Transcript Highlights:

• modeling for some of these scenarios. modeling for some of these scenarios.
• Predictability matters.
• percentage of market value or POV model. percentage of market value or POV model.
• c> funding<00:59:52.160> for stable and predictable funding for stable and predictable funding
• Right now, Predictability matters.

Bills: HF3900

Keywords: permanent school fund, school endowment fund, Minnesota constitutional amendment, school aid, public school funding, State Board of Investment, investment income, distributable amount, school districts, property taxes, income taxes, voter approval, ballot question, constitutional amendment 2026, education finance, fund perpetuity, purchasing power, trust lands, swamp lands, internal improvement land fund

Transcript Highlights:

• Rates of return have to be based on financially sound, generally accepted models in use both within and
• The legislature has ensured that there's a stable, predictable regulatory environment to try to ensure
• In other words, you can't have somebody show up and say, “Well, I got a model here that I convinced the
• And that model is in use in other states, so we'd like you to use it.
• But rather that we look at what models are used within and without the industry that are financially

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and considered four bills, all of which were reported favorably. SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives was presented as a negotiated “glitch bill” to narrow statutory language so co-ops can choose generation and power purchases based on cost and reliability without exposure to lawsuits aimed at banning fuel sources; it was supported by the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association and passed without debate. SB 364 on public accountancy was described as a modernization and licensure-efficiency bill to increase the supply of CPAs; an amendment correcting a drafting error and restoring automatic mobility language was adopted without objection, and the bill as amended was reported favorably. A public comment on the bill was briefly redirected after it appeared to address a different subject. The committee then took up SB 200 on utilities, which addresses solar decommissioning and storm protection plans. Chair Bradley said the bill would authorize counties to require decommissioning plans for utility-scale solar facilities at the end of their useful life, direct DEP to develop best management practices, and require the Public Service Commission to consider whether storm protection plan costs are reasonable relative to expected customer benefits. County and consumer groups spoke in support, and the Small County Coalition said the bill was a needed step that did not restrict solar development; the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered SB 126 on the Florida Public Service Commission, which was presented as a reform and “glitch” bill and amended to add CPA and financial analyst expertise, require stronger PSC order explanations, tighten intervention requirements, cap returns on equity at the national average for comparable utilities, set periodic ROE review schedules, and require affordability to be considered in rate-related proceedings. The PSC staff deputy executive director answered extensive questions about storm hardening, cost recovery, risk, and affordability. Several members and public speakers supported the bill’s goals but raised concerns about the affordability standard, the ROE cap, and comparisons to other states; others said the bill would improve transparency and accountability. The amendment was adopted, and CS for SB 126 was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rates of return have to be based on financially sound, generally accepted models in use both within and
• The legislature has ensured that there's a stable, predictable regulatory environment to try to ensure
• In other words, you can't have somebody show up and say, well, I got a model here that I convinced the
• And that model is in use in other states, so we'd like you to use it.
• But rather that we look at what models are used within and without the industry that are financially

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up four bills. SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives was presented as a negotiated glitch bill to narrow statutory language so co-ops can choose generation and power purchases based on cost and reliability without exposure to special-interest litigation, while preserving consumer protections. A representative from the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 364 on public accountancy, which was described as a modernization and efficiency measure to expand CPA licensure pathways without lowering standards. An amendment correcting a drafting error and restoring automatic mobility language was adopted without objection. Jason Harrell of FICPA waived in support, while one speaker appeared to discuss a utility issue unrelated to the bill. CS for SB 364 was reported favorably. Chair Bradley’s SB 200 on utilities addressed utility-scale solar decommissioning and storm protection plans. The bill would authorize counties to adopt solar decommissioning ordinances, direct DEP to develop best practices, and require the PSC to consider whether storm protection plan benefits exceed costs. County and AARP representatives waived in support, and the Small County Coalition spoke favorably, saying the bill was a needed step that did not restrict solar development. SB 200 was considered favorably. The committee also heard SB 126 on the Florida Public Service Commission, a strike-all bill focused on PSC reform and utility affordability. The amendment would add CPA and financial analyst expertise, require stronger PSC order support, tighten intervention standards, set return-on-equity and review criteria, require consideration of executive compensation and affordability, and direct the PSC to weigh risk from storm and cost-recovery mechanisms. PSC staff answered extensive questions about utility hardening, storm recovery, and rate-setting. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability and affordability, while others urged stronger enforceable affordability standards and restoration of the return-on-equity cap. Despite concerns, the bill was reported favorably as CS for SB 126.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think we have a way to predict that.
• We don't predict a curve or a freeze, if you will. We continue to predict growth.
• I don't think we have a way to predict that.
• We don't predict a slowing down of both claims filed or settlement amounts.
• We don't predict a curve or a freeze, if you will. We continue to predict growth.

