Transcript Highlights:

• Again: name, affiliation, and position on bills.
• Please state your name and position.
• Please state your name and position. Thank you very much.
• In support, please state your name and position. Good afternoon.
• Please come forward, name and position please.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But he has a lot of experience, which makes him an excellent choice for this position. Mr.
• That right there makes him more than qualified for this position.
• Just like to say, I'm honored to be nominated for this position by the governor, and I... appreciate
• He is very qualified. for this position, so I ask for your support today.
• I have had a positive conversations with the group that is kind of the association for those.

Bills: HB4322, HB4202, HB4203, HB4457, HB3983, HB3660, HB3802, HB2933, HB2955, HB2956, HB3781, HB3521, HB3794, HB3796, HB3800

Keywords: funeral services licensing, funeral director, embalmer, funeral director in charge, dual licensure, mortuary science, Oklahoma Funeral Board, funeral establishment, commercial embalming establishment, crematory, cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, apprenticeship, licensing requirements, professional regulation, undertaker, mortician, burial services, death care industry, workers' compensation

Transcript Highlights:

• These are the open positions. We still need roughly a third of that open headcount.
• We look at these positions every month and challenge whether we need to backfill them.
• Historically, the vacancy rate was because we weren't trying to fill positions.
• I don't think the tax commission was trying to fill positions. We are actively recruiting now.
• There were three duplicative positions that have been eliminated.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We posted the position of General Counsel and received applications from dozens of excellent lawyers.
• And they were notified earlier this year that you guys decided to take the position that they are state
• I want to underscore that it is a volunteer position that state employees are asked to take.
• Resign from their position. So they have an objection to that going forward.
• That's the difficulty we're having in filling those positions is that we have said, in full disclosure

Keywords: Texas Ethics Commission, legislative recommendations, general counsel appointment, foreign lobbying, political contributions, quarterly meetings, public testimony, rule amendments

Summary: The meeting focused on the Texas Ethics Commission's (TEC) evaluation of legislative recommendations and personnel updates, including the appointment of a new general counsel and discussions about upcoming quarterly meetings. Commissioner Schmidt reported on the progress of various bills, including amendments to existing laws, the need for increased regulation on foreign lobbying, and the publication of new rules in the Texas Register. Public testimonies were heard regarding compliance issues and proposed changes in political contribution regulations. The Commission agreed to schedule further review on the legislative items discussed and the proposed rule amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• For any additional witnesses on a measure, please state your name, position, and affiliation, if any.
• For any additional witnesses on a measure, please state your name, position, and affiliation, if any.
• Brandon Ebeck, Pacific Gas and Electric: We don't have a position on the bill.
• We haven't taken a formal position, but we like the direction the bill is moving.
• No official position on the bill at this time due to the late amendments.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard two bills focused on electricity affordability and utility costs. AB 745, by Assembly Member Irwin, would restructure the California Climate Credit by shifting it from lump-sum payments to direct reductions in volumetric electricity rates and moving the credit to the summer months when bills are highest. The author and UC Santa Barbara economist Dr. Kyle Meng argued this could significantly lower summer rates and better help households during extreme heat. Supporters, including UCS, NRDC, and some labor representatives, favored the concept, with some urging that the gas climate credit also be redirected. No opposition testimony was presented, and the bill passed 18-0 to the floor. The committee then considered AB 825, also presented as an affordability package aimed at reducing electric bills by addressing wildfire mitigation costs, transmission financing, permitting delays, and a review of ratepayer-funded programs. The bill would authorize securitization for undergrounding expenses, remove the first $15 billion in undergrounding capital investments from the rate base for return purposes, create a public transmission financing program using Proposition 4 funds and IBank support, revive the California Power Authority as a public sponsor, and establish a task force to review energy efficiency and demand response programs. The author and witness Matt Friedman of The Utility Reform Network said the bill could save ratepayers billions over time through lower-cost public financing and securitization. Testimony on AB 825 was mixed. Support came from several consumer and clean-energy groups, while utilities and labor raised concerns about the bill’s impact on utility financial stability, wildfire fund participation, liability, and whether the $15 billion securitization cap could discourage undergrounding. Some witnesses also objected to the task force’s potential effect on energy efficiency and demand response programs. Committee members discussed the need to balance affordability with utility creditworthiness and wildfire safety, and several asked for more analysis of market impacts and liability issues. Despite those concerns, AB 825 passed the committee 13-0 and was sent to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• I WANT TO ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU FOR CHANGING THE WAY THAT WE CAN HIRE SUCH A POSITION THROUGH HB 1021
• AFTER UNSUCCESSFULLY SEARCHING FOR IT UNDER THE OLD REQUIREMENTS WHILE THE POSITION WAS VACANT FOR 18
• PASSAGE OF HB 1021 HAS POSITIVELY IMPROVED HOW DBPR CAN ASSIST CONSTITUENTS.
• AS YOU ALL KNOW, 1021 APPROPRIATED NEW FULL-TIME POSITIONS TO CONDUCT ON THE NEWLY ADDED AREAS TO PURSUE
• APPROXIMATELY 43 OF THE 53 POSITIONS THAT WENT TO THAT DIVISION.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is really a needed program, and we support the positions that are in this bill for HPHA so that
• So this is really a needed program, and we support the positions that are in this bill for HPHA so that
• So this is really a needed program, and we support the positions that are in this bill for HPHA so that
• We'll take SMA's amendment to replace, sorry, to address the conflicting number of positions on page
• two, line 11, to add in the number for two positions, and we'll further defect the date.

