Transcript Highlights:

• a better understanding of the work necessary to make sure that the behavioral system of care is functioning
• a better understanding of the work necessary to make sure that the behavioral system of care is functioning
• You can call or text to be able to get access to care utilizing that function.
• You can call or text to be able to get access to care utilizing that function.
• But the mobile response team is a recent function.

Summary: The Health Care Budget Subcommittee held a panel discussion on Florida’s mental health and substance abuse system, with representatives from DCF, AHCA, two managing entities, and two providers describing how the state’s behavioral health network is funded and operated. Members focused on the implementation of prior legislative investments, especially the $50 million in recurring funding from Representative Maney’s bill and the earlier $126 million community behavioral health appropriation. Witnesses said the newer funds were used mainly for crisis beds, discharge planning, outpatient services, regional collaboratives, and a USF Marchman Act report, while the larger behavioral health appropriation supported CAT, FACT, FIT, forensic teams, residential and outpatient services, and crisis care, with most dollars going directly to services and only a small share to administration. A major theme was access to crisis care and the role of mobile response teams, 988, and central receiving facilities in diverting people from Baker Act admissions and reducing readmissions. DCF and providers said mobile response teams have expanded, are being used to de-escalate crises and connect people to care, and have shown strong diversion results and reductions in Baker Acts in some regions. Members also asked about waitlists, children in crisis, and how to handle people without housing or support; providers said discharge planning is individualized but often constrained by homelessness, transportation, and a lack of safe placements, and several witnesses identified housing as one of the biggest barriers to recovery and stability. The committee also examined provider sustainability, reimbursement, and funding gaps. Witnesses described delays caused by contract timing, cost allocation rules, and Medicaid reimbursement rates that do not always keep pace with labor and operating costs, especially for smaller providers and rural networks. DCF and AHCA said managing entities can provide advances, retroactive rate adjustments, and technical assistance, and that Medicaid managed care plans have network standards and complaint/dispute processes. Members raised concerns about a reported $7 million loss in federal non-sustainable funds, provider closures, and whether there is a formal ombudsman process for disputes; DCF said the federal reductions were known and tied to one-time funds, and that the department generally handles provider issues informally while working with managing entities to preserve continuity of care.

Transcript Highlights:

• We we must do the near functional zero.
• <00:38:31.599> Cannot months or he cannot function. Cannot months or he cannot function.
• He was turned down by the function.
• functional legal mechanism to do that. functional legal mechanism to do that.
• functionally. They became certified. functionally. They became certified.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• There's some points where the mainframe is actually functioning almost like an integration engine.
• And then the desired functionality for the institutions of higher ed, including financial management,
• Iowa had canceled a project after functionality gaps and instead migrated its existing software to the
• That then we'd be overpaying for added features that we wouldn't need for the state's functionality.
• With the new ERP because it's built into the core functionality, while others may not.

Summary: The Information Technology Committee approved the March 26 minutes and received a series of reports from NDIT on major IT projects, the annual report, mainframe modernization, and cybersecurity services. The project portfolio was reported at 116 major projects with a baseline cost of $546 million, overall under budget but modestly behind schedule. Several projects that had been in variance status last quarter were said to have closed, including HHS bed management, vital records modernization, and DOT roadway capital planning. New startup reports were mostly HHS efforts tied to refugee data management, technical debt cleanup, and legacy application decommissioning, while closeouts included HHS, OMB, DPI, and DOT projects with mixed budget and schedule results. In the annual report discussion, NDIT described its service-fund financials, peer-state rate comparisons, records management reporting, and customer satisfaction efforts. Members asked about how revenues and grants flow through the service fund, how NDIT charges agencies for services, and whether customer satisfaction or CSAT scores are tracked and could be reported more regularly. NDIT said it does track service-team CSAT and survey data, and committee members encouraged more regular reporting of those metrics. The committee also discussed application portfolio management, statewide IT planning, and whether agencies should slow new system replacements while the state pursues an ERP system. The mainframe update focused on the state’s ongoing effort to retire legacy systems by about 2030. NDIT and HHS said the work is being managed as a tech-debt program, but progress is slowed by data cleanup, integration complexity, staff retirements, vendor capacity, and federal requirements. Members asked whether there is a coordinated commitment and whether additional vendor support or consultants are needed; NDIT said it is working jointly with HHS and is seeking an RFP to help accelerate modernization. The cybersecurity presentation then shifted to statewide maturity assessments and services. NDIT said it provides endpoint protection, vulnerability scanning, security awareness training, threat briefings, and penetration testing, and that assessments are based on CIS controls. Members raised concerns about low participation in the self-assessment process, the lack of mandatory reporting or audit authority, and whether insurance incentives through Enderf or possible State Auditor involvement could improve compliance. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• 53.440> the This is a bill that both cleans up the This is a bill that both cleans up the functions
• of the Kentucky Law functions of the Kentucky Law Enforcement<00:35:55.160> Council,<00:35:56.040
• a clean-up bill that uh cleans<00:36:22.400> up<00:36:22.560> the<00:36:22.680> functions
• /c><00:36:23.320> of<00:36:23.520> the<00:36:23.760> Kentucky cleans up the functions
• from the Department of functions from the Department of Criminal<00:36:38.160> Justice<00:36:

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We wouldn't be able to function.
• We wouldn't be able<00:03:58.480> to<00:03:58.640> function.
• So really, it's just able to function.
• Are you consistent in what you do and how you function on a daily basis?
• and how you function on a daily basis? and how you function on a daily basis?

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The meeting was a respect-in-the-workplace training led by Katrina Megs of Acer (formerly Hickok and Boardman), focused on bias, diversity, inclusion, respectful communication, and the importance of workplace culture in the Vermont General Assembly. She framed the session as a shift away from traditional harassment/discrimination training toward a broader emphasis on respect and kindness, explaining that bias is a normal brain function but becomes harmful when used explicitly against others. She used a short Scategories-style exercise to show how quickly people rely on patterns and assumptions, then connected that to the need to recognize the “whole person” beyond one-dimensional impressions. The training emphasized that diversity is not the same as inclusion: diversity means representation, while inclusion means people are heard, invited in, and feel they belong. Katrina also cited statistics about demographic change, the diversity of Gen Z, workplace stress, and the importance of inclusion to hiring and retention. She described a respectful workplace as one where people acknowledge others’ worth and dignity through everyday interactions, not just politeness, and discussed practical behaviors such as active listening, body language, avoiding microaggressions, using professional or respectful tone, owning mistakes, respecting boundaries, avoiding gossip and exclusion, and being present in both in-person and virtual settings. A participant raised concerns that “professional tone” and “professional attire” can be classist and can unfairly target people of color or people from different backgrounds. Katrina responded that the standard should be whether communication is respectful, noting that context and relationships matter and that raised voices are not always the same as disrespect. Another participant referenced a book, “I Am Not Yelling,” about Black women in the workplace and tone bias. The session closed with Katrina explaining why respect matters: it reduces stress, supports mental health and psychological safety, strengthens relationships, improves conflict resolution and problem solving, and increases engagement, morale, productivity, and retention.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kentucky opposes Senate Bill 84 as an unconstitutional intrusion into the judicial function entrusted
• <00:18:29.720> and<00:18:29.880> it's<00:18:30.120> also judicial function and
• it's also judicial function and it's also inconsistent<00:18:31.280> with<00:18:31.640> state
• function and the general<00:20:46.280> assembly<00:20:46.640> cannot<00:20:46.919>
• We're seeking to empower and strengthen the role of the Judiciary because it is their function to say

