Transcript Highlights:

• The only way you can buy a Toyota van, a Sienna van, is— The only way you can buy a Toyota van, a Sienna
• And the electric propulsion component is a recharging-of-battery type scenario.
• There's a long list of various types of vehicles that do fall into the category that pay a substantial
• amount of gas and would be no different than a diesel truck getting the same type of gas mileage.
• lot of options that are eliminated if they want to get a certain type of pickup truck nowadays.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs met on May 11, 2026, approved the April 27 minutes, and then took up several House bills. HB 618, by Rep. McMakin, would update Louisiana Economic Development fees and filing charges by indexing them to inflation and allowing some discretion to waive or reduce fees for small businesses; it was reported favorable. HB 732, by Rep. Owen, drew extensive discussion because it combined two issues: temporary OMV relief for a hospice-related ID problem and a suspension of the new hybrid vehicle road usage fee. Members and the OMV commissioner raised constitutional and drafting concerns about waiving or eliminating obligations, and the committee discussed how newer vehicle classifications blur the line between electric, hybrid, and gas-powered vehicles. The committee ultimately reported HB 732 favorable, with the understanding that amendments and further work would be needed before floor action. The committee also reported favorable on HB 217 and HB 214 by Rep. Henry, which would authorize local governments to grant property tax exemptions for the rehabilitation of blighted property and place the related constitutional amendment before voters. Testimony emphasized that the measure is permissive for local governments, applies only after a property is formally blighted and rehabilitated, and is intended to encourage redevelopment while preserving some tax revenue. Members discussed the exemption level, duration, and the need for clearer definitions of blight, but no objections were raised. HB 593, also by Rep. Henry, would raise the maximum service fee for OMV public tag agent offices statewide; the commissioner explained that many offices are locally operated and that the increase would help cover costs, and the bill was reported favorable. Later, HB 514 and HB 961, by Rep. Foreman, were reported favorable. HB 514 would allow local governments, by referendum, to provide additional property tax relief for seniors who meet income and freeze requirements, with phased age-based eligibility steps; HB 961 would extend a similar concept to certain homesteads held in trust. Members discussed the optional local nature of the program and the need to avoid overly broad rules. HB 908, by Rep. Mina, would increase certain Secretary of State business services fees to support operations and system upgrades; agency officials said the fees had not been comprehensively adjusted since 2013 and remained below regional averages, and the bill was reported favorable. The committee then heard an informational update on the capital outlay bill from the Division of Administration, including the use of bundled projects for universities and DOTD, the status of P1/P2/P5 funding, and available cash capacity. Finally, HB 1010, by Rep. Deshotel, was reported favorable after brief discussion; it would require assessors to report property tax collections to the Louisiana Tax Commission for centralized public reporting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, is your question, is there a federal court precedent to support bans on specific types of weapons
• Currently in the statute of limitations section for the types of crimes that do not have a statute of
• them, but Those types of crimes can kind of be a little bit more expansive as far as the way that they
• But it just allows those particular types of crimes to not have a statute of limitations.
• That seems like a different type of crime to me.

Bills: SB38, SB17, SB41, SB264

Keywords: SB38, pet food, registered pet food, registration fee, fees, sunset repeal, repeal of repeal, revenue, state fee, business regulation, animal feed, pet food registration, New Mexico, gun control, firearm safety, dealer regulation, illegal trade, background checks, sexual crimes, statute of limitations

Transcript Highlights:

• But there could be a lot of reasons why there's not a substantial relationship between a parent and a
• There's nothing more than a child wanting to make a change or needing to make a change to motivate a
• And so what we would need to do is establish a provider type of a licensed dietitian.
• in the Medicaid program, we would have to create a new provider type, so most of those costs are one-time
• So there are a variety of different provider types in there.

Bills: HB26, HB140, HB141, HB142, HB215, HB26, HB140, HB141, HB142, HB215

Keywords: Medicaid, nutrition support, maternal health, chronic conditions, pilot program, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child protective services, child abuse investigations, child neglect, child exploitation, advisory committee, Family and Protective Services Council, council abolition, foster care, due process, investigative procedures, child welfare, parental rights, family preservation services

Transcript Highlights:

• Our most recent type is a rural emergency hospital.
• There's another type of hospital called a PPS hospital, sorry for the acronym, prospective payment system
• There's another type of hospital called a PPS hospital, sorry for the acronym, prospective payment system
• Apples and oranges mix in all different types, some who do well, some who do poorly—it's a negative 5.18%
• Apples and oranges mix in all different types, some who do well, some who do poorly—it's a negative 5.18%

