Video & Transcript Research : 'engineering contest'

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WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Transportation Committee Dec 3rd, 2025

Joint Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I am WSDOT State Design Engineer. My name is Mark Gaines. I am WSDOT State Design Engineer.
  • An OGV typically has two engines. The first is the main engine, and that propels the vessel.
  • Because this engine burns diesel, it creates at-berth emissions.
  • An OGV typically has two engines. The first is the main engine, and that propels the vessel.
  • But that engine is turn. main engine, and that propels the vessel.
Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from WSDOT on balancing uncertainty in capital program estimates and cash flow management. WSDOT explained the differences between design-bid-build and design-build delivery, its tiered risk-assessment process by project size, and how it uses base estimates, inflation, and risk modeling to set budgets. Staff said design-bid-build estimates are generally accurate within about 1% across the program, while design-build projects carry much wider uncertainty and are better communicated as ranges; they cited a P85 budget approach and noted that large, complex projects can be affected by market competition and long procurement timelines. Members asked about the Columbia River Bridge cost growth and about value engineering, and WSDOT said it uses value engineering but has limited scope to cut costs because of project requirements and policy mandates. Troy Swing also discussed cash flow, noting that a few large projects can significantly affect biennial funding needs, and said a risk pool would not reduce overall program risk but could help manage timing if paired with appropriation and cash-flow controls. The committee then received the final presentation in the WSDOT Project Delivery and Innovative Practices study from HKA Global. The consultant said WSDOT’s estimating practices are generally robust and recommended improving transparency by presenting budget authorizations as ranges or estimate classes, better tracking estimate growth over time, and adjusting advertisement timing to avoid competing lettings. The report also discussed surety bonding, suggesting the legislature consider restoring authority for reduced bonding on select large design-build projects or using phased bonding and alternative securities. On indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracting, the consultant said current job order contract rules are restrictive and recommended legislative changes to make such tools more usable, especially for smaller tasks and to help use unspent funds more flexibly. The committee also heard a follow-up presentation on transit-oriented development policy recommendations tied to HB 1491. The Urban Institute’s Yona Freemark said Washington has been a national leader on TOD but that housing construction, especially in the Puget Sound, has slowed sharply since 2022. He said rising construction costs, high financing costs, and local tax and rent conditions are making many TOD projects infeasible, and recommended that the state fill infrastructure funding gaps around stations, revisit MFTE affordability requirements, consider minimum rather than average density requirements near transit, and create a statewide system to track TOD outcomes such as affordability, gentrification, and transit access. Members questioned the study’s developer interviews, the role of rent control and crime, property tax assumptions, and parking needs; the presenter said the study included five private developers, that rent control was not part of the study scope, and that parking was included in the model assumptions. Finally, the committee began a presentation on regulating emissions from ocean-going vessels at berth. Staff and consultants described California-style at-berth rules, which require shore power or equivalent emissions controls so ships can shut off diesel auxiliary engines while docked. The study is examining vessel traffic, emissions reductions, implementation costs, labor and operational needs, and possible effects on port competitiveness and cargo diversion. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Public Works and Highways (03/24/2026)

Public Works and Highways

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so I've engaged engineers to get it.
  • <00:56:43.680> lumber 90s, now we introduce engineered lumber 90s, now we introduce engineered
  • Otherwise, we can't say that the engineered material is going to work.
  • And in those circumstances, we're using engineered lumber in those applications.
  • :58:44.240> in<00:58:44.400> those using engineered lumber in those using engineered lumber
Keywords: 1189, house, all
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Highways and Transportation - Room 216, 30 January, 2026; 10:00 AM

