Transcript Highlights:

• It authorizes the Secretary of Budget and Management to set the pay scale for a CFO and a CIO in order
• <01:15:21.520><c> a</c> Management to set the pay scale for a Management to set the pay scale for a CFO
• and a CIO in order to assist with CFO and a CIO in order to assist with recruitment<01:15:25.760><c>
• </c> some changes to qualifications for CFO some changes to qualifications for CFO positions,<01:15:35.480
• It authorizes the Secretary of Budget and Management to set the pay scale for a CFO and a CIO in order

Transcript Highlights:

• five years, or an attestation stating that the school district has not employed a superintendent or CFO
• including the base salary, amount of performance pay, and other benefits received by each superintendent or CFO
• base salary, a list of all employee benefits, and the car allowance received by each superintendent or CFO

Committee: Senate Senate Education Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several education-related bills. HB 2395 would create a voluntary Arizona School Fitness Program in ADE to recognize schools that participate in nationally recognized fitness testing, allow schools to note the designation on report cards, and direct ADE to issue guidelines and best practices. Supporters argued it would encourage student activity and improve health and achievement without penalties; it passed with a due pass recommendation on a 6-0 vote, with two members not voting. HB 2409, the Getting Arizona Ready for AI Act, would create an Arizona Artificial Intelligence Program in ADE to offer voluntary summer AI courses around the state, including digital hygiene/civic integrity and small-business/entrepreneurship components, with optional facility use and possible academic credit. The sponsor said the bill was meant to prepare students for AI-driven job disruption while keeping the program voluntary and low-cost. It passed 4-2 with one not voting. HB 2203 would require ADE to review school and agency reporting requirements, identify duplicative or obsolete reports, and recommend consolidation or repeal; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill passed unanimously by those voting. HB 2008 would bar school libraries from using public funds to pay professional associations for libraries and librarians; opponents called it unnecessary and constitutionally problematic, while supporters framed it as limiting public spending. It passed 4-2 with one not voting. The committee also heard HB 2075, which would require school districts to submit superintendent and CFO contracts to ADE, post them online, and maintain a searchable database and annual compensation report. Supporters said it would improve transparency and prevent excessive or hidden compensation, while opponents argued it unfairly targeted district schools and should, if anything, apply to all publicly funded schools. After extended debate over transparency and comparisons to charter schools and ESAs, the bill received a due pass recommendation on a 4-2 vote with one not voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a new contract director, and the CFO feels like she's done about everything she can do to try
• discovered this um we have retrained all of the contract staff we have a new contract director and cfo
• Stevie Smith, CFO, Veterans Affairs. Representative Bentley: I'm just curious.