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so basically, initially, when you have a water body, a lake, or a river, the department will set
• And our permit reviewers will say, you're in a BMAP, you are not allowed to get a permit to put in a
• And our permit reviewers will say, you're in a BMAP, you are not allowed to get a permit to put in a
• Here's a slide showing a construction trend.
• of illustrate what types of projects are going on. highlight a couple of projects with some slides just

Summary: The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee heard two informational presentations. First, the Department of Environmental Protection gave an overview of Florida’s water quality framework, explaining how numeric nutrient criteria, monitoring, TMDLs, and Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs) are used to address impaired waters. DEP described recent changes intended to increase accountability, including five-year milestones in BMAPs, requirements for advanced wastewater treatment by 2033 in certain cases, limits on new conventional septic systems where sewer is available, enhanced nutrient-reducing septic requirements where sewer is not available, and a new agricultural regional water quality improvement element. The department also highlighted the Water Quality Improvement Grant Program, which has received nearly $1.4 billion over four years and funded more than 300 projects, as well as a public dashboard showing funded projects and a forthcoming trend-analysis dashboard for monitoring data. Members asked about enforcement of BMAP milestones, septic-to-sewer coordination with local governments, PFAS and microplastics monitoring, septic system performance standards, wastewater facility compliance, and how many facilities remain below advanced wastewater treatment standards. DEP said it can enforce BMAP obligations through administrative orders, consent orders, court action, fines, and permit conditions, and that it inspects and verifies wastewater facilities while relying on reporting and site inspections for sewer infrastructure. The department also said nutrient-reducing septic systems must achieve a 65 percent reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus, with verification required when projects seek BMAP credit. The committee then heard from the chief resilience officer on the Resilient Florida program, created in 2021 to address sea-level rise and coastal flooding. The presentation reviewed planning grants, vulnerability assessments, and the statewide critical-asset assessment, noting that all counties and most municipalities are expected to complete assessments by the end of 2026 and that vulnerability is now an eligibility requirement for future project funding. The program reported major statewide outcomes, including stormwater storage, miles of infrastructure and roadway protection, acres restored, and coastal protection projects, and highlighted examples such as breakwater improvements and lift-station elevation. Members asked about project delays, funding totals, overlap with other funding sources, and project prioritization; the program said delays often stem from design and permitting after award, that its reported totals reflect only grants it administers, and that projects are scored under the same criteria rather than being prioritized by asset type. The meeting ended with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• All of the different SMR technology types, and what I'm going to try and do is actually put a little
• So there's a broad range of reactor types, all the way from water-cooled, which some people call Generation
• So we do a long-term treasury plus 25 or 50 basis points, and that gives bond-type rates or a bond-type
• So we do a light-term treasury plus 25 or 50 basis points, and that gives bond-type readings or a bond-type
• They're doing, at the lower end, a few million dollars toward research or that type of thing.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We want to make it a home here, but it also has the potential to disrupt industries, all types of industries
• So those types of sites tend to be ones where you want to have a lot of different types of assets to
• I do have a couple of questions in regards to mostly Food and Drug Administration-type duties that you
• I do have a couple of questions in regards to mostly food and drug administration type duties that you
• So, kratom under the FDA is a prohibited additive in any type of health additive, health product.

Summary: The committee first recognized Mark Roper of the Economic Development Department for his long service and retirement, with members and the secretary praising his work on economic development across the state. Secretary Rob Black then presented EDD’s budget and special appropriation requests, describing strong recent job and income growth and outlining the department’s strategy around science and technology, site readiness, workforce development, foreign direct investment, and rural/community programs. He highlighted wins in advanced energy, quantum, space and defense, and biosciences, and asked for funding for quantum/DARPA matching funds, additional site readiness work, LIDA closing funds, JTIP training support, New Mexico Partnership, and healthy foods and other community programs. Members asked detailed questions about the quantum proposal, site readiness, the new mapping tool for industrial sites, workforce participation, trade missions, foreign investment, tariffs, water and produced water, tribal site evaluation, and public engagement on major projects. Black said the quantum request was intended to match federal dollars and build a workforce pipeline, that the site-readiness software would be a set enterprise license, and that the department was working with tribes and local partners on future site evaluations. He also said tariffs have created uncertainty but New Mexico’s infrastructure and foreign trade zones could help attract manufacturing, and he acknowledged concerns about transparency and community input while noting that some projects, such as Pacific Fusion, had gone through extensive public processes. The committee also discussed specific projects and funding balances, including Mantis Space’s move to Albuquerque, the status of Virgin Galactic’s spaceport lease, and the current LIDA fund balance and encumbrances. Black and Deputy Secretary Isaac Romero said the department was trying to use State Investment Council-backed venture funds to attract companies and that the new investments were already producing deals and jobs. Members generally supported the department’s direction but pressed for more targeted expertise, faster deployment, and stronger community involvement in future economic development decisions. Later, Secretary de Blassie of the Department of Health presented the department’s budget request and progress report. He said DOH had improved revenue cycle management, reduced old Medicaid-pending cases, increased census at facilities, improved budget and contract timeliness, and responded effectively to the measles outbreak. The department requested additional base funding for epidemiology and response, the DOH helpline, the Vital Records Virtual Vault, state labs, and the veterans home, along with special requests for respiratory vaccinations and marketing and lab equipment replacement. He also noted progress on MOUD and the medical psilocybin program, and said the department was not seeking to launch new programs given the limited time left in the administration.

