Transcript Highlights:

• Some of the programs that could be impacted are the family health programs, 1.3 billion, infectious disease
• programs, 274 million, public health emergency preparedness, 162 million, and health community programs
• that could potentially be impacted, but under the Medi-Cal program. program.
• I've heard things like well, those are just going to be those programs that Whether it's a housing program
• , it is actually an earned program.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Your springs restoration programs, your alternative water supply grant program at $60 million, as well
• And then through the rebates and premium rebates that it gets, it earns another $225 million.
• Those must stay within the program according to the 340B program.
• My understanding is the ADAP program is a federally regulated program that we receive hundreds of millions
• It's earmarked for this program, only for this program, and for no other program.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee first took up SB 7010, which would authorize Roth contributions in state and local deferred compensation plans. Senator Mayfield explained that current law only allows pre-tax contributions, and the bill would let the Department of Financial Services and local governments offer post-tax Roth options. The bill had one support appearance card, no debate, and was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then received a lengthy presentation from the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget on the governor’s recommended “Floridians First” budget, totaling $117.4 billion and $53.2 billion in general revenue. The presentation highlighted reserves, debt paydown, tax relief, and proposed reductions and efficiencies, along with major spending areas in education, health care, public safety, corrections, transportation, and economic development. Key proposals included higher K-12 funding, teacher salary increases, funding for Everglades and water quality projects, emergency preparedness, corrections staffing and facility funding, cybersecurity, law enforcement recruitment bonuses, and affordable housing and infrastructure investments. Members asked extensive questions about property tax reserves, litigation funding, emergency response fund balances and spending, the Alligator Alcatraz detention facility and federal reimbursement, the Second Amendment sales tax holiday, animal abuse hotline funding, Hope Florida, corrections staffing, and teacher pay. A major portion of the discussion focused on the Department of Health’s planned changes to the ADAP HIV medication program, with senators and a public witness expressing concern about access to life-saving medications and possible misuse or redirection of funds. The committee did not take further action on the budget presentation, and the meeting ended after additional comments supporting the budget and the corrections funding, with SB 7010 already approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 11, an act relating to a residential safe room rebate program. Senator Meredith.
• <00:05:08.320> program.
• residential safe room rebate program. residential safe room rebate program.
• <00:05:22.720> Senator credit scholarship programs. Senator credit scholarship programs.
• Senate Bill 90, an act relating to the behavioral health conditional dismissal program.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened, opened with invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, called the roll, excused absent members, and approved the prior day’s journal. The clerk then reported second-reading bills, including measures on a residential safe room rebate program, planning commission membership, dual credit scholarship programs, missing persons, school transportation, and behavioral health conditional dismissal, which were referred to the Rules Committee. New bills and resolutions were also introduced, including Senate Bill 103 on prescription drugs and Senate Resolution 44 recognizing Kentucky Arts Day. The main floor debate centered on Senate Bill 7, which would allow county officials in counties without permanent regional licensing offices to handle driver’s license renewals and duplicates, including Real ID renewals, with a $25 fee on top of the existing license cost. Supporters argued the bill would reduce long drives, long lines, missed work and school, and restore local access and accountability; several members described it as a necessary but imperfect starting point and noted rural residents were especially burdened by the current system. Opponents or skeptics said the bill was only a band-aid, raised concerns about implementation and whether the executive branch should fix the issue administratively, and some noted they would prefer a stronger statewide solution. After extended debate and several questions about fees, online renewals, and the bill’s limited scope, the Senate voted on SB 7. The bill passed 34-1. Following passage, the Senate recessed briefly for Rules Committee and Committee on Committees meetings, then received committee reports referring additional bills and posting several measures for future consideration. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 43, honoring Graville Reed Jr., and announced it would not meet on Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with the next session scheduled for Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• , or a carbon pricing program.
• considering her cap and invest program considering her cap and invest program and<00:25:38.039><
• They could, you know, do a rebate program like they did in Canada.
• they could you know do a on new programs they could you know do a rebate<00:32:55.279> program
• program like they did in Canada rebate program like they did in Canada but<00:32:57.639> you<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That is a program where if you have diabetes, this is a program that can help you make.
• That is a program where if you have diabetes, this is a program that can help you manage those costs.
• We also have a program that is designed for high-risk individuals, which is a prevention program.
• in this program.
• Again, a unique program.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• MEDICAID WE HAVE A TEAM OF PHARMACISTS AND PHYSICIANS WHO SET THE PREFERRED DRUG LIST AND WE GET REBATES
• I WOULD LOVE TO BE ABLE TO ELIMINATE THAT FAIL FIRST PROTOCOL BUT THE COST IN LOSING SPECIFIC REBATES
• NORTON MENTIONED MICHIGAN WAS MEDICAID PROGRAM HAS OPEN ACCESS POLICIES FOR ANTIPSYCHOTICS FOR OVER A
• DECADE MEDICAID PROGRAMS THAT DO NOT, CALIFORNIA, ILLINOIS AND WISCONSIN.
• GREATER USE OF HEALTHCARE RESOURCES AND HIGHER ANNUAL COST WHEN COMPARED WITH MICHIGAN WAS MEDICAID PROGRAM

