Transcript Highlights:

• number of assistants, and she has been with me the longest, so thank you for all you do to keep me on track
• The women on the third floor in that dark corner do a heck of a lot to keep us on track.
• You've got quite the task of keeping track of me and herding me to where I need to go.
• Hard workers, make sure that they keep me on track.
• He really helped keep me on track and helped me with literally all of the bills that I was running, so

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and a long series of points of personal privilege recognizing administrative assistants, the doctor of the day, student guests, and other visitors in the gallery. Members repeatedly thanked staff for their work and highlighted Administrative Assistance Day, along with several outside guests including a Coconino High School robotics team, a German embassy delegation, and civic groups from Buckeye. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole and considered several Senate bills. SB 1060 and SB 1093 were debated, with opposition to SB 1060 centered on concerns it would disenfranchise children of military families born overseas, and opposition to SB 1093 centered on claims it would chill protest rights; both ultimately received do-pass recommendations. The House also approved committee and floor amendments and do-pass recommendations for SB 1162, SB 1270, and SB 1814, with discussion on SB 1814 focusing on substance use disorder treatment, fraud and abuse concerns, and the need for further study. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, the bills were properly assigned, and SB 1162, SB 1270, and SB 1814 were engrossed while SB 1060 and SB 1093 were placed on third reading. The House then referred SB 1345 and SB 1401 to an additional Committee of the Whole for further amendment. SB 1345 was amended to focus on licensure timeframes and passed the additional committee. SB 1401, described as a workforce housing accelerator measure, was amended after debate over affordability standards and public benefit, then passed as amended. The additional Committee of the Whole report was adopted, and both bills were engrossed. On third reading, SB 1041 passed 41-11 after extensive debate over electronic monitoring in assisted living and long-term care settings, with supporters citing elder abuse prevention and opponents raising privacy, property-rights, and consent concerns. SB 1805, relating to landlord utility charges, then passed unanimously 52-0. The House also announced an evening charity softball game, recognized an ice cream cake birthday celebration, noted Earth Day, and adjourned until 1:30 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the easiest solution would be to create a track for K-12 administrators track for higher ed administrators
• Create a track for those people so they can have specific conversations different from those for an educator
• I would say to definitely create the track.
• Because some of our program materials in the tracks are dependent on the microcredentials, some of the
• And we have track learning tracks. And then we identify them as...

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So there's a requirement for two within the five-year period, and right now the Bureau is on track to
• Do you guys track the actual John Smith and Jane Smith and make sure that if they are part of a board
• Our data systems do track ownership and those types of fields, so we have the ability to track that right
• Do you keep track of the complaints from students who finish that process, the tuition recovery process
• So we are increasingly tracking that and taking action when we see those things.

Summary: The joint Sunset Review Oversight Hearing focused on the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) and its reauthorization, operations, enforcement, fiscal condition, and student protections. Committee leaders and DCA officials praised the Bureau’s recent improvements in data systems, licensing, inspections, and enforcement, while noting the Bureau’s role has become more important as federal higher education oversight weakens. Bureau Chief Deborah Cochran said the agency has met its inspection mandate for the first time since the law was enacted, increased citations and disciplinary actions, reduced pending complaints, and used data tools to identify risk and monitor institutions more effectively. A major portion of the hearing centered on student harm, especially school closures, transcript access, predatory recruiting, and the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF). Members asked how the Bureau protects students when schools close, whether bad actors can reopen under new entities, and whether enforcement tools are strong enough. Cochran said the Bureau can cite, fine, place schools on probation, revoke licenses, and order refunds, but it is seeking new authority to deny approval to operators who previously closed schools improperly or failed to refund students. She also said the Bureau is tracking ownership data and is concerned about institutions targeting immigrant and visa students. On STRF, Cochran explained that the fund is currently healthy, assessments are at zero because the balance is above the statutory target, and the Bureau paid about 1,100 claims totaling roughly $17 million over the last four years. Several members questioned the fairness of the assessment structure and discussed alternatives such as surety bonds, but the Bureau said STRF is working well and no change is needed at this time. Fee increases and the Bureau’s structural deficit were another major topic. Cochran said the Bureau reduced costs by eliminating positions, streamlining inspections, improving data analysis, and shifting some student-relief costs to STRF, but that legislative action is still needed to address the deficit. She said the proposed fees were based on workload analyses and that application fees generally match service costs, while annual fees are designed to cover most of the Bureau’s revenue needs. Some members and stakeholders criticized the proposed increases as too high, especially for out-of-state registration and campus fees, while others argued the Bureau needs sufficient resources to regulate effectively. Public commenters from private schools, Northeastern University, San Joaquin Valley College/Carrington College, and TICAS generally supported the Bureau’s mission and reauthorization, but urged changes such as risk-based oversight, better transcript protections, stronger limits on repeated provisional approvals, and more targeted fee and STRF reforms. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with no formal action beyond discussion and receipt of testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we tracked that voter registration down again through Service Arizona because they were told if they
• Department of Homeland Security standards, support the tracking of users based on unique credentials,
• voter registration assistance system, and assistance for counties in the text-based early voting tracking
• funding within the Secretary of State's budget, voter communication and transparency, early ballot tracking
• funding within the Secretary of State's budget voter communication and transparency early ballot tracking

