Transcript Highlights:

• It's sitting before the Senate right now in the T-SET reset, trying to build out the Fort Fund.
• And one thing that I would commit to you, if that Fort Fund is so chosen and voted on by the people of
• If you would present it, I would co-author it to move the entirety of this fund into that Fort Fund.
• But I'll tell you, Enid and Altus, Fort Sill, and Tinker are some of the things that we plan to support
• Yes, McAllister, Altus, Enid, Fort Sill, Tinker, all of our military bases here in Oklahoma.

Bills: SB1290 , SB1530 , SB1847 , HR1050 , SB169 , SB1377 , SB1990 , SB1991 , SB1778 , SB1579 , SB1992 , SB3 , SB2028 , SB1928 , SB2127 , SB2117 , SB1439 , SB1930 , SB330 , SB1191 , SB2110 , SB2134 , SB2069 , SB2095 , SB1613 , SB1246 , SB1976 , SB1346 , SB1509 , SB2071 , SB259 , SB1314

Keywords: 2-1-1 services, revolving fund, Department of Human Services, crisis pregnancy, abortion, legal funding, research funding, development rebate, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, tax incentives, higher education partnerships, Medicaid, ADvantage Waiver, home-based services, eligibility criteria, healthcare, senior services, Taiwan, Oklahoma, sister-state relationship

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, for Hurricane Ian, in September 2022, it made landfall in Fort Myers Beach as a major hurricane.
• it, and again, both of them need help, we actually have a contract in place with a vendor down in Fort
• If I have a flood in Fort Lauderdale, I'm coming to get this pump, or I might need you to bring me this
• pump to Fort Lauderdale.
• But in exchange for the use of that pump, Bring me this pump to Fort Lauderdale, but in exchange for

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Major General James Hartzell of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs on the agency’s outreach, benefits assistance, and state veterans nursing homes. He highlighted Florida’s large and growing veteran population, the decline in World War II and Vietnam-era veterans, and the increase in post-9/11 veterans moving to the state. Hartzell discussed the state veterans nursing home system, including a new Collier County facility that will include skilled nursing, assisted living, adult day health care, and outpatient therapy, and he said the department is also studying future adult day health care expansion and possible additional homes in underserved areas. He also reported on the dental program funded by the Legislature, saying 245 veterans were served in the first quarter of the fiscal year, with 1,631 procedures completed and more than $525,000 in savings, and he credited the added state veterans service officer positions with helping connect more veterans to benefits. Hartzell also noted a 13% year-over-year reduction in homeless veterans, emphasized mental health outreach through SaveFLVets.org and the Overwatch program, and announced a new deputy executive director, retired Colonel D.J. Reyes. Members asked about the need for additional veterans homes in South Florida, the criteria used to site new homes, the homeless veteran reduction, and whether adult day health care could be added at existing facilities. Hartzell explained that federal criteria focus on the availability of private skilled nursing beds for veterans 65 and older, and that adult day health care is state-funded and being studied for broader deployment. He also said the department tracks where homeless veterans are concentrated and works with local partners and organizations like Tunnels to Towers to provide housing and services that reduce recidivism. The committee also discussed Florida’s national reputation for veteran support, including Veterans Month and the state’s culture of veteran awareness. The committee then received a presentation from Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, on disaster response, recovery, and technology systems. Guthrie described the State Emergency Response Team, the new Florida Central Operations and Coordination Office in Auburndale, and the new State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee, which is expected to be fully operational by spring 2026 and will significantly expand capacity and hardening. He reviewed recovery efforts for Hurricanes Helene, Milton, Debbie, Idalia, Ian, Irma, Michael, Dorian, Sally, Nicole, and others, including sheltering, travel trailers, debris removal, and FEMA reimbursement totals. Guthrie said Florida removed more than 31.6 million cubic yards of debris from Helene and Milton in 90 days on a 24/7 basis, and he described Elevate Florida, the Florida Recovery Obligation Calculation (FROC), the DEMES platform, and WebEOC as tools to streamline recovery, mitigation, and intergovernmental coordination. Members asked about flood-response resources for cities, the state’s use of pumps and mutual aid, and lessons learned from inland flooding after Milton. Guthrie said local governments should first use county and city mutual aid, then request state assistance when needed, and he encouraged more partnerships for staging and maintaining flood equipment. He also said future flood mitigation must address outdated development patterns, watershed flow, and the need for better drainage planning, while continuing temporary fixes and homeowner assistance programs. The committee ended with no votes or formal actions beyond adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• four-year outlook, the ending near General Fund-State balance is at roughly $1 billion and the total reserves
• balance is at $3 billion, and that's 7.1% of reserves.
• Total reserves balance is at $3 billion, and that's 7.1% of reserves.
• bit further down, Andy, we also tend to focus on number 14, or sorry, number 13, and this is total reserve
• Green Hill, and appreciate the added solo beds, the UW Behavioral Health Center, and your support for Fort