Committee: All ALC-REVIEW

Summary: The subcommittee first considered a used tire program contract for Arkansas District 4, an $88,000 one-year contract with LTR Intermediate Holdings. Senators raised concerns that the tire district’s revised business plan had not yet been approved and that the contract could leave the district unable to pay. Questions also focused on solicitation language that excluded bidders under corrective action plans. On motion, the committee held the contract until next month and encouraged the tire board to appear. Members then reviewed and, without objection, moved forward a series of methods of finance, alternative delivery projects, and discretionary grants. These included multiple university and college projects such as renovations, roof replacements, a new UCA multipurpose arena, and a revised financing package for UA Fayetteville’s Maple Hill residence hall. The committee also reviewed DHS and Department of Health grants for aging services, substance abuse prevention, mental health, nutrition outreach, hearing-loss follow-up, HIV services, maternal health, and rural hospital quality improvement. The committee next handled contract items, including a UAMS ratification for FMLA Source after an amendment was not submitted for review and payments continued past expiration; UAMS said it had retrained staff and would review for other missed contracts. Members also reviewed numerous construction, intergovernmental, out-of-state, and in-state contracts across state agencies and universities. Questions were raised about an out-of-state aeronautics study, a U of A Fayetteville parking guidance system, and a Veterans Affairs nursing contract. Most items were reviewed without objection, and the meeting adjourned after informational reports on contract amendments and minor contracts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Dean's predecessor, and Dean, are on the phone with hospital CEOs and CFOs talking to them about options
• And Dean's predecessor, and he, I mean, Dean is on the phone with hospital CEOs and CFOs talking to them
• So Watsonville is a perfect example of a CFO that, you know, that has Dean on speed dial.
• So Watsonville is a perfect example of a CFO that, you know, that has Dean on Speed Dial.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health heard updates on five health-related budget items. First, members reviewed state support for distressed hospitals and health facilities. The California Health Facilities Financing Authority and HCAI described the Distressed Hospital Loan Program as a lifeline for 16 hospitals, many of which remain financially strained and are expected to seek loan forgiveness rather than repayment. Speakers cited reduced contract labor, new service lines, strategic partnerships, and the reopening of Madera Hospital as signs of progress, but also warned that federal policy changes under H.R. 1 will likely increase uncompensated care and pressure emergency departments. Public commenters from hospital, dental, and consumer groups supported additional funding, including a request to refresh the program with another $300 million. The committee then heard HCAI’s update on the California Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year federal initiative funded at $233.6 million for California. HCAI said the program will focus on rural care models, workforce development, and health technology, with grants to be rolled out on a fast timeline and all funds obligated by October 30, 2026. Members raised concerns about rural provider capacity to apply for grants, and HCAI said it will use a third-party administrator, a technical assistance center, webinars, and other supports to help applicants. HCAI also presented its budget request for the health care payments database, seeking ongoing non-General Fund support to continue operations and expand data, including pharmacy benefit manager data. The Emergency Medical Services Authority presented three budget change proposals: funding to replace disaster medical services fleet vehicles, funding for IT security work, and additional positions for HR, enforcement, and legal workload. A member also raised concern that EMSA has not yet completed the annual ambulance rate reporting required by AB 716, and EMSA said it remains committed to the requirement but lost prior funding through later budget reductions. Covered California reported that it is still finalizing its own budget, but expects a lower operating budget due to efforts to reduce baseline costs and align spending with actual expenditures; it also projected enrollment declines tied to the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, H.R. 1, and federal rule changes, while noting that revenues may still rise because premiums are expected to increase. Finally, the Department of Managed Health Care outlined budget proposals tied to menopause coverage and education, PBM licensure and enforcement under AB 116 and SB 41, credentialing reforms under AB 1041, and prior authorization reporting under SB 306. Public testimony generally supported the menopause and PBM proposals, while also urging clearer language and attention to Medi-Cal parity. The hearing concluded after public comment, including additional advocacy for sickle cell services and rural health workforce funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, as we became the CFO, there was a constitutional amendment.
• And then as we became the CFO, there was a constitutional amendment, we became the chief financial officer
• So the CFO at that time pushed to get some legislation. It was called the...
• The CFO at that time pushed to get some legislation.

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:

• We struggle with sustainability, key personnel CFOs.
• So in HR personnel induction might include the HR director or the CFO.
• Talk about CFOs. My U.S. directors been without CFO for 15 months now.

Transcript Highlights:

• I serve as the House controller, CFO. Mr. Chair and members, my name is Kelly Knight.
• squir I serve as the house name is Pete squir I serve as the house controller controller controller CFO
• 00:50.840><c> members</c><00:00:51.239><c> my</c><00:00:51.360><c> name</c><00:00:51.480><c> is</c> CFO
• Mr chair and members my name is CFO Mr chair and members my name is Kelly<00:00:51.960><c> Knight</c

Committee: House Rules and Legislative Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• for MnDOT capital budget items, and I'm joined by my colleague Josh Canatarude Hoovener, who is our CFO
• and he is here to help who is our CFO and he is here to help with<00:46:57.839><c> any</c><00:46:58.160
• Again, for the record, Josh Canard Hubinger, MnDOT CFO, if you're talking about the local bridge program
• Again, for the record, Josh Canard Hubinger, MnDOT CFO, if you're talking about the local bridge program
• :03:52.240><c> Mindat</c> record, Josh Canard Hubinger, Mindat record, Josh Canard Hubinger, Mindat CFO

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• I am going to refer to my CFO, who also...
• I have with me today my new CFO. She was here with me in the fall, Sarah Wittsell.
• I have with me today my new CFO. She was here with me in the fall, Sarah Wittsell.
• This is my 26th year as DA, and I'd like to introduce my CFO, J.B.
• I have my incoming CFO, Erica Parin, I'm going to miss very much, but luckily I have my incoming CFO