Bills: SB1037, SB1040, SB1259, SB1281

Keywords: elections, voting systems, vote tabulation, election security, internet connectivity, offline voting, chain of custody, polling place equipment, counting center, central counting center, election management system, EMS gateway, tabulation equipment, secretary of state, certification, decertification, HAVA, Help America Vote Act, ballot images, audit logs

Summary: The Committee on Federal and Military Affairs and Elections heard a lengthy presentation on an investigative referral concerning alleged voter registration anomalies in Arizona from March 2023 onward. The chair described examples involving out-of-state residents, deceased registrants, military voters, duplicate or mismatched registrations, and registrations tied to Service Arizona, ACCESS, third-party vendors, and NGOs. Members also discussed alleged mismatches between county recorder data and Secretary of State reports, possible issues with automatic voter registration, and concerns about public records compliance. At the end of the presentation, members were asked whether they wanted to sign onto a criminal referral to the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice; several declined, while others agreed, and the committee proceeded after correcting a signature-block issue. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1259, which would allow certain protected individuals to use an alternate mailing address and attest to their residential address on candidate and financial disclosure filings. After questions about residency verification and confidentiality, the bill received a do pass recommendation by a 6-1 vote. Senate Bill 1281, dealing with state land department procedures for covered federal designations and notification of land takings, was heard next; after opposition testimony from the Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter, it passed 4-3. Senate Bill 1037, concerning election equipment security and internet connectivity, drew substantial debate. A Marquez strike-everything amendment that would have shifted the bill toward voting centers, ERIC participation, early voting changes, and election funding failed on a 4-3 vote. The underlying bill then failed to receive a do pass recommendation on a 3-3-1 vote. Finally, Senate Bill 1040, which would make voter registration rolls publicly accessible online and downloadable, passed 4-3 after questions about what information would remain redacted and concerns about public access to voter data.

Transcript Highlights:

• mentioned performance throughout the process—but is there a, this project is completed, or do you track
• From our standpoint at the procurement shop, we track whether or not the contracts are completed or ended
• So, were all of those tracked on that database that you showed us?
• Were all of those tracked on that database that you showed us? Yes. And follow-up?
• So I don't know who would be evaluating it other than on tested and tried and proven track records.

Summary: The subcommittee heard a panel on Florida’s IT procurement process from the Florida Digital Service, the Department of Management Services, and the Department of Financial Services. Witnesses walked through the procurement lifecycle, including planning, market research, solicitation, evaluation, award, implementation, and closeout, and emphasized the role of budget timing, contract managers, and subject matter experts. DMS described the state’s enterprise contracting system, noting more than 1,100 active vendor agreements, over 800 involving IT services, and the statutory requirement to request 25 quotes for certain IT purchases. DFS demonstrated the Florida Accountability Contract Tracking System (FACS), explaining how agencies upload contract and payment data and how the public can search contracts and related documents online. Members focused on accountability, transparency, and whether the state is getting the best products and vendors. Questions addressed how contracts are vetted, how technical evaluations are performed, how financial consequences are used for missed deliverables, how public records and confidential information are handled, and how the state screens vendors for foreign-concern or bad-actor issues. Witnesses said agencies rely on technical experts for evaluations, that contract terms should include measurable deliverables and meaningful financial consequences, and that agencies—not procurement staff—generally manage performance, though Florida Digital Service oversees large IT projects of $10 million or more. The committee then shifted to broader policy discussion, including Senate Bill 7026 and proposals to reorganize state IT governance. Several members argued for stronger centralization under a state CIO or similar enterprise authority, while others cautioned against abrupt restructuring and stressed the need for a transition plan. Members also raised concerns about workforce retention, consulting services, recurring project overruns, and the need for better planning and periodic monitoring. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair thanking members and staff and adjourning the subcommittee.

