Transcript Highlights:

• But it's not the Statute Law Committee that performs the functions.
• But when we got audited last year, the auditor came in and said she wanted to audit the Statute Law Committee
• I assured the auditor that I was their contact and that they would be auditing the Code Reviser’s Office

Summary: The Statute Law Committee meeting began with introductions of new staff, approval of the December 10 minutes, and election of Kyle Shiketty as vice chair by acclamation. The committee also approved a step increase for Code Reviser Kathy Buckley, with members praising her work and noting she had reached the top step. Max Weeks reported on publications: session laws had been published online and physical copies were nearing completion, while RCWs were expected online by the end of the next month with print copies following about a month later. The committee discussed print runs, free distribution to libraries and courts, and rising shipping costs, with a plan to charge actual shipping rates rather than the prior flat fee. Kathy Buckley also reviewed the office’s financial condition, reporting healthy balances in the publications account and general fund and expecting a year-end return of about $600,000. Alice reported on the annual multiple-amendment review process, explaining how the office merges nonconflicting amendments and flags possible items for a future technical corrections bill. The committee adopted the multiple amendments table and discussed plans to prepare a technical corrections bill for the fall and likely the 2027 session. The committee then heard a presentation from Kevin and Judge Anne Levinson on improving RCW disposition tables by adding hyperlinks to repealed session laws and chapter-level cross-reference notes to help readers trace recodified or replaced laws, especially in areas like protection orders and unclaimed property. In other business, the committee discussed clarifying statutory references that sometimes use “Statute Law Committee” when “Office of the Code Reviser” is intended, and agreed to review the statutes for possible cleanup legislation. Members also received an update on the office’s upcoming move to a new building in September, with an open house planned for September 24. The meeting adjourned without setting the next meeting date.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so this is what we're talking about in terms of we want to make sure that this thing is performing
• And so this is what we're talking about in terms of we want to make sure that this thing is performing
• So RID reimbursements for agency-performed work really comes down to assessed values from before the
• We follow up with ongoing oversight and year-round auditing with counties who report to us annually on
• We follow up with ongoing oversight and year-round auditing with counties who report to us annually on

Summary: The committee first heard an update on the Joint Transportation Committee study of transportation impacts if the Lower Snake River dams were removed. WSDOT and Jacobs described the study’s phases, including current work on geology, infrastructure risk, and a total logistics cost model. They explained that the study is examining how freight now moved by barge—especially wheat, fertilizer, and wood—could shift to rail and roads, and they outlined several scenarios ranging from no-dam future conditions to new unit-train terminals, short-line rail options, and a combined “many solutions” scenario. Members asked about irrigation, impacts in Idaho and Oregon, port capacity, emissions, competition, EV trucks, and whether the model could estimate transportation effects if grain volumes decline. The presenters said the study assumes current production levels continue, does not model irrigation changes or broader farm-economics impacts, but does account for transloading costs and can estimate transportation impacts under different volume assumptions. WSU’s independent review team said the model has improved substantially but still needed refinement, especially in routing, road data, and spatial detail, and that stakeholder engagement had been strong though delayed by model development. No votes were taken. The committee then received a presentation on the alternative sidewalk funding study. Staff and consultants said the study is exploring ways local governments could sustainably fund sidewalk maintenance, repair, and new construction, using a statewide survey, interviews, national research, and case studies in eight jurisdictions. They noted sidewalks are important for pedestrian safety and connectivity, but there is no dedicated funding source in Washington, and existing grants and local revenue tools are highly competitive or limited. The consultants highlighted sidewalk fees or utility-style charges as the most promising option to study, while a parcel tax was largely set aside because of state property-tax uniformity concerns. Members asked whether the study would duplicate existing funding or add to current taxes, and how a sidewalk fee would be collected; the consultants said the goal is to expand local options, not mandate adoption, and that fees would likely be billed through utilities rather than property taxes. A preliminary draft report is due December 15, with a final report due in mid-June. Next, staff gave a brief update on the ocean-going vessels study, which is examining shore power and emissions rules for vessels at berth. The presenter explained that federal Clean Air Act rules and California waiver authority create legal limits on how far Washington can go if it wants to adopt similar standards, and that deviations from California’s approach can increase litigation risk. The report will summarize stakeholder outreach and will be presented in draft form at the next JTC meeting. Finally, county engineers from Chelan and Douglas counties began a presentation on county transportation challenges, with the association’s director emphasizing collaboration with state agencies and local partners on issues such as fish passage barriers and infrastructure needs. The county presentation was only beginning when the transcript ended, and no committee action or votes were recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• And a lot of times it does have to do with the type of work that's being performed, which, you know,
• They also have to file yearly audits with us, or if it's a smaller organization, annual affirmations
• There's auditing requirements.
• We are always looking at how a piece of content, a tagline, a placement, an ad—how is it performing?
• The REACH Act also called for implementing performance-based letter grades.