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on the Senate operating budget proposal, beginning with a staff briefing from James Kettle. He described the budget as built on relatively flat revenue after multiple forecast updates, with substantial mandatory cost growth, especially in Health Care Authority, DSHS, and DCYF. He highlighted major policy-level additions and savings, including large tort liability costs, continued support for long-term services, reductions tied to child care and K-12 items, several assumed revenue bills, and major transfers from reserves and other accounts. Kettle also noted the four-year outlook remained positive overall, with about $1 billion ending fund balance in the final year and roughly $3 billion in total reserves. A committee member asked about a diagram showing the loss of federal funds, and staff said they would follow up. Public testimony then focused first on K-12 education, where school leaders, teachers, OSPI, PTA, and rural district representatives largely opposed the proposed cuts to local effort assistance, transition to kindergarten, bus depreciation, and related school funding items. Many argued the reductions would disproportionately harm rural and property-poor districts and weaken early learning access, while several students and educators spoke in favor of career and technical education and IT Academy funding. The committee also heard support for wildfire prevention funding from the Commissioner of Public Lands, who thanked the Senate for restoring those dollars but raised concerns about recreation program reductions. Higher education testimony was mixed but generally supportive of the Senate proposal compared with the governor’s budget. Community and technical college leaders warned that the budget still shifts compensation costs to tuition and reduces Running Start funding, while university representatives from Western, Eastern, Central, WSU, and UW thanked the committee for avoiding deeper cuts. Private vocational college students and administrators urged extension of Washington College Grant eligibility for students already enrolled, and others asked to preserve IT Academy and related certification funding. In early learning, child care and advocacy groups praised the decision not to cap Working Connections Child Care but warned that child care and transition to kindergarten still bear a disproportionate share of cuts; they also requested continued support for Dolly Parton Imagination Library and Pierce County early childhood programs, including Family Connects. The hearing continued with testimony on employee compensation, mental health, and human services. State employee and retiree groups supported the budget’s COLA and wildfire funding but objected to cuts in retiree health benefits. Behavioral health and public safety advocates supported mentoring, Trueblood-related funding, crisis stabilization, and the Recovery Navigator Program, while others opposed reductions to those programs and to community-based recovery services. In human services, witnesses thanked the committee for funding victim services, child welfare supports, health homes, adult day care, community health centers, energy assistance, and disability services, while urging the committee to avoid further reductions to skilled nursing, case management, and recovery navigation. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this bill creates the Reserve Municipal Management District.
• Committee Substitute House Bill 5696 relating to the creation of the Reserve Municipal Management District
• Committee Substitute House Bill 5696 relating to the creation of the Reserve Municipal Management District
• When a massive hailstorm hits the Dallas-Fort Worth area, premiums are impacted statewide.
• reduced cost of borrowing will allow the TWIA to have additional money to refill the Catastrophic Reserve