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and other financial aid programs.
• program and include at least three options for restructuring the program moving forward.
• programs?
• can be enrolled in the program.
• When it comes to the current programs being run out of USF, do those programs come to an end?

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former Senator Donnell C. Childers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Officer Antonio Richardson as law enforcement officer of the day. A quorum was announced, the journal was approved, and the Speaker said the chamber would take up 11 budget conference reports, with debate and final votes on each report. The first report considered was HB 7031E, the tax package, followed by HB 501E, the state budget appropriations bill. On HB 7031E, Chair Duggan explained that the conference report included a range of tax reductions and tax-related changes, including sales tax holidays, property tax and homestead-related provisions, reductions in certain taxes and fees, and new exemptions or administrative clarifications. He said the package also added items such as sales tax relief for certain university construction projects, a tennis admissions exemption, and changes to agricultural property tax treatment, and that the amendment reduced state and local tax revenues by $272.2 million. Members questioned the bill about the child care tax credit reduction from three years to one, the homestead exemption provision for certain diplomats and foreign service personnel, the absence of gas tax relief and combined reporting, and the inclusion of firearm accessories and tennis tickets in sales tax holidays. After structured debate, the House adopted the conference report and passed HB 7031E by a vote of 88-11. The House then began the conference report on HB 501E, the $114.5 billion budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, which was described as below the prior year’s spending level and leaving more than $14 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs outlined major allocations across education, higher education, IT, health care, transportation and economic development, justice, state administration, and agriculture/natural resources. Highlights included increased FEFP funding and veteran teacher raises, full funding for Bright Futures, major IT modernization projects, Medicaid and behavioral health funding, transportation and local infrastructure spending, correctional and law enforcement investments, fire station and emergency response funding, and large environmental and water-quality appropriations. Members asked detailed questions about school voucher fraud oversight, scholarship funding, teacher raises, preeminence funding, ADAP changes, SNAP data tools and error rates, Medicaid rate changes, prison wastewater monitoring, and other budget items, but the transcript ends during the budget questions before final action on HB 501E is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• and other financial aid programs.
• program and include at least three options for restructuring the program moving forward.
• programs?
• can be enrolled in the program.
• When it comes to the current programs being run out of USF, do those programs come to an end?

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our program would still be in violation of a Schedule III program.
• And so we would have a medical cannabis program that violates federal law and a hemp program that violates
• cannabis program, it would it<00:35:19.839> our<00:35:20.240> program<00:35:20.560>
• if we created our own hemp program if we created our own hemp program >> that<00:38:58.880
• we would have a medical cannabis program we would have a medical cannabis program that<00:39:13.920