Highways and Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is more on the engineering side.
  • This is more on<00:09:36.480> the<00:09:36.720> engineering<00:09:37.360> side.
  • <00:09:38.320> Um<00:09:38.880> but on the engineering side.
  • Um but on the engineering side.
  • not had any engineering not had any engineering um<00:10:02.320> standards<00:10:03.360><
Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2269, the Mississippi Fully Autonomous Vehicle Enabling Act. The bill was described as simply extending the repealer date to July 1, 2029. A motion was made that the title was sufficient and the bill do pass, and it passed without opposition. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2614, which would authorize county sheriffs and deputies to use radar on county roads, subject to county board approval and population-based limits on the number of radar units. Senator Thompson said the measure was intended to reduce Mississippi’s high rate of speed-related highway fatalities, not to create revenue or speed traps. He explained that fines would be directed to the Mississippi Department of Education to support driver’s education programs, and that the bill includes a 1,000-foot buffer from municipal limits and a definition prohibiting speed traps. Members asked about engineering reviews of speed limits, opt-in/opt-out authority for supervisors, quotas, body cameras, and how the bill would affect counties that already use radar. Thompson said the bill does not require roadway reassessments, that county boards must approve radar use, that he would not oppose a quota-related amendment, and that a body-camera requirement would be beyond the bill’s scope and could burden departments that cannot afford it. Several senators spoke in support, citing public safety and sheriff support, while one senator raised concerns about transparency and public trust. The committee then voted that the title was sufficient and the bill do pass, and the motion carried.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Regulated Industries Jan 20th, 2026

Regulated Industries

Transcript Highlights:
  • Staying with Senator Mayfield, we're going to take up tab 4, SB 800 on engineering.
  • qualified licensed engineers to work for state agencies and water management districts.
  • The program will be funded through an engineering licensing fee and fees and fines.
  • The program will be funded through an engineering licensing fee and fees and fines. And, Mr.
  • From an economic standpoint, the data centers are powerful engines.
Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries considered several bills and took final action on each. SB 986, by Senator Gruters and presented by Senator Rodriguez, would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in public places and in certain indoor spaces; restaurant and lodging representatives supported adding marijuana and vaping to clean indoor air rules but asked to preserve designated smoking areas on private property, while cannabis advocates warned the bill was overly broad and could affect patients and property rights. The committee voted the bill favorably. SB 678, by Senator Mayfield, would restore statutory authority for DBPR to continue allowing alcohol distributors to deduct unsellable alcohol from monthly excise tax calculations; the committee adopted a strike-all amendment and reported the committee substitute favorably. SB 800, also by Senator Mayfield, increases penalties for repeated unlicensed engineering practice and creates an engineering student loan assistance program for engineers working for state agencies and water management districts; after adopting an amendment clarifying eligibility, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then heard SB 408, by Senator Grall, which would create a Florida cause of action against vaccine manufacturers that advertise in the state, allowing injured individuals to sue in Florida courts. Supporters argued the bill would rebuild public trust and hold manufacturers accountable, while opponents from the Florida Justice Reform Institute, American Tort Reform Association, BIO, the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, and several medical and business groups argued the field is largely preempted by federal law, that existing federal compensation programs already address vaccine injuries, and that the bill raises First Amendment and policy concerns. After debate focused on vaccine injury data, compensation rates, and liability, the committee voted SB 408 favorably. The committee also considered SB 484 and SB 1118, both by Senator Avila, dealing with data centers. SB 484 would preserve local planning authority, bar nondisclosure agreements that prevent disclosure of potential data center development, require the PSC to set large-load tariff requirements so data centers pay their own costs, and limit consumptive use permits for large-scale data centers absent no harm to water resources and compliance with local zoning; supporters emphasized ratepayer protection and economic development, while some witnesses urged flexibility for behind-the-meter projects and confidentiality in negotiations. The bill was reported favorably. SB 1118 would create a time-limited public records exemption for county or municipal information about data center siting and protect proprietary business information; Senator Pizzo raised concerns about how the exemption would affect disclosure of competing projects and local officials’ ability to speak, but the sponsor said he would work on clarifying the language. The committee also passed SB 1050, by Senator Calatayud, which requires veterinarians to provide pet owners with written prescriptions and information about pharmacy choice while preserving veterinary judgment and emergency dispensing authority. The meeting concluded after all bills were reported favorably and members recorded additional votes on prior items.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

Senate - Rules Feb 3rd, 2025

Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • And they're graduating with an engineering degree. It's been a real pleasure.
  • Back in the day when I went through college, we didn't have something called a systems engineer.
  • I think the most need is really the expansion of some of our environmental engineering areas.
  • We need to encourage young ladies to go into the areas of engineering, research, and science.
  • But if you look at engineering, and physical sciences, 30% is actually pretty good.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Mar 26th, 2025

Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • We want to continue to put as many engineers there as we can, and we're doing so.
  • We want to continue to put as many engineers there as we can. And we're doing so.
  • I really appreciate your focus on critical industry, civil engineering, those elements.
  • , of medicine, in engineering, medicine, and space exploration.
  • recruit and demand more of men who become engineers.
Summary: The committee first heard a confirmation from UCF trustee reappointee Mr. Christie, who described his background in medical devices and prior board service and said he wanted to help UCF strengthen its financial foundation, workforce alignment, and engineering and technology pipeline. Members asked about UCF’s direction, and he emphasized the university’s role in producing engineers and supporting Florida’s space and technology sectors. The committee then moved to the higher education budget for fiscal year 2025-26, which was presented as an $11.5 billion total budget including local funds and focused heavily on workforce education, nursing, agriculture technology, tutoring, student aid, and university initiatives. Chair Harrell highlighted increases for school district workforce education, Florida College System operations, career and technical education grants, the GATE program, nursing education through USF’s Florida Center for Nursing, UF/IFAS rural and agricultural programs, UCF’s Community School Grant Program, UF’s literacy and tutoring initiatives, autism and neurodevelopment services, full funding for major scholarship programs, and $250 million for state universities through the Board of Governors. Senator Davis asked about line grant flexibility, and Harrell said a conforming bill would address the details. The budget proposal was adopted as a recommendation to the full Appropriations Committee, with staff authorized to make technical corrections. The committee then took up a series of confirmations, beginning with Florida State University reappointee Peter Collins, who emphasized his long FSU ties, leadership on the board, and goal of keeping FSU on a path toward top-10 status and AAU membership. Rebecca Matthews, a new University of West Florida appointee, discussed her education-related volunteer work, Florida Education Foundation service, and interest in supporting UWF’s continued excellence; senators questioned her on Title IX and she said she would support student protections and compliance. Rachel Moyah, another UWF appointee, highlighted her education, school board experience, and priorities of student safety, fiscal discipline, and workforce readiness; she also said she would comply with Title IX and other applicable rules. Ashley Ross, also nominated to UWF, said she would focus on university advancement, military ties, cybersecurity, civil engineering, and strong governance, and agreed that Title IX protections should be preserved and advanced. The most extensive questioning came during the confirmation of Adam Kessel, a UWF appointee and Heritage Foundation fellow, who was asked about prior writings on privatizing public universities, his comments about the GI Bill, and his views on free speech and Project 2025. Kessel said he did not recommend privatizing Florida universities, clarified that his comments about the GI Bill and over-enrollment were about broader higher education policy, and said he supports veterans and the GI Bill. He described his higher education work as focused on civic education, accreditation, student success, tenure, and free speech, and said trustees should improve campus culture through policies, training, and institutional neutrality. Public testimony on UWF was sharply divided: former UWF leaders and community members warned that the new slate of trustees and their vote to make Scott Yenor chair had chilled donations, enrollment, and community trust, while a James Madison Institute representative praised Kessel’s scholarship and thoughtful approach. The committee also heard from FAMU reappointment Belvin Perry, who cited his judicial career and board service and said his goal is to support student success, retain strong faculty and staff, and help FAMU continue rising in national standing. Finally, the committee began hearing from remote appointees, including UCF nominee Mark Philburn, who emphasized his construction, affordable housing, and higher education board experience, and FSU nominee Peter Jones, who described his finance and investment background and long service to FSU boards and committees. The last nominee heard before the transcript ended was Florida Gulf Coast appointee Paul Applegarth, whose audio issues delayed his remarks; he began by noting his prior federal confirmation, military service, and GI Bill-supported education.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Transportation May 7th, 2025

