Transcript Highlights:

• and units, we have folks in the research office, we do routine audits, and we have a compliance function
• So there's numbers that pop out throughout the whole presentation, and some of which are a function of
• So I don't know if that's a function of preeminence. Can you kind of just speak to that, please?
• That's a function... ...we are higher than they are in restricted columns.
• That's a function of the size of our institution.

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met to hear an overview of State University System finances from the Board of Governors and detailed budget presentations from Florida State University, the University of Central Florida, and the University of North Florida. The witnesses explained how university budgets are organized into fund categories such as education and general, contracts and grants, auxiliaries, local/designated funds, capital projects, and component units such as direct support organizations. They also described carry forward funds, the statutory reserve and spending-plan requirements, the PICO/HECO capital outlay process, and how universities use investment accounts, audits, and board oversight to manage restricted and unspent funds. The universities emphasized that most operating dollars are restricted to specific uses and that state support helps keep tuition low. Members asked about differences in funding levels among institutions, especially why FSU receives more funding than UCF despite lower enrollment. Officials said preeminence funding, performance funding, and special legislative appropriations explain much of the difference, and the Board of Governors noted that Florida now has four preeminent universities, with UCF nearing that status. Questions also focused on what happens to unspent carry forward money, how it is invested, and whether the Board of Governors or Legislature can require funds to be returned; officials said the money is invested conservatively, subject to board and audit oversight, and can roll forward under a detailed spending plan, though the Legislature can change funding levels. The committee also discussed capital projects, with members asking about delays, inflation, and whether more projects should be phased or funded faster; witnesses said PICO funds remain with the state until needed and are reimbursed as construction proceeds. A substantial portion of the discussion covered athletics, research, student fees, and endowments. The universities said athletics is generally expected to be self-supporting, though limited use of auxiliary or carry forward funds may be allowed for projects benefiting the broader student body. They also described the financial pressures from name, image, and likeness changes and new NCAA-related costs, and said institutions are planning for those changes now. On research, the universities explained sponsored research funding, indirect cost recovery, compliance obligations, and tech transfer, but did not provide specific commercialization revenue figures and said they would follow up. Members also asked about student fee increases, student input, counseling and wellness funding, and how housing costs affect affordability; the universities said student committees and boards review fees, and aid packaging is intended to keep student debt low. Endowments were described as being held in separate foundations/DSOs with independent investment committees and used mainly for scholarships, faculty support, and research.

Transcript Highlights:

• These programs often support people with significant medical needs and um function similar to almost
• Monahan responded that there is no functional difference. Senator Fate said he wanted to be clear.
• with good things that actually function with good things that actually function well<02:10:36.800
• <02:11:15.199> shall a functional difference between shall a functional difference between
• functional difference. functional difference. >> Thank<02:11:29.920> you.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you wish to comment on Senate Bill 287 with Senate Amendment 2, please use the raise-hand function
• If you wish to comment on Senate Bill 287 with Senate Amendment 2, please use the raise-hand function
• Please use the raise-hand function in Zoom.
• If you wish to comment on Senate Bill 346 with Senate Amendment 1, please use the raise-hand function
• to provide public comment on Senate Bill 326 with Senate Amendment 1, please use the raise hand function

Bills: SB287

Keywords: solid waste, recycling, universal recycling, single-stream recycling, multifamily housing, apartment recycling, commercial recycling, waste diversion, recycling grants, low-interest loans, Delaware Recycling Fund, Delaware Solid Waste Authority, DNREC, waste hauler, curbside recycling, yard waste, source-separated recycling, pay-as-you-throw, extended producer responsibility, waste bans

