Transcript Highlights:

• I want to ask you specifically about the Teleconnect Fund.
• I want to ask you specifically about the Teleconnect Fund.
• We want to make sure that we meet the timelines associated with those funds.
• This funding is no different than any other set of funding that school districts receive.
• This funding is no different than any other set of funding that school districts receive.

Summary: The Communications and Conveyance Committee held an oversight hearing on the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), focused on telecommunications, broadband deployment, resiliency, and the California Teleconnect Fund. Chair Tasha Boerner said the hearing was intended to examine structural issues at the CPUC, including whether telecommunications oversight should remain within the commission, while also reviewing major programs such as Last Mile, BEAD, carrier of last resort, and emergency preparedness. CPUC President John Reynolds and Deputy Executive Director Anna Maria Johnson described the commission’s work on public safety, universal service, broadband grants, Lifeline modernization, and network resiliency, including the 72-hour backup power requirement and merger review. Members questioned CPUC officials about the pace and metrics for Last Mile and BEAD projects, the relationship between middle-mile and last-mile buildout, and how the commission balances carrier obligations with the risk of driving providers out of high-cost areas. They also pressed the CPUC on the California Lifeline home broadband pilot, asking when enrollment would be available, which providers were participating, how much of the state would be covered, and what the surcharge impact would be. CPUC said 15 providers had been approved, one was already serving customers, and the rest were still onboarding, and it committed to provide follow-up information on timelines, coverage, and costs. A major portion of the hearing centered on the California Teleconnect Fund and proposed changes to how schools would access the program. Superintendent Tony Thurmond argued strongly against shifting administration from county offices of education and districts to individual schools, saying it would add burden, worsen inequities, and risk underuse of a valuable broadband subsidy. Committee members echoed concerns that smaller schools and districts may lack the staff to manage direct applications and reporting. In public comment, the Los Angeles County Office of Education supported the CDE’s position and urged changes that would align the program more closely with E-Rate and reduce administrative burdens. No formal vote was taken, and Chair Boerner closed by saying she remained committed to pursuing reforms to the CPUC and referenced her bills AB 2289 and ACA 9.

Transcript Highlights:

• through the school funding formula, who tops off the school funding formula if a school in a county
• The funding formula, as you know, is mainly funded through car tax.
• , how will that impact their ability to fund needed infrastructure?
• In fact, I believe we have a fund that's called the County Roads Fund.
• Into rural areas.

Bills: SB2102 , SB1940 , SB1625 , SB1442 , SB1623 , SB1242 , SB1949 , SB1592 , SB1913 , SB592 , SB992 , SB1241 , SB259 , SB1928 , SB1426 , SB1531 , SB1561 , SB1122

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, roll call, and several floor and gallery introductions recognizing the Doctor of the Day, Nurse of the Day, Mid-America Christian University, the Oklahoma Truckers Association, Leadership Wagoner County, the Broken Arrow Chamber, and an intern. The chamber then took up several bills in general order. Senate Bill 1426, requested by the Department of Human Services, would limit referrals to district attorneys to substantiated findings of abuse of vulnerable adults; it passed unanimously, 44-0. Senate Bill 1531 was presented as a placeholder vehicle for possible future FAA action on drones and unmanned aircraft, with questions focused on why the bill was being kept open and what language might later be added. It passed 33-12. Senate Bill 1561 would allow EMTs to be subject to progressive discipline for drug or other violations instead of automatic license revocation; it passed 46-0. The most extensive debate centered on Senate Bill 1122, which lowers the ad valorem assessment rate for broadband providers from 22.85% to 15% and was described by supporters as a way to create parity, encourage broadband expansion, and keep providers investing in rural Oklahoma. Opponents argued it would give a tax break to large legacy broadband companies, reduce county revenue by an estimated $20 million, and do little for homeowners, farmers, or other taxpayers facing property tax pressure. After extended questioning and debate, the bill passed 28-19. The Senate also laid over SB 1555, heard announcements, and adjourned until Monday, March 9 at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Alicia Keeter, Florida Rural Water Association.
• Alicia Keeter, Florida Rural Water Association.
• Alicia Keeter, Florida Rural Water Association.
• Alicia Keeter, Florida Rural Water.
• The bill even bars government funds from paying dues.

Bills: S0558 , S1294 , S1468 , S1474 , S1682 , S1628

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Keywords: stormwater systems, environmental standards, municipal infrastructure, engineering certifications, local compliance, Florida Department of Transportation, biosolids, agronomic rate, land application, environmental protection, Florida statutes, nutrient management, recordkeeping, farming, compost products, wastewater treatment, environment, sewage disposal, pollution control, reporting requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• Fund.
• funding formulas and higher education funds.
• To serve rural Texas patients, we respectfully request mission-specific funding for clinical support.
• Since formula funding is the primary way Lamar is funded and carrying additional funding through this
• inflation as well as funding funding for Texas grants programs.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:

• 8% of the monies available in the fund.
• It gives single-family and multifamily dwelling property preference in funding awards.
• Tell me how it's funded. Twenty million dollars up front of general fund dollars. Is that correct?
• That would go to the general fund. Twenty million dollars is being diverted to this authority.
• But yes, that's how it would be funded. Mr. Chairman, it's not a new tax. It's existing.