Summary: The committee held a work session on tort liability and parole, with the chair explaining that the topics were linked because criminal justice reform and state liability often intersect, especially in cases involving child welfare and corrections. Staff first outlined Washington’s tort liability framework, including the state’s broad waiver of sovereign immunity, statutes governing mandatory reporting and investigation of abuse, the childhood sexual abuse statute of limitations, and the lack of caps on non-economic damages. Staff and presenters also compared Washington to other states and noted that Washington remains among the broadest states for state liability and childhood sexual abuse claims. Presenters from the Attorney General’s office, Washington State Association for Justice, DCYF, DSHS, and DOC discussed how tort exposure has grown, especially in claims involving DCYF, historical child abuse, juvenile rehabilitation, vulnerable adults, employment discrimination, medical negligence, and negligent supervision. DCYF and AG staff said claims and payouts are rising, with many claims tied to older abuse and new theories of liability, while defense counsel emphasized the human harm behind the claims and argued that tort cases have historically driven accountability and reform. Agency witnesses said they face large volumes of old claims with limited records, rising verdicts and settlements, and staffing and systems challenges, and they highlighted efforts such as early resolution programs, electronic health records, medication-assisted treatment, and improved incident review processes. The committee then shifted to parole. Sentencing experts reviewed Washington’s move from indeterminate sentencing to the current determinate sentencing system under the Sentencing Reform Act, and explained how parole could be integrated with sentencing guidelines through different models used in other states. They also summarized Criminal Sentencing Task Force recommendations related to a determinate-plus approach for three-strikes and persistent offender laws and a second-chance review process, noting there was no consensus on those ideas. Judges from the Minority and Justice Commission and the Superior Court Judges Association said a parole system could support rehabilitation and reduce disparities if it includes data collection, fairness, transparency, due process, and meaningful judicial review; they also pointed to research suggesting parole and structured reentry can reduce recidivism and costs, while warning that access and outcomes can vary by geography and other factors.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I mean, I think it's fair to say, right, that the fiscal model is really unknown. Exactly.
• What would happen is we're looking at a prediction.
• Stability and help with the challenge of predicting school funding.
• We believe that this will help homeowners across the state have a more predictable experience.
• You know, comparable sales to be able to build our models and do our sales analysis on.

Bills: HB329, HB361, HB546, HB1547, HB1745, HB2786, HB3235, HB3370, HB3575, HJR83

Keywords: appraisal, property value, residential real estate, tax code, appraisal review board, property owners, property tax, homeowners, property owner rights, property appraisal, taxation, Texas Tax Code, real estate, ad valorem tax, homestead exemption, market value, condemnation, tax appraisal, open-space land, land use

Transcript Highlights:

• National forecasters predict states like Kentucky that may permanent tax cuts during this period will
• 23.880> up<00:05:24.639> national<00:05:25.000> forecasters<00:05:25.800> predict
• Dro up national forecasters predict Dro up national forecasters predict States<00:05:26.360>
• A recent state forecast predicted revenues will decline by $213 million this year, and the state will
• of of going to of this entire model of of going to where<00:14:12.240> we're<00:14:12.440>

