Transcript Highlights:

• who are involved in healthcare, especially in mental health, we understand the role of managing entities
• And do we disperse funds directly to them and then they are the entity that make sure our providers are
• Okay, Natalie, Killing Florida Association of managing entities or thank you, Natalie.
• It's really making sure managing entities are able to do what they need to do and not be burdened with
• cover of made a less important ever since that report so that it didn't need to be recorded.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Washington exempts certain entities subject to this tax from the state's business and occupation, or
• And so for those who have not been paying, which is, I think, a good number of entities, we're talking
• They also own complex intermediaries and other entities that are focused on market share and profits,
• tax, even though insurers consider them to be insurance activity covered by the premium tax.
• tax, even though insurers consider them to be insurance activity covered by the premium tax.

Summary: The committee heard briefings, sponsor presentations, and public testimony on several finance bills. HB 2038 would impose an additional B&O tax on businesses operating social media platforms beginning in 2027 and create a youth behavioral health account funded by the tax. The sponsor argued the bill would help address youth mental health harms linked to social media and support implementation of the Washington Thriving plan. Supporters in testimony, including youth advocates and some public health voices, said social media contributes to youth anxiety and addiction and that the revenue should be used for behavioral health services. Opponents, including technology and business groups, argued the tax unfairly singles out one sector, could be passed on to consumers, and may violate federal internet tax law. The hearing on HB 2038 was suspended and later reopened for public testimony; no vote was taken. HB 2297 would create tax incentives for grocery stores in underserved communities, including local B&O preferences, a sales tax exemption for security services, a 30-year property tax exemption program, a B&O tax credit, and a B&O exemption for certain locally owned or employee-owned stores. The sponsor and supporters said the bill is intended to preserve and attract grocery stores in food deserts, especially after recent store closures, and to help communities with limited transportation and access to healthy food. County representatives supported the goal but raised concern about the bill’s sales tax exemption and its effect on local revenues. Public testimony was largely supportive, with advocates, local officials, grocers, and residents describing grocery stores as essential community infrastructure. No action was taken. HB 2382 would raise cigarette taxes by $2 per pack, restructure vapor and other tobacco product taxes, and dedicate portions of the revenue to a time-sensitive emergency system, tobacco enforcement, and the foundational public health services account. The sponsor said the bill would generate needed revenue, support cancer research funding, and strengthen public health and enforcement. Supporters said higher tobacco taxes reduce use and help cover long-term health costs, while some public health witnesses supported the revenue but suggested directing more funds to existing tobacco prevention accounts. Opponents from retail and industry groups argued the proposal is regressive, could increase illicit sales and cross-border purchasing, and would hurt small businesses and low-income consumers. The committee also heard HB 2487, a Department of Revenue request bill that would narrow the B&O exemption for insurers to clarify that it applies only to premium income subject to insurance premium tax, and apply the change retroactively to 2019. The sponsor and supporters said the bill closes a loophole created by a recent Supreme Court ruling and preserves tax equity, while insurers and business groups objected to the retroactive application, warning of higher premiums and unfair taxation. Finally, HB 2018 would increase the solid waste tax by 0.5% per year for five years and direct the new revenue to a local government solid waste assistance account for county and city waste management plans. County officials supported the bill as a way to stabilize funding for solid waste systems, and testimony emphasized rising disposal and infrastructure costs. No votes were taken on any of the bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Treehouse now covers more than 50% of the cost of the program through private dollars.
• DCYF is to conduct a competitive procurement process to identify an entity or entities with a demonstrated
• DCYF may operate the program or specific parts not operated by another entity.
• DCYF is to conduct a competitive procurement process to identify an entity or entities with a demonstrated
• DCYF may operate the program or specific parts not operated by another entity.

Bills: SB5911, SB5940, SB5942, SB5957

Keywords: children, youth, financial stability, care services, department of children and families, housing assistance, foster care, pilot program, social services, accountability, family services, state department, child welfare, homeless youth, youth homelessness, runaway youth, young adult homelessness, housing instability, family reunification, family stability

Transcript Highlights:

• No entity other than the CCN holder is authorized to provide service in a certified area.
• I said, the overwhelming number of these water supply districts are great people, great entities.
• There aren't big enough entities to take care of the larger areas.
• In fact, my family has only two wells of about three that cover many areas around for water wells.
• This expansion broadens the scope of the entities involved in handling wildfire response.

Bills: SB863, SB1190, SB1261, SB1413, SB1624, SB1662, SB1663, SB1855, SB1967, SB2124, SB2204, SB1623

Keywords: Edwards Aquifer, water conservation, reclaimed water, aquifer storage, environmental protection, water loss, municipally owned utilities, Texas Water Development Board, administrative penalties, water audit, water infrastructure, water supply, state water plan, water management strategies, water financing, municipal bonds, revenue bonds, public debt, obligations, TWDB

Transcript Highlights:

• Twenty-four other entities.
• Six northern counties of the state are currently covered by two teams.
• Additionally, as was mentioned, we do have similar types of these kinds of entities in the state: the
• So we are not recommending that the legislature simply align these entities.
• We had a lot to do to stand up the entity, regulations and things of that nature.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on State Administration heard several CalVet budget updates first. CalVet reported progress on the Southern California Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon, explaining that DGS is revising the earlier feasibility study to reflect a smaller footprint and lower grading costs, with updated numbers expected by the end of April. Members and public commenters emphasized the project’s importance and asked whether additional budget authority or trailer bill language was needed; CalVet said it may need more spending authority but wanted to return after the revised study is complete. The committee also reviewed the Yountville skilled nursing facility replacement project, where CalVet said construction is nearing completion, a certificate of occupancy was received, and the new 240-bed facility will replace Holderman Hospital while older buildings will be repurposed for lower levels of care. CalVet also defended eliminating about 178 vacant positions at Yountville and West Los Angeles as a fiscal and staffing efficiency measure, saying current care levels can still be met and that retention and hiring efforts are improving. The committee then took up the Department of Cannabis Control’s enforcement and legal affairs proposal. DCC described the size of the illicit cannabis market, said enforcement alone cannot solve the problem, and asked for additional sworn staff, a new Redding-area field office, and more analysts to focus on distribution networks, organized crime, environmental harms, and high-priority public safety cases. Finance supported the proposal as a targeted investment, while the LAO had no additional comment. Members asked about funding impacts and local co-location options, and DCC said the request would be funded from cannabis excise tax revenues and could help shift sales into the legal market. Public testimony from the cannabis industry strongly supported more enforcement against illicit retail and said it would help legal operators compete. DCC also presented its hemp enforcement and regulation proposal tied to AB 8. The department said the law closes loopholes around intoxicating hemp products, strengthens enforcement across agencies, and prepares for hemp to enter the cannabis regulatory framework in 2028. DCC requested staff for a civil enforcement unit, field-testing equipment, lab capacity to detect synthetic cannabinoids, a track-and-trace specialist, and a policy specialist. Members asked about enforcement in informal retail settings and consumer confusion, and DCC said the biggest problems have been smoke shops and online sales. Public commenters from the legal cannabis industry supported the proposal, saying intoxicating hemp has harmed the regulated market and created public safety risks. The Cannabis Control Appeals Panel then requested ongoing funding