Bills: SB731 , SB801 , SB867 , SB2082 , SB2717 , SB2919 , HB4 , HB26 , HB 103 , HB 108 , HB 117 , HB 126 , HB144 , HB145 , HB186 , HB201 , HB223 , HB229 , HB272 , HB493 , HB521 , HB551 , HB621 , HB700 , HB748 , HB 1106 , HB 1234 , HB1403 , HB1500 , HB1661 , HB2017 , HB2026 , HB2035 , HB2038 , HB2073 , HB2080 , HB2221 , HB2253 , HB2294 , HB2306 , HB2313 , HB2427 , HB2512 , HB2516 , HB2593 , HB2674 , HB2761 , HB2818 , HB2820 , HB2844 , HB2851 , HB2885 , HB3010 , HB3016 , HB3053 , HB3057 , HB3133 , HB3151 , HB3159 , HB3180 , HB3181 , HB3225 , HB3234 , HB3250 , HB3254 , HB3284 , HB3333 , HB3512 , HB3556 , HB3595 , HB3689 , HB3711 , HB3732 , HB3749 , HB3812 , HB3833 , HB3866 , HB3928 , HB3940 , HB3966 , HB4063 , HB4112 , HB4157 , HB4264 , HB4281 , HB4384 , HB4454 , HB4486 , HB4488 , HB4520 , HB4530 , HB4666 , HB4690 , HB4743 , HB4749 , HB4751 , HB4795 , HB4848 , HB4903 , HB5081 , HB5115 , HB5138 , HB5149 , HB5154 , HB5247 , HB5308 , HB5394 , HB5436 , HB5659 , HB5671 , HB5674 , HB5680 , HB5696 , HCR40 , HCR108 , HCR118 , SJR5 , SJR59 , SB4 , SB8 , SB9 , SB10 , SB12 , SB22 , SB23 , SB25 , SB27 , SB34 , SB36 , SB37 , SB38 , SB40 , SB261 , SB650 , SB777 , SB924 , SB1188 , SB1318 , SB1333 , SB1398 , SB1448 , SB1566 , SB1621 , SB1723 , SB1862 , SB2405 , SB2406 , SB2407 , SB3070 , SB1 , SB17 , SB21 , SB260 , SB379 , SB509 , SB1405 , SB1506 , SB1637 , SB1833 , SB2155 , SB2308 , HB300 , HB2525 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB2009 , SB867 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB2680 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB2334 , SB1367 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2565 , SB1888 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3043 , SB3063 , SB3035 , SB203 , SB2688 , SB2522 , SB2459 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB1884 , SB2928 , SB2566 , SB2549 , SB2553 , SB2919 , SB1944 , SB1232 , SB1798 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2683 , SB1319 , SB3045 , SB3071 , HJR7 , HB2674 , HB3556 , HB26 , HB4384 , HB748 , HB5652 , HB3395 , HB2516 , HB180 , HB 1306 , HB3966 , HB4112 , HB322 , HB 126 , HB5650 , HB4894 , HB1629 , HB5698 , HB3171 , HB2694 , HB5664 , HB4751 , HB4690 , HB4464 , HB4063 , HB3623 , HB3016 , HB2520 , HB2221 , HB2213 , HB700 , HB252 , HB146 , HB5596 , HB3619 , HB5320 , HB5651 , HB5670 , HB5665 , HB5437 , HB5679 , HB5699 , HB5661 , HB5662 , HB5654 , HB5672 , HB5656 , HB4743 , HB4666 , HB3812 , HB3595 , HB3057 , HB2035 , HB721 , HB346 , HB2512 , HB5695 , HB5694 , HB5671 , HB5674 , HB2038 , HB3185 , HB2761 , HB2593 , HB2348 , HB2073 , HB1871 , HB 108 , HB2306 , HB2017 , HB 1135 , HB144 , HB3689 , HB5308 , HB 101 , HB5666 , HB5677 , HB5682 , HB5680 , HB5658 , HB5696 , HB4144 , HB3159 , HB3254 , HB3866 , HB3010 , HB4520 , HB3642 , HB3928 , HB3815 , HB2686 , HB2012 , HB1960 , HB227 , HB654 , HB1690 , HB2128 , HB4158 , HB4530 , HB4630 , HB5659 , HB1523 , HB2078 , HB2427 , HB145 , HB1973 , HB3333 , HB3697 , HB3546 , HB3225 , HB3181 , HB3133 , HB3053 , HB2885 , HB2820 , HB2294 , HB2253 , HB1661 , HB1506 , HB 1234 , HB640 , HB621 , HB551 , HB521 , HB493 , HB272 , HB229 , HB223 , HB201 , HB186 , HB 119 , HB2080 , HB2818 , HB5394 , HB4795 , HB4466 , HB4454 , HB3940 , HB3749 , HB3151 , HB3284 , HB1403 , HB 1106 , HB2844 , HB2851 , HB1500 , HB4488 , HB4264 , HB4 , HB4170 , HB3909 , HB4081 , HB4145 , HB4157 , HB4281 , HB4285 , HB4463 , HB4749 , HB4995 , HB5081 , HB5115 , HB5138 , HB5624 , HB1449 , HB3711 , HB2598 , HB3629 , HB4361 , HB824 , HB1868 , HB4848 , HB2243 , HB40 , HB 117 , HB2313 , HB3686 , HB500 , HB3793 , HB 112 , HB 104 , HB 1056 , HB42 , HB4486 , HB3000 , HB 100 , HB2240 , HB718 , HB27 , HB4904 , HB4202 , HB2853 , HB5129 , HB5093 , HB4765 , HB4748 , HB4559 , HB4350 , HB4214 , HB3388 , HB3112 , HB5196 , HB4211 , HB3516 , HB3092 , HB4233 , HB4687 , HB705 , HB 1094 , HB2037 , HB3005 , HB3848 , HB 1105 , HB 121 , HB3372 , HB367 , HB783 , HB3336 , HB3441 , HB4449 , HB5616 , HB2407 , HB2854 , HB3425 , HB5294 , HB 1178 , HB4623 , HB14 , HB3963 , HB 1211 , HB5646 , HB5629 , HB3783 , HB4236 , HB46 , HB4638 , HB 1052 , HB4070 , HB5509 , HB5435 , HB4134 , HB3923 , HB3520 , HB3320 , HB2517 , HB2488 , HB5663 , HB2731 , HB3073 , HB2655 , HB2399 , HB541 , HB4099 , HB 111 , HB1532 , HB3483 , HB2963 , HB4580 , HB3748 , HB713 , HB632 , HB426 , HB4730 , HCR141 , HCR118 , HCR40 , HCR59 , HCR76 , HCR108 , HB26 , HB 108 , HB144 , HB145 , HB201 , HB272 , HB493 , HB551 , HB621 , HB700 , HB1500 , HB1661 , HB2017 , HB2038 , HB2073 , HB2080 , HB2221 , HB2253 , HB2294 , HB2306 , HB2313 , HB2427 , HB2516 , HB2593 , HB2761 , HB2818 , HB2844 , HB2851 , HB2885 , HB3010 , HB3016 , HB3133 , HB3151 , HB3159 , HB3254 , HB3284 , HB3595 , HB3689 , HB3711 , HB3866 , HB3928 , HB3940 , HB3966 , HB4063 , HB4112 , HB4264 , HB4281 , HB4384 , HB4454 , HB4486 , HB4488 , HB4520 , HB4530 , HB4666 , HB4743 , HB4749 , HB4751 , HB5081 , HB5308 , HB5394 , HB5659 , HB5671 , HB5680 , HB5696 , HB2674 , HB3556 , HB223 , HB1403 , HB3053 , HB5115 , HCR108 , HCR118 , SB20 , SB33 , SB75 , SB213 , SB269 , SB458 , SB528 , SB647 , SB648 , SB681 , SB740 , SB840 , SB843 , SB1061 , SB1120 , SB1121 , SB1150 , SB1202 , SB1253 , SB1423 , SB1535 , SB1574 , SB1709 , SB1789 , SB2037 , SB2078 , SB2268 , SB2544 , SB2570 , SB1198 , SB2601 , SB2778

