Transcript Highlights:

• And those services are starting to expand statewide. It's imperative that we are able to innovate.
• Since I'm in favor of a statewide sales tax and getting rid of our income tax, I'd like to see that put
• Since I'm in favor of a statewide sales tax, and getting rid of our income tax, I'd like to see that
• So my question to you is, is that part of number five that you're adding, or is it assumed that statewide
• The state law in terms of the county treasurer, Chapter 54, needs to be revised to make that process

Committee: House Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• have talked about this before, but the funding deposit account is in statute for the nine state and statewide
• experience with market rates of return, we use actuarial real smoothing in all 13 of the state and statewide
• and state systems that, well, the statewide systems that are local governments related.
• It says revised, so we must have found something we wanted to change after we did it.
• It says revised. So we must have found something we wanted to change after we did it.

Summary: The Public Retirement System Actuarial Committee met on February 23, 2026, approved the December 18, 2025 minutes, and heard no public comment. The committee then reviewed actuarial valuation reports and, for most systems, accompanying experience studies. The actuaries reported generally favorable investment and demographic experience across the systems, with funded ratios improving and employer contribution rates declining in several plans. They also explained the role of funding deposit accounts, frozen unfunded liabilities in some plans, and how recent legislative changes, especially the move to five-year DROP periods in some systems, affected assumptions and costs. For the Louisiana Clerk of Court Retirement Relief Fund, the committee adopted the valuation and experience study, recognizing a fiscal 2027 minimum recommended employer rate of 14.75%. For the District Attorney’s Retirement System, it adopted the valuation and experience study and recognized a fiscal 2027 minimum rate of 3.00%. For the Firefighters’ Retirement System, the committee adopted the valuation and experience study, recognized a fiscal 2027 minimum rate of 25.5%, and noted that DROP balances left on deposit will earn the market rate of return of 11.7%. The committee also adopted the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System valuation for both Plan A and Plan B, recognizing fiscal 2027 minimum rates of 20.75% and 8.75%, respectively. It adopted the Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System valuation and experience study, recognizing a fiscal 2027 minimum rate of 26.5%, a DROP crediting rate of 7.4%, and a policy range up to 29.35% for future contributions. For the Registrars of Voters Employees’ Retirement System, the committee adopted the valuation and experience study, recognized a fiscal 2027 minimum rate of 0%, and noted a $207,683 allocation to the Member Supplemental Savings Fund for fiscal 2026. Finally, it adopted the Sheriff’s Pension and Relief Fund valuation and experience study, recognizing a fiscal 2027 minimum rate of 7.75%. All motions passed without objection, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• entity or body has a specific charge of aligning Department of Defense priorities with Arizona's statewide
• The Revised Military Affairs Commission fills that gap.
• or body has a specific charge of aligning the Department of Defense priorities with the Arizona statewide
• strategic. has a specific charge of aligning the Department of Defense priorities with the Arizona's statewide
• The Revised Military Affairs Commission fills that gap.

Bills: SB1047 , SB1365 , SB1474 , SB1618 , SB1620

Committee: Senate Military Affairs and Border Security

Keywords: National Guard, active duty, combat, Arizona, declaration of war, state law, military service, property tax, exemptions, veterans, disabilities, widows and widowers, Arizona Revised Statutes, immigration enforcement, local law enforcement, federal cooperation, law enforcement training, public safety, military affairs, funding

Transcript Highlights:

• We revised our rules to include that specific classification, so now we have a new classification, Class
• So essentially, we sent back our revisions striking that out, as part of the normal negotiation process
• The telehealth maternity care program was expanded statewide through 13 regional hospital providers.
• to implement the statewide approach, which took some time to collaborate and identify the appropriate
• So we're providing these to women everywhere statewide.