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 90 / Senate Bill 17, a birth-related measure backed by the Kentucky Birth Coalition. Sponsors said the bill had been worked on for several years and described changes including a transfer agreement, insurance requirements, proximity to a hospital, informed consent, and accreditation/medical director standards that helped win neutral or non-opposition from the Hospital Association. The bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote with unanimous support. The committee then heard Senate Bill 65, presented by Senator Steve West and Representative Derrick Lewis. They said the bill would make regulations found deficient through the committee review process null and void by statute, and would bar agencies from reissuing the same or similar language for up to a year. Supporters argued this was needed to hold agencies accountable because deficiency findings alone had not led to action. After questions about specific Medicaid behavioral health regulations and concerns about legislative overreach, the bill passed the committee on a roll call vote, with some members passing or explaining reservations. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 84, with a House committee substitute. Sponsors said the substitute was intended to strengthen the bill and reflect the U.S. Supreme Court’s Loper Bright decision by ending Chevron deference and requiring courts, not agencies, to interpret law. Opponents, including Audrey Ernsberger and Katherine Hargraves, argued the bill would intrude on the judiciary, violate separation of powers, and could harm public health, environmental, and workplace protections. Committee members also raised concerns about whether the bill told courts what standard to use; sponsors responded that agencies could still present persuasive arguments, but courts should not defer to them. The committee substitute was adopted, and the bill then passed the committee on a roll call vote, with several members passing or expressing constitutional concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• And after your testimony is complete, Zoom chat function will allow you to chat with the technical staff
• <00:15:37.279> chat testimony is complete, Zoom chat testimony is complete, Zoom chat function
• 15:38.880> to<00:15:39.040> chat<00:15:39.279> with<00:15:39.519> the function
• will allow you to chat with the function will allow you to chat with the technical<00:15:40.079>
• function again obviously that should<00:30:41.279> be<00:30:41.360> transferred<00:30:

Bills: HB2425, HB2596, HB2573, HB2017, HB1931, HB1736, HB1594, HB1828

Keywords: agriculture, sugarcane, permitting process, land use, conservation district, diversified agriculture, economic impact, invasive species, plant sales, weed risk assessment, consumer protection, environmental impact, workforce development, biosecurity, training program, partnerships, tax credit, Hawaiian home lands, investment costs, nonrefundable

Summary: The committee heard opening remarks and then took testimony on several agriculture-related bills. HB 2425 would exempt agricultural enterprises on former commercial sugarcane lands in conservation use districts from certain permitting and site plan requirements. The Department of Agriculture supported the measure and stood on written comments. The Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the intent but said the bill appeared to cite the wrong statute and suggested amending the conservation district law instead. Other testimony was generally supportive, while some witnesses raised concerns about using the right statutory vehicle. Committee members questioned whether the bill should be redirected through a different chapter. The committee then heard HB 596, which would require retail sellers of plants to disclose invasiveness risk, direct the Invasive Species Council to create a labeling system and weed risk assessments, and establish fines. The Department of Land and Natural Resources strongly supported the bill, saying point-of-sale labels would help consumers make informed choices. Supporters from the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species said the state’s noxious weed and restricted plant lists are outdated or incomplete and that the bill would help prevent harmful species from being purchased and planted. Opponents, including the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Food Policy Foundation, argued the measure was too broad, could stigmatize plants and producers, and might be better implemented through voluntary education or narrower definitions. Committee discussion focused on possible amendments, including using printable labels from a website and limiting the bill to larger commercial retailers. HB 2573 would create a five-year agriculture and biosecurity workforce development pilot program involving the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Leeward Community College, and the Department of Human Resources Development. DHRD said it supported the intent but wanted clearer responsibilities; the University of Hawaiʻi, the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Food Policy Foundation, and others supported the proposal. DAB said the program would help build needed biosecurity staffing and training, and that law-enforcement-related curriculum could be incorporated. Finally, the committee began hearing HB 207, which would expand the important agricultural land qualified agricultural tax credit to include certain Hawaiian homelands and additional agricultural costs such as orchards, fruit crops, and clearing former sugar and pineapple lands. The Department of Taxation and DAB stood on written comments, while the Department of Hawaiian Homelands strongly supported the bill, calling it a potential game-changer for developing agricultural lands and offsetting infrastructure costs; the department also asked that the credit be broadened beyond agriculture alone.

Transcript Highlights:

• that it is impacting their<00:26:46.200> ability<00:26:46.640> to<00:26:46.760> function
• <00:26:47.240> whether<00:26:47.520> at their ability to function whether at their
• ability to function whether at school,<00:26:48.440> at<00:26:48.680> work,<00:26:49.480
• differently than our 1915C does function differently than our 1915C waivers<00:50:21.680> um<
• to note that it does function to note that it does function differently<00:50:30.200> than

