Transcript Highlights:

• </c> totals notice the graph and the high totals notice the graph and the high variability<00:20:13.080
• At high tide, there's no more gravity-based drainage.
• , and high astronomical tides.
• We’ve seen a lot of high rainfall with the high water levels, which has resulted in some of that flooding
• High School.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These rules regulate the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste
• The docket information, ...and disposal of hazardous waste.
• I wasn't going to go through everything and just kind of hit some of the high points.
• One of these affects certain major sources of hazardous air pollutants that may reclassify to an area
• As a result, Idaho facilities that reduce their hazardous air pollutant emissions below major source

Summary: The committee met to review several Idaho Department of Environmental Quality rule dockets. It first considered docket 58-0102-2501 on water quality standards, which DEQ described as an administrative cleanup to align state rules with EPA disapprovals of prior temperature and arsenic-related provisions. Members asked why EPA rejected parts of the earlier rule, and DEQ explained that EPA wanted stricter temperature criteria rather than the variability language Idaho had proposed. The committee voted to approve the docket. The committee then heard docket 58-0106-2501 on wastewater rules. DEQ said the rulemaking was part of zero-based regulation and aimed to streamline, clarify, and reduce burden, including updates to gray water, material modification, wastewater system definitions, and sludge disposal/use plans. Aquaculture commenters raised concerns that municipal wastewater standards might be applied to fish production facilities, and DEQ responded by adding clarifying language and references specific to aquaculture. A separate testimony issue arose from a participant who could not be heard on the webinar, and the committee voted to hold the docket at the call of the chair for reconsideration at a later meeting. The committee next approved docket 58-0105-2501, DEQ’s annual hazardous waste incorporation by reference, which updates federal hazardous waste regulations through July 1, 2025 and adds Part 271 for state program authorization. DEQ said no comments were received and that the change helps maintain state primacy and avoid conflicting state and federal requirements. It also approved docket 58-0106-2501 on solid waste management rules, another zero-based regulation cleanup that removed duplicative language, updated definitions and applicability sections, and deleted a violations section already covered in statute; members discussed how strikeouts indicate moved versus deleted language and how definitions should be cross-referenced to Idaho Code. Finally, the committee approved docket 58-0101-2501 on air quality rules, an annual incorporation by reference of federal air regulations through July 1, 2025. DEQ highlighted EPA actions affecting Idaho, including updates to SIP-related provisions, sulfur dioxide standards, modeling guidance, NSPS/NESHAP changes, and a Congressional Review Act disapproval affecting certain hazardous air pollutant sources. Members asked where to access the federal regulations, and DEQ said they are available online through the CFR and linked references in the rule materials. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• As noted in the agenda, CalOSHA has been challenged with an unusually high vacancy rate for the past
• Our enforcement responsibilities include investigating complaints and accidents, inspecting high hazard
• industries, issuing citations and orders to take action after investigation of hazards. and issuing
• With their limited tax dollars, where are some of the occupational safety hazards?
• When I'm cooking, it's a hazard.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This program has been incredibly successful in developing high-paying, high-skilled jobs for California
• High-paying, high-skilled jobs for California and Californians, and support workforce retention.
• These are highly specialized environments with clean rooms, high-purity piping systems, advanced air
• We've applied skilled and trained workforce standards to refineries, chemical plants, and high-hazard
• We've applied skilled and trained workforce standards to refineries, chemical plants, and high-hazard

Summary: The committee heard and later voted on six labor-related bills. SB 1059 would modernize the Employment Training Panel by allowing electronic record-keeping, digital attendance documentation, and updated training terminology; supporters said it would reduce paperwork and better match current workforce training practices, while no opposition appeared. SB 966 would make permanent 2017 refinery process safety protections, including worker participation in safety reviews and stop-work authority; refinery workers and unions supported it as a safeguard against rollback, while the Western States Petroleum Association opposed it, arguing it conflicted with a settlement and could be preempted by federal labor law. SB 1024 would provide 26 weeks of paid postpartum and recovery leave for firefighters who give birth and require return to the prior position; supporters said it would improve retention and equity in a male-dominated profession, and there was no opposition. The committee also heard SB 1316, which would strengthen wage theft and workplace safety enforcement by allowing renewal of labor commissioner liens, limiting employers’ late use of records, and requiring Cal/OSHA to report complaints and citations data annually. Supporters said the bill would help workers collect judgments and address long backlogs; there was no opposition, and the bill passed 4-0 on call before the full committee vote. SB 1185 would apply skilled-and-trained workforce requirements to pharmaceutical facility construction and maintenance; supporters from the building trades said these projects require specialized precision to protect public health and supply chains, while contractors opposed the bill as an unnecessary expansion of public-work-style mandates into private projects. Finally, SB 1227 would create apprenticeship pathways into Department of Industrial Relations enforcement jobs, including Cal/OSHA and the Labor Commissioner’s office, to address staffing shortages and backlogs. The author and supporters said apprenticeships could help fill vacancies while preserving the civil service merit principle and creating opportunities for displaced workers; there was no opposition. After discussion and roll calls, the committee reported all six bills out of committee, with SB 966, SB 1024, SB 1059, SB 1185, and SB 1227 sent to Appropriations, and SB 1316 sent to Judiciary.

