Video & Transcript Research : 'alternative certification'
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NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Sep 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to emphasize that these are not credentials that are just cute little certificates; these are
- I understand for the teachers that we have hired who have alternative licensure.
- It goes back to Gene's conversation on, you know, they're getting certifications to go out to work.
- Do you have CPR certification? Do you have a forklift license, which is easy to obtain?
- Because if not, we're just creating another junior college with certificates that don't ever achieve
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Assistant Commissioner, what are certificates of participation then?
- certificates of participation then? certificates of participation then?
- Certificates of participation question.
- For certificates of supporting the debt.
- <01:07:57.039>
of appropriation bonds, certificates of appropriation bonds, certificates of
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- There's alternative certification.
- Alternative certification, which used to be very large, is disappearing as people are pursuing uncertification
- So there are a few alternative certification programs that are basically all online, all go at your own
- Well, under state law, if you want to go the alternative certification route, you can say, "I'd like
- You can do that with certification, you can do it without certification. But those are important.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (04/02/2025)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- The current law throws up heavy barriers to exploring any alternatives.
- <00:20:55.520>
that <00:20:55.720>might explore Alternatives that might explore Alternatives - But you talked a lot about the certificate of need.
- <01:10:35.560>
in but there are cheaper alternatives in but there are cheaper alternatives - The second thing is there was some suggestion that this process is a certificate of need process.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
IC - Radioactive and Hazardous Materials Dec 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- They get that bond retired once we sign the certificate of completion of injection operations.
- Only then do we go through that certificate of closure process.
- The point I'm making is, could we not then, as an alternative approach, say, okay, if you want one of
- We actually have very limited alternative water discharge options.
- It's better than the alternative if they're not being used.
Summary:
The committee first heard a presentation from the Environment Department on PFAS contamination in private wells in La Cienega, Santa Fe County. Staff said the plume likely came from historic use of firefighting foam associated with airport and National Guard fire-training activities, with possible additional contribution from septic systems and consumer products. They described the contamination as affecting about 200 private wells, the short-term response of providing residential filters through a $2 million legislative appropriation, and ongoing work to define the plume’s full extent, identify responsible parties, and consider longer-term regional water solutions. Members asked about filter costs, replacement schedules, disposal of used cartridges, follow-up testing, health studies, and whether cleanup or containment had begun; the department said cleanup would follow once the plume is fully mapped and that DOH is soliciting interest in a blood study. The committee also discussed the need to track disposal of PFAS filters and the possibility of broader statewide capacity for similar work.
The committee then took up abandoned uranium mine cleanup. NMED and EMNRD staff reviewed the new uranium mine reclamation program created by HB 164, the state dashboard tracking sites, and the FY26 appropriation of $20 million for neglected contaminated sites, of which $12 million is being used for neglected uranium mines and the remainder for other contaminated sites. They said six contractors were hired, three priority sites in Grant County are moving forward quickly, and additional sites are being prepared for possible FY27 work. Members pressed for details on how funds are spent, why the revolving fund remains unfunded, how federal, state, tribal, and landowner requirements are coordinated, where contaminated material will be moved, and whether cleanup could also address homes built with contaminated materials. Staff said the work is governed by multiple regulatory layers, that the state is seeking an additional $25 million for FY27-FY28 plus a time extension, and that partnerships with tribes would require longer-term agreements.
The committee also discussed federal cleanup efforts and the new Good Samaritan law, with members urging stronger advocacy for New Mexico sites, including tribal lands, and asking whether the Attorney General should pursue legal action against federal parties responsible for legacy contamination. Staff explained that some sites are already covered by settlement funds tied to responsible parties, while neglected sites are those with no responsible party and no other cleanup program. The committee then heard from EMNRD on Class VI carbon sequestration primacy. Staff said New Mexico currently has no operating Class VI wells, about 27 Class II acid-gas injection wells are operating, and only a small number might be candidates for conversion. They explained that the state’s primacy application would require more public outreach than federal rules alone, and that cost estimates for post-injection site care are based on long planning horizons, with some costs borne by operators and some by the state after closure. No votes were taken on the substantive items discussed; the committee approved the prior meeting minutes and took a brief recess between presentations.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance May 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So they have to have kind of an alternative schedule.
