Transcript Highlights:

• and that we do it in a way legislature and that we do it in a way that<00:05:07.240><c> is</c> that
• And what the legislature did when you passed Act 255 was to create a process where you invited people
• you have a the legislature set a timeline<00:25:59.280><c> for</c><00:25:59.440><c> you.
• time, we'll come back to the legislature.
• </c> come back to the legislature. come back to the legislature.

Committee: Senate Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Summary: The Committee on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts held a confirmation hearing on GM 742 for John Komeiji, the gubernatorial nominee to serve as chairperson of the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority through 6/30/2029. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. The executive director of the authority, representatives of the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Corporation and the Mauna Kea observatories, and authority member Noenoe Wong-Wilson all praised Komeiji’s leadership, describing him as fair, transparent, steady, and effective at building trust and relationships among stakeholders. Chris Matsuda also supported the nomination, citing Komeiji’s presence at community workshops, his neutral facilitation of public discussion, and his careful handling of the authority’s work on observatory leases and the comprehensive EIS. In his remarks, Komeiji described the authority’s work as implementing Act 255 by building a new state agency, developing a master plan, drafting rules and regulations, and beginning the process for a comprehensive environmental impact statement related to observatory leases. He said the authority is trying to balance community voice, cultural and spiritual concerns, and the state’s policy supporting astronomy. He also discussed staffing and recruitment challenges, saying the authority is repurposing positions, using special project positions, and looking for creative ways to recruit qualified staff despite the controversy surrounding Mauna Kea. He noted that the authority is working through asset transfers from UH, managing operational needs, and addressing a projected $4 million federal funding gap affecting CMS. Members asked about timelines, contingency planning, staffing capacity, and financial sustainability. Komeiji said the authority is on track for the master plan and EIS, but would return to the legislature if delays require more time. He acknowledged that no detailed contingency plans have been developed yet for possible IT or other implementation problems, but said the board is continuing to monitor progress. He also said the authority is accelerating contracts to encumber funds while available and expects to cover planned EIS and master plan consultant costs if funding remains at current levels. After discussion, the committee voted to advise and consent; the chair and acting vice chair voted aye, with excused absences noted for Senators Inouye, Chang, and Lamosao. The measure was adopted and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2017, the legislature issued a formal apology via resolution.
• This legislature has already taken important steps to acknowledge that injustice.
• The legislature created the Step Into Success Pilot Program in 2023, The legislature created the Step
• In 1993, the Florida Legislature allocated $900,000 for future planning for the Rodman Dam.
• It's kind of at the whim of the Legislature.

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, unlike the Great Recession when I first came to the Legislature, this isn't an economic issue
• I'm very glad to know that the Legislature is having this conversation. As you said, Mr.
• You either invest now or the state legislature will pay later.
• And I sit back and I... ...and the Legislature are really concerned about child care as well.
• And I feel that the Legislature is more and more committed to try to figure this out.

Transcript Highlights:

• The DOC is required to report annually to the Legislature on EMPs.
• And finally, the bill clarifies... ...the legislature as required by your statute.
• We welcome the legislature to invite itself to this level of accountability.
• It was not created by the legislature.
• It was not created by the legislature.