Summary: The committee met to receive a base budget overview for agencies under its jurisdiction, which include the Division of Emergency Management, Department of Commerce, Department of State, Department of Transportation, Department of Military Affairs, and Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Staff explained the budget format and noted that the Legislature appropriated more than $20.2 billion to these agencies in the current fiscal year, a 66.7% increase over 10 years. The Department of Transportation then presented on the Moving Florida Forward initiative, describing it as a $7 billion effort to advance 20 major congestion-relief projects statewide. Secretary Jared Perdue said the department is ahead of schedule, with 14 of 20 projects expected to be underway by the end of the calendar year. He highlighted major projects including I-4 in Polk and Osceola counties, I-75 improvements, Southwest 10th Street in Broward County, Fruitville Road, Capital Circle in Tallahassee, and I-275, and discussed innovations such as aggregate supply grants, modified phase design-build, workforce hiring events, and voluntary acceleration. Senators asked about business impacts from construction, tourism-related transit funding, aggregate sourcing, and labor shortages; the secretary said FDOT works with local businesses and that additional revenue sources for transit would require legislative action. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reviewed motorist services, revenue collection, licensing, vehicle titling, specialty plates, insurance compliance, driver safety, and commercial driver licensing. Officials said the department collected about $2.9 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2023-24 and described modernization efforts, including electronic verification systems, Real ID compliance, mobile licensing units, and a planned digital driver license. Members asked about the driver license backlog in Miami-Dade and Broward, and the department said service delays were driven by growth and staffing constraints but should improve with $7.5 million in recent funding and the eventual transition of services to county tax collectors. Questions also addressed temporary paper licenses and birth certificate fraud prevention. The Department of Commerce presented on the Job Growth Grant Fund and Visit Florida. Commerce said the grant fund, created in 2017, has awarded $257 million to 70 projects in 37 counties since 2019, with demand exceeding supply about four to one. Officials emphasized that the program supports targeted industries and workforce and infrastructure projects, and they highlighted examples in CDL training, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and health care. Senators raised concerns about small businesses affected by transportation construction, and Commerce said it has an Office of Small Business Innovation and other tools, though the grant fund is limited by statute to targeted industries. Visit Florida then described its public-private tourism marketing role, saying the state’s $80 million appropriation is matched by private investment and that the latest EDR review found a $3.30 return in tax revenue for every state dollar spent. Visit Florida reported record visitation and tourism spending, along with hurricane recovery marketing and rural promotion efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• :23.560> in<00:37:23.680> order<00:37:23.880> to<00:37:24.119> remain audits
• The impact of these cuts will be to reduce audit rates and thus increase incentives for tax evasion—in
• The impact of these cuts will be to reduce audit rates and thus increase incentives for tax evasion—in
• The impact of these cuts will be to reduce audit rates and thus increase incentives for tax evasion—in
• The impact of these cuts will be to reduce audit rates and thus increase incentives for tax evasion—in

Bills: HF2274, HF1932

Keywords: taxation, income tax, property tax, corporate tax, homestead credit, local government aid, tax credits, economic development, taxpayer assistance, tax credit outreach, tax preparation, free tax help, IRS, Department of Revenue, general fund appropriation, earned income tax credit, child tax credit, volunteer income tax assistance, VITA, low-income taxpayers

Transcript Highlights:

• The district has also worked with United Turf and Track over the past two years to perform repairs and
• You were gracious enough to give us this consultant, Georgia Institute, to help us with our audit and
• the audit findings."

