Transcript Highlights:

• There you're at a 15% increase in benefits. forecast is a 23% increase over forecast is a 23% increase
• 20% overall increase in benefits.
• And that again is the increase. It would be some 20% increase in the total benefits.
• terms of of increases. terms of of increases.
• finally do make that increase. finally do make that increase.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Allowing these updated change-order thresholds to remain in statute will allow both counties to be fiscally
• We either allow the people of L.A.
• We either allow the people of L.A.
• In 2024, we updated our general plan to increase allowable densities in several targeted areas, including
• But this allows for this safe harbor.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To increasing patrols on the lakes.
• ability to say no, we aren't allowing ability to say no, we aren't allowing public<01:20:46.080>
• you know um we are allowing are allowing you know um we are allowing um<01:22:56.320> non-incerson
• 91A and vote to say we are not allowing 91A and vote to say we are not allowing non-inperson<01:
• So may, it's not shall, it is may allow.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a delta, an increase that's there that will increase if the local boards agree to allow it.
• But each year there's a decision made whether to allow that to increase.
• We're just only allowing what it's the taxable value to increase at a slightly slower rate, correct?
• It's not that the valuation whether or not the valuation increases. The rate of increase.
• That sometimes increases.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That is, that first, extensions of a tax increase are, in fact, a tax increase.
• That is, that first, extensions of a tax increase are, in fact, a tax increase.
• We didn't increase that.
• That's pretty hefty increase.
• >> There have been slight increases, but there has been an increase in both. >> Mr.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, then approved the prior day’s Journal and moved into motions, resolutions, and budget-related business. Senator Gianaris called up Senate Print 5898A for reconsideration; the Senate voted 59 ayes to restore the bill to the third reading calendar. Several amendments were also received on third-reading bills, and the Finance Committee was called into session while the chamber proceeded with resolutions. The Senate adopted Resolution J.2106 recognizing Second Chance Month and the mental health impacts of incarceration, with Senator Brisport speaking in support and a guest from the community recognized in the chamber. The body also adopted Resolution J.1492 designating May 27, 2026, as Taiwan Heritage Day, with remarks from Senators Sepúlveda, Stavisky, and Liu highlighting Taiwanese contributions to New York and expressing support for Taiwan amid current geopolitical tensions. The Finance Committee then reported several budget bills, including Senate Prints 9003D, 9004D, 9007C, and 9009C, which were moved to third reading. The remainder of the session focused on the supplemental and controversial budget calendars, especially tax and spending provisions. Senators debated the “Protecting Our Wallets” energy rebate, with supporters describing it as a one-time check for eligible taxpayers and critics arguing it was too small and not tied directly to utility bills; the chamber accepted the message of necessity and laid the bills aside. Members also debated extensions and changes to tax provisions affecting corporations, alternative fuel exemptions, Broadway and theatrical production tax credits, charitable deductions for certain 501(c)(3)s, nicotine pouch taxes, a new New York City pied-à-terre tax, and a standardbred horse-racing testing fee. Several senators criticized the budget as raising costs or favoring certain industries, while supporters defended the measures as revenue-raising, affordability, or public-health policies. No final votes on the controversial budget bills are shown in the excerpt beyond procedural rulings, adoption of the resolution calendar, and acceptance of committee reports.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think increase for the driver exam.
• <00:09:24.200> them type of thing. and it just allows them type of thing. and it just allows
• I would welcome your questions, but it just allows MnDOT again to selectively apply some increased funding
• MDOT again to selectively apply allows MDOT again to selectively apply some<00:21:37.760> increased
• the some increased funding to increase the some increased funding to increase the pavement<00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now it's, I believe, in 2017-18 that got increased to $1.27 million, which really allowed us at that
• AB 1618 allows us to begin granting directly to NGOs.
• Use of specialty care is increased by nearly 30 percent.
• Really, this program was provided to increase outreach and increase mental health access through grants
• Are non-veterans allowed to use the VA services?

