Transcript Highlights:

• In accordance with the interim charge given to the Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee
• From the microphone, so I'm hearing you, but I'm not understanding the exact wording. Stand by.
• I don't know the exact date, but somewhere in that range. I can find out if you need me to.
• He said that they're actually developing the technology for this plant as they build it, so it will be
• Those are critical to the development of our students and our citizens.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation, received a House message announcing passage of H.B. 500, and a gubernatorial nomination for the Upper Neches River Municipal Water Authority Board. The chamber adopted several resolutions, including SR 409 recognizing Blue Ribbon Lobby Day, SR 402 honoring the discovery of the woolly devil plant at Big Bend National Park, and recognitions for Operation Christmas RGV and Wilson County Day. The Senate also heard an announcement that the Committee on Senate Nominations action report had been placed on members’ desks. The body then took up and passed several bills. SB 2365 was passed to prohibit personal wireless communication devices by public school students during instructional time, with exceptions for health, special education, and safety needs. SB 1869 was passed to reaffirm the DSHS commissioner’s authority over controlled-substance schedule changes without rulemaking or judicial review. SB 1124 was passed to revise criminal discovery procedures in response to the Heath decision, with supporters saying it preserves exculpatory evidence protections while limiting suppression of inculpatory evidence when the defense already knew of it. SB 1758 was passed to create a Grayson County pilot study and temporary permitting hold concerning a cement kiln/quarry near a semiconductor wafer facility, and SB 2078 was passed to regulate composting in certain counties, after a clarifying amendment. The Senate also passed SB 33, barring governmental entities from transactions that support abortion assistance or out-of-state abortion procurement; SB 34, expanding wildfire preparedness measures, studies, equipment databases, and rural fire department funding; SB 1208, increasing the penalty for interference with public duties from a Class B misdemeanor to a state jail felony; SB 1030, removing the maintenance, repair, and overhaul tax for general aviation; SB 505, creating processes to address election irregularities; SB 2411, updating the Business Organizations Code and changing filing-method requirements; and SB 1333, addressing unauthorized entry, occupancy, sale, rental, lease, or conveyance of real property. Most measures advanced on voice vote or recorded roll call after motions to suspend the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule, with several members raising questions or objections, especially on the criminal justice, abortion, and public duties bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just don't know the numbers down to the exact dollar.
• The difference down to the exact dollar.
• >> Um, Northwood I don't remember the exact >> Um, Northwood I don't remember the exact
• <02:21:12.479> curriculum has the expertise to develop curriculum has the expertise to develop
• Uh development recommendation of Yeah.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with approval of the October 15 minutes and a brief discussion of the committee’s report process, including the likelihood of a minority report and a deadline of November 1 for any separate report. Members then heard from Jod Adams of the New Hampshire Alliance for Public Charter Schools, who gave an overview of charter schools in the state: there are 37 charter schools, with 6,034 students last year, and schools are formed by certified teachers, parents, or nonprofit organizations. She said charter schools receive about $9,180 per pupil in adequacy aid and charter school grant funding, must fundraise for additional money, and are governed by their own boards under their charters and bylaws. Members asked about admissions, governance, transportation, and special education. Adams said charter schools are open enrollment, not geographically based, and may use lotteries when applications exceed available seats. She explained that districts and charter schools coordinate on special education and busing, with the sending district responsible for special education coordination and certain transportation obligations depending on where the student lives and attends. She also said charter schools are public schools, not selective, and that each school’s board operates independently of the local district school board, though some schools may have special arrangements. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on funding and statutory obligations. Adams and members discussed how special education aid follows the student, while charter schools do not receive some district-level aid such as catastrophic aid; free and reduced lunch funding and Title funds can go to charter schools. Members also raised concerns that some state laws and administrative rules do not clearly specify whether they apply to charter schools, creating confusion and, in some cases, causing districts to perform services such as dyslexia screening for charter students without additional funding. Adams agreed that clearer statutory language would help and noted that charter schools are subject to many state requirements, including testing and reporting, even though not every public-school rule applies to them.