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • Professional Engineer area engineer and maintenance facility.
  • area engineer and maintenance facility.
  • Eduardo Eddie Garcia Jr. a Medina worked more than 30 years as an engineer with the Texas Department
  • Professional Engineer Area Engineer and Maintenance Facility.
  • Professional Engineer Area Engineer and Maintenance Facility.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation heard a series of memorial and honorary designation bills, including SB 876 naming the Crescent Bypass the Bob Cornett Parkway, HB 2523 renaming part of State Highway 48 for Deputy Constable Ruben Garcia, HB 2457 naming a portion of US 287 the Molly Mullins Mile, HB 2763 naming a TxDOT facility for Eduardo Eddie Garcia Jr., HB 3135 creating specialty license plates for retired firefighters, HB 2415 naming part of FM 969 for Senior Police Officer Louis Andy Taylor, HB 2143 naming part of FM 1097 for Army Specialist Joey Lynn, HB 767 naming part of SH 249 for Colonel Paul P. Mendez, HB 2198 naming part of Highway 34 for Officer Jacob Candenosa, SB 1230 naming part of FM 10 for Deputy Sheriff Chris Dickerson, SB 2515 naming part of Loop 323 for fire chief Jimmy Wayne Seaton, SB 2688 naming part of US 281 for the McIlroy family, and SB 2790 naming part of US 67 for Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. Most of these bills were presented by senators on behalf of House authors and were supported by family members, local officials, or law enforcement groups, with testimony emphasizing public service, sacrifice, and roadway safety. The committee also heard SB 2799, which would create new criminal penalties for reckless driving that causes bodily injury or serious bodily injury; the sponsor and a Montgomery County prosecutor said the bill would fill a gap between misdemeanor reckless driving and aggravated assault and give prosecutors more proportional charging options. A separate policy bill, HB 1672, was described as removing an administrative delay in DPS motor carrier enforcement, and HB 3012 would eliminate a $3 administration fee for driving courses. After public testimony, the committee voted to report each listed bill favorably to the full Senate, generally by a 6-0 roll call, and recommended them for the local and uncontested calendar; all bills were left pending until the final vote, then reported out and the committee recessed.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Economic and Rural Development Jul 7th, 2025

Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • That money has already been spent, but we're waiting on engineering."
  • You get the engineer that's available.
  • You get the firm that you can, and they start engineering the project.
  • You want to get an engineering firm. Would you run us through that process?
  • We don't have all the engineers on staff; we're a small community.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Executive Departments and Administration (02/11/2026)

Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:
  • professional engineer or an economist. professional engineer or an economist.
  • Every engineer I've ever met thinks that law is really a branch of engineering.
  • <00:23:55.280> Every<00:23:55.600> engineer<00:23:55.919> I've lots of engineers
  • Every engineer I've lots of engineers.
  • And so therefore, branch of engineering.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

EDT Public Hearing 02-27-2025

Economic Development and Tourism

Transcript Highlights:
  • background being semiconductor engineers background being semiconductor engineers and<00:16:33.600
  • He's an engineer. He's a technologist.
  • And when I, you know, when I started managing engineers in industry, I found that most engineers, even
  • <00:30:42.039> in started uh managing uh engineers in started uh managing uh engineers in
  • Industry I I found that most Engineers Industry I I found that most Engineers even<00:30:45.039>
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard confirmations for two Hawaii Technology Development Corporation board nominees, Jaclyn Ka and Gregory Oara. Testimony for both was overwhelmingly in support. Supporters for Ka emphasized her Kauaʻi roots, work in workforce development and digital equity, and ability to connect schools, industry, and community needs. In her own remarks, Ka said she wants to bring resources to Kauaʻi and the neighbor islands, strengthen local workforce pathways, and use the HTDC board to help local residents access technology jobs and training. Members questioned Ka about how to reduce reliance on mainland hires for jobs at PMRF and other technology employers, how to better align training with local needs, and how to connect Kauaʻi schools, community college programs, and creative media/digital technology efforts. Ka described KDB’s role in building islandwide digital media and drone clubs, professional development for teachers, and partnerships intended to create a pipeline from school to workforce. She also said the legislature can help mainly by listening and staying informed about local needs. For Oara, supporters highlighted his engineering and semiconductor background, his experience in academia, industry, and startups, and his potential to help HTDC with technology commercialization, IP, and exportable services. Oara said he wants HTDC to better support early-stage companies, improve coordination among universities, government, and the private sector, and create a directory of technical skill sets to connect startups with needed expertise. He also discussed AI, saying Hawaii can contribute by developing smaller, locally relevant models rather than only relying on large-scale data-center infrastructure. The hearing focused on these nominations and testimony; no vote or final committee action was stated in the transcript.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session - part 2 May 9th, 2025