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00 Roll Call 00:20 HB 1 Discussion 02:00 HB 1 Vote 13:10, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue met on January 8, 2025, with a full roll call and a welcome to new members. The committee took up its only agenda item, House Bill 1, sponsored by Chair Jason Petrie, which would implement a further 0.5% reduction in the individual income tax rate, effective January 1, 2026, with conforming date changes tied to the state’s existing tax-cut framework under House Bill 8 and the budget director’s certification of reserve and revenue conditions. Jason Bailey of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy testified against the bill, arguing that Kentucky’s recent permanent income tax cuts were enacted during an unusual period of temporary pandemic-era revenue surpluses and federal aid, and warning that another cut could worsen future budget pressures. He said the proposed reduction would cost about $718 million annually when fully phased in and would increase risk to state services, especially in poorer rural areas that rely heavily on state funding. In response to questions, the sponsor and other members described the bill as limited to the income tax rate and said any future reversal would require statutory change. Representative Gentry asked about the broader policy goal of moving toward a more consumption-based tax structure and whether the income tax cuts were intended to support growth and population retention. He said he had seen anecdotal signs of housing and population activity in Jefferson County and surrounding areas, though he acknowledged the difficulty of proving causation. He ultimately passed on the bill, saying he wanted more data and was concerned about benefits flowing more to higher-income taxpayers. The committee then voted 17-0 with 3 pass votes to report House Bill 1 favorably to the House floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• A fair and predictable rent matters.
• A predictable framework is far more effective than arbitrary or secretive rate structures.
• Among the possible options, TBBA supports transparency, efficiency, certainty, and predictability.
• And that cooperative business model still exists today. That's the way we operate.
• Uh, I, I, I hope you all understand how the cooperative business model works.

Transcript Highlights:

• A fair and predictable rent matters.
• TBBA supports transparency, efficiency, certainty, and predictability.
• Um, you're a regulatory lawyer; you value predictability.
• And that cooperative business model still exists today. That's the way we operate.
• I hope you all understand how the cooperative business model works.

Bills: HB3445, HB3448

Keywords: telecommunications, electric cooperative, rights-of-way, infrastructure, provider access, right-of-way, pole attachment, regulatory access, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Three, if we sunset the CSG program before we let the experiment on distributed solar models that began
• Three, if we sunset the CSG program before we let the experiment on distributed solar models that began
• There were a lot of eyes on House File 2310, where it truly embraced a good 2.0 model that refined the
• a good 2.0 model that refined the<00:41:41.760> program<00:41:42.119> it<00:41:42.280>
• after what we've done largely modeled after what we've done here<00:41:55.560> in<00:41:55.680