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the August 12 minutes and then handled a large agenda of 355 contracts totaling about $278.7 million. It agreed to defer three Office of Energy Policy items to the October 2025 meeting and reviewed a deferred Kentucky Educational Television contract without objection. The main substantive discussion centered on two University of Louisville legal services PSC amendments and a Seven Counties Services MOA item. For the University of Louisville items, members questioned a large increase in hourly rates and the scope of the legal services, especially complex litigation work and a Colorado estate matter. University officials said the contracts followed an RFP, involved specialized litigation, included local counsel where required, and were expected to be offset by savings in other PSCs and by a potential financial recovery in the Colorado matter. The committee also discussed whether the $125 hourly rate was a statutory requirement or committee policy; the chair later said staff would verify whether it was an executive-branch regulation or statutory rate. Both University of Louisville items were ultimately approved, though Senator Meredith voted no on one and Senator Douglas explained his support while urging future adjustments and more information sharing. The Seven Counties Services contract drew questions about how the $18.7 million would be used and whether federal changes could affect future funding. Cabinet officials described 988 crisis response, outpatient mental health and substance use treatment, prevention, recovery, and harm-reduction services, and said they were monitoring federal developments daily. Representative Petrie and Senator Thomas pressed the cabinet on the long-running Seven Counties bankruptcy and the need to push for resolution; officials said the matter was pending on a motion for reconsideration and that they would try to help move it along. The contract was approved. At the end of the meeting, the committee approved the remaining agenda items as reviewed without objection, but Senator Meredith voted no on the blanket approval motion because of numerous retroactive contract requests and what she said were insufficient explanations such as administrative error or staff being on conference. She said retroactive approvals should be rare and supported stronger internal controls.

Transcript Highlights:

• The governor vetoed the funds used for government accountability functions...
• The governor vetoed the funds used for government accountability functions, like oversight of the executive
• have the opportunity today to override the governor's veto and restore the funding for these key functions

Summary: The Senate convened in special session with an opening prayer focused on Holocaust remembrance and a warning against antisemitism, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the reading of the joint proclamation calling the session. The proclamation said the special session was convened to consider immigration-related legislation and appropriations to support coordination with federal immigration enforcement, including a chief immigration officer, restrictions on benefits for undocumented immigrants, voting-related offenses, penalties for removed aliens who re-enter, bail and detention considerations, ID requirements, and support for local law enforcement. Senate Bill 2B on immigration was filed and placed on the special order calendar for the next day, with an amendment deadline set after the Appropriations Committee meeting. The Senate then took up veto overrides on House Bill 5001 from the 2024 regular session, which is the General Appropriations Act. Members discussed the governor’s vetoes of legislative support and transparency-related funding, including IT systems, research, oversight, and Florida Channel services. Senator Pizzo objected to waiving Rules on one item and argued the chamber should also address broader cuts, including arts funding, while the Rules Chair said the items under consideration were limited to support services and that broader funding concerns could be addressed separately. The Senate voted to override line item 2802, funding legislative support services, by 35 yeas and 1 name, and line item 2803, also for legislative support services, by 36 yeas and 1 nay, both passing by the required two-thirds vote. The Senate then adjourned until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And are those now that the criminal investigation unit at DHS is no longer functioning, who does that
• And are those now that the criminal investigation unit at DHS is no longer functioning, who does that
• And are those now that the criminal investigation unit at DHS is no longer functioning, who does that
• And are those now that the criminal investigation unit at DHS is no longer functioning, who does that
• And are those now that the criminal investigation unit at DHS is no longer functioning, who does that

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The current statute 626.83 actually only addresses three functions that must be exclusively performed
• actually only addresses three functions actually only addresses three functions that<00:41:24.760
• These<00:42:19.920> functions<00:42:20.400> include<00:42:21.360> preparing<00:42
• :21.880> and These functions include preparing and These functions include preparing and seeking
• are not already protected in functions are not already protected in law<00:42:51.440> to<00:42

Bills: HF3547, HF3651, HF4043, HF4282, HF4095

Keywords: fireworks, public safety, regulation, tax revenue, local government, sale, safety standards, fire safety, ethanol, fuel equipment, compatibility standards, law enforcement, peace officer, unauthorized practice, criminal justice, civics education, jail medication, correctional facility, detention, incarcerated persons

Transcript Highlights:

• Functionally, uh the diversions.
• I would say it's just a function of the statute changing.
• It's just a function of the statute changing.
• So a function of the statute changing.
• The function of the statute changing.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first adopted the September 5 minutes and then approved the remaining consent calendar items after removing several bills for separate consideration, including 25-252, 25-248, 25-251, and 25-253. The committee then took up 25-252 from the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, where members asked about the arts tax credit program, staffing, and volunteer coordination. Department representatives said the program had recently been authorized, forms had been finalized, three of six laid-off staff had been rehired through a federal grant, and the agency was now trying to recruit participants. Members also discussed whether tax-credit-raised funds could count as federal match; the department said they could not, because federal rules require state dollars. The item was adopted. The committee next considered 25-248 from the Department of Safety, which was described as a technical correction moving funds from equipment to hardware and software after consultation with the Department of Administrative Services. A member asked about “buy American” waivers, and the department said it would follow up with more information. The item was adopted. The committee then approved 25-251 from the Department of Administrative Services, which included discussion of ongoing problems with Anthem’s retiree health plan mail-order pharmacy. Department staff said many issues were tied to implementation changes and prescription renewal rules, that some complaints were being resolved through the vendor and the retiree health office, and that the contract would be rebid in the coming year, likely causing further changes. On 25-253 from the Department of Health and Human Services, members questioned the department’s September 5 health alert and whether it diverged from CDC guidance. DHHS said the alert was an annual evidence-based guideline for respiratory virus season and immunizations, largely aligned with CDC recommendations, and that some differences reflected timing and population-specific guidance. The item was adopted. The committee then heard 25-237 from the Department of Justice on the annual litigation fund request. Attorney General John Formela said the request was about $4.3 million, roughly 40% below last year and below the five-year average, with major costs tied to YDC civil and criminal litigation and some DHHS class actions. A member criticized the large increase over the budgeted $350,000 and said the budgeting approach should be corrected in the next cycle. Another member asked about YDC settlement reductions; the attorney general said confidentiality limited specifics, but explained that under the new statute the office had accepted well over half of administrator awards, rejected some, and negotiated lower amounts in others while still resolving most cases. The item remained under discussion at the end of the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've integrated our cash management functions, which was kind of in an old legacy system.
• we added to m&b after the 2023 functions we added to m&b after the 2023 session<00:19:47.400
• we' we've always had a banking function we' we've always had a banking function but<00:20:34.039
• we have built out increased function we have built out increased automation<00:20:50.600> of<
• <00:20:56.720> which<00:20:56.840> was our cash management functions which was our

Bills: HF10

Keywords: undocumented immigrants, state funding, MinnesotaCare, scholarship ineligibility, state assistance, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So just to give you a high-level of the grant-making function at DEED, and hopefully this will be a helpful
• 00:02:01.520> the<00:02:02.320> grant<00:02:02.640> making<00:02:03.320> function
• at deed and of the grant making function at deed and hopefully<00:02:05.240> this<00:02:05.360
• <00:04:25.840> seriously taking that oversight function seriously taking that oversight function
• and and taking the oversight function and and taking the oversight function seriously<00:08:33.279

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The way that statute functions is that when you log on to the app, those providers, you're doing business
• drivers understand and are informed about this potential liability, and that there’s actually a functional
• driving, using an application, there’s actually some way to monitor to make certain that they have a functioning
• And functionally, to comply with this statute, I agree with you that if you were one of these delivery
• That’s the whole function of this statute.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

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

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so how do you all determine with agency functions are delegated are are given to appropriate for
• But shifting kind of skills are job functions, Mr. River. >> Thank you. Chair.
• So you would say that you all have kind of the internal technical capacity to monitor the AI functions
• It hot functions that happened within your agencies.
• committee in regard to how both from the agency site in from the underside of how we can improve the functionality

Transcript Highlights:

• essential to public safety, access to the justice system, stewardship of public records, and the smooth functioning
• essential to public safety, access to the justice system, stewardship of public records, and smooth functioning
• justice system to help us safeguard victims, uphold constitutional jury rights, and ensure the courts function
• justice system to help us safeguard victims, uphold constitutional jury rights, and ensure the courts function
• effectively across Florida. constitutional jury rights and ensure the courts function effectively across