Bills: HB1700

Keywords: housing, expedited permits, disabilities, access, functional needs, local government, affordable housing, reporting requirements, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Housing and Health and Human Services, along with related committees, heard and later took action on three housing bills. HB 1700 HD1, relating to housing and expedited permitting, received support from disability advocates, including the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and a self-advocate who said faster permitting would help people with disabilities access more independent living options. The chairs said they would add amendments to ensure expedited permitting would not compromise ADA or Fair Housing Act protections and to require reporting on the number, type, and geographic distribution of projects so the program could be evaluated over time. The measure was recommended and adopted with amendments by the participating committees. HB 1777 HD2, which would require tenant protections for residents displaced by HHFDC-supported redevelopment projects, drew support from HHFDC, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Parents and Children Together, and numerous other organizations. Testimony emphasized the need for a right of first offer, replacement housing payments, relocation information, and tracking procedures to reduce displacement harms, especially for Native Hawaiian and public housing residents. In decision-making, the committees amended the bill to incorporate the Senate companion measure, rename the working group as the tenant protection working group, broaden its duties, and include a $75,000 appropriation for working group expenses. The committees also noted concerns about unequal treatment between tenants in publicly supported projects and private redevelopments, and referenced the KPT low-rise redevelopment as an example where required relocation assistance still did not proceed smoothly. The bill was recommended and adopted with amendments. HB 1975 HD1, relating to kupuna housing, would repeal the sunset on the state rent supplement program for kupuna, appropriate funds to HPHA, and add positions to support the program. HPHA, the Executive Office on Aging, OHA, Catholic Charities Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, Aloha Independent Living Hawaii, and others testified in support, with Catholic Charities describing how the subsidy helped a senior remain housed through major medical issues. The committees later recommended passage with amendments, including a technical correction to the number of positions and a date fix, and the recommendation was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, it's important to note the NRA has taken no position.
• They're neutral, taking the position of neutrality on the bill.
• They're neutral, taking the no position.
• <00:04:13.520> And position of neutrality on the bill.
• And position of neutrality on the bill.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection met with a quorum and considered one bill, House Bill 299. The bill, introduced by Rep. Jason Nemes with support from several law enforcement officials, would mirror federal law on machine gun conversion devices and make knowing possession of such devices a state offense so local law enforcement can enforce it without waiting for federal agents. Supporters said the measure would not criminalize conduct that is currently legal, would give police a practical tool to remove dangerous devices from the streets, and was backed by law enforcement groups and other organizations; the NRA was noted as neutral. Chief Paul Humphrey and other police chiefs testified in support, describing the devices as a growing public safety problem and saying local officers currently lack authority to act unless federal authorities take the case. They argued the bill would help keep officers and communities safe and prevent weapons from being returned to the street. Rep. Roberts opposed the bill, questioning its constitutionality under Second Amendment precedent and arguing that criminals would likely shift to other devices. Rep. Wesley also voted no, citing Second Amendment concerns and his commitment to constituents, while several members explained yes votes as support for law enforcement and public safety. The committee adopted a committee substitute and then voted on the bill. House Bill 299, as amended by the committee substitute, passed the committee with favorable expression and was reported to the House floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• hopes that reducing the term length will encourage people to run for the supervisor of the checklist position
• This would also put these positions in line with all other elected town positions, with the exception
• This would also put these positions in line with all other elected town positions, with the exception
• Um, so, you know, I guess I understand the Senate's position.
• This is the House the Senate's position.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• defaults, never be put in that position defaults, never be put in that position where<00:19:56.400
• , years that I've been in this position, years that I've been in this position, zero<00:49:24.640
• or respond to their position, I just think is an unfair position to put the responding party in, in
• ,<01:09:59.120> I position or respond to their position, I position or respond to their position
• that position needs.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We left here in December on a positive but sobering tone.
• New Mexico is in one of the strongest fiscal positions of any state in the country.
• New Mexico will never be in that position again.
• Position though to be able to weather this.
• And you talked about the enviable position that New Mexico's in compared to other states.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the intent is to prevent profiting off that position. This isn't about teachers, right?
• But I guess the best way to say that is a procurement or any position.
• It's any position above teacher level.
• That's my position on it. Senator Brangenford, it might be worth just...
• Are the neighboring districts suffering in the position that they're in, perhaps?