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veteran Affairs held an informational hearing focused on the effects of federal budget cuts and policy changes on veterans, military readiness, and California’s veteran support systems. The chair and members emphasized that federal reductions to the VA, Medicaid/Medi-Cal, SNAP, and the federal workforce are disproportionately harming veterans by threatening health care, employment, housing, crisis lines, and suicide prevention services. The chair also highlighted California’s progress on veteran homelessness and the importance of preserving state programs that leverage federal dollars. Major General Matthew Beavers of the California Military Department described the department’s structure, its response to the Los Angeles fire emergency, and concerns that federal cuts could reduce readiness through less training, older equipment, and fewer resources. He also discussed state programs such as Work for Warriors, STARBASE, youth and community schools, and the counterdrug task force, saying they are valuable but vulnerable if funding is redirected away from readiness. Members asked about the impact of federal changes on the Guard and how the Legislature could help, and Beavers said the state should advocate for recapitalized equipment and continued support for key programs. A second panel focused on veterans’ benefits and claims support. CalVet, Los Angeles County, and Swords to Plowshares testified that county veteran service officers, legal aid, and community-based partnerships are essential to helping veterans access VA benefits, especially after the PACT Act expanded eligibility and increased claims volume. Witnesses said these services bring substantial federal dollars back to California, but county offices and legal providers are underfunded and overburdened. Members discussed data sharing, staffing shortages, and the need for more resources to reach veterans who are not connected to VA care. In the final panel on mental health and suicide prevention, CalVet and nonprofit providers described state-funded programs such as the Veterans Support Self-Reliance program and the California Veterans Health Initiative, which place services in permanent supportive housing and provide no-cost counseling statewide. Witnesses said these programs are showing measurable improvements in health, medication adherence, and emergency room use, but they depend on sustained funding and are vulnerable to step-down grants and federal instability. Committee members expressed support for the programs and raised questions about access, staffing, and the role of non-veteran family members in Vet Center services.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state did increase the fuel tax rate in 2025, and cities will receive a share of this increase.
• Annual property tax increases are limited, as you know, with proposals to increase this... ...cap discussed
• to increase this cap discussed in recent sessions.
• So we recommend increased grant program resources to allow the grant award amounts to keep pace with
• Our final goal here is to increase local funding options.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And with critical staffing shortages, this results in increasing significant cost increases.
• One of our top priorities moving forward is to increase student enrollment in the program by 25%.
• West and I looked at how do we actively include or increase our dual enrollment numbers.
• One more thing: the program will increase faculty, student, and community awareness.
• He challenged us with increasing the National Merit Scholars that attended the university.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Postsecondary met to receive an update from Florida developmental research lab schools on articulated health care programs created under the Live Healthy initiative and Senate Bill 76. Chair Calatayud opened the meeting, confirmed a quorum, and heard presentations from P.K. Young/University of Florida, Florida State University Schools, FAMU Developmental Research School, and Florida Atlantic University Laboratory School. Each school described efforts to build K-12-to-postsecondary health care pathways, expand dual enrollment and industry certifications, and share replicable curriculum models with other districts. FSU Schools highlighted its HERO program, including CNA and food manager certifications, dual enrollment growth, reserve seating at colleges, and a paid internship with the Department of Health tied to emergency shelter operations. P.K. Young described its Healthy Lives Blueprint, which combines K-8 wellness experiences, a new high school health and human performance pathway, AP and science course expansion, a planned gymnasium redesign, and partnerships with Santa Fe College and UF. FAMU DRS reported growing dual enrollment, partnerships with FAMU, Tallahassee State, and Lively, and a goal of serving at least 100 students and 40 staff through health career exposure, certifications, and AA/AS pathways. FAU Lab School described a more advanced model that integrates elementary through high school research and health science experiences, including biotechnology, bioengineering, and partnerships with health and research institutions. The school reported 87 peer-reviewed student publications, more than $350,000 in student grants, six patents, and pipelines into FAU’s medical and nursing programs, including a Med Direct pathway and a National Merit Scholar pipeline. Committee members asked about student readiness for nursing programs, dual enrollment, articulation with state colleges, and how the lab school models could be disseminated statewide. The meeting concluded with praise for the programs and a motion by Senator Fine to adjourn, which was adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• > right<01:02:52.480> now Why that increase matters right now Why that increase matters
• Um right now the federal code uh allows Um right now the federal code uh allows uh<01:10:49.280>
• > more<01:19:52.720> harmony So, allowing allowing some more harmony So, allowing allowing
• in some form or fashion. ...and by increasing the supply, we increase the number of children in the
• increasing the supply, we increase um by increasing the supply, we increase the<01:36:48.280> number