Committee: House House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard three measures. HB 2013 would require the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to submit an exceptional event demonstration to the EPA when wildfire smoke from federally managed land affects the state. The sponsor said it would help Arizona avoid penalties tied to uncontrollable wildfire events and could ease pressure on air-quality compliance; Sierra Club opposed it, arguing the bill could create unnecessary filings and burdens, while ADEQ was neutral. The committee voted 5-1 to give HB 2013 a due pass recommendation. HB 2292, as amended, would create the Wildfire Mitigation and Risk Reduction Authority and fund under the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, with the amendment renaming the authority, capping administrative costs at 8%, and prioritizing funding for single-family and multifamily dwellings. Supporters from Coconino County and the County Supervisors Association said the program would help reduce wildfire risk, support community hardening, and address rising homeowners insurance costs by redirecting $20 million from existing insurance premium tax revenues; members clarified it was not a new tax. The committee adopted the amendment and then approved the bill 8-0. HCM 2011 urges Congress to pass federal legislation to delist the Mexican wolf, defund the reintroduction program, and transfer management to local authorities. Supporters said ranchers have been harmed by wolf predation and that delisting is overdue, while Sierra Club opposed the memorial, saying the species remains under-recovered and decisions should be based on science. The committee approved the memorial 5-2 and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:12:35.920><c> um</c> Bentley Fund.
• It's a fund for um Bentley Fund.
• They now have what these rural health clinics.
• They now have what these rural health clinics.
• <00:24:48.640><c> areas</c><00:24:49.120><c> and</c> rural areas and rural areas and But,<00:24:50.920

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and first took up Senate Joint Resolution 116, sponsored by President Stivers. The resolution directs the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville, and Eastern Kentucky University to work over the next year on a statewide framework to improve health care access, especially in underserved and unserved areas. Members discussed physician shortages, maldistribution of doctors, recruitment and retention, loan forgiveness, scholarships, technology, and the connection between health care access and economic development in rural Kentucky. The resolution was reported favorably on a unanimous roll call vote. The committee then considered Senate Bill 116, relating to physician assistants and a shift from a supervisory to a collaborative practice model. The sponsor and PA witnesses explained that the bill was heavily revised through a committee substitute after discussions with the Kentucky Medical Association, physicians, and hospitals. They said the substitute keeps physician supervision in place while allowing health care teams to function more efficiently, and they emphasized that the bill is intended to improve access to care, particularly in rural areas with few doctors. Some members supported the compromise and the collaboration, while others raised concerns that expanding PA practice could worsen long-term physician shortages or reduce incentives for doctors to practice in rural Kentucky. The bill passed the committee 7-2 with favorable expression.

Transcript Highlights:

• for funding the SSCCs.
• Our family navigators are philanthropically funded.
• the true cost of rural service.
• We were talking about rates earlier in funding.
• You're talking about funding.

Bills: SB596 , SB961 , SB1398 , SB1183 , SB1952

Committee: House Human Services

Keywords: DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child protective services, foster care, child welfare, Family Code, conservatorship, managing conservator, parental child safety placement, authorization agreement, temporary authorization order, child abuse, child neglect, placement reporting, court-ordered removal, investigation, family preservation, transparency, public reporting, data reporting

Transcript Highlights:

• This was a project that was funded through Florida Forever funding, and that Conservation Florida worked
• This was a project that was funded through Florida Forever funding, and that Conservation Florida worked
• Now, thanks to your leadership in funding these programs...
• And we've seen interest when they do that, including with Rural and Family Lands funding.
• You helped fund the nation's best bee lab in the country.

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture heard two informational presentations before taking up legislation. Tracy Dean of Conservation Florida described the organization’s work protecting wild and working lands, especially ranch and timber lands within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and argued that agricultural conservation easements are essential to preserving habitat, water resources, family farms, and the corridor itself. Senators discussed how conservation easements can help family operations remain viable across generations, and Dean emphasized strong demand for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and Florida Forever funding. Dr. Jamie Ellis of the University of Florida then gave a detailed presentation on honeybees, their role in pollination and Florida agriculture, and major threats such as Varroa mites, queen quality, nutrition issues, hurricanes, and the yellow-legged hornet; senators asked about colony losses, pollination alternatives, and the economic importance of beekeeping in Florida. The committee then considered SB 210 on animal cremation, sponsored by Senator Harrell. The bill was described as a response to a case involving mishandled pet cremation and would require crematories to provide clear disclosures about services, prohibit false or misleading information, and authorize civil penalties enforced by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. Next, the committee took up SJR 318, a joint resolution by Chair Truenow creating a proposed ad valorem tax exemption for tangible personal property used in agricultural production or agritourism on agricultural land and owned by the landowner or leaseholder. Several industry and agency representatives appeared in support, and the resolution was also reported favorably by unanimous vote. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment motioned by Senator Rouson.