Summary: The Executive Subcommittee met and first considered a waiver request from the Stuttgart School District to use the TIPS interlocal purchasing system for a turf replacement project instead of a traditional competitive bid. Superintendent Jeff McKinney explained that three bids were received but none fully met the RFP specifications, including warranty and insurance requirements. After review by the district’s architect, the committee approved the waiver request by voice vote. The committee then approved a consultant services agreement between the Bureau of Legislative Research and Work Ed Consulting to support the Hospital Medicaid Developmental Disability Subcommittee’s study under Act 145. Legislators said the consultant would help develop workforce-system reform legislation for the 2027 session, and noted the firm’s experience in other states. The contract runs through June 30, 2027, with a maximum amount of $158,000, and was approved without opposition. Next, the committee approved an actuarial and consultant services agreement with Perrin Knight to provide ongoing actuarial support for the state property insurance captive and related legislative oversight work. Bureau staff said the contract would run from April 1 through December 31, 2027, with a maximum amount of $475,000, though only actual hours and travel would be billed. Members asked about budgeting, invoice timing, and overlap with other insurance consultants, and the agreement was approved. Finally, the committee approved using Bureau committee room funds to renovate Committee Room C in the Big Mac Building, citing outdated audiovisual equipment and the need to update the room to match other recent renovations before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need policy that is rooted in actual measures of relevant athletic performance.
• They may consider characteristics of athletes that are associated with athletic performance.
• The audit found that voucher oversight is haphazard.
• The audit found that voucher oversight is haphazard and riddled with gaps.
• SB 1277, technical correction, heritage funds audit. Rules.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• goals and so in establishing performance goals and so in establishing those<00:19:53.240> goals
• The only things that I'll add is that we do track the number of projects and project performance for
• The only things that I'll add is that we do track the number of projects and project performance for
• The only things that I'll add is that we do track the number of projects and project performance for
• The only things that I'll add is that we do track the number of projects and project performance for

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Capital Investment Committee met on January 23 and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The main presentation was from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on its evaluation of Minnesota’s Sustainable Building guidelines, also referred to as B3. The auditors said the guidelines apply to certain new buildings and major renovations funded with general obligation bonds and are intended to improve energy efficiency, occupant health, and environmental quality. They described the program as involving the Departments of Administration and Commerce, the University of Minnesota’s Center for Sustainable Building Research, and project teams, but found widespread confusion over who is responsible for administering and enforcing the program. The auditors reported that oversight and accountability are limited, compliance is not clearly tracked, and there is no agency assigned to ensure projects follow the guidelines or to require compliance data. They said many projects in a review of 2020 bonding projects had not begun tracking compliance, and that up-to-date data were often missing. They also found the law’s stated program objectives are outdated because the referenced energy-code provision was repealed in 2009, and that measurable goals have not been established for most of the guideline categories. The office recommended that the legislature designate a responsible agency, clarify duties in statute, require compliance monitoring and data collection, update the program’s stated goals, and direct systematic evaluation of cost and sustainability outcomes. Members asked about consequences for noncompliance, funding, and whether cost impacts should be studied first. The auditor said the requirements are legal obligations, but no real enforcement consequences have been used so far, and any consequences discussed have been mostly theoretical. She said the Departments of Administration and Commerce were receiving about $1 million combined to support the contract with the Center for Sustainable Building Research, while other state agencies were not receiving dedicated funding for oversight. In response to questions about costs, she said the overall effect of the guidelines on project costs and sustainability is still unknown, but that the legislature could direct an analysis of cost impacts before taking further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• criminal offenses of sales or distribution or display of harmful material to a minor and sexual performance
• HB 4585 by Spiller relating to the submission, payment, and audit of certain claims for and utilization
• To the public access to the audit records of certain governmental entities refer to the Committee on
• laws, local regulatory actions, and the failure of an officer for certain political subdivisions to perform
• HB 5023 by Kane ruling and periodic Comprehensive Performance audit of certain operations of hospital

Transcript Highlights:

• criminal offense of sales, a distribution, or display of harmful material to a minor in sexual performance
• HB 4585 by Spiller relating to the submission, payment, and audit of certain claims for and utilization
• HB 4608 by Morales of Harris, relating to the public access to the audit. records of certain governmental
• Services, HB4612, by Reynolds relating to the rights of certain parties in connection with the performance
• HB 52 1823 by cane really in periodic comprehensive performance audit of certain operations of hospital