Transcript Highlights:

• One is under the hazardous waste facility siting.
• And so 5803 is going to remove the definitions for that. 5804 is removing the methods of hazardous waste
• In the hazardous waste stuff and what, how that works, and in the district that the Big Payette is in
• And those are high-enriched uranium reactors.
• We’re trying to look if that is in the nuclear area or it’s other hazardous waste.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from January 14 and January 28. It then considered RS 3-2904, a bill from the DOGE Committee to remove 19 obsolete code sections, including provisions related to hazardous waste facility siting and the Big Payette Lake Water Quality Act. The sponsor urged the committee to print the bill so members could review possible unintended consequences, including whether the changes would shift responsibilities or reduce public testimony. After a question about Department of Environmental Quality involvement, the committee voted to introduce RS 3-2904. The remainder of the meeting was a presentation by Dr. John Wagner, director of Idaho National Laboratory, on energy dominance and security through research, development, and demonstration. He described INL’s role in nuclear energy, critical infrastructure security, and critical minerals, and said the current federal administration has accelerated nuclear policy through executive orders aimed at expanding reactor deployment, reforming NRC processes, and supporting advanced reactor testing. He highlighted INL’s work with private companies on small modular reactors, microreactors, fuel fabrication, and used nuclear fuel research, including projects tied to AI/data center power demand and Department of War applications. Members asked about used fuel storage, Idaho’s potential role in nuclear recycling and reactor development, transmission and water constraints, public acceptance, and the timeline for deployment. Wagner said Idaho’s advantage lies in its expertise, existing infrastructure, and a regulatory environment that provides certainty, while noting that transmission, water use, and workforce remain key issues. He also said the legislature can help by signaling receptiveness, clarifying policy, and supporting infrastructure and workforce development. The committee took no further action after the presentation and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• One is under the hazardous waste facility siting.
• Section 5804 is removing the methods of hazardous waste management.
• Section 5805, the Methods of Hazardous Waste Management, is removing the planning committee creation.
• And those are high-enriched uranium reactors.
• We're trying to look if that is in the nuclear area or it's other hazardous waste.

Committee: House Environment, Energy and Technology

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Santa Cruz Dam and everything else like that too. So I strongly urge that you support this bill.
• And I would like to just note that this is a high return on investment.
• It has a low cost and a high reward and gets money to the members of our community that are doing this
• Making sure that we have a sense of what high need means and how we create and establish that together
• This is an extremely high energy density site. It generates a very tiny bit of land.