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard SB 888, which would bar operators of smart household security devices from sharing user data with law enforcement unless the user consents or police obtain a warrant. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection offered comments and Judiciary submitted written support. Several individuals also submitted written support. The committee recommended passage with amendments clarifying that the Office of Consumer Protection may enforce violations and adopting Judiciary’s recommended changes, while also deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050. The motion passed unanimously among members present, with one senator excused. The committee then took up SB 2777 on insurance disclosures. The bill would require authorized insurers to disclose claim-handling data to consumers, including claims open at the start of a period, closed with payment, closed without payment, and open at the end of the period. The committee described amendments to clarify the bill, remove a requirement for the DCCA insurance division to handle publication, and defer the effective date to July 1, 2050. The measure was passed with amendments and the recommendation was adopted, with one member voting no and another excused. In a joint Commerce and Consumer Protection/Judiciary hearing on SP2738 relating to tax haven abuse, the Department of Taxation offered comments and the Tax Foundation testified in opposition, arguing the state should rely on IRS audits and existing worldwide reporting rules rather than create a separate state approach. Other written testimony was noted in both support and opposition. The committees recommended passage with amendments adopting Taxation’s technical changes and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050; the recommendation was adopted, with one senator noting reservations. The joint hearing then moved to health-related bills, including SB 2690 on primary care spending, SB 3103 on energy assistance, SB 3137 on Department of Health authority over food, drugs, and cosmetics, SB 3164 on child welfare service organizations, and SB 3206 on cannabinoids. SB 2690 drew strong support from physicians and advocates who said it would address primary care shortages, especially on neighbor islands, while HMSA and others warned a fixed spending percentage could raise costs and suggested a working group. SB 3164 drew support from child welfare providers and opposition from the Attorney General over indemnification language, and SB 3206 drew mixed testimony: state agencies raised federal-law and vagueness concerns, while hemp and cannabis advocates and some farmers supported the measure and urged broader legalization or amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we also need, and maybe the governor can do this, we need to also add the co-ops to this rebate.
• The co-ops should be added to this rebate as it comes back.
• through the process, someone will add the co-ops and the businesses or businesses create a job to this program

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and then took up a series of memorial and commending resolutions out of order and in block. Members offered tributes to Colonel James T. O’Kelly for his Marine Corps service and later public service; to Taran Mehta and DeWan Anthony Stiegel, Jr.; to Noreen Torin for her long career in Central Virginia journalism; to Bernard L. Henderson, Jr. for extensive public and civic service; and to Child’s Family Orchards for growing a record-setting peach. Several additional memorial and commending resolutions were adopted in block, including newly added resolutions for Stephanie Daniel Myers and Lynn Kathleen McKay, among others. The chamber then considered the conference report on House Bill 30, the biennial state budget. Speakers praised staff and conferees for their work and noted provisions such as pay raises for teachers and state employees, infrastructure funding, a higher standard deduction, and a utility-related rebate issue. Some members criticized the budget as a large spending increase and argued it did not provide enough tax relief, while others supported it and emphasized keeping commitments to data center tax policy and adding co-ops to rebate efforts. After debate, the House adopted the conference report by a vote of 71 yeas to 22 nays. At the close of business, the House was informed that the calendar was complete, reminded about a constituent relationship management software survey, and then recessed pursuant to House Resolution 2069.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 881 extends the sunset on two important programs: the donated fruit and vegetables tax credit and
• of California who have the great honor of... allows Californians to donate a portion of their tax rebate
• The tax credit that is made available through the existing program provides that opportunity.
• While the Department of Finance tracks the cost of those programs, tax credits created before 2014 do
• While the Department of Finance tracks the cost of those programs, tax credits created before 2014 do

