Transcript Highlights:

• It's for efficiency and streamlining.
• benefit-cost ratio is 2 to 1.
• And then the second one was cost. You talked about, well, we know the cost.
• cost estimate.
• I applaud efficiencies.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• values and is definitely cost effective. values and is definitely cost effective.
• ,<00:09:58.320> statewide the aggregate costwide cost, statewide the aggregate costwide cost
• This initiative not only fosters a safe, efficient, and enjoyable environment, but also ensures efficient
• This initiative not only fosters a safe, efficient, and enjoyable environment, but also ensures efficient
• highquality meals in a safe, efficient highquality meals in a safe, efficient and<00:46:24.319><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• increases in efficiency. increases in efficiency.
• drivers of energy costs. drivers of energy costs.
• cost of the gas. cost of the gas.
• costs are going up. costs are going up.
• That is costing That is costing money.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This task force is to look at efficiencies in cost and in statutory and whatever else, whatever other
• Yeah, the full implementation cost of the program, or estimated full implementation cost. Yes.
• Yeah, the full implementation cost of the program, or estimated full implementation cost. Yes.
• Yeah, the full implementation cost of the program, or estimated full implementation cost. Yes.
• We don't have any cost-benefit analysis.

Summary: The task force first approved the March 25, 2026 minutes as amended, including a correction removing language that suggested the auditor’s office would contract with a security vendor. Members then moved to a bill draft on concessions (LC 27.0161.00000), which would raise the competitive solicitation threshold from $25,000 to $50,000, allow requests for proposals in addition to bids, clarify that proceeds go to the entity’s operating fund or general fund, and make other technical updates. OMB explained the draft and answered questions about scope, fragmentation, vendor restrictions, school districts, and whether concession proceeds could be directed to nonprofits; OMB said the draft could be refined further, including clarifying covered entities and contract length. No vote was taken on the draft during the discussion. OMB also reported on other survey items. It said a proposal to broadly allow agencies to create pre-qualified architect/engineering/land surveying vendor pools would not move forward, because the existing authority is working well for the agencies that already have it. On legal notices, OMB said it has been working with the North Dakota Newspaper Association on modernization, including an ADA-compliant online notice system and possible statutory updates to reflect changing technology and notice definitions. On click-through agreements for routine IT purchases, OMB and the Attorney General’s office said policy clarification—not statutory change—was enough, and the $20,000 threshold was intended to distinguish low-dollar adhesive contracts from purchases where terms can be negotiated. The committee also heard that OMB and the Center for Distance Education had resolved questions about alternate procurements and food/beverage expenditures through existing policy, so no statutory changes were needed there. North Dakota University System representatives gave a brief update on ongoing collaboration with OMB on statutory efficiency ideas, including concessions and surplus property. Finally, the task force discussed a draft on requirements for new or expanded spending programs, which would require agencies to identify purpose, expected benefits, alternatives, success measures, and full implementation costs, and would require reporting on outcomes over time. Members debated whether OMB or Legislative Council should collect and report the information, how to use the new program evaluators, whether real-time dashboards should be used, and how to choose which programs to evaluate; staff from Legislative Council said they would work with OMB and the auditor’s office to revise the draft and process.

Transcript Highlights:

• decisions and if knocking it down costs decisions and if knocking it down costs more<00:14:54.519
• insurance and reduces operational costs insurance and reduces operational costs for<00:21:22.360
• This is a zero-cost request.
• Efficiencies and managing costs, contact center enhancements, a lot more technology.
• > center managing costs um contact center managing costs um contact center enhancements<00:51:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• it costs in 2025.
• That's a combination of a few months of actual cost, an estimated costs.
• They got to have those costs.
• and keep costs down and manage cost.
• And then it's followed up with an spp cost recovery clause to evaluate those costs.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and cost-effective solutions.
• When we talk about that anchor monitoring, do we have a cost of what that is costing us?
• THEY ARE AN EFFICIENT COST TO DELIVER HEALTHCARE SERVICES.
• THIS BILL ON COUNTY EFFICIENCY. BUT THERE'S NOTHING EFFICIENT ABOUT IT.
• ONE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS...

