state partners as well as our managed care
• everyone who's participating in this comes to the table in good faith, that they're not trying to game
• depend on people of good faith coming to the table honestly and with a clear heart, not trying to game

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you, Representative You're just<00:09:04.160> playing<00:09:04.440> a<00:09:04.520> game
• just playing a game, Mr. Chair. just playing a game, Mr. Chair.
• >> Yeah,<00:09:05.600> playing<00:09:05.960> a<00:09:06.000> game.
• >> Yeah, playing a game. >> Yeah, playing a game.
• of expansive, expensive, untargeted way that will address one part of one of the many complex, interacting

Bills: HF495, HF4321, HF3902, HF4161, HF3755

Keywords: day care, tax subtraction, child care costs, licensed child care, dependent care assistance, HF4321, dependent care assistance programs, gross income exclusion, federal conformity, Internal Revenue Code, individual income tax, Minnesota tax law, tax conformity, child care assistance, employer-provided dependent care, taxable income, state income tax, retroactive tax change, family care benefits, housing tax credit

Transcript Highlights:

• So that Cheyenne has skin in the game for this as well. Thank you, Mr.
• that being from the Wyoming Tourism and Reserve and Projects account, $2.5 million being from the Game
• that being from the Wyoming Tourism and Reserve and Projects account, $2.5 million being from the Game
• that being from the Wyoming Tourism and Reserve and Projects account, $2.5 million being from the Game
• The Wyoming Tourism and Reserve and Projects account, $2.5 million being from the Game and Fish Fund.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, BookFlick is an interactive online ebook program that supports building of early literacy
• There are also comprehensive games to reinforce learning.
• There are also comprehensive games to reinforce learning.
• BookFlick is an interactive online ebook program that supports building of early literacy skills.
• There are also comprehensive games to reinforce learning.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing on the State of Hawaii’s affirmative litigation against the federal administration, with no public testimony. Attorney General Lopez and deputies said the office’s goal is to enforce the rule of law, not make partisan points, and noted that Hawaii is involved in 27 ongoing cases. They grouped the cases into four broad areas: immigration, funding freezes and grant terminations, federal agency dismantling/reductions in force, and protecting elections, health, and safety. Several immigration-related cases were discussed in detail. These included a challenge to the federal sharing of Medicaid data with DHS for immigration enforcement, a similar challenge to USDA’s demand for SNAP applicant and recipient data, and litigation over immigration-enforcement conditions attached to federal grants. The office also described the birthright citizenship executive order, saying it conflicts with the 14th Amendment and Supreme Court precedent; lower courts granted preliminary relief, and the U.S. Supreme Court later addressed only the scope of nationwide injunctions, not the merits. In the Department of Transportation case, the court granted a preliminary injunction against the “Duffy directive,” finding the immigration conditions lacked statutory authority, were arbitrary and capricious, and violated the Spending Clause and APA. The briefing also covered multiple funding disputes. In the education funding freeze case, the Department of Education and OMB withheld about $6 billion in formula funds, including roughly $33 million for Hawaii; after suit was filed, the funds were released. Other cases included the termination of over $11 billion in public health grants, which affected Hawaii Department of Health grants, the NIH indirect cost cap case, and NIH grant terminations tied to DEI, transgender issues, and vaccine hesitancy. The speakers said some cases have already resulted in preliminary or permanent injunctions, while others remain on appeal or are still being litigated.

Transcript Highlights:

• So you all are going to have to step your game up.
• These are not just words that we repeat, but they're habits that guide how we interact and how we treat
• These are not just words that we repeat, but they're habits that guide how we interact and how we treat
• Are you fellas going to be sitting together at the game later in November? "That's up to him.
• But since you brought up that game that's coming up, I'm sorry. I don't think I recognized you.