- And in other cases, schools may find that alternative pathways, such as AP courses, are better aligned
- They were deemed ineligible, given the good standing certification that we require from the authorizer
- The authorizer provides us certification that the charter is in compliance.
- The authorizer provides us certification that the charter is in compliance with the terms of its charter
Summary:
The committee heard an update on the administration’s Career Education Master Plan and the new California Education Interagency Council. Administration and agency staff described efforts to better connect K-12, higher education, workforce, and data systems, including the California Cradle to Career Data System, e-Transcript California, and a proposed career passport. They emphasized regional coordination with workforce boards and community colleges, and said the new council’s immediate tasks are to hold its first meeting by the end of June, enter into a data-sharing MOU, and complete a strategic plan by the end of November. Members asked about the council’s authority, reporting requirements, and how it would relate to the broader Master Plan for Higher Education; staff said the council will make recommendations but does not have implementation authority.
The committee then took up the Governor’s proposed $100 million one-time expansion of dual enrollment grants and related changes to instructional minute requirements. Finance and the Department of Education said the proposal would support middle college, early college, and CCAP programs, add technical assistance, prioritize high-need LEAs, and reduce the minimum instructional day for certain dual enrollment students from 240 to 180 minutes to ease scheduling barriers. The Chancellor’s Office strongly supported the investment, citing access, acceleration, and equity benefits, while the LAO recommended rejecting the funding, arguing the state already provides ongoing support and that the proposal does not address major barriers. Members raised questions about adult learners, A-G alignment, reporting on outcomes and expenditures, rural access, transportation, staffing, and whether the funding would create lasting program capacity. The item was left open after discussion.
The committee also considered trailer bill language to align the definition of long-term English learners across data systems. Finance and CDE said the change would simplify identification by defining LTELs as students who have not attained English proficiency within seven years and RTELs as students not proficient within six years, matching the dashboard and research-based timelines. CDE said the current mismatch between dashboard and assessment definitions creates confusion and delays, while some members and advocates worried the change could reduce earlier intervention or should be handled through policy committees rather than the budget process. The committee voted to reject the proposal and refer it to policy, though the administration said it still supports the budget language.
Finally, the committee heard a proposal to extend the Supporting Inclusive Practices project by one year, through June 30, 2027. CDE said the project is promising but raised concerns about the contract structure and fiscal management, while Marysville Joint Unified School District testified that SIP had helped expand inclusive preschool and district-wide practices and reduce reliance on more restrictive placements. Members questioned why funds had not been fully encumbered and whether the remaining money should be redirected to areas with greater implementation need. The item was discussed but no final action was described in the excerpt.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- It sounds as though there still needs to be some additional alternatives for those buildings who have
- And even though they are opting out and pursuing alternative safety improvements, the fire department
- And even though they are opting out and pursuing alternative safety improvements, the fire department
- safety improvements the fire alternative safety improvements the fire department<01:30:51.000>
does - legislation was adopted that alternative legislation was adopted that alternative was<01:31:05.800
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Ways and Means and Commerce and Consumer Protection heard the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs present its biennium budget request for fiscal years 2025 to 2027. Director Nainoa Ando said the department’s requests were primarily special-fund ceiling increases to meet operational needs. Major items included an additional $12 million to complete the King Kamehameha V Post Office building roof project after hidden deterioration and water intrusion were discovered, plus funding related to fringe benefits and central services assessments. The department also outlined requests for a new medical compact implementation cost, an auditor position, an engineer position, and a captive insurance IT modernization project.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on the Office of Consumer Protection’s landlord-tenant call line and public service access. Senators raised concerns that callers often reach voicemail, are told to leave a message, and sometimes are referred to look up the law themselves. DCCA said the Oʻahu line is staffed by one full-time employee backed by two to three investigators, with one investigator each on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island, and that calls are tracked in a case management system. The department said it plans to add one more Oʻahu staff position through a transfer from another division and that a new call-center/web system with time tracking is expected to go live in the summer.
Members also discussed a possible bill related to Pearson VUE nursing certification testing, with one senator describing the burden on neighbor-island nursing graduates who must travel to Honolulu for a one-hour test. The senator said she intended to introduce legislation after receiving no response to repeated outreach. DCCA did not take action on that proposal during the hearing.