Transcript Highlights:

• And as we all know, when you start getting into workforce development, you can very quickly get spread
• So this is intended to be something that we get very exact information for what these barriers happen
• number of agencies that actually touch on workforce, whether that's a job placement, workforce development
• Is your thought behind this to help strengthen the other workforce development group?

Bills: HB2929, HB2956, HB2955, HB3128, HB3880, HB4294, HB2970, HB3338, HB3443, HB3783, HB3800, HB3818

Keywords: homeowner insurance, insurance premium, claim history, insurance regulation, at-fault claims, flood insurance, state law, consumer protection, appraisal management, Real Estate Appraiser Board, appraiser registration, background checks, ownership requirements, captive insurance, protected cell, sponsored captive, captive insurer, insurance commissioner, premium tax, dormant captive

Transcript Highlights:

• language but um anyway I the exact language but um anyway I thought<00:15:56.680> that<00:15:
• I forget the exact number, but like 40 to 50 percent of workers on farms are undocumented.
• I forget the exact number, but like 40 to 50 percent of workers on farms are undocumented.
• I forget the exact number, but like 40 to 50 percent of workers on farms are undocumented.
• I forget the exact number, but like 40 to 50 percent of workers on farms are undocumented.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The board is not going to develop an exam without the legislative authority to develop an exam and give
• So unless you say there needs to be this level exam developed, it's not going to happen.
• <00:30:01.360> develop<00:30:01.760> exam<00:30:02.039> and<00:30:02.200>
• to develop exam and give it so unless<00:30:03.480> you<00:30:03.720> say<00:30:04.640
• or even have to be an exam to develop or even have to be an exam we're<00:31:23.440> just<00:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee hearing focused on House Bill 271, which would remove the exam requirement for licensure as a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA). The chair and several members expressed reservations about repealing a requirement that was only created in 2021, arguing that licensure should include some measurable demonstration of competency and that it is too early to judge whether the current standard is working. Members also raised concerns about the social work compact and the lack of uniformity across states, saying that changing the requirement now could undermine the standards New Hampshire agreed to at the outset. Testimony in support of the bill argued that the LSWA exam is a barrier for applicants because the level is intended for people without formal social work education, and the exam is the same national exam used for licensed social workers. The witness said there is only one LSWA in New Hampshire, so there is little pass/fail data, but noted that the Association of Social Worker Boards reported 78% of its membership favored retaining the exam. Supporters also emphasized that LSWA holders complete 30 hours of training and extensive supervised hours, and that they are not intended to work independently. Opponents or skeptics questioned whether the exam is the right measure for this role and asked for data showing actual failures or barriers. The discussion turned to possible alternatives, including a different exam, a practical skills assessment, or broader rulemaking authority for the board to set LSWA criteria. One suggestion was to amend the law to give the board authority to develop appropriate standards in rulemaking, rather than naming a specific exam in statute. Members also discussed whether the board could create a more suitable assessment and noted that the current law requires a national proctored examination approved by the board, but there is no national exam specifically for LSWA. No final vote or action was taken in the excerpt, and the subcommittee indicated it would gather more information, including the existing rule language, before moving the bill forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Franchise Tax Credit IV and the application of sales and use taxes to certain research and development
• Growth issues in the rapidly developing Westlake area, fostering partnerships between local businesses
• C. 2, subsection two, is the exact. exact same language.
• Develop that framework that is important, most importantly safe, and develop the... ...framework to allow
• I literally had no clue that I had to pay more for the exact same treatment.