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• two two down the road, allowing two two down the road, allowing allowing allowing allowing the<00
• Paul. increases in market value. And so that increases in market value.
• increases there as well. increases there as well.
• uh in 2020 uh um uh increases increases uh in 2020 uh um uh increases have<01:10:52.560> been<
• deferred amount did increase slightly. deferred amount did increase slightly.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do I get a gumball or a toy or increased literacy?
• But graduation rates are increasing.
• We are seeing increasing graduation rates. We are seeing slowly increasing proficiency rates.
• , over $2 billion increase in funding.
• And we're talking about increasing bonding amounts and we just increased them in 2018.

Transcript Highlights:

• accuracy<00:03:09.360> and Uh increase SNAP payment accuracy and Uh increase SNAP payment
• AI search functionality to increase AI search functionality to increase payment<00:05:02.840>
• increase application processing times. increase application processing times.
• which is a long-standing allowance. which is a long-standing allowance.
• . increase from 100 to 300.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so it doesn't allow for that full breadth of accountability.
• Thank you for allowing it to get this far without caps. That is imperative.
• Claims in excess of $20 million have increased by over 400%.
• Litigation does not have to increase.
• We are going to have an increase in medical malpractice.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several health-related bills. SB 398, by Senator Burgess, would create a statewide Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness campaign through the Department of Elder Affairs, focused on early detection, brain health, risk reduction, clinical trial access, and community resources. Supporters said Florida has a large and growing Alzheimer’s population and that the campaign would help families and vulnerable communities; the bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. The committee also adopted an amendment to SB 714, by Senator Burton, which would create non-opioid advanced directives and add liability protections for providers in medical emergencies involving opioids. Supporters framed it as a patient-choice measure, while opponents argued it was vague and could interfere with appropriate pain treatment; the amended bill was then reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 756, which removes the current age-eight diagnosis requirement for autism-related insurance coverage and extends coverage beyond age 18 for those diagnosed with autism. Senator Burton said the bill would help families whose children are diagnosed later or whose needs continue into adulthood. There was brief discussion about existing lifetime benefit caps, but the sponsor said the bill did not change those limits. The committee then took up SB 734, a proposal by Senator Yarbrough to repeal Florida’s wrongful death exception that bars certain parents and adult children from recovering non-economic damages in medical negligence cases. The sponsor and supporters described the current law as discriminatory and unjust, especially for families of older adults and disabled individuals, while opponents warned it would raise malpractice costs, increase premiums, and worsen provider shortages. The bill drew extensive public testimony from both grieving family members and health care/insurance representatives, and members debated whether caps or other safeguards should be added. No final action on SB 734 is reflected in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The increase kicks in July 1st, 2026, or has the increase already happened?
• Allow me to come back.
• The second tranche of increased revenue comes from a 35% increase to the weight distance tax, or about
• Instead of increasing the two funds, perhaps just increasing one.
• And I'm wondering, as the state's allowing them to do cameras, are they allowed to go beyond...

Transcript Highlights:

• MUDs allow growth to pay for itself.
• That same time period, Increased by about 46%.
• They allow while protecting existing taxpayers.
• They allow while protecting existing taxpayers.
• It increases debt, and the city can do it.