For the PUC-related requests, the department explained a one-time $1 million request for outside consulting tied to Maui wildfire-related filings, including wildfire safety mitigation and hazard mitigation plans, and a separate $900,000 request through the Consumer Advocacy Division to hire consultants for review and analysis. The committee also discussed a captive insurance IT modernization request, which DCCA said would replace manual and spreadsheet-based processes with a cloud-based system to better handle filings, payments, and workflow; no vote or final action was taken on the budget items during the hearing.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Executive Departments and Administration (02/11/2026)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- The alternative would run counter to the intention of the legislature when they created the department
- The alternative would run practice.
- lensure and certifications lensure and certifications implementation.<00:50:56.800>
I'll < - It's not a comfort dog certification.
- It's not a comfort dog certification.
NJ
Transcript Highlights:
- And if they can't carry their losses forward, they have no alternative but to leave the state of New
- Requires the MVC to accept emergency medical technician and paramedic certification cards as two points
- Senate Bill 2275, sponsored by Senator Ruiz, establishes certain testing, certification, and labeling
- Establishes certain testing, certification, and labeling requirements for manufacturers and sellers of
- A. 4525, by Assembly Member Stewart, extends the deadline for submission of temporary certification of
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Water Topics Overview Committee Jun 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The preferred alternative— The preferred alternative, we take a look at a number of different funding
- alternatives.
- The certification is actually...
- The certification is actually through FEMA for 100-year flood protection.
- Yes, we'll be applying for 100-year flood certification through FEMA.
Summary:
The Water Topics Overview Committee met to receive interim status updates on several water-related studies and Department of Water Resources projects. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and then heard updates on the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study. Staff reported that the committee had already received the testimony contemplated in the study plans, including input from state agencies, local governments, and out-of-state entities, and that any further action would be at the committee’s discretion.
The Department of Water Resources then provided project and budget updates on NAWS and the Southwest Pipeline Project. Reese reported NAWS is expected to serve about 81,000 users, with a total projected cost of about $571 million and about $96 million remaining, while the Southwest Pipeline Project is estimated at $1.06 billion total with about $409 million remaining. Members asked about funding sources, capacity needs, and whether current and future construction is being designed for increased demand; department staff said current work is designed for ultimate capacity, but some future components may need redesign based on new requests. The committee also discussed local cost shares, Minot’s role in NAWS funding, and whether the system is adequate for peak demand.
A major portion of the meeting focused on the department’s cash management, carryover, and long-term water funding outlook. The department said Resources Trust Fund revenues are tied to oil extraction taxes and are affected by stripper well exemptions and future oil price declines. Members expressed concern about large carryover balances and whether the state is obligating more money than can realistically be spent in a biennium. The department reported about $340.6 million in remaining carryover and said it is trying to reduce that through a two-tier pre-construction/construction process and closer project vetting.
The department also summarized the Deloitte studies on regional governance and finance and on cost-share policy. Stakeholders generally favored keeping the current governance structures for NAWS and Southwest with improvements, while Red River stakeholders leaned toward a different option; the department said it will bring an implementation plan back in September. On cost share, Deloitte’s recommendations would reduce some percentages, prioritize projects differently, and use other measures to close a projected long-term funding gap. Members debated affordability, local burden, deferred maintenance, and whether statutory changes may be needed to allow the commission more flexibility in prioritizing and funding projects. No formal votes or final actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the updates.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Sep 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And I guess I just want to encourage you to continue to see non-public schools as a legitimate alternative
- However, the state law now mandates that school food authorities participate in direct certification
- With the certification period taking place in the spring of 2026, it will give the department a true
- And so we are going to be looking at that when we do the certification process in the spring of this
- Based on the certification of the school food authorities' meal plans.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (02/12/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- And is there any alternative where patients who are not treated in these programs could go?
- alternative alternative uh<00:11:56.279>
where <00:11:57.120>where <00:11:57.639>where - We had the certificate of need, and then when the certificate of need went away, we replaced it in 2016
- of need and then when the certificate of need and then when the certificate<03:52:58.279>
of < - We're going to be looking for lower-cost alternatives, and House Bill 548 would help get us there.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- HB 2393, alternative product. And Appropriations, or excuse me, Red and Appropriations.
- HB 2393, alternative products, persons; Commerce.
- HB 2402, Ambulance Services Certificate; Commerce.