Bills: HB9, HB22, HB908, HB1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• Did you look at the states that are a lot simpler, and the student performance outcome is even better
• One was how to implement a high-performing, learner-centered, future-ready education system.
• You mentioned the CBO, and of course I'm a CBO, so I thought about even the audit guide that we have
• to be audited on.
• Will the audit guide be even more clear to us? Because that's what we're audited on.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate Education and Budget Committee hearing focused on Governor Newsom’s education governance proposal, which would reorganize state K-12 education leadership by shifting day-to-day management of the Department of Education from the elected Superintendent of Public Instruction to a governor-appointed education commissioner, while giving the superintendent a more policy-focused role and voting seats on the State Board of Education and the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Brooks Allen, for the State Board of Education and Governor’s office, argued the change would reduce fragmented authority, improve accountability, and align California with other states that use appointed chief education officials. Amber Alexander of the Department of Finance outlined the budget-neutral staffing transfers and transition timeline, and LAO analyst Sarah Cortez said the LAO supports the shift to an appointed commissioner but recommends Senate confirmation, clearer statutory duties, preserved legislative oversight, and a cost-neutral fiscal plan. Committee members raised substantial concerns about timing, constitutionality, voter expectations, and whether the proposal would actually improve student outcomes. Senator Cabaldon argued the change would effectively alter the meaning of the constitutionally created superintendent office during an election year without voter approval, and questioned whether governance restructuring has evidence of improving achievement or should instead yield savings. Other senators asked how the new structure would work in practice, who would be accountable if it failed, whether a governor-appointed commissioner was the best model, and whether local districts would truly see clearer lines of authority. Allen responded that the Legislature retains plenary authority over education, that the transition would be minimally disruptive, and that the proposal was designed to create a single line of management and clearer communication for local districts. The discussion also covered the Legislature’s role in curriculum and education policy. LAO staff explained that the Legislature has broad authority over education and can direct curriculum-related policy, though it has generally delegated detailed curriculum work to the State Board and the Instructional Quality Commission. Several senators said the current system already creates confusion for voters and local educators, while others argued the proposal adds another layer of bureaucracy and overpromises on results. No vote was taken at this hearing; members continued questioning witnesses and indicated the proposal would be examined further in later panels, including testimony from local education leaders.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's not a slide for that, but our annual production and the housing trust performance items will
• And with regard to performance, Sky and I have reached consensus with regard to performance targets.
• Thank you. performance, Sky and I have reached consensus with regard to performance targets.
• We also do, you know, audits, both financial and programmatic, with all of those.
• We also do, you know, audits, both financial and programmatic, with all of those.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• determined that he lost track of audit determined that he lost track of the<02:41:51.200> money
• Now, this audit began a few months ago.
• Now, this audit began a few months ago.
• are, let's see, what were the audit are, let's see, what were the words<02:57:47.840> here?
• We have many examples now of high-performing charters in the state being nonrenewed.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, June 6, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Second part of this is a critical need to curb abusive PBM audit practices.
• Over the last year, so in 2024, we responded to 1400 audits, and that comprised 2900 prescriptions.
• We have people that are on that are responding to audits all the time, full time, but I'd much rather
• He was audited for a claim of insulin for a fragile diabetic patient.
• However, during the audit, the PBM found a simple clerical error.

Transcript Highlights:

• So quickly, the Bureau of Auditing collects and audits the excise taxes owed to the state.
• And, you know, he said he gets audits twice a year. So we talk about public safety.
• And, you know, he said he gets audits twice a year. So we talk about public safety.
• So when he says he's audited twice a year, that is for the access to, So when he says he's audited twice
• In my experience, so we are audited a couple times a year, but...

Summary: The committee met to hear an overview of Florida’s alcoholic beverage regulatory structure and a panel discussion on the state’s three-tier system. Emily Oglesby of DBPR explained the department’s licensing and enforcement roles, described common license types, and outlined the three tiers—manufacturers, distributors, and retailers—along with tied-house restrictions and several statutory exceptions for certified Florida farm wineries, breweries with tap rooms, brew pubs, and craft distilleries. Members asked about licensing fees, the number and classification of distributors and craft producers, and how the exceptions fit within the broader system. Panelists from craft breweries, craft distilleries, wholesalers, and retailers then discussed how the system affects market access, pricing, and product selection. Craft producers argued that Florida’s rules make it difficult for small brands to reach retailers because they must rely on distributors that often prioritize larger, higher-volume products; they said limited self-distribution or other reforms could help small businesses grow without eliminating wholesalers. Wholesalers and retailers defended the three-tier model as a public-safety and anti-monopoly framework, emphasizing investment in warehousing, sales, compliance, and product vetting, while noting that they already carry some craft products and make selections based on demand, quality, and shelf space. Members also explored related issues such as direct-to-consumer sales, the role of excise-tax audits and inspections, and the emerging market for hemp-derived THC beverages and other alternative drinks. DBPR and industry witnesses said alcohol and hemp products are regulated differently, and several speakers urged the Legislature to consider clearer rules for these products. The meeting ended with no bill vote or formal action; the chair thanked the panel and adjourned after Representative Yeager moved to rise, with no objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Grankeene, talking about various issues, but the audit.
• Deloitte to conduct an operations audit, and that was conducted in early 2025.
• Their report had no major findings, and they felt the TPA was performing adequately.
• The ones that don't perform don't keep patients coming. Can go to another one.
• The ones that don't perform don't keep patients coming. We don't have that ability here.

