Transcript Highlights:

• . report. report.
• time and again uh in both the OA reports time and again uh in both the OA reports and<00:08:59.680
• That report returned by law enforcement?
• ,<00:25:53.200> progress<00:25:53.760> reports, mandatory reporting, progress reports
• , mandatory reporting, progress reports, investment<00:25:55.279> in<00:25:55.600> oversight

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I should tell you that initially, the report was due March 30th.
• But about half reported experiencing...
• Is this part of the data that's tracked through the dashboard, or is it otherwise reported?
• Is this part of the data that's tracked through the dashboard or is it otherwise reported?
• And we can include that in a report.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on xylazine held its first meeting, with House Chair Mindy Domb and Senate Co-Chair John Keenan outlining the commission’s charge and a proposed work plan. The commission is tasked with studying the public health and safety impacts of xylazine in the illicit drug supply, including whether it should be scheduled as a controlled substance, how to regulate its production and distribution, and how to improve outreach and treatment for people exposed to it. Members were told the report deadline had been extended to March 30, 2026, and staff proposed a series of public hearings and working groups leading to a final report. The meeting also included attendance, packet materials, and procedural planning. The first major testimony came from BSAS Director Deirdre Calvert, who described xylazine’s appearance in Massachusetts drug supply data, the state’s public health alerts, and DPH’s partnership with Brandeis, CDC, and harm reduction organizations. She emphasized four priorities: reducing stigma and discrimination in health care, expanding self-directed wound care support and coverage for supplies, expanding access to drug checking and test strips, and supporting low-barrier services such as mobile vans and drop-in centers. Commission members asked about first responder awareness, medical education, and whether harm reduction services might face federal restrictions; Calvert said misinformation remains a problem and noted ongoing training efforts, including collaboration with public safety agencies. Several other speakers reinforced the need for low-barrier care and drug checking. Dr. Raghini Jala, an infectious disease and addiction medicine physician, said xylazine has become a common component of the unregulated opioid supply and urged support for rapid-response education teams, community-based drug checking, and better hospital and detox protocols for xylazine withdrawal and wounds. Recovery coach Alan Young testified from lived experience, describing severe wounds, fear of inadequate withdrawal treatment in emergency settings, and the value of mobile care vans that can provide methadone, buprenorphine, and wound care in the community. Dr. Sarah Wakeman echoed the need for naloxone, rescue breathing, low-threshold treatment, and non-stigmatizing health care settings, while Sarah Macon of the Boston Public Health Commission described Boston’s harm reduction and drug checking work, including on-site testing, wound care, and a decline in opioid mortality. Tracy Green of the Massachusetts Drug Supply Data Stream explained that xylazine has declined in recent samples while metatomidine is rising, said drug checking is increasingly used but still not enough, and argued for more funding, staffing, and statewide access to real-time drug checking and harm reduction services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Likewise, medium and large farms in the state also reach that threshold.
• that now to DNR because a vendor at a conference they went to reported it?
• any city or county employee must report any city or county employee must report to<01:25:22.840>
• <01:25:46.639> that coming up do they have to report that coming up do they have to report
• person's contact information and report person's contact information and report it<01:25:58.280>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• so at the time we released this report so at the time we released this report we<00:24:58.880>
• Financial reports or an reports their Financial reports or an reports their IRS<00:47:28.559>
• And as we've seen in multiple now reports, both news reports and some of your reports, well, I think
• And as we've seen in multiple reports, both news reports and some of your reports, I think of Jay Kohl's
• progress reports on time.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee held its first meeting on February 10, 2025, with member and staff introductions and opening remarks from Chair Kristin Robbins about the committee’s bipartisan mission to address state fraud and improve oversight of executive branch spending. Robbins said the committee would focus on both legislation and informational oversight hearings, likely in coordination with standing policy committees, and emphasized concerns about reported fraud in state government and the need to prevent waste before it occurs. Members from both parties generally expressed support for the committee’s work and interest in learning more about the issues. The sole agenda item was a presentation from the Legislative Auditor on the 2023 report, “Oversight of State-Funded Grants to Nonprofit Organizations.” Legislative Auditor Judy Randall and Deputy Legislative Auditor Jodi Munson Rodriguez explained that the report reviewed how comprehensive Minnesota’s grants management policies are and how well agencies follow them. They said the policies cover the grant lifecycle but often lack detail, and the office found widespread noncompliance in recent years. The presentation included examples such as limited standards for progress reports, flexible monitoring requirements, and no required timeline for closeout reviews. The auditors also noted that state agencies spent an average of about $514 million annually on nonprofit grants from fiscal years 2018 through 2022, with about 2,400 nonprofit organizations receiving grants. The auditors said several factors contribute to compliance problems, including inconsistent funding for grants management, limited training, and uneven use of electronic grants systems. They also noted that statutes gave little authority to enforce compliance. Since the report was released, the Department of Administration has taken some steps, including changes to pre-award financial review policies and a timeline for closeout reviews, but the auditors said other recommendations remain only partially implemented. No votes were taken and no bills were acted on at this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next chart shows voting thresholds for what millage rates you can adopt by what vote.
• If you want to go higher still, there's an even higher voting threshold that you need to meet.
• So there are voting thresholds in place.
• There are voting thresholds in place before a taxing authority can increase your millage rate from one
• That spike is pandemic-related transfers that get counted into state GR as reported.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Finance and Tax met for its first meeting of the session, with a quorum present and several members excused. Chair Avila opened by framing the committee’s main focus as property tax relief and housing affordability, noting the complexity of any changes to Florida’s long-standing property tax structure and emphasizing the need to preserve funding for schools and local public safety. He also introduced new committee staff member Tamisha Black and thanked staff for summer work supporting analysis of potential proposals, including constitutional amendment concepts and other property tax relief ideas. Staff director Azar Khan then presented an update on the General Revenue forecast, explaining that collections remained above estimate but at a slower pace than the prior year, with recent economic indicators slightly weaker than earlier forecasts. He said the new forecast mostly reflected modest adjustments, with a notable share of the increase coming from earnings on investment rather than the usual drivers such as sales tax or corporate income tax. Khan also gave a detailed presentation on ad valorem millages, explaining the different millage types used by school districts, counties, municipalities, special districts, and water management districts; the rollback rate; TRIM notice and hearing timelines; voting thresholds for adopting higher millages; and long-term trends showing millage rates declining over time even as total taxes levied have increased. Members used the presentations to discuss property tax relief options and the relationship between local property taxes and state revenue. President Passidomo praised staff and Senator Bernard’s summer work on proposals. President Gaetz asked about converting homestead property tax revenue to sales tax and was told the rough equivalent could be around a 2.8-cent sales tax increase, though with important behavioral and distributional caveats. Senator Rouson asked about the decline in corporate income tax estimates, and Khan said it likely reflected changes in national corporate profit expectations and collection patterns, promising a follow-up. The Department of Revenue’s Lizette Kelly confirmed that TRIM data, including adopted millages, rollback rates, and maximum millage calculations, are collected by jurisdiction and can be provided to the committee. No bills were taken up and no votes occurred beyond adjournment, which was adopted by motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a reminder of our goalposts, the commission's final report and recommendations are due to be sent
• will take place with assistance from commission staff as we work to compile the commission's final report
• As a reminder of our goalposts, the commission's final report and recommendations are due to be sent
• will take place with assistance from commission staff as we work to compile the Commission's final report
• And on Monday, March 9th, we are scheduled to meet virtually. ...to finalize the report before sending

