Bills: HB4421, HB4426, HB4432, HB4329, HB3551, HB3763, HB1411, HB2730, HB3465, HB3649, HB3650, HB3674, HB3941, HB3970, HB3979, HB3980, HB3981, SB1074

Keywords: child welfare, fentanyl exposure, drug endangerment, environmental testing, safety analysis, remediation, child protection, Department of Human Services, violence prevention, HB4426, SIDE tax credit, strategic industrial development enhancement, income tax credit, economic development, tax incentive, qualified economic development expenditures, qualified initial infrastructure expenditures, industrial park, economic development zone, port authority

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Right now there are two because there's a vacancy.
• there are two because there's >> Right now there are two because there's a<00:36:45.440> vacancy
• Daryl<00:36:46.640> Littleton<00:36:47.040> was<00:36:47.280> just a vacancy
• Uh Daryl Littleton was just a vacancy.

Bills: SB169, SB180, SB203, SB87, SB195, SB192, SB169, SB180, SB203, SB87, SB195, SB192, HB132, HB37, HB13, HB54, HB126, HB7, SB30, HB188, HB189, HB26, HB264, HB288, HB248, HB249, HB227, HB228

Keywords: Lieutenant Governor, vacancy, governor appointment, Alabama Constitution, state government, media monitoring, government contracts, state agencies, local agencies, media regulations, transparency, dental insurance, medical loss ratio, premium regulation, insurance commissioner, rebate, consumer protection, midwifery, licensed midwives, State Board of Midwifery

Transcript Highlights:

• So as for the specialists, the administration also is aware of a vacancy, substantial vacancy issue currently
• And you have one vacancy at the moment?
• In terms of the vacancies, Assemblymember Fong, we carry those vacancies and our accuracy has gotten
• We have one of those vacancies has been reclassified with CalHR.
• Vacancy factors, though, are for the different departments.

Summary: The committee heard an overview of the May Revision’s Proposition 98 changes for K-12 and community colleges. The Department of Finance said the minimum guarantee rises by $6.4 billion over the Governor’s Budget across the three-year window, with higher guarantees in each year, full payment of the prior settle-up, and larger deposits into the school rainy-day fund. The LAO said the revenue and LCFF updates were reasonable, but urged caution about the settle-up approach and recommended using more of the available funding to protect ongoing programs and build budget resilience. Members focused heavily on the size of the proposed $3.9 billion settle-up, the $10.3 billion reserve deposit, declining K-12 enrollment, and how much of the new funding should be ongoing versus one-time. The committee then reviewed the community colleges portion of the budget. Finance described the May Revision’s higher SCFF COLA, additional funding for enrollment growth, a student support block grant, apprenticeship adjustments, and continued funding for deferred maintenance, Calbright, Common Cloud, and credit for prior learning. The Chancellor’s Office supported the core investments but asked for more funding for enrollment growth, changes to the growth formula, and a COLA for Student Equity and Achievement. The LAO recommended prioritizing the statutory COLA increase, noted that more than half of districts are already above current-year growth targets, and said the new adult learner demonstration project should be rejected because districts already have tools to support similar services. Members also discussed a $52 million current-year apportionment shortfall, which Finance said was discovered too late for the May Revision and would need to be addressed later. Finally, the committee took up the proposed implementation of the federal Workforce Pell program. Finance proposed one-time funding for the California Student Aid Commission and Cradle to Career to build eligibility and data systems, along with trailer bill changes to set up state approval processes. CSAC said the program is promising but highly complex, that California lacks the needed infrastructure, and that the state will need emergency regulations, data linkages, and ongoing funding beyond the one-time proposal. The LAO agreed that some initial funding is needed but warned that the amounts and ongoing costs remain uncertain and that the Legislature should carefully draft the trailer bill language. Members asked about timing, other states’ actions, and how the state would ensure the program is ready for students and institutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• According to my records, there are three vacancies in our system right now, so four vacancies.
• Vacancies. Got to touch bases with him so you know the numbers. Okay, okay, thank you.
• that are in our system three vacancies that are in our system right<00:04:21.720> now<00:04:22.440
• > so<00:04:23.080> four vacancies<00:04:26.520> got<00:04:26.639> to<00:04
• got to touch bases with him so vacancies got to touch bases with him so you<00:04:28.080> know

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You pointed out reductions in vacancy rates with CPIs and APIs.
• What do you attribute these reduced vacancy rates to?
• You gave us the CPI vacancy rates and the API vacancy rates in terms of percentages, but what does it
• And you said you got a vacancy reduction. How much is it?
• Bass: Right now we have approximately 120, I think, vacancies.