Summary: The committee met to receive implementation updates on recently enacted health care laws from AHCA and the Department of Health. AHCA reported on rural emergency hospitals, explaining the new Class 4 hospital designation, rule changes completed June 1, 2025, and that no Florida hospitals have yet converted, though one North Walton/DeFuniak Springs-area hospital has expressed interest. AHCA also reviewed the non-emergent care access plan requirement for hospitals with emergency departments, saying 83 plans had been received since July 1 and 63 approved, with plans emphasizing patient education, referrals to primary care or urgent care, and coordination for Medicaid managed care enrollees through the Florida HIE/ENS system. Members asked about HIE capacity, data collection, and whether the plans would identify shortages or trigger accountability measures; AHCA said it had moved to a new HIE vendor and would continue gathering data. AHCA also updated the committee on the TEACH workforce program, reporting $6.8 million in FY 2024-25 spending across 59 parent organizations and 229 facilities, with more than 1,800 students and nearly 380,000 clinical hours reimbursed, and said a federal 1115 workforce waiver was unlikely to move forward under CMS. On KidCare, AHCA said House Bill 121’s expansion to 300% of the federal poverty level remains blocked by federal litigation and CMS action tied to premium nonpayment rules, and members and public witnesses urged prompt implementation and asked for enrollment/disenrollment data and the rural health transformation funding outlook. Public testimony largely supported the NCAP and TEACH programs and pressed for action on KidCare. Representatives from health centers said NCAP has strengthened hospital-health center relationships and improved care coordination, including reduced recidivism in some hospitals. A Bond Community Health Center physician said TEACH is helping offset the burden of training students and could help address workforce shortages, especially in rural and underserved areas. Advocacy groups urged the committee to push for implementation of the KidCare expansion, citing children in the coverage gap and rising uninsured rates. The Department of Health then presented on several programs from the 2024-25 session. It reported on the Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education (FRAME) program, including 78 dentists and 15 dental hygienists funded under the dental track and nearly 1,300 medical professionals funded overall, with 123 dental applications and 71 funded dentists in the most recent cycle. DOH also updated the Screening and Services Grant Program, the Health Care Innovation Revolving Loan Program, the statewide telehealth maternity care program, and the swimming lesson voucher program, noting strong participation and outcomes such as reduced ER visits and improved postpartum follow-up in the maternity program. Finally, DOH said implementation of the HIV prevention drug/pharmacist dispensing law is underway, with three certification courses approved and five certifications issued. Members asked about barriers to wider use of HIV prevention drugs, more detailed maternal outcome data, and the dental workforce program report; DOH said more detailed reports would follow.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Hickey, all of the rule changes, all of these revisions are due to acts passed in the 2020...
• All of the rule changes, all of these revisions are due to acts passed in the 2025 legislative session
• So these rules are just being revised to match the legislation that was passed. Thank you, ma'am.
• There's some sort of statewide monitoring, and then those individual, I think 28 positions to start off
• There's some sort of statewide monitoring, and then those individual, I think 28 positions to start off

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment revises the membership of the Florida Transportation Research Institute, adding FSU, Clay
• It revises the 2006 designation of the Senator N.
• It's been a great thing to work on with them, and hopefully this provides some statewide clarification
• The study estimates that even a 1% decline in visitors tied to outbreak concerns could reduce statewide
• If exemption status alone caused outbreaks and economic collapse, we would already see repeated statewide

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• If I may, a point of personal privilege, I think that's an excellent revision of the bill.
• A point of personal privilege: I think that's an excellent revision of the bill.
• the recovery of certain missing endangered persons and shifts responsibility for maintaining the statewide
• the recovery of certain missing endangered persons and shifts responsibility for maintaining the statewide

Committee: House Community Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• from the legal supply chain does not materially reduce lithium-ion waste or disposal risk at the statewide
• Again, Karen Lang on behalf of the California Animal Welfare Association, which is the statewide association
• unless amended position on AB 739, and we'll be able to remove our opposition once the amendments revising
• and less amended position on AB 739 and we'll be able to remove our opposition once the amendments revising