Bills: HB24, HB45, HB15, HB35, HB38, HB47, HB318, HB349, HB554, HB1359, HB1373, HB1647, HB2254, HB2259, HB2853, HB3073, HB3088, HB353, HB355, HB786, HB762, HB705, HB932, HB849, HB 1160, HB 1119, HB1612, HB3041, HB713, HB3104, HB3970, HB3962, HB5061, HB4042, HB4115, HB4490, HB1731, HB1705, HB2607, HB3556, HB138, HB3689, HB1788, HB1887, HB1914, HB2402, HB2306, HB1809, HB2350, HB3000, HB3237, HB3326, HB3211, HB 1056, HB2081, HB2187, HB3092, HB3308, HB3526, HB3750, HB3527, HB4219, HB4230, HB4290, HB5238, HB4804, HB4749, HCR6, HCR12, HCR34, HCR50, HCR55, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR74, HCR75, HCR78, HCR80, HCR93, HCR100, HCR107, HCR116, HCR117, HCR90, SB1806, SB783, SB1271, SB326, SB1637, SB769, SB897, SB1035, SB1706, SB1185, SB1194, SB384, SB1426, SB1468, SB1215, SB1066, SB599, SB1930, SB2065, SB767, SB1619, SB1738, HB1500, HB718, HB23, HB34, HB 119, HB 128, HB 130, HB132, HB2756, HB166, HB406, HB186, HB331, HB380, HB1583, HB1584, HB621, HB303, HB552, HB366, HB463, HB 1211, HB1327, HB1461, HB923, HB1760, HB2467, HB5333, HB1592, HB1576, HB1552, HB2018, HB3511, HB1781, HB2013, HB2340, HB2508, HB2970, HB865, HB2851, HB3385, HB3336, HB3309, HB 1127, HB 1232, HB1397, HB4236, HB4041, HB1965, HB2730, HB3698, HB3699, HB163, HB201, HB272, HB405, HB519, HB654, HB694, HB791, HB 1136, HB 1240, HB 1266, HB 1275, HB1437, HB1532, HB1675, HB1842, HB1868, HB1894, HB1943, HB1990, HB2029, HB2061, HB2286, HB2523, HB2622, HB2652, HB2692, HB2842, HB2885, HB3016, HB3096, HB3248, HB3255, HB3479, HB3611, HB3623, HB3803, HB3804, HB3805, HB3806, HB3810, HB3816, HB4129, HB4163, HB4187, HB4238, HB4454, HB4588, HB4643, HB4738, HB4739, HB4945, HB5015, HB5616, HB1749, HB1775, HB 118, HB1762, HB2520, HB24, HB45, HB15, HB35, HB38, HB47, HB318, HB349, HB554, HB1359, HB1373, HB1647, HB2254, HB2259, HB2853, HB3073, HB3088, HB353, HB355, HB786, HB762, HB705, HB932, HB849, HB 1160, HB 1119, HB1612, HB3041, HB713, HB3104, HB3970, HB3962, HB5061, HB4042, HB4115, HB4490, HB1731, HB1705, HB2607, HB3556, HB138, HB3689, HB1788, HB1887, HB1914, HB2402, HB2306, HB1809, HB2350, HB3000, HB3237, HB3326, HB3211, HB 1056, HB2081, HB2187, HB3092, HB3308, HB3526, HB3750, HB3527, HB4219, HB4230, HB4290, HB5238, HB4804, HB4749, HCR6, HCR12, HCR34, HCR50, HCR55, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR74, HCR75, HCR78, HCR80, HCR93, HCR100, HCR107, HCR116, HCR117, HCR90

Keywords: zoning, public notice, local government, residential development, protests, peer support, first responders, mental health, confidentiality, emergency services, information network, health services, client referral, data privacy, disaster preparedness, accreditation, community services, sexual assault, victim rights, forensic examination

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, we use that as well to help develop our processes.
• <00:37:43.359> I to help develop our our processes. I to help develop our our processes.
• And so, I don't know if this is the exact right way to go about it.
• <00:41:54.040> I<00:41:54.240> I the exact right way to go about it.
• I I the exact right way to go about it.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I can't, Madam Chair, remember the exact, uh, number, but 133 point something million in 27.
• I can't, Madam Chair, remember the exact, uh, number, but 133 point something million in 27.
• I can't, Madam Chair, remember the exact, uh, number, but 133 point something million in 27.
• <00:54:27.119> same represent culture I had the exact same represent culture I had the exact
• <01:35:02.159> the come on board and be in developing the come on board and be in developing

