Transcript Highlights:

• there that are just very difficult to fill based on the qualifications that are required and then competing
• Military competency training for law enforcement and for the jails, how to deal with veterans.
• Military competency training helps them deal with veterans in a positive manner.
• They'd gone for evaluation and told there's nothing wrong with you, undiagnosed.
• And now you're going to put them in a solitary situation with no medical evaluation even?

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They have the latest is the sailing vessels that are competing in the America's Cup that are there.
• They have the latest is the sailing vessels that are competing in the America's Cup that are there.
• And it would be a third one competing in our region, not unlike what you're kind of seeing now across
• Yes, we are continuously re-evaluating the projects that have been planned.
• available and it's time for construction to ultimately move forward, we will take that project and evaluate

Summary: The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee heard an overview from FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue on the state’s transportation work program, with emphasis on the Moving Florida Forward initiative, major roadway projects, workforce needs, seaports, airports, spaceport infrastructure, and the role of MPOs/TPOs in planning. He said the $4 billion general revenue investment in Moving Florida Forward has been leveraged into a roughly $7 billion-plus program, with 20 projects underway and about 70% of the initiative expected to be under construction by year’s end. He highlighted I-4 as the centerpiece, describing a new procurement approach, phased delivery, and added lanes intended to provide congestion relief during construction. He also discussed a projected 38% growth in transportation workforce needs and proposed a Florida Transportation Academy and a research institute to support training and innovation. Tiffany King of the Florida Airports Council said Florida’s 128 public-use airports have about $5.7 billion in unfunded projects through 2029, and stressed that airport priorities include not only terminals and passenger capacity but also safety, security, gates, and environmental work. Michael Rubin of the Florida Ports Council said Florida’s 16 deepwater seaports now have a $195.9 billion economic impact, support about 1.2 million jobs, and generate $7.4 billion in state and local taxes; he noted that ports still have about $4 billion in project needs, including dredging and intermodal connections. Jeff Sheffield of the North Florida TPO described the value of regional, community-based planning and said his four-county TPO has helped align local priorities with FDOT funding. Members asked about whether the state is planning for advanced air mobility and “flying cars,” whether Moving Florida Forward bypassed MPOs, how long major projects take, cost escalation, regionalization of MPOs, port governance, airport governance, and the contractor qualification system. FDOT and the witnesses said the state is working on policy and planning for advanced air mobility, that Moving Florida Forward did not bypass MPOs because the projects were already locally prioritized, and that the main delay is funding rather than the planning process. They said long-range plans are updated regularly and can be amended when priorities change, and that regional MPO structures can improve coordination. The committee took no formal vote; the meeting concluded after questions and comments, including discussion of workforce training opportunities for incarcerated individuals and a motion to adjourn by the ranking member.

Transcript Highlights:

• But one of the questions that we keep running up against is how is it that we're going to compete, especially
• The only way to really compete is for us to be able to stand out in the crowd.
• I see that if we're to compete, if I understand correctly, we offer $25,000 a year.
• So I wanted to ask if we can compete in that area. Thank you very much.
• Are they going to live for restoration of competency?

Transcript Highlights:

• We have successfully transitioned from initial planning into active operational evaluation.
• There might be directives to do an evaluation of a particular program.
• There might be directives to do an evaluation of a particular program.
• I think I’m competing pretty well. I’m not, if you can answer this, Steph,...
• Well, I think I’m competing pretty well.