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:04:50.000><c> perpetual</c><00:04:50.720><c> conservation</c> The next project is the MATES HVAC Fort
• Knox replacement project in Fort Knox, Kentucky, in the amount of $1,136,000, funded 100% federal funds
• This project will include replacement of HVAC systems throughout Kentucky Army National Guard Fort Knox
• throughout Kentucky Army National Guard throughout Kentucky Army National Guard Fort<00:05:54.400><c>
• Knox</c><00:05:54.800><c> maneuver</c><00:05:55.360><c> and</c><00:05:55.600><c> training</c> Fort Knox

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer and a quorum call, then the committee approved the prior meeting minutes. Staff reported several informational items, including University of Kentucky medical and research equipment purchases, school district debt issues, leasehold improvements, and Kentucky Community and Technical College System bond allocations. The committee then approved a line-item appropriation increase of $350,000 in federal funds for the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ Cumberland Forest Conservation Program, along with two Department of Military Affairs projects: the Ashland Readiness Center window replacement and the MATES HVAC replacement at Fort Knox. It also approved four larger maintenance-pool projects without further action: HVAC and smoke evacuation work at the Kentucky State Penitentiary, HVAC and hot water tank replacements at Oakwood, a Green Bank energy-savings performance project across state facilities, and roof replacement at Lake Barkley Lodge. Members asked about the prison project, the roof procurement process, and whether minority-owned firms receive special bidding preference; staff said capital projects are awarded through open low-bid procurement with qualification and warranty requirements, and that minority participation is preferred but not a bidding criterion. Two lease modifications were approved for Franklin County agencies: an expansion and renovation for the Auditor of Public Accounts and a downsizing and renovation for the Kentucky Workers Compensation Funding Commission. The committee also approved Kentucky Infrastructure Authority items, including a Monticello sewer loan, several Cleaner Water Program grants and reallocations, and a House Bill 1 water grant that required no action. Members questioned engineering costs and were told the KIA board reviews technical details and anomalies before approval. Finally, the committee approved six economic development grants: one EDF grant for V Simple in Jefferson County and five KPDI EDF grants for projects in Breckinridge, Erlanger, Todd, and Washington counties. The last action item was approval of Western Kentucky University’s up-to-$10 million general receipts revenue bond issue for athletic facilities. An informational Kentucky Housing Corporation multifamily bond item prompted concern from members about rising per-unit costs for affordable housing, and they requested further explanation from the housing corporation at a future meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• retirement from the Castle Island Association and his contributions to the historical preservation of Fort
• retirement from the Castle Island Association and his contributions to the historical preservation of Fort