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Engineers, female engineers who do this work.
  • So, in 2001, 11% of engineers in the workforce were women.
  • Through engineering school is tough, but push through.
  • Getting an engineering job is tough, but push through.
  • Engineers do what we do because we want to solve problems. Make sure that engineers can do that.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, May 21, 2025 - Part 1)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • the economic engine of South Florida. the economic engine of South Florida.
  • But a lot of people will your car the engine shuts off. This is your car the engine shuts off.
  • So there's a lot of extra involved with engine wear, engine component wear, and then reading up on how
  • So there's a lot of extra involved with engine wear, engine component wear, and then reading up on how
  • So there's a lot of extra involved with engine wear, engine component wear, and then reading up on how
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • updating state statute in some of these areas, because DHS evidently does have the authority and did not contest
  • The response continued that DHS evidently does have the authority, and they did not contest that after
Keywords: 918, senate, all
Summary: The joint hearing opened with chairs explaining that the program integrity omnibus bill is a combined draft assembled from individual member bills and governor proposals, many of which had already been heard in committee. Members emphasized the compressed end-of-session timeline, said the language was not yet ready for enactment, and invited continued revisions as the bill moves next to judiciary and finance. Several speakers stressed the need for bipartisan collaboration, while also warning that the Legislature must act this session on program integrity rather than defer reforms. The fiscal staff then walked through a spreadsheet showing the bill’s overall budget effects and major provisions. The package includes DHS proposals on transforming human services, market- and receipt-based rate reform, enhanced program and payment integrity, uniform service standards, nursing facility rate changes, ICS reforms, and a repeal/redesign of housing stabilization, along with child care assistance integrity and human services redesign items in DCYF. Staff highlighted that the bill combines multiple sources, including governor proposals and member bills, and noted several items that are also in the supplemental human services budget. Committee discussion focused heavily on prepayment review, remote supports, ICS, and provider accountability. Chairs said the bill would codify prepayment review with a 60-day notice requirement after providers were caught off guard by prior rollout, and that remote supports and ICS language were placeholders or under active debate. One member argued the system needs stronger standards but cautioned against harming compliant providers, while another urged the committee to learn from good providers and warned against repeating failed implementations. Staff also reviewed thematic indexes covering billing and service delivery oversight, EVV, administrative reform, licensing and background studies, provider enrollment, sanctions, and child care provider compliance training. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided. The hearing ended with staff beginning the index walkthrough and members indicating that posted amendments would be considered as the bill advances through the remaining committees.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 4/15/26

Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • File 4338, which makes additional parties eligible for cost and fee awards in civil actions and contested
  • File 4338, which makes additional parties eligible for cost and fee awards in civil actions and contested
Bills: HF4207, HF4338
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 027 Feb 10th, 2026

Colorado House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Parental rights, speech, and the contested terrain of gender forces citizens into a battle of conscience
  • Parental rights, speech, and the contested terrain of gender forces citizens into a battle of conscience
Keywords: 981, all
Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, and approved the journal of Friday, February 6, 2026. Members then proceeded out of order to consider Senate Joint Resolution 8, honoring Colorado’s 2026 Winter Olympians and Paralympians. The resolution was read at length, and members spoke in support of Colorado athletes, training communities, families, and facilities. An amendment correcting an athlete’s state affiliation was adopted, and the resolution passed 63-0 with two excused. Representative Bottoms then asked to co-sponsor the resolution. The chamber also set several bills as special orders for February 9, 2026. It then considered House Bill 1020, concerning colorimetric field drug tests in drug possession cases. Sponsors said the bill addresses unreliable field tests and had support from the Judiciary Committee and stakeholders. The committee report and the bill both passed without opposition. House Bill 1040, concerning the sterilization rights of a person with intellectual and developmental disabilities, was also taken up. Sponsors said the bill seeks to undo a historical harm by removing language that allowed sterilization against a person’s wishes. Two amendments to the committee report were adopted: one narrowing language around an imminent threat to life or health, and another adding a petition clause. The committee report and the bill then passed. Finally, the House considered House Bill 103, which modernizes the Colorado Small Business Recovery and Resiliency Loan Fund. Sponsors said it would better support small businesses facing higher costs and access-to-capital challenges. One amendment to direct 30% of funding to rural counties, veteran-owned businesses, and minority-owned businesses was debated but failed after the sponsor urged a no vote, saying the bill already included distribution metrics and that a fixed percentage was not workable in statute. The bill itself was then discussed further, with concerns raised about state lending programs and the use of the term “equitable,” but the transcript cuts off before final action on the bill is shown.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Commerce (04/15/2025)

Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • institutions and private individuals to have obsolete mortgages declared discharged, not once was one ever contested
  • And yet, in the end, not one single time did any lender or any person show up and appear and contest
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Health and Human Services - 04/01/25

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, but just so you know, the hospitals don't win the contest.
  • Um, but just so you know, the hospitals don't win the contest.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency Jun 30th, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency

Transcript Highlights:
  • I just have, I mean, this has come up several sessions on engineers and architects, but the RFQs, that
  • So we work with the contractors, engineers, and all that stuff.
  • I haven't heard anything from any local contractors, engineers, architects, or anything, but maybe if
  • And when the original roof was put on, it was engineered and the whole process went through.
  • And in many cases, Some of those entities have engineers on staff.
Keywords: 908, all
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Appropriations and Finance Feb 13th, 2026 at 05:31 pm

House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair, Representative Dixon, what is engineered wood?
  • Engineering wood is one of many products that the wood industry produces.
  • To the timber makes it easier to produce the engineered wood.
  • Back to engineered wood.
  • Back to engineered wood. What if it's just not engineered wood, but it's wood?
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

February 18, 2025 - 03:30 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • But we quickly realized that we could not value engineer our way out of current market inflation that
  • So initially when we put out the proposal for the architectural engineering firm and the construction
  • A&E fees are architectural and engineering fees.
  • Architectural and engineering fees are a percentage of the construction bill.
  • Architectural and engineering fees are a percentage of the construction bill.
Summary: The committee first heard an update from the Florida Department of Corrections on the proposed Lake Correctional Institution mental health project in Clermont. Tim Fitzgerald explained the project’s history, including the 2016 Disability Rights Florida litigation, the 2018 consent decree, and the original plan for a 550-bed inpatient mental health facility. He said inflation and design changes pushed the project above the bond amount, leading the department to shift to a “continuum of care” alternative with 572 beds total: 92 inpatient beds and 480 residential treatment beds in three special housing units. Fitzgerald said the project is currently paused pending House concurrence, while the Senate has already agreed to the alternate plan, and noted the bond balance, prior expenditures, and the need to spend down the tax-exempt bond by August 2026. Members questioned how the new plan differs from the original facility, whether it satisfies the consent decree, and what caused the cost increases. Fitzgerald said the department believes it has already met the consent decree through systemwide improvements to housing, staffing, programming, and out-of-cell time, though he said he would confirm the court documentation. He also said the original scope grew from 275,000 to 350,000 square feet as treatment, nursing, security, and programming needs were refined, and that inflation, fees, permitting, and contingencies contributed to the higher cost. Several members asked for follow-up information on Senate approval, consent decree documentation, and the project’s impact on crisis-stabilization capacity. The committee then received a joint court-system presentation from State Courts Administrator Eric McClure and Clerks Corporation Executive Director Jason Welty on caseload trends, case tracking, and staffing. McClure described statewide filing trends, the use of weighted caseload studies to certify judicial need, and recent Supreme Court rule changes aimed at active civil case management, including differentiated case tracks, stricter deadlines, and proportional discovery. He said the latest workload study led the Supreme Court to certify a need for 23 circuit judges and 25 county judges. Welty reviewed clerk workload trends, the statewide case maintenance and CCIS systems, and declining clerk FTE despite rising case volumes, and said clerks are seeking additional funding for injunctions, Baker Act/Marchman Act/sexually violent predator work, and juror management. In questions, members pressed both presenters on data quality, case-weight calculations, filing fees, and whether current resources are enough to reduce delays. McClure clarified that the workload weights are based on judge time studies and that a capital murder case averaged 3,177 minutes, while other examples such as auto negligence and dissolution cases were much lower. Welty said the Legislature could help by increasing funding or potentially revisiting filing fees, and noted that many clerk services are unfunded or underfunded, especially indigent and protective filings. The chair and members also raised concerns about backlog, inconsistent case reporting across circuits, and enforcement of judicial time standards; McClure said there is no direct sanction in the rules, and compliance is largely managed through chief judges and the Supreme Court. The meeting ended with no votes taken and adjournment by motion.