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard three bills ahead of the house-of-origin deadline. AB 762 by Assemblymember Irwin would ban the sale and distribution of disposable vapes in California, with committee amendments to align implementation dates and allow a sell-through period. The author and supporters, including waste agencies, firefighters, local governments, and public health groups, argued the devices create lithium-ion battery fire risks in waste facilities and burden ratepayers and first responders. Opponents, including cannabis industry and retail groups, argued the bill would not meaningfully reduce battery waste because most problematic products are already illicit, and warned it could worsen the illegal market and reduce consumer access to legal products. After extensive debate, the committee passed AB 762 as amended to Appropriations on a vote with some members not voting or on call. AB 1382 by Assemblymember Castillo would prohibit the sale of genetically modified animals created for cosmetic purposes. Supporters said the bill would prevent novelty pet breeding, reduce pressure on already overcrowded shelters, and avoid ethical concerns about modifying animals for appearance alone, while preserving medical and scientific research. Opponents, including the pet industry, argued the measure was unnecessary because regulated products such as glowfish already undergo scientific review and that the bill could create ambiguity and harm lawful commerce. The committee clarified that glowfish and scientific research were exempt, and AB 1382 passed to the Judiciary Committee. AB 739 by Assemblymember Jackson would require managing agents in common interest developments to provide homeowners and HOA boards a summary of fees charged for management services. Realtors supported the bill as a transparency measure, while community managers and the Community Associations Institute said they could accept it once promised amendments were adopted to narrow the disclosure and avoid blanket mailings that could raise costs. The author said amendments would be taken in the Housing and Community Development Committee and committed to further consultation. AB 739 passed to Housing and Community Development.

Transcript Highlights:

• So our intent for the remainder of the study through April includes drafting and conducting a statewide
• And it was not necessarily, nobody talked about, you know, the statewide officials and why we didn't.
• Do I hear a motion to accept those revisions to the harassment policy?
• I move the adoption of the proposed revisions in the policy and in the forms. Is there a second?

Summary: The Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee met with a quorum, approved the previous meeting minutes, and heard an update from Garty Consulting on the interim study of legislative term limits. The consultants outlined their research plan and preliminary themes, including loss of institutional knowledge, shifts in power toward executive agencies and lobbyists, reduced long-term policy capacity, faster leadership turnover, and recruitment/support challenges. They also described possible recommendation categories ranging from constitutional and statutory changes to procedural and cultural adjustments. Committee members asked about how other states repealed term limits, how the public survey would address perceptions of term limits, and how stakeholder focus groups would be selected. The committee also heard a presentation from NCSL on term limits in other states, including examples from Nevada, Montana, and Colorado, with discussion of training programs, staffing changes, annual-session debates, bill limits, and impacts on decorum and leadership continuity. Several members requested follow-up data on part-time versus full-time legislatures, taxpayer costs, and nonpartisan staff devoted to oversight. The committee then considered revisions to the legislature’s workplace harassment policy and related forms. Legislative Council explained changes that clarified the definition of harassment, added captions for readability, extended several deadlines, allowed informal resolution before a review panel is appointed, clarified the role of Legislative Council in intake and documentation, and updated confidentiality/open-records language. Members, especially Senator Hogan, said the revisions better formalize the role of counsel and provide a less intimidating path for resolving complaints. The committee adopted the revised policy and forms by roll call vote. Finally, the committee approved a motion to enter executive session at 1:00 p.m. to review the results of a capital threat assessment and discuss legislator security, citing the applicable open-meetings exemptions. Members were instructed to limit discussion to the stated purpose and not take final action until returning to open session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Governor's budget in the revised budget also proposes to eliminate the General Fund portion of DNR's
• The Parks and Trails Legacy Funds support parks and trails of statewide and regional significance by
• As part of a statewide watershed-based approach to water management, the DNR's Clean Water Fund budget
• Trails Legacy and Clean Water Fund totals that I've just shown on these slides reflect the Governor's revised

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Recommendations include a revision to rider 23 Gulf Coast Protection District to provide unexpected på
• And recommendations also do not include a revision to Rider 23 GCPD to remove the language requiring
• restored to align us with the same authority and flexibility in capital budget expenditures as other statewide
• travel, and I probably travel as much or more than any other elected official, including the all the statewides

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• And those are the changes to the Senate Bill 181 revisions.
• 07:24.160><c> uh</c> the changes to the Senate Bill 181 uh the changes to the Senate Bill 181 uh revisions
• And then we have also added revisions.
• </c><00:34:29.840><c> accountability</c> model and a statewide accountability model and a statewide accountability
• fairness and comparability statewide. fairness and comparability statewide.