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Xylazine convened its second meeting, approved the minutes from its June 23 meeting, and reviewed its timeline and working groups. The co-chairs said the commission’s final report is due to the House and Senate clerks by March 30, 2026, and outlined three working groups focused on regulation/oversight of xylazine, treatment and outreach for exposed patients, and education/training for first responders, clinicians, treatment providers, and people who use substances. Staff will schedule working group meetings, with group presentations planned for December 11, followed by commission meetings in February and March to review and finalize the draft report. Public comment centered on research and practical responses to xylazine contamination in the drug supply. Dr. Tracy Green of Brandeis reviewed recent studies showing severe xylazine-related wounds and amputations in Philadelphia, withdrawal symptoms, the value of wound identification tools, and the usefulness of drug checking in detecting xylazine even when users did not suspect it was present. She urged expanded low-barrier wound care, more access to medications for opioid use disorder, overdose prevention sites, housing, and trauma-informed care, while cautioning that stricter controls could push the market toward other dangerous alpha-2 substances. Commissioners asked about early wound identification, dilution/cutting strategies, supplier engagement, and how to reduce stigma and improve treatment access. Tia Johnson of Boston Medical Center and Boston Health Care for the Homeless testified that xylazine contamination still requires naloxone for overdose response, but sedation can last longer and may require low-dose naloxone, oxygen support, and low-threshold monitoring spaces. She emphasized that xylazine-associated wounds can heal with consistent care, but patients often lose access to services when sent to hospitals unnecessarily. Commissioners discussed reimbursement barriers, especially in MassHealth and behavioral health settings, and the need for wound care to be available within detox and treatment programs rather than requiring transfers. The meeting ended with agreement to continue working group planning and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next report is a report of the Committee on Economic Matters. It is report number 19.
• report of the The next report is a report of the Committee<00:09:41.160> on<00:09:41.320>
• The next report is the report of the Committee on Government, Labor, and Elections.
• This is the report of the Committee on Economic Matters. It is report number 21.
• Report of the Committee on Government, Labor, and Elections, Report number 27.

