Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Deputy Director for Legislative Affairs with the Department of Water Resources.
• I'm Sonia Pettig with the Legislative Analyst's Office, and I know that my colleague, Ms.
• I can give you the quick update on those if you'd like. I mentioned the Sites Project.
• I'm the Deputy Director for Legislative Affairs with the Department of Water Resources.
• Can you give us a quick update in terms of how you're gonna handle that?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have complete faith in the legislative system.
• a reason the governor added water to be a strategic legislative priority this legislative session in
• There's not updated GAM reports from 2014?
• There is not an updated GAM model and there is not an updated TERS model or report.
• the website appropriately. us with an updated.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• While legislative support with legislative support, Veterans Community Health has expanded suicide prevention
• While legislative<00:02:04.799> support<00:02:05.280> with<00:02:05.520> legislative
• developed in response to legislative developed in response to legislative direction<00:05:21.919
• and update the plan as we see what we're seeing, what works, what doesn't.
• <00:17:44.559> the to update the legislature and update the to update the legislature and

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:42.919> auditor last week with the legislative auditor last week with the legislative
• <00:26:01.159> by updates by updates by ogm<00:26:03.240> the<00:26:03.440> work
• pre-award risk assessment ogm updated pre-award risk assessment ogm updated over<00:27:09.760>
• legisl uh legislation we uh appropriated legisl uh legislation we uh appropriated resources<00:32
• legislative legislative auditor<00:55:07.359> talking<00:55:07.760> about<00:55:08.240

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• isn't updating those ordinances.
• No, we don't need this legislation at all. There's nothing in this legislation... ...you're saying.
• No, we don't need this legislation at all.
• So if the state wants to update the ordinances and the statutes that say 18 right now, this legislation
• Missouri has not updated their state statutes, and this bill is not updating the statutes that say 18

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the ask as part of the legislation was to take a look at our repair and maintenance needs as well
• Certain uses within state parks through that legislation were prevented.
• So you have your plan, how often are they updated? Mr. Bradner, you're recognized.
• Plans are updated every 10 years. Every 10 years. So...
• So I'll have to get back with you on why those were not updated. Okay, I'm just...

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's a lot happening in this piece of legislation.
• Did you review the DEP's updated report that we asked them to update as part of a bill amended by Senator
• Did you review the DEP's updated report that we asked them to update as part of a bill amended by Senator
• I'm sure that it would be the same with this piece of legislation also.
• I'm sorry, that is not the way that we need to be legislating.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge, and heard several member introductions before moving to the special order calendar. The chamber first took up SB 200/HB 295 on a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan, which directs DEP to develop a statewide recycling strategy by 2026 with stakeholder input and a three-year implementation roadmap; the House bill was substituted and passed 38-0. Senators then approved CS/CS/SB 492 on mitigation banking and land development after adopting two McLean amendments, including one on out-of-service credits and another incorporating phosphate mining lands provisions; the bill passed 35-3 after debate over possible constitutional issues. CS/SB 494 on aggravated animal cruelty was also amended and substituted with the House companion to add a searchable FDLE database of convicted animal abusers and a sentencing multiplier, with an agriculture-related exemption; it passed 37-0. The Senate next passed CS/CS/SB 500/HB 711 creating the Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism, including training and coordinated alert procedures, with a House amendment to align implementation timing and funding; it passed 37-0. CS/CS/SB 524/HB 1089 added Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening tests and passed 36-0. CS/CS/SB 592/HB 393 revised the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program by lowering approval thresholds, clarifying eligibility and ownership issues, and adding sliding-door wind-driven rain mitigation devices; it passed 37-0 after discussion about funding and insurance premium credits. CS/SB 742/HB 1145 on workforce education allowed charter schools direct access to grant funding and expanded money-back guarantees for certain programs, and it passed 37-0. CS/CS/SB 822/HB 443 on charter schools generated extensive debate and multiple amendments, including a Jones amendment requiring parent acknowledgment of school rules; the bill would expand charter autonomy, reporting flexibility, enrollment capacity, and governance provisions, and it was placed on the calendar for third reading after the amendment process. Later, the Senate passed HB 827 on a statewide study of automation and workforce impact, which would examine job displacement, wages, vulnerable regions, and training needs, by a 35-0 vote. It also passed CS/CS/SB 964/HB 181 on parole guidelines, CS/SB 976/HB 901 on court-appointed psychologists, and CS/SB 1084/HB 1451 on sexual cyber harassment and digitally forged intimate images, all unanimously. CS/CS/SB 1156 on a Home Health Aid for Medically Fragile Children Program was amended to clarify training requirements and passed 37-0 after supportive debate about helping parents care for medically fragile children. Finally, CS/CS/CS/SB 1240/HB 1091 on substance abuse and mental health care was amended to allow designated facilities to retain certain stabilized patients during the 72-hour involuntary examination period and passed 37-0. Several other bills were temporarily postponed, and the chamber also recognized guests and interns throughout the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is currently a legislatively... created hurdle.
• Next legislative session, the 30-day session, to then create with legislation these changes that are
• That's not $7 billion of local legislative capital outlay.
• But I can get you an update on where they're at. The other part, Mr.
• I have a question about suspending the legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Why not us as a legislative body? So I'm interested in that.
• offered by this body like any other piece of legislation.
• Why aren't we including the judicial and legislative branches in that?
• But we have the fiduciary duty as legislators.
• To Apple Maps, cool, but we have the fiduciary duty as legislators.

