Transcript Highlights:

• So let me explain this map.
• Each one of those little circles on the map is basically what we call an aquifer storage and recovery
• What you have there is a water depth map of the Everglades and Big Cypress, and what we’re trying to
• Each circle on that map has its own little challenges.
• And if you look at the maps and you look at the slides that FWC had, that makes a huge difference.

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met to hear presentations on Lake Okeechobee from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the South Florida Water Management District, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. FWC described the lake as a major recreation, water supply, and habitat resource, and outlined its habitat management plan, including control of invasive plants, prescribed fire, and restoration of native vegetation. The agency said low water levels have helped submerged aquatic vegetation recover, with gains in 2025 exceeding 24,000 acres and meeting its target, while torpedo grass and floating invasive plants remain active management priorities. Senators asked about bass fishing trends and blue-green algae; FWC said water levels are the main driver of fishery health and that it was not seeing current water-quality impacts on bass, though algal blooms can affect habitat and wildlife. The South Florida Water Management District focused on nutrient pollution, lake ecology, and restoration projects across the watershed. Director Drew Bartlett said the district’s work is aimed at reducing harmful discharges, improving water quality, and moving more water south to the Everglades through storage and treatment projects, including the EAA Reservoir, C-43 and C-44 reservoirs, aquifer storage and recovery, and wetland treatment areas. He said the state and federal governments have invested about $9 billion in restoration, roughly split 50-50, and that the EAA Reservoir is now targeted for completion in 2029. He also said Lake Okeechobee BMAP participation is around 92% and that recent data show phosphorus and nitrogen loading declines, though the lake remains impaired and eutrophic. An industry witness from Associated Industries of Florida said the BMAP and agricultural best management practices are producing measurable improvements and urged continued funding for water storage and treatment. The Army Corps of Engineers then explained LOSOM and Lake Recovery operations, saying the new operating approach balances flood control, water supply, navigation, ecology, and estuary protection. Colonel Brandon Bowman said Lake Recovery was implemented in late 2024 to bring the lake below 12 feet long enough to help submerged vegetation rebound, and reported that the lake met both recovery metrics, with water levels low enough to support a major increase in SAV from about 4,000 acres to 28,000 acres in 2025. He also noted benefits such as improved water clarity and more Okeechobee gourd plants, but acknowledged drawbacks including reduced navigation and some impacts to wading birds and snail kites. Senators pressed the Corps on the C-44 reservoir’s sloughing issue; Bowman said repairs are underway, the problem is geological rather than a safety failure, and the Corps expects to award a contract by 2027 and complete work by 2030. The committee did not take any substantive vote on the presentations and adjourned after Senator Smith moved to do so.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's do the exact same size, apples to apples, private sector, public sector, have a competition, city
• Let's do the exact same size, apples to apples, private sector, public sector, have a competition, city
• In apples-to-apples comparison, it's not only just the things they serve, but regionally, you know, in
• These maps here show the remaining zones that we have to analyze.
• I think that's shown in the map.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What this map depicts is the gray area.
• For simplicity, the map—if you look at the map—we are not adding any new justice of the peace.
• So when the judge, hold that other map back up.
• Like, this map was created. A long time ago. Like, this map was created.
• This is a map that was come up with me, the Justice of the Peace, and the attorney on the Map that was

Bills: HCR41, HB11, HB227, HB243, HB278, HB335, HB424, HB454, HB455, HB492, HB623, HB641, HB660, HB708, HB719, HB940, HB1029, HB1053, HB1069, HB1077

Keywords: coupons, rebates, alcohol regulation, malt beverages, Louisiana Department of Revenue, remembrance, Charlie Kirk, state recognition, October 14, memorial day, court filings, electronic filing, letter size paper, privacy, legal procedure, recusal, district attorney, substitute attorney, appointment process, legal proceedings

Transcript Highlights:

• that map is highly unfavorable to Eastern Kentucky.
• It's just an awful-looking map. I mean, Western Kentucky has coverage.
• to apples comparisons.
• <00:59:56.720> So<00:59:56.799> I be apples to apples comparisons.
• So I be apples to apples comparisons.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:02 Statewide Emergency Response System Monthly Update- 00:02:23 Shock Probation: Administrative Office of the Courts-00:34:28 Shock Probation: Department of Corrections Oversight-01:04:04 Adjournment-01:12:22, 958, all

Summary: The committee received an update on Kentucky’s statewide emergency responder voice system (SERVS) and the supporting microwave network, known as KYeS. Michael Brandon Marshall, the state’s statewide interoperability coordinator, explained that the project began as a replacement for Kentucky State Police’s radio system and has expanded into a statewide public-safety trunked radio system. He reviewed work completed in phases 1 and 2, including upgrades to existing tower sites, construction of new sites, installation of generators and DC power plants, and replacement of microwave routers and stations. He said the microwave upgrade is a separate but necessary part of the project and that the remaining microwave work on existing sites is expected to be finished in 2026, with roughly 20 more sites likely to move from blue to green by the next monthly report if conditions allow. Members pressed Marshall on the pace of deployment and the lack of coverage in parts of Eastern Kentucky. Senator Thomas said the coverage map was especially unfavorable to counties from Whitley and McCreary up to Lewis County and asked when that gap would be fixed. Marshall said the eastern buildout is planned, but those areas have not yet been funded; he estimated that by the end of 2026 the areas around Posts 14, 8, and 11 should be live, while other eastern post areas would remain unbuilt until additional funding is provided. He said the decision to start in Western Kentucky was technical rather than political, based on terrain and the relative ease of building coverage over flatter ground. Senator Wheeler asked whether newer low-orbit satellite systems such as Starlink could reduce the need for tower construction. Marshall said satellite technology could be a useful tool, especially for outdoor or disaster-response communications, but it cannot replace terrestrial radio for public safety because responders often work indoors and need reliable penetration through buildings. He also noted that lower-frequency spectrum such as 700 MHz is better suited for that purpose. Representative Smith asked about contracting and delays; Marshall said the Finance Cabinet’s DECA manages the construction contracts, while his office helps define the scope of work and reviews whether it is adequately met. The committee indicated it will continue to receive monthly updates on the project.

Transcript Highlights:

• We map all of that and provide all the citizens and all the partners with an interactive map on their
• Um apologies for the So here's a map.
• Doesn't inundation maps in the state.
• the flood inundation maps in the state. the flood inundation maps in the state.
• The flood inundation maps can cost over $200,000. Inundation maps can cost over $200,000.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force met with a quorum, approved the August meeting minutes, and heard a presentation from Dr. Jerry Brosky of the Kentucky Mesonet and Kentucky Climate Center. He described the Mesonet’s statewide weather network, now with 84 stations in 78 counties, real-time data used by the National Weather Service, mobile apps, and more than a billion observations. He said recent legislative funding has allowed upgrades such as soil temperature and moisture sensors, cameras at every site, and improved communications and power systems, and has enabled expansion into new counties. He also highlighted products used for flooding, drought, and heat safety, including a wet bulb globe temperature tool being developed with the Department of Public Health. In response to questions, he said counties interested in a station should contact his center, that a station typically costs about $50,000, and that the program is already considering a second Pike County site. The committee then heard from Ryan Drain of Blue Skies and Chris McGee of the American Red Cross on long-term disaster recovery and a software platform called Darcy, short for Disaster Aware and Ready Communities Initiative. McGee explained the Red Cross’s long-term recovery work, including support for recovery groups, direct financial assistance, grantmaking, and coordination with local and federal partners. He emphasized that disasters are occurring more frequently and with repeated impacts, and shared examples from Kentucky and other states showing the need for organized recovery and storm shelter support. Drain said Darcy was developed after the 2021 Mayfield-Graves tornado recovery to replace fragmented spreadsheets and PDFs with a centralized, survivor-led system for preparedness, response, and recovery, designed to improve coordination, reduce duplication, and shorten recovery time. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond adoption of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the key to that is back to what I said: how the maps are drawn.
• I think a very deliberate role in developing the maps has to be part of this conversation.
• to make sure the maps make sense.
• The maps would be included in that administration adoption.
• apple so that the rest of us can operate appropriately.