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, you're getting a lot of this stuff out of the way up front by implementing this type of cost-benefit
• And again, you're getting a lot of this stuff out of the way up front by implementing this type of cost-benefit
• And again, you're getting a lot of this stuff out of the way up front by implementing this type of cost-benefit
• And again, you're getting a lot of this stuff out of the way up front by implementing this type of cost-benefit
• So the piece that I'm getting at is when we're establishing some type of regulation, a lot of times that's

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 936, an author’s bill requiring cost-benefit analysis before agencies move forward with major rulemaking. Chair Nash moved the bill, the A2 author’s amendment was adopted, and the bill was then discussed as amended. The sponsor said the goal was not to eliminate rulemaking, but to require agencies to “show their work” by analyzing costs, benefits, and assumptions before rules are adopted. Supporters, including representatives from Americans for Prosperity and the Pacific Legal Foundation, argued the bill would improve transparency, uniformity, and accountability in rulemaking. They cited federal and other state models, especially Virginia, and said similar requirements already exist in several states. They also pointed to public support for requiring cost-benefit analysis and said the bill could help agencies avoid costly or poorly thought-out regulations, reduce litigation risk, and improve legislative oversight through notice to committees and publication of preliminary and final analyses. Several members raised concerns. Representative Luger Nikolai said cost-benefit analysis is already part of existing law through SONARs and that the legislature, not agencies, should be the first line of review; she also worried the bill would force dollar valuations on qualitative factors such as accessibility. Representative Craft said the bill could allow unelected officials to negate policy choices already made by the legislature if benefits do not exceed costs. Representative Fryberg said the bill appears to require full analysis even for minor housekeeping rules and may overemphasize dollar-based benefits. Chair Nash and supporters responded that the bill is meant to impose a uniform check on agencies and that many current rules already operate without sufficient legislative oversight. The discussion ended with members expressing both support and opposition, and a roll call was requested, though no final vote was included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• This would also be a chance to do a test to make sure that they have... ...be a chance to do a test to
• My mom didn't know for 15 years or so that she was type 2, so it would have saved her a lot of trouble
• A little bit of a rounding error.
• So it's like, you know, if a person is writing a goal and meeting a goal, like...
• You know, if a person is writing a goal and meeting a goal, like that's part of it.