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So I would have to get back to you on an exact impact on that.
• I would just on an exact impact on that.
• But that's for the industry to develop.
• But that's for the industry to develop.
• know the exact number. know the exact number.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He continued, "So I know they did contact the counties, of course, to develop this, but it was almost
• Representative Southworth said, "They did contact the counties, of course, to develop this, but it was
• 183.95 is the exact average, so if you take 0.5 off... ...having rounded up to 184, it'd be 183.2 or
• I think it is exact—could be done. But we don't have anything, listen, hearing tomorrow.
• For the exact reason we're hearing all this dialogue, I understand why the motion to retain the bill

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met in a work session on revenue estimates and reviewed updated spreadsheet pages for several tax categories, using prior agreements and new testimony to refine FY 2025-2027 estimates. Early discussion covered insurance tax estimates, where members reviewed a letter from the insurance commissioner saying he was comfortable with the numbers provided; the committee accepted those estimates without opposition. Members also discussed utility property tax, with testimony about recent infrastructure buildout, tariffs, depreciation, and the difficulty of forecasting future growth. After debate over whether to use the average of high and low estimates or lean lower, the committee unanimously adopted the utility property tax numbers. The committee then turned to real estate transfer tax and communications tax. For real estate transfer tax, members cited county input, housing market conditions, interest rates, lumber costs, and uncertainty about future policy; they agreed to use the averages and adopted those estimates unanimously. For communications tax, members noted the decline in landline-based revenue and the shift to data services. After discussion of whether to use the low estimate or the average, the committee settled on the average with a small rounding-down adjustment when the figure ended in .5, and adopted the numbers unanimously. The chair also clarified that these estimates remain subject to change until the final resolution is adopted. The committee next accepted interest and dividends estimates as presented, with members noting the decline in that revenue source and the lack of additional information beyond the department’s analysis. Finally, the committee began discussing tobacco tax revenue, with members noting long-term declines in smoking, offsetting effects from out-of-state sales, and a suggestion to take a slightly conservative approach by reducing the average by 0.5. The transcript cuts off during that discussion, so no final vote on tobacco is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I wanted to develop a staff that also helped to support my patient care.
• So he pays $23,000 in New Mexico, $6,000 in Texas. to practice the exact same thing. Okay.
• And of course, what happened is that gave room and time for hesitancy to grow and develop.
• The modern era, and I would put that in quotations, of economic development incentives actually dates
• With contracted economic development studies that show that they will more than pay for themselves.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're trying to develop resources to put them in place. trying to develop resources to put them back
• Community-based homes out there, and other resources need to be developed.
• We are just trying to develop some more placements for children.
• I do not have a detailed sheet that has the exact amount of... sheet that has the exact amount of course
• This is a lovely graph we developed.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• From way back in 2000 when Knowles was first developed.
• Of course, our 4-H Youth Development Program is the largest positive youth development program in the
• However, billing data is not captured in a way that allows analysts to tie exact expenditure amounts
• About $1.7 billion, to be exact, has been appropriated to construction and maintenance.
• And those holes are right back in, right back to the exact thing we tried to do away with.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And these these kind we're developing.
• whole purpose of the water development whole purpose of the water development office<01:18:34.960
• Both of them exact same amendment.
• <02:33:57.680> is The reason it is similar not exact is The reason it is similar not exact
• , 124 engrossed economic development, 124 engrossed economic development, rodeo<02:58:24.960>

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I can't remember the exact number, but it's codified in the bill.
• or developing the educational component that will be seen in schools.
• We are indeed hoping to see more curriculum development in this area.
• You have to possibly retest it again with the exact same.
• So we do try and do career development.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I developed this amendment in conjunction with the author."
• "I developed this amendment in conjunction with the author.
• I failed to say that, and they have the same exact number of appellate court judges we do.
• the benefits of creating a minority business development fund.
• the benefits of creating minority business development fund.