- HB 2869, a treason certification; Commerce.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and took attendance. Members then recognized several guest groups and individuals, including the West Valley Regional Chamber, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics Arizona, Vitalant for National Blood Donor Month, and veterans and military family representatives in advance of a Veterans Caucus meeting. A proclamation was read recognizing January as National Blood Donor Month in Arizona and honoring Vitalant’s role in supplying blood to Arizona patients.
The chamber also heard a declaration naming January 22, 2026, West Valley Regional Chamber Day, and members made personal remarks, including a memorial tribute to Jennifer Marie Walker Skaggs and announcements about committee meetings and caucus events. The House recorded attendance, entered committee reports, and processed a large number of bills through first and second reading, covering elections, education, veterans, health, housing, taxation, artificial intelligence, public safety, and other topics. Several bills were also withdrawn and reassigned to different committees, including referrals to Artificial Intelligence and Innovation, Government, and Public Safety and Law Enforcement.
No substantive floor debate or final votes on legislation occurred in the transcript beyond procedural motions. The House later recessed and reconvened, continued first-reading referrals for additional bills and resolutions, and then adjourned on a motion approved by voice vote until 1:15 p.m. Monday, January 26, 2026.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 9th, 2025
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- relates to choice of law and assignment of acquisition of claims and demands in connection with certificated
- This ongoing legal uncertainty has led market participants to consider alternative jurisdictions that
- better respect private contracts, and HBK were a Texas firm, we'd like Texas to be that alternative
- , you can get that, um, and that certification will help you get additional funds and if you need help
- Um, this does not require people to get the certification um and it's really optional.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Mar 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We have two alternatives based on different assumptions of the staffing ratios; one would reduce costs
- We had an informational hearing, Chairman Succi hosted last fall, where we talked about alternatives
- Alternatively, districts could be allowed to keep that money if, for example, they were to expand the
- And then there's a proposal for extending the National Board Certification Program.
- Linda Hammond's comments on the National Board Certification Program, which we strongly support.
Summary:
The committee heard presentations on the Governor’s education budget proposals for the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), Learning Recovery Block Grant, and Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), followed by testimony from State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond. On LCFF, Finance outlined the proposed 2.43% COLA, repayment of prior deferrals, and a trailer bill penalty for LEAs that fail to adopt Local Control Accountability Plans on time. The LAO said its COLA estimate was slightly lower and raised concerns that the Governor’s proposed TK staffing ratio increase may be more costly than estimated. Members also discussed whether the current COLA formula should better reflect California-specific or district staffing costs, and whether TK should be more clearly separated from the K-3 grade span adjustment to avoid larger K-3 class sizes. The chair asked staff to work with the LAO on both the TK/K-3 issue and alternative COLA calculations.
For the Learning Recovery Block Grant, Finance proposed restoring the first of three delayed payments, $378.6 million one-time Proposition 98 General Fund, while the LAO recommended adopting the proposal but extending the expenditure deadline by at least a year. The LAO reported that districts had spent $1.6 billion of the $6.8 billion received through 2023-24 and said most districts were only now shifting from federal COVID relief to block grant spending. Members questioned whether the large state and federal investments were improving outcomes, citing declining reading and math trends, while Finance and the State Board president pointed to some signs of improvement, especially in math, attendance, and gains for some student groups. Darling-Hammond emphasized that student needs have grown, that recovery spending has gone to devices, ventilation, staffing, tutoring, summer school, and community schools, and that targeted interventions appear to be helping some districts recover faster than others.
