Transcript Highlights:

• It's been replaced by the A2, and then we had a slight oral amendment.
• It It's been replaced by the A2 Uh, no.
• It It's been replaced by the A2 and<00:12:26.160> then<00:12:26.240> we<00:12:26.399>
• In addition to having those vetted members, as well as having a HIPAA-compliant software setup, there
• In addition to having those vetted members, as well as having a HIPAA-compliant software setup, there

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of what are considered uneconomic coal plants, infrastructure that's end of life and needs to be replaced
• c><00:10:30.720> be that's end of life and needs to be that's end of life and needs to be replaced
• , and then the need uh to meet replaced, and then the need uh to meet increasing<00:10:33.440> energy
• Grid-enhancing technologies are hardware or software technologies that allow for expanded capacity and
• Grid-enhancing technologies are hardware or software technologies that allow for expanded capacity and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The solution we've chosen is a software as a service solution, which is built in a federally certified
• <00:09:32.880> as<00:09:33.040> a solution we've chosen is a software as a solution
• we've chosen is a software as a service<00:09:33.600> solution<00:09:34.320> which<00:
• As far as the maintenance and upgrades, that's another benefit of using software as a service.
• that's another benefit of using software that's another benefit of using software as<00:24:33.120

Keywords: 1:00 Roll Call 2:38 Overview of Citizen Identity Security and Threat Reduction 9:36 Identity Solution and Casts 13:51 System Application and Discovery Issues 21:31 Staffing and Timelines 29:14 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Personnel, Public Retirement, and Finance received a presentation from Jim Barnhard, CIO of the Commonwealth Office of Technology, and David Carter, deputy CIO/CISO, on the state’s citizen identity management project. They said the project is intended to streamline citizen logins across agencies, reduce duplicated identity-management costs, improve security by centralizing authentication, and provide a flexible system that can scale with demand. The presenters described major implementation challenges, including integrating with diverse and legacy applications, and said the chosen software-as-a-service vendor was selected because it can connect to many systems and maintain the service in a federally certified cloud environment. The presenters emphasized that the project scope is limited to login, authentication, identity management, and identity proofing, while leaving authorization decisions to the individual applications and agencies. They said the work is being done in phases, beginning with discovery sessions with agencies, then selecting representative applications for onboarding rather than attempting a “big bang” rollout. They also said the vendor agreement includes professional services and knowledge transfer to reduce long-term dependence on outside support, and that the state has already begun outreach to agencies, including initial work with the Finance Cabinet and the Department of Revenue. Members asked about staffing, current spending, future costs, and whether existing systems or contracts could be reduced. The presenters said the project is being supported with existing staff, with no expectation of a large increase in positions, and that the vendor will carry most of the operational load. They said they did not have statewide spending figures with them but could try to gather them, and explained that the negotiated pricing is intended to be all-inclusive, with fixed costs for the first five years and capped increases in years six and seven. They said centralizing identity services should eventually allow the Commonwealth to stand down some duplicated agency-level licensing and reduce overall operational costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• They will pull those software.
• >> Uh, Chairman Cole, I am not a software >> Uh, Chairman Cole, I am not a software
• There's a software route that we can go down that we can do this via software, and they're all basically
• Chair, Representative Johnson, again, I'm not a software engineer and I'm not a software developer, so
• :12.000> not I'm not a software developer, so I'm not I'm not a software developer, so I'm not

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it is training employees on how to use this in a way that can make them more productive without replacing
• it is training employees on how to use this in a way that can make them more productive without replacing
• There are excellent software programs out there where you can run that, and they can identify names,
• There are there<01:54:06.400> are<01:54:06.560> excellent<01:54:07.119> software
• <01:54:07.599> programs there are excellent software programs there are excellent software programs

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and provide guidance to tax software and provide guidance to tax software providers<01:02:54.480
• uh was known as and uh the software uh was known as Happy<01:49:45.440> World.
• these zappers and who made the software. these zappers and who made the software. uh<01:49:56.880
• provider that does all of our software provider that does all of our returns<01:53:50.800> which<
• It could be mistakes, you know, the software didn't work correctly, or so that's one number, but it's