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• The financial assistance, based on the revised statute, sets the minimum and maximum benefit levels.
• gt;&gt; the financial assistance um based on the &gt;&gt; the financial assistance um based on the revised
• :17:10.480><c> um</c><00:17:11.120><c> there</c><00:17:11.679><c> it</c><00:17:12.559><c> set</c> revised
• statute um we um there it set revised statute um we um there it set sets<00:17:12.959><c> the</c><00
• office on homelessness and statewide office on homelessness and housing<00:32:39.279><c> solutions,<

Bills: HB1877 , HB2006 , HB2167 , HB2224 , HB1626 , HB1690 , HB2012

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1877, which would expand the membership of the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission and add a youth seat. The commission’s vice chair supported the bill, saying the commission started with eight members, has growing interest, and would benefit from an odd-numbered board and youth representation. Members asked about quorum, and the commission said it has generally met monthly with only one quorum issue in the past 18–19 months and would work with legislative leaders to have appointments ready if the bill passes. Written testimony included support from Kokopac and one individual in opposition. The committee then took up HB 2006, which would create a cash assistance program for pregnant women and mothers of babies. The Department of Human Services explained current TANF rules, including eligibility requirements, child support cooperation, and work-program participation, and said the state has recently raised benefit levels to the maximum allowed, with a family of three or four receiving a little over $900 per month. Supporters from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others argued the bill could reduce child poverty and improve maternal and child health, citing evidence from Michigan’s Rx Kids program and the temporary federal child tax credit expansion. A mother and Oahu Youth Action Board member testified from personal experience about the need for direct support during pregnancy. The committee also noted support from several organizations and about 26 individuals. The committee next heard HB 2167, which would direct the Office of Youth Services to run a pilot program providing financial assistance to homeless youth. The Office of the Public Defender, youth advocates, and several organizations supported the measure, saying even small amounts of help can prevent homelessness and help youth transition safely to adulthood. The Office of Youth Services said it supports the intent of the bill but requested clarification, and committee members discussed whether the program should be run directly or through contracted community agencies, how to set performance metrics, and how to structure the RFP and contract process. The chair indicated the committee wanted to work with the vice chair and OYS offline to refine the bill before moving forward. The committee then began discussion of HB 2224, relating to Medicaid pharmacy benefit management, with testimony generally supporting giving DHS flexibility to negotiate with PBMs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we were asked about some stats on our statewide water supply regionalization.
• We were asked about some stats on our statewide water supply regionalization.
• We were asked about some stats on our statewide water supply regionalization.
• So you can see that we do not have statewide coverage of watershed districts.
• So you can see that we do not have statewide coverage of watershed districts.