Summary: The House Community Safety Committee held public hearings on several bills. House Bill 2508, concerning the Office of Independent Investigations (OII), would expand OII’s jurisdiction over deadly-force and related use-of-force incidents, require broader notification and records access from law enforcement and emergency responders, and exempt certain OII investigative records from public disclosure. Rep. Deborah Entenman and OII staff supported the bill as a way to improve independent, transparent investigations, while committee members raised questions about when cases are considered “closed” and how to protect against repeated or harassing investigations. OII representatives said formal reviews are referred to prosecutors, administrative closures are not, and the bill would clarify existing public records protections. Law enforcement and public-interest witnesses were split, with some supporting the expansion and others objecting to added secrecy provisions and questioning safeguards and oversight. House Bill 2539, as amended by a proposed substitute, would raise the Department of Corrections inmate indigency cap from $25 to $100 so incarcerated people can retain more money for hygiene and basic necessities before deductions are taken. Rep. Chappala Street said the change would help people buy essential items and reduce conflict, while incarcerated witnesses and advocates testified that current deductions leave too little for basic needs and place burdens on families. A committee member questioned whether DOC already provides those items, and Street and supporters responded that provided items are often low quality or insufficient. No vote was taken. House Bill 2490 would expand extraordinary medical placement for incarcerated people with serious, chronic, or terminal conditions, extending the expected life-expectancy threshold from six months to approximately 18 months and adding clearer DOC review criteria and appeal rights. The prime sponsor and supporters argued the bill would improve humane care, reduce costs, and allow more people to receive treatment in the community when they no longer pose a public-safety risk. DOC said the revised language would reduce legal concerns and allow more time to develop safe placement plans, while opponents of the current system said EMP is underused and people die waiting for decisions. The committee also heard extensive testimony on House Bill 2387, which would tie certain sheriff decertification actions to recall procedures and preserve an elected sheriff’s office unless voters remove them. Supporters, including the sponsor and several sheriffs, said the bill protects voter control and local accountability; opponents, including civil rights and immigrant-rights groups, argued it weakens certification standards, creates unequal accountability for sheriffs, and improperly uses recall-like consequences through statute rather than constitutional process. The chair indicated the committee intended to act on House Bill 2508 the following Monday, February 2.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd just like to summarize them and maybe raise some issues for the legislature to consider.
• Are all of these evaluations and assessments available to the legislature?
• We look forward to the continued collaboration with the legislature and the administration.
• We will start reporting to the legislature in 2030 and every three years thereafter.
• But reporting doesn't come to the legislature until 2030, as you mentioned.

Transcript Highlights:

• that said, welcome to- the inaugural hearing of the House Committee on Ways and Means for the 89th legislature
• So I think it's a way that the legislature has.
• That is an astounding amount. that erodes more than half of what was intended by the legislature.
• experience and our current predicament, my plea to the legislature today is twofold.
• When I talk about going big, I hope the legislature will seek a higher measure of tax relief.

Committee: House Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:

• Similar to the colleges, the university system is funded by the legislature using state resources.
• Recently, the 2024 Legislature expanded opportunities for eligible EASE students and created the EASE
• Recently, the 2024 legislature, per full-time equivalent student.
• So we made the investment as a legislature to address that critical need.
• In 2013, the Legislature started a preeminent program which is based on 13 metrics.

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met for an introductory overview of the higher education programs under its jurisdiction. After roll call and member introductions, Chair Busatta outlined that the subcommittee oversees programs in the Department of Education and the State University System, including vocational rehabilitation, blind services, private postsecondary licensure, student financial aid, career and adult education, the Florida College System, and the Board of Governors. The chair and staff also noted that these areas represent roughly $9 billion in current-year funding. Officials from the Department of Education presented on several programs. Vocational Rehabilitation Director Kelly Rogers described services for adults and youth with disabilities, including pre-employment transition services, job coaching, assistive technology, and employer support; she said the program served more than 55,000 people last year, has no wait list, and reported a return of $7.61 to the economy for every $1 invested. Division of Blind Services Director Robert Doyle explained services from birth through older adulthood, including early intervention, school-age support, vocational rehabilitation, independent living, the Business Enterprise Program for blind vendors, and the Braille and Talking Book Library; he said the division serves about 12,000 people annually and also has no wait list, though some community rehab providers may have one. Tiffany Hurst of the Commission for Independent Education described licensure and consumer protection for independent postsecondary institutions, reporting oversight of about 1,100 institutions and 721 non-degree schools, along with enforcement actions against unlicensed operators. Sean Haskin of Student Financial Assistance reviewed 22 scholarship and grant programs totaling about $1 billion for more than 200,000 students, including Bright Futures, Benacquisto, need-based grants, EASE, EASE Plus, veterans’ scholarships, dual enrollment reimbursement, first responder scholarships, and the Ocoee and Rosewood scholarships. Members asked about surplus funds, marketing, Bright Futures eligibility requirements, and whether EASE awards had changed; Haskin said any unused funds are reverted to the Legislature, that the department markets through schools and the Florida Lottery, and that EASE remained at $3,500 per FTE for the last two fiscal years. Several members raised concerns that students and parents may not learn about aid programs early enough, especially in economically disadvantaged communities. Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell then presented on Career and Adult Education, highlighting record participation in career and technical education, adult education, and apprenticeship. He said about 800,000 secondary students and 480,000 postsecondary students are in CTE, adult education serves about 183,000 learners, and apprenticeship/pre-apprenticeship programs include more than 22,000 participants. He also described the workforce development fund, Perkins, WIOA Title II, the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant, workforce capitalization grants, CAPE performance funding, and the Pipeline nursing initiative, noting strong NCLEX outcomes and expanded outreach through the Get There, Your Way, Future of Work Florida, and Zello platforms. Kathy Hebda began the Florida College System presentation by emphasizing open access, workforce preparation, statewide reach, and strong enrollment and completion growth, including more than 672,000 students, over 131,000 degrees and certificates, and significant dual enrollment savings for students and families.