Keywords: House streaming session for Monday, March 23, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House took up the Appropriations Committee’s report on the fiscal 2027 budget, including Senate Bill 282, the budget bill, and Senate Bill 284, the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act. The floor leader described a balanced budget with a $282 million cash surplus, $2 billion in rainy day reserves, and no new fees or taxes, while highlighting funding for child care scholarships and credentials, behavioral health services in schools, Medicaid and SNAP-related outreach, DDA services, domestic violence and rape crisis services, energy assistance, local government disparity grants, and private-sector investment. Both budget measures were special ordered until Wednesday, March 25, and the House adopted the committee’s motion in each case without objection. The chamber also considered several committee reports from Economic Matters, Government, Labor, and Elections, and Health. Among the measures advanced were House Bill 1529 on a Baltimore County local commission on common ownership communities; House Bills 571, 892, 893, 994, 1120, 1166, 1351, 1362, and 883; and health-related bills including House Bills 446, 658, 698, 1015, and 1048. Most bills were amended and then given favorable reports, with the House adopting the amendments and ordering the bills printed for third reading. Several bills drew brief floor questions. House Bill 994 would create a $300 annual registration fee for travel services providers, but the sponsor said it would not add new penalties beyond existing consumer protection laws. House Bill 1166 on front license plate display clarified that a signed statement can shift responsibility to the driver when a front plate cannot be installed, while the existing $500 fine for noncompliance remained current law. House Bill 1351, dealing with disaster mitigation services and MHIC licensing, was explained as bringing those providers under home improvement licensing rules after a transition period, and was special ordered until the end of the session at a delegate’s request. House Bill 1048 on sodium and added sugar warning icons was amended to include a QR code and remove some reporting and education provisions; members also clarified that the bill still uses a 25-gram threshold and that restaurant groups did not support the bill, though it had been worked through with them.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:35:10.160> it's half times average cost threshold it's half times average cost threshold
• <02:44:14.840> that<02:44:15.160> uh reporter reporting and data so that uh reporter
• <04:07:12.239> if which has to do with the threshold if which has to do with the threshold
• accountability and Audits and Reporting accountability and Audits and Reporting and<04:07:26.560
• <04:30:56.359> out to have those reports out to have those reports out so<04:30:58.680>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The executive session focused primarily on HB 563, which revises the school funding formula, especially the adequate education grant amounts for special education students and the treatment of fiscal capacity disparity aid. Representative Ladd moved OTPA on Amendment 06508, explaining that FY 26 would largely hold the current formula steady, while FY 27 would increase several per-pupil amounts, including base cost, free and reduced-price meals, English language learner aid, and special education differentiated aid. He said the special education change was based on estimated case loads across disability categories and that the amendment also reinstates fiscal capacity disparity aid, using a formula intended to better assist property-poor communities. Several members supported the amendment as a step in the right direction, saying it better recognizes special education costs and separates property wealth from low-income student counts. Others raised concerns about the lack of time and the absence of a printed spreadsheet showing how the fiscal capacity disparity aid would affect each town. In response, sponsors said the spreadsheet existed, that the LBA had copies, and that the amendment would help about 40 target towns, while Manchester would be the main community receiving less under the new formula because of prior shifts in the extraordinary needs grant. Discussion also covered the broader impact of the bill, with members noting that about 200 of the state’s 245 cities and towns would see an increase and 45 a decrease under the proposed FY 27 changes. Supporters argued the bill was a compromise given limited revenues and that it should move forward so it can be considered by the full House and then Finance. No final vote on the amendment or bill was taken in the portion provided, and the chair indicated the committee was still deciding whether it had enough information to proceed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And by your vote, SB 1374 is reported favorably.
• And by your vote, SB 1374 is reported favorably.
• And by your vote, CS for SB 1402 is reported favorably. ...is reported favorably.
• And by your vote, SB 1102 is reported favorably.
• And by your vote, SB 1102 is reported favorably.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Pre-K through 12 considered a series of education-related bills, many of them after adopting amendments. SB 1122 on Florida Virtual School was amended to remove virtual preschool provisions and then passed favorably, with the sponsor describing it as a clarifying bill about FLVS operations, revenue sources, reporting, and student access. SB 1374, on school district reporting requirements for educator arrests and misconduct, was also approved; it requires faster district action and reporting when instructional personnel are arrested for certain offenses and clarifies that self-reports are not admissions of guilt. SB 1402, on student enrollment and dropout retrieval programs, was amended and passed to broaden eligibility for dropout retrieval services and allow certain virtual providers to receive a school improvement rating instead of a school grade. SB 364, moving the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys from the Department of Education to Florida Memorial University, was amended and reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 772 on diabetes management in schools, which would allow districts to obtain and store glucagon for emergency use by trained school staff or nurses, with liability protections included. SB 1102 on school readiness programs for children with disabilities passed after testimony that it would expand identification of disabilities, require more training for providers, and direct special-needs funding toward better-supported classrooms. SB 1382, also on school readiness, was approved and would change the definition of economically disadvantaged families, adjust priority tiers, and update the waitlist and forecasting process for child care assistance. The most debated measure was SB 140, which was substantially rewritten by delete-all amendment to create “job engine charter schools,” allow municipalities to seek charter schools aimed at attracting industry, authorize parent votes for conversion of existing public schools, and set requirements for district five-year property plans and surplus property use, including affordable housing and charter school purposes. Supporters argued it could aid economic development and repurpose underused property, while opponents raised concerns about privatization, reduced stakeholder input, unclear voting procedures, and loss of district control over property. Despite extensive debate and multiple public speakers against it, the bill passed favorably. The committee also approved SB 430, a merged AED and cardiac emergency response bill requiring public schools to have a cardiac emergency plan, trained staff, and an operational AED in a publicized location, with reimbursement provisions and liability protections; it passed after supporters emphasized life-saving benefits and manageable training costs. The committee adjourned after recording additional members’ votes on selected bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• would be in peril of employee threshold would be in peril of suddenly<00:37:50.520> unexpectedly<
• The reporting, tracking, and businesses.
• And as we heard, the $3,900 threshold...
• And as we heard, the $3,900 threshold...
• There was a report that retirement funds are being drawn due to hardship.