Committee: House House Taxation & Revenue

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• place, an active shooter, weather awareness, and critical infrastructure impacts such as a potential dam
• I'm just trying to understand what happens and if we have another high-risk situation like we had before
• We look at weather modelings and some other things that are coming in, high-risk areas that a fire might
• rolling out a wonderful early earthquake warning system, but we'd like to expand that to fires, floods, high-wind
• "But we'd like to expand that to fires, floods, high-wind events, et cetera.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on California’s emergency alert and warning systems, especially in light of recent Southern California wildfires and the January 9 evacuation alert that was mistakenly sent to millions of residents. Opening remarks emphasized the loss of life, the strain on first responders, the importance of timely warnings, and concerns that public trust in alerts has been undermined by delays, confusion, and over-alerting. Members repeatedly raised questions about how to improve speed, accuracy, coordination across jurisdictions, and public understanding of the difference between evacuation warnings and orders. Cal OES staff described the state’s alert and warning framework, including SEMS, the State Warning Center, IPAWS, WEA, and EAS, and said local governments retain primary responsibility for issuing alerts because they know local roads, shelters, and hazards best. They said Cal OES supports local agencies with training, technical assistance, testing, and backup alerting help when requested, and that local alerting authorities must test their systems every 30 days and complete FEMA-required training. Members pressed Cal OES on gaps in smaller or under-resourced jurisdictions, the lack of a statewide unified system, compliance monitoring, redundancy for people without reliable technology, and whether the state should take a more active role. Cal OES said it could assist smaller jurisdictions and step in during emergencies, but that a statewide system would require further analysis and funding. Sheriff Eric Taylor of San Benito County emphasized that local control is essential because counties differ widely in structure, geography, and alerting responsibilities, and he described the challenges of rural areas, limited cell coverage, and multiple platforms such as Nixle, Reverse 911, and social media. Nick Russell of Watch Duty said the nonprofit fills gaps by providing fast, geospatially detailed wildfire information from volunteers and public data, and argued that context and redundancy are critical because official alerts often arrive too late or lack enough detail. Members praised Watch Duty’s usefulness and asked about incorporating similar capabilities into state systems. Public commenters also raised the need for broader redundancy, including earthquake-warning partnerships, and wildfire survivors urged the committee to address the confusing patchwork of alerts and to honor prior compensation commitments to PG&E fire survivors. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational only and adjourned after member questions and public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Water storage tanks and dams would fall into that category.
• And as you know, with the high interest rates that we currently have, that saves a lot of folks a lot
• Although it's pretty well spread across the state, we have some new development in some high-cost areas
• Some of the challenges that we face are obviously related to supply chain issues and high costs with
• Assessments for businesses in rural areas that might be facing very high energy costs.

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Management, TETM, to evaluate all hazards to the ERCOT electric grid and vulnerabilities of essential
• Develop a recommended timeline to implement the plan for the protection of all hazards and resilience
• There are a lot of different potential hazards.
• Because certainly, we want to go high spang for our buck, right? Oh, absolutely.
• Plan, which did address a wide range of hazards, including cyber and physical security.

Bills: SB75 , SB715 , SB776 , SB1299 , SB1405 , SB1968 , SB2021 , SB2077 , SB2148 , SB2321 , SB2330 , SB2411

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• hazardous due to its long-lasting radioactivity.
• hazardous due to its long-lasting radioactivity.
• Nuclear reactors is their production of high-level radioactive waste, which is extremely hazardous due
• It doesn't eliminate high-level waste.
• It is supposed to eliminate high-level waste, to dramatically reduce the amount of high-level waste that

Bills: HB573 , HB1499 , HB1768 , HB3071 , HB3249 , HB3866 , HB4112

Committee: House Environmental Regulation

Keywords: environmental enforcement, legislative oversight, inspection, concrete plants, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, environmental product declaration, grant program, ready-mixed concrete, manufacturers, sustainability, concrete plant, concrete batch plant, wet batching, dry batching, central mixing, standard permit, TCEQ, environmental regulation, air quality, construction permit

Transcript Highlights:

• and non-hazardous plans.
• </c> both the has and non-hazardous both the has and non-hazardous plans.<00:25:43.440><c> Uh</c><00:
• ><c> from</c> hazardous hick rate from hazardous hick rate from 1%<00:29:58.000><c> today</c><00:29:58.720
• </c><00:30:05.240><c> CS</c> And that's again for the hazardous CS And that's again for the hazardous
• </c><00:41:50.319><c> we</c> assets are running hot selling high we assets are running hot selling high