Bills: SB41, SB153, SB165, SB261, SB264

Keywords: sexual crimes, statute of limitations, criminal justice, victim rights, child abuse, procurement, contracting, small business, local government, disaster recovery, emergency procurement, certification, public spending, juvenile justice, delinquency, rehabilitation, community corrections, risk assessment, public safety, health regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• I still would say that it is my belief that if one of the schools in a network is not performing or failing
• And sadly, we had to remove the data audit, but the bill made steps forward on unified improvement plans
• c><01:02:42.960> remove<01:02:43.119> the<01:02:43.359> data<01:02:43.599> audit
• , sadly, we had to remove the data audit, sadly, we had to remove the data audit, but<01:02:44.000
• And sadly, we had to remove the data audit, but the bill made steps forward on unified improvement plans

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and heard several announcements and tributes, including recognition of American Red Cross Day and reminders about committee meetings. Members also marked St. Patrick’s Day with light remarks and a limerick before moving into floor business. Committee reports were read, including a recommendation to refer House Joint Resolution 1021 on farmers markets to the House for final action and to postpone House Bill 1270 indefinitely, along with favorable reports on other bills. The chamber then took up House Joint Resolution 1021, which supports Colorado farmers markets, local food access, Double Up Food Bucks, and the partnership between the Department of Agriculture and the Colorado Farmers Market Association. The sponsor and other members spoke in favor, emphasizing the value of farmers markets to local economies, small producers, and access to fresh food. The House suspended the rules for immediate consideration, then adopted the resolution unanimously, 58-0, with seven excused. The House next moved through third-reading votes on several bills. Senate Bill 74, concerning penalties in public construction performance bond disputes, passed 59-0; House Bill 1252, updating state entities responding to emergencies, passed 52-7; Senate Bill 16, prohibiting discharge of pre-production plastic materials, passed 41-0; Senate Bill 37, allowing local elected judicial officers to set weekend bonds, passed 59-0; and House Bill 1253, on disconnection of property from a statutory municipality, passed 48-11. The body also set House Bill 1299 and House Bill 1102 as special orders. The House then began special-order consideration of House Bill 1299, a school administrative-relief measure aimed at reducing reporting burdens. Sponsors described provisions modernizing missing-children reporting, repealing outdated paper-and-pencil assessment policy requirements, aligning statute with State Board rules on unified improvement plans for smaller districts, and clarifying mandatory versus voluntary reporting. Members discussed an amendment to strike “or charter school collaborative,” with concerns that collaborative schools may need separate improvement plans if their programs differ. The amendment and the committee report were both adopted, and debate on the bill continued as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• And there's very little, if any, correlation between performance and spending.
• above $29,000 per student that have above average performance.
• There is not necessarily a strong correlation, if any, between spending and performance, but there is
• <04:04:16.199> that's people saying it's un audited that's people saying it's un audited that's
• <04:07:25.640> and<04:07:25.840> Reporting accountability and Audits and Reporting

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met in executive session on HB 563, which revises the adequacy education grant formula, including differentiated aid for free and reduced-price meals, English language learners, and special education, and also restores fiscal capacity disparity aid. Members explained that for FY 26 the formula largely stays the same with the usual 2% increases, while FY 27 would raise the base cost and several aid categories, including a substantial increase in special education differentiated aid. Supporters said the bill recognizes higher special education costs and separates fiscal capacity disparity from the extraordinary needs grant, which they argued better targets property-poor communities. A major point of discussion was the fiscal capacity disparity aid component. Some members asked for more detail on how the formula affected individual towns and how much money was being allocated. The sponsors said the spreadsheet showed the impacts and estimated the fiscal capacity disparity portion at about $13.3 million, benefiting roughly 40 communities, with Manchester the only municipality expected to receive less under the new approach. They also said the change partially rebalances money that had shifted heavily toward larger cities under the extraordinary needs grant and that the special education increase is new money, not taken from the hold harmless or extraordinary needs funds. Several members supported the amendment as a good-faith step and a bipartisan compromise, while others expressed frustration that they did not have enough time or information to review the spreadsheets in detail before voting. After extended debate, the committee recessed for lunch to allow the spreadsheet to be distributed and reviewed, with the understanding that the bill would continue later in the day and then move on to the other bills on the docket.