Bills: HF4110, HF2113, HF4569, HF4414

Keywords: workplace regulations, employee rights, meal breaks, rest breaks, exemptions, paid leave, small employers, employment law, Minnesota Statutes, workforce development, HF4569, Minnesota Paid Leave Law, protected leave, seasonal employee, seasonal worker, hospitality, hospitality industry, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, employer certification

Transcript Highlights:

• They don't go over the 2.5% threshold.
• study provision by replacing "reporter" with "recorder."
• And what about use of force reports?
• ...whether they're substantiated or not, to be reported? Yes, they do.
• ...officer's file if it is also being reported to TCOLE.

Bills: HB17, HB16, SB 10, HB27, HB23, SB 15, SB 18, HB 17, HB 16, SB 10, HB 27, HB 23, SB 15, SB 18

Keywords: property tax, school funding, enrollment changes, inflation adjustment, tax rate notice, judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments, property tax exemption, ad valorem tax, Texas Tax Code, nonprofit corporation, charitable organization, educational nonprofit, scientific nonprofit, agriculture support

Transcript Highlights:

• L&I, ESD, and DOR do an annual benchmark report.
• L&I, ESD, and DOR do an annual benchmark report.
• We uncovered more than... ...and DOR do an annual benchmark report.
• and to report to you all.
• You know, the report is the beginning. I hope we can solve this problem.