Summary: The committee heard three presentations focused on child welfare workforce development and the needs of children in Florida’s dependency system. First, the Florida Institute for Child Welfare described its Grow Center and related initiatives, including academic curriculum enhancements, simulations, virtual reality training, coaching, on-demand learning, advanced certifications, and the planned Tallahassee learning lab opening in January 2026. Members asked about conflict resolution, domestic violence, addiction, and microcredentials; the presenter said the institute is expanding training in those areas and is working with DCF to align advanced certifications with the department’s career ladder. The Department of Children and Families then presented on the Continue the Mission initiative, which recruits veterans, military spouses, and former law enforcement officers into CPI, API, and case management roles. DCF said it has held more than 240 hiring events and hired 372 such workers since launch, while also improving recruitment and retention through higher starting pay, streamlined hiring, rebranding, wellness supports, and enhanced pre-service training. Senators asked about PTSD concerns, staffing levels, caseloads, hotline vacancies, and salaries; DCF said it had not seen direct PTSD issues from the hiring effort and provided figures including a $50,000 starting salary for CPIs, $37,000 for APIs, and average caseloads of 12 to 15 investigations for CPIs and about 10 for APIs. Finally, DCF discussed the increased acuity of children in the dependency system, explaining that fewer children are entering care overall but those who do often have more complex behavioral, mental health, developmental, or medical needs. The department highlighted a new Behavioral Qualified Residential Treatment Program (BQRTP) designed for youth who need more intensive support than traditional foster or group home settings but do not require inpatient psychiatric treatment; one facility is licensed with 12 of 14 beds filled, and DCF said it is seeking funding for placement for 230 youth total. Members pressed for details on licensure timelines, standards, funding, and the handling of crossover youth and lockouts, and DCF said it uses braided funding and works with DJJ, APD, and lead agencies through local and state review teams. A representative of the Florida Coalition for Children also testified, saying the issue is complex and multi-year, and that the coalition is working on possible legislative and programmatic solutions. The committee took no formal votes and adjourned after the presentations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then there was an audit that was done that implied that the vacancy rate was 30%, and I know there have
• Then there was an audit that was done that implied that the vacancy rate was 30%, and I know there have
• We've seen anywhere from a 4% reduction in vacancy rate to 17%. ...anywhere from a 4% reduction in vacancy
• We've seen anywhere from 4% reduction in vacancy rate to 17%. anywhere from 4% reduction in vacancy rate
• I want to see how we can reduce the vacancy rate and really increase permanent state civil service in

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will get an update on Cal OSHA regarding vacancies, Employment Development Department on the status
• So yes, we focus on vacancies. Absolutely.
• The vacancy rate has fallen from about 35% to about 23%.
• This vacancy rate does not prevent Cal OSHA from fulfilling its mission to protect workers.
• With the way OSHA has managed the vacancies and the work that it has not completed.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . trains running with this level of unfunded vacancy.
• . insurance program to fix some of the staffing vacancies.
• Vacancy rate.
• You have 35 vacancies here. Where are we? Have we done anything?
• The other thing is, on vacancies, do the other...

Transcript Highlights:

• Corporation Act in relation to establishing a procedure for appointing a president or chairperson upon a vacancy
• This bill would establish a procedure for appointing a president or chairperson upon a vacancy of such
• Would establish a procedure for appointing a president and chairperson upon a vacancy of such a position
• This bill would establish a procedure for appointing a president or chairperson upon a vacancy of such
• a position. would establish a procedure for appointing a president and chairperson upon a vacancy of

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions met for its first convening of the 2026 session and confirmed quorum. The chair emphasized transparency in state agencies and utilities, particularly the Public Service Commission, and referenced prior work on utility affordability, nominations, and chaptered bills from the previous session. The committee considered eight bills. It advanced S.373, which would bar confidentiality and nondisclosure provisions in certain state and municipal contracts; S.1336, creating a New York State Digital Equity Plan and ConnectAll Digital Equity Grant Program; and S.2324, requiring Attorney General and Comptroller review of certain state or public authority real property sales over $250,000. It also moved S.2459 to restore earlier Public Authorities Control Board oversight provisions, and S.3736 to increase information provided to PACB members before project funding votes. Additional bills reported to the floor included S.4071A, clarifying that stormwater is included in the definition of sewage for certain water and sewer authorities; S.4576A, establishing a procedure for appointing a president or chairperson upon vacancy and correcting gendered language; and S.5551, requiring recording and public posting of certain Empire State Development public hearings. The bills were moved, seconded, and reported out, with several passing unanimously and at least one receiving a negative vote or abstention noted in the record.