Summary: The committee heard testimony first from the Texas General Land Office and School Land Board. GLO officials described the agency’s role in managing more than 13 million acres of state lands and mineral interests for the Permanent School Fund, overseeing the Alamo, coastal programs, veterans’ services, and federal disaster recovery. They said the agency has generated about $6 billion for the Permanent School Fund since Commissioner Buckingham took office, and that its disaster recovery portfolio is about $14 billion across multiple events, with more than 22,000 housing units rebuilt or reconstructed since Hurricane Harvey. Members asked about land purchases such as Brewster Ranch, rare earth mineral leasing, SpaceX-related beach access, and whether the lands are public access lands; GLO staff said the holdings are managed to maximize revenue for education, that most land is leased rather than open to public access, and that they are coordinating on coastal access and compliance. On the School Land Board, members sought clarification on the difference between GLO-managed lands and the Permanent School Fund Corporation’s investment role, and staff explained that GLO generates the revenue while the separate corporation invests it. No votes or formal actions were taken. The Board for Lease of University Lands then testified. University Lands officials explained that they steward 2.1 million acres of surface and mineral interests in West Texas for the Permanent University Fund, which supports UT and Texas A&M institutions. They said a 2025 lease sale produced about $50 million in bonus revenue from 28,000 acres, and described the Board for Lease’s role in approving lease forms, lease sales, and development agreements. Members asked about the size and use of the PUF, how distributions work through UTIMCO, whether PUF money can be used for athletics, and how the land is managed; the witness said the fund is a constitutional endowment, the land is largely leased rather than sold, and distributions are generally used for buildings, labs, and other permanent structures, with some institutions also using a portion for operations. No votes or formal actions were taken. The committee then took up municipal utility districts. Testimony from a law firm, the Texas Municipal League, Fort Bend County Commissioner Vincent Morales, and Johnson Development largely supported MUDs as a financing tool for infrastructure tied to growth. Witnesses said MUDs help fund water, sewer, drainage, roads, parks, and related infrastructure, allowing development to proceed without shifting costs to existing taxpayers and helping keep housing affordable. They emphasized that MUDs are created with disclosure to homebuyers, are subject to the Open Meetings Act and Public Information Act, and are overseen by TCEQ for bond issuance and related financial stress tests. Members questioned whether MUDs are taxing entities, whether they can be created inside city limits or ETJs, how much control cities and counties retain, and whether MUDs are becoming permanent local governments; witnesses acknowledged they levy taxes and debt, can exist within city limits with city consent, and often function as long-term local entities. The committee did not take any formal action during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this allows them to do that.
• So this allows them to do that.
• the increased 1 million2 million um cap. the increased 1 million2 million um cap.
• account for an increase in claims filed. account for an increase in claims filed.
• increases our exposure to lawsuits. increases our exposure to lawsuits.

Bills: HB0068, HB0062, HB0127, HB0109

Keywords: veterans, property tax exemption, disabled, service-connected disability, Wyoming, governmental claims, liability limits, inflation adjustment, public safety, local government insurance, HB0127, recreation mill levy, recreational facilities, public recreation, mill levy, property tax, local tax, county commissioners, school district levy, voter approval

Transcript Highlights:

• They would statute to allow for that.
• are outdated obsolete rate increases are outdated obsolete rate increases that<00:26:55.840>
• > for<00:29:29.279> annual legislation that allows for annual legislation that allows for
• system for rate change or rate increase system for rate change or rate increase to<00:31:51.360>
• So this increase that we're talking about doesn't even pay one of our areas of cost increase.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, the other increase you saw is our $30 million revolving fund, which by statute, allows us to
• Our training increased by 92% over this past year.
• And I know I reported an increase last year, but even Over that, we increased by 92%.
• We've seen about a 48% increase in that.
• This will allow that area to be covered. It's a great program.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And thank you for allowing me the opportunity.
• This would allow vehicle owners to locate their vehicles through this change. allowing to also for the
• Allowing for a local community to choose for the option.
• This bill would simply allow Texans to vote on whether they want to allow packaged stores in their communities
• But it's allowed.

Bills: HB679, HB1764, HB1788, HB2186, HB2204, HB2418, HB2885, HB2983, HB2996, HB3250, HB3352, HB3756, HB3816, HB3913, HB3928, HB4077

Keywords: environment, regulation, land use, public health, community development, alcohol, Sunday sales, local option election, Texas, business hours, alcohol sales, liquor, off-premise consumption, alcoholic beverages, CPA, Certified Public Accountant, licensing, accountancy, state regulation, continuing education