Summary: The committee first received a general fund and revenue update from the Office of Management and Budget. Staff reported that the state started the biennium about $176 million above prior estimates, but year-to-date revenues were now running below legislative forecast, mainly due to lower individual income tax and sales tax collections. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap, the legacy fund continued to grow, and oil revenues were slightly above forecast overall. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing variability, and OMB said agencies would be asked to address potential federal reductions case by case during budget preparation. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analysis materials, followed by a bill draft for a fixed-route city transportation grant program. Testimony from transit officials in Fargo and Minot supported the proposal, saying state aid would help match federal transit funds and support operations, but members raised questions about the funding source, fare structures, and whether the program should be limited to the current four fixed-route cities or allow future eligible cities. Several members asked for more time to study the formula and possible funding options before moving the bill forward. Next, the committee approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to a proposed North Dakota-South Dakota bi-state authority. Staff explained the provision had been unused for about 30 years and that existing law likely already allowed joint powers agreements without the specific language. The committee voted to adopt the repeal bill draft. The Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site then provided an update on uncrewed aircraft system initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and future revenue models. Officials said North Dakota had received FAA approval to operate the radar data pathfinder, had begun replacing non-compliant drones from restricted foreign sources, and was working on phased procurement and cost-recovery plans. Members asked about deadlines, funding, supply-chain issues, and how the system would be used; staff said the federal restrictions were already in effect and that Vantis was being positioned as infrastructure for future beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. Finally, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and on a reentry housing task force. The new facility is planned for the penitentiary grounds, with a reduced estimated cost of about $263 million, 600 beds initially, possible expansion to 732 beds, and completion projected around 2031 if funded in 2027. The reentry housing task force described a data-driven effort to identify housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with the goal of reducing homelessness and recidivism through targeted housing support and possible subsidies. Members asked about staffing, site selection, housing duration, and whether employment and transportation needs would be included in the assessment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, it's perception until we're able to evaluate more critically with data and with transparency
• We will work with them to evaluate what is working and what isn't, provide any advice we can, and connect
• a particular approach to delivering education in general, and you're constantly evaluating.
• policymaker—having been in this position and having worked in education for all these years—my evaluation
• And come up with their own evaluation strategy for how they're going to define success.

Transcript Highlights:

• ARE WE COMPETING WITH THEM. >> THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.
• Gerwig: DO YOU BELIEVE THIS WILL BRING LOWER COST TO HEALTHCARE BY COMPETING WITH THINGS THAT ALREADY
• I DON'T WANT TO COMPETE WITH THEM.
• IT'S TOUGH TO COMPETE WITH THAT. >> THANK YOU MR. CHAIR. >> THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRESENTATION.
• WE CAN ALWAYS COMPETE WITH OTHER HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS AND DOCTORS OFFICES. SO WE FOCUS ON THIS.

Transcript Highlights:

• I can't compete with state police. I can't compete with San Juan County.
• They have to compete with everybody as well.
• I can't compete with Las Cruces and Doñana and all these other areas.
• But we have to sell the lifestyle because it's tough for us to compete with the salaries.
• evaluation, a physical evaluation, and then you get to go to the academy and be treated in a rough way

Transcript Highlights:

• And then there are many steps that they have to go through, including a mental health evaluation, concurrence
• those facing the ultimate existential questions, I believe firmly that terminally ill, mentally competent
• Am I going to have a stroke where I will no longer be deemed competent for making my own decisions?
• something positive, saying, quote, 'I believe that there are people who are healthy and mentally competent
• I beg for a re-evaluation. Hospice and palliative care are not what they were designed to be.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health opened its first hearing of the session and heard testimony on bills in three areas: emergency medical services/AED access, athletic training and student safety, and end-of-life options. Committee chairs outlined testimony rules and noted that written testimony would also be accepted. Some bills had no live witnesses, while others drew extensive testimony from advocates, professionals, and legislators. On AED-related bills, the American Heart Association supported requiring automated external defibrillators at sporting events and athletic fields, citing sudden cardiac arrest survival rates and urging cardiac emergency response plans as an added safeguard. A parks and recreation professional supported AED access but raised concerns about the cost, staffing, maintenance, and feasibility for municipalities with limited resources. Athletic trainers supported expanding their scope of practice and removing workplace restrictions, arguing it would improve injury prevention, reduce costs, and help retain professionals in Massachusetts. The committee also took extensive testimony on end-of-life options legislation. Supporters included legislators, physicians, hospice volunteers, clergy, patients’ family members, and advocacy groups, who described the bills as allowing terminally ill, mentally capable adults to choose a peaceful death with strict safeguards and self-administration requirements. They emphasized personal stories of suffering, public support, and the claim that other states have not seen abuse. Opponents, including faith-based, disability-rights, and family policy representatives, argued the bills amount to physician-assisted suicide, could pressure vulnerable people, and may be influenced by prognosis errors, coercion, or financial incentives. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, they think that in general, more robust controls are required to evaluate the completeness
• The study must assess both current and future demand, evaluate Florida's ability to meet that demand,
• So we will be evaluating ongoing retention rates.
• So we will be evaluating ongoing retention rates.
• We're continuing to evaluate how expansive ultimately that will be.