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Stokes baskets, for instance, last, you know, that's not something you have to replace that often, but
• They have to be replaced. Fifteen sounds like a lot, but we teach a rescue class.
• So if somebody gets in trouble, uh, you know, they're kind of replacing like the Garmin inReaches for
• like the Garmin in kind of replacing like the Garmin in reaches<01:04:43.359> for<01:04:43.520
• <01:20:57.600> Blackhawk aircraft that replaces the Blackhawk aircraft that replaces the Blackhawk

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the August minutes, and heard a brief announcement from Senator Richardson about the Missing in America Project interring unclaimed veterans’ remains at the Western Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Hopkinsville. He read the names of several veterans being laid to rest with military honors, and the chair thanked the volunteers involved in the effort. The main presentation was an update on Kentucky’s urban search and rescue program from the Department of Military Affairs and Kentucky Emergency Management. Officials said the program is being built around two regional task force hubs, a helicopter aquatic rescue team, an incident support team, and a rescue aid fund for local search and rescue units. They reported that the $8.3 million appropriated for the program in the 2025 budget was fully executed, that $482,670 of the rescue aid fund went to 29 local teams, and that $493,592 has already been allocated in the current year to 36 teams. They also described warehouse and equipment purchases, staffing with full-time and part-time personnel, and a new training site on state property for collapsed-structure and multi-agency exercises. Officials said the program has already been used in recent disasters, including flood response and urban search and rescue operations in several parts of the state, and claimed the effort has impacted more than 1,500 citizens through rescues, evacuations, and related assistance. They said the helicopter aquatic rescue team is fully operational, the task force roster should be finalized by January, incident support should be online by April, and the full program should be deployable by June 30 or July 1, 2026. Members asked about statewide response times, K-9 search capabilities, and the long-term cost of the program, including concerns about reliance on federal matching funds. The presenters said K-9 assets will be part of the task force, that pre-positioning during forecasted storms can reduce response times significantly, and that they would provide more detailed budget information later.

Transcript Highlights:

• A successful pilot of the replacement containers was rolled out, and I believe the success was evaluated
• This bill also requires annual reporting detailing the progress of the replacement container program,
• container program depending replacement container program depending on<00:10:21.200> available
• And I have a few um replacement program.
• these containers with uh a uh software these containers with uh a uh software program. program.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> with<00:26:14.200> jobs<00:26:15.200> so<00:26:15.440> that's and 30 replaced
• with jobs so that's and 30 replaced with jobs so that's where<00:26:15.840> she<00:26:16.039>
• well, and that also includes all the systems we have to have in place, such as specific lending software
• programs to manage our lending software programs to manage our loan<00:52:28.119> portfolio<00
• We're asking to replace the short-term funding or the temporary funding with long-term funding in the

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SF 818, a request for funding for the Block Builders Foundation, which provides financial literacy and job-readiness training for youth. Senator Fate and testifiers described a 12-week program covering budgeting, savings, banking, credit, debt, career exploration, job preparation, entrepreneurship, and mentorship. They said the program served youth ages 13 to 19, had expanded to multiple cohorts, and had produced graduation ceremonies and job placements. Testifiers also said the organization had transportation challenges and limited space, and that additional funding would help with staffing, participant support, and transportation partnerships. Committee members asked extensive questions about the program’s outcomes, funding sources, and finances. Block Builders said it had 40 graduates in the most recent cohort, with 30 placed in jobs, and that participants who complete the program receive a $500 stipend. The organization said it had been operating since 2023 in North and South Minneapolis, had received $50,000 from the state previously, and raised additional community support. Members also asked about IRS filing status, audits, and how outcomes were measured; the organization said outcomes were tracked through graduation and certificates, and that it had not yet filed a 990 because it had not reached the threshold. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion, with committee members noting the current language makes the appropriation available only through June 30, 2026 unless amended. The committee then began hearing SF 927. An A1 technical amendment was adopted without objection. Senator Pappas introduced the bill, which would appropriate $1.5 million to the Mung American Partnership for workforce development and business lending. The transcript cuts off before further testimony or committee action on SF 927.