Keywords: 962, all

Summary: The Complex Care Committee meeting focused first on a new Diabetes Caucus launched at the Capitol. Rep. Johnson described the caucus as a forum to educate people about type 1 and type 2 diabetes, genetic risk, early testing, pregnancy-related diabetes, and ways Medicaid policy might improve prevention and lower long-term costs. Members agreed the caucus could intersect with care management, and Carolyn Grandell of CHNCT offered to share information about current diabetes-related care management services at a future meeting. The committee then heard a detailed presentation from Alex Rigger of the Office of Health Strategy, who is moving to the Office of Policy and Management. He reviewed Connecticut health care benchmark data, including total health care expenditures, medical spending, and market-by-market trends. He said 2023 to 2024 per-capita spending grew more than 8.5% statewide and 14% in Medicaid, with long-term care accounting for about 46% of Medicaid spending and retail pharmacy also identified as a major cost driver. Members asked about enrollment changes, dual-eligible populations, Medicare Savings Program members, 340B drug pricing, and value-based payment models. Rigger explained that his office tracks alternate payment models and quality benchmarks, but does not separately capture 340B data. Discussion then shifted to Medicare Advantage, dual eligibles, and hospital discharge planning. Members said they want better data on how many Medicaid members are in Medicare Advantage plans and whether those plans shift costs back to Medicaid or affect access to care, especially for complex-care patients. Staff noted DSS does have some Medicare Advantage indicators and that CMS is developing encounter-data rules for states. Kathy Holt and others raised concerns about denials, nursing home stays, and the need to compare Medicaid spending for dual eligibles in Medicare Advantage versus traditional Medicare. The meeting ended with plans for follow-up data sharing, including Alex Rigger’s slides, the diabetes caucus materials, and a future discussion with DSS and other agencies; no formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE HAVE A QUORUM. >> Chair: AS A REMINDER I WANT TO REMIND YOU TAKE CARE OF ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND
• A LOT OF EDUCATION.
• I FELT THAT WAS A REALLY GREAT THING TO SHOW WE ARE SENDING A TEXT MESSAGE BUT WITH IN IT IS A LINK TO
• TAUGHT US A LOT.
• CAN YOU TALK MORE ABOUT THAT IN A CATEGORICAL TYPE SITUATION?

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:40:50.839> a together in this type of a type of a together in this type of a type of a situation
• Minnesota has a very diverse range of soil types across the state, and one size does not fit all.
• Minnesota has a very diverse range of soil types across the state, and one size does not fit all.
• I'm here today to provide a brief overview of one type of product a farmer might use to qualify for this
• type of product a overview of one of one type of product a farmer<01:42:43.960> might<01:42:44.119

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of >> members, that's a that's a program of >> members, that's a that's a program of
• We're hosting a workshop a month before actually LA happened, and they were able to develop uh this type
• So a lot of lessons learned for sure um and I do think this type of assessment incorporating the environmental
• /c> type of support um either you know on a type of support um either you know on a yearly<00:45:02.079
• you know, a trauma provider, those you know, a trauma provider, those types,<01:29:28.400> getting

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing on the second anniversary of the Maui wildfires, with Chair Dela Alani framing the discussion around emergency preparedness, recovery, and lessons for future disasters. The main presentation came from researchers involved in the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study, who described the project as a grassroots academic-community partnership that has enrolled more than 2,000 adults and children for health screenings, social assessments, and biomonitoring. They said the study has documented elevated mental and physical health conditions, housing instability, unemployment, barriers to care, and exposure to heavy metals and other toxicants, while also noting some modest improvement in adult mental health and self-rated health compared with the prior year. The presenters emphasized that wildfire impacts remain severe two years later. They reported that about half of adult participants had worsening health since the fires, roughly 40% had direct or frequent fire exposure, and many adults showed chronic disease burdens such as hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory impairment. They also said about half of adult survivors reported depressive symptoms, about a quarter had moderate to severe anxiety, more than 4% had considered suicide in the prior month, and nearly one in four had PTSD. A clinician from the Lahaina Certified Community Behavioral Health Center described the clinic’s no-turn-away model, with case management, therapy, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management for anyone who needs it, and urged lawmakers to fund and expand that approach. The researchers also highlighted environmental findings, saying urine testing of more than 1,200 adults found heavy metal signatures that differed between burn-zone residents and those on the perimeter, with higher levels associated with displacement and ash re-exposure. They said about 20% of participants had higher-than-expected heavy metal levels 6 to 12 months after the fires, and cited a negative association between nickel levels and lung function. They argued for long-term monitoring, better cleanup methods, and a centralized health surveillance system tied to community outreach. No vote or formal committee action was taken during the briefing; the chair said the presentation materials and related reports would be posted for public access, and members were invited to ask questions after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:04:52.520> data multi-type library systems um a data multi-type library systems um a data
• :20:30.799> and with a a a smile and a um thank you and with a a a smile and a um thank you and
• In 2023, the multi-types received legislative funds to conduct a census of school libraries across the
• In 2023, the multi-types received legislative funds to conduct a census of school libraries across the
• good distribution across so we have a good distribution across School<00:27:35.039> types<00:27

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:01:35.840> where<00:01:36.079> a a devastating tragedy yesterday where a a devastating
• be a a private vehicle, whether it would be a a private vehicle, uh<00:10:28.480> a<00:10:28.800
• heard in a testimony here was a complaint of a woman that had a child that was not able to get a ride
• heard in a testimony here was a complaint of a woman that had a child that was not able to get a ride
• a of a woman that had a complaint of of a of a woman that had a<00:30:47.679> child<00:30:48.240