Bills: SCR59, SCR70, HR275, HR279, HR282, HR289, HR307, HCR112, SCR61, SCR62, SCR64, SB121, HR310, HR314, HR316, HR317, HR321, HCR117, SCR5, SCR29, SCR33, SCR37, SCR63, SCR30, SCR40, SCR65, HCR3, HCR49, HCR66, HCR67, HB54, HB137, HB321, HB368, HB386, HB414, HB431, HB552, HB555, HB578, HB590, HB593, HB618, HB638, HB670, HB692, HB707, HB708, HB715, HB718, HB732, HB741, HB748, HB776, HB796, HB807, HB822, HB848, HB856, HB887, HB888, HB917, HB921, HB1082, HB1243, HB1246, HB1, HB2, HB42, HB45, HB71, HB79, HB126, HB133, HB159, HB213, HB218, HB222, HB289, HB291, HB312, HB313, HB324, HB352, HB383, HB398, HB403, HB429, HB457, HB459, HB549, HB571, HB579, HB591, HB608, HB616, HB624, HB766, HB769, HB783, HB804, HB864, HB874, HB909, HB951, HB971, HB983, HB1005, HB1017, HB1051, HB1056, HB1126, HB1186, HB1193, HB1223, HB1224, HB1235, HB1249, SB259, SB295, SB312, SB348, SB444, SB485, SB441, SB149, HB359, SB29, SB43, SB78, HB463, HB998, SB197, SB268, SB123, SB276, SB326, SB80, HB901, HR20, HR74, HCR65, HCR71, HCR98, HB284, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB625, HB646, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1191, HB1240, HB1255, SB82, SB89, SB97, SB479, HB74, HB119, HB134, HB210, HB258, HB468, HB784, HB870, HB953, HB956, HB1117, HB1236, SB42, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB300, SB341, SB379, SB382, SB387, SB401, SB449, SB487

Keywords: Major Richard Star Act, veterans, military retirement, disability compensation, VA benefits, combat-wounded, medically retired, military retirees, service members, veterans benefits, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, concurrent receipt, retirement offset, combat-related disability, bipartisan support, memorial resolution, Congressional memorial, Louisiana delegation, Richard Star

Summary: The House convened with a quorum and opened with prayer by Archbishop Checchio, the pledge, and the national anthem. Members also used personal privilege to recognize visiting officials, university leaders, grocers, Governor’s Fellows, and several special guests and honorees, including Grambling State University for its 125th anniversary, Tiger Athletics, and the Tiger Marching Band, as well as CASA volunteers and advocates. The chamber adopted a number of ceremonial resolutions and made several conference committee appointments and committee discharge motions. The floor then took up a series of Senate and House resolutions, many of which were adopted without objection or after brief debate. These included resolutions creating or studying task forces on topics such as homeowner catastrophe claims and insurance-related litigation, the Louisiana-Ireland Trade Commission, informed consent laws, fiscal note procedures, K-12 student success pathways, and military funding alignment. Members also adopted resolutions on domestic violence protective-order access, flood risk mapping, seismic activity in North Louisiana, illegal dumping enforcement, toll signage and customer service, and other local or commemorative matters. Several Senate resolutions were temporarily returned to the calendar, while others were adopted by recorded vote, including SCR 29, SCR 33, SCR 37, SCR 63, SCR 30, SCR 65, and SCR 40. The House then considered Senate Bill 259, which authorizes an online application process for civil protection orders and restraining orders for domestic violence victims; it passed 93-0. Senate Bill 312, dealing with public-sector labor organizations and dues/withdrawal procedures, prompted extended debate focused on whether the bill unfairly singled out teachers’ unions and whether teachers already have the ability to opt out; the bill ultimately passed 60-38. Senate Bill 348, allowing the City of St. George to contract for administrative assistance in motor-vehicle crash response, passed 84-9 after questions about citations, reports, and the role of third parties. Senate Bill 485, concerning St. George’s municipal fiscal authority and insurance premium taxes, passed 91-0 after an amendment removed new public facility charge authority. The House also debated Senate Bill 197, which would reduce the number of judges on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal from 12 to 10 based on a workload and population study by the National Center for State Courts. Supporters cited the circuit’s smaller population and lower per-judge workload, while questions focused on the study’s publication and whether it actually recommended a reduction. The transcript ends during that debate, before final disposition is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to share that this initiative also supports workforce development.
• I'm here to share that this initiative also supports workforce development.
• We also have workforce development.
• Jack Leuen, State Health Planning and Development Agency in support. >> Uh, chair, members.
• /c> State Council of Development State Council of Development Disabilities<01:21:00.239> who<01