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the lines on this map are the 2024 routes.
• . map. map.
• been on the map uh previously. been on the map uh previously.
• and thanks to my council and everybody involved for making sure that we have this data that's uh apples-to-apples
• and thanks to my council and everybody involved for making sure that we have this data that's uh apples-to-apples

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a Met Council report from Charles Carlson on high-subsidy transit route analysis required by the transportation bill. Carlson explained that the study uses per-passenger operating subsidy, compares routes by type and service day, and is intended to help providers improve cost-effectiveness while recognizing transit’s importance for access, affordability, safety, and the region’s economy. He noted that routes more than 60% above peer averages are considered the highest-subsidy tier, and that the report also estimates the cost of Metro Mobility associated with those routes. Members asked several questions about why contracted service can cost less than directly operated service, whether contracting affects wages, union membership, or service quality, and why the Met Council targets about 20% of regular route service for contracting. Carlson said contracted service can be cheaper because of lower overhead and other market factors, that the council sets minimum wage and service-quality requirements in contracts, and that customers should not notice a quality difference. He also said the 20% target is meant to balance cost-effective service, geography, and a mix of providers, and that some routes may become more cost-effective with more frequent service depending on local demand. Carlson reported that in 2024, 206 of 264 routes met guidelines, 16 were in the lowest intervention tier, 14 in the middle tier, and 28 were in the highest-subsidy tier. He said the regional share of high-subsidy service was about 4.1%, but the share varied widely by provider, with some at 0% and others much higher. He estimated that discontinuing the highest-subsidy routes would save about $23 million annually and up to $72 million in capital costs. For Metro Mobility, he said the cost associated with trips tied to high-subsidy routes rose from about $368,000 in 2023 to about $6.1 million in 2024, largely because the mix of routes triggering federally mandated paratransit service changed, especially in the Shakopee area.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:56:07.880> to<00:56:08.039> Apples I think it's a Apples to Apples I think it's
• a Apples to Apples comparison<00:56:08.920> but<00:56:09.039> it<00:56:09.160> isn't
• <00:56:13.039> and right a lot of worms in the apple and right a lot of worms in the apple
• The state has paid out those dollars entirely at a 50 percent match. map map a map of the US in terms
• of the map map a map of the US in terms of the various<01:32:43.320> minimum<01:32:44.320>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division III held an informational hearing on Medicaid, Medicare, Choices for Independence, and related financing, while postponing nursing facility financing and the county cap discussion to a later date. DHHS officials Ann Landry, Jonathan Ballard, and Medicaid Director Henry Litman provided an overview of Medicaid’s role, noting it is a federal-state partnership with state-specific eligibility and benefits, and emphasizing that Medicaid is a major funding and programmatic support for other DHHS initiatives. They also distinguished Medicaid from Medicare and explained that Medicaid funding is not the same as grant funding, though some providers may also receive federal grants through other channels. The presentation focused on New Hampshire’s relatively small Medicaid program and why it differs from national averages. Officials said about 184,000 residents are covered, roughly one in seven Granite Staters compared with one in five nationally, and attributed the difference largely to the state’s higher per-capita income and older population. They highlighted that about 65% of Medicaid-enrolled adults in New Hampshire are working, that only 22% of births are covered by Medicaid versus 42% nationally, and that the state’s uninsured rate is lower than the national rate. Members asked about covered services, income limits, federal matching rates, and the names of optional eligibility groups; staff explained that New Hampshire offers the optional groups