Summary: The Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee met as a subcommittee, then later established a quorum and heard several tax-related bills. Chair Gibson reviewed committee procedures, including the suspense file for bills with revenue impacts over $150,000. SB 881 by Sen. McNerney would extend the farmer-to-food-bank tax credit through 2032 and the emergency food for families voluntary tax contribution through 2033; supporters from food banks, agricultural groups, local governments, and climate organizations said it would reduce food waste and help address food insecurity, with no opposition on the record. The bill was moved to suspense. SB 1406 by Sen. McNerney would target the so-called Montana tax loophole used to avoid California vehicle taxes and fees; supporters said it would recover up to $20 million annually and improve enforcement, while an opposition group warned the shell-company language could affect legitimate small businesses and passive owners. That bill was also sent to suspense. SB 1349 by Sen. Gonzalez would direct the Legislative Analyst’s Office to review major state tax expenditures and evaluate whether they are meeting their intended goals. Supporters, including the California Teachers Association, tax reform advocates, school employees, and local governments, argued that California’s roughly $94 billion in annual tax expenditures need more accountability, especially given the state’s budget pressures. The committee approved SB 1349 on a due-pass-as-amended motion to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The committee also approved two consent items, SB 1436 and SB 1437, on a due-pass motion. Later, SB 1249 by Sen. Richardson proposed a $3,000 tax deduction for seniors ages 86 to 90 through 2032, with supporters from LeadingAge California saying it would help older adults cope with rising costs; the bill was referred to suspense. SB 1151 by Sen. Cervantes would codify infant formula as a food product for sales tax exemption purposes; the author and supporters said it would protect families from uncertainty and preserve tax relief for an essential product. Members discussed the high cost of formula, and the bill passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations. The committee then completed its business and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• the 340B program.
• the 340B program.
• the 340B program.
• program we have enhanced program program we have enhanced program Integrity<01:49:02.520> in<
• program enrollees.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee met on January 28, 2025, to review Governor’s budget proposals for several health-related licensing boards. The chair said no formal action would be taken and noted that final budget language was not yet available. The committee began with an overview from Bridget Anderson of the health-related licensing boards, who explained that the boards are fee-funded, operate as independent executive agencies, and handle licensing, complaints, rulemaking, and disciplinary matters. She also noted that the Board of Dentistry’s budget includes the Administrative Services Unit and criminal background check program, which can make the budget graphs appear larger than the dentistry board’s own operations. The Board of Dentistry requested funding for a new administrative staff position, estimating about $100,000 in salary, insurance, and fringe costs, to replace support lost when an administrative position was reclassified. Anderson said the board handled more than 300 complaints last year, with cases becoming more complex, especially involving surgical and implant procedures and imaging. Members asked about dental Medicaid access, but Anderson said that issue would be better directed to DHS’s Medicaid oral health division. The Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy requested a full-time position due to rapid growth in the number of regulated professionals, from about 4,000 in 2014 to nearly 10,000 now, and also sought authority to set a fee for out-of-state applicants under the Counseling Compact, with a cap of up to $100 though the board expects to charge much less. The Board of Podiatric Medicine asked to raise its fee ceiling, saying fees had not been increased since 1999 and that the board now faces a structural deficit of about $40,000 per year and declining reserves. Several senators expressed concern about “not-to-exceed” fee authority, calling it too open-ended and suggesting the legislature should scrutinize specific fee needs rather than approve broad ceilings. Similar concerns were raised during the Board of Chiropractic Examiners presentation, where the board sought $100,000 in additional spending authority and a fee increase after 32 years without an adjustment; members questioned the proposed ceiling approach and asked for more historical information before deciding. The Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practice also discussed fee-setting authority, with the executive director explaining that the board had previously lowered fees without clear authority and later faced audit questions; she requested funding for a vacant administrative position, saying applications and revenues have increased sharply and no fee increase would be needed. The final presentation began with the Board of Pharmacy, which said it serves more than 26,000 licensees and oversees the Prescription Monitoring Program and opioid product registration. The board requested an extension of previously appropriated general fund dollars through fiscal year 2027 to continue paying legal costs tied to the insulin safety net lawsuit, emphasizing that this was not a new funding request but an extension of existing authority. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And there is a great program.
• type 2 or program type 3.
• program, among other programs.
• As you can see, the federal Medicaid drug rebate program enables states to save significant dollars on
• about a 61% discount due to the drug rebate program.