Bills: SB 2, HB 2, HB 2000, HB 2196, HB 213, HB 222, HB 645, HB 1458, HB 1022, HB 141, HB 502, HB 643, HB 3093, HB 1700, HB 117, SB 503, SB 2, HB 120, HB 20, HB 150, HB 6, HB 100, HB 210, HB 215, HB 1393, HB 1151, HB 1268, HB 142, HB 451, HB 124, HB 2, HB 2000, HB 2196, HB 213, HB 222, HB 645, HB 1458, HB 1022, HB 141, HB 502, HB 643, HB 3093, HB 1700, HB 117

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, child grooming, sex offender registration, criminal justice, reportable conviction, law enforcement, virtual education, hybrid learning, school funding, average daily attendance

Transcript Highlights:

• And so in some cases, finding ways to be more efficient and capture that efficiency delays or reduces
• We were really just trying to find efficiencies where we could find efficiencies.
• And so there are efficiencies that can be made there.
• are efficiencies that can be made there.
• course of the next several years to get going on these interim targets and see if we can identify more cost-efficient

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard an extensive discussion on the Governor’s proposal to eliminate vacant positions across several environmental and natural resources departments, including Fish and Wildlife, Parks, the Coastal Commission/BCDC, DPR, DTSC, CalRecycle, and the State Water Resources Control Board. The Legislative Analyst’s Office explained that the JLBC had already not concurred with 650 of roughly 1,000 positions under review, citing concerns that many of the vacancies support core functions such as law enforcement, permitting, public safety, sea-level rise planning, and implementation of recently enacted laws. The Department of Finance defended the vacancy reduction exercise as a way to capture savings from a statewide pool of about 40,000 vacancies, arguing that departments need flexibility to manage operations and that some vacancies are used to cover operating costs or hard-to-fill roles. Several department representatives testified that the cuts would reduce capacity and could slow permitting or enforcement, though they said they would try to reclassify positions and prioritize the highest-need work. No vote was taken and all items were held open for a future hearing. Members focused heavily on the practical effects of the cuts. Senators questioned whether vacant positions should be treated as a budget savings tool, whether special-fund positions should be eliminated when they do not affect the General Fund, and whether long-vacant positions should simply be removed if they have not been filled for years. Fish and Wildlife and Parks described impacts to permitting, wildlife conflict response, and law enforcement; Parks said its academy can train only about 50 rangers a year, leaving many vacancies even after the proposed reductions. The Coastal Commission said the affected positions support SB 272 sea-level rise planning with local governments. DPR said the proposed cuts would affect multiple branches involved in pesticide registration, enforcement, and safety review, while DTSC said it was still hiring from a large 2022 reform package and had reduced its vacancy rate from about 30 percent to 15 percent before the drill. The State Water Board said its proposed reductions would be spread across programs and could lead to slower permitting and backlogs, though it would protect drinking water functions as much as possible. The committee then moved to a State Water Resources Control Board overview and a new budget proposal tied to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Sackett decision. Chair Esquivel described the board’s responsibilities for water quality, water rights, drinking water, and financial assistance, and said the board is updating the Bay-Delta Plan while also pursuing voluntary agreements and broader water-rights administration. He said federal workforce reductions and the Sackett ruling have increased pressure on state programs. The board requested $2.6 million and 12 permanent positions from the Waste Discharge Permit Fund to address permitting and enforcement gaps created by the narrowing of federal Clean Water Act jurisdiction. The LAO said the request met its high bar for new proposals because it was supported by the board’s data and would help maintain water-quality protections, though it noted that state processes are less efficient than the federal framework they are now partially replacing.

Transcript Highlights:

• boiler which is a lot lower efficiency boiler which is a lot lower efficiency but<00:09:35.360><
• 99% combustion efficiency.
• cost versus efficiency<01:15:25.120> see<01:15:25.719> H<01:15:26.719> but<01:15
• Energy efficiency, right?
• As far as cost, we still don't really know what the total cost will be, especially the cost to build