discussed, with matching rates varying by category, including 90% for Granite Advantage and certain other groups, and 65% for children above the required level. A substantial portion of the hearing covered eligibility rules and recent policy changes. Officials reviewed the history of Medicaid, including HCBS waivers, the CFI program, Katie Beckett, the Olmstead decision, the ACA, and the end of continuous enrollment after the public health emergency. They also discussed the 2023 legislative expansion of postpartum coverage from 60 days to 12 months and child eligibility changes. In response to questions, DHHS said it is tracking utilization and costs for the postpartum expansion and reported that many maternal deaths occur after the prior 60-day coverage period, often involving substance use disorder or suicide; they said the longer coverage is intended to improve access to treatment and prevention. The committee also walked through household-income examples, clarified that Medicaid eligibility is based on household income and categorical rules, and confirmed that Granite Advantage ends at 138% of the federal poverty level unless another categorical basis applies. No votes were taken, and the hearing remained informational.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:15.160> They're that map do not have a jail. They're that map do not have a jail.
• Also, you mentioned Tennessee, and we're really not talking apples for apples there.
• Also, you mentioned Tennessee, and we're really not talking apples for apples there.
• <01:37:18.720> for we're really not talking apples for we're really not talking apples for
• apples<01:37:19.200> there.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:07 Roll Call 00:00:13 Approval of Minutes from August Meeting 00:01:55 Discussion of County Jails 00:03:31 Discussion of Centralized Collection of Net Profits and Occupational License Taxes 01:02:12 Adjournment 01:54:56, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the August 26 minutes, and then took up a discussion of county jail funding. KACO representatives and county officials said jail operations are an ongoing strain for counties because they must pay for inmate care, facilities, and mandated standards, while many counties also rely on jail revenue to offset costs. They described Kentucky’s jail system, including 77 jails, 43 closed counties without jails, and the mix of county, state, federal, and controlled-intake inmates. KACO emphasized that counties remain financially responsible for inmates even when they must contract with other jails, often at costs above the state’s per diem rate, and said it is developing a broader proposal to present later. The testimony focused on rising expenses and shrinking revenue. KACO said counties spent about $374 million on jail operations in FY24, up 24% from FY19, and about $41 million on jail medical costs, up 40%. General fund support for jails was said to total $147 million in FY24, more than double pre-COVID levels. Speakers also noted that state inmate populations in county jails have fallen from about 11,500 in 2019 to 7,212 in 2025, while federal inmates have increased because they are more lucrative for counties. The state jail per diem of $35.34 was described as insufficient to cover actual costs, especially medical care. County judges from Webster, Knox, and Hardin counties gave examples of local budget pressure. Webster County said it now houses 114 state prisoners, 47 county prisoners, and 24 out-of-county prisoners, and that it transferred $512,000 from its general fund to the jail last year, about $77 per taxpayer. Knox County said its jail budget has grown from an initial $2.8 million projection to $5.7 million, with $3 million coming from occupational tax revenue. Hardin County said its jail has an approximate $11 million expense budget against $5 million in revenue, creating a $6 million deficit, driven by higher payroll, medical, and insurance costs and a 29% drop in state prisoner revenue. The judge said the county has responded with property tax increases and an expanded occupational tax district, but still uses reserves to cover other county services. A Grant County magistrate then began speaking from the perspective of magistrates and commissioners, describing her background working at a local jail before serving in county government. The discussion remained centered on the fiscal burden of jails and the need for counties and the legislature to work together on a long-term solution.