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services met in person, approved the October 15 minutes, and began with a moment of silence following a Louisville UPS plane explosion that was described as a local tragedy affecting many families and first responders. The main presentation was an overview of Kentucky’s Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation (NMT) program from the Department for Medicaid Services and the Transportation Cabinet. Witnesses explained that NMT is a federally required Medicaid benefit, administered by the Transportation Cabinet under a risk-based capitated model, with eligibility limited to Medicaid members traveling to medically necessary, Medicaid-covered services and who lack access to other transportation. They also described exclusions, including certain KCHIP, QMB, and PACE members, and outlined the brokered regional structure, call center operations, scheduling rules, vehicle and driver oversight, complaint handling, and rider surveys. The presenters reported that NMT handled more than 3.1 million trips in state fiscal year 2024, with over 1.38 million trips already recorded in October, and said customer satisfaction surveys were high. They said the FY 2025-26 contract total is about $360.6 million, with monthly per-member capitation rates set by region through an actuarial process and approved by CMS. They emphasized that payments are tied to monthly Medicaid enrollment and that the state draws down federal funds for the exact amount paid, with no leftover balance. They also said most NMT use comes from adult day centers and rehabilitative care such as dialysis. Members questioned the witnesses about how quality metrics and contract standards are set, whether the state had explored alternatives such as Uber Health or other integrated models, and how utilization was calculated. The witnesses said contract requirements are developed collaboratively by Medicaid Services, the Transportation Cabinet, and other agencies, and that studies of other models generally found higher costs and lower approval ratings, with additional research on a hybrid model expected by the end of the year. They clarified that one figure reflected the share of Medicaid members with registered vehicles, while another reflected actual NMT users, and they defended the capitated structure as shifting financial risk to brokers rather than the state. Representative Fleming also raised concerns about oversight, reporting, and the apparent gap between budgeted and contracted amounts, asking whether any unused funds would return to general funds; the discussion ended before a final answer was given.

Transcript Highlights:

• or manufacturer is unable to provide any type of financial assistance to a retailer in Florida.
• And nine percent of our sales are, you know, beer and other types of products like either a seltzer or
• day from a different supplier of liquor, wine, beer, all types of beverages, non-alcoholic beverages.
• And those are the type of partners that we're looking for, because when we do pick up a brand, we have
• A two- or three-milligram is like a beer, a glass of wine...

Summary: The committee met to hear an overview of Florida’s alcoholic beverage regulatory structure and a panel discussion on the state’s three-tier system. Emily Oglesby of DBPR explained the department’s licensing and enforcement roles, described common license types, and outlined the three tiers—manufacturers, distributors, and retailers—along with tied-house restrictions and several statutory exceptions for certified Florida farm wineries, breweries with tap rooms, brew pubs, and craft distilleries. Members asked about licensing fees, the number and classification of distributors and craft producers, and how the exceptions fit within the broader system. Panelists from craft breweries, craft distilleries, wholesalers, and retailers then discussed how the system affects market access, pricing, and product selection. Craft producers argued that Florida’s rules make it difficult for small brands to reach retailers because they must rely on distributors that often prioritize larger, higher-volume products; they said limited self-distribution or other reforms could help small businesses grow without eliminating wholesalers. Wholesalers and retailers defended the three-tier model as a public-safety and anti-monopoly framework, emphasizing investment in warehousing, sales, compliance, and product vetting, while noting that they already carry some craft products and make selections based on demand, quality, and shelf space. Members also explored related issues such as direct-to-consumer sales, the role of excise-tax audits and inspections, and the emerging market for hemp-derived THC beverages and other alternative drinks. DBPR and industry witnesses said alcohol and hemp products are regulated differently, and several speakers urged the Legislature to consider clearer rules for these products. The meeting ended with no bill vote or formal action; the chair thanked the panel and adjourned after Representative Yeager moved to rise, with no objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• measure before it can be referred to a committee, those actuarial or cost-benefit type analysis.
• I would think a subscription likely would be covered, but if it's like a pay-up-front type of subscription
• I would think a subscription likely would be covered, but if it's like a pay-up-front type of subscription
• There would still be a technical clerk doing things like typing in...
• A certain geographical distance away from the Capitol, we allow them to have some type of a housing allowance