Transcript Highlights:

• As I will discuss further when presenting the conforming bill, the Legislature has approved $50 million
• How are we accommodating for that here in the budget since that bill did not pass the full legislature
• Preeminence funding is something that we have historically prioritized as legislature.
• How much money would it take for us, as a legislature, to finally get these 16,200 individuals who are
• Declining birth rates, which is something the legislature doesn't have any control over.

Transcript Highlights:

• So were they just trying to appease the Legislature, or what?”
• The receiver and her team, including myself, look forward to working with the Legislature toward the
• But despite this, the Legislature retains some key abilities that it should continue to use.
• Addressing that will be a priority for both the receivership and the Legislature.
• Finally, we recommend the Legislature monitor the effects of the expansion of telemental health.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fourth, we ask the legislature to end unfunded mandates. When new laws reach...
• We ask the legislature to end unfunded mandates.
• Fong’s question on what the legislature required of the CSU system.
• we recognize that the Legislature said we're not party to that compact.
• The campus and I thank the Legislature and the Governor for their strong support.

Summary: The joint Assembly Higher Education and Budget Subcommittee hearing focused on the California State University system’s enrollment trends, fiscal pressures, and how state funding should be allocated across campuses. Chairs and members emphasized CSU’s importance to California’s workforce and economy, but also raised concerns about declining enrollment at some campuses, unmet enrollment targets, and whether funding is aligned with student demand. The hearing was framed as preparation for the 2026 budget, with particular attention to campuses such as Humboldt, Sonoma, San Francisco, Channel Islands, and others that have received significant state support or are below target enrollment. In the first panel, CSU Academic Senate Chair Dr. Elizabeth Boyd urged the Legislature to protect academic freedom, strengthen faculty governance, provide stable ongoing funding, end unfunded mandates, support student food and housing security, expand flexible scheduling, improve transfer systems, and maintain regional access rather than over-centralizing programs. Cal State Student Association Vice President Katie Karam said students are feeling the effects of budget shortfalls through fewer course sections, reduced advising and services, longer time to degree, and rising tuition, and she called for transparency, meaningful student involvement in budget decisions, and sustained state investment rather than one-time fixes. In the enrollment panel, CSU Chancellor’s Office and campus administrators described a systemwide strategic enrollment plan under CSU Forward, with efforts to expand access, improve recruitment, and better align programs with workforce needs. Dr. Delcy Perez said systemwide resident enrollment and applications are up, and highlighted direct admissions and outreach partnerships. Campus representatives from Chico State, Cal State L.A., and San Diego State described local recruitment, transfer partnerships, and retention strategies. Members pressed CSU officials on discrepancies between reported enrollment growth and public data, the per-student funding formula, and the use of reserves and reallocation to shift money from lower-enrollment campuses to high-demand campuses. CSU officials said they are reviewing all campuses’ fiscal health, developing turnaround plans, and expect to provide reports to the Legislature in the spring, while also acknowledging the need for longer-term changes to enrollment management and academic program alignment.

Transcript Highlights:

• When the legislature left pending was Senator Raybould's motion to recommit.
• Students, if you would please rise and be welcomed by your Nebraska Legislature.
• Students, if you would please rise and be welcomed by your Nebraska Legislature.
• Senate Bill 900 is by the Legislature.
• That committee reports the resolution to the Legislature for further consideration.