Summary: The committee first heard an update on North Dakota’s Interagency Council on Homelessness and Continuum of Care funding. Jennifer Henderson of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency reported that homelessness remains driven by tight housing markets, low incomes, rising rents, and barriers to rental assistance, public benefits, and disability determinations. She said the state’s one-time North Dakota Homeless Grant is serving all regions but reaches far fewer households than the former Rent Help program, and that aging homelessness, shelter staffing shortages, and limited affordable units are growing concerns. Members discussed the need for more housing supply, better coordination with Health and Human Services, landlord engagement, reentry housing, and possible continued one-time funding for the $10 million Homeless Grant and $25 million Housing Incentive Fund. Henderson also warned that federal Continuum of Care funding is uncertain, with HUD expected to issue a new notice June 1 and possible shifts away from permanent supportive housing toward transitional housing and other models. The committee then took testimony on accessibility of government services for people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing. Paul Olson of North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind described the school’s services for infants, children, and adults, including screenings, mobility training, assistive technology, and outreach across the state. He said the agency works closely with Vocational Rehabilitation and is also involved in improving website and document accessibility, especially for PDF materials. Public testimony highlighted barriers such as inaccessible CAPTCHA systems, online forms, driver’s license requirements on job applications, and limited transportation in rural areas. A deaf resident urged broader use of video remote interpreting and video relay services, along with training so people know how to use them effectively. Finally, Kay Larson presented the final report on the child care provider licensing study. The report recommended streamlining North Dakota’s child care licensing structure into three provider types plus a preschool designation, while preserving health and safety standards and maintaining eligibility for child care assistance. The committee discussed simplifying training and qualification rules, revising ratio and group-size requirements, and adjusting age bands for infants and toddlers. The report also noted that some changes would require statutory amendments and later administrative rule changes, with a transition period likely extending through 2029. No formal votes were taken in the transcript, but the committee accepted the updates and scheduled follow-up presentations for a later meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota has a very robust utility rebate program. It is what's driving efficiency.
• programs.
• Minnesota has a very robust utility rebate program. It is what's driving efficiency.
• programs.
• programs.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: Representative Mecklin moved House File 3545 to the general register and offered a DE amendment that removed the commissioner’s authority to choose a more efficient standard and removed the requirement that the 2038 residential energy code achieve a 70% reduction in annual net energy consumption compared with the 2006 energy use index. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was then discussed as amended. Mecklin said the bill was intended to address home affordability, arguing that energy code requirements add to housing costs and make it harder for younger Minnesotans to buy homes. Several testifiers opposed the bill, including representatives from the Center for Energy and the Environment, AIA Minnesota, Sierra Club, Fresh Energy, Housing First Minnesota, and ARXUS. They argued that energy codes are not a primary driver of housing costs, that stronger codes do not slow housing production, and that more efficient homes lower utility bills and improve comfort, safety, resilience, and climate outcomes. Testifiers cited studies and examples showing payback over time, including estimates that efficiency upgrades could pay for themselves in five to nine years and save homeowners tens of thousands of dollars over 30 years. The Department of Labor and Industry said it had concerns about the bill because it would move away from a more energy-efficient standard and could create unintended consequences in the code adoption process, though it said the current technical advisory group process already considers cost concerns. Members questioned the cost and savings estimates, especially the comparison between higher upfront mortgage costs and lower utility bills. Fresh Energy explained that its figures were based on Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Slipstream analyses using a typical Minnesota home and that the savings were modeled over time. Representative Johnson expressed skepticism about the assumptions behind the savings numbers and argued that utility costs are not the main barrier to homeownership. The chair said the committee intended to take a vote on the bill that day, but the transcript ends before any final vote or disposition is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 11, an act relating to a residential safe room rebate program. Senator Meredith.
• Senate Bill 11 establishes the residential safe room rebate fund, creates a pilot program to help homeowners
• Senate Bill 11 is not simply a rebate program. It is a targeted investment in community resilience.
• Senate Bill 11 is not simply a rebate Senate Bill 11 is not simply a rebate program.<01:43:02.720>
• It is a targeted investment in program.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so I'll use the IRA rebate programs as an example.
• Um, so I'll use the IRA<01:16:23.520> rebate<01:16:24.000> programs<01:16:24.640> as
• <01:16:25.760> You IRA rebate programs as an example.
• You IRA rebate programs as an example.
• The HOMES program, which is an energy efficiency rebate program, this one we've been in a conditional