Transcript Highlights:

• the increase in the types and the lethality of nuclear weapons is one of the things that we have to track
• The comment came often. is that FBI is going to track all these individuals and to be able to identify
• To what extent is the FBI tracking operatives? Who remain in the United States today?
• And what is the FBI doing to track them down? Thank you, Senator.
• The direction for the FBI is to track down any individuals with any terrorist ties.

Keywords: national security, cyber threats, civil liberties, transnational crime, FISA Section 702, public-private partnership, intelligence community, Annual Threats Hearing

Summary: The Senate Intelligence Committee convened for a significant meeting focused on the Annual Worldwide Threats Hearing. Prominent officials from various intelligence agencies presented their insights on emerging national security threats, including concerns over increasing cyber threats, particularly from China and non-state actors. A major discussion point included the balance between national security and civil liberties, as evidenced by conversations surrounding Section 702 of FISA and its implications for privacy protection. The challenges posed by cartels and transnational criminal organizations, especially related to narcotics trafficking, were emphasized as pressing issues necessitating coordinated responses from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. This meeting underscored the necessity of public-private partnerships to tackle these multifaceted threats effectively.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know how you keep track of it all, but you do. And your department is doing a great job.
• We have our own concrete testing track in North Florida so we can account for temperature changes.
• Additionally, they track performance metrics and they hold public engagement.
• And then they also track transit performance metrics as well.
• And then they also track transit performance metrics as well.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation met to hear presentations from the Florida Department of Transportation on rural arterial roadways and transportation resiliency, followed by a panel discussion on metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs). FDOT’s Will Watts described the state’s growing population and travel demand, emphasizing that rural arterials are critical for connectivity, freight movement, evacuation routes, and congestion relief. He outlined FDOT’s project selection factors, noted thousands of identified rural arterial needs with billions in unfunded demand, and explained that the department uses community input and long-range planning to prioritize safety, capacity, and economic development. Watts then discussed resiliency planning for hurricanes and flooding, focusing on structural design, storm readiness, and drainage. He highlighted efforts such as elevated bridges, wave attenuators, coastal armoring, drainage upgrades, and materials testing at FDOT’s research facilities to extend service life and reduce storm damage. Committee members asked about local project selection, materials research, LiDAR use, and legislative support; Watts said local coordination drives project priorities and asked lawmakers to protect the Transportation Trust Fund. The MPO panel, led by FDOT’s Kim Holland, explained that MPOs are federally required in urban areas over 50,000 population and that Florida has 27, the most in the nation. Holland said MPOs identify and prioritize transportation needs through long-range plans and public engagement, and she noted that several regions are exploring consolidation after the 2020 Census, especially in Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida. Representatives from MetroPlan Orlando, Forward Pinellas, Pasco MPO, and Hillsborough discussed their structures and the potential benefits and challenges of merging, including representation, governance, funding, and maintaining local voice. Members generally supported regional collaboration, urged patience as studies continue, and emphasized the need for transparent public engagement, while the committee adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• With HB 108, the New Mexico Department of Health would be better equipped to track the health impacts
• but I believe the information is available at the Department of Health New Mexico public health tracking
• So that is, again, an important part of this program: to track and look at what populations are disparately
• 0.2 FTE, we are able to track heat-related deaths and hospitalizations, not including federal entities
• I have to say, in 2021, the Environmental Public Health Tracking Bureau, in which this program would

Transcript Highlights:

• If horse tracks are that great and popular, then let's...
• Representative Shaheen, did you speak with any of the local communities that have horse racing tracks
• had actually talked to the former city manager, and I think the reality is that with horse racing tracks
• , the amount of bets that have been placed is how you measure the success of a horse track arena, and

Bills: HB 105, HB982, HB1483, HB1508, HB2575, HB3646, HB3993, HB4083, HB4580, HB4725, HB5169, HB5511, HJR73, HJR102, HJR174, HB3746, HB4240

Keywords: economic development, job creation, energy, tax incentives, technology investment, ad valorem taxes, elderly, disabled, low-income, tax limitation, homesteads, Texas Tax Code, property tax, ad valorem tax, tax exemption, residential real property, home improvement, energy efficiency, energy-efficient upgrades, HVAC

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas needs one to be able to participate in competitive federal grant programs for track and bridge
• It was probably put in place on tracks between... Greenville and Mount Pleasant in the 1940s.
• Trains there can't run over 10 miles an hour because tracks and bridges need to be upgraded.
• A rail grant would increase track safety, speed, and attract more business, and that's why we support
• We have 75 miles of track and 72 bridges.

Bills: HB1589, HB2208, HB2297, HB2560, HB2725, HB3080, HB4417, HB4473, HB4520, HB4662, HB4888, HB4905, HB4906

Keywords: HB 1589, toll road, toll project, toll project entity, voter approval, local control, county election, commissioners court, Transportation Code, Chapter 372, road construction, highway funding, infrastructure, public referendum, ballot measure, transportation policy, Texas toll roads, regional mobility, toll collection, vehicle registration

Transcript Highlights:

• more and more offenders that are going to be getting out on early release, and I hope you all are tracking
• more and more offenders that are going to be getting out on early release, and I hope you all are tracking
• more and more offenders that are going to be getting out on early release, and I hope you all are tracking
• more and more offenders that are going to be getting out on early release, and I hope you all are tracking
• more and more offenders that are going to be getting out on early release, and I hope you all are tracking

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I can track that back as... ...in 2022.
• I can track that back as long as we've had an education budget.
• I can track sales tax back to the early 2000s; I don't think there's been a 14% growth rate in sales
• I can track that back as well and won't find a plus 10% growth in withholdings payments during any period
• I really want to highlight most of those tracking the governor's priorities. the governor's priorities

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Whether they are becoming aware is a hard thing to track, but I do know we're getting more and more people
• wastewater was coming into our system from the town, so a meter vault is being installed to truly track
• to the Runway end and, of course, gives them great line of sight to be able to have their antenna tracking
• station right nearby to be able to track this aircraft in their operation.
• would include a hanger, the office, which has got the command and control center in it, the antenna Tracking

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He tracks my legislation.
• He tracks my legislation. He calendar. He tracks my legislation.
• of tell me what to do, and you can get us back on track.
• <04:26:21.439> I and you can get us back on track. I and you can get us back on track.
• <04:29:10.319> and prepared, keeping us on track and prepared, keeping us on track and ensuring

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that necessarily have a way of tracking that um<00:30:29.360> in<00:30:29.600> any<00:
• like just steady cameras to track like just steady cameras to track activity<01:21:31.600> and
• <01:23:33.120> We're also for fireworks um tracking.
• We're also for fireworks um tracking.
• other positions is that we can't track other positions is that we can't track their<01:24:27.199

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's also a one-page tracking sheet that goes along with this, and it should reflect the same numbers
• There's also a one-page tracking<00:00:54.800> sheet<00:00:55.120> that<00:00:55.440>
• > goes<00:00:55.680> along<00:00:56.000> with<00:00:56.239> this tracking sheet
• that goes along with this tracking sheet that goes along with this and<00:00:56.800> it<00:00