Transcript Highlights:

• be used to ensure our ongoing compliance with these new ADA requirements and to maintain existing software
• be used to ensure our ongoing compliance with these new ADA requirements and to maintain existing software
• The ongoing funding would be used to maintain the hardware and software licensing and deliver training
• The ongoing funding would be used to maintain the hardware and software licensing and deliver training
• the<00:17:43.039> hardware<00:17:43.440> and Used to maintain the hardware and software

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee heard a presentation from State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba on the Minnesota judicial branch’s 2026-27 budget request. He outlined the courts’ structure and workload, noting 322 judges, about 2,800 staff, roughly 1 million district court cases annually, and a current budget of about $479 million. Shorba emphasized the courts’ constitutional role, the fact that court fines and fees are deposited into the general fund rather than retained by the branch, and recent legislative investments that helped reduce pandemic-era backlogs, improve technology, sustain treatment courts, and raise interpreter and examiner pay. The budget request focused on several areas: a 6% judicial salary increase to address recruitment and retention problems, including a 15% rise in turnover and a 27% drop in applicants since 2020; funding for health care and office lease cost increases; digital accessibility compliance work required by new federal ADA rules; a modernized justice partner access system for court records; higher pay for forensic psychological examiners, whose workload has risen sharply; increased juror compensation from $20 to $100 per day and mileage adjustments; and ongoing funding for interpreters, jury services, and cybersecurity. Shorba said the total request would be a 12% increase over the FY 2026-27 base budget. Members asked follow-up questions about funding for newly launched treatment courts and how those courts are financed after federal grants expire. Shorba said he would provide more detail later and noted the branch generally starts treatment courts with federal funding before seeking state support. Representative Ric also asked about labor negotiations, and Shorba explained that the judicial branch negotiates its own contracts rather than using the executive branch, with three unions involved and many unrepresented employees. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• They might replace class X with class Y, which is fine and will count towards graduation, but it may
• Is that going to be replaced by this mobile unit? Mr. Chair, Representative Martinez, no.
• It will not be replaced; it's going to enhance.
• It's not intended to replace it; it's to enhance it and get further out.
• With this software, they'll start it, they'll stop it.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without a replacement cost analysis, we cannot determine the cost of replacing the current data infrastructure
• Without a replacement cost analysis, we cannot determine the cost of replacing the current data infrastructure
• maximum, but I will say with not just our new system, but with a lot of the business intelligence software
• maximum, but I will say with not just our new system, but with a lot of the business intelligence software
• North Las Vegas, in agreement with the federal government, agreed to make a park to replace the park

Bills: AB568, SB90, SB133, SB147, SB229, SB233, SB240, SB245, SB280, SB378, SB393, SB417, SB434, SB494, SB495

Keywords: higher education, Nevada System of Higher Education, operational expenses, instructional expenses, public funding, education funding, teacher grants, classroom supplies, instructional support, specialized personnel, civics education, Nevada Center for Civic Engagement, funding, youth programs, civic involvement, Southern Nevada, Clark County, Las Vegas Valley, regional planning, economic resiliency

Transcript Highlights:

• So the road usage charges are meant to be kind of a replacement for the gas tax.
• This would replace the gas tax.
• So this would replace the gas tax.
• And again, when Utah talks about a RUC, we're talking about a replacement for the gas tax.
• So somebody replaced a 10-year-old car and gained 30% fuel efficiency.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee first took up three highway naming resolutions on its consent calendar: ACR 109, SCR 78, and SCR 90. The committee approved the consent calendar with 11 aye votes and no no votes, then adjourned the bill-hearing portion. Members also recognized committee science fellow AJ Mendeola for his service, noting his contributions to bill analysis and staff support. The committee then held an informational hearing on alternatives to the gas tax, focused on the projected decline in fuel-tax revenue and the need for a more sustainable transportation funding model. The chair and invited experts described how inflation, improved fuel efficiency, and growth in electric and other alternative-fuel vehicles are eroding gas-tax revenues. Presenters from the National Conference of State Legislatures and the University of California discussed state options such as higher or indexed gas taxes, EV registration fees, road usage charges, delivery fees, public EV charging fees, transportation network company fees, and managed lanes, emphasizing tradeoffs among revenue adequacy, fairness, administrative cost, and public acceptance. Committee members raised concerns that mileage-based fees or EV fees could function as new taxes on commuters and lower-income drivers, especially if the gas tax is not repealed. Presenters responded that road usage charges are generally intended as replacements for the gas tax, not additions, and argued that mileage-based systems better preserve the user-pays principle while being less tied to vehicle fuel efficiency. They also noted that flat EV registration fees are easy to administer but can be less equitable because they are not linked to actual road use. Officials from Hawaii, Utah, and Oregon described their state programs and policy choices. Hawaii said its new road usage charge began July 1, 2025, for EVs, offers a choice between a per-mile charge and a flat annual fee through 2028, and will transition to mandatory EV participation before expanding to all light-duty vehicles by 2033. Utah described its voluntary EV road usage charge program, quarterly reporting, privacy protections, and legislative scenarios for removing the cap or making participation mandatory. Oregon outlined its constitutional cost-responsibility framework and broader transportation funding challenges, including reliance on user fees and limited use of general-fund support.