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Save program.
• are running the program.
• But the PAs run the program.
• programs.
• power plant program.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on the value of Mass Save, with opening remarks emphasizing that despite past criticisms the program has delivered major energy, cost, climate, and equity benefits. The chair cited large avoided system costs, strong benefit-cost ratios, and recent legislative changes that set emissions goals, restricted fossil-fuel equipment incentives, and increased focus on low- and moderate-income households. Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahoney testified that Mass Save has weatherized hundreds of thousands of homes, reduced bills, avoided emissions, and that the current plan includes budget controls after the DPU ordered $500 million removed from the approved budget. She said the governor’s proposal to have only electric utilities administer the program was intended to reduce administrative costs and align with current implementation trends. Members questioned Mahoney about what counts as marketing and administration, and she said the category includes traditional advertising as well as community-based outreach, customer resource centers, and other customer engagement work, much of it in low- and moderate-income communities. She said administrative and marketing costs are under 5% of the budget, while more than 80% goes to incentives and direct program delivery. Several witnesses then focused on workforce and contractor impacts. Dave Betcher of Abode Energy Management and Rick Taglienti of Rogers Insulation said Mass Save sustains small businesses, creates careers, and supports thousands of jobs; both warned that budget cuts would reduce hiring, training, and work in homes and businesses. They also described a broad ecosystem of suppliers, trainers, and service providers that depends on stable program funding. Other witnesses addressed cost-effectiveness, affordability, and emissions. Anna Johnson of ACEEE said Massachusetts remains a national leader, with Mass Save returning about $2.80 per dollar invested, reducing peak demand, and lowering bills for participants, especially through weatherization and heat pumps. Kyle Murray of Acadia Center said the program is statutorily required to be cost-effective and has avoided billions in supply and infrastructure costs for all ratepayers, including nonparticipants, by lowering overall demand and peak prices. Amy Boyd-Rabin of the Environmental League of Massachusetts argued that efficiency is the cheapest way to meet climate targets and that cutting the budget would force more expensive power generation. The hearing also featured testimony on equity and housing: Mary Wampo described historic under-service to renter-heavy and lower-income communities and said recent reforms, including designated equity communities and performance incentives tied to equity, are helping correct that imbalance; Brian Biot and James Collins of LEAN/ABCD described low-income delivery systems and wraparound services; Barney Heath and John Nannari said Mass Save incentives are essential to affordable housing, passive house construction, and keeping projects on time and on budget. The final witnesses highlighted Connected Solutions and electrification: Sunrun’s Bronte Payne said the virtual power plant program saved more than it cost and helps avoid peaker plants and grid upgrades, and Highland Electric Fleets’ Ben Sondaga said electric school buses can provide similar grid benefits while lowering transportation costs for districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• How does that program work?
• Within the statewide Medicaid managed care program, we refer to it as the SMMC program.
• to do so in the new program.
• that program.
• , and our BH Impact program.