Bills: HF2103, HF2793

Keywords: energy, renewable energy, ammonia, hydrogen, certificate tracking, funding, environment, community solar, energy policy, sustainability, solar garden program, regulation sunset, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So this permit applicant to to model.
• or the authority uh for the PCA to model or the authority uh for the PCA to model.<00:07:28.000>
• <00:08:34.479> Section designing models, and more. Section designing models, and more.
• If the agency is modeling open house.
• able to expand its modeling able to expand its modeling administratively,<00:08:56.959> this<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and predictable for customer generators. and predictable for customer generators.
• Renewable Energy Council's um model Renewable Energy Council's um model interconnection<00:54:30.160
• <00:59:35.440> interconnection rule uh and IRX model interconnection rule uh and IRX model
• <01:00:04.160> interconnection from IRX model interconnection from IRX model interconnection
• Renewable Energy Council's 2023 model Renewable Energy Council's 2023 model interconnection.<01:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with housekeeping items, approved the minutes and consent agenda, and reminded the public that JLCAR’s role is limited to determining whether agency rules are within statutory authority, not to decide policy. Testimony was to be limited, and members noted that policy concerns should be addressed through the legislature rather than the committee process. The first major item was Public Utilities Commission rule 25-215 concerning natural gas suppliers. Staff said the proposal had been postponed because the PUC appeared to lack authority to impose fines and penalties in this rule set, especially suspending or revoking registrations, and recommended either a conditional approval removing those provisions or a preliminary objection for lack of statutory authority. PUC counsel responded that the cited authority had been incorrect, that the Department of Energy now has most registration rulemaking authority, but argued the commission still has jurisdiction over mediation and dispute resolution and may still have authority over fines because natural gas suppliers are not expressly excluded from public-utility status. Committee members discussed the split between PUC and DOE authority and the possibility that the transition in authority had not been fully cleaned up in statute. The committee then voted to grant a waiver of the time limit and postpone the item for another month so the agencies could work with counsel and clarify which parts of the rule could proceed. Members also urged that any needed legislative fix be brought forward quickly, noting that the Senate was not taking up non-germane amendments and suggesting the House as the likely venue for a cleanup bill. The committee next took up Department of Energy EN900 and EN1000 rules. Staff said the EN900 net-metering rules had been postponed previously and that the main remaining issue was a retroactive requirement in EN909.03(b), which the agency agreed to revise so the language would apply only on or after the 2026 effective date of the chapter. The agency described the EN900 rules as implementing net metering authority transferred from the PUC and expanding the chapter to cover municipal group net metering and low- and moderate-income community solar projects. The EN1000 interconnection rules were described as implementing 2024 legislation requiring uniform procedures for distributed energy resources. The department said both sets of rules were developed through extensive stakeholder input and asked for approval subject to the oral amendment already discussed."}】【。json

Transcript Highlights:

• lifestyle and and the conservation model lifestyle and and the conservation model in<00:07:23.120
• And I want to explain a piece of the model that's key. We're looking at this as an opt-in model.
• states that have uh enacted this model. states that have uh enacted this model.
• Uh Michigan is an as an optin model. Uh Michigan is an opt-in<00:31:45.039> model.
• this model? I I talked about it already. this model? I I talked about it already.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• models.
• And the models differ, right?
• So, but you got to figure Florida model, right? Florida model: you have standalone casinos.
• I mostly just had two comments around the IO model. Thank you for your work on the IO model.
• , the evaluation model.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we talk about role models, but I think we have an opportunity to have business role models and success
• And we talk about role models, but I think we have an opportunity to have business role models and success
• And we have a unique governance model, modeled after the agriculture...
• For the past 30 years, and we have a unique governance model, modeled after the agricultural commodity
• So all of that, there are so many variables that it's hard to predict, but I think it's safe to predict

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Asia, California, Trade and Investment held its first informational hearing to examine California’s economic ties with Asia, the effects of federal tariffs, and ways the state can strengthen trade, investment, tourism, and subnational diplomacy. Chair Jessica Caloza opened by emphasizing California’s role as the world’s fourth-largest economy and a major exporter to Asia, and several members and guests highlighted the importance of AAPI communities, sister-city relationships, and coordinated state outreach. Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis described California’s trade missions, APEC hosting, and ongoing climate and trade partnerships, while Japan’s deputy consul general underscored Japan’s role as a major investor and trading partner and encouraged continued engagement. The first panel, featuring leaders from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation/World Trade Center Los Angeles, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, and Visit California, focused on trade, tourism, and investment trends. Witnesses said tariffs and federal uncertainty are disrupting logistics, manufacturing, business travel, higher education, and tourism, with particular concern about port activity, international student declines, and reduced visitation from Asia. They urged California to remain “open for business,” invest in promotion and infrastructure, and use trade missions, MOUs, and sister-city ties to maintain relationships and attract investment. The second panel, with economist Kyle Handley and trade expert Glenn Fukushima, focused on the mechanics and consequences of tariffs. Both said tariffs function as taxes on importers and consumers, raise costs for businesses, and create uncertainty that delays investment, hiring, and supply-chain decisions. They warned that California is especially exposed because of its ports, cross-border trade, and reliance on global supply chains, and said new federal vessel fees and shifting trade routes could divert commerce away from California. They argued that the long-term damage includes lost growth and reduced U.S. credibility, and recommended that California “tariff-proof” its economy through faster ports, better infrastructure, export assistance, and reduced permitting barriers. In the final panel, representatives from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Asian Business Association California, and the Small Business Development Center emphasized future opportunities and the needs of small businesses. They said California should deepen ties with Asia through conventions, tourism, and sector-specific partnerships in life sciences, clean tech, semiconductors, hospitality, and small business trade. The witnesses stressed that small and minority-owned businesses need more access to trade missions, capital, technical assistance, and state support, and that California’s economic strength depends on coordinated efforts across regions and industries.