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Summary: The committee first heard an Aging and Long-Term Services Department budget presentation comparing the LFC and executive recommendations. The main differences were in the Aging Network, Adult Protective Services, Program Support, and Long-Term Care Division, especially the executive’s proposed $10 million infusion into the Kiki Savadra Senior Dignity Fund and $6.2 million for expanding New Mexico Care. LFC staff explained that the committee recommendation was lower in general fund and fund-balance use, while the executive emphasized rising senior population needs, meal and transportation costs, and the cost savings of keeping older adults at home. The secretary also reviewed the department’s special requests, including the conference on aging, outreach, emergency preparedness, and the Kiki fund, and described New Mexico Care’s growth, its evaluation results, and the department’s plan to separate Kiki into its own accounting fund. Members largely focused on senior services, rural meal delivery, transportation, caregiver support, and the Kiki fund. Several members urged stronger support for non-metro aging providers and for New Mexico Care, citing its role in keeping seniors out of nursing homes and the program’s reported savings and outcomes. Questions also covered eligibility, background checks for caregivers, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer’s screening, and whether Kiki funds can support home modifications such as ramps. The committee then voted to adopt the LFC recommendation with one executive language change: adding the executive’s page 14 language allowing an additional 12.5% distribution for initial payments to aging network providers at the start of FY27. Representative Dow opposed the motion. The committee then moved to the Attorney General’s budget. LFC staff explained that the office’s budget relies heavily on the Consumer Settlement Fund, with both recommendations reducing general fund revenue while increasing settlement-fund use, and that performance measures were in consensus. The Attorney General said the office was not seeking more general fund, but wanted greater ability to use funds it recovers. He highlighted major consumer and public safety work, including litigation against major social media and AI platforms, a case involving Snapchat and child exploitation/extortion, the statewide crime gun intelligence center, efforts to address oilfield theft, work on missing and murdered Indigenous persons, and efforts to protect federal funds coming into New Mexico.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:23.919><c> Mary</c><00:32:24.159><c> Robinson</c> of of running um our CFO Mary Robinson of
• Commissioner Strowman responded that the CFO would provide the full chart to the committee so members
• I think that um our CFO is Gilman.
• I think that um our CFO is looking<00:41:36.720><c> for</c><00:41:37.040><c> the</c><00:41:37.359><c>
• Chair Heintzeman said he would have the CFO respond to the question, both in terms of timing and what

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides the CFO of the state the ability to waive the 3% state central services and constitutional
• I think, and again, just to clarify for you and all the members, it is language that allows the CFO to

Committee: All JBC-SPECIAL LANGUAGE

Summary: The special language subcommittee met for its first meeting of the session and reviewed several governor’s letters containing special language for appropriations bills. Members were reminded that the subcommittee only handles special language, while personnel and appropriation items go to other budget committees. Most items were explained by DFA Secretary Jim Hudson and agency representatives, with no major opposition raised. The committee adopted amendments for the Department of Finance and Administration to require administrative costs for pregnancy help organization grants to stay under 25%; for the Department of Correction to remove conflicting language about county jail reimbursement funds and make a technical fund-name correction; and for the Department of Education to designate the Department of Agriculture as the child nutrition agency and to implement Act 909 of 2025 changes related to EBD employer contributions and phasing out teacher equalization funds. It also adopted language allowing the CFO to waive the 3% state central services fee for agricultural promotion boards, allowing Department of Public Safety revenues from Camp Robinson facilities to be used for maintenance, and authorizing shared administrative services billing under the Arkansas Ford Initiative while removing duplicative reporting language. Additional adopted amendments designated Arkansas Rehab Services as the state unit for the vocational rehabilitation grant and capped the reimbursement rate for the used tire program at $2.31 effective July 1, 2026, to stabilize funding. One item was skipped because a later governor’s letter superseded it. All amendments considered were adopted, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides the CFO of the state the ability to waive the 3% state central services and constitutional
• I think, and again, just to clarify for you and all the members, it is language that allows the CFO to

Committee: All JBC-SPECIAL LANGUAGE

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, it acts as a continuity of operations location for both the CFO and the Division of State
• I'd like to thank CFO Jimmy Patronis. He's been such a leader in all of this.
• Chase, if you would give the CFO our thanks for allowing all of these directors to come and give us a
• of Businesses and section so you may you may leave us if you need to thank you and I'd like to thank CFO
• Patronus he's been such a leader in all of this I want to thank him very much chase if you would give the CFO