Transcript Highlights:

• It allocates $80.9 billion in all funds and fully funds school district entitlements.
• funds.
• I represent 13 rural counties and one non-rural county.
• We just don't fund it.
• He said, It's never been funded.

Bills: SCR8 , SCR25 , SB1 , SB14 , SB24 , SB213 , SB251 , SB315 , SB371 , SB378 , SB379 , SB406 , SB413 , SB472 , SB487 , SB502 , SB502 , SB509 , SB513 , SB513 , SB565 , SB565 , SB583 , SB608 , SB621 , SB650 , SB686 , SB686 , SB707 , SB710 , SB710 , SB761 , SB761 , SB810 , SB815 , SB840 , SB856 , SB875 , SB875 , SB896 , SB896 , SB916 , SB925 , SB958 , SB958 , SB961 , SB965 , SB965 , SB973 , SB973 , SB987 , SB990 , SB995 , SB1018 , SB1019 , SB1146 , SB1146 , SB1198 , SB1252 , SB1252 , SB1253 , SB1253 , SB1330 , SB1343 , SB1362 , SB1499 , SB1499 , SB1532 , SB1532 , SB1547 , SB1547 , SB1555 , SB1596 , SB1596 , SJR36 , SJR12 , SJR57 , SCR25 , SCR22 , SCR12 , SCR8 , SB565 , SB765 , SB62 , SB666 , SB707 , SB888 , SB687 , SB847 , SB1248 , SB14 , SB1006 , SB504 , SB925 , SB995 , SB857 , SB305 , SB296 , SB284 , SB815 , SB1379 , SB1497 , SB1499 , SB1498 , SB241 , SB304 , SB621 , SB1023 , SB1024 , SB686 , SB112 , SB371 , SB204 , SB609 , SB670 , SB502 , SB850 , SB854 , SB413 , SB1555 , SB1362 , SB1346 , SB1033 , SB1220 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB987 , SB1539 , SB447 , SB875 , SB406 , SB985 , SB965 , SB1119 , SB1505 , SB24 , SB1194 , SB1253 , SB1215 , SB1532 , SB1302 , SB856 , SB650 , SB583 , SB673 , SB213 , SB681 , SB1172 , SB1252 , SB378 , SB1343 , SB608 , SB487 , SB955 , SB957 , SB988 , SB990 , SB1019 , SB1021 , SB1120 , SB251 , SB958 , SB761 , SB1 , SB541 , SB315 , SB379 , SB1018 , SB1737 , SB266 , SB1415 , SB1527 , SB125 , SB599 , SB1330 , SB53 , SB916 , SB896 , SB1352 , SB973 , SB785 , SB710 , SB472 , SB1450 , SB1502 , SB1566 , SB414 , SB1062 , SB1547 , SB961 , SB1038 , SB513 , SB578 , SB711 , SB746 , SB942 , SB1404 , SB1448 , SB1738 , SB108 , SB8 , SB318 , SB507 , SB533 , SB689 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1355 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1596 , SB1403 , SB1198 , SB1146 , SB763 , SB667 , SB1059 , SB617 , SB1567 , SB503 , SB1 , SB1555 , SR233 , SR307 , SR310 , SR318 , SR319 , SCR25 , SJR72 , SJR73 , SJR75 , SJR77 , SJR79 , SJR80 , SJR81 , SJR82 , SB2198 , SB2201 , SB2202 , SB2203 , SB2204 , SB2205 , SB2206 , SB2207 , SB2208 , SB2209 , SB2210 , SB2211 , SB2213 , SB2214 , SB2215 , SB2216 , SB2217 , SB2218 , SB2219 , SB2220 , SB2221 , SB2222 , SB2223 , SB2224 , SB2225 , SB2226 , SB2227 , SB2228 , SB2229 , SB2231 , SB2232 , SB2233 , SB2234 , SB2235 , SB2236 , SB2237 , SB2238 , SB2239 , SB2240 , SB2241 , SB2242 , SB2243 , SB2244 , SB2245 , SB2246 , SB2247 , SB2248 , SB2249 , SB2250 , SB2251 , SB2252 , SB2253 , SB2254 , SB2255 , SB2256 , SB2257 , SB2258 , SB2259 , SB2260 , SB2261 , SB2262 , SB2263 , SB2264 , SB2265 , SB2266 , SB2267 , SB2268 , SB2269 , SB2270 , SB2271 , SB2272 , SB2273 , SB2274 , SB2275 , SB2276 , SB2277 , SB2278 , SB2279 , SB2280 , SB2281 , SB2282 , SB2283 , SB2284 , SB2285 , SB2286 , SB2287 , SB2288 , SB2289 , SB2290 , SB2291 , SB2292 , SB2293 , SB2294 , SB2295 , SB2296 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2299 , SB2300 , SB2301 , SB2302 , SB2303 , SB2304 , SB2305 , SB2306 , SB2307 , SB2308 , SB2309 , SB2310 , SB2311 , SB2313 , SB2314 , SB2315 , SB2316 , SB2317 , SB2318 , SB2319 , SB2320 , SB2321 , SB2322 , SB2323 , SB2324 , SB2325 , SB2326 , SB2327 , SB2328 , SB2329 , SB2330 , SB2331 , SB2333 , SB2334 , SB2335 , SB2336 , SB2337 , SB2338 , SB2339 , SB2340 , SB2341 , SB2342 , SB2343 , SB2344 , SB2346 , SB2347 , SB2348 , SB2349 , SB2350 , SB2351 , SB2352 , SB2353 , SB2354 , SB2355 , SB2356 , SB2357 , SB2358 , SB2359 , SB2360 , SB2361 , SB2362 , SB2363 , SB2364 , SB2365 , SB2366 , SB2367 , SB2368 , SB2369 , SB2370 , SB2371 , SB2372 , SB2373 , SB2374 , SB2375 , SB2376 , SB2377 , SB2378 , SB2379 , SB2380 , SB2381 , SB2382 , SB2383 , SB2384 , SB2385 , SB2386 , SB2387 , SB2388 , SB2389 , SB2390 , SB2391 , SB2393 , SB2394 , SB2395 , SB2396 , SB2397 , SB2398 , SB2399 , SB2400 , SB2401 , SB2402 , SB2403 , SB2404 , SB2405 , SB2406 , SB2410 , SB2411 , SB2412 , SB2413 , SB2414 , SB2415 , SB2416 , SB2417 , SB2418 , SB2419 , SB2420 , SB2421 , SB2422 , SB2423 , SB2424 , SB2426 , SB2427 , SB2428 , SB2429 , SB2430 , SB2431 , SB2432 , SB2433 , SB2434 , SB2435 , SB2436 , SB2437 , SB2438 , SB2439 , SB2440 , SB2441 , SB2442 , SB2443 , SB2444 , SB2445 , SB2446 , SB2447 , SB2448 , SB2449 , SB2450 , SB2451 , SB2452 , SB2453 , SB2454 , SB2455 , SB2456 , SB2457 , SB2458 , SB2459 , SB2460 , SJR72 , SJR73 , SJR75 , SJR77 , SJR79 , SJR80 , SJR81 , SJR82 , SB2198 , SB2201 , SB2202 , SB2203 , SB2204 , SB2205 , SB2206 , SB2207 , SB2208 , SB2209 , SB2210 , SB2211 , SB2213 , SB2214 , SB2215 , SB2216 , SB2217 , SB2218 , SB2219 , SB2220 , SB2221 , SB2222 , SB2223 , SB2224 , SB2225 , SB2226 , SB2227 , SB2228 , SB2229 , SB2231 , SB2232 , SB2233 , SB2234 , SB2235 , SB2236 , SB2237 , SB2238 , SB2239 , SB2240 , SB2241 , SB2242 , SB2243 , SB2244 , SB2245 , SB2246 , SB2247 , SB2248 , SB2249 , SB2250 , SB2251 , SB2252 , SB2253 , SB2254 , SB2255 , SB2256 , SB2257 , SB2258 , SB2259 , SB2260 , SB2261 , SB2262 , SB2263 , SB2264 , SB2265 , SB2266 , SB2267 , SB2268 , SB2269 , SB2270 , SB2271 , SB2272 , SB2273 , SB2274 , SB2275 , SB2276 , SB2277 , SB2278 , SB2279 , SB2280 , SB2281 , SB2282 , SB2283 , SB2284 , SB2285 , SB2286 , SB2287 , SB2288 , SB2289 , SB2290 , SB2291 , SB2292 , SB2293 , SB2294 , SB2295 , SB2296 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2299 , SB2300 , SB2301 , SB2302 , SB2303 , SB2304 , SB2305 , SB2306 , SB2307 , SB2308 , SB2309 , SB2310 , SB2311 , SB2313 , SB2314 , SB2315 , SB2316 , SB2317 , SB2318 , SB2319 , SB2320 , SB2321 , SB2322 , SB2323 , SB2324 , SB2325 , SB2326 , SB2327 , SB2328 , SB2329 , SB2330 , SB2331 , SB2333 , SB2334 , SB2335 , SB2336 , SB2337 , SB2338 , SB2339 , SB2340 , SB2341 , SB2342 , SB2343 , SB2344 , SB2346 , SB2347 , SB2348 , SB2349 , SB2350 , SB2351 , SB2352 , SB2353 , SB2354 , SB2355 , SB2356 , SB2357 , SB2358 , SB2359 , SB2360 , SB2361 , SB2362 , SB2363 , SB2364 , SB2365 , SB2366 , SB2367 , SB2368 , SB2369 , SB2370 , SB2371 , SB2372 , SB2373 , SB2374 , SB2375 , SB2376 , SB2377 , SB2378 , SB2379 , SB2380 , SB2381 , SB2382 , SB2383 , SB2384 , SB2385 , SB2386 , SB2387 , SB2388 , SB2389 , SB2390 , SB2391 , SB2393 , SB2394 , SB2395 , SB2396 , SB2397 , SB2398 , SB2399 , SB2400 , SB2401 , SB2402 , SB2403 , SB2404 , SB2405 , SB2406 , SB2410 , SB2411 , SB2412 , SB2413 , SB2414 , SB2415 , SB2416 , SB2417 , SB2418 , SB2419 , SB2420 , SB2421 , SB2422 , SB2423 , SB2424 , SB2426 , SB2427 , SB2428 , SB2429 , SB2430 , SB2431 , SB2432 , SB2433 , SB2434 , SB2435 , SB2436 , SB2437 , SB2438 , SB2439 , SB2440 , SB2441 , SB2442 , SB2443 , SB2444 , SB2445 , SB2446 , SB2447 , SB2448 , SB2449 , SB2450 , SB2451 , SB2452 , SB2453 , SB2454 , SB2455 , SB2456 , SB2457 , SB2458 , SB2459 , SB2460