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As the campus continues to age and asset preservation costs increase, it becomes more cost-effective
• It is not efficient as we look at health care. So, there are efficiencies.
• It is not efficient as we look at health care. So, there are efficiencies.
• It is not efficient as we look at health care. So, there are efficiencies.
• not efficient as we look at health care. not efficient as we look at health care.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need a more efficient, cost-effective health insurance system. And I believe EGIP is it.
• We need a more efficient,<00:09:55.200> cost-effective<00:09:55.920> health efficient,
• cost-effective health efficient, cost-effective health insurance<00:09:56.560> system.
• Um, it has a pioneering tier network design that promotes the use of cost-efficient care.
• Um, it has a pioneering tier network design that promotes the use of cost-efficient care.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• They are angry about the noise, the water, and the cost.
• What are we doing to lower costs?
• The federal voucher is expected to cost between $25 and $51 billion more annually.
• Who will bear the costs and that burden?
• Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened, recorded attendance, dispensed with reading the journal, and recognized several guest groups, including landscape architects and FFA representatives who delivered plants to senators. The chamber then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, considering a large number of bills and resolutions, with most measures receiving do-pass recommendations, often after committee or floor amendments. Topics included public monies and cryptocurrency/stablecoin use by the state (SB 1042, SB 1043, SB 1044, SB 1045, SCR 1003, SCR 1033), attorney discipline and family court matters (SB 1039, SB 1139, SB 1147, SB 1148, SB 1328), public records, scholarship organizations, HOA flag rules, deed conveyances, environmental restrictions on solar radiation management, federal land acquisition consent, small modular reactors, water quality testing, and state revenue-related constitutional changes (SCR 1028). One notable procedural dispute occurred when an Epstein amendment to SB 1043 was ruled not germane; the chair’s ruling was upheld on a 14-10 division vote, and the bill later advanced without that amendment. The Senate also retained SB 1419 on the calendar. On later calendars, the Senate advanced health and human services measures focused on Arizona’s Access program and DCS, including SB 1052, SB 1115, SB 1149, SB 1193, SB 1233, SB 1345, SB 1346, and SB 1631. Testimony on SB 1115 centered on whether Access employees should be barred from remote work, with supporters arguing in-person work was needed and critics warning of staffing and service disruptions without a new facility or appropriation. SB 1233 drew discussion about a short cure period for administrative deficiencies; supporters said the bill addressed retaliatory enforcement practices, while opponents said the timeframe was too short. SB 1345 and SB 1346 also drew Access-related debate, including a floor amendment removing Access from SB 1345 and an objection that the bill could conflict with federal Medicaid law. The committee reports for these bills were adopted, and the measures were sent forward with do-pass recommendations. The Senate also advanced regulatory and utility-related bills on another calendar, including SB 1137, SB 1144, and SB 1205. SB 1137 dealt with underground facilities excavation notification and passed with a Kavanaugh floor amendment described as stakeholder-driven technical detail. SB 1144 addressed veterinary technician certification and education alternatives and passed with committee amendment. SB 1205, concerning motor vehicle booting fees regulation, was amended to require an appeals process for private parking lots using booting services after a senator described a personal experience of paying a boot fee and receiving no response to an appeal. The calendar was still in progress at the end of the transcript, with SB 1286 just beginning to be read.

Transcript Highlights:

• We did find some efficiencies.
• And the costs of the laundry supplies will have gone up. The cost of food will have gone up.
• And then driving the cost down.
• Well, it's fully burdened cost.
• They're embedding all the costs.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and variable cost, meaning costs that were consistent regardless of the number of kids in care and costs
• or fixed cost, those should be budgeted and planned for accordingly—Tier 2 are the costs associated
• you clarify efficiencies for me?
• And so is there anything that restrains the actual cost? Actual cost.
• So there's an opportunity for some efficiencies because you can share costs, admin costs, cost two contracts

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:

• Cost us $1 to build in 2020, now cost us $1.62.
• And so we're fighting the highway cost index that is growing.
• It avoids customer confusion, creates operational efficiency, and there is some cost savings associated
• Well, we pride ourselves on operational efficiency.
• How do we get things done more efficiently?

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Whether managed under Superfund or not, Superfund is a cost-effective and cost-effective program.
• Oversight costs include costs for EPA contractors, but oversight costs also include costs attributable
• Then on top of those direct costs, EPA also pursues reimbursement of indirect, an indirect cost premium
• efficiently.
• The longer these go on, the costs increase, not just the transaction costs to get to the remedy selection

Keywords: presidential nominations, EPA, environmental policy, Fish and Wildlife, committee meeting