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any vacant positions within the reference bureau? Do you guys have any vacancies?
• And then the number of positions is sufficient for you to complete your research, but how much do you
• If you need the positions to do what you need to do in LRB, what positions would you need more?
• So, software programming and IT, those are the main positions we need.
• We do have in our budget to fill the other positions; we’re just unable to hire at the moment.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees considered several Senate bills and one House bill across multiple decision-making segments, with testimony focused mainly on SB 903, SB 439, SB 938, and HB 1440. For SB 903, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the measure and emphasized that the Public Lands Trust Working Group should complete its scope of work before baseline settlement discussions. The committees then adopted chair-recommended technical amendments to SB 903, including blanking the appropriation and changing the effective date to June 30, 2059, and the measure was adopted with members voting aye or excused. A later agenda included many bills that were mostly advanced with technical amendments, effective-date changes, or recommittals to Ways and Means. Among them, SB 934 and SB 935 were recommitted; SB 65, SB 328, SB 465, SB 576, and several others were passed with amendments that often blanked appropriations or changed dates; SB 329, SB 448, SB 744, SB 1023, SB 1269, SB 1361, SB 1381, SB 1491, SB 1530, and SB 1547 were passed unamended; SB 828, SB 1220, and SB 1487 were deferred. The committee also adopted amendments on bills such as SB 125, SB 558, SB 789, SB 997, SB 1234, SB 1388, and SB 1543, generally to clarify definitions, narrow scope, or add effective-date or governance language. For SB 439, the Division of State Parks testified that it already performs the fee studies and park-designation work contemplated by the bill, but supported the measure overall; OHA, the Care for ʻĀina Now Coalition, and other supporters testified in favor, while two individuals opposed it. The committees adopted SB 439 with LRB technical amendments. SB 938 received only departmental comments from the Department of Taxation and was passed unamended. HB 1440, which drew support from the State Ombudsman, the Legislative Reference Bureau, the State Auditor, and the Ethics Commission, was also passed unamended. In each decision-making segment, the committees voted to adopt the chair’s recommendations and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:28:44.279> they're requesting additional positions they're requesting additional positions
• <00:28:49.640> so<00:28:49.840> if positions or fund the positions so if positions
• <00:28:54.880> and there to authorize the positions and there to authorize the positions and
• DEES doesn't need positions in HB 215.
• <03:46:29.760> where Hampshire so we are in a position where Hampshire so we are in a position