Summary: The committee heard and approved several measures. HB 735 expanded Florida’s boating improvement program to fund parking for boat trailers at public ramps and offered a 10% sovereign submerged land lease discount for manufacturers using environmental best management practices; it passed unanimously. HB 4021 expanded the North River Ranch Improvement Stewardship District in Manatee County by 640 acres and was reported favorably. CS for HB 371, which promotes nature-based methods and green/gray infrastructure for coastal resilience, also passed unanimously after supportive testimony from resilience and environmental groups and committee members. The committee then took up HJR 1325, a proposed constitutional amendment to create an elected Commissioner of Government Efficiency (COGE) with authority to audit, investigate, and report on waste, fraud, and abuse in state and local government. The proposal would eliminate the lieutenant governor position, the Government Efficiency Task Force, and the legislature’s current auditor appointment, with many implementation details deferred to a future bill. Members debated the scope of the new office, its relationship to the Auditor General and inspectors general, whether it should cover the legislative and judicial branches, staffing, and the comparison to federal DOGE efforts. An amendment making a minor wording change was adopted, and the resolution passed 23-? with a favorable report after a split vote. The committee also approved two Gulf of America bills. HB 575 redesignated the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, and CS for HB 549 required Florida’s academic standards and newly adopted instructional materials to reflect the federal designation for materials acquired on or after July 1, 2025. Both measures drew criticism from members who argued the renaming was politically motivated, historically insensitive, and potentially confusing for students, while supporters said Florida should align with federal action. HB 575 passed and CS for HB 549 passed 18-7. Finally, HB 4071, a local bill adjusting the boundary between Coral Springs and Parkland in Broward County by about 8.7 acres, was amended and reported favorably with support from both cities and the Broward delegation.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we move into page number two, we'll have here the update of the forecast.
• Now with the updated forecast by DF&A, there's an expected surplus of $334 million.
• The subcommittee received agency updates.
• So we did not file that legislation. We worked on it.
• And so I think you should expect that in the next legislative session.