On ELOP, Finance proposed adding $435 million to expand universal access by lowering the Tier 1 threshold from 75% to 55% unduplicated pupils, bringing ongoing funding to $4.4 billion. The LAO said the estimate was reasonable but recommended delaying implementation for a year, aligning ELOP with ASES to reduce overlap, moving toward funding based on participation rather than enrollment, and considering a fixed Tier 2 rate. Members and witnesses discussed staffing challenges, the use of funds for students with disabilities, and uncertainty in Tier 2 funding caused by unspent dollars and opt-outs. Darling-Hammond supported ELOP as part of California’s broader after-school and summer learning strategy, said most districts are now offering full-day TK and expanded learning, and urged the state to reduce fragmentation across categorical programs and build more unified systems for funding, reporting, and support.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It also creates a framework for the JPOs and JDOs to be subject to the training, certification, and professional
- It updates terminology in Chapter 984 and clarifies that alternative sanctions apply to all eligible
- It also creates a framework for the JPO's and JDOs to be subject to the training, certification, and
- It updates terminology in Chapter 984 and clarifies that alternative sanctions apply to all eligible
- Throughout Florida, these specialty courts provide an alternative to incarceration for defendants by
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met and reported several bills favorably. SB 646, by President Gates, would allow the use of drug testing tools such as test strips and reagent kits to detect dangerous adulterants like fentanyl and xylazine; it was supported by Senator Osgood and others who said it could help prevent overdose deaths, and it passed unanimously. SB 418, by Senator Jones, creates autism-focused law enforcement training and a voluntary Blue Envelope Program for drivers with autism; it drew strong support from Disability Rights Florida, parents, advocates, and committee members, who emphasized safety, communication, and de-escalation, and it also passed unanimously after extensive testimony.\n\nThe committee then considered SB 132, by Senator Polsky, which would require the Florida Commission on Offender Review to maintain a public database to help people determine whether they have completed the requirements for restoration of voting rights. An amendment making the database subject to legislative appropriation was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1734, by Senator Martin, would recognize juvenile probation and detention officers as officers under state law, extend training and certification standards, and provide officer-level benefits and protections; it passed without opposition.\n\nFinally, the committee took up SB 820, by Senator Bradley, on problem-solving court reports. A strike-all amendment expanded annual reporting requirements for specialty courts, set a January 31 reporting deadline, and phased in the new data collection. After support from the State Courts Administrator and others, the amendment and the bill as amended were adopted and reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Certification system, which basically just means, again, going back to my original point, people are
- Identification Certificate. I wanted to address Vice Chair Busey's concern about college students.
- , and a birth certificate.
- certificate and birth certificate.
- So, um... or a voter registration certificate. So the rest is pretty minimal if you look at it.
Keywords:
election services, contracting, political subdivisions, county elections, election code, voter registration, citizenship status, election law, cancellation, disqualification, Texas Election Code, voter identification, registration, election integrity, identification documents, election, watcher, polling place, removal, Texas Elections Code
Summary:
The committee first voted out two previously heard Senate bills without amendment: SB 688, relating to the date of the meeting of presidential electors, and SB 914, relating to authorizing certain cities to change the date of their general election for officers. Both motions passed on 8-0 votes with one member absent.
The committee then heard HB 3909, which would change the current prohibition on wireless device use from a 100-foot boundary around a voting station to only inside the room where voting is taking place, with a committee substitute also adding state-prescribed signage. The author and supporters said the change would reduce confusion and make enforcement easier for election workers, while opponents argued the existing 100-foot rule helps prevent electioneering, recording, and possible technical interference with election equipment. The bill was left pending.
Members also heard HB 1968, which would repeal a provision that requires counties to provide election services to certain political subdivisions in odd-numbered years but not even-numbered years, making county-provided election services consistent across years. Supporters said it would improve consistency for smaller cities and school districts, while opponents warned it could strain county equipment and staffing during heavy election cycles. The bill was left pending. HB 2279 would require voter registrars to remove a person from the rolls if the person swears under oath during jury service that they are not a U.S. citizen; supporters said this would streamline removal of ineligible voters, while opponents raised concerns about mistaken identity and loss of due process. The bill was left pending.
Finally, the committee heard HB 2803, which would require a presiding judge to give a poll watcher a signed statement explaining any removal from service. Supporters said this would improve documentation and accountability, and one witness asked for clarification that improper removal would remain a criminal offense; the author said he would consider a floor amendment and further discussion. The committee also heard HB 4253, which would create a more uniform voter-roll maintenance process based on inactivity, sending confirmation notices to voters who have not voted in the prior 25 months and eventually removing those who do not respond after multiple election cycles. Supporters said it would clean up outdated records and help keep voters registered where they actually live, while opponents argued it could wrongly remove eligible voters who simply do not vote regularly. HB 4253 was left pending as well.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Feb 18th, 2025
Governmental Oversight and Accountability
Transcript Highlights:
- procured more than 733 active vendor contracts and adopted 277 agency active vendor agreements for alternate
- These enterprise-wide agreements include both state term contracts and alternate contract sources.