Transcript Highlights:

• We wouldn't consider this a high-performing marker, and respectfully ask for your aye vote.
• We wouldn't consider this a high-performing marker, and respectfully ask for your aye vote.
• Child Support had to first audit my account, which could take up to a year.
• In addition to other issues, concerns remain around the audit and disclosure framework.
• After the audit was complete, child support sent me a copy of the application.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then they receive an audit from the Auditor General's Office: a financial audit and an operational
• from the alter general's office financial audit and an operational audit make sure they're in On our
• We have our fiscal audit, and we have an operational audit.
• We have our fiscal audit, and we have an operational audit.
• The state auditor looks at it with the operational audit, and they look at it with the financial audit

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:

• Senate Bill 702 by Hughes relating to the performance of autopsies on certain individuals to criminal
• of degree and certificate programs at public institutions of higher education. based on certain performance
• Alvarado relating to permissible accountability interventions for certain school districts with low performance

Bills: SJR1, SJR2, SJR5, SJR33, SJR34, SJR35, SJR37, SJR38, SJR39, SCR12, SB4, SB40, SB701, SB702, SB703, SB704, SB705, SB706, SB707, SB708, SB709, SB710, SB711, SB712, SB713, SB714, SB715, SB716, SB717, SB718, SB719, SB720, SB721, SB722, SB723, SB724, SB725, SB726, SB727, SB728, SB729, SB730, SB731, SB732, SB733, SB734, SB735, SB736, SB737, SB738, SB739, SB740, SB741, SB742, SB743, SB744, SB745, SB746, SB747, SB748, SB749, SB750, SB751, SB752, SB753, SB754, SB755, SB756, SB757, SB758, SB759, SB760, SB761, SB762, SB763, SB764, SB765, SB766, SB767, SB768, SB769, SB770, SB771, SB772, SB773, SB774, SB775, SB776, SB777, SB778, SB779, SB780, SB781, SB782, SB783, SB784, SB785, SB786, SB787, SB788, SB789, SB790, SB791, SB792, SB793, SB794, SB795, SB796, SB797, SB798, SB799, SB800, SB801, SB802, SB803, SB804, SB805, SB806, SB807, SB808, SB809, SB810, SB811, SB812, SB813, SB814, SB815, SB816, SB817, SB818, SB819, SB820, SB821, SB822, SB823, SB824, SB825, SJR1, SJR2, SJR5, SJR33, SJR34, SJR35, SJR37, SJR38, SJR39, SCR12, SB4, SB40, SB701, SB702, SB703, SB704, SB705, SB706, SB707, SB708, SB709, SB710, SB711, SB712, SB713, SB714, SB715, SB716, SB717, SB718, SB719, SB720, SB721, SB722, SB723, SB724, SB725, SB726, SB727, SB728, SB729, SB730, SB731, SB732, SB733, SB734, SB735, SB736, SB737, SB738, SB739, SB740, SB741, SB742, SB743, SB744, SB745, SB746, SB747, SB748, SB749, SB750, SB751, SB752, SB753, SB754, SB755, SB756, SB757, SB758, SB759, SB760, SB761, SB762, SB763, SB764, SB765, SB766, SB767, SB768, SB769, SB770, SB771, SB772, SB773, SB774, SB775, SB776, SB777, SB778, SB779, SB780, SB781, SB782, SB783, SB784, SB785, SB786, SB787, SB788, SB789, SB790, SB791, SB792, SB793, SB794, SB795, SB796, SB797, SB798, SB799, SB800, SB801, SB802, SB803, SB804, SB805, SB806, SB807, SB808, SB809, SB810, SB811, SB812, SB813, SB814, SB815, SB816, SB817, SB818, SB819, SB820, SB821, SB822, SB823, SB824, SB825

Keywords: bail denial, illegal aliens, felony offenses, constitutional amendment, law enforcement, SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, homestead exemption, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025