Summary: The council opened with a prayer, approved the prior meeting minutes, and received the February 2026 Monthly Revenue Report from Carlos Silva of the Bureau of Legislative Research. He reported gross revenues of $5.36 billion and net collections of $4.5 billion, both above the prior year to date, and said the updated forecast now shows a larger expected surplus. Members asked about declines in some tax categories, natural gas severance fee fluctuations, inflation, and economic development incentives; Silva attributed several changes to timing, refunds, tax cuts, weather, and price volatility, and generally described the state’s revenue trend as positive. The Executive Committee, Administrative Rules, Claims Review, Game and Fish, Higher Education, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Medicaid studies, Occupational Licensing Review, State Insurance Programs Oversight, and other subcommittee reports were adopted. The Medicaid studies report drew extended discussion about DHS staffing and contract nursing costs at state hospitals and human development centers; DHS officials said they were working on a recruitment and retention plan, reported significant vacancies and turnover, and said the state was not at risk of overspending the contracts. Several members urged reducing reliance on contract labor and moving staff onto state payrolls. The Review Subcommittee report prompted questions about a Department of Public Safety aircraft maintenance item and a Department of Shared Administrative Services contract for Deloitte to implement performance and goals management software tied to the state’s new personnel system. After discussion, the aircraft maintenance item was held briefly and then withdrawn from the hold, while the shared services contract was explained as a one-time integration/configuration project for a system that will support employee evaluations and performance-based pay; the report and the separate contract vote were approved. The Personnel Subcommittee also heard testimony from Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald about reductions in force at the Division of Services for the Blind, which he attributed to funding shortfalls and fiscal mismanagement; members questioned the impact on blind and visually impaired clients, the status of board appointments, and whether federal funds could be at risk. The report was adopted with immediate consideration, and the meeting ended after filing the remaining APER report and adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that brings me to the bottom of the page with the oil update. There.
• And that brings me to the bottom of the page with the oil update.
• This was far less than what we had originally thought in the legislative session.
• And then also on that page we do have a link to our updated trust fund analyses, and in that updated
• And then we also have updated projections for the 25-27 biennium. Mr.

Summary: The Budget Section met to approve prior minutes and receive a series of budget, revenue, and program updates from OMB, the Tax Department, DOT, DMR, and DPI. OMB reported that general fund revenues through May were about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls, though the biennium is still projected to end with a positive balance. OMB also reviewed oil price and production assumptions, the budget stabilization fund transfer above its cap, Legacy Fund performance, federal grant applications, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting that most of the settlement funds had been deposited but a small amount of accrued interest would require a future deficiency request. The committee then considered Emergency Commission requests. It approved requests for Public Service Commission abandoned mine lands federal authority, an Attorney General FTE and related funding for criminal investigator work tied to the Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. After discussion, the committee also approved DPI’s request for a $500,000 transfer for the food vendor program, despite questions about the program’s savings and cash-flow structure. Later, the Tax Commissioner presented the primary residence credit program, reporting that current biennium costs are expected to exceed the appropriation by about $22 million and explaining how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran credits and the 3% property tax levy cap. The Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board reported strong returns for both funds, and DOT sought and received approval for two flexible fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. DOT also updated members on Highway 85 construction and said remaining flex fund dollars were essentially fully allocated. DMR reported on the abandoned well plugging and site reclamation fund, noting North Dakota’s relatively small orphan well inventory, current and projected fund balances, rising remediation costs, and a possible need to adjust the fund cap in future sessions. Finally, DPI outlined the new integrated formula gap funding program, explaining that it compensates school districts that cannot reach the assumed 60-mill local contribution because of the 3% levy cap; the first year’s gap funding totaled about $1.8 million, with future costs expected to grow.

Transcript Highlights:

• welcome to the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs fourth public hearing of the 2025-26 legislative
• We'll hear some important legislation regarding different ways that our Commonwealth recognizes the sacrifices
• , updating, and aligning the Commonwealth’s definition of veteran.
• This legislation seeks to correct that oversight.
• , and I ultimately think, from a legislative advocacy standpoint, I think that hurts.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs held its fourth public hearing of the 2025-26 session on recognitions, definitions, and designations related to veterans. Chairs John Velis and Joseph McGonagle opened the hybrid hearing with housekeeping rules and noted the committee’s reporting deadlines. The hearing focused on several bills honoring veterans and military-related service, including H. 3825 to include reserve components in flag half-staff recognition for service members killed in action, S. 2499 to place a State House marker honoring three Medal of Honor recipients from the war on terror, S. 2498 to add Merchant Marine recognition at veterans cemeteries and the State House and create a Massachusetts merchant mariner medal, and H. 2500/S. 2500 to have Massachusetts fly the Honor and Remember flag for Gold Star families and fallen service members. A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 3871 and S. 2467, which would update the Commonwealth’s definition of “veteran.” Testimony came from the Office of Veterans Services, veterans organizations, Public Health Service and NOAA representatives, National Guard and Reserve veterans, and Gold Star advocates. Witnesses argued the current state definition is inconsistent with federal law and excludes some service members who should be recognized, especially members of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, reservists, and some National Guard members. Supporters said the bills would improve fairness, consistency, and access to benefits and services, while several speakers emphasized that service in uniform should be honored regardless of branch. Some testimony also urged a broader moral recognition of all who raised their right hand, while others focused on aligning state law with federal definitions and closing gaps in eligibility. Committee members asked questions about the practical and fiscal effects of broadening the definition, including how the proposed language would interact with existing federal standards and state benefit programs. Witnesses explained that the bills would remove the current 180-day and 90-day active-service calculations and instead recognize certain active service and six-year reserve or Guard commitments, though some members noted that this could create a broader state standard than the federal one. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing, and the committee concluded after hearing from the final witness and adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• That remains the goal of this legislation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• And so I guess the intent of your legislation is to make sure or ensure or prevent.
• Starlab Space Base in Webster is fully in favor of this important legislation.
• Members, um, as you know, during the last legislative session.
• However, that legislation did not explicitly limit the court's jurisdiction.

Transcript Highlights:

• That remains the goal of this legislation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Since 2003, when the code was adopted, we've had bills in the legislative session to update and improve
• Starlab Space in Webster is fully in favor of this important legislation.
• I expressed this legislation and found it to be a very helpful bill.
• So yeah, I think it's a great piece of legislation. Thank you.

Bills: HB5621, HB4904, HB5067, HB5076, HB5081, HB5354, HB4862, HB3847, HB4088, HB4157, HB2966, HB2287, HB4203, HB4803, HB4737, HB5093, HB783, HB5411, HB4281

Keywords: HB 5621, consumer protection, Deceptive Trade Practices Act, DTPA, Business & Commerce Code, attorney general, consumer protection division, district attorney, county attorney, local prosecutor, civil investigative demand, CID, voluntary compliance, financial institution records, bank records, privacy, protective order, in camera review, trade secrets, insurer

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:49.000> action, Unless modified by a legislative action, Unless modified by a legislative
• Or, as you replace things, you want to keep it updated.
• Or, as you replace things, you want to keep it updated.
• Or, as you replace things, you want to keep it updated.
• and that's been in KSBA's legislative and that's been in KSBA's legislative priorities<01:20:16.560

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Budget Process 00:02:28 Allotment Process 00:10:30 School Facilities Construction Commission 00:29:10 Role of KDE in School Facilities Funding 00:47:00 Kentucky School Boards Association 01:13:25 Elementary and Secondary School Construction 01:20:40 Perkins V Funding 01:35:32, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Since its formation, the working group has convened numerous public meetings to receive updates from
• allow<00:50:00.960> for legislative proposal will allow for legislative proposal will
• Thank you for being here and for keeping us posted and updated.
• And we need to see that those... keeping us posted and and updated.
• I keeping us posted and and updated.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Act 279 working group met for an informational briefing with DHHL on its use of the $600 million appropriation and progress on the department’s implementation plan. The chair reviewed the working group’s oversight role, noting that it was created to monitor expenditures, project development, and progress toward reducing the Hawaiian Homes waitlist, and that the group must submit a progress report before the 2026 session and a final report before the 2027 session. DHHL said it had provided an updated booklet reflecting the Hawaiian Homes Commission’s February 2024 recommendations and a detailed accounting of encumbrances and project progress across the islands. DHHL highlighted several implementation themes: innovative financing and construction methods, land acquisitions and exchanges, technology, beneficiary services, and partnerships with counties and private entities. The department described a “project lease” model that gives beneficiaries access to a project rather than a specific lot, with options such as turnkey homes, owner-builder, self-help, or rent-to-purchase arrangements depending on financial qualification. Officials said this approach is intended to serve lower-income beneficiaries, expand access for people on the waitlist, and allow beneficiaries to receive support services such as financial literacy and down payment assistance. The department reported that roughly $511 million had been encumbered for infrastructure, about $152.8 million for acquisitions, financing, and beneficiary services, and about $36 million in other covered costs, with about $588.9 million encumbered as of December 31 and about $120 million expected to be spent by that date. Officials said the original implementation plan covered about 2,722 units, while the updated plan projects roughly 6,000 to 7,000 leases and 2,472 lots to be occupied. They also described phase-two needs for additional funding, including projects on Hawaiʻi, Maui, Kauaʻi, and Oʻahu, and said they would need continued legislative support, including possible bonding and private activity bond set-asides, to complete remaining projects. Members discussed the distinction between encumbered and spent funds, and DHHL explained that encumbrances reserve money for specific contracts while construction spending occurs over time through progress payments. The department also showcased examples of innovative projects, including a high-rise project in urban Honolulu financed through a mix of private activity bonds, tax credits, and state funds, and an acquisition-based project in Kapaʻa, Kauaʻi using multiple funding sources. DHHL emphasized partnerships with the City and County of Honolulu and Maui County, and said it is still assessing future projects to keep infrastructure costs manageable and ensure homes are safe and affordable for beneficiaries.