Summary: The committee first received an update from the Attorney General’s office on a new workers’ rights unit and two request bills. The office said the unit will focus on wage theft and civil rights enforcement, using existing resources for a small staff. It also described a bill to expand civil investigative demand authority for labor, wage theft, prevailing wage, and discrimination investigations, and an Immigrant Worker Protection Act that would require employer notice when federal immigration authorities request employee records, limit access to nonpublic work areas without a warrant, and restrict disclosure of employee data without proper legal process. Senators asked about costs, funding sources, and the scope of the proposed authority, and the office said it would follow up with more detail. The committee then heard a detailed presentation on Washington’s workers’ compensation system from Labor and Industries, including how claims are filed, how the medical provider network works, and how treatment authorizations and utilization review are handled. L&I said the network was created to improve care quality and return workers to work, and explained that most routine care is automatically authorized while certain procedures require prior approval or review. A question from Senator Conway focused on the role of the medical director and the appeals process; L&I said decisions can be protested and reconsidered, with exceptions reviewed through a complex treatment unit and medical staff. An experience panel followed with testimony from labor representatives, physicians, and an injured-worker attorney, who argued that the medical provider network and treatment guidelines can delay or deny needed care, especially in complex cases such as PTSD, brain injuries, and serious orthopedic injuries. They described long appeals, utilization review barriers, provider shortages, and the impact on injured workers and families, while L&I’s presentation emphasized the system’s structure and review safeguards. The committee then heard a report from the Underground Economy Task Force in the construction industry. L&I summarized the task force’s findings on worker misclassification, unregistered contractors, and unpaid taxes and premiums, and outlined consensus and majority recommendations, including better interagency communication, stronger penalties for repeat offenders, more authority to address successorship, possible contractor notice requirements, and further study of cash payments. The Attorney General’s office, labor, and business representatives generally supported the report’s goals but differed on some recommendations, especially those affecting independent contractors, contractor liability, and administrative burdens. The chair and Senator Conway thanked participants and said the report would inform future legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• The report, not anybody's individual medical records, the report of the committee, whatever reports of
• The report, not anybody's individual medical records, the report of the committee, whatever reports of
• Those reports have report the savings.
• reporting issue. reporting issue.
• simplified reporting. simplified reporting.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 11 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with an invocation by Reverend Anthony Phillips, and dispensed with the reading of the journal and committee reports. The chamber also recognized several guests in the galleries, including family members of senators, medical professionals for Early Childhood Day, and advocates and local officials. After introductions, the Senate moved into the calendar and began considering bills and motions. Among the measures taken up, the Senate passed House Bill 1393 to create the Mississippi Energy Infrastructure Fund, with the sponsor explaining it would allow MDA to support energy projects and require compliance with state procurement laws. The Senate also passed House Bill 420, which provides a full homestead ad valorem tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans age 85 or older and allows an unremarried surviving spouse to keep the exemption; senators asked about eligibility, age limits, and safeguards against improper exemptions. Another bill passed was House Bill 1941 on the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund, which would allow funding through bonds or other means in addition to direct appropriation and raise the DFA processing cap from 2% to 3%; several senators raised concerns about state debt and the funding mechanism. The Senate concurred in Senate Bill 2906, which gives the Secretary of State additional time to establish minimum cybersecurity standards for county election systems. It also adopted motions to table reconsideration on several House bills, including House Bill 908 on absentee ballot receipt dates, House Bill 525 on mandatory minimum penalties for sexual battery, and House Bill 538 on sanctuary policies and immigration enforcement. The chamber voted to reconsider and then again pass House Bill 1613, described as a bill on aggravated trafficking weight and pill counts that also included a chemical abortion ban, after some senators who were absent earlier asked to go on record. For House Bill 2409, dealing with a comprehensive mitigation program for retrofitting insurable homes, the Senate voted not to concur and invited conference. The Senate also passed and retained numerous other items as it worked through the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next order of business, report of committees. Clerk, please report.
• Clerk, please<00:07:07.120> report. please report. please report.
• Cler, please report. passage. Cler, please report.
• Clerk, please report.
• Please report.