Summary: The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met and considered three Senate bills. SB 287 with Senate Amendment 2, a DNREC cleanup bill on recycling, would tighten recycling collection rules for haulers and commercial generators, require multifamily recycling education, repurpose the Delaware Recycling Fund, and add annual reporting; after brief questions and no public comment, the committee motion to release did not initially receive enough votes, so the bill was circulated for signatures. SB 346, which would speed Environmental Appeals Board hearing and decision timelines so DNREC secretary decisions become final if deadlines are missed, drew support from the Nature Conservancy and also failed to get enough votes at the meeting, so it too was circulated for signatures. The committee then took up SB 326, a major utility-regulation bill sponsored by Senator Hanson and Representative Heffernan that would cap certain non-mandatory utility spending, limit interim rates, increase oversight and transparency, and streamline rate-setting. SB 326 generated extensive testimony and debate. Supporters, including the Public Advocate, Sierra Club, PSC staff, and some legislators, argued that Delmarva Power’s spending on non-mandatory infrastructure has risen far faster than inflation, that the company is a regulated monopoly, and that the bill would help restrain future delivery-rate increases without harming reliability because mandatory reliability, storm response, and vegetation management spending would remain allowed. Opponents, including Delmarva Power, business groups, contractors, labor representatives, and the Delaware Contractors Association, argued the cap would delay needed reliability and capacity projects, hurt economic development, reduce jobs, and interfere with utility planning; they also said supply costs, not distribution spending, are the main driver of recent bill increases. After public comment and additional questioning, the committee voted to release SB 326 on a split roll call, but because several members were absent the bill was also walked for additional signatures. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• 42.839> be<00:16:42.920> limiting<00:16:43.520> those Would it be limiting those functions
• it to direct, that it allays my concerns and makes sure that the vet techs can still perform the function
• > do they're able to do they're able to do perform<00:19:18.880> the<00:19:18.960> function
• but<00:19:19.600> they<00:19:19.720> are<00:19:20.000> I'm perform the function
• , but they are I'm perform the function, but they are I'm doing<00:19:20.440> so<00:19:20.640>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so it's really a function of those things.
• So all of the cybersecurity functions come through us.
• So all of the cybersecurity functions come through us.
• So all of the cybersecurity functions come through us. We are general-funded for that.
• small contract, but it's a start for giving you an idea of what may be possible and what would be functional

Summary: The Government Finance Committee met with new leadership, approved the December 11 minutes, and received a series of informational updates on the state’s finances and related policy issues. The Office of Management and Budget reported the general fund is tracking very close to forecast, with revenues about $2 million above forecast and an estimated ending balance of about $397 million, higher than previously expected. OMB also reviewed balances in major funds, including the budget stabilization fund, legacy fund, foundation aid stabilization fund, social services fund, and strategic investment and improvements fund, and answered questions about oil tax revenues and fund management. The Tax Department provided updates on taxable sales and purchases by county and industry, noting Cass County as the largest county by taxable sales and that retail trade remains the largest industry sector. Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus also discussed the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its estimated effects on North Dakota income tax collections, explaining that the projected revenue impacts are measured against a 2025 baseline and that some provisions are temporary while others are permanent. He also reported that primary residence tax credit applications were running ahead of last year, with more than 154,000 received so far and an expectation of roughly 160,000-plus applications. The committee also heard fee-study presentations from the Department of Transportation and the Information Technology Department. DOT explained that driver’s license fees cover only about half of program costs and that the shortfall is subsidized by the highway fund, while also noting recent changes such as the blackout plate and motor vehicle excise tax distribution changes. NDIT described its internal service fund model, current billing structure, and possible future changes to simplify invoices and billing frequency. Legislative staff also updated the committee on office space needs in Bismarck-Mandan and on legislative branch space planning, and subcommittees reported progress on fixed-route transit funding and regional jail capacity, including a visit to the Burleigh-Morton detention facility and discussion of future prison bed needs. No formal votes or legislative actions beyond approving the minutes were taken, and the committee adjourned with its next meeting set for June 25.

Transcript Highlights:

• We changed full functioning of current services to counties to $1 million in each year.
• 00:03:40.520> we<00:03:40.680> changed<00:03:41.240> full<00:03:41.520> functioning
• Uh we changed full functioning therein.
• Uh we changed full functioning of<00:03:42.360> current<00:03:42.680> services<00:03:43.440
• Medical Cannabis and allow the office to increase fees as necessary for continuing operations and functions