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee reports and procedural motions. It adopted a resolution commending Bill Spain on his retirement from the Castle Island Association and his work preserving Fort Independence. The House also concurred in a Senate petition concerning improved public access and climate resiliency on the Mystic River and referred it to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. In addition, the House suspended Joint Rule 12 for two petitions: one establishing a sick leave bank for a Massachusetts Department of Transportation employee and another creating a Legion of Merit motor vehicle license plate. The chamber then advanced House Bill 4101, relative to the Dracut Water Supply District, suspending Rule 7A, taking a second reading, and ordering it to a third reading. On third reading, House Bill 5034, waiving the maximum age requirement for Boston police officers for Matthew Cummings, was passed to be engrossed. House Bill 1338, allowing fair compensation of Massachusetts credit union directors, was amended to add an emergency preamble and strike Section 2, then passed to be engrossed as amended. Later, the House recessed and then returned to final passage on House Bill 1646, concerning violations of regulations regarding the hot work process, and House Bill 5511, concerning teacher preparation and student literacy; both were passed to be enacted. The House also adopted an order to adjourn to meet the following Monday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned to that time in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• retirement from the Castle Island Association and his contributions to the historical preservation of Fort
• retirement from the Castle Island Association and his contributions to the historical preservation of Fort

Transcript Highlights:

• Jonathan Pollock is waving in support, and Pamela Fort is waving against. Thank you, Chair.
• Polok is waiving in support and Pamela Fort is waiving against. Thank you, Chair.
• Yes, Andrew Tabatchnik, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
• I'm the mayor of the city of Fort Lauderdale.
• Fort Lauderdale embraces diversity.

Bills: S0330 , S0526 , S0862 , S1072 , S1078 , S1192 , S1250 , S1296 , S1298 , S1642 , S1698 , S7022

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Summary: The committee heard several bills and confirmations, with most measures reported favorably. Senate Bill 330 clarified the heart disease presumption for firefighters, law enforcement, and correctional officers, codifying the medical definition of heart disease and allowing transferring law enforcement officers to rely on a prior physical if a new agency does not provide one. Support was waived in by the Florida Smart Justice Alliance and the Fraternal Order of Police, and the bill passed unanimously. Senate Bill 526, as amended by a delete-all amendment, addressed commercial construction contracts, permit standards, fee reductions when private providers are used, floodproofing, product approval categories, and adoption of certain electrical code standards; it drew support from several construction and business groups and one opposing appearance, then was reported favorably. Senate Bill 1192 created a pilot program for callback queues at the Department of Commerce and Department of Children and Families to reduce hold times for callers seeking re-employment assistance and public benefits, and it also passed favorably. Senate Bill 1078 established transition procedures for a governor-elect, including agency liaisons, briefing materials, office space, and access to records; an amendment shifted IT support to the Department of Management Services, narrowed access to confidential records, and increased penalties for unauthorized disclosure, after which the bill was approved. Senate Bill 7022 extended a public records exemption for classroom examinations and assessment instruments through 2031 and expanded coverage to school district boards and public schools; it was also reported favorably. Senate Bill 862, as amended, set a $60,000 salary goal by 2030 for state correctional officers, probation officers, and institutional security specialists, with annual raises subject to appropriations; members and witnesses emphasized recruitment, retention, and safety, and the bill passed. Senate Bill 1250 removed the requirement that the Commission on Human Relations use registered mail for certain notices under the Florida Civil Rights Act, allowing less expensive notice methods, and it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 1698 allowed certain employers to post required workplace notices electronically instead of physically, and it passed without opposition. The committee also recommended confirmation of 10 appointees to the Florida Commission on Human Relations and the State Retirement Commission. The most extensive debate centered on Senate Bill 1072, which created an anti-Semitism task force within the Department of Legal Affairs to review anti-Semitism in Florida, improve community relations, advise on law enforcement training, assess digital media literacy efforts, evaluate hate crime statutes, and recommend policy changes. The sponsor said the bill was intended to address a growing problem and noted that Florida already uses the Holocaust Remembrance definition of anti-Semitism in statute. Numerous speakers opposed the bill, arguing it could chill protected speech, especially criticism of Israel, and could be used selectively against students, activists, Muslims, Arabs, and Jewish anti-Zionists; several also said existing hate-crime and civil-rights laws were sufficient and that the task force should include protections against Islamophobia and anti-Arab hate. One member raised concerns about the constitutionality of creating such task forces in light of prior actions by the Attorney General. Despite the opposition, the bill was reported favorably on a party-line style vote with Senator Bracey Davis voting yes along with the majority. Senate Bill 1642, the Freedom in the Workplace Act, was also heard and drew significant questioning. The bill would bar public employers and contractors from requiring pronoun use, certain gender-identity-related training, or non-binary sex options on forms, and would protect employees and contractors from adverse action based on religious, moral, conscience-based, or biology-based beliefs. Senator Polsky questioned whether the bill could interfere with anti-harassment training and workplace discipline, while the sponsor said the measure was meant to prevent government coercion and extend protections similar to those in school settings. The transcript cuts off before the final disposition of this bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think I'll let the good Senator from Fort Collins take it from here and what we're getting ready to
• <01:11:14.120><c> good</c><01:11:14.320><c> Senator</c><01:11:14.800><c> from</c><01:11:15.480><c> Fort
• </c><01:11:15.680><c> Collins</c> let the good Senator from Fort Collins let the good Senator from Fort
• I just like to thank my co-prime sponsor, the good Senator from Fort Collins, for allowing me to join
• Collins, for allowing Senator from Fort Collins, for allowing me<01:16:50.600><c> to</c><01:16:50.760