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Nonpartisan staff presented House budget resolution BUDRES06, explaining that it is an updated budgetary solution reflecting bills previously heard or passed out of Ways and Means, as well as bills being heard that day. The resolution showed a total additional change of $41.1 million for the 2026–27 biennium, with existing budget reserve and cash flow account amounts unchanged. Staff highlighted several committee bills included in the resolution, including elections, higher education, housing, public safety, and the workforce committee bill, which was listed at $358,000 on line 1.14. The workforce bill also included $41,000 from the workforce development fund outside the general fund, and the healthcare access fund was set at a zero-change limit. A member asked whether additional budget resolutions were expected later in session, and staff responded that more resolutions would be set as other packages moved out of committee. After the explanation and brief questions, a motion was made to adopt the budget resolution as described. Members voiced support, there were no recorded oppositions, and the resolution was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• And interviewed, and they can track that they're not where they're supposed to be, and they have scouts
• that stop, make that arrest, to go back and work it other than the paper trail working with ATF and tracking
• it was reported stolen, then we will have access to that through our data systems, but as far as tracking
• great about taking possession, doing the ballistics and entering them into their system, and then tracking

Bills: SB36, SB2202

Keywords: homeland security, border security, critical infrastructure, Department of Public Safety, intelligence operations, public-private partnerships, SB 2202, firearm trafficking, gun trafficking, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, Texas-Mexico border, United Mexican States, Mexico, DPS, second-degree felony, weapons transfer, illegal firearms transfer, arms smuggling, cross-border crime

Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security heard Senator Birdwell present SB 2202, which would create a state offense for knowingly transferring a firearm for profit or other remuneration to a member of a foreign terrorist organization. Birdwell argued the bill responds to cartel violence and southbound gun trafficking, and he explained a committee substitute that removed an exemption for federally licensed gun dealers and removed a requirement that DPS coordinate with Mexican law enforcement. He said the goal was to give Texas a state-level tool if federal enforcement is lacking. Invited testimony came from DPS Colonel Freeman Martin and border prosecution unit chair Tanya Ash. Both said the bill could be useful in some organized-crime and cartel cases, but they emphasized that proving a defendant knowingly transferred a gun to a foreign terrorist organization would be difficult and would usually require strong direct or circumstantial evidence, such as recorded statements, informants, or coordinated investigations. They said the measure would be more workable in complex cartel cases than in routine patrol stops, and they noted existing state and federal tools already address straw purchases, firearms trafficking, and related offenses. Members also discussed tracing seized firearms, cooperation with ATF, and the limits of state jurisdiction over international issues. No public testimony was offered, and SB 2202 was left pending. The committee then took up SB 36 as pending business. A committee substitute was adopted without objection, and the substitute bill was reported favorably to the full Senate by a 4-0 vote, with Senators Birdwell, Flores, Hinojosa of Hidalgo, Eckhardt, and Hinojosa of Nueces participating. The committee also accepted a motion in writing and ordered the bill recommended for local and uncontested calendar placement. The chair then announced the committee would recess subject to call.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second of all, tracking and verifying an income tax credit that is given to an entity that flows through
• everybody<00:14:17.440> second<00:14:17.720> of<00:14:17.920> all<00:14:18.320> tracking
• <00:14:19.000> and everybody second of all tracking and everybody second of all tracking and