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 04:18 Report of Committees 05:09 Orders of the Day 06:40 HB 169 06:50 HB 393 13:08 HB 194 15:43 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 24:38 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 35:23 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 38:09 ConC/Rules Report 40:57 Floor Amendments 42:04 Adjournment 42:20, 958, all

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded 95 members present, approved the prior journal, and received notice from the Senate that Senate Bills 1 and 3 had passed and were sent over for concurrence. Committee reports advanced a number of bills on housing, local purchasing, health care credentials, postsecondary education, school bus safety, special license plates, milk transportation, veteran PTSD treatment, and the Kentucky Fire Commission, with several reported with committee substitutes. The chamber then considered House Bill 169 on coverage for feeding or eating disorders. The sponsor explained that the bill addresses insurance coverage decisions tied to body mass index by requiring BMI to be considered alongside another factor, such as depression, anxiety, or family circumstances, and said the committee substitute clarified that one factor alone could not control the decision. The substitute was adopted, and the bill passed 95-0. House Bill 393, which updates the Alzheimer’s and related dementias council, adds a caregiver seat, and requires an annual action project including an early detection toolkit, also passed unanimously, 95-0. House Bill 194, relating to cigar bars, drew the most discussion. The sponsor said the bill does not repeal existing smoke-free ordinances, but creates a narrow exemption for tightly defined cigar bars, with a 25% gross revenue threshold from cigar-related sales, age restrictions, local permitting options, smoke containment requirements, and signage. Members asked about local authority, other tobacco products, and whether the bill could affect smoking bans; supporters emphasized the narrow scope and personal choice, while opponents said their districts’ smoking bans and constituent concerns led them to vote no. The bill passed 69-24. The House then applied the clincher and moved to announcements, including committee schedule notices, a Small Business Day event, receptions, and citations recognizing National School Counseling Week, the KBLC Black History Celebration, and memorializing Brandy Engles.

Transcript Highlights:

• Over the past week, news stories have reported on the big money pouring into the race for Wisconsin Supreme
• The AP reported that Elon Musk's political action committee has not only spent money directly on the
• comply with registration and reporting comply with registration and reporting requirements<00:48
• , and what to report that we think this handbook will help answer.
• <00:51:46.319> we<00:51:46.559> think report, what to report that we think report,

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:01:13.880> of in child protection reports of in child protection reports of educational
• 2882 um and relates to uh reporting 2882 um and relates to uh reporting legitimate<00:14:29.920>
• on that language other than English. reported on um the target language of reported on um the target
• information in its annual report information in its annual report regarding<00:38:33.319> the
• including clarifying reporting including clarifying reporting requirements<01:12:11.239> and<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• How do the thresholds that are being proposed here, you know, 10 for undergrads and 5 for grad programs
• I'm not sure that campuses had published thresholds.
• Okay, we got a report by the System Office on Capital Building Fund. Jamie? Thank you. Okay.
• That's only the fall semesters, as reported in the annual fall census data used for federal and other
• official reporting during each two-year period ending June 30.

Summary: The Higher Education Funding Review Committee met to continue work on a draft higher education funding formula and related capital building fund changes. Lisa Johnson of the North Dakota University System updated the committee on the board’s developing policy for low-producing academic programs. She said the board is using a five-year rolling window, with thresholds of fewer than 10 undergraduate graduates or fewer than 5 graduate graduates, and that programs flagged in three consecutive review cycles would go to the board for review. Possible outcomes include continuation, continuation with modifications, inactivation, or termination. Members asked about how the policy would account for enrollment, program costs, workforce need, and programs that serve students outside their major. Johnson said the board would likely use an accompanying procedure to consider those factors. She also reported that about 200 programs could potentially be reviewed under current guidance, with 135 inactivated and 112 terminated, and said the process is intended to support quality and stewardship rather than simply cut programs. Jamie Wilkie then reported on the Capital Building Fund. He reviewed the fund’s history, matching requirements, and use for extraordinary repairs, deferred maintenance, and some legislatively authorized projects. He said about $334 million in state and matching dollars has been invested overall, with roughly 78.7% going to deferred maintenance and extraordinary repairs. Committee members pressed for updated information on how much deferred maintenance has actually been reduced, and several members said they wanted clearer reporting on the return on investment from new buildings versus repairs. NDSU representatives said the tier funding has helped significantly reduce deferred maintenance and allowed demolition and renovation work on campus. The committee also discussed the need for updated five-year facility plans and space-utilization information from the institutions. The committee then began a section-by-section review of a draft bill that would replace the current higher education funding formula with an FTE-based model and restructure the capital building fund. The draft would fund UND and NDSU differently from the other nine institutions, use fall enrollment rather than completed credits, add performance funding for completions in in-demand fields, create research incentives for UND and NDSU, and combine capital building fund tiers while changing matching requirements and eligible uses. Members raised concerns about the treatment of professional students, the use of CIP codes, incentives for waivers, and whether the formula should rely on more current data. The committee did not take final action on the draft during this meeting, but it continued detailed discussion and indicated more review would follow.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kalatayud's bill that requires a taxing authority to use three previous years of Schimberg's annual reports
• By your vote, SPB 7046 is favorably reported as a committee bill. Thank you.
• By your vote, SPB 7046 is favorably reported as a committee bill. Virtual gavel goes back to you.
• And by your vote, SPB 7048 is favorably reported as a committee bill.
• And by your vote, SPB 7048 is favorably reported as a committee bill.

Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee met with a quorum present and took up two bills. The first, SPB 7046, was the Senate tax package. It included changes to Live Local property tax opt-outs, charter school distributions from voter-approved property tax levies, RV park special assessments, fiscally constrained county funding, a permanent sales tax exemption for small propane tanks, a hunting/fishing/camping sales tax holiday, and provisions barring governmental net zero policies. An amendment made the charter-school distribution change prospective starting July 1, 2026. Committee discussion focused heavily on whether the charter-school language would divert money from traditional public schools and on the fiscal-constrained county formula. The bill was reported favorably as a committee bill after a roll call vote, with Senators Bernard and Jones voting no. The committee also considered SPB 7048, which updates Florida’s conformity to the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026 and partially decouples from federal tax changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill addresses bonus depreciation, research and experimental expenses, business meal deductions, and the business interest deduction, with the Revenue Estimating Conference expected to review the fiscal impact later in the week. The Florida Chamber testified that the bill should better align with federal tax relief and reduce administrative burdens, while senators emphasized the need to balance business tax relief with state revenue constraints. SPB 7048 was also reported favorably as a committee bill by roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kalytayud's bill that requires a taxing authority to use three previous years of Schimberg's annual reports
• By your vote, SPB 7046 is favorably reported as a committee bill. Thank you.
• By your vote, SPB 7046 is favorably reported as a committee bill.
• By your vote, SPB 7046, is favored reported as a committee bell. Virtual Gavitt goes back to you.
• And by your vote, SPB 7048 is favorably reported as a committee bill.

Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee met with a quorum and considered two Senate proposed bills. The first, SPB 7046, was the Senate tax package. It included changes to Live Local property tax exemptions, charter school distributions from voter-approved property tax levies, limits on special assessments for RV parks, revisions to fiscally constrained county funding and eligibility, a permanent sales tax exemption for small propane tanks, a hunting/fishing/camping sales tax holiday, restrictions on governmental net zero policies, and new voting thresholds for certain local millage actions. Staff estimated the bill would reduce general revenue by about $77 million in FY 2026-27 and about $50 million recurring. An amendment making the charter-school distribution change prospective starting July 1, 2026, was adopted. A late-filed amendment by Senator Gaetz on disability tax exemptions was withdrawn for lack of a fiscal analysis. The charter school provision drew the most debate. Senator Jones and Senator Bernard raised concerns that expanding eligibility to charter schools authorized through alternate authorizers could reduce funding available to traditional neighborhood public schools and that the effective date did not give districts enough time to plan. Senator Avila argued the change corrected an omission from earlier legislation and ensured public schools, including charter schools, were treated equally. Several speakers supported the fiscally constrained county provisions, while the Florida Association of Counties urged grandfathering for counties that could currently opt out of the Live Local exemption and asked the committee to review language on millage thresholds and net zero provisions. SPB 7046 was ultimately reported favorably as a committee bill by a roll call vote. The committee then took up SPB 7048, which updates Florida’s conformity to the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026, and partially decouples from federal changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill addresses federal changes to bonus depreciation, Section 179 expensing, research and experimental expenses, business meals, and business interest deductions, with some provisions phased in or adjusted over time. The Florida Chamber testified in support of continued conformity but expressed concerns about administrative burdens and the bill’s partial decoupling structure. After brief debate, the bill was reported favorably as a committee bill by roll call vote, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The department will report on the program. The badges earned the post-graduation employment.
• Cs for SB 102 is reported favorably. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, thank you, Senator Gaetz.
• Relook a valuation by just want to caution on this. >> That we as we continue to move that threshold
• Is reported favorably. Congratulations. Senator Simon, thank you.
• Yes. >> By your vote show CS for SB 296, is reported favorably.

Keywords: 999, senate, all