Transcript Highlights:

• And many of them live in rural areas.
• And the bottom line is that taxpayer-funded junk food It turns into taxpayer-funded health care later
• Yeah, I mean in the rural areas...
• It is not in the rural areas. You see it in the rural areas. That would help.
• Allows for the safeguarding of taxpayer funds.

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• The funding formula is outdated.
• We can only do this with more funding, funding that is missing because of the inflation gap.
• Act or rural aid.
• Act or rural aid.
• Opportunity Act or Rural Aid.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education opened a hybrid public hearing on a large slate of bills related to school buildings, school finance, technology, data privacy, safety, and related education issues. Chairs Jason Lewis and Ken Gordon outlined procedures for the hearing, including two-minute testimony limits and the plan to group similar bills together. Several bills drew no testimony and were closed without further discussion, while others drew extensive testimony from legislators, school officials, parents, advocates, and educators. A major theme was school safety and student well-being. Lori Al-Hadeth testified in support of bills on alert systems in public schools, describing the loss of her daughter in the Parkland shooting and urging adoption of Alyssa’s Law-style panic alert technology. Representative Gallagher and disability advocates also supported a bill authorizing, but not requiring, airway clearance devices in schools, arguing they could save lives in choking emergencies and provide an option for people who cannot use the Heimlich maneuver. Another bill on reducing cafeteria waste drew support from a legislator and a Lexington sustainability official, who said installing dishwashers during construction would reduce waste and long-term costs. Much of the hearing focused on Chapter 70 school funding and the inflation cap. Senator Pavel Payano, Senator Sal DiDomenico, Representative Senna, and multiple local officials and school committee members from Bridgewater, Chelsea, Groton-Dunstable, and other districts argued that the 4.5% cap on inflation adjustments has left schools underfunded during years of high inflation, forcing layoffs, larger class sizes, and cuts to programs and student supports. They urged bills to eliminate the cap, restore lost funding, increase the Commonwealth’s share of the foundation budget, or create commissions to study reforms. Testimony also highlighted the impact on special education, English learners, and low-income students, with Chelsea witnesses saying the cap has cost their district about $7 million annually. School construction and MSBA reform were the other major topic. AIA Massachusetts, Boston Public Schools, Lynn officials, and AFT Massachusetts described aging facilities, overcrowding, deferred maintenance, and the difficulty of financing new schools under current reimbursement rules. Boston officials said the district has many pre-World War II buildings and has only built a handful of new schools in decades, while Lynn leaders said reimbursement rates have fallen well below the statutory 80% because of caps and ineligible costs. Witnesses urged modernization of the MSBA program, higher reimbursement rates, and more resources for school construction. The committee also heard support for a bill to study the adequacy and equity of the school building program, and chairs indicated some bills would be closed after no one signed up to testify.

Transcript Highlights:

• how funds are distributed, especially in our rural and tribal areas.
• The funds are going and what type of impact the funds are making. We're not.
• The funding that is administered at the state level, whether it be state funding or federal funding to
• state funding?
• Or just CYFD and state funding?