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 187, which would allow parents or guardians to seek restraining orders on behalf of a minor child even when the alleged perpetrator is not a family or household member. Tracy Sirles testified that the bill was prompted by her family’s experience after being told by state police to seek a restraining order, only to learn the current law did not allow it because the offender was the child’s best friend’s father. Members agreed the change was straightforward, noted the fiscal note reflected only a small indeterminate cost to the judicial branch, and moved House Bill 187 ought to pass; the motion was approved unanimously. The committee then discussed House Bill 66, a Right-to-Know bill that removes “citizen” language in favor of “person” in some provisions and allows certain New Hampshire-connected requesters to seek records electronically if the records already exist in that format. Members reviewed concerns about defining “member of the media,” the scope of electronic requests, and a sentence stating appeals would have no filing fee or search charge. After debate, the committee voted to amend the bill by removing that fee-waiver sentence, then recommended House Bill 66 ought to pass as amended. The vote was 6-3. Next, the committee heard from the Environment and Agriculture chair about several solid-waste-related bills being folded into trailer bill language, including House Bill 215 and House Bill 171, with discussion of a possible three-year landfill moratorium and the need to address DEES staffing and funding concerns. DEES later clarified that the revised approach would not require new positions or create a fiscal impact because the new solid waste commission would be self-funded through filing fees. The committee voted unanimously to retain House Bill 215. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 566, which requires landfill permit applications to include a detailed leachate management plan and more information about disposal contracts. The sponsor said the bill was developed with DEES to address leachate problems and improve safety oversight. DEES testified that the bill largely reflects current practice and would have no specific fiscal impact, with existing staff able to absorb any review workload. The committee moved House Bill 566 ought to pass, and the motion was approved unanimously. The committee also briefly discussed House Bill 624, a grant program for local river management advisory committees, but no vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It covers 45,269 authorized positions.
• The budget includes funding for 11,306 and a half authorized positions...
• And our position, my position, is that just because you put your money somewhere else doesn't mean we're
• I know that that was a Senate position for a good amount of time, not a House position.
• From my experience, I know that that was a Senate position for a good amount of time, not a House position

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former Senator Donnell C. Childers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Officer Antonio Richardson as law enforcement officer of the day. A quorum was announced, the journal was approved, and the Speaker said the chamber would take up 11 budget conference reports, with debate and final votes on each report. The first report considered was HB 7031E, the tax package, followed by HB 501E, the state budget appropriations bill. On HB 7031E, Chair Duggan explained that the conference report included a range of tax reductions and tax-related changes, including sales tax holidays, property tax and homestead-related provisions, reductions in certain taxes and fees, and new exemptions or administrative clarifications. He said the package also added items such as sales tax relief for certain university construction projects, a tennis admissions exemption, and changes to agricultural property tax treatment, and that the amendment reduced state and local tax revenues by $272.2 million. Members questioned the bill about the child care tax credit reduction from three years to one, the homestead exemption provision for certain diplomats and foreign service personnel, the absence of gas tax relief and combined reporting, and the inclusion of firearm accessories and tennis tickets in sales tax holidays. After structured debate, the House adopted the conference report and passed HB 7031E by a vote of 88-11. The House then began the conference report on HB 501E, the $114.5 billion budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, which was described as below the prior year’s spending level and leaving more than $14 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs outlined major allocations across education, higher education, IT, health care, transportation and economic development, justice, state administration, and agriculture/natural resources. Highlights included increased FEFP funding and veteran teacher raises, full funding for Bright Futures, major IT modernization projects, Medicaid and behavioral health funding, transportation and local infrastructure spending, correctional and law enforcement investments, fire station and emergency response funding, and large environmental and water-quality appropriations. Members asked detailed questions about school voucher fraud oversight, scholarship funding, teacher raises, preeminence funding, ADAP changes, SNAP data tools and error rates, Medicaid rate changes, prison wastewater monitoring, and other budget items, but the transcript ends during the budget questions before final action on HB 501E is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're trying to position ourselves to win on behalf of the New Mexico citizens.
• So we're trying to position ourselves to win on behalf of the New Mexico citizens.
• And I think Pacific Fusion was a good positive example. They were very transparent.
• We're needing four positions in the toxicology bureau.
• We also staff our Center for Health Protection with one position.