- These alternate contract sources are adopted from other state entities or governmental entities within
- If commodity or contractual services is available on that state term contract or that alternate contract
- We are developing and providing more and more trainings and professional certifications to equip state
Summary:
The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability met with a quorum present and first took up SB 268, a public records exemption bill for public officers. Senator Brodeur explained the bill on behalf of Senator Jones, saying it would protect partial home addresses, phone numbers, and certain family information for the governor, cabinet members, and other elected officials because of threats and harassment against public servants. An amendment narrowing and clarifying the definition of public officer and the process for claiming the exemption was adopted without objection. Chair Fine and Senator Brodeur both spoke in support of the bill, citing personal experiences with threats and the need to protect officials and their families. CS for SB 268 was then reported favorably by roll call vote.
The committee then heard a presentation from Brandon Spencer, Director of State Purchasing and Chief Procurement Officer at the Department of Management Services, on state agency procurement and contracting practices, including IT procurements. He described the state’s procurement structure, including state term contracts, alternate contract sources, and agency procurements, and said the division now manages more than 960 enterprise-wide agreements, with that number continuing to grow. He also highlighted that roughly 21% of purchase order spend is on IT services, discussed statutory requirements for IT procurements, and said the division is working with Florida Digital Service to improve oversight, training, vendor accountability, and procurement options. No committee action followed the presentation, and the meeting adjourned after no further business was raised.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Families and Children. (3-19-26)
Families & Children
Transcript Highlights:
- ways to increase enrollment through hands or put information about Imagination Library on birth certificate
- information about Imagination Library<00:02:46.240>
on <00:02:46.400>birth <00:02:46.840>certificate - <00:02:47.480>
forms Library on birth certificate forms Library on birth certificate forms - c> Bill<00:04:49.520>
122, Next on the agenda is Senate Bill 122, an act relating to alternative - other factors that they must consider in determining whether a person will receive probation, an alternative
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Apr 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- . $12 million for the graduation alternative to traditional education, the GATE program.
- The funding for the certification... Senator Trumbull? Senator Wright? Senator Rousson?
- We're modifying the CAPE digital tool certificates and CAPE industry certificate funding, including changes
- And Hillsborough was the entity that was able to do this and has agreed to do this as an alternate, as
- And Hillsborough was the entity that was able to do this and has agreed to do this as an alternate, as
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee met for Budget Day and heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2025-2026 budget, SPB 25-200, totaling $117.4 billion. Chair Hooper said the plan reduces overall spending from the prior year, keeps strong reserves, includes a 4% pay raise for state employees, maintains employee health care contributions, and makes major investments in water quality, transportation, and education infrastructure. Committee chairs then summarized their budget silos, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and agriculture/environment/general government. Members asked questions mainly about school funding, AP and dual enrollment support, voucher and scholarship impacts, and the My Safe Florida Home program.
The committee adopted a large consent package of amendments and then approved three late-file amendments: funding virtual college tours for high school students, funding the FSU Sunshine Genetics program, and providing money for the Port of Fernandina customs facility. The committee then voted to report SPB 2500, the General Appropriations Bill, as a committee bill. It also favorably reported SPB 2502 (implementing bill), SPB 2504 (state employees placeholder), SB 7022 (Florida Retirement System contribution rates and DROP changes), CS/SB 1320 (recreating the Resilient Florida Trust Fund), SPB 2506 (gaming compact revenue distributions, including water projects and rural lands), SPB 2508 (29 new judgeships), SB 7014 (ending the court mediation and arbitration trust fund), SPB 2510 (K-12 conforming bill), SPB 2512 (higher education conforming bill), and SPB 2514 (health and human services conforming bill).
The committee also took up several policy bills. It approved SB 7028 on cancer research, creating grant parameters, reporting requirements, a five-year pediatric cancer research incubator, and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute VisionGen Initiative. It approved CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing home quality, adding resident satisfaction surveys, medical director standards, safety culture reviews, electronic health record requirements, financial reporting penalties, and a study of best practices. It approved CS/CS/SB 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, which expands mental health diversion options, adds Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, expands grant uses, and creates a behavioral health data repository. It also approved SB 114 creating the Florida Center for Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management at FSU and moving the public hurricane loss model there. The committee then began considering SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response, including a late-file amendment, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.