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, you voted for the 2023 maps, right? The congressional maps? I did.
• Do you have a map? I do not have a map. Who is drawing the map? I'm not drawing a map.
• A map, if I did not think it was a legal map. You thought it was a legal map, not an...
• I have never voted for any map that I did not believe was a legal map.
• It's hard to do apples to apples with what we did in 21 and 23.

Bills: SR5, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35

Keywords: redistricting, Senate procedures, public input, Texas Legislature, amendments, Texas Senate, congressional districts, legislative procedures, legislative transparency, Senate rules, public hearings, committee procedures, hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes

Summary: The meeting centered around the discussion of congressional redistricting, where the committee established the procedures to ensure a fair and transparent process. Led by Senator King, the session focused on adopting a resolution that authorized a special committee dedicated to congressional redistricting and allowed for regional hearings to gather public input via videoconferencing. Concerns were raised about ensuring adequate notice for public participation, especially from marginalized communities potentially affected by proposed changes. Disagreements emerged regarding the timeline for regional hearings and how to address the implications of the redistricting process on minority districts. Overall, participants acknowledged the complex nature of redistricting and the importance of engaging constituents in the legislative process.

Transcript Highlights:

• I laid it out on a map, so I had to actually look at the percentages on the map for all the states, and
• On the map for all the states, I was like, 'Well, that's great.'
• That's really misleading and something you don't need to listen to because you're not comparing apples
• to apples.
• thing I wanted to point out is that the transfers and reversion line looks like it's jumping off the map

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , we're looking at language to actually identify surf spots within the actual local coastal plan by map
• So we see this as complementary. ...local coastal plan by map and also by description.
• It's not quite apples to apples with what we are doing here in California, that being...
• comprehensive process that took a very long time and a lot of people at the table it's not quite apples
• to apples with what we we are doing here in California that being It's not quite apples to apples with

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of natural resources and related bills, with several measures taken up as the committee reached quorum and many others moving on consent or with due-pass recommendations. Early items included AB 80 on carpet recycling, AB 452 creating a local process for state surf reserves, and AB 823 restricting microplastics in personal care and cleaning products. AB 80 drew broad support from recycling, labor, and environmental groups and was described as a follow-up to earlier carpet recycling reforms. AB 452 was backed by surf, tourism, environmental, and local government interests as a voluntary, community-driven way to recognize and protect surf breaks. AB 823 generated the most extensive debate, with supporters citing public health and environmental harms from microplastics and opponents warning the bill’s language could sweep in products such as sunscreens, cosmetics, and fragrance-encapsulation materials; the committee discussed possible ambiguity and EU comparisons before voting the bill out on a due-pass-as-amended basis to Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials. The committee also advanced AB 1046, which would create a narrow exemption from SB 1383 organic-waste requirements for certain crop preparers and tree nut processors that do not send organic waste to landfills. Agricultural witnesses said the bill would clarify that their operations already reuse byproducts and should not face duplicative reporting, and the measure passed with support from agricultural and rural county representatives. AB 252, the “Stop Laying Off Firefighters Act,” proposed year-round Cal Fire staffing; the author and Cal Fire supporters argued that wildfire conditions are now year-round and that maintaining trained crews would improve response and prevention, and the bill was sent to Appropriations. AB 571, a targeted CEQA exemption for the Southern California Veterans Cemetery in Anaheim, drew strong bipartisan and veterans’ support and also passed out. Later, the committee approved AB 1455, which would authorize emergency rulemaking and streamline future updates for ember-resistant building regulations after recent wildfire emergencies, and AB 687, which would let public agencies use forest-practice rules and timber-harvest plans for certain publicly funded fuel-reduction projects; AB 687 drew some opposition over scope and enforceability concerns but was still advanced. The committee also moved AB 652, allowing alternate members on the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District board to prevent quorum problems, and AB 317, a first-time homebuyer housing bill that would exempt certain small, lower-cost homes from CEQA and defer some property taxes; AB 317 prompted discussion about guardrails to avoid unintended use on larger subdivisions. Finally, AB 900, requiring the Natural Resources Agency to develop a stewardship plan for 30-by-30 lands, was heard with broad support from land trusts and conservation groups and advanced on a due-pass recommendation, and AB 738, a wildfire-rebuild bill easing solar requirements for certain disaster survivors, was introduced and discussed with questions about its narrow scope and the number of homes affected.