Transcript Highlights:

• languages uh recognizing images modeling languages uh recommender<00:28:57.799> system<00:28:
• , you need data, and this data have to be in ways that can be used to build machine learning models,
• You take a sentence, you delete a word, and say, can I predict it?
• You take a sentence, you delete a word, and say, can I predict it?
• which is why you're learning models which is why you're going<00:36:42.839> to<00:36:43.440><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's no predictive modeling or risk analytics that helps with the pricing.
• There's no predictive modeling or risk analytics that helps with the pricing.
• just not insurable there's no predictive just not insurable there's no predictive modeling<00:08
• to your question we don't have a model to your question we don't have a model for<00:44:00.440><
• <01:10:50.960> where know to go with the uh hpia model where know to go with the uh hpia model

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They were following the model that the regulator desires. That model included low reserves.
• We do operate in a different model.
• It would Trust's non-accessible model.
• preferred model. preferred model. >> Follow<01:43:14.719> up.
• certainly not one uh that our model certainly not one uh that our model could<01:56:27.040> operate

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the way it was, predictable and stable for 50 years.
• The bill makes reimbursement for homeschooling families more predictable.
• But everybody doesn't fit into that model.
• But everybody doesn't fit into that model.
• But everybody doesn't fit into that model.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, including recognition of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Founders’ Day and a visiting debate student. The chamber then received and adopted, by a 39-0 vote, a committee report confirming 52 gubernatorial executive appointments to various state, regional, and local boards and commissions. The first major bill was SB 250 on rural communities, described as a broad “Rural Renaissance” package. Sponsor Senator Simon outlined provisions creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance Grant Program for counties facing population loss, housing and transportation investments, additional funding for rural education, and rural health care support. Two amendments were adopted to remove overlapping grant language tied to new federal rural health funding and to update hospital funding estimates. Senators from both parties generally supported the bill, though some raised questions about eligibility for certain rural areas and how funds would be accessed. The bill passed 39-0. The Senate then took up CS/SB 318 on educational scholarship programs. Senator Gates said the bill responds to Auditor General findings by separating scholarship funding from public school funding, requiring student identification and enrollment verification, reducing administrative fees for scholarship funding organizations, requiring annual audits, and directing the Department of Education to develop a competitive selection and performance-based business plan for those organizations. Three amendments were adopted, including changes to the stabilization fund and documentation requirements. Senators from both parties debated transparency, accountability, and implementation concerns, with some also urging future attention to declining-enrollment school districts and the quality of scholarship providers. The bill passed 38-0. At the end of the session, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify SB 250 and CS/SB 318 to the House, welcomed Palm Beach County visitors in the gallery, and adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So... ...with these models.
• This model looks at historical expenditures.
• I'll go into those when we look at the different model, the different tiers within the model.
• a predictability standpoint.
• So the model would model out, you know, we know 17-year-old kids cost more than three-year-old kids..

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:

• We have constructed a model known and revered by the nation and the world.
• I think they certainly are the model for the rest of the state.
• I think they certainly are the model for the rest of the state.
• It is almost impossible to predict what the price of oil will be in the future.
• When will we get back to predictability?

Keywords: 1184, house, all