Summary: The subcommittee heard two Department of Children and Families implementation updates on measures passed in prior sessions. First, DCF reviewed House Bill 633, which increased oversight of behavioral health managing entities through biennial independent audits, standardized claims-based reporting, and new monthly outcome dashboards. The department said it had awarded the inaugural audit to Ernst & Young, found no significant waste, fraud, or abuse, but identified process risks involving financial controls, claims validation, data access, and system access controls. DCF also described its transition to standardized behavioral health coding and said the new public dashboard of 11 measures is posted on its website, though members asked for easier access and for hard copies of the audit report. Members asked about how the department distinguishes Medicaid-covered services from department-funded services, how duplicate payment risks are being addressed, and whether the new reporting and audit requirements would improve oversight without disrupting services. DCF said it is the payer of last resort for uninsured or underinsured individuals, that some overlap with Medicaid is expected because Medicaid does not cover all behavioral health services, and that new claims edits and cross-checks are being built into the system. The department also said it had not found significant negative feedback from providers and that the new requirements are intended to improve transparency and accountability. DCF then updated the committee on Senate Bill 7012, covering human trafficking data collection, domestic violence center certification, limited background-screening exemptions, expanded recruitment for child welfare staff, subcontractor liability protections, a four-year treatment foster care pilot, case management efficiency recommendations, and a statewide study of residential bed capacity for child victims of commercial sexual exploitation. The department said several items are already complete or underway, including limited exemptions in the screening clearinghouse, while others are in procurement or rulemaking. It identified Circuits 4 and 12 as the treatment foster care pilot sites and said the pilot will launch in January 2026. Members questioned recruitment metrics, pilot timing, and report deadlines; the department said final reports are expected by January and that some dates were flexible because of procurement and implementation timelines. The meeting ended after the presentations and questions, and the subcommittee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:38:47.800> the the commission to uh to evaluate the the commission to uh to evaluate the
• we live in a world resource is compete we live in a world where<00:47:50.880> resources<00:47
• <01:00:48.960> whether test that lets us evaluate whether test that lets us evaluate whether
• <01:45:55.760> in<01:45:55.880> the<01:45:56.000> energy ability to compete
• in the energy ability to compete in the energy Market<01:45:58.760> uh<01:45:59.080> given<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , they discussed the issue with sewage sludge and biofertilizer, and they will have a technical evaluation
• 00:08:12.400> have<00:08:12.479> a<00:08:12.720> technical<00:08:13.120> evaluation
• going to have a technical evaluation going to have a technical evaluation panel<00:08:14.560>
• We're going to have them compete with one another, and if this is as important as you say, Chair Anderson
• We're going to have them compete with one another, and if this is as important as you say, Chair Anderson

Bills: HF2446, HF2563, HF2444

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think the question that we want to evaluate and present back to the full committee is whether any
• Um what it says is to look at existing and new revenue options and evaluate them on five points.
• Um what it says is to look at existing and new revenue options and evaluate them on five points.
• the notion that the court will evaluate the notion that the court will evaluate all<00:47:35.119
• to figure out how to balance competing to figure out how to balance competing interests<01:02:49.920