Transcript Highlights:

• So for a base vacancy funding, and 6,626 for a base vacancy funding, and 6,626 for<00:51:08.720> to
• in vacancy funding. in vacancy funding.
• over LBR just for a vacancy funding. over LBR just for a vacancy funding.
• They asked for a for vacancy funding.
• This is to cover the vacancy over LBR.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 19 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, received an invocation from Reverend Kenny McGill, and approved dispensing with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. The chamber then spent a substantial amount of time introducing guests in the galleries, including local officials, electric cooperative and farm bureau representatives, a doctor of the day, and student groups, with repeated recognition of workers involved in storm recovery and other public service efforts. Senators also offered brief remarks of support for Senator Warren Barnett’s recovery. The main business was the appropriations calendar. Senator Hopkins gave an overview of the budget process and projected FY 2027 general fund figures, noting that the Senate was still early in the process, had only considered Senate-originated bills, and was awaiting House bills such as education and Medicaid. He highlighted major budget pressures and items including university professor pay raises, agricultural unit increases, education enhancement funds, CAPEX projects, TRICARE funding, and a veterans home appropriation. He also noted that some bills were final passage while others contained reverse repealers and would go to conference. The Senate then considered several appropriations bills. Senate Bill 3051, the Department of Finance and Administration budget and related agencies, was explained by Senator DeBar; it included reductions tied to vacancy projections, contractual and nonrecurring funding changes, and reappropriations for America 250, the Capital City Water Project, coronavirus fiscal recovery expenses, and Bureau of Buildings invoices. It was adopted and passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 3052, the Governor’s Office and Mansion budget, was presented as final action without a reverse repealer, with funding reduced from last year due to the loss of federal GEAR and EANS funds; it also passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 3053, IHL general support, included a $2,000 professor raise and a $20 million CAPEX item, with a total budget of about $1.673 billion; it passed. Senate Bill 3054, IHL subsidiary programs, was explained as having no dollars over LBR and a total of $87.8 million, with a reverse repealer; after a brief question about the university professor raises, it too was adopted and passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• What do you know our state vacancy as a whole right now? Your state vacancy?
• What is the vacancy? What is your vacancy? What is the potential? How are we growing it?
• But as far as the vacancy rate, we don't receive that.
• So, basically, my question was: what were those vacancy rates?
• On vacancy, you know, vacancy rates across the state so that we have a better understanding of what we're

Transcript Highlights:

• So I heard you talk earlier in regards to the educator shortages and, well, the vacancies going down.
• Like, if there are now permanent subs, are you crossing that out of the vacancy list?
• So I heard you talk earlier in regards to the educator shortages and, well, the vacancies going down.
• vacancies for the school year.
• We have vacancies. Yeah, I know you do. I'm a birthday broker. I have properties.

Summary: The subcommittee first heard an overview from Department of Education Chancellor Paul Burns on Florida’s K-12 governance structure and major divisions, including early learning, public schools, safe schools, school choice, and accountability. He highlighted school readiness and VPK, teacher preparation and licensure, school safety functions, scholarship and virtual/home education programs, and FAST progress monitoring. Burns also cited statewide gains such as higher mid-year reading performance, a record graduation rate of 89.7%, and record CTE enrollment, while members questioned the meaning of Florida’s “number one” education rankings, teacher pay, post-COVID learning loss, vacancies, and chronic absenteeism. St. Lucie County Superintendent John Prince then described the scale and responsibilities of a mid-sized district, emphasizing student safety, transportation, meals, hurricane shelter operations, career and technical education, teacher recruitment and retention, progress monitoring, remediation, and mental health supports. Members asked about school shelter construction standards, remediation funding, late school start times, attendance, and concordance scores; Prince argued for more flexibility for CTE pathways and noted that local districts use a mix of state and federal funds to support remediation and staffing. The committee then moved to an early warning systems panel. Burns explained that Florida law requires districts to use attendance, behavior/suspensions, course performance, FAST results, and other academic indicators to identify students needing support, with districts and families developing intervention plans. Superintendents from Putnam, St. Johns, and St. Lucie counties said chronic absenteeism is tied to achievement and NAEP decline, but causes vary by district, including poverty, transportation, daycare, family instability, travel, and student athletics. They described MTSS, PBIS, home visits, attendance letters, and community partnerships as responses. Members also discussed VPK access, full-day VPK funding, excused versus unexcused absences, and the need for earlier intervention in pre-K and K-2. Finally, Vice Chancellor Darren Norris outlined Florida’s post-Parkland school safety measures, including armed school officers, anonymous reporting, behavioral threat assessment teams, mental health training, panic alert systems, emergency drills, active assailant response policies, and firearm detection canines. Superintendents said compliance is costly and often requires shifting local funds, but they praised state grants for mental health, hardening, and mapping. They noted ongoing challenges with new mandates, capital costs, manual reporting burdens, and the need to balance safety requirements with classroom resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're operating with a 12 vacancy, and that creates risk rather than savings.
• And we're going to have to hold that vacancy rate at a minimum.
• We run a very low vacancy rate. We use the positions we're funded.
• Right now, we have about a 40% vacancy rate.
• We have almost a 30% vacancy rate right now. So we're challenged. We're really D.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and, and historically we've had vacancies and and historically we've had them now being staffed at 99%
• and, and historically we've had vacancies and and historically we've had them now being staffed at 99%
• and, and historically we've had vacancies and and historically we've had them now being staffed at 99%
• and and historically we've had vacancies and and historically we've had them<00:07:38.080> now
• fills uh in the um in our vacancy fills uh in the um in our corrections<00:08:04.800> facilities.