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:01 Attendance Roll Call: 00:01:26 Approval of Minutes: 00:02:27 Investment, Cash Flow, and Legislative Update: Bo Cracraft – Judicial Form Retirement System: 00:03:12 Ryan Barrow – Kentucky Public Pensions Authority: 00:21:52 Beau Barnes – Teachers’ Retirement System: 00:34:31 Adjournment: 01:07:25, 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer, followed by a roll call confirming a quorum and approval of the prior minutes. A special guest, Dave Eager, was welcomed before the committee moved to presentations from retirement system officials. Bo Craycraft, executive director of the Judicial Form Retirement System, gave a quarterly update on investment performance, asset allocation, and cash flow. He said the plans had held up well amid market volatility, with fiscal year-to-date returns above benchmark and long-term returns remaining strong. He explained that the plans are targeted to a 70% equity/30% fixed-income allocation, that some cash is being held for cash-flow management, and that negative cash flow is expected because of funding and contribution levels. He also said Senate Bill 183, dealing with proxy voting and economic analysis for certain votes, was not expected to materially affect the plans because of their small number of holdings and Bear Trust’s long-term investment approach. Ryan Barrow and Erin Surrod then presented for the Kentucky Pension Authority. They reported positive quarterly performance across the retirement and insurance funds, though results varied by period and remained tied to broader market conditions. They said recent asset-allocation changes had been completed and the funds were now within target ranges. On cash flow, they noted some plans remained negative or near zero, with one plan benefiting from a large appropriation. In the legislative update, they described House Bill 30 as codifying an exclusion from pension-spiking calculations for across-the-board raises, and Senate Bill 10 as increasing retiree health insurance subsidies and changing employee health insurance contribution rules for certain CERS members beginning in 2026. They also said Senate Bill 183 would likely have limited impact, though the agency would review voting policies and incorporate any required economic-analysis procedures.

Transcript Highlights:

• from that was that 26% of all the forested land—11 million acres in Wyoming—is currently seeing a high
• from that was that 26% of all the forested land—11 million acres in Wyoming—is currently seeing a high
• latest flights that we're looking at an additional 3 million acres that's going to be moved into that high-hazard
• I mean, not only what we have, but an accumulating additional 3 million acres of high-hazard fuels.
• </c><00:10:48.800><c> hazardous</c> three million acres of high hazardous three million acres of high

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The meeting focused on resolving a House-Senate disagreement over funding for a new forestry/fire mitigation program. House members explained that their objection was not to the program itself, but to the Senate’s increase from the original $3 million level; they argued the program should start at the lower amount and be expanded later if needed. Senate members responded that the higher amount was based on forest health briefing information showing significant beetle kill, rising fire danger, and the need to act quickly while federal partners and current conditions made treatment work feasible. They cited recent large fire suppression costs and argued the added funding would have a strong return on investment by reducing future suppression expenses. After discussion of possible compromise amounts, including $4 million and then $3.5 million, House members said $3.5 million would be more acceptable to their chamber and suggested supplemental funding could be considered later if the program proved successful. The Senate agreed to the $3.5 million compromise. Members also noted that other amendments in the bill, including repeal of a sunset date and changes intended to speed contracting by removing an attorney general step, were important and appreciated by the House. The committee then took a voice vote on the compromise, and it passed unanimously. Members indicated they would take the agreement back to their respective chambers as part of the conference report and expected the bill to move forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are critical treatments, but their high price tag are putting a real strain on patients and our
• We searched high and low. We searched home delivery. It's not available.
• So they're not, you know, having some of these high costs.
• and meet hazardous waste operations and emergency response requirements.
• The way we read the bill, it requires debris removal or hazardous—let me back up—hazmat certification

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with SB 1312 by Senator Richardson on abandoned endowed-care cemeteries. Richardson described vandalism, theft, and neglect at abandoned cemeteries and said the bill would define abandonment, create a process for local governments to declare a cemetery abandoned, and allow the Bureau to act as conservator of endowment funds. Support came from Marin County, while county and special district groups opposed or had concerns, arguing the bill could shift burdens to local governments or public cemetery districts without enough safeguards. Members expressed general support but noted the need for further work; the bill was discussed but no final vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then took up SB 758 by Senator Umberg, which would restrict retail sales of nitrous oxide to curb misuse. Supporters, including the League of California Cities, narcotic officers, counties, pediatricians, and other local governments and health groups, said easy access at smoke shops and convenience stores has fueled recreational abuse and health harms. There was no opposition testimony, and members voiced strong support for a statewide approach over city-by-city bans. The bill was well received, with the author closing in support. Dr. Weber-Pierson presented SB 1094, a health care affordability bill on biosimilars and biologic substitution. The bill would allow pharmacists to substitute biosimilars under certain conditions, require advance notice to providers and patients, and add reporting on savings; the author said amendments would strengthen provider notice and preserve the ability to mark prescriptions “do not substitute.” Supporters from health plans, insurers, pharmacies, labor, business, and some provider groups argued the bill would lower costs and expand access. Opponents, including dermatology and rheumatology groups and biotech interests, warned about non-medical switching, prior authorization delays, and patient harm. After extensive discussion, the committee voted 13-0 to pass SB 1094 to the Committee on Health. The committee also passed SB 849 by Dr. Weber-Pierson, which would bar reinstatement of physicians who surrendered their licenses while a sexual misconduct accusation was pending. The Medical Board and California Medical Association were generally supportive or neutral, and members praised the bill’s patient-protection focus. SB 993 by Senator Ochoa Bogh, which limits routine disclosure of identifying information for mental health professionals in correctional and psychiatric settings while preserving complaint processes, also passed unanimously to Appropriations. SB 1002 by Senator Niello, extending the David Hall Act to allow certain patients in remission to continue telehealth care with out-of-state specialists, drew strong patient support but opposition from the Medical Board and CMA over licensure and oversight concerns; the committee voted it out on a split roll with some members not voting. Finally, SB 1263 by Senator McGuire, aimed at protecting wildfire survivors and workers by requiring licensed, trained contractors for post-disaster residential debris removal, received support from labor and the Contractors State License Board, with contractors raising a narrower amendment concern about scope.