Bills: SB3263, SB3261

Keywords: student-athletes, name image likeness, NIL, compensation, transparency, University of Hawaii, Title IX, funding, protections, athlete agents, student athletes, endorsement contracts, professional representation, registration requirements, sports law, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate Committee on Education and Committee on Health and Human Services heard testimony on several bills related to student health and safety, University of Hawaii programs, and workforce development. For SB 2969, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaii to expand and sustain the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study and Maui Health Registry, testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Witnesses described the ongoing physical and mental health impacts of the August 2023 Maui fires, said the study has identified serious untreated conditions and connected participants to care, and emphasized its role in serving survivors and training students. The committee also heard support from the Department of Health, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Lung Association, Maui residents, and study staff. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then heard SB 2657, which would establish an Alzheimer disease and related dementia research center at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. University of Hawaii and Alzheimer’s Association representatives supported the bill, saying a local center would improve coordination of existing research, build state capacity, and help Hawaii compete for future NIH designation and federal funding. A family member affected by Alzheimer’s also testified in support, citing the disease’s impact in Hawaii. In response to questions, the university said the proposal would follow a five-year phased plan, with the first year funding used to recruit a senior neuroscientist and staff person, at an estimated cost of about $375,000, and that the effort would still strengthen Hawaii’s research infrastructure even if federal funding is not secured. For SB 2612, which clarifies immunity for Department of Education employees and agents who assist students with medication administration under certain conditions, the Department of Education said the bill is intended to protect volunteers and help ensure students can participate in school activities even when staffing is limited. The committee discussed how volunteers would be selected and whether every school would have someone available, and DOE said schools currently rely on health attendants, nurses, and trained volunteers. The committee also briefly discussed liability language and gross negligence exceptions. The hearing then moved to SB 2412, which would fund a bachelor’s degree program in sign language and sign language interpretation at UH Mānoa with a future master’s pathway. Testimony from interpreters, educators, and university officials emphasized the shortage of interpreters, the need to retain local talent, and the program’s role in building a pipeline; university representatives said the initial request would fund a faculty/staff position as a first step, with additional funding needed later. No final committee action or votes were announced in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:48:24.280> same yes yes yeah that's the exact same yes yes yeah that's the exact same
• But I didn't get an exact reason. They just said, 'We want to withdraw our request.' Interesting.
• slotted for I don't have the exact slotted for I don't have the exact numbers<04:06:40.399> of
• <04:06:41.600> well numbers of if you're mean exact well numbers of if you're mean exact well
• Um, what we put into it to address the mold last year, I can't recall the exact amount last year.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Department of Administrative Services presented its capital budget process and priorities, explaining how agencies assess facility needs, rank projects, and submit requests to the governor’s office. DAS described its Plant and Property division, which maintains 96 state buildings, and Public Works, which develops detailed cost estimates for selected projects. Officials said the governor’s office has traditionally narrowed requests into priority tiers, but this year all projects were estimated, creating more work and less detail. They also emphasized that the capital budget book functions as legislative intent and can be binding on how approved funds are used. On the substance of the request, DAS highlighted several priorities: continued funding for the state ERP system upgrade to the cloud, with about $5 million requested for sustainability and related Treasury functions; emergency fund and annex renovation work; a sprinkler replacement at DMV; and elevator repairs at the main building. Karen Rocky also identified maintenance projects that rose in priority after a facility condition assessment, including HVAC work for Portsmouth Circuit Court and Coos County Courthouse, boilers and controls for Carroll County and Lebanon Circuit Court, brick repointing at the main building and annex, window replacement at Spalding, and Brown building elevator replacement. Officials noted that the governor’s proposed capital budget included fewer DAS projects than in past years and no projects for the Bureau of Court Facilities. The committee also discussed lapses and reprogramming of prior appropriations. DAS said the first eight projects approved in 2023 remain under construction and should be extended, while many 2021 projects are delayed because of ARPA-related workload and broader construction backlogs. Members reviewed a 2019 project list and agreed to lapse project number 49, the Spalding roof project, with about $81,000 remaining. DAS also said some small 2019 balances, including courthouse generators, a boiler, cooling and controls, roof and exterior repairs, and the State House Annex elevator, could be redirected through Capital Budget Overview toward the Hillsboro County South Cell Block project. The hearing ended with questions about project schedules, ARPA deadlines, and the division of authority between DoIT and DAS for the ERP system.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Director of Planning and Development Services for Bernalillo County.
• They're also not put to economic development use because they're contaminated sites.
• I serve as division director of the Marketing and Development Division.
• If I can bring Jason up to bring up the exact numbers, that would be great. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• If I can bring Jason you up to bring up the exact numbers, that would be great.