Bills: HF3006, HF2130, HF1290

Keywords: Department of Corrections, DOC, corrections budget, supplemental appropriation, deficiency funding, public safety finance, incarceration, prerelease services, community supervision, postrelease services, supervised release, probation, reentry, reentry services, prison reform, body-worn cameras, corrections officer cameras, ARMER radio system, PREA, Prison Rape Elimination Act

Transcript Highlights:

• shall not vote on any deliberations of such subcommittee unless they have been designated to fill a vacancy
• An excused vacancy may be filled by temporary designation of a member by the co-chair of the General
• Conference Committee representing the house in which the excused vacancy exists.
• SHALL NOT VOTE ON ANY DELIBERATIONS OF SUCH SUBCOMMITTEE UNLESS THEY HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED TO FILL A VACANCY
• THE CO-CHAIR OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPRESENTING THE HOUSE IN WHICH THE EXECUTIONED VACANCY

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Joint Budget Subcommittee on Health convened as part of the 2026 Annual Budget Committee, with Senate and Assembly co-chairs introducing members, alternates, and the meeting rules. The chairs reviewed subcommittee procedures, including limits on alternates’ voting rights, no proxy participation, germane-topic restrictions, and the requirement that any report receive an affirmative majority vote from each house’s delegation. The co-chairs outlined the main health budget issues under discussion: the global cap, capital funding, hospital and safety-net hospital funding, early intervention, reproductive health, the Medical Indemnity Fund, aging issues, insurance prior authorization, EMS biomarkers, and nursing home funding. The chair emphasized the state’s responsibility to families affected by the Medical Indemnity Fund. Minority members raised support for restoring the full 15 percent capital Medicaid reimbursement for nursing homes, increasing aid for financially distressed hospitals, and addressing home care funding shortfalls. They also urged stronger measures against Medicaid waste, fraud, and abuse, warning against budget gimmicks and emphasizing long-term fiscal sustainability, including careful use of any Medicaid savings tied to the federal 1331 health program. The meeting ended with members saying they would continue consultations with each other and staff to work toward a final, on-time budget.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we do have vacancies in the department, but those vacancies are normal attrition.
• But they’re having to hold caseloads until these vacancies get refilled. Gotcha. Okay.
• Are you speaking of the vacancies that we have today?” “Yes, ma'am. The current vacancies?
• than full caseload that is awaiting those vacancies when we get them hired.
• I think those under three vacancies. But I'm just saying it in terms of the logic of it.