Summary: The committee first recognized Mark Roper of the Economic Development Department for his long service and retirement, with members and the secretary praising his work on economic development across the state. Secretary Rob Black then presented EDD’s budget and special appropriation requests, describing strong recent job and income growth and outlining the department’s strategy around science and technology, site readiness, workforce development, foreign direct investment, and rural/community programs. He highlighted wins in advanced energy, quantum, space and defense, and biosciences, and asked for funding for quantum/DARPA matching funds, additional site readiness work, LIDA closing funds, JTIP training support, New Mexico Partnership, and healthy foods and other community programs. Members asked detailed questions about the quantum proposal, site readiness, the new mapping tool for industrial sites, workforce participation, trade missions, foreign investment, tariffs, water and produced water, tribal site evaluation, and public engagement on major projects. Black said the quantum request was intended to match federal dollars and build a workforce pipeline, that the site-readiness software would be a set enterprise license, and that the department was working with tribes and local partners on future site evaluations. He also said tariffs have created uncertainty but New Mexico’s infrastructure and foreign trade zones could help attract manufacturing, and he acknowledged concerns about transparency and community input while noting that some projects, such as Pacific Fusion, had gone through extensive public processes. The committee also discussed specific projects and funding balances, including Mantis Space’s move to Albuquerque, the status of Virgin Galactic’s spaceport lease, and the current LIDA fund balance and encumbrances. Black and Deputy Secretary Isaac Romero said the department was trying to use State Investment Council-backed venture funds to attract companies and that the new investments were already producing deals and jobs. Members generally supported the department’s direction but pressed for more targeted expertise, faster deployment, and stronger community involvement in future economic development decisions. Later, Secretary de Blassie of the Department of Health presented the department’s budget request and progress report. He said DOH had improved revenue cycle management, reduced old Medicaid-pending cases, increased census at facilities, improved budget and contract timeliness, and responded effectively to the measles outbreak. The department requested additional base funding for epidemiology and response, the DOH helpline, the Vital Records Virtual Vault, state labs, and the veterans home, along with special requests for respiratory vaccinations and marketing and lab equipment replacement. He also noted progress on MOUD and the medical psilocybin program, and said the department was not seeking to launch new programs given the limited time left in the administration.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're doing the same position, same job. I mean, because, you know.
• Others in my position may not be that fortunate.
• You think that this would be a positive step and in favor of the bill. Members, any questions?
• If we want new deputies, obviously we have to go to Commissioners Court to approve the position.
• Although these positions ...and are held responsible for that by the taxpayers.

Bills: HB240

Keywords: tax exemption, farm products, ad valorem taxation, tax code, producer ownership