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 130, which would require heart calcium scans for people over 50, allow pharmacists to manage related screening and medication, and eliminate cost-sharing barriers for the testing and treatment. The sponsor argued the bill could prevent coronary artery disease deaths and reduce long-term health costs, while an industry lobbyist questioned whether it would actually save patients money and raised concerns about the substitute language. After questions about costs, rural access, pharmacist training, liability, and the effect of treatment, the committee adopted a due pass recommendation on the committee substitute by a 6-4 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 31, the EMS personnel licensure interstate compact. Supporters from the Chamber of Commerce, Think New Mexico, the Health Care Authority, and an autism advocacy group said the compact would help address EMS shortages, improve emergency response, and support rural health workforce needs. One opponent warned about out-of-state personnel practicing under unfamiliar standards and possible retention problems. The committee adopted an immunity-related amendment and then gave the bill a 9-0 do pass recommendation. House Bill 33, the psychology inter-jurisdictional compact, was also heard and amended with a similar immunity change. Supporters said it would expand telehealth and behavioral health access, while some members questioned data on workforce shortages, standards, and how the compact would affect New Mexico’s oversight. The committee approved the amended bill 8-0. House Bill 43, a cleanup bill for PERA disability and survivor pension provisions, was presented as a technical measure to clarify statutes, update the disability earnings cap to match Social Security, and reduce ambiguity without changing benefits or liabilities. Members asked about double-dipping, survivor provisions, and fiscal impact, and the bill received a 9-0 do pass recommendation. The committee also heard Senate Memorial 22, which asks the Legislative Finance Committee to study how CYFD-administered state and federal funds support domestic violence services. Sponsors and advocates said funding has been flat or reduced despite rising need, and that providers need clearer, more transparent data; committee members expressed concern that the state lacks a clear accounting of where the money goes. The memorial passed on a 9-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think that to fund.
• fund.
• One is being funded by the Rural Health Transformation Program.
• One is being funded by the Rural Health Transformation Program.
• </c> slope for rural health transformation. slope for rural health transformation.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee hearing opened with notice that the meeting was being streamed and could reconvene later if technical problems forced an abrupt end. The chair also announced a one-minute testimony limit and proceeded through several bills, taking mostly written and oral support testimony and asking limited questions. No votes were taken in the portion provided. HB 1626, relating to youth penalties, drew strong support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, youth advocates, the ACLU, the Department of Education, and others. Testifiers said financial sanctions on youth are ineffective, disproportionately burden Native Hawaiian youth, and function as poverty penalties; they urged replacing fines with community service, restorative practices, and ʻāina-based programs, and eliminating uncollectible legacy debt. The chair moved on after no member questions. HB 1643, relating to pharmacy, was discussed with support from the Hawaii Pharmacists Association, Kaiser, the Board of Pharmacy, independent pharmacies, and PBM representatives. Testimony focused on amendment language, audit procedures, HIPAA concerns, and the need for flexibility for small island pharmacies. HB 1668, relating to Medicaid, received broad support from disability advocates and the Department of Human Services; witnesses said CMS had already approved the underlying state plan amendment removing income and asset limits for certain workers with disabilities, but they wanted the protection codified in law to preserve it long term. The chair asked whether codification was necessary and was told it would not be harmful and would help ensure continuity if federal policy changed. The committee then heard HB 1550 on drug paraphernalia and syringe access, with support from Shipta and the Department of Health; testimony emphasized preserving flexibility for the statewide syringe access program to respond to emerging drugs like xylazine. HB 1974, relating to health, was presented as a planning measure for hearing loss; testifiers said Hawaii lacks a comprehensive hearing-loss plan and that the bill would fund a state planning process, not direct services. HB 1858 on vital statistics drew support from clinicians and medical organizations, who said better data on spontaneous fetal deaths is needed and that the term used in the bill is standard medical and CDC terminology. HB 1871 and HB 1966 also received support, with HB 1966’s EMS special fund prompting discussion about the cigarette-tax revenue source; the chair questioned the nexus to EMS, and the Department of Health said the revenue currently funds the special fund and there is no alternative funding stream.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> that</c> rural health transformation fund that rural health transformation fund that has<00:10:38.880
• Um, I know the whole rural health transformation fund is in flux, but if you could give us an update
• Chairman, our EMS funding in the rural health transformation plan does include funding for dispatch and
• Chairman, our EMS funding in the rural<00:26:53.440><c> health</c><00:26:53.679><c> transformation</c
• But we do think that the rural health transformation funds, should we be approved and receive those,

Bills: SF0032 , SF0010 , SF0001 , HB0001

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• SECTION 29 SENATE BILL 716 IS TRAINING CLINICAL HEALTH TEACH FUNDING PROGRAM.
• CENTERS AND RURAL HEALTH CLINICS AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTERS.
• THIS REQUIRED US TO DESIGNATE QUALIFYING HOSPITALS AS RURAL EMERGENCY HOSPITALS.
• >> APPLICABLE QUESTION, SPECIFICALLY ON FUNDING.
• FOR THE CONSTANT FUNDING WHAT WE SING PHYSICALLY BEFORE YOU GET A LAB TEST?

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, everyone, welcome to your Rural Development, Land Grants and Cultural Affairs Committee meeting
• We do housing policy and funding largely on vibes in New Mexico, and it's not working.
• And part of it, and, you know, again, the rurals will be left out.
• And part of it, and, you know, again, the rurals will be left out.
• So already the area that I represent is completely left out, and it's a very, very rural area.