Summary: The joint Senate and House Select Committee on Civil Discourse and Freedom of Speech in Higher Education convened for its first public hearing, adopted its proposed rules without objection, and framed the hearing as an organizational, invited-testimony-only session. Members repeatedly condemned political violence and the assassination of Charlie Kirk, saying the committee was created in response to concerns about civil discourse, intimidation, and hostility on college campuses. Several members emphasized that the goal was not to suppress speech but to protect open expression while maintaining order, due process, and institutional accountability. The first witness, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Commissioner Wyn Rosser, outlined implementation of Senate Bill 37. He described the General Education Advisory Committee, which is reviewing broad core-curriculum knowledge and skills and may recommend reducing the current 42-hour core, while leaving review of specific courses to individual institutions. He also explained the new Office of the Ombudsman, the board’s role in supporting it, and existing training and certification requirements for governing board members. Members asked about enforcement tools, transparency, and whether the ombudsman would investigate complaints involving censorship, retaliation, or political bias; Rosser said some enforcement exists in certain laws, but he deferred on the exact scope of the ombudsman’s investigatory authority and on issues outside the agency’s role. University of Texas at Austin President Jim Davis testified that UT Austin supports free speech, academic freedom, and civil discourse, and he described three areas of focus: speech on campus grounds, classroom discourse, and how people treat one another. He said the university enforces time, place, and manner rules, expects professors to present alternative views on controversial topics, and has created internal reporting and appeal processes for students and faculty. Members questioned him about heckler’s veto incidents, protests, off-campus participants, complaints about professors, hate speech, and whether the university would protect speakers and students from disruption or unfair targeting. Davis said the university would not tolerate disruptions, would use due process and factual review, and is working to align campus practices with the new law and regents’ expectations. Ricky Adam Jr. of Turning Point USA’s Club America described the group’s campus and high-school organizing, praised Charlie Kirk’s approach to open debate, and said the organization is expanding in Texas. He raised concerns about school administrators and a counselor at an Early College High School in Killeen allegedly interfering with a student club and withholding footage, and committee members said they would seek information and, if necessary, use legislative process to investigate. Members from both chambers reiterated support for free speech, criticized political violence and campus suppression of viewpoints, and stressed that future hearings would continue examining implementation and enforcement issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:21:27.120> in<00:21:27.360> a the more that adults interact in a the more that
• adults interact in a different<00:21:27.760> manner<00:21:28.080> and<00:21:28.400>
• Yeah, it was a game changer for our family when my kid was in middle school, and this was back years
• But it was a game changer, and then that therapist got to know my kid really, really well, established
• But it was a game changer, and then that therapist got to know my kid really, really well, established

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• the things that we do with our time, whether it's physical activity or looking at a phone or playing games
• Um, also, it's the the word games of something not actually being banned in other countries.
• So we can sit here with the word games and I guess we could change the bill to say it is not permitted
• So again, it's like the word games that everyone's playing. So we can, we can change it.
• It's like the word games of it's not permitted. They're saying it's not banned.

Bills: HB25, HB38

Keywords: ivermectin, pharmacist authority, prescription-free, healthcare regulation, patient access, interest rate, ad valorem taxes, homesteads, property tax, tax deferral

Transcript Highlights:

• The floor committee studies substantive issues, produces reports for discussion, and interacts directly
• that simulates how light interacts with objects to create realistic images in video platforms.
• Kia's interactive app helps Teachings.
• Kia's interactive app helps users<07:01:35.280> understand<07:01:35.840> fundamentals<07
• <07:01:42.160> with that simulates how light interacts with that simulates how light interacts

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So there's social and physical interaction at the centers.
• <00:39:47.119> There<00:39:47.359> are interaction uh at the centers.
• There are interaction uh at the centers.
• So there may be interactions with other payers that we wouldn't be privy to. >> Yes, I understand.
• police for alcohol, tobacco, and gaming police for alcohol, tobacco, and gaming violations.<01:45

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ball game and drink? ball game and drink? >> Representative<00:21:22.240> Hudson.
• a ball game element now, too.
• I didn't ask about a ball game earlier. I didn't ask about a ball game earlier.
• crucial element of the ball game crucial element of the ball game um<00:34:12.399> in<00:
• game? game? >> Representative<00:35:21.440> Hudson.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• She watches these parents go above and beyond, spending their own money on games and activities, truly
• that when provided opportunities to engage with grade-level work that is relevant, real-world, and interactive
• Our instructional Peer interactions and sustain our robust programming.
• Our instructional approach is deeply interactive, whether in a cross-grade project, an outdoor learning
• can keep our class sizes balanced and ensure that every student has access to meaningful peer interactions