Summary: The subcommittee heard presentations from the Department of Financial Services and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, then returned to its ongoing budget workshop with the Department of Management Services. DFS’s Division of Risk Management described its role as the state self-insurance fund, covering about 200,000 employees and 27,000 vehicles, paying roughly $150 million in claims last year, and managing a pilot ETS treatment program for veterans and first responders that had 49 patients and 804 treatments as of the latest report. The Division of State Fire Marshal outlined its fire prevention, training, emergency response, and grant programs, including hurricane deployments, the Florida State Fire College, and several capital and grant requests for roof, courtyard, memorial, and equipment needs. The Division of Rehabilitation and Liquidation explained how it handles insolvent insurers under Chapter 631, currently administering 14 estates with $1.2 billion in assets and $3.7 billion in liabilities, and said no new receiverships had been opened since February 2023. Members asked about grant backlogs, fire truck procurement delays, memorial repairs, and whether affiliate transfers were occurring in insurer liquidations. Secretary Griffin then updated the committee on DBPR’s implementation of House Bill 1021 on community associations. He said the department had used the new authority to expand education, complaint handling, and ombudsman services, including 10 free standardized courses, a new condo website, and a four-hour board certification course that had already drawn more than 12,000 attendees. He reported that outreach to condominium communities had increased by more than 60%, that complaint filings were up 39% while jurisdictional dismissals dropped to 11%, and that about 81% to 82% of the 65 new positions had been filled. Members pressed him on whether the department had enough authority and funding, how condominium counts are determined, how self-reported structural integrity reserve study data is verified, and whether more public-facing complaint tracking and better reporting from local governments or developers would improve the system. The committee then resumed questioning Secretary Allende of DMS about outstanding budget and operations issues. Members focused on the delayed People First contract extension required by statute, with the secretary saying the delay involved technical and contractual complexity in moving a legacy hard-coded system to the cloud. They also revisited the state data team and data catalog project, asking why a statutory 2022 deadline had not been met, how the four-person team and broader data staff were organized, how many applicants were considered for key positions, and what each role was doing. The secretary said the catalog work was being simplified into six metadata fields and supported by a broader community of practice, but no firm completion date was given during the exchange.

Transcript Highlights:

• The initial corpus came from the RSA funds or from PIP, I think, and this is where our CFO will clarify
• PIP, I think, and this is where our CFO could correct me, but I think it was some excess money at that
• I say the PIP staff, you know, the PIP director, assistant director, and our CFO, they are tirelessly

Bills: HB205 , HB226 , HB234

Committee: House Ways and Means Education

Keywords: sales tax, use tax, exemption, tax conformity, tangible personal property, Alabama Department of Revenue, retail tax, consumer use tax, nonresident, religious publications, church magazines, Bible class materials, Sunday school materials, tax administration, indirect tax, state revenue, HB226, homestead exemption, ad valorem tax, property tax

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides the CFO of the state the ability to waive the 3% state central services and constitutional
• I think, and again, just to clarify for you and all the members, it is language that allows the CFO to

Committee: All JBC-SPECIAL LANGUAGE

Summary: The Special Language subcommittee met with a quorum and reviewed several governor’s letters containing special language for appropriations bills. Members heard housekeeping about the subcommittee’s call-based schedule and its role in reviewing only special language, not appropriations or personnel items. The committee then considered amendments affecting the Department of Finance and Administration, Department of Correction, Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, Department of Public Safety, shared administrative services, Commerce/Workforce Services, and Environment and Quality. Key items included language directing DFA to limit administrative costs for pregnancy help organizations to 25% of awards; removing conflicting language so county jail reimbursement funds can only receive transfers in, not out; updating code to assign child nutrition responsibilities to the Department of Agriculture; implementing Act 909 of 2025 changes for school district EBD employer contributions and teacher equalization funds; and allowing the state CFO to waive a 3% central services fee for agricultural promotion boards to keep more funds in the industry. Members also discussed using Camp Robinson facility revenues for maintenance, allowing shared services billing under the Arkansas Forward Initiative, designating Arkansas Rehabilitation Services as the state unit for vocational rehab grants, and capping used tire program reimbursement rates at $2.31 starting July 1, 2026. There was brief discussion on the agriculture fee waiver, with questions about its purpose, duration, and possible precedent; agency officials said it was a discretionary, point-in-time waiver meant to help the farm sector during a crisis. Another question addressed reporting on crisis pregnancy center grants, with DFA noting no grant funds had yet been distributed this fiscal year. Each amendment was adopted by voice vote, item 9 was skipped because it was superseded by item 10, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• We now have A double booking of our CFO, both Ms.
• Right now I have the two CFOs aligning so that one can learn from the other.
• And be able to allow for those treasurer CFOs, etc., to come in because it's very hard for us to find
• who's behind me, Martina C de Blasco, who's my Director of Operations, and Cindy Montoya, who's Our CFO
• Andrew Minor with DFA and then CFO Cindy Montoya with the Governor's Office.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to start with our CFO and acting ASD, Danelle Lucero.
• Thank you, CFO Lucero. We have some questions.
• Secretary, Madam CFO, team, thank you all. Thank you very much. We appreciate you being here.
• With me today, we have our CFO, Philip Gonzalez, and our Benefits Manager, Kayleigh Jones.
• The one thing that we have been cautious about, and my CFO can probably speak to it a little bit more