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:23 HB 503 Discussion 00:01:00 HB 503 Vote 00:02:17 HB 504 Discussion 00:02:53 HB 504 Vote 00:04:48 HB 500 Discussion 00:05:19 HB 500 Vote 00:29:18 HB 900 Discussion 00:32:02 HB 900 Vote 00:33:00, 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 503, the legislative branch budget, adopting a committee substitute and reporting it favorably. The chair said the Senate version fully funds defined calculations, provides 2% raises in each fiscal year for legislative employees, removes a paragraph on operating expense reductions, and includes $1 million in the first year for a judicial branch salary study. House Bill 504, the judicial branch budget, was then amended and reported favorably; changes included 2% annual raises for judicial employees, revised operating expense language, $1 million each year for county current services, retention of Boyle County fit-up language, reporting requirements for smaller capital projects, full funding for nine judges added in 2022, and removal of furlough prohibitions and certain budget implementation language. Both bills passed the committee unanimously with favorable expressions to the floor. The committee then considered House Bill 500, the executive branch budget, adopting a committee substitute before hearing a lengthy summary of major spending and policy changes. The chair described statewide 2% annual employee raises, agency base reductions with many exemptions, increased school safety and 911 funding, veterans and military funding, local government and severance-related changes, attorney general and auditor funding, pension and retirement system support, education funding changes including SEEK, postsecondary and scholarship provisions, public safety and corrections funding, and multiple capital projects. The chair also highlighted Medicaid-related provisions, including added waiver slots, increased state-directed payments, a 2.5% reduction in managed care vendor payments for plan years 2027 and 2028 with savings redirected to fee-for-service rates, and additional funding for behavioral health and public health programs. The bill was reported favorably after members explained their votes, with several noting they had only recently received the full 228-page bill and wanted more time for detailed review. Finally, the committee adopted a committee substitute for House Bill 900, an appropriation measure for government agencies, and reported it favorably. The chair said the bill remains a work in progress and that one-time funding requests from across the Commonwealth and across party lines would continue to be addressed as the process moves forward. All measures considered during the meeting passed the committee with unanimous or near-unanimous favorable votes, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• The LBC was designed to serve this function... ...Legislative Budget Commission.
• The LBC was designed to serve this function, filling in the gaps between legislative session to address
• This is the way the framers of our Florida Constitution intended our government to function.
• My hope is that this Intended our government to function.
• scratch and rebuild this emergency response fund with all of the appropriate guardrails and oversight functions

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• assessing recruitment and retention trends, evaluating whether salary parity and other incentives are functioning
• The bill specifically includes supporting this kind of development as a core function.
• Another part or function of the T-TACs is to enable career pathways for Indigenous educators and language
• My question— My question is, Secretary Trujillo, I was shocked to learn that the TECs aren't functioning
• Chair, then if they function the way they're supposed to, it'll go an enormous way towards solving some

Summary: The committee began with a presentation on the 520 Native American Language and Culture certificate, created to let proficient tribal language and culture speakers teach in K-12 schools without a bachelor’s degree. LESC staff, PED, and HED described the certificate’s statutory basis, the role of tribes and pueblos in setting proficiency standards, and ongoing challenges such as uneven MOAs, limited professional development, rural access barriers, data gaps, and retention concerns. PED said oversight of 520 is moving from the licensure bureau to the Indian Education Division, and HED reported that the tribal education technical assistance centers authorized in 2023 are still in procurement but are expected to be awarded in early 2026. A student, Alonzo Hughes, testified about how learning Tewa from 520-certified teachers helped him understand his culture and speak with elders, and members praised the program’s role in language revitalization and asked about funding, teacher pathways, and whether similar models exist in other states. Committee members then discussed several PED rule updates. Staff reviewed an adopted rule implementing HB 54 on AEDs and cardiac emergency response plans, including staff training requirements and staggered compliance dates, and a proposed rule for school nurse licensure under HB 195 that would create a three-tier system and align nurse pay with teacher pay. They also reviewed proposed changes to the Community Schools Act rule, including a full-time community school coordinator requirement, updated grant language, and broader coalition membership criteria; PED said the broader language would not conflict with the Martinez-Yazzie work. A proposed bilingual teacher rule would standardize coursework requirements, add trans-languaging and culturally relevant curriculum competencies, and allow Native American language certification applicants to demonstrate proficiency using tribal standards. In questions, members raised concerns about AEDs being present at athletic events, the need for the amended school nurse bill to move experienced nurses directly into higher levels, and whether the community schools rule’s broader coalition language could affect current education litigation. Members also asked about funding for 520 programs, teacher residency or cohort models, and how to support advanced language instruction and sustainability. PED said the Indian Education Fund and school budgets can support some of the work, but additional strategic funding and cross-training are needed. The committee also heard that New Mexico’s 520 system is unusually robust compared with other states, and members encouraged staff to present the model at national conferences. The meeting ended with the director’s report, which noted a flat budget request of $2,024,300, staff turnover including Natasha Davalos’s departure, and appreciation for the committee’s work before adjournment for the holidays.