Transcript Highlights:

• Fort Campbell, um, the military base, is partially in Christian County.
• Fort<00:18:36.400><c> Campbell,</c><00:18:37.440><c> um,</c><00:18:37.600><c> the</c><00:18:37.840><c
• > military</c><00:18:38.240><c> base</c><00:18:38.640><c> is</c> Fort Campbell, um, the military base
• Hardin County, Fort Knox, Christian County, Fort Campbell, Louisville, and Lexington have major VA hospitals
• Knox, Christian County, Fort Campbell, Knox, Christian County, Fort Campbell, um,<00:40:11.280><c> Louisville

Summary: The subcommittee received an overview of Kentucky’s specialty courts from Audrey Collins of the Department of Specialty Courts and the Administrative Office of the Courts, along with testimony from Christian County District Judge Foster Cutoff. Collins described the mission and structure of drug, mental health, and veterans treatment courts, emphasizing therapeutic jurisprudence, individualized treatment, judicial oversight, and multidisciplinary teams. She said Kentucky currently has about 2,991 active participants across the three court types, with drug courts in all 120 counties, mental health courts in 17 counties, and veterans treatment courts in eight counties. She also highlighted reported outcomes such as 7,658 entrants and 4,384 successful completions from 2020 to 2024, a five-year average completion rate of 57%, and lower recidivism among graduates than the statewide average. Collins also reviewed funding and costs, saying the department’s fiscal year 2025 budget was $18.6 million, with most of it from general funds, plus restricted and federal funds. She noted spending on personnel, treatment services, and drug testing, and said specialty courts allow participants to remain employed and meet obligations such as child support and restitution. She said participants paid more than $5.4 million in child support, restitution, and other court-related obligations over five years, and that a statewide evaluation by Morehead State University is underway. In response to questions, she said a dip in 2024 collections may have been affected by a case management system overhaul, and that court costs can be waived in some indigent cases while restitution is still required. Judge Cutoff described veterans treatment court and mental health court in Christian County, saying the programs are especially important because of the nearby Fort Campbell military community and because they help veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, substance use, and related issues. He said the courts rely heavily on staff, treatment providers, and the VA, which helps connect participants to benefits and therapy. He also said mental health court participants receive housing, benefits, and medication support, and that the programs can keep people out of jail and help them stabilize. Committee members asked about the legal basis and history of the courts, and Collins explained that Kentucky’s specialty courts began as pilot programs in the mid-1990s, shifted from federal support to state funding around 2008-2009, and are now largely state funded. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• So essentially, as you all know, TIF, Colonias, Water Trust Board, and the capital reserves are distributed
• Other manufacturers are doubling the size of Fort Bliss, leading to multiple data centers, thousands