Transcript Highlights:

• where we fall on this is no one software where we fall on this is no one software upgrade<00:11:
• The challenge, and the reason we were asking for some software This information in Salesforce.
• The challenge, and the reason we were asking for some software Is in the Salesforce system.
• The challenge, and the reason we were asking for some software The reason we were asking for some software
• But I need a software developer we need.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 74, which would require agencies issuing certain real-property-related permits to track and report how many permits they issue and how long the process takes. Representative Carol McGuire introduced the bill and said the goal is to gather data on permit timing and fees, especially for DES and DOT permits involving wetlands, alteration of terrain, driveway permits, and similar approvals. Supporters argued the state needs better visibility into permitting delays and whether statutory deadlines are realistic; they also noted the bill had passed the House on a voice vote with no debate. Adam Crapo of the Department of Environmental Services said DES is generally supportive of the reporting concept but warned that the agency’s data are spread across many separate, partly manual databases. He said DES can already do this for some land resources permits through its new system, but not across all of its more than 90 permit types without additional help. DES estimated it would need two part-time positions to compile the reports, especially for waste management and water programs, and said otherwise existing permitting staff would have to do the work, potentially slowing permit processing. He also said the agency is already working to simplify rules and move more permits onto a new online platform, but could not meet the bill’s 2026 reporting deadline with current staffing and systems. Committee members questioned whether delays are often caused by incomplete applications rather than agency inaction, and Crapo said that is frequently the case. He said DES already tracks timelines to some extent for management and statutory compliance, but not at the individual-permit detail the bill would require. He also said some letters and records are captured in One Stop, but not all are. Members expressed support for the bill’s transparency goals while also worrying about added workload and possible slowdowns. The discussion then moved to DOT, where Susan Clawson said DOT is neutral on the bill because it recently implemented Salesforce and now has good data for reporting; DOT’s fiscal note reflects software-related costs, but the agency can already track the required information in its system.

Transcript Highlights:

• dollars annually on professional development and training programs internally and certifications and software
• air-source heat pumps, domestic hot water systems, complete weatherization and LED lighting retrofits, and replace
• In recent years, the Lean Multifamily Program has allowed us to improve weatherization, replace heating

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on the value of Mass Save, with opening remarks emphasizing that despite past criticisms the program has delivered major energy, cost, climate, and equity benefits. The chair cited large avoided system costs, strong benefit-cost ratios, and recent legislative changes that set emissions goals, restricted fossil-fuel equipment incentives, and increased focus on low- and moderate-income households. Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahoney testified that Mass Save has weatherized hundreds of thousands of homes, reduced bills, avoided emissions, and that the current plan includes budget controls after the DPU ordered $500 million removed from the approved budget. She said the governor’s proposal to have only electric utilities administer the program was intended to reduce administrative costs and align with current implementation trends. Members questioned Mahoney about what counts as marketing and administration, and she said the category includes traditional advertising as well as community-based outreach, customer resource centers, and other customer engagement work, much of it in low- and moderate-income communities. She said administrative and marketing costs are under 5% of the budget, while more than 80% goes to incentives and direct program delivery. Several witnesses then focused on workforce and contractor impacts. Dave Betcher of Abode Energy Management and Rick Taglienti of Rogers Insulation said Mass Save sustains small businesses, creates careers, and supports thousands of jobs; both warned that budget cuts would reduce hiring, training, and work in homes and businesses. They also described a broad ecosystem of suppliers, trainers, and service providers that depends on stable program funding. Other witnesses addressed cost-effectiveness, affordability, and emissions. Anna Johnson of ACEEE said Massachusetts remains a national leader, with Mass Save returning about $2.80 per dollar invested, reducing peak demand, and lowering bills for participants, especially through weatherization and heat pumps. Kyle Murray of Acadia Center said the program is statutorily required to be cost-effective and has avoided billions in supply and infrastructure costs for all ratepayers, including nonparticipants, by lowering overall demand and peak prices. Amy Boyd-Rabin of the Environmental League of Massachusetts argued that efficiency is the cheapest way to meet climate targets and that cutting the budget would force more expensive power generation. The hearing also featured testimony on equity and housing: Mary Wampo described historic under-service to renter-heavy and lower-income communities and said recent reforms, including designated equity communities and performance incentives tied to equity, are helping correct that imbalance; Brian Biot and James Collins of LEAN/ABCD described low-income delivery systems and wraparound services; Barney Heath and John Nannari said Mass Save incentives are essential to affordable housing, passive house construction, and keeping projects on time and on budget. The final witnesses highlighted Connected Solutions and electrification: Sunrun’s Bronte Payne said the virtual power plant program saved more than it cost and helps avoid peaker plants and grid upgrades, and Highland Electric Fleets’ Ben Sondaga said electric school buses can provide similar grid benefits while lowering transportation costs for districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:18:12.120> draft,<00:18:12.520> which We're taking the Senate draft, which replaces
• We are also allowing the department to work with an interim replacement provider.
• some requests to cover cost shares, a tumor biorepository, also a statewide pathology reporting software