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Funding Committee Subcommittee on Adequacy and Funding Sources opened its second meeting by reviewing four retained bills assigned to it: HB 651, HB 772, HB 491, and HB 734. The chair said the goal was to compare the bills across the board, consider whether any one of them should be the committee’s recommended vehicle, and then vote on a recommendation to the full committee. He noted the bills would move out before November 21 and be taken up on the House floor in January, while related LSRs were also being developed for the coming session. Representative Ames argued that HB 651 should be the main vehicle because it would substantially raise the adequacy base and adjust differential aid categories to better reflect real school costs, including poverty, special education, and English learner needs. He described the bill as building on court guidance and said the current funding formula is far below actual district needs. He also supported HB 491 as a study vehicle to examine revenue options, saying the legislature needs informed choices about how to pay for the changes. Representative Damon strongly backed HB 651 and HB 491, citing constitutional obligations, the Conval and Rand rulings, and large projected funding increases for districts such as Claremont, Windham, and communities in the chair’s district if HB 651 had passed earlier. Representative Fellows said he has an LSR similar to HB 491 that would study existing and new revenue options using criteria such as revenue potential, administrative cost, affected groups, implementation timeline, and implementation cost, with input from revenue administration and outside agencies. Representative Papich Muller emphasized constitutional separation-of-powers concerns, reading Article 83 and saying he was not comfortable with the broad claim that “cherish” clearly mandates a specific spending level, though he said he intends to follow Supreme Court guidance. Representative Ricky read testimony from a local school board member arguing that the state already imposes many mandates on schools while providing the least funding in the country, and that HB 651 would help restore meaningful local control. No final vote or action was taken in the portion provided, though the chair had indicated the subcommittee would vote before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The ability to attract and retain highly competent and motivated nurses improves the health and educational
• The certification provides in the academic setting that the school nurse has attained the competencies
• same commitment as other national certifications, advanced professional development, demonstrated competency
• Many contracting agencies include non-compete clauses that prevent psychologists from seeking employment
• because these school psychologists are the only professionals who can conduct psychoeducational evaluations

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with enough members present to conduct business and approved the June 17 minutes. It first heard HB 459 with House Amendment 1, which would prohibit the sale of energy drinks on public middle and high school campuses during school hours or school events. The sponsor and Department of Education explained that the bill targets beverages containing caffeine and marketed as energy drinks, not ordinary soft drinks or coffee/tea products. Public testimony from the Medical Society supported the bill on health grounds, while the beverage industry said its companies already voluntarily limit school offerings and that the bill does not reflect current practice. No vote was taken in the transcript. The committee then heard HB 461, a follow-up to prior legislation on New Castle County property reassessment and school tax rates. Senator Cruz said the bill would let New Castle County school districts adjust and reset tax rates to reflect reassessment changes without increasing projected operating revenue, and that it includes a sunset. DSEA supported the measure, saying fair property values are important to public education funding. The committee also heard HB 452, which would require additional background checks and training for DIAA sports officials and strengthen DIAA enforcement procedures. Members questioned how checks would be handled, who would see the results, and who would provide training; the DIAA compliance coordinator said the checks would be maintained through the state process and that associations would verify eligibility. The bill’s sponsor and DIAA said the goal was to align officials with existing child-safety standards. Next, the committee considered HS1 for HB 425, which raises the salary supplement from 6% to 12% for nationally certified school counselors, nurses, and school social workers, and allows DOE to identify additional qualifying positions by regulation. Supporters, including school social workers, nurses, and DSEA, argued the change would improve retention and recognize advanced credentials. Senator Hansen raised concerns that school psychologists were not included; sponsors said a broader study and possible future legislation or budget language would address other nationally certified school-based professionals. The committee then heard HS1 for HB 358 on student elopement notifications, inspired by Ace’s Law, but administrators and the chair raised concerns that the bill may be too prescriptive and difficult to implement in practice, especially when schools may not immediately know a student has left campus. Finally, the committee discussed HB 379 on the comprehensive school discipline improvement program; DOE said the substitute was intended to consolidate prevention and intervention supports and avoid competition for funding, while DASA asked that the bill be paused or tabled. The meeting ended before action on the remaining bill, and HB 443 was deferred to a future executive meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• It preserves hospital discretion while requiring the application of standards based on clinical competency
• Competency, including specialties. The bill does not force hospitals to grant privileges.
• If I were to leave UT Southwestern and go to a competing hospital across town or within the state, I
• I want you all to know that we're not trying to compete with any doctors.
• The law assumes mental health patients are competent unless a court says otherwise.