Summary: The committee met to organize upcoming legislative session arrangements and staffing, and to review several rule and security-related items. It first approved a Joint Rule 211 change, recommended by the Employee Benefits Committee, that clarifies the deadline and statutory references for introducing health insurance mandate bills so required cost-benefit materials can be completed in time. Members noted the change would streamline the process, though it would not solve all timing and mandate-determination issues. The committee then discussed a draft bill on confidentiality protections for certain public officials and candidates, but members raised concerns about the statute’s complexity, the practical difficulty of administering it, and whether it would meaningfully improve safety; no action was taken and the topic was set aside for further discussion. The committee received an update on the new NCSL Legislator Security Fund. Staff explained that North Dakota is in process to apply for grant funding that could reimburse up to about $200 per legislator for personal security-related expenses such as home cameras, locks, lighting, or monitoring services, with reimbursement handled through Legislative Council and subject to Emergency Commission approval. Members asked about eligible expenses, timing, and whether new legislators would be included, and staff said the program would likely cover current legislators only for this round. The committee also approved the 2027 joint session schedule for the State of the State, tribal-state message, and State of the Judiciary on January 5, with the tribal and judiciary addresses in the morning and the governor’s address later in the day. The committee next approved the statutory reporting schedule for the Commerce Commissioner and agricultural commodity groups, setting the Commerce report for January 13, 2027, and the agriculture reports and pesticide container disposal update for January 14, 2027. Members questioned the usefulness of some of these recurring reports, but agreed to follow the existing statutory requirements. The largest discussion centered on Legislative Council staffing for the 2027 session: the committee approved reducing session staff to 36 Senate and 41 House employees, eliminating procedural clerk positions in standing committees in favor of permanent policy analysts, while retaining quality assurance clerks and adding a House parking lot attendant. It also approved a 3% salary increase for those staff positions, matching the increase given to state employees. Finally, the committee reviewed a revised organizational session and new legislator training agenda. Staff proposed moving some orientation content into a separate pre-session training day for new legislators on November 30, including laptop setup, mock committee and floor sessions, parliamentary procedure, and HR/benefits training, while adding more security and budgeting instruction. Members strongly supported earlier and more practical training, including follow-up reinforcement during the first week of session, and suggested using experienced or term-limited former legislators as mentors. Staff also described efforts to expand training materials into podcasts, flowcharts, and other formats, and Legislative Council leadership outlined the office’s remaining vacancies and a proposed expansion of policy analysts, program evaluators, legal staff, and training support to better serve the legislature and improve oversight of state programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• A little bit of health-type stuff: obviously, a little bit important with the $1.5 billion of imports
• A little bit of on the health-type stuff.
• You know, I think this is a good example of what's needed for a different type of cargo moving through
• We are a leader in the United States in this commodity type.
• It is a model we use for the smaller operational type ports that are out there.

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee held a panel discussion focused on Florida seaports and their role in the state economy. Florida Ports Council CEO Mike Rubin opened with statewide figures from a 2023 economic impact study, saying Florida seaports support about 1.2 million jobs, generate roughly $195 billion in economic value, and produce about $7.4 billion in state and local taxes. He emphasized that ports are critical for fuel, food, medical supplies, construction materials, and hurricane response, and argued that continued state and federal investment is needed to expand capacity and move projects forward faster. PortMiami Director Heidi Webb described Miami’s cruise and cargo operations, noting the port generated about $61 billion in economic impact and 334,000 jobs. She highlighted record cruise activity, major private investment by cruise lines, the launch of shore power at cruise terminals to reduce emissions, and ongoing capital projects including a new Royal Caribbean terminal, berth reconstruction, and an inland port concept to reduce congestion. Members asked about security, hurricane procedures, AI use, infrastructure planning, collaboration among ports, and smuggling prevention; Webb said the port uses layered security with local law enforcement, CBP, Coast Guard, and radiation monitors, and that hurricane planning is coordinated in advance with county and federal partners. Port Tampa Bay’s Raul Alfonso said Tampa is the state’s largest port by land area and a major energy hub for Central Florida, with an estimated $34.5 billion economic impact. He discussed diversification into containers, food distribution, fertilizer, and construction materials, along with major needs such as a deep-dredge project and more warehouse space. He also addressed resilience and fuel distribution during hurricanes, and said the port is preparing for future LNG and alternative-fuel demand through partnerships, land planning, and education. Jaxport’s Nick Primrose then described Jacksonville’s container, auto, breakbulk, aggregate, military, and LNG businesses, including 1.3 million TEUs last year, major state-funded crane purchases, harbor deepening, auto-processing expansion, and its role as a strategic military port. He said Jaxport is a leader in marine LNG and has trained all employees on human trafficking awareness. The discussion ended with Port Panama City being introduced as a smaller but important Panhandle economic engine, with Rubin noting its cargo, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects and its continued need for state and federal support.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm like a type within this whole thing. I'm like a type within this whole thing.
• I'm like a type of person like I I like to be prepared of person like I I like to be prepared of person
• a a commissioner is tasked to provide a a a commissioner is tasked to provide a a a um building facility
• I'm a I'm a civilian, but I'm I'm a I'm a I'm a civilian, but I'm I'm a I'm a I'm a civilian, but I'm
• Like if a types of crimes. Like if a types of crimes.