Transcript Highlights:

• budget we would have put together, but it is a compromise and we have to keep state government functioning
• if you can address that, if you think that that is the way that representative government should function
• 54.559> should that representative government should that representative government should function
• 56.960> of<00:19:57.039> our<00:19:57.600> members<00:19:58.000> have function
• Um, all of our members have function.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that there's a program that stood up and is up and running, functioning well, serving small businesses
• We know that there's a program that stood up and is up and running, functioning well, serving small businesses
• program that stood up and is up and program that stood up and is up and running,<00:27:26.159> functioning
• well,<00:27:27.360> uh<00:27:27.600> serving<00:27:28.480> uh running, functioning
• well, uh serving uh running, functioning well, uh serving uh small<00:27:28.960> businesses,<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• there are no studies on the biodistribution, cellular uptake, endosomal escape, translation rates, functional
• Any of the post-vaccine conditions affecting things like fertility, autoimmune function in your...
• Yes, heart attacks and so forth, along with kidney function...
• The database that we have created, and it's almost fully functional—not quite—is very small. investment
• It serves no other legitimate function because if there was harm to the child or significant risk of

Bills: HB18, HB37, HB116, HB18, HB37, HB116, HB388, HB879, HB913, HB1151, HB2216, HB2358, HB2809, SB577, SB1590, SB1782, SB1887, SB2744

Keywords: HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance

Transcript Highlights:

• Overwhelming and wild and Horrendous problem out there that needs correction because we have a well-functioning
• requesting $9.1 million for the continuation of consulting services to support the SEO book of record functionality
• requesting $1.5 million for the continuation of consulting services to support the SEO book of record functionality
• to support the SEO book of record functionality It is transformed the way state departments conduct
• Fiscal and SEO's legacy systems continued to run in tandem. until the book of record functionalities

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the day-to-day functions are performed by the actual employees in the office.
• So what's the need for the bill at this time if this office has been functioning? You recognize.
• Codifying it, showing the priority of it, Senator, the bill, excuse me, the office as it functions today
• The bill, excuse me, the office as it functions today, there is an expectation that that would continue
• And so it might surprise you to hear that I see that function of effective outreach of government, of

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met with a quorum and considered a series of bills, most of them receiving favorable reports. SB 132, as amended, would require the Department of Financial Services to contract for a study on whether Florida should recognize gold and silver as legal tender; an amendment advanced the report deadline to December 1, 2025, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1050, also amended, expands the intellectual and developmental disabilities managed care pilot program statewide, emphasizes that enrollment is voluntary, adds transparency and reporting requirements for APD, creates a statewide family care council, and requires related studies and coordination; it was reported favorably after supportive testimony about reducing the APD wait list. SB 820 codifies the Office of Faith and Community in the Governor’s office, and the bill drew extended debate over church-state separation and concerns about political activity by the office; despite opposition from several senators, it was reported favorably. SB 1060 creates a joint legislative oversight committee for Medicaid financing and operations, with supporters citing the size of the program and the need for stronger legislative review; it passed favorably. SB 7032 presumes Medicaid eligibility for permanently disabled individuals receiving certain long-term services during redetermination, to prevent gaps in care, and was reported favorably with broad support. SB 12, a claim bill for a minor injured in a DCF-related case, was also reported favorably without opposition. The committee also approved several infrastructure and tax-related measures. SJR 318 proposes an ad valorem exemption for certain tangible personal property used in agriculture or agritourism, such as equipment and tractors, and was reported favorably with support from agricultural and business groups. SB 818, as amended, revises utility relocation funding for public road and rail projects, shifting the financing structure after constitutional concerns were raised and adding a $50 million grant program; it passed after discussion of the impact on local governments and utilities. SB 1348 modernizes DMV services through tax collectors, adds a distracted driving course option, bans appointment scalping, and extends certain disabled parking permit terms; it was reported favorably. SB 1664 requires voter reapproval of local taxes, including tourist development taxes and local option sales taxes, when they expire, with special rules for taxes tied to revenue bonds; it drew significant debate over impacts on tourism-dependent counties and was reported favorably despite opposition from some members and local government groups. SB 1050, SB 820, SB 1060, SB 7032, SB 12, SJR 318, SB 818, SB 1348, and SB 1664 all received favorable committee votes, and the meeting ended with final missed-vote requests and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• particularly the collaborative investigations with our federal partners, are where we're the most functional
• Through its coordination function, the USIC ensures a comprehensive and cogent approach to securing the
• AMO also maintains a fleet of aircraft functionally designed and outfitted for maritime detection and
• called the Joint Interagency Task Force South, and it performs the DOD's detection and monitoring function
• They do similar functions over there to focus on the larger ships that might be bringing precursors into