Transcript Highlights:

• THEY START, THEY END, PEOPLE GO ON AND OFF BUT WE HAVE ANYWHERE FROM 20 TO IN THE HIGH 50S FACULTY AT
• THE PHOTO ON THE LEFT IS A MODEL OF A HIGH-RISE FOR THE DAMAGE THAT WAS NOTICED IN RAILINGS AND HIGH-RISES
• SO WE HAVE ALL MULTI-HAZARD CONNECTION WITH THEM.
• SUCH A PLEASURE TO BE HERE WITH YOU TODAY TO HIGHLIGHT THE HIGH-PERFORMANCE MATERIALS INSTITUTE.
• HEAT HIGH-PRESSURE KIND OF ENVIRONMENTS AND ALLOWS THEM TO BE MORE TOLERABLE AND MORE CONDUCTIVE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• NOT ONLY IS SURGICAL SMOKE A WORKPLACE HAZARD, IT IS ALSO A PATIENT SAFETY RISK AND THAT IS THE BILL
• YOU'VE HEARD EARLIER ABOUT THE HAZARDS OF SURGICAL SMOKE THAT THIS IMPACTS THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE
• OVER 10 YEARS AGO MY HIGH DOCTOR DIAGNOSED ME WITH A CONDITION FOR WHICH MY UPPER AND LOWER EYELIDS HAVE
• THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS HAZARD AND FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THIS BILL.
• I'LL REPEAT MYSELF, NOT ONLY IS SURGICAL SMOKE A WORKPLACE HAZARD BUT IT IS A PATIENT SAFETY RISK AS

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Potentially on this way, high 7, 12 billion budget.
• </c> people have issues with electricity high people have issues with electricity high tension<03:57:
• </c> same way it would be if it was hazardous same way it would be if it was hazardous waste<05:10:24.200
• Hazardous becomes non-hazardous and we want to waive liability.
• </c> having a a a a a licensed hazardous having a a a a a licensed hazardous waste<05:39:12.798><c> transporter

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The discussion focused on a cannabis legalization/regulation bill and whether it should be retained for further study or moved forward. Members debated the fiscal impact, with one side emphasizing that the bill would cost about $7.1 million in the first two years before generating revenue, while supporters argued the House should make a statement in favor of legalization despite likely opposition from the Senate and governor. There was also disagreement over strategy: some said retaining the bill until closer to the next election would give the issue more visibility, while others said delaying would only avoid sending a bill the Senate was unlikely to take up anyway. A major point of contention was whether cannabis should be regulated by a new cannabis commission or placed under the Liquor Commission. Supporters of the Liquor Commission argued it already has enforcement infrastructure, especially for age restrictions, and could handle cannabis more efficiently without creating a new bureaucracy. Opponents said cannabis is a different industry that would require specialized expertise, and they objected to expanding the Liquor Commission, which they described as unpopular and costly. The committee also discussed past versions of the bill, including concerns about limited licenses and the perception that the earlier approach favored large businesses. Members reviewed specific provisions such as licensing fees, THC limits, and cultivation categories. One member noted a $10,000 fee for retail cannabis stores and cannabis product manufacturers authorized to perform extractions, while a smaller tier-one cultivator fee was described as a lower-cost option for small growers. There was also discussion of whether the bill would allow sales through general retail outlets or only dedicated cannabis stores, and whether plants and seeds were covered. No final vote or action was clearly recorded in the excerpt, but the main procedural question was whether to retain the bill for more work or advance it as written.