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Summary: During the legislative meeting, House Bill 287 was discussed, which proposes the establishment of a permanent Health and Human Services Committee to oversee the state's $14.4 billion expenditure in this area. An amendment to the bill was adopted, which clarified funding and operational details. Public comments were solicited, but no one spoke in opposition. The committee ultimately voted, with some members expressing concerns about budget implications, but the motion to pass the bill as amended was made and seconded, with several members opposing it. House Bill 371 was also addressed, which focuses on creating an Acequia Infrastructure Fund to support land grant and Acequia communities. The bill aims to provide a financial mechanism for these communities to access funds for infrastructure projects without relying on capital outlay requests. The committee discussed the bill's implications, potential funding sources, and the need for further amendments regarding representation and oversight. A motion to pass the bill was made, with some opposition noted, particularly regarding the lack of specificity in the bill's provisions. Lastly, Senate Bill 143 was presented, which seeks to raise the caps on inspection fees under the Egg Grading Act, among other agricultural regulations. Supportive testimony was provided by representatives from agricultural organizations, emphasizing the need for updated fee structures. The committee engaged in discussions about the bill's implications for consumers and the agricultural sector, ultimately moving towards a vote to pass the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• So essentially, as you all know, TIF, Colonias Water Trust Board, and the capital reserves are distributed
• Other manufacturers doubling the size of Fort Bliss, multiple data centers, thousands of construction

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 287, which would create a permanent Health and Human Services Committee. The sponsor argued the state spends about $14.4 billion annually on health and human services and needs a standing committee to better oversee programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, CYFD, hospitals, pharmacy benefit managers, and related issues. Members discussed staffing, start-up costs, and whether the committee would have subpoena power; staff said interim funding exists in the feed bill and additional funding would likely be needed later. The committee adopted an amendment striking the appropriation and changing the effective date, then voted due pass on the amended bill, with several members recorded in opposition. The committee then considered House Bill 371, as substituted, to create land grant and acequia infrastructure funds financed from remaining severance tax bond capacity. The sponsor and acequia/land grant advocates said the measure would provide a short-term funding source for infrastructure needs such as land acquisition, right-of-way access, ditch cleaning, and repairs, with distributions beginning only after the fund reaches a threshold and subject to limits through 2031. Members asked about bond capacity, the relationship to capital outlay, legislative approval of projects, and whether the bill would reduce reliance on repeated capital requests. The committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill, with one member in opposition. The committee also heard Senate Bill 143, which raises fee caps under the New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s inspection and grading programs, including egg grading, nursery stock, pesticide, feed, and related services. The department and industry supporters said the caps had been unchanged for decades and that the bill would help fund inspections and staffing without meaningfully affecting consumer prices. After questions about fee administration, consumer impact, and staffing levels, the committee voted do pass. Finally, the committee discussed House Bill 329, which would create an Energy Affordability and Grid Reliability Council attached to the Public Regulation Commission. The sponsor said the council would study affordability, reliability, grid modernization, and energy options, drawing on experts from state agencies and utilities. Members raised concerns about the bill’s vagueness, lack of term limits and detailed structure, possible duplication with existing agencies, missing representation for rural co-ops, tribes, and nuclear energy, and the funding source. The sponsor said the governor’s office had requested the bill and that funding would come from governor-controlled GROW money, but the committee ultimately rolled the bill for further work and did not adopt the amendment presented that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• hot-button proposals like the Mass Convention Center proposed expansion, the Steamship Authority Reservation
• And if DECAM is the keeper of Fort Knox, we're going to have a gold meltdown.

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight

Transcript Highlights:

• The pilot program will close the coverage gaps by reimbursing individual premiums for TRICARE Reserve
• surge of aircraft and offshore vessels to support search-and-rescue efforts for lost mariners in the Fort