Summary: The subcommittee heard a series of county and regional government bills, with most measures left pending after testimony. HB 2097 would let counties that opt in give sheriff’s deputies an alternative appeal route for certain discipline cases through an independent hearing examiner instead of the Civil Service Commission. The author and a CLEET witness said it would be faster, cheaper, and fairer; questions focused on why the bill was needed and whether sheriffs could already use such a process. No opposition testified, and the bill was left pending. HB 4642 drew extensive testimony after the author said it was prompted by a death involving an out-of-state jail contract. The bill would require counties contracting with out-of-state jail facilities to include Texas-like jail standards and oversight provisions. The author, a former detainee held in Louisiana, his wife, and a Texas Jail Project advocate described poor conditions, lack of accountability, and multiple deaths of Texans housed out of state. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards director said five counties are currently housing 1,251 Texas inmates out of state, mostly because of staffing shortages, and said the bill would give the commission more authority and oversight. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4350, which would allow peace officers to request redaction of personal information from online real property records. Supporters said officers face retaliation risks and should have protections similar to judges and other officials; a title industry witness cautioned that redaction should not compromise the integrity of land records. The bill was left pending. HB 3687 would require county fire marshals in counties over 100,000 to meet specified training and certification standards, and HB 4105 and HB 4205 would give Harris County preferences in construction contracting and require pay parity for comparable law enforcement ranks within the county, respectively; all drew support from county officials and were left pending. HB 5403 would repeal a special rule requiring Dallas and Tarrant county sheriffs to get commissioners court approval for commissary disbursements, and it was also left pending. Later, HB 4462 would let elected county officials in large counties choose outside counsel in civil cases involving them, rather than relying solely on the county attorney. Supporters argued this would reduce conflicts of interest and protect officials’ reputations; questions centered on who qualifies and whether it could conflict with county interests. Finally, HB 240 would restore a five-member quorum requirement for Harris County tax levies, effectively requiring all commissioners to be present before a new tax rate can be adopted; supporters framed it as a taxpayer protection, while the Conference of Urban Counties opposed it as giving one member a de facto veto and potentially disrupting the budget process. Both bills were left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• How many positions are we talking about here?
• How many positions are we talking about here?
• How many positions are we talking about here?
• How many positions are we talking about here?
• position in all offices<00:21:25.880> were<00:21:26.080> to<00:21:26.279> receive

Keywords: Consideration of HB 491 02:14 Consideration of HB 738 07:58 Guest presentation by Taiwan Consul General Elliott Wang 25:20 Consideration of HCR 50 36:37 Consideration of SB 19 49:29, 958, all

Summary: The House State Government Committee met with a quorum and first considered House Bill 491 by Representative Steve Riley. The committee adopted a proposed committee substitute, then heard that the bill would raise the threshold for certain capital project and equipment purchases from $200,000 to $500,000, remove a requirement for a special board meeting when replacing a board of regents member, allow certain employees or contractors to perform capital construction work up to $500,000, remove limits on retired police officers working at postsecondary institutions, and speed release of pension information to employers. Members asked about reporting and oversight of the higher threshold, and the witness said the records are maintained by institutions and available upon request. HB 491 passed on a 19-0 roll call vote. The committee then heard House Bill 738 by Representative Griffey, relating to state personnel and the constitutional officers. The bill would give independently elected constitutional officers more flexibility to hire unclassified employees and set salaries for classified employees up to the midpoint without Personnel Cabinet approval, while leaving pay scales, appropriations, and funding limits unchanged. Representative Griffey and witnesses from the auditor’s office said the measure was intended to reduce red tape, address salary compression, improve pay equity, and help recruit and retain staff; they also said it would allow offices to fill policy roles needed for audits and other work. Members questioned the fiscal note, salary caps, and whether the bill would affect future budget requests. The bill passed 18-1, with one pass, and the chair noted it would move favorably to the House floor. After those bills, the committee briefly welcomed Taiwan’s consul general, Elliot Wang, and Representative Adam Bowling spoke about Kentucky’s relationship with Taiwan, including trade, investment, and prior assistance during disasters. Wang described Taiwan’s economic ties with the United States, ongoing trade and investment developments, defense and education cooperation, and people-to-people exchange programs, noting Kentucky was the first state to sign an education cooperation MOU with Taiwan in 2021.

Transcript Highlights:

• This was created in order to help position Florida as a national leader in cybersecurity, and as you
• We're positioned at the University of South Florida, work under the University Community Partnerships
• We're positioned at the University of South Florida. How are we organized?
• We're positioned at the University of South Florida, work under the University Community Partnerships
• You know, this is something really positive to be inspired by.