Committee: Joint Water Topics Overview Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Gates, how does this fit with Senator DeSigley's revisions to Senate Bill 180?
• It's essentially a statewide zoning code for residentially zoned areas connected to water and sewer.
• Senate Bill 948 sets a clear statewide expectation.
• Senate Bill 948 sets a clear statewide expectation.
• Ninety percent of these homes would be owner-occupied on a statewide basis.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered a series of bills, many focused on local government authority, land use, housing, and public notice requirements. Several measures were reported favorably, including SB 984 on firefighter cancer benefits and prevention, SB 1612 requiring local governments to accept electronic payments, SB 936 on temporary door locking devices, SB 962 on affordable housing protections for farms, SB 218 on land use regulations in hurricane-affected counties, SB 1020 on regulation of chickee huts, and SB 1434 on infill redevelopment of environmentally challenged properties. SB 1180 on community development district recall elections was amended to narrow and clarify the recall process and to add provisions on synthetic turf and compact urban mixed-use districts before being reported favorably. SB 380 on legal notices was also amended and reported favorably despite significant opposition from the Florida Press Association, Common Cause, and others who argued it would further fragment public notice access; supporters said it would modernize publication options and save money. Testimony on the bills was mixed. Supporters of the housing and redevelopment measures argued they would increase attainable housing, streamline approvals, and make better use of underutilized or contaminated land, while local government groups and advocacy organizations warned about overdevelopment, reduced public input, infrastructure strain, and conflicts with comprehensive planning. On SB 1444, which combined preemptions related to religious gatherings, private clubs, and certain permitting requirements, supporters framed it as protecting religious freedom and limiting local micromanagement, while the League of Cities and the Florida Association of Counties opposed it as overly broad and unclear; the bill nevertheless passed favorably after debate. SB 218 was presented as restoring normal land-use authority in counties unaffected by hurricanes while preserving protections in damaged areas, and SB 984 was described as clarifying firefighter cancer benefits and health coverage rules; both passed without controversy. The committee also heard extensive testimony on SB 948, a strike-all on local government land development regulations and orders that would create a statewide framework for starter homes and lot-split rules within urban growth areas. Supporters said it would expand housing supply and reduce regulatory delays, while opponents said it would override local zoning, weaken infrastructure and environmental protections, and apply too broadly. The bill drew support from housing advocates and some local officials, but opposition from the Florida League of Cities, Florida Association of Counties, and others. The transcript ends with SB 948 still under consideration, with testimony continuing and no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• As mentioned, we have been working with him on some revisions through it.
• So, if Tarrant County's appraisal district does not conform to the way the statewide... ...is done, then
• But I work statewide.
• Frankly, that goes to the revenue cap that the legislature revised back in 2019.
• And we do not have a statewide property tax. Texas has it banned in the state constitution.

Bills: HB329 , HB361 , HB546 , HB1547 , HB1745 , HB2786 , HB3235 , HB3370 , HB3575 , HJR83

Committee: House S/C on Property Tax Appraisals

Transcript Highlights:

• The fifth reform in this bill requires DCF to implement a statewide fraud reduction and payment accuracy
• The fifth reform in this bill requires DCF to implement a statewide fraud reduction and payment accuracy
• Chairman, a revision to the qualification criteria for fiscally constrained counties.
• It revises provisions governing Florida linkage institutes to remove the Florida China Institute from
• This House bill eliminates the Health Care Innovation Council and revolving loan program, revises the

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> um we're working at the um the Statewide um we're working at the um the Statewide level<01:03:57.799
• You guys can been revised um moving forward as well been revised um moving forward as well as<02:51:09.359
• </c> for for this new process this revised for for this new process this revised Pro<03:04:02.080><c>
• As you know, engineers and architects are needed statewide.
• As you know, engineers and architects are needed statewide.

Summary: The Committee on Education held an informational/budget briefing with presentations from the State Library System, the School Facilities Authority, and the Department of Education. The chair opened the meeting by outlining the order of presentations and noting that members would hold questions until after all three agencies had testified. The discussion focused on each agency’s priorities for the upcoming biennium and their budget requests. State Librarian Stacy Aldridge described library usage and services, emphasizing strong demand for physical and digital materials, internet and Wi-Fi access, programs, Kanopy streaming, and PressReader. She highlighted digital literacy classes, RFID self-check and smart shelving improvements, and the role of libraries as community hubs. The library’s budget request included an additional $1.2 million for security guards, $48.484 million for FY 26-27 to support popup libraries during temporary closures and other needs, $500,000 for repair and maintenance, $2 million for Kap planning and design, and $25 million each year for lump-sum capital funding. Mallerie Fujitani said the lump-sum funding is needed to keep roughly 50 projects moving and to avoid delays in construction. School Facilities Authority Executive Director Ricky Fujitani explained the agency’s startup history and its programs for preschools, Central Maui schools, and workforce housing. He said the authority is using standardized, prefabricated, programmatic approaches to speed delivery and improve maintainability, citing prior preschool renovations as a successful model. He reported that of $389 million appropriated, $106 million was released, with $81 million for preschools, $20 million for Central Maui schools, and $5 million for workforce housing; he also noted the workforce housing program was reduced after Maui fire-related reallocations. He said the pilot workforce housing site at Mililani High School has been awarded and pointed to University of Hawaiʻi student housing projects as a model. Superintendent Hayashi then began the Department of Education presentation, introducing DOE leadership and outlining the department’s mission to support academic achievement, character development, and student well-being. He noted the department serves more than 152,000 students in 258 public schools and employs over 42,000 people, with nearly 54% of students facing significant challenges. He framed the budget request around the department’s strategic plan to prepare graduates for college, careers, or military service. The transcript ends during the DOE presentation, before any committee votes or formal actions are taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Louisiana Revised Statute 16:54(A) provides that there shall be within the office of the governor the
• of between 120 and 164 warrants... ...we're looking at a request of between 120 and 164 warrants statewide
• I was just wondering statewide how many split warrants do we have? I don't think we know that.