Bills: S0048

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard presentations on the Governor’s recommended budget for fiscal year 2026-27 and then considered one bill, CS/SB 48 on accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The Governor’s office outlined a $117.4 billion overall budget, with transportation and economic development receiving about $18 billion statewide and $601 million in general revenue. Agency heads then presented priorities for Commerce, Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Military Affairs, State, Transportation, Emergency Management, and the Florida State Guard, emphasizing workforce development, housing, tourism marketing, aviation and space infrastructure, law enforcement recruitment, emergency preparedness, and military readiness. In the Commerce presentation, Secretary Kelly highlighted funding for housing programs, the Hometown Heroes program, the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, rural infrastructure and workforce grants, Reconnect and Florida WINS systems, law enforcement and firefighter recruitment bonuses, defense support, Visit Florida, Space Florida, and SelectFlorida. Senators asked about Visit Florida’s private match requirements and whether the agency fully leveraged prior appropriations; Visit Florida’s CEO said the match was met and exceeded, though it is difficult but important. The Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles presentation focused on trooper pay, pursuit vehicles, aviation assets, and enterprise data systems, with questions about immigration enforcement and body cameras. Military Affairs requested funding for readiness centers, training facilities, education and health benefits for Guardsmen, and maintenance of existing armories; members discussed Guard deployments, staffing levels, and a proposed firing range project. The Department of State requested funds for automated election audits, a conservation lab, and historic preservation, and defended its arts grant process and rule changes. Transportation’s budget emphasized a $14.3 billion work program, road and bridge maintenance, aviation and aerospace, safety initiatives, and seaport investments, while Emergency Management requested funding for preparedness, flood mitigation, WebEOC, grants management, and alert systems; senators also asked about the Alligator Alcatraz detention facility. For CS/SB 48, Senator Gates explained that the bill would require local governments to allow property owners to voluntarily create ADUs, while preserving local authority over setbacks, construction, and permitting. An amendment removed reusable tenant screening reports and clarified that conforming ADUs would be allowed by right without a separate hearing. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association supported the bill, saying ADUs could help provide long-term housing for service workers. After questions about local government and HOA authority, the committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS/SB 48 favorably by roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• The pilot program will close the coverage gaps by reimbursing individual premiums for TRICARE Reserve
• vessels to support local, state, and federal search and rescue efforts for some lost mariners in the Fort

Bills: S0048

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard the Governor’s proposed FY 2026-27 budget for the TED silo and presentations from Commerce, Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Military Affairs, the State Guard, State, Transportation, and Emergency Management. The Governor’s office outlined a $117.4 billion overall budget, including $18.3 billion for TED agencies, with major allocations for FDOT, Commerce, emergency management, tourism, military affairs, and state operations. Agency heads emphasized priorities such as housing and disaster recovery, workforce and rural infrastructure, law enforcement recruitment, defense support, tourism marketing, aerospace and spaceport investment, election audits, historic preservation, road and bridge maintenance, aviation safety, and emergency preparedness systems. Members asked several questions about the use and effectiveness of funding. Visit Florida officials said the public-private match is essential and that they exceeded the required match last year. Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles discussed trooper pay, vehicle replacement, aviation support, and transparency tools such as vehicle camera systems, with senators praising the department’s recruitment efforts. Military Affairs and the State Guard described readiness, recruiting, facility construction, and support for domestic missions, including hurricane response and perimeter security at the Everglades detention site; questions focused on deployment tempo, staffing, and costs. The Department of State explained funding for automated election audits, a conservation lab, and historic preservation, and said its arts grant changes were intended to standardize scoring rather than cut programs. Transportation highlighted a $15.4 billion total budget, major work program funding, safety initiatives, seaport and aviation investments, and the elimination of Florida Rail Enterprise funding due to reduced documentary stamp revenues. The committee also heard and passed CS/SB 48 by Senator Gates, which requires local governments to allow accessory dwelling units on a voluntary basis, while preserving local authority over setbacks, construction, and permitting. An amendment removed reusable tenant screening reports and clarified that conforming ADUs are allowed by right without separate hearings. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and several industry and business groups supported the bill, citing the need for long-term rental housing for workers. After debate, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably by roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• coincides with a very, very popular 4th of July festivities, so I would recommend that we start making reservations
• comments into consideration, and Sarah, once she gets approval for the dates, the sites, have Madam Forte

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• importance that USGS continues on a regular basis to update estimates of recoverable oil and gas. reserves
• We're down to one left. in Montana, and that's for the Fort Belknap Indian community.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that connecting the two biggest city centers, hopefully ultimately connecting Fort Worth and
• I'll be happy to answer any questions and respectfully reserve the right to close. Thank you.

Bills: HB341 , HB791 , HB1564 , HB1695 , HB1722 , HB1729 , HB1772 , HB2003 , HB2954 , HB2989 , HB3084 , HB3134 , HB3135 , HB3309 , HB3611 , HB3679 , HB3727 , HB3832

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, HB 791, Central Catholic High School, San Antonio, specialty license plate, specialty plates

Transcript Highlights:

• industry in Texas is a crucial component of the state's energy sector, driven by abundant natural gas reserves
• they'll have to dig into the bedrock, that'll shut down construction in downtown Dallas and downtown Fort

Bills: SB2037 , SB1757 , SB1758 , SB1759 , HB29

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Fort DeSoto Park Senate Bill 494 directs the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to Post on its website
• Reserve. Reading your name. Come up, come forward. So you'd be ready. So I call your name.