Bills: SB66, SB79, SB108

Keywords: environment, cleanup, contamination, uranium mining, abandoned sites, state funding, mosquito control, public health, surveillance, prevention funds, local government grants, food security, agriculture, food bank, regional program, appropriation, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• will cover 13 staff augmentation members for architecture, database design, business analysis, and development
• So this would help develop the infrastructure for... ...ambulances, for ambulance services, 124 public
• Again, and we've developed a runway for people to give people more time to find alternative sources.
• So in terms of the exact dollar amounts, we can provide those to you because I don't want to provide
• So in terms of the exact dollar amounts, we can provide those to you because I don't want to provide

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard a presentation on the governor’s proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget for the health and human services silo, which totals $48.5 billion. Agency leaders outlined major requests for AHCA, APD, DCF, DOEA, DOH, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, including behavioral health redesign, Medicaid rate changes, developmental disability services, child welfare and opioid programs, senior services, cancer research, public health initiatives, and veterans’ facility and technology needs. The committee also received an overview of the overall state budget, which was described as $117.4 billion, up 1.1% from the current year. AHCA’s presentation focused on $71.6 million for a Medicaid behavioral health redesign, including funding for residential treatment, a serious mental illness waiver, and higher inpatient psychiatric rates for youth, plus $7.1 million to raise private duty nursing reimbursement in fee-for-service Medicaid, $2.5 million for the background screening clearinghouse, and $124.4 million for the Health Care Connection System (FX). APD requested funding to continue moving people off the pre-enrollment list and to support developmental disability centers, a new forensic facility, an electronic health record system, and higher operating costs. DCF highlighted $81.9 million for eligibility and system integrity, $187.5 million for opioid prevention and treatment, $35.5 million for community-based care lead agencies, and $72.7 million to expand behavioral health bed capacity, including 474 new beds at state hospitals. DOEA sought additional funding for Alzheimer’s services, home care, and community care for the elderly. DOH emphasized $278 million for cancer research and innovation, $5 million for food and product safety testing, $5 million for the Florida FIRST blood-on-ambulance initiative, and $5.7 million for a public lab feasibility study. Veterans Affairs requested funds for facility improvements, cybersecurity, and medication management equipment. Members asked detailed questions about several items, especially the proposed changes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), which would reduce eligibility and the number of people served. Senators and public witnesses criticized the lack of transparency and urged the department to pause the changes and work with stakeholders; the Surgeon General said the issue was driven by funding constraints and federal changes, not a legal barrier, and that the agency was exploring alternatives. Questions also addressed the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, the Kids Care/CHIP expansion implementation, the cancer research funding structure, and the timeline and cost of the FX system. Public testimony focused heavily on ADAP, with speakers warning that thousands could lose medication access and calling for community involvement and a review of the program’s finances. The committee adjourned after the presentations and questions, with no votes taken on the budget items during this meeting.