Bills: HB2241, HB1163, HB1514, HB1696, HB2021, SB2135, SB2466, SB2727, SB3082, SB3097, SB2861, SCR100, SB3096, SB99, SB2138, HB2289, HB2319, HB1711, HB2270, SB3138, SB3076, HB1642, HB2338, HB2171, HB1785, SB2881, HB2505, SB2552, HB1518, HB1815, SB3125, SB3234, SCR162, SB2614, SB3118, SB2053, SB2494, SB2851, SB3073, HB1678, HB1721, HB2475, HB2246, HB1667, HB1516, SB2532, SB3131, SB3154, HB2297, HB1737, SB2143, SB2398, SB2623, HB1740, HB1920, HB1682, SB2153, SB3140, HB2158, HB1718, HB2207, HB1801, SB3229, SB2338, SB3069, SB2600, HB2300, HB1800, HB1960, SB2999, SB2060, SB2866, SB2239, HB1741, HB1713, HB2023, HB2417, SB2877, SB2598, SB2921, SB2645, HB2547, HB2275, HB2452, HB2329, HB2339, HB1838, HB1509, HB1661, HB2271, HB2272, HB2344, HB1888, HB1707, SB2340, HB2474, HB1576, HB1853, HB1804, HB1854, HB2095, HB2050, HB472, SB3215, SB2247, SB2400, HB1618, HB1802, HB1969, HB1541, HB2310, HB2498, HB2443, HB2218, HB649, HB2104, HB1710, SB2802, HB1973, HB1974, HB1894, HB1891, HB1890, SB177, SB2101, SB3320, SB2487, HB2429, HB1870, HB1839, HB2583, HB1391, HB2094, SB2671, SB2673, SB2892, SB2057, SB3245, HB306, HB2592, SB3157, SB3204, SB3324, SB2580, SB2074, SB411, SB3025, SB2934, SB2567, SB2125, SB3238, SB2367, SB2599, SB3007, SB2001, SB2756, SB3029

Keywords: renewable energy, income tax credit, solar energy, wind energy, low-income households, energy policy, commercial drivers license, non-domiciled, federal regulations, commercial learner's permit, citizenship, lawful residency, Department of Transportation, workers' compensation, vocational rehabilitation, injury recovery, employment services, return to work, commercial driving, driver's license

Transcript Highlights:

• We also cannot replace payments for clinical services that could be reimbursed by insurance.
• Continuing, no more than 5% or $10 million of total funding in a budget period can support funding the replacement
• And it’s not just about software and analysis and everything else.