Bills: HB 200, HB 541, HB 1803, HB 30, HB 175, HB 249, HB 721, HB 851, HB 897, HB 1128, HB 1904, HB 1916, HB 5560, HB 3071, HB 5627, HB 5435, HB 3913, HB 2921, HB 2695, HB 2688, HB 3045, HB 3483, HB 3673, HB 4213, HB 4226, HB 783, HB 4373, HB 4735, HB 5155, HB 5057, HB 4984, HB 4944, HB 4813, HB 5339, HB 5196, HB 5033, HB 4853, HB 3486, HB 4211, HB 74, HB 4670, HB 4730, HB 4743, HB 4603, HB 4463, HB 3892, HB 4139, HB 4752, HB 4520, HB 4517, HB 4486, HB 4437, HB 4426, HB 4396, HB 4263, HB 3487, HB 3418, HB 2284, HB 2266, HB 2229, HB 4912, HB 2189, HB 4506, HB 5269, HB 5224, HB 5195, HB 3317, HB 4166, HB 3947, HB 3358, HB 3370, HB 4438, HB 3745, HB 3602, HB 3697, HB 2001, HB 1968, HB 3371, HB 3909, HCR 7, SB 1744, SB 1364, SB 1316, HB 2026, HB 3302, HB 3368, HB 1639, HB 5652, HB 4655, HB 5654, HB 5658, HB 5656, HB 4894, HB 4996, HB 5088, HB 5650, HB 4464, HB 3751, HB 5665, HB 5661, HB 1237, HB 2802, HB 5437, HB 2703, HB 5666, HB 5667, HCR 113, HCR 86, SB 2196, SB 463, SB 856, SB 1245, SB 1169, SB 509, SB 985, SB 305, SB 552, HB 1535, HB 123, HB 1804, HB 426, HB 1773, HB 1871, HB 2035, HB 2492, HB 1411, HB 4753, HB 4666, HB 4529, HB 1499, HB 1610, HB 2028, HB 1506, HB 886, HB 3546, HB 796, HB 223, HB 3556, HB 2448, HB 4638, HB 111, HB 180, HB 1027, HB 1178, HB 610, HB 1277, HB 1615, HB 1620, HB 5342, HB 4885, HB 4751, HB 4530, HB 4488, HB 2149, HB 2071, HB 2282, HB 2248, HB 2243, HB 2522, HB 2310, HB 2513, HB 2300, HB 1902, HB 1813, HB 3719, HB 4284, HB 3743, HB 3778, HB 5153, HB 5147, HB 4877, HB 4850, HB 3261, HB 3005, HB 3033, HB 2849, HB 2967, HB 3531, HB 1768, HB 333, HB 2914, HB 2613, HB 3717, HB 3704, HB 2697, HB 3801, HB 3099, HB 3488, HB 3477, HB 3466, HB 3396, HB 3469, HB 2594, HB 2776, HB 2564, HB 2298, HB 5331, HB 5646, HB 5247, HB 5323, HB 4384, HB 3896, HB 4014, HB 3627, HB 3594, HB 2524, HB 510, HB 561, HB 5111, HB 5446, HB 1181, HB 3963, HB 2785, HB 1661, HB 2460, HB 200, HB 541, HB 1803, HB 30, HB 175, HB 249, HB 721, HB 851, HB 897, HB 1128, HB 1904, HB 1916, HB 5560, HB 3071, HB 5627, HB 5435, HB 3913, HB 2921, HB 2695, HB 2688, HB 3045, HB 3483, HB 3673, HB 4213, HB 4226, HB 783, HB 4373, HB 4735, HB 5155, HB 5057, HB 4984, HB 4944, HB 4813, HB 5339, HB 5196, HB 5033, HB 4853, HB 3486, HB 4211, HB 74, HB 4670, HB 4730, HB 4743, HB 4603, HB 4463, HB 3892, HB 4139, HB 4752, HB 4520, HB 4517, HB 4486, HB 4437, HB 4426, HB 4396, HB 4263, HB 3487, HB 3418, HB 2284, HB 2266, HB 2229, HB 4912, HB 2189, HB 4506, HB 5269, HB 5224, HB 5195, HB 3317, HB 4166, HB 3947, HB 3358, HB 3370, HB 4438, HB 3745, HB 3602, HB 3697, HB 2001, HB 1968, HB 3371, HB 3909, HCR 98, HCR 92, HCR 126, HCR 7