Bills: LB737 , LB753 , LB788 , LB913 , LB1055 , LB1195 , LB1216 , LB1256 , LB429 , LB721 , LB722 , LB727 , LB743 , LB745 , LB749 , LB778 , LB787 , LB365A , LB823 , LB900 , LB903 , LB940 , LB954 , LB1127 , LB1127A , LB1205 , LB1240 , LR293 , LR296 , LR422 , LR505 , LR507

Transcript Highlights:

• They were conducted by the State Auditor's Office, which is independent of the legislature, under the
• When the State Auditor's Office makes a recommendation to the legislature, I-900 requires JLARC staff
• For the current review period in 2024, there were three new recommendations made to the legislature,
• The legislature did not convene a work group.
• Council that was created by the legislature did not.

Committee: Joint JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee I-900 Subcommittee heard JLARC’s annual update on the status of legislative implementation of State Auditor recommendations, followed by two State Auditor performance audits. JLARC staff reported that for the 2024 review period there were three new legislative recommendations and three unresolved older recommendations. They said the legislature did not convene a work group on civil asset forfeiture, and no formal action was taken on two water-use-efficiency recommendations. Two recommendations related to concurrent Medicaid enrollments were addressed in a bill introduced this session, but that bill was not adopted. The first audit examined how Washington can ensure climate-resilient electricity infrastructure. The State Auditor found the state has opportunities to better adapt new energy infrastructure by using more site-specific climate information, broader collaboration, and vulnerability assessments. The report recommended expanding climate analyses through the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group if funding is available, using forecasted information in DNR wildfire maps, designating a non-regulatory office to coordinate siting and conflict resolution, and expanding vulnerability assessments in Ecology and Commerce processes. Agency witnesses generally agreed resilience is important but emphasized existing efforts, the need to avoid duplicative requirements, the importance of affordability and efficiency, and the role of current forums such as the Clean Energy Siting Council and SEPA processes. The second audit reviewed fines for human trafficking and related sexual exploitation crimes. Auditors found courts assessed fines inconsistently, collection rates varied, some revenues were sent to the wrong local government, and some jurisdictions did not use the money as required for enforcement, prevention, or survivor services. The audit recommended courts work with prosecutors to improve awareness of mandatory fines, and that King and Pierce County improve coding, templates, and tracking so revenues are routed and used correctly. King County testified that it appreciated the audit and described its existing prevention and survivor-support work. The committee took no votes or formal actions and adjourned after the presentations and testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a result of our audit, we are making recommendations to the legislature and the Commission.
• So that's our recommendation to the legislature.
• I mean, I appreciate your recommendation to the legislature. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Does the Commission plan to ask the legislature for legislative...
• The work with the forum leads to recommendations that are provided to the legislature.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee subcommittee held a hybrid hearing to receive three State Auditor’s Office performance audits. The first audit examined implementation of the Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act. Auditors said the Criminal Justice Training Commission had developed most required training, but six community/cultural topics were still unfinished, the patrol tactics curriculum was incomplete in one area, and the agency lacked a systematic project management approach. They reported that most officers had not completed the 40 required hours, with low participation in patrol tactics training, weak communication, limited data to track compliance, and ineffective incentives or consequences. Committee members questioned staffing, liability, and enforcement, and the Commission said it generally agreed with the findings and had begun implementing recommendations, including improving training development and communication. The second audit reviewed Washington’s digital equity planning. Auditors concluded the state lacked a comprehensive, unified digital equity strategy, a designated lead, and reliable funding. They said the existing PEAR/Impact Plan, BEAD five-year plan, and NTIA-approved digital equity plan each addressed parts of the issue but none provided a full statewide framework with clear authority across agencies. The Department of Commerce’s Broadband Office and the Office of Equity said they agreed with the findings and were open to working with the legislature and the Digital Equity Forum on a more structured approach. A public witness described local and regional digital equity planning efforts and emphasized the importance of coordination and community-based work. The third audit focused on Commerce’s management of the Digital Navigator Program. Auditors said Commerce did not consistently use a competitive process, did not adequately vet grantees and subgrantees, wrote contracts that lacked clear deliverables and monitoring requirements, failed to enforce reporting, and paid $10.7 million without sufficient documentation to verify reimbursement eligibility. They said agency staff had raised concerns that were ignored and that some payments and contract expansions occurred despite warnings. Commerce officials said new leadership had already begun major contract-management reforms, including centralized oversight, risk assessments, clearer documentation standards, and staff training, and they said they would pursue recapture where appropriate. Committee members expressed strong concern about accountability, and the hearing ended after public testimony and committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ramos and the Legislature to rename the school because of the very history that Mr.
• And we are the Legislature, and we cannot turn a blind eye to that.
• The legislature, grateful to the governor for his apology, but I think it was correctly to say the legislature
• And we are the legislature and we cannot turn a blind eye to that.
• I made two pretty strong commitments when I first got to the legislature.