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the presidential nominations of Brigadier General Brian Nesvick as Director of Fish and Wildlife and Jess Kramer and Sean Donahue as assistant administrators at the EPA. Each nominee presented their qualifications and experiences in their respective fields, with an emphasis on their commitment to uphold the laws passed by Congress. The discussion highlighted the nominees' dedication to addressing environmental issues and their proactive stances on regulatory matters. After deliberation, votes were held to report the nominations favorably, despite some members voicing concerns regarding their qualifications and potential conflicts with environmental interests.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on the Delivery of Government Efficiency will come to order. The clerk call the roll.
• as that that was at least half of what the cost would be here in our own state.
• By consolidating payments, the program aims to lower administrative costs.
• And then an out of network could also show what their total in cost would be.
• This comes out to $14,750 per person is what we spend for medical costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:09:13.799> of that would directly lower the cost of that would directly lower the cost
• > traditional<01:26:51.520> heat more efficient than a traditional heat more efficient
• <01:27:05.239> for mandated equally the efficiency for mandated equally the efficiency for
• Part of the cost of housing is energy costs, and this is intended to do exactly that: reduce energy costs
• Part of the cost of housing is energy costs, and this is intended to do exactly that: reduce energy costs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing on several bills. HB 576, relating to restrictions on the transfer of real property under chapter 201H, drew support from HHFDC and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, which said the bill would waive transfer restrictions that conflict with DHHL’s program implementation. HB 421, relating to contractors, drew opposition from the Contractors License Board and DCCA/RICO, who said the measure would weaken owner-builder restrictions meant to prevent circumvention of contractor licensing laws; Hawaii Roter and the Grassroot Institute supported it. Members questioned whether the bill would still bar resale within a year and whether subcontractors would still need licenses. HB 367, relating to building permits, received support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Grassroot Institute, with comments from DLNR; testimony urged the bill to be expanded to include zoning permits as well as building permits to avoid confusion, especially on Kauaʻi. HB 826, relating to housing, received mixed testimony. HHFDC and several local and advocacy groups supported it, while the Sierra Club raised concerns about converting agricultural lands to residential use, possible impacts on food security, property values, taxes, and the need to account for public trust and traditional practices. HB 525 also drew support from HHFDC and three individuals, with no opposition noted. HB 252, relating to managing agents, was supported by the Hawaiʻi Council of Community Associations and opposed by the Community Associations Institute and several individuals, who argued that commercial management experience is not the same as condominium management and preferred language tied to industry certifications and a later effective date. HB 709, relating to trespassing, was opposed by the Honolulu Police Department, which said officers would have difficulty verifying ownership or tenancy in the field, that the bill could require a separate enforcement team, and that the sheriff’s division is better suited to handle evictions. Hawaiʻi Realtors and the Grassroot Institute supported the measure. Finally, HB 431 HD1, relating to housing, received broad support from the Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities, HHFDC, DHS, the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, OHA, county housing offices, and multiple nonprofit and political groups. Supporters emphasized the bill’s funding for housing and supportive services, with the homelessness office describing the measure as unprecedented and saying it could help the state cut homelessness in half over the next few years.

Transcript Highlights:

• , find the most efficient way both to minimize the cost and distribute the producers.
• And that is the most efficient way to minimize the cost of this program.
• COMPANIES IN THE BUSINESS, AND, THAT IS THE MOST EFFICIENT WAY TO MINIMIZE THE COST OF THIS PROGRAM,
• COST AS OPPOSED TO A UTILITY CAN PASS THAT COST ALONG.
• NOT WHAT IT WILL COST THEM. SO, YOU CAN'T EVEN DO A COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions, including students from Brooklyn and St. John’s University, followed by adoption of the resolution calendar with exceptions for two items. The chamber then took up a series of previously adopted resolutions recognizing Black Maternal Health Week, Workplace Violence Prevention Month, the one-year anniversary of the Jet Set nightclub tragedy in the Dominican Republic, New York Constitution Day, and the Month of the Military Child. Senators speaking on the maternal health resolution emphasized racial disparities in maternal mortality and the need for culturally competent care; the workplace violence resolution highlighted hospital safety programs; the Jet Set resolution was adopted in memory of the victims; and the Constitution Day speech reviewed New York’s delayed but eventual support for independence in 1776. The military child resolution stressed the sacrifices of military families and support for children of service members. All of these resolutions were adopted, and the resolutions were opened to co-sponsorship. The Senate then moved through the third reading calendar, passing several bills and laying others aside. Measures passed included bills on public health, environmental conservation, executive law, public authorities, and consumer protection. One notable debate involved a bill to require transparency from private arbitration organizations handling consumer cases; supporters argued it would provide basic public data and guard against conflicts of interest, while opponents said it would burden a useful dispute-resolution process and intrude on privacy. The bill passed after debate. Another debated bill would phase out number 4 heating oil statewide; supporters said cleaner alternatives exist and the fuel is harmful to public health, while opponents raised cost and transition concerns, especially for colder regions. That bill also passed. The chamber also considered a bill to create a rebate program for battery-powered landscaping equipment, funded through utility-related mechanisms administered by NYSERDA. Supporters said it would reduce air and noise pollution and help companies transition, while opponents argued ratepayers should not subsidize landscaping equipment. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar. Finally, the Senate began discussion of a housing-related bill aimed at preserving manufactured home parks by enabling nonprofits or municipalities to acquire development rights and keep the land dedicated to that use, with the sponsor explaining that the goal is to protect affordable housing and help residents remain in their homes.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a negligible cost. compared to the costs of ignoring the problem.
• Are spent efficiently.
• It's an efficient process.
• The number one thing that we can do to drive down the cost of direct air...
• Energy to these projects to drive down the cost on the capture side.