Bills: HB1623

Keywords: HB 1623, North Dakota, rural health, rural health transformation program, medical facility infrastructure loan fund, medical facility infrastructure loan program, rural health loan program, Bank of North Dakota, Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, federal grant, health care infrastructure, rural hospitals, critical access hospitals, nonprofit health care providers, gap financing, loan fund, public health funding, healthcare financing, Medicaid

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1623, the appropriations bill tied to North Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Program, which is funded through a new federal rural health care grant. Senator Bekkedahl explained the bill’s background, the interim committee process that developed it, and the federal conditions attached to the award, including spending deadlines, administrative cost limits, and restrictions on uses such as new construction, supplanting existing funding, and certain other costs. Legislative staff then walked through the seven sections of the bill, including appropriation authority, transfer authority, contingent appropriations for pass-through grants, procurement and public improvement exemptions, recipient reporting, legislative reporting, and immediate effective date. Commissioner Traynor and HHS staff described how the department plans to implement the program, emphasizing that the funding is intended to improve rural access, workforce recruitment and retention, technology and data connectivity, and community health initiatives. They said the department will rely on local applications, technical assistance, templates, listening sessions, and partnerships with providers, schools, public health units, tribal entities, and other community groups. Members asked about reimbursement timing, upfront costs, administrative expenses, sustainability after the five-year grant period, and whether CTE centers, public health units, gyms, grocery stores, and other community partners could participate; the department said yes, within program rules and with a focus on measurable outcomes and sustainability. Several supporters testified in favor. Mental Health America of North Dakota and the Mental Health Advocacy Network supported the bill and urged investment in community-based mental health, crisis response, children’s services, peer support, and mobile crisis teams. HIA Health described the grant as a chance to expand home-based and hospice care, noting that rural providers already have workable models but need funding to scale them. A cybersecurity representative also supported the bill, warning that the large amount of health data and AI-related tools will require strong data protection and professional support. The hearing was closed with no opposition testimony, and the committee announced it would return later in the day for further work on the bill and other measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Help me understand the timeline for replacing the State Fair grounds. Mr.
• Their responsibilities are to help fund the replacement or fix-up of our schools all around the state
• It would also cover the actual cost of construction management software subscriptions that have been

Transcript Highlights:

• different ways now, in many different places. and we're faced with a growing challenge of opinions replacing
• We have an incredible opportunity to use AI to help reviewers in the review process. us, not to replace
• So I do believe in the appropriateness of care, and that endeavor was designed to create software. so

Keywords: nominations, labor, health, veterans, Social Security, Elon Musk, transparency, government accountability

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on various executive nominations and their implications on labor and health affairs. Significant discussions surrounded the nomination of Mr. Sonderling as the Deputy Secretary of Labor, with members expressing concerns about workforce cuts affecting veterans and Social Security employees. There was also a debate led by a member regarding the authority and influence of private individuals, specifically citing Elon Musk's involvement in government decisions. Such discussions raised questions about transparency and accountability within governmental agencies, leading to a proposal for Mr. Musk to provide testimony before the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• were to go away for any reason, and we have many people trying to make it go away, where would we replace
• And when we get the tree that replaces the one that's resistant to greening, then I think you're going
• So we have managed, through the grace of the Legislature, not only to upgrade our software and enhance

Summary: The committee received an overview from Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson on the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, including staffing, licensing, forestry, law enforcement, and consumer services. He emphasized agriculture as a major economic driver and a national security issue, arguing that Florida should protect farmland, aquifer recharge areas, and the wildlife corridor through the Rural and Family Lands program. He said the program is cost-effective because the state buys development rights rather than land outright, keeps land on local tax rolls, and helps preserve farmland in perpetuity. He also highlighted the Fresh From Florida marketing program, increased social media reach, and the department’s efforts to reduce vacancies and improve pay and efficiency. Members asked about nutrient management, citrus disease, housing, disaster recovery, wildfire prevention, interdiction stations, and concealed carry permitting. Simpson said SB 1000 and updated best management practice manuals, informed by University of Florida research, are helping agriculture use less water and fertilizer, and he described citrus greening as having devastated the industry while noting research, replanting programs, and CUPS as possible paths to recovery. On housing, he argued that allowing H-2A farmworker housing on farms would ease pressure on the broader housing market, and on disasters he described a zero-interest loan program for farmers affected by hurricanes and other events. He also detailed wildfire preparedness improvements, including upgraded helicopters, dozers, drones, and prescribed burns. The commissioner said ag interdiction stations are catching stolen semis, drugs, human trafficking, and other illegal activity, and that the department wants more technology, including X-ray scanning, to inspect more trucks. He also discussed concealed carry administration, saying the department cleared a large backlog and that constitutional carry reduced but did not eliminate permit demand because permits still provide reciprocity and other benefits. Members generally praised the department’s work, expressed support for rural land protection, Fresh From Florida, water-quality improvements, and foreign-interference concerns, and the meeting ended with no formal votes or other committee action beyond adjournment.