Keywords: juvenile offenders, parole eligibility, youth justice, criminal justice reform, inmate rehabilitation, direct patient care, healthcare, physicians, medical services, insurance regulation, dentist, dental hygienist, interstate practice, licensure, compact privilege, public health, military members, disaster relief, tax rates, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• The two types of pension benefits provided for by our plan in Montana are a partial pension payment and
• and encourage that type of supplemental insurance to be carried by a department.
• We've done a couple of these types of surveys.
• We've done a couple of these types of surveys in South Dakota, West Virginia, and a couple of other states
• So the response rate was good from a perspective of being very diverse across the different types of

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee was called to order, a quorum was established, and the minutes from the prior meeting were approved. The first major presentation came from Montana Public Employees Retirement System executive director William Hollahan, who gave an overview of Montana’s Volunteer Firefighters’ Compensation Act plan. He explained that the plan covers volunteer firefighters in unincorporated areas, is funded by 5% of state fire insurance premium taxes, and currently serves 228 departments with about 2,936 active members and 1,242 retirees. He described eligibility rules, annual training and reporting requirements, benefit levels for partial and full pensions, disability, death, medical, and funeral benefits, and said the plan is actuarially sound with roughly $60 million in assets and a funded ratio slightly above 100%. Committee members asked about prior-service credit, whether EMS personnel are included, the effect on recruitment and retention, and whether expanding coverage would require a funding analysis; Hollahan said prior service is not credited, EMS is not currently included, and any expansion would need financial review. Tim Walleen of Workforce Safety and Insurance then presented a draft North Dakota workers’ compensation solution for volunteer firefighters and volunteer EMS personnel. He explained that volunteer responders are already covered by workers’ comp for medical and wage-loss benefits, but the proposal would set a minimum annual wage of $30,000 for calculating wage-loss benefits for qualifying volunteers, with the benefit paid at two-thirds of that amount. Representative Porter suggested tying the volunteer definition to existing code rather than a fixed dollar amount, and Walleen agreed. Questions focused on whether search and rescue or other volunteer emergency services could be included, whether departments would face new paperwork, and whether volunteer organizations can already elect coverage; Walleen said there would be no additional paperwork and that volunteer coverage is already available. The committee also heard from volunteer fire service representatives and the state fire marshal. An Oakes-area firefighter, Mr. Olson, testified that small departments are struggling with retention, communication, and administrative burdens, especially around separate bookkeeping and funding rules for donated or fundraising money, and he said departments need clearer guidance from the state. State Fire Marshal Dr. Matthew Clark introduced himself and outlined a broader effort to improve education, support, and coordination for fire departments, including a planned 10% audit of certificates of existence beginning in 2027, more outreach through his office, and better assistance with training, reporting, and grant access. He said his office is authorized under current law to provide these services, but the role has been vague and underused. Finally, Arnagard Rural Fire District Chief Rick Schreiber testified in favor of new recruitment and retention ideas, including retirement-style benefits, health insurance, tax incentives, scholarships, grants, and more remote or regional training. He said volunteer departments are losing members, that local tax and donation funds are already stretched, and that any new retirement or incentive program should be sustainable and likely involve a mix of state and local support.

Transcript Highlights:

• And all they have to do is rent half their property out in that type of a fashion.
• and if we have a local HFC or other affordable housing project that's sponsored by a different type
• of entity or different type of structure, we don't always have a say in the process.
• The distribution of a certain type and a certain amount and such without a prescription, I think we're
• I'd suggest that a safeguard of this type is increasingly necessary as there have been a spate of legally

Bills: HB21, HB211, HB223

Keywords: HB 21, Texas Tax Code, ad valorem tax, property tax, delinquent taxes, tax delinquency, penalty reduction, interest rate, split payment, installment payment, tax relief, county tax collector, taxing unit, property owner, tax collection, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, tax increase election, supermajority, 60 percent threshold