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met on May 26, 2026, and first took up Senate Bill 433, which would provide Medicaid coverage for certain weight-loss medications. After adopting a House amendment adding customary subject-to-appropriation language, the committee heard from LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein, who said the state currently spends about $240 million a year on GLP-1 drugs for Medicaid patients with obesity and certain other conditions, and that the bill would let the department expand coverage gradually while controlling costs and negotiating better pricing. Members spoke in strong support, and SB 433 was reported favorable as amended. The committee then considered Senate Bill 157, which creates paid parental leave for eligible public K-12 educators and staff. An amendment was adopted to adjust fund language and make the bill proper for Appropriations. Senator Jenkins and supporters, including the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, described the bill as providing six weeks of paid leave for birth, adoption, fostering, and related family-building events, while members discussed whether medical leave should also be included and confirmed the leave applies to fathers as well. The bill drew broad support and was reported favorable as amended. Senate Bill 250, requiring the Office of Group Benefits to offer a comprehensive weight management plan with employees paying the full premium and medication costs, was briefly discussed and reported favorable without objection. The committee then spent considerable time on Senate Bill 237, a child welfare measure from Senator Barrow that would expand notification, access, and investigative procedures for the Child Ombudsman and DCFS, including child-on-child sexual abuse cases and multidisciplinary fatality reviews. Members and agency officials debated the fiscal note, with estimates ranging from about $525,000 to $3.2 million and disagreement over whether some costs were already covered or could be absorbed; after a roll call, the bill passed 10-9 and was reported favorable as amended. Finally, the committee began Senate Bill 155, which requires insurance coverage for medically necessary dental care tied to cancer treatment. Senator Talbot and medical and cancer advocacy witnesses said the bill would remove a barrier to timely chemotherapy or radiation and could prevent more expensive complications later. Members expressed support and discussed a relatively small fiscal note, but the transcript cuts off before final action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, really working And we've really cut down our open vacancies in this area.
• So, we funded FTEs that were vacancies that hadn't been filled.
• Our current unfilled vacancies are right at about 35.
• When we came to you last year, we had about 50 vacancies.
• So, we've cut down that number of vacancies by about 15.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They can use their vacancies then, those vacancy funds, to increase the salaries or the compensation
• get away from using those vacancy get away from using those vacancy funds<01:40:45.280> which
• . vacancies. vacancies. 146. 146. 146.
• Should we reduce those vacancies here? Should we reduce those vacancies?
• <01:46:01.280> to two and gave two of those vacancies to two and gave two of those vacancies

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SEE ME THAT IT IS MY HOPE THAT THIS YEAR'S BUDGET AND THE PROCESS WE'VE GONE THROUGH LOOKING AT VACANCIES
• THOSE ARE ALL VACANCIES WHICH HAVE BEEN VACANT FOR A LONG TIME.
• ATTORNEYS INCLUDING FROM ORLANDO WHERE THERE IS A NEW STATE ATTORNEY WHO INHERITED A BUNCH OF OLD VACANCIES
• WHERE THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING ON FILLING THOSE VACANCIES AS WE GET THE NEW DATA THAT WILL BE ADJUSTED.
• LOT IN THE COURTS BUDGET WHERE THEY HAVE INTERPRETERS AND COURT REPORTERS WHERE THEY HAD LONG TIME VACANCIES

Transcript Highlights:

• And there are about nine vacancies, as we last checked, for appointments and talking about the process
• I'm going to start off first with the sort of openings and discussion about the vacancies and wanting
• I'm going to start off first with the sort of openings and discussion about the vacancies and wanting
• I wanted to share a little bit about the vacancies, and then we'll come back to commissioners to have
• And there's some other vacancies, and I'm just going to go through that list in full: a representative

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Ellen Story Commission for Postpartum Depression held its spring meeting with a large turnout, beginning with roll call and a review of the agenda. Co-chairs Representative Brandy Fluker-Reid and Senator Liz Miranda highlighted progress from the recently enacted maternal health omnibus law and the Moms Matter Act, including creation of a midwifery board, expansion of out-of-hospital birth options, doula services, lactation support, MassHealth coverage changes, and a trust fund for community-based behavioral health and substance use grants. Members also discussed implementation of the new law, the commission’s annual report, and the need to continue supporting birth centers and perinatal mental health services. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on commission membership and vacancies. Commissioners discussed whether to remain on the body, the need to fill several open seats, and whether the commission’s statutory composition should be updated to better reflect current practice and expertise. Members suggested adding more clinicians working directly with perinatal families, infant mental health experts, and a representative from PSI of Massachusetts, while also noting the value of having regulators and professional society representatives at the table. Several participants said any changes to membership would likely require legislation, and the co-chairs said they would explore options and possibly circulate a flyer or other invitation process for nominations. The commission also discussed meeting structure and future planning. Members generally supported moving to quarterly virtual meetings, with a preference for a 4 p.m. start time, and some suggested one annual in-person gathering. The group agreed to postpone the usual May Advocacy Day because the Great Hall was unavailable and instead aim for a fall event, with volunteers stepping forward to help plan it. Commissioners raised top-of-mind issues including postpartum depression screening reimbursement, care for people after miscarriage or abortion, access for undocumented pregnant people, and the impact of federal cuts. The meeting ended with agreement to crowdsource legislative priorities for the next quarter, consider future presentations from outside organizations, and send updates between meetings, followed by a motion to adjourn that passed unanimously.