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the clerks of court. FDLE outlined 28 legislative budget requests for fiscal year 2026-27, including funding for a new Fort Myers regional operations center lease, technology and data system upgrades, moving several programs off uncertain federal grants, expanding the wellness office, cryptocurrency seizure efforts, cybersecurity, forensic equipment, digital forensics, criminal history modernization, training, and the SAFE fentanyl enforcement program. Members asked about the reported 79% increase in officer misconduct cases, the role of body cameras and masking, public records request burdens on local agencies, and the status of Fibers and the Uniform Arrest Affidavit systems. FDLE said the misconduct data covers all sworn officers and corrections personnel, that many cases would not be affected by body cameras because they involve off-duty conduct or internal matters, and that it is working with agencies and vendors to improve participation in reporting systems. DJJ Secretary Matt Walsh updated the committee on the Florida Scholars Academy, describing the new unified education system across 39 residential facilities. He reported first-year enrollment, course completions, graduations, and compliance results, and said the program now provides in-person and blended instruction, individualized support, mental health services, and career and technical education. He also discussed staffing shortages in some detention facilities, the need for more residential beds, and the importance of recognizing and supporting staff. In response to questions, he explained how the program addresses students with disabilities and behavioral needs through one-on-one instruction, paraprofessionals, and immediate mental health support. The clerks of court presented a budget request centered on funding shortfalls and rising costs. Clerk and Comptroller Stacey Butterfield said clerks are operating with outdated funding levels despite increased statutory duties, higher postage and staffing costs, and growing workloads in priority case types such as injunctions for protection and other high-risk matters. The clerks requested $22 million in direct appropriations, including support for due process costs, jury management, and staffing for 37 new judges approved last session. Members also asked about Senate Bill 532, which Butterfield described as a CPI-based measure to update court fines and fees that have remained unchanged since 2008. The committee took no votes on the presentations and adjourned after discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• state attorney, public defender, and those entities need to be in balance in order for the system to function
• We won't be able to function, and the court system will grind to a halt.
• Without them, they could barely function.
• But again, it will mean a lot to keep our offices functioning and keep them going to continue what we
• As mentioned, certainly we are the same in function, and what we do is the same as the public defenders

Summary: The committee met for an interim appropriations presentation hearing focused on justice administration agencies. Members heard budget requests from the State Attorney’s Office, Public Defenders, the Justice Administrative Commission, Regional Conflict Counsel, Capital Collateral Regional Counsel, and the Guardian ad Litem Office, followed by a presentation from the Department of Juvenile Justice and a brief public comment from a nonprofit advocate. The chair noted that presentations from the Department of Law Enforcement and the Commission on Offender Review would be moved to a later meeting. The state attorney requested funding to true up underfunded circuits under the existing formula, staff 14 new criminal judgeships, replace declining VOCA victim-services funding with general revenue, and cover a projected due process shortfall. The public defender asked for a higher starting salary for assistant public defenders, funding to restore balance in circuits where public defenders lag behind state attorneys, and staffing for new criminal judgeships. Regional conflict counsel and capital collateral regional counsel also sought salary adjustments, additional attorneys and case costs, and competitive area differential funding to address recruitment and retention issues. The Justice Administrative Commission requested funding for Florida PALM readiness and implementation and for IT hardware and software replacement; it also relayed a clerks’ request for reimbursement related to injunctions for protection, Baker Act, Marchman Act, and sexually violent predator cases. The Guardian ad Litem Office said it now has a guardian ad litem for every child in Florida and requested salary increases for senior and managing attorneys to reduce turnover. The Department of Juvenile Justice presented a much larger budget request to expand residential and detention capacity, increase per diem rates, renovate and replace aging facilities, fund the Broward detention center rebuild, improve cybersecurity and the juvenile information system, and cover rising lease costs. Members asked questions about staffing, compensation, detention and residential treatment needs, mental health and substance-use services, and the Broward project timeline. A nonprofit advocate then asked for better data collection on protection orders and related court actions to support funding for domestic violence and recovery services. The committee adjourned without taking any formal votes on the budget requests.

Transcript Highlights:

• committee's jurisdiction to provide us with important background information and an overview of their functions
• We'll allow each witness a time to explain their functions.
• My office has a number of functions.
• We have a regulatory function, a legislative function.