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Otherwise, we just go by the statute that is approved by the State of Florida Legislature and signed
• We are creating this Legislature... Senator Polsky: An atmosphere of attacking doctors.
• Our people and our policy is perhaps... making recommendations to the legislature as well.
• Some of those tools are before the legislature currently for consideration.
• I think the medically complex issue is one this legislature will need to grapple with.

Committee: Senate Ethics and Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• The Legislature also directed the Board of Forestry to establish statewide Zone Zero rules for homes.
• The legislature also directed the Board of Forestry to establish statewide zone zero rules for homes.
• Because that report, And how the legislature can really help us on these things.
• And so let's have these conversations in a public setting in the legislature.
• We can send to the legislature to stabilize the insurance market. On long-term solutions.

Committee: House Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• So, HB 109 removes the need for the legislature to authorize water trust for...
• And will the legislature get a copy of the projects that are funded?
• To then take to the legislature in 2030. So, Madam Chair, Senator, Ms.
• Russell, the authorization step is the step that we went through the legislature today.
• Russell, the power of the purse is one of the fundamental powers of the legislature.

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 319 would also represent the first time the legislature has imposed a universal graduation
• has imposed a universal the legislature has imposed a universal graduation<00:07:24.400><c> requirement
• </c><00:15:25.360><c> and</c><00:15:25.519><c> made</c> passed through the legislature and made passed
• Representative Murray said there was an opportunity for the legislature to consider or reconsider how
• Representative Murray said there was an opportunity for the legislature to consider or reconsider how

Summary: The Finance Division met to consider two bills: HB 112 and HB 1399. On HB 112, members debated a proposal tied to civics education requirements for public higher education. Supporters argued the measure would reinforce basic civic knowledge and noted that a similar high school requirement had already been enacted with little apparent fiscal impact. Opponents said the legislature should not dictate university curriculum and raised concerns about administrative burden and precedent. The committee voted 5-3 to recommend ought to pass. The committee then heard testimony on HB 1399, which concerned Claremont and retroactive school building aid related to past construction during the state moratorium on building aid. A Claremont representative explained the district’s history, estimated the lost state aid, and said any funds would likely be used for contingency, tax relief, or future liabilities, while preferring normal building aid participation going forward. Members discussed whether the issue reflected state policy, local governance, or both, and whether the bill would create an unfair retroactive precedent or a broader statewide obligation. After discussion, the committee voted on an ITL motion for HB 1399. The motion failed, and the committee instead approved the bill 7-1. The chair then closed the hearing and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, my understanding is that the court has absolutely no reason to mandate what the legislature is
• has to act decision that the legislature has to act and<00:17:53.280><c> has</c><00:17:53.520><c> to
• Otherwise, why would anyone follow a court order if the legislature doesn't have to?
• </c> Senator Ward said, of the legislature Senator Ward said, of the legislature and<00:18:33.679><c>
• 18:35.600><c> that</c> and the legislature has abdicated that and the legislature has abdicated that

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Time and time again, the legislature chose, this legislature chooses to spend valuable time attacking
• And there is a long history of that in this legislature.
• The legislature will miss you. Senator Totley votes yes. Senator Meznar...
• He gave me his book about the legislature. Later.
• For the first time we met, he gave me his book about the legislature.