Keywords: Coast Guard, maritime drug enforcement, illegal drugs, fentanyl crisis, legislative reforms, public testimony

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation addressed critical issues surrounding maritime drug enforcement and the Coast Guard's role in stopping the influx of illegal drugs. The chairman highlighted the alarming consequences of current policies allowing drugs to cross borders, emphasizing the need for legislative reforms, such as the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2025. There was an intense discussion regarding the operational challenges faced by the Coast Guard, which has recently made significant drug seizures, indicating progress but also revealing gaps that need addressing. Several witnesses, including victims of the drug crisis, shared their compelling testimonies, which underscored the urgency for stricter controls and comprehensive support for law enforcement agencies involved in drug interdiction efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Zoom chat function will allow you to chat with the technical staff only.
• 33.480> chat your testimony is complete the zoom chat your testimony is complete the zoom chat function
• 09:34.760> to<00:09:35.000> chat<00:09:35.399> with<00:09:35.560> the function
• will allow you to chat with the function will allow you to chat with the technical<00:09:36.160>
• gathering, with the primary agencies making a list of the board or the commission to carry out the functions

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, I'm going to lay out **[SB 1](link from function call)**.
• Compensation Program that was passed in the last session, Senate Bill 1133 by **[Blanco](link from function
• Our agency's core functions are: 1.
• **James Kessler**: Our agency's core functions are: 1.
• We continue to try to get these numbers lower and lower and lower, but when we were not functioning at

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So what's the most important function of the federal government in your view?
• Agreements cannot happen and Congress cannot function without that level of trust.
• Do you think the function of the American health care system should be to make huge profits for the insurance
• political jihad of trying to score points by simply trying to break up an operation that actually functions
• in his first term, and we wanted to make sure that the political class here, the agenda-setting functions

Transcript Highlights:

• Functions like a power plant.
• <02:04:12.640> And functions like a like a power plant.
• And functions like a like a power plant.
• of what they were doing, um if function of what they were doing, um if that<02:13:28.000> would
• <02:24:42.240> for<02:24:42.520> years unable to function for years unable to function

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . functionality. functionality. developing<01:05:57.200> and<01:05:57.440> using<01:05:
• But I think it would make things stop functioning. It would grind to a halt.
• But I think it would make things stop functioning. It would grind to a halt.
• I don't believe it's a licensing function to make them happy.
• function to make them happy. function to make them happy.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• there's that in terms of the... to kind of address the local control, the difference between state functions
• related to enforcement of tobacco and the local functions related to... ...difference between state
• functions related to enforcement of tobacco and the local functions related to tobacco.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Commerce Committee reconvened to continue testimony on House Bill 2085, which would preempt local regulation of the sale of tobacco, nicotine, and vapor products and establish a statewide standard. The bill sponsor and supporters repeatedly said the measure is intended to create uniform rules for retailers, protect small businesses from a patchwork of local ordinances, and preserve existing local zoning authority. Several members questioned whether the bill’s language was too broad or vague, especially as to whether it could affect zoning near schools or other sensitive locations, and the sponsor said zoning was not the intent and should remain local. Testimony in support came from representatives of the Missouri Vape and Alternative Products Association, Ware Brands, Warrant’s, the Missouri Grocers Association, Maverick Convenience Stores, and the Missouri Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association. Supporters argued that local flavor bans or other restrictions would harm small businesses, create compliance problems, and push sales into neighboring jurisdictions. They also said federal Tobacco 21 rules already govern sales to minors, and that the bill should be read as a statewide sales standard rather than a public health measure. One supporter emphasized that retailers already comply with FDA enforcement and that inconsistent local rules create operational burdens. Opposition came from the Missouri Public Health Association and the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, which said local tobacco regulations have helped prevent youth smoking and that the bill could invite litigation over existing ordinances and limit future local public health action. Committee members raised concerns about local control, public health, and the bill’s wording, while the sponsor clarified that the bill would preempt state and local standards on the sale of tobacco products where the state has already acted, but would not require every locality to adopt a 21-year-old purchase age. An informational witness from MOST Policy Initiative described health risks associated with vaping, flavored products, and youth nicotine use. The hearing concluded without a vote, and the committee adjourned after taking all testimony.