Transcript Highlights:

• But, could somebody explain to me what a sequential intercept resource mapping is?
• So, in total, that sequential intercept mapping looks at all the gaps and assets within an area, what
• As much as that drives me nuts, because I like to have an apples-to-apples comparison across the judicial
• plans don't depend on the sequential intercept map, right?
• They can proceed with the regional plans, and once the sequential intercept map is done, they can come

Transcript Highlights:

• They're mapping out the staffing models and the instructional materials they need.
• to apples and not oranges to apples, bananas to apples, blueberries to apples, but actually apples to
• apples when it comes to these dollars going into the system, we're measuring these 10 things.
• So the unifying apples to apples is the student achievement and those things that we monitor.
• And we are indeed measuring those apples to apples.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When you move past our seal and the title, the next page you should be looking at should be a map of
• and look at the filings between New Mexico and the other states, would we be able to get more of an apples-to-apples
• to apples, which might help you more in understanding what's going on?
• In this chart, and I just have to say that I have a real problem comparing apples to oranges.
• If we can't compare apples to apples, we just had a special session that amounted to over $162 million

Transcript Highlights:

• We were actually recipients of the HTDC MAP grants in 2024."
• map grant program. map grant program.
• So, under MAP or, sorry, MEP, we get about $800,000 a year that requires a 50% match.
• in 2026 and do not come back and bite at the same apple in 2027 and later years.
• in 2026 and do not come back and bite at the same apple in 2027 and later years.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 2045 relating to combat sports and recommended passage with SD1. Members adopted requested changes from DCCA and the boxing commission, including clarifying that the onsite medical professional must be a licensed physician, specifying when a deputy combat sports commissioner must file a written report, removing the combat sports registry language and ambulance requirement, clarifying promoter payment requirements, and requiring advance coordination with the nearest emergency room or hospital. The bill also makes technical amendments and sets an effective date of July 1, 2050. The measure passed unanimously among members present, with Senators Fukunaga and Kim excused. The joint hearing then considered SB 2187 relating to the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Testimony was brief and largely in support, and the committees agreed to pass the bill with SD1, making technical non-substantive amendments and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050. The committees voted to adopt the recommendation, with members present voting aye and some senators excused. A longer portion of the hearing focused on several economic development measures, including SB 2072 on tourism, SB 3049 on a trade-oriented production capacity grant program, and SB 3166 and SB 3167 involving technology development and the blue economy. SB 2072 drew questions about cost, benefit, and the practicality of promoting Michelin-star restaurants in Hawaii. SB 3049 received broad support from DBEDT, HTDC, chambers, and industry groups, but members questioned whether a new grant program was needed, why DBEDT could not do it without legislation, and whether the state should instead use existing entities like HTDC; the discussion also covered matching funds, likely beneficiaries, and administrative capacity. SB 3166 and SB 3167 were supported by technology and ocean-sector witnesses who said the state needs coordinated planning, specialized expertise, and support for advanced manufacturing and ocean innovation, but members raised concerns about relying on third-party consultants, duplication of existing public capacity, ethics, cost, and whether the work should instead be done by state staff or existing institutions. No final votes on the later bills were captured in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• These eight projects are explained in greater detail with maps in the appendix of your packet. starting
• You know, as I constantly have a slight amount of frustration trying to figure out how to do apples-to-apples
• Carrizo-Cain mapping study along with providing unexpended balance authority within the biennium.
• We have a lot of old maps and records.
• No, right, but you, I mean, you've known my, it's very difficult. for us to get apples to apples, like

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I just like to remind folks that these are a little bit apples to oranges when we compare.
• And so you can see on that map.
• My county is in deep blue; my whole area is deeper blue than a lot of the rest of the map.
• But on page 3, when I'm looking at the mapping you have for us in the population map, I want to say that
• It involves regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities and monopolies in a way that isn't apples-to-apples

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we're calling an apple an apple and we don't have 25 kinds of apples, right?
• an apple and we don't have 25 apple an apple and we don't have 25 kinds<00:29:26.159> of<00:29
• Um, and so kinds of apples, right?
• to apples to understand what does apples to apples to understand what does chronic<00:58:59.359> as
• We want to compare apples to apples, as was discussed earlier this morning.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Could the agency access school maps and/or building plans?
• But if we’re just comparing apples to apples, that’s a pretty big difference in cost structure.
• We have 169 school maps that are now activated in the system.
• At the time of the audit, we did not see a building map pulled over.
• We have 169 school maps that are now activated in the system.

Keywords: 1182, all