Transcript Highlights:

• The early college high school model allows students to earn both a high school diploma and college credit
• The early college high school model allows students to earn both a high school diploma and college credit
• hazard severity zones every five years, and it deserves your support.
• No one's home should be a hazard, and no one's safety should be an afterthought.
• She wrote letters to elected officials and held them to high standards.

Summary: The Assembly met on May 23, 2025, after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance. Members also made several guest introductions and memorial recognitions, including tributes to labor leader Louisa Blue and a Memorial Day moment of silence. The body adopted a motion to suspend Assembly Rule 63 for certain Appropriations Committee bills, and later took up a second-day consent calendar and several resolutions. The chamber adopted ACR 68, declaring July 2025 as Parks Make Life Better Month, and ACR 83, proclaiming California Maritime Day; both received broad support. On the floor file, members passed a series of bills covering child passenger safety, student financial aid, downtown office-to-housing conversion districts, rental vehicle theft prevention, fire hazard zone reviews, medical data protections, UC admissions transparency, office-to-housing streamlining, inoperable RV removal, domestic violence and child welfare, insurance classification for social service workers, sustainable aviation fuel CEQA review, UC hiring background checks, accessory dwelling units, fish and wildlife exemptions for Sutter County infrastructure, speed limit assessments, geothermal permitting, special education transfers, recorder fee adjustments, and a BIT program exemption for farmers and ranchers. Most measures passed with little or no opposition. AB 435, which would have implemented a five-step test standard for child passenger safety laws, was later reconsidered and failed on a vote of 36-12 after the call was lifted. The Assembly also adopted the second-day consent calendar, including multiple bills and resolutions, and added co-authors to several resolutions. The session ended with adjournments in memory and an adjournment until Tuesday, May 27 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The hazardous substance response fund...
• The hazardous substance response fund is continuously appropriated and used to pay for the cleanup of
• hazardous materials incidents.
• We have a high driver there.
• There were high-inflationary periods. We've gone through that again.

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee heard budget presentations for the Idaho Military Division, the Division of Veterans Services, and PERSI. For the Military Division, analysts reviewed the agency’s structure, recent transfers of emergency medical services into the division, and the fiscal year 2027 request, which included hazardous materials response funding, a pay-parity adjustment for 223 state employees, a small enhancement for grant administration overhead, and rescissions tied to vacant positions and reduced tuition assistance and state match funding. General Donnellan said the division had absorbed the 3% rescission, but further cuts to state education assistance for Guardsmen would be concerning. Members also asked about the EMS transition, CEC-related pay parity, and the general’s military service. The committee then reviewed the Division of Veterans Services budget. Analysts described the state veterans homes, cemeteries, and veterans assistance programs, along with ongoing staffing challenges and the use of a temporary nursing pool to reduce reliance on contract nurses. Administrator Mark Champal said the division is making progress on staffing, expects to save nearly half a million dollars through the new pool, and continues to manage near-capacity homes while the new Boise veterans home is under construction. He also highlighted outreach efforts for homeless and vulnerable veterans, the division’s high satisfaction rates, and recent gains in benefits claims, education certifications, and community support connections. Finally, PERSI’s budget and operations were discussed. Analysts outlined the retirement system’s dedicated funding, the ongoing pension software upgrade, and requested one-time funding for the final year of that project, a continuity-of-operations and records management plan, and IT replacements. Director Mike Hampton reported strong investment returns, a funded ratio around 90%, and more than $1.3 billion in annual benefits paid. Committee members asked about retiree cost-of-living adjustments, the PERSI Choice 401 plan, the possibility of moving toward defined contribution or hybrid plans, and the meaning of “other” participating employers. Hampton said the board had recommended a retroactive retirement allowance adjustment through 2022, explained that PERSI’s structure supports retention, and noted that board meetings are now livestreamed. The committee adjourned until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Surgical smoke contains over 150 hazardous chemicals and carcinogenic and mutant cells and contains toxic
• Surgical smoke is a toxic workplace hazard produced in 90 percent of surgeries.
• Backed by public trust, when the heart of the healthcare system asks for protection from a known hazard
• responsibility to ensure Florida's operating room staff and patients are no longer exposed to this hazard
• There are a lot of reasons why a particular state may or may not be high in the rankings.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Keywords: 999, senate, all