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused primarily on H. 517/S. 314, a bill to provide a sustainable future for rural schools, and H. 697, a bill to require full funding of regional school transportation. Witnesses from rural districts, school committees, superintendents, students, and local officials described chronic underfunding, declining enrollment, high fixed costs, special education and transportation burdens, and the loss of programs, staff, and extracurriculars. Several speakers argued that rural aid should be funded at $60 million annually and made non-discretionary, while others emphasized that transportation reimbursement for regional districts has repeatedly fallen short of the state’s promise and is driving budget crises and overrides. A number of students testified in support of rural aid, describing cuts to classes, counselors, and activities, and the impact on their schools and communities. Committee members also discussed whether transportation policy should be revisited to address underlying cost drivers, including bus bidding practices and whether regional districts should have more flexibility in transportation requirements. The committee also heard H. 515, concerning Hancock Elementary School and a school choice-related exemption from a state requirement that has created a large financial burden for the district. Hancock’s superintendent and Rep. John Barrett explained that a decades-old regulation, recently enforced by DESE, would require Hancock to pay tuition for choice-in students through high school graduation even though the district only serves pre-K through grade 6 and sends its own students elsewhere for middle and high school. They said the rule creates a significant per-student shortfall and has forced Hancock to opt out of school choice. Committee members asked for clarification about how the arrangement works and how the costs fall on Hancock. Additional testimony supported related transportation bills for non-regional districts, especially Plymouth/Carver and North Middlesex, describing high and rising bus costs, special education and McKinney-Vento transportation expenses, and the strain on local budgets. Speakers repeatedly said that state reimbursement has not matched actual costs and that communities are being forced to choose between transportation and classroom services. No votes or final actions were taken in the hearing; the committee simply received testimony and closed the hearing on the bills discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are local experts who veterans interact with regularly.
• Maximizing county interactions and connecting to CVSO is a starting point where a tremendous opportunity
• Our competition in this game is not focused on improving the process because the broken process could
• Our CalTAP program has interacted with over 35,000 exiting service members since the program's inception
• You know, boots on the ground, our local energy network coordinators, last year interacted with over

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the role of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), CalVet’s support for them, and the growing problem of for-profit, unaccredited claims companies. Committee leaders and witnesses emphasized that CVSOs are often the first point of contact for veterans and their families, helping with disability claims, education benefits, survivor benefits, housing, health care, and other wraparound services. Testimony highlighted the return on investment from CVSO work, with witnesses citing hundreds of millions in new federal benefits secured for California veterans and arguing that current state funding is too low relative to the workload and need. County representatives from Nevada, Los Angeles, and San Luis Obispo described local models of service. Los Angeles County highlighted a “no wrong door” approach, peer navigators, suicide review work, justice-involved veteran services, and homelessness coordination, while San Luis Obispo described rural outreach, mental health partnerships, and high suicide rates in its county. Nevada County stressed that smaller counties can be disadvantaged by workload-based formulas and that additional funding would expand access, especially in rural areas. Several witnesses said veterans often need more than claims help and should be connected to mental health, employment, food, and family supports. Much of the discussion centered on predatory claims consultants, which witnesses said charge veterans for services that accredited CVSOs provide free. Members and witnesses described cases involving requests for VA and banking logins, misleading advertising, and contracts that can take a percentage of veterans’ benefits. Committee members expressed support for legislation to curb these practices and for increased funding for CVSOs, including the Legislature’s intent to fund 50% of county veterans’ services operations. A CalVet deputy secretary also testified that California’s accreditation and training system improves claim quality and appeal outcomes, and that CalVet works with CVSOs through training, district offices, and appeals representation.

Transcript Highlights:

• You'll have an interactive map where you can zoom in on your district, your neighborhood.
• They do it all through a very fun, playful game that's very minimal on a tablet, for about 5 minutes,
• Again, interactions, different ways of play and things to build our children's executive function, which
• These are interactive maps you're going to have access to.
• And then when you have the interactive maps, it'll be more powerful, but this data also has predictive

Transcript Highlights:

• no longer return to the game?
• Um, or a starting pitcher be told game?
• And and you have before the game, right?
• to clock out an hour after the game to clock out an hour after the game after<00:27:25.760> you
• So everything games or at poker tables.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:34:33.800> we<00:34:33.919> cannot<00:34:34.560> use<00:34:34.840> game
• <00:34:35.080> and um missions that we cannot use game and um missions that we cannot use
• game and fish<00:34:35.440> fund<00:34:36.000> or<00:34:36.120> any<00:34:36.280
• Um, additionally in my day-to-day work I had countless opportunities to interact with forest users who
• had countless opportunities to interact had countless opportunities to interact with<01:10:20.200

Keywords: 1187, senate, all