Summary: The Senate Health Policy Committee met to discuss maternal and infant health, beginning with a presentation from New Jersey’s Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority (MiHA). Pamela Taylor described New Jersey’s statewide effort to reduce maternal mortality and racial disparities through the Nurture New Jersey campaign, a strategic plan with more than 80 recommendations, universal home visiting, Medicaid-covered doula care, hospital report cards, limits on non-medically indicated early elective C-sections, and a new maternal and infant health innovation center. Senators asked about doula certification, funding, home visiting, and how New Jersey coordinates across agencies; Taylor said the authority uses quarterly stakeholder meetings, annual summits, and a tracker for recommendations, and that community input helped shape its programs. Florida Agency for Health Care Administration Deputy Secretary Brian Meyer then outlined Florida Medicaid’s maternal coverage and managed care structure. He reviewed eligibility and services for pregnant women, labor and delivery, postpartum coverage, newborn coverage, and family planning, noting 12 months of postpartum coverage, expanded benefits in managed care plans, and new contracts launching February 1 with more maternal-health-focused benefits, quality measures, and a new quality withhold incentive structure. Senators questioned doula certification and duplication with Healthy Start, provider access and network adequacy, kick payments, quality reporting, and whether Florida should consider broader eligibility standards; Meyer said many details are still plan-driven, that quality metrics are public, and that the agency is working on maternal-health work groups and incentives. Department of Health Division Director Shea Holloway followed with an overview of Florida’s maternal and child health programs and data. She cited Florida CHARTS data showing pregnancy-related deaths, severe maternal morbidity, and infant mortality trends, and described the Title V block grant, the Maternal Mortality Review Committee, the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative, the electronic prenatal risk screen, Healthy Babies, BH Impact for perinatal mental health, Healthy Start, WIC, family planning, telehealth maternity care, and the Pregnancy Care Network. Senators asked about delays in mortality review reporting, preterm birth, substance use disorder in pregnancy, WIC participation, cesarean rates, and the impact of the abortion ban; Holloway said the department is continuing to monitor outcomes, expand screening and telehealth, and use data and hospital partnerships to improve care. The committee then adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a tax incentive, not a government program.
• Um it's we believe government program.
• This program at 50% of their liability.
• >> I think it's a good program. Thank you. >> I think it's a good program.
• It’s going to have to go through the program.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 25 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer by Reverend Max Smith of Jesus Name Tabernacle in Florence, and then led the Pledge of Allegiance. The chamber quickly dispensed with the reading of the journal and committee reports, and then spent much of the morning recognizing guests, including multiple FFA groups, the Mississippi FFA state officer team, the Mississippi Food Bank Collaborative, optometrists visiting for Optometry Day, and representatives from engineering and fire service organizations. On the calendar, the Senate took up several finance-related bills. Senate Bill 2824, extending deadlines related to renewable energy fee-in-lieu agreements and construction start dates, was explained and adopted, then passed by use of the morning roll call with three no votes and one present. Senate Bill 2867, revising the income tax credit for employer-provided dependent child care or child care stipends, was explained as a targeted, capped credit for actual employer spending on licensed child care; it was adopted and passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 3109, clarifying that a nonprofit leasing and managing LaFleur’s Bluff State Park land is not subject to ad valorem taxes on state-owned park land, was adopted and passed by morning roll call with one no vote. The Senate also considered Senate Bill 2840, which would provide a 75% rebate or sales tax credit related to inventory taxes and eliminate local privilege taxes. After extended discussion, the committee substitute was adopted, a reverse repealer amendment was added, and the bill passed by morning roll call with one no vote. Senators discussed the burden of inventory taxes on retailers and the need for more data before fully implementing the proposal. Finally, Senate Bill 2868, creating a tax credit tied to employer contributions for individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements (ICHRAs), was introduced and explained as a way to encourage employer-supported health coverage for small and midsize businesses; the transcript cuts off during the explanation before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Your springs restoration programs, your alternative water supply grant program at $60 million, as well
• And then through the rebates and premium rebates that it gets, it earns another $225 million.
• Those must stay within the program according to the 340B program.
• My understanding is the ADAP program is a federally regulated program that we receive hundreds of millions
• It's earmarked for this program, only for this program, and for no other program.

Bills: S7010

Keywords: Roth contributions, deferred compensation, retirement savings, Florida Statutes, tax benefits

Summary: The Senate Committee on Appropriations met to take up SB 7010 by Senator Mayfield, which would authorize Roth post-tax contribution options in state and local deferred compensation plans. The bill was briefly explained, received one appearance in support, had no debate, and was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then heard a lengthy presentation from the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget on the governor’s recommended $117.4 billion “Floridians’ First Budget.” The presentation highlighted major spending areas including education, health care, public safety, transportation, environmental restoration, and economic development. Key proposals included increased FEFP funding for K-12 schools, teacher salary funding, higher education support, Everglades and water quality funding, emergency preparedness reserves, corrections staffing and pay increases, law enforcement recruitment bonuses, cybersecurity, and affordable housing and infrastructure investments. Members asked extensive questions about property tax reserve planning, litigation funding, emergency response fund balances and expenditures, the use of federal reimbursement for the Everglades detention facilities, the animal abuse hotline, Hope Florida, corrections staffing, and the proposed reduction in ADAP eligibility for HIV/AIDS medication assistance. A member of the public also testified at length about concerns that the ADAP changes would harm access to life-saving medications and alleged improper shifting of program funds. Committee members and the presenter acknowledged follow-up questions on several items, but no additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond the favorable report on SB 7010 and adjournment.