Bills: SB1117, SB1373, SB672, SB1986, SB1098, SB626, SB1784, SB2480, SB2487, SB437, SB660

Keywords: dentistry, botulinum toxin, aesthetic treatments, dental regulation, training, medical staff privileges, hospital administration, healthcare regulation, Texas Health and Safety Code, consistency in privileges, SB 672, Texas hospital emergency operations plan, hospital diversion, emergency department, cyberattack, cyber security, power outage, electrical outage, patient diversion, hospital preparedness

Transcript Highlights:

• It's critical that we thoroughly evaluate these funding requests. and ensure that we are using taxpayer
• So it is training while working, which... really focuses on competency-based training versus classroom
• There's pretty extensive evaluation requirements and other... requirements that come... system changes
• I would say that competency restoration is really very, as you know, very important.
• That's the whole point of them going to a state mental health facility to regain competency.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On the commercial side of the wall, companies are free to compete and innovate.
• They would be completely out-competed in the market.
• There are going to be lots of opportunities to keep competing.
• I can think about it as this is also the idea around competing programs and competing program managers
• Dillard, do you guys like to compete? I love it. How about you? Absolutely. Okay.

Transcript Highlights:

• on the basis say rather than competing on the basis of<00:21:14.720> price,<00:21:15.600>
• <00:31:24.799> for carpenter who was always competing for carpenter who was always competing
• Petitions for emergency evaluation are not and McGrder Memorial Act.
• evaluation are not and McGrder Memorial Act.
• >> House 810, study to evaluate >> House 810, study to evaluate blockchainbased<01:42

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, March 20, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House met in Annapolis with 107 members present and proceeded through the journal and a series of Appropriations Committee reports. Several bills were advanced on favorable reports without amendment, including measures on constitutional officers’ salaries, correctional officer retirement systems for Dorchester and Allegany counties, Carroll and Calvert County public facilities bonds, higher education financial assistance for incarcerated individuals, and a bill on community college promise scholarship eligibility for Delmar High School graduates. Other bills received amendments before being ordered for third reading, including measures on community college trustee membership, Frederick Community College board meeting and training requirements, Howard County school funding disclosures, courts administrative judges’ stipends, correctional officers retirement membership clarifications, the Children’s Cabinet Fund, and a law enforcement pension bill limiting military service credit eligibility to helicopter pilots in state aviation units. The chamber also considered HB 1581 on horse racing facility ownership, development, licensing, and operations. Amendments expanded the bill to include additional economic development provisions for the Prince George’s County Blue Line corridor, Pimlico-related funding and community input requirements, a larger lottery-fund distribution for the racing community development financing fund, and changes to the bus rapid transit grant program. The bill’s favorable report as amended was adopted, and it was ordered for third reading. During debate on a separate amendment to HB 894, the Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act, members argued over project labor agreements: opponents said PLA requirements raise costs and limit competition, while supporters said the provision was optional, supported stability and predictability, and was part of a broader compromise. The amendment was rejected after discussion, and the bill remained amended. The House also took up HB 1430 on charter school facilities funding, adopting amendments that reduced the per-pupil amount and narrowed eligibility for certain districts, then advancing the bill as amended. In addition, HB 1248 was amended to convert a part-time state employment pilot program into a work group, and HB 680 was amended to adjust future appropriations for local management boards. Across the session, most actions were routine committee report adoptions and amendment votes, with no recorded roll-call counts in the excerpt except the initial quorum call.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this state competes with other states.
• against other states, it's competing worldwide.
• This is a summary of our actual evaluation summary.
• Some years or some biannual actual evaluations, there's a gain. This year there was a loss.
• Of course, I can't compete with any of the great stories that you've heard already.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, but I think for certain as we evaluate the market, we're going to want to look at how many licenses
• Um, but I think for certain as we evaluate the market, we're going to want to look at how many licenses
• the market, we're going to want evaluate the market, we're going to want to<00:21:10.120> look
• out small businesses that can't compete out small businesses that can't compete with<00:34:37.600
• <01:03:03.120> with cooperative to come in and compete with cooperative to come in and compete

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:21:05.880> new Railroad Administration to evaluate new Railroad Administration to evaluate
• There is strong support for evaluating these two corridors.
• They're a mix of fixes, so we feel like it allows both pavements to compete.
• They're a mix of fixes, so we feel like it allows both pavements to compete.
• They're a mix of fixes, so we feel like it allows both pavements to compete.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all