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Summary: The committee first took up HB 110, as amended by a committee substitute, which would require quarterly public reporting of housing development and permitting data by Class A counties and municipalities over a population threshold. The sponsor and supporters said the bill is intended to improve transparency, identify bottlenecks in housing approvals, and help policymakers and developers understand permitting timelines and staffing needs. Support came from home builders, realtors, economic development, housing advocates, and some local officials, who argued that consistent data would help address New Mexico’s housing shortage and support better policy decisions. Opponents, mainly from the Municipal League and several smaller cities, argued the bill was an unfunded mandate, a step toward state preemption of local control, and a burden on municipal staff; they also warned it could expand to smaller communities later. Committee members raised concerns about rural impacts, the lack of penalties in the bill, whether the data already exists and could be obtained voluntarily, and what the state would do with the information after collection. The sponsor said the bill was only a reporting measure, not a preemption bill, and that the data would help identify where resources or staffing support are needed. During discussion, the sponsor agreed to amendments discussed with the Vice Chair to raise the population threshold from 30,000 to 40,000 and add a five-year sunset, which would remove several smaller municipalities from coverage. The committee then voted 4-3 to give the committee substitute a do pass recommendation, with the bill itself receiving a do not pass recommendation; several members explained their votes by emphasizing either support for the data effort or concern about mandates and future expansion. The committee then heard HM 24, which asks the Guadalupe Hidalgo Treaty Division of the Department of Justice and the Land Grant Council to study the potential consequences of restructuring the Las Vegas land grant. The sponsor and witnesses explained that the Las Vegas land grant is uniquely managed through the Fourth Judicial District Court and that the memorial would help explore the historical basis for that arrangement and possible paths toward greater autonomy. Supporters said the study could help the land grant move toward independent governance and clarify procedures and policies. The committee approved the memorial on a do pass motion without opposition, and the meeting adjourned afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• fund, less so impacting the general fund.
• and the Rural Physicians Fund.
• and the Rural Physician Fund.
• Idaho Children's Trust Fund and the Rural Physician Fund.
• The purpose of these funds is to strengthen rural health care and access.

Summary: JFAC began with a presentation from Legislative Services on the general fund and the “green sheet,” explaining how the committee tracks starting cash, revenue forecasts, transfers, appropriations, and ending balances. The analyst walked through general fund revenue sources, the difference between transfers and expenditures, structural balance, and how the green sheet is used to compare current-year collections against forecasts. Members asked about continuously appropriated funds, federal dollars, sales tax exemptions, and cash reconciliation issues tied to the state’s new Luma finance system and interest allocations. The discussion also covered the revenue monitor and how the committee can use it to track collections against forecasted amounts. The committee then moved into the Department of Health and Welfare’s overall budget overview. Legislative Services reviewed the department’s size, organizational structure, vacancy rate, five-year spending trends, and the role of continuously appropriated funds such as the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund and Rural Physician Fund. Members asked about personnel vacancy rates, reverted funds, and whether the department could provide a list of subgrants and trustee-and-benefit payments. Department officials explained that some vacancies reflected a department-wide review, hiring freeze, and FTP realignment, including moving positions to State Hospital South and reverting some federal spending authority. They also said the department was actively filling funded positions and would provide additional information on grants and other payments. The committee then heard the first division-level budget presentation for Indirect Support Services. The analyst described the division’s role in centralized administration, IT, legal, communications, and management support, along with its staffing, historical expenditures, and base budget changes. The division’s budget request included a one-time irrigation system project at State Hospital West, a fund adjustment for the background check unit, the transfer of 58 FTP and related costs to the Office of Information Technology as part of modernization, and a request to remove restrictive budget language on personnel and trustee-and-benefit transfers. The governor’s recommendation also included support for some replacement items and a major new item tied to Idaho’s Rural Health Transformation Program, including 12 limited-service FTP in 2026, ongoing FTP in 2027, and $294 million in one-time operating funds. Members questioned the need for the new FTP, the use of AI, the definition of “rural,” and the mechanics of the IT transfer; department and ITS officials explained the transfer was a budget shift of personnel and operating costs, not a net increase in staffing. The committee adjourned after members also raised broader concerns about public input on Health and Welfare budgets and suggested a joint public meeting with the Health and Welfare committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• funds.
• funds.
• We're matching our egg development board funds with about $2.2 million of other funding.
• We're matching our egg development board funds with about $2.2 million of other funding.
• $65,000 of funds.