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the Committee on Tourism and the Committee on Economic Development and Technology met on February 11, 2025, to hear House Bill 96 and House Bill 106. HB 96 would allow low-income housing tax credits to offset state transient accommodations taxes, limit the credit to taxes imposed in the same county as the qualified building, and make Act 129 permanent. The Department of Taxation opposed the bill, saying it would be difficult to administer, would complicate the tax system, and could be susceptible to abuse; it also noted the credit would benefit the hotel owner even though the tax is paid by the customer. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised consumer protection concerns. No other testimony was offered, and the chair later recommended deferring HB 96 for further work with the Department of Taxation and the committee. HB 106 would authorize the Agribusiness Development Corporation to financially support farming businesses engaged in agricultural tourism and expand the definition of enterprise accordingly. The Agribusiness Development Corporation testified in support, saying farmers requested the change, it would diversify income, and it would provide technical and financial support. The Hawaii Farm Bureau also supported the measure, and the chair noted eight pieces of testimony in support and one in opposition. No questions were raised, and the chair recommended passing the bill as is. The committee voted on HB 106, with the chair and vice chair voting aye, along with Representatives Holt, Hussey, Ilagan, and Todd; Representative Matsumoto was excused. The chair’s recommendation to pass HB 106 was adopted, and the hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:27:38.080> So tracking well on time here. So tracking well on time here.
• time um been watching tracking time um been watching tracking regulating<00:41:27.680> uh
• Tracking this on a public network allows for efficiencies and really impacting downstream.
• That kind of active tracking protects your consumers as well. "Thank you." "Hi, Jim Kish here.
• to track that asset around. to track that asset around.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The commission met with a quorum, approved the agenda, and approved the November 12 minutes after a motion, second, and unanimous voice/online consent. The chair said the meeting would include two presentations—one from Noah Herman of Fortress Global and one from John Kicko and team from Hedera—followed by discussion of the commission’s next steps and public comment. The chair also noted he was still seeking a clerk for note-taking. Herman’s presentation focused on stablecoins, blockchain use cases, and operational considerations for states and other institutions. He described Fortress as an enterprise crypto-wallet and treasury platform serving corporates, governments, and nonprofits, and used examples such as Save the Children and a large global commodities firm to illustrate custody and treasury management on blockchain rails. He said stablecoins are designed to maintain a U.S. dollar peg, are increasingly backed by treasuries and subject to greater transparency, and are being adopted by major firms and payment companies because they can improve speed, reduce cost, and simplify payments. He also highlighted market growth, including claims that stablecoins now represent a significant share of on-chain activity and are a major holder of U.S. Treasuries. He identified custody as a key issue for state and institutional use, outlining qualified custody, managed custody, and self-custody models. He said the main practical challenge for the commodities client was moving funds safely and quickly across global time zones and that blockchain rails could solve problems that traditional banking rails could not. He framed the broader trend as one of accelerating institutional adoption, citing recent acquisitions and product launches by Visa, Stripe, Citi, and PayPal as evidence that stablecoin infrastructure is becoming mainstream.

Transcript Highlights:

• People can track what they're eating.
• People can track what they're eating.
• People can track what they're eating.
• <01:38:31.040> this oversees the SNAP program, tracks this oversees the SNAP program, tracks
• So there is an inherent cost in tracking So there is an inherent cost in tracking that<01:57:47.760

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with roll call and housekeeping, including moving standing attendees to an overflow room and asking the audience to avoid interruptions. The task force then heard testimony from Allison Adams of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, who presented statewide health trend data showing Kentucky ranked 41st overall and 44th in health outcomes, with especially poor performance on premature death, chronic disease, diabetes, and vaccination rates. She emphasized that Kentucky has the highest rates of residents with multiple chronic conditions, that diabetes remains above the national average, and that childhood immunization rates have worsened. She also highlighted major provider shortages in rural areas, noting that 43 of 120 counties meet shortage criteria and that more than half of primary care providers are concentrated in Fayette and Jefferson counties. Adams urged the task force to focus on prevention, early intervention, access to care, physical activity, and healthier school and community environments, and said the foundation is prepared to share results from its demonstration projects. Task force members asked follow-up questions about the age range for chronic-condition data and whether the diabetes figure reflected type 1 or type 2 diabetes; Adams said the chronic-condition measure spans all ages and that the diabetes figure likely reflects type 2, though she offered to provide the full report. The task force then approved the minutes from the prior meeting. The committee next turned to SNAP benefits and heard from Lisa Dennis, commissioner of the Department for Community Based Services, and Roger McCann, director of the Division of Family Support. They explained that SNAP is not only a food assistance program but also a public health and family stability tool, arguing that poor diet contributes to chronic disease and that food insecurity is linked to family stress, child welfare involvement, and neglect-related CPS referrals. They cited research showing that more generous SNAP policies are associated with fewer CPS reports, fewer substantiated reports, and fewer foster care placements, and said SNAP helps reduce risk and promote stability across vulnerable populations including children, older adults, people with disabilities, and pregnant women. They also described SNAP-Ed as the nutrition education component that teaches healthy eating, cooking on a budget, and how to use fresh produce, but warned that recent federal legislation eliminates federal funding for SNAP-Ed beginning in federal fiscal year 2026. McCann outlined the remaining SNAP outreach and employment-and-training components, noting that outreach is typically run by nonprofits with a 50% match and that employment and training funds job-skills programs to help recipients move toward better jobs and self-sufficiency. The discussion emphasized that access to nutritious food, education, and job supports are all part of improving health outcomes and reducing food insecurity.