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh CFO in Hoover for a number of years. Uh CFO in Hoover for a number of years.
• Uh CFO in Hoover for a number of years. CFO in hospital for a number of years.
• CFO in hospital for a number of years. CFO in hospital for a number of years. Okay. Thanks, Andy.

Bills: HB258 , HB324 , HB333 , SB270 , HB258 , HB324 , HB333 , SB270

Committee: Senate County and Municipal Government

Keywords: primary election, election calendar, off-presidential year, May primary, second Tuesday in May, fourth Tuesday in May, runoff primary, special primary, presidential primary, election administration, candidate filing, ballot access, political parties, county election officials, state election law, Alabama elections, sheriffs, term of office, Alabama law, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• have to submit evidence from the city or town local jurisdiction that has the zoning approvals or the CFO
• A lot of them don't need a new CFO, like it.
• The CFO will be the same as for a single-family residence, and so my clients are submitting either an
• Yet there have been instances where they are questioning the CFOs, they are questioning the zoning approvals

Committees: Senate Health and Human Services , Senate Senate Health and Human Services COR

Transcript Highlights:

• And our CFO is here as well.
• Very fair question. and then our CFO. with having another medical school? No, absolutely.
• And our CFO is here as well.
• I'm the Vice President for Finance and Administration and CFO at the University of North Texas.

Bills: HB42 , HB 125 , HB 1233 , HB2853 , HB3148 , HB3326 , HB3701 , HB4066 , HB4361 , HB4762 , HB4909 , HB4912 , HB42 , HB125

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, education funding, medical education, osteopathic medicine, healthcare workforce, Tarleton State University, industry-recognized credentials, workforce development, career opportunities, feasibility study, student fees, university funding, student union, education, UT El Paso

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education met to hear several bills and first corrected the minutes from its April 1, 2025 meeting to reflect that a committee substitute for HB 271 had been adopted before the bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard HB 3326, which would help Texas higher education employees, especially adjunct faculty, qualify for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness by counting classroom hours toward full-time status, requiring institutions to verify employment within 60 days, and requiring annual notice to eligible employees. No witnesses testified against the bill, and it was left pending. Members then heard HB 2853, authorizing UTEP to phase in a student union fee increase to fund demolition and reconstruction of its aging student union. Representative Perez and UTEP student and university witnesses said the current facility is outdated and insufficient for a campus of more than 25,000 students, while some members raised concerns about the size of the fee increase and its impact on low-income students. UTEP representatives said most students receive aid, the fee would be phased in over time, and the project was student-approved; the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4066, a one-line bill to abolish the Texas Research Incentive Program after the state cleared its backlog of matching obligations, with the author saying the program was no longer needed in light of newer research funding approaches. The bill was left pending. The committee spent substantial time on HB 125, which would create the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Supporters, including Tarleton leadership, the founding dean, a rural hospital CEO, and a feasibility consultant, argued the school would address severe rural physician shortages by recruiting Texas and rural students, training them in rural settings, and developing new residency slots rather than competing for existing ones. Members asked about affordability, residency placement, and whether the school would draw students from rural Texas; Tarleton said it would seek to keep tuition and debt low, had already raised private donations, and would request $25 million in state support over the biennium. The bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard HB 42, which would increase the annual Higher Education Fund appropriation and adjust its allocation methodology. The chair and university witnesses described rising deferred maintenance, inflation, cybersecurity needs, and enrollment growth at HEAF-eligible institutions, with witnesses from Texas Tech, Sam Houston State, and UNT saying the additional funding would help address aging facilities and technology needs. After testimony, the committee left HB 42 pending and recessed.