Summary: The Governor’s Advisory and Review Commission on Assistant District Attorneys met to consider whether additional state-funded assistant district attorney positions should be approved. Louisiana District Attorneys Association Executive Director Zach Daniels presented a report proposing a formula that combines objective factors such as population, violent and sex crime caseloads, civil body representation, and courthouse coverage with subjective input from district attorneys about local needs. He said the combined approach supported a statewide request of 120 to 164 additional assistant district attorney positions, with the commission focusing on the higher end of that range in the report packet. Several district attorneys described staffing shortages and funding pressures in their districts. Colin Sims of the 22nd Judicial District said fast growth in St. Tammany, a long period without added warrants, and recent funding cuts had left his office under strain, especially with felony and sex crime caseloads. Hillar Moore of East Baton Rouge said his office was significantly understaffed, could not fill all existing warrants because of salary and benefit costs, and was asking for 25 positions instead of the formula’s 23 due to a homicide backlog and difficulty recruiting lawyers at current pay levels. James Stewart of Caddo Parish said his office was losing attorneys to higher-paying public offices, handling a heavy homicide and felony trial load, and needed both more warrants and higher salaries to remain competitive. Commission members asked about split warrants and recruitment challenges. Moore said split warrants were not a major issue for his office, while Sims said his office had no split warrants. Daniels said the association wanted the commission to approve the requested positions and continue working with the legislature on funding. The commission then adopted a motion to recommend 164 additional assistant district attorney positions, with members noting that the recommendation would not remove legislative discretion. The meeting then adjourned unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Louisiana Revised Statute 16:54(A) provides that there shall be within the office of the governor the
• of between 120 and 164 warrants... ...we're looking at a request of between 120 and 164 warrants statewide
• I was just wondering statewide how many split warrants do we have? I don't think we know that.

Summary: The Governor’s Advisory and Review Commission on Assistant District Attorneys met to consider whether additional state-funded assistant district attorney positions should be approved. Louisiana District Attorneys’ Association Executive Director Zach Daniels presented a report proposing a more objective formula for allocating warrants, based on factors such as population, violent and sex crime caseloads, civil body representation, and courthouse logistics, while also incorporating subjective input from district attorneys about local needs. He said the combined approach suggested a statewide need of between 120 and 164 additional warrants, and emphasized that Louisiana’s crime rates and office workloads justify more staffing. Several district attorneys testified in support of additional positions and higher warrant funding. Colin Sims of the 22nd Judicial District said St. Tammany has grown rapidly, has not received an additional warrant in nearly 20 years, and faces major funding cuts and heavy felony and sex-crime caseloads. Hillar Moore of East Baton Rouge said his office is significantly understaffed, has lost many lawyers to higher-paying public-sector jobs, and needs more assistants and a higher warrant amount to remain competitive; he asked for 25 additional positions and an increase in the warrant value from $50,000 to $60,000. James Stewart of the First Judicial District described similar recruitment and retention problems, high homicide and felony trial volumes, and rising office costs. Commission members asked about split warrants and whether offices still use them; the district attorneys said the practice is limited or not used in their offices, and that statewide usage was unclear. After discussion, a motion was made and seconded to approve the recommendation for 164 additional assistant district attorney positions, based on the chart in the packet. The commission voted unanimously in favor, then adjourned. The action was described as a recommendation for legislative consideration rather than a final funding decision.