Summary: The committee held its first meeting of the session and received an overview of the Higher Education Appropriations budget from staff director Tim Elwell. He explained the committee’s broad jurisdiction over universities, state colleges, district workforce programs, vocational rehabilitation, blind services, student financial aid, private colleges, and the Board of Governors, and reviewed key budget concepts such as local funds, funds per FTE, performance funding, and the distinction between the total appropriation and the recurring base budget. He noted that higher education is funded largely through state and local sources, with substantial flexibility compared with other state budgets, and that the base budget is heavily weighted toward lump-sum allocations to the public systems. The committee then heard a presentation from the University of South Florida’s Florida Center for Cybersecurity (Cyber Florida), led by retired Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie and USF representative Mark Walsh. They described Cyber Florida as a statewide cybersecurity platform created by the Legislature in 2014 to support education, research, workforce development, public policy, and community engagement. McKenzie emphasized the growing cyber threat environment, Florida’s leadership role, and several funded initiatives, including K-12 outreach, workforce training, a cyber range for county governments, critical infrastructure assessments, grant development, and public conferences and outreach. Members asked about public cyber awareness, the lack of a national cyber defense strategy, school district participation in Cyber Launch, and which counties are most at risk; McKenzie said smaller counties with limited cybersecurity staffing are generally more vulnerable and offered to provide follow-up information. Finally, the committee heard from the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities at the University of Central Florida, led by Dr. Drew Andrews, along with program and parent representatives from participating institutions. Andrews explained the center’s role in coordinating Florida’s postsecondary comprehensive transition programs for students with intellectual disabilities, supporting program development, distributing grants and scholarships, and monitoring outcomes. He reported that the state now has 33 approved programs at 35 institutions, including universities, state colleges, and technical colleges, and that scholarship and grant funding has grown significantly. He said student retention is about 88 percent, many graduates are employed, and median hourly earnings have increased over time. A representative from Southeastern University described how the center’s support helped build and sustain SEU Link, including a new third-year employment-focused option for students.

Transcript Highlights:

• Where is the compassion for those who are in vulnerable positions?
• DYS features positive development and greater educational opportunities, as you have heard.
• The single positive test violated the conditions of both parole and probation.
• Punishing someone for positive tests while they are engaged in treatment does not help.
• Mangan position to H-1801 and S-115.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy hearing on several juvenile justice and parole-related bills, with much of the testimony focused on H. 2051/S. 1087 to end lifetime parole for juveniles and emerging adults, and H. 1923 to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to include 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds. Chairs Brandy Fluker-Reid and Lydia Edwards opened the hearing by noting the large number of bills and witnesses, the need to keep testimony moving, and special procedures for incarcerated witnesses and sensitive testimony. They also acknowledged the historic nature of the hearing being chaired by two Black women attorneys. No votes were taken during the hearing itself. Many incarcerated speakers and advocates supported ending lifetime parole, arguing that young people can change, that lifetime supervision creates constant fear of technical violations, and that it undermines rehabilitation, family stability, employment, and reintegration. Several testified about their own trauma, youth, and growth in prison programs, while others emphasized the costs of decades of supervision and the racial disparities in the system. Support also came from elected officials, UTEC, the Transformational Prison Project, United Way, CPCS’s Youth Advocacy Division, the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, and others, who said juvenile systems are better suited to developmentally appropriate treatment and that the bills would improve public safety and reduce recidivism. There was also opposition, including testimony from family members of a murder victim who argued that lifetime parole should remain for serious violent crimes and that some offenders are not sufficiently rehabilitated. One virtual witness described a family tragedy involving the kidnapping and murder of her infant nephew and warned that ending lifetime parole could remove needed long-term supervision for dangerous offenders. In addition to the juvenile justice bills, the committee heard testimony on H. 1867, a bill related to continuing care for severe mental illness, and H. 2063, which would increase penalties for assaults on correction officers and other prison staff; the correction officers’ union supported H. 2063 and related safety bills. The hearing continued with many more witnesses and bill topics, but no final committee action was announced in the portion provided.