Summary: The Tobacco Settlement Oversight Committee received a monthly report from the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy and the A Development Board/Finance Corporation. Staff reviewed May activity, including county council visits, loan and grant approvals, farm safety funding, and support for beginning farmers, agricultural infrastructure, processing, and county/state projects. The committee also recognized an intern and thanked Tara Roberts for her service as she prepares to leave the agency. Members were reminded about a June 20 anniversary event marking 25 years of the office and related programs. A major topic was K-CARD, the Kentucky Center for Agricultural and Rural Development. Staff explained that the program is being expanded to provide more technical assistance for beginning farmers and farm families, including help with business plans and estate planning/farm transition discussions. Members asked how farmers would access the service and were told the extension office would be the front-line contact, with K-CARD providing the technical assistance and neutral-site consultations. The committee also discussed support for large food animal veterinarians. Staff said the incentive program has helped more than 33 veterinarians and is intended to support existing providers rather than quickly increase numbers; members raised concerns about the pipeline and selection process at Auburn University, and staff said discussions with the university were ongoing. The committee then heard from Community Farm Alliance on Kentucky Double Dollars, Fresh Rx for Moms, and farmers market support programs. CFA reported expansion to roadside stands, more retail onboarding, seven new counties, and estimated economic and farmgate impacts, emphasizing that state funding helps leverage federal and private dollars and stabilize local food access programs. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approving the May minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'd certainly like to see more funding added to this. We're at 200,000.
• With funding, with our approach.
• Regarding the BOLD funding, is this money still available nationally?
• Funds to pull down.
• I think some of the rural states are having the same kind of issues.

Committee: All ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA ADVISORY COUNCIL

Summary: The Arkansas Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Advisory Council met to introduce members, adopt its rules and procedures, approve prior minutes, and authorize the co-chairs to approve special expenses. The main discussion focused on updating the Arkansas State Plan for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, with David Cook of the Alzheimer’s Association outlining major changes in prevalence, caregiving burden, diagnostics, and treatment since the prior plan. He noted rising disease and caregiver numbers in Arkansas, the expansion of amyloid PET access, the growing use of blood-based biomarkers, and the availability of FDA-approved treatments such as Leqembi and Kisunla, while emphasizing that access, insurance coverage, and provider education remain major barriers. Members and presenters also discussed the need to better reach rural primary care providers, who may not be aware of new diagnostics and therapies, and the bottlenecks caused by limited specialists and infusion capacity. There was concern about overreliance on blood tests without confirmatory evaluation, and several members stressed the importance of collaboration, public education, and promoting brain health through exercise and diet. The council also heard about existing programs such as the dementia services coordinator, the BOLD grant, caregiver respite grants, workforce training, and a pilot dementia resource center with UAMS Centers on Aging. The council approved a new four-part outline for the next state plan: advancing risk reduction and brain health/early detection, strengthening family caregiver support, improving access to diagnostics and treatment, and supporting access and quality of care, including workforce and crisis response. Members also agreed to consider future agenda items on new treatments, brain health and lifestyle prevention, workforce training, and possible legislative changes to the enabling statute. The meeting ended with discussion of scheduling the next meeting, tentatively set for August 12 in Hot Springs, and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Wildfire Resilience Fund.
• If fully funded, it will save Washington State $1,000, and state funds if fully funded it will save Washington
• , restore funding under 1168.
• , restore funding under 1168.
• Surveys already funded. Mr.

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on House Bill 2619, which would create a joint legislative task force to review and recommend ways to reduce regulatory burdens in agriculture, and on House Joint Memorial 4009, which asks Congress to ensure federal wildfire response agencies remain capable of protecting communities, natural resources, and firefighter safety. On HB 2619, the prime sponsor and supporters from the Washington State Department of Agriculture, cattle, wheat, potato, onion, and dairy interests said the bill responds to farm stress and suicide concerns by examining regulatory overload; WSDA supported the concept but noted a fiscal note, and members discussed whether the task force scope and cost could be reduced before policy cutoff. On HJM 4009, staff and the sponsor described the memorial as a request for stronger federal wildfire capacity and coordination, with testimony from tribes, counties, forest landowners, conservation groups, and public employees emphasizing wildfire risk, smoke impacts, and the importance of federal-state cooperation; the committee also repeatedly tied the memorial to support for state wildfire funding under 1168 and heard broad support for restoring that funding. The committee then took up House Bill 2221, which would require the Department of Fish and Wildlife to designate at-risk ungulate populations and begin predator mitigation when certain population declines occur, while also requiring annual reporting and white-tailed deer surveys. The sponsor argued the bill addresses rapidly declining deer and elk herds, predator pressure, food security, and rural economies in northeast Washington. Supporters included some local residents, ranchers, sheriffs, county officials, and the Colville Tribes, who said predators, livestock conflicts, and reduced hunting opportunity are harming communities and that the state should act more aggressively. Opponents included WDFW staff, Washington Wildlife First, the Sierra Club, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, and other conservation voices, who said the bill is not scientifically supported, would be costly, and wrongly blames predators rather than habitat, forage, weather, disease, and vehicle collisions; several said predator control would have limited value and could undermine wolf recovery. Some agricultural and sportsmen groups supported the bill in principle but asked for amendments, especially to remove or revise the in-state wolf translocation provision. No final votes or executive action were taken in the hearing.