Transcript Highlights:

• The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that PBM audits of pharmacies are conducted uniformly.
• Chair, thank you, senators, thank you for taking up this important legislation today in the committee
• Senate Bill 598 also updates the handling of unclaimed human remains, allowing licensed providers to
• I want to thank all the folks that were involved with this legislation.
• Legislation passed last year recognizing gold and silver as legal tender is implemented in July.

Summary: The Banking and Insurance Committee took up several bills, beginning with CS/SB 326, which modernizes Florida’s curator statute in probate law by clarifying when curators may be appointed, what they may do, and the oversight required. The bill was reported favorably without opposition. The committee then heard SB 1256 on pharmacy audits, which would require PBM audits of pharmacies to follow uniform standards and provide due process protections; pharmacists testified in support, describing current audits as burdensome and conflicted. That bill was also reported favorably. Members next considered CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services. An amendment was adopted removing provisions on civil damage caps and phasing out direct disposers, and the bill was then reported favorably. SB 632, dealing with transportation network company insurance, would set coverage requirements for the period after a ride is accepted but before pickup; an opponent argued the existing insurance framework should not be reduced, but the bill passed on a divided vote and was reported favorably. CS/SB 786 on trusts, creating a nonjudicial process to close uncontested trusts and discharge trustees, was supported by banking and legal groups and reported favorably. The committee then took up CS/SB 1110 on Medicaid, health insurance, and HMO coverage for orthotics and prosthetics. A delete-all amendment clarified eligible recipients, and the bill drew extensive emotional testimony from amputees, parents, and advocates describing the high cost of activity limbs and the benefits for children’s health and participation. Several senators praised the testimony and the policy, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1588 on legal tender refined last session’s gold-and-silver law, and SPB 7044 created related public-records exemptions for custodians of gold and silver; both were reported favorably, with SPB 7044 adopted as a committee bill. The meeting ended with senators recording additional affirmative votes on selected bills and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that brings me to the bottom of the page with the oil update.
• It was being talked about during that legislative session, but it hadn't passed yet.
• This was far less than what we had originally thought in the legislative session.
• And then also on that page we do have a link to our updated trust fund analyses, and in that updated
• We also have updated projections for the 25-27 biennium. Mr.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And, legislative and conservation director, conservation.
• We've heard arguments for and against this legislation today.
• If that's the case, it sounds like there's a great incentive to update the law.
• And, uh, I'm, I'm the legislative chair for that, uh, for the legislative committee there for Texas Rural
• So we can legislate that. It won't happen.

Bills: HB206

Keywords: HB206, school district bonds, bond election, voter approval, Education Code, Chapter 45, Section 45.003, Section 45.0034, Texas schools, school finance, local tax election, bond referendum, school construction, capital improvements, election frequency, five-year waiting period, district bonds, public school funding

Transcript Highlights:

• We're updating it continually.
• We've updated our provider manual. We've notified providers through emails.
• Um but we've updated it's federal law.
• There's a of, legislators are a part of.
• :36:19.360> empower<01:36:19.760> the we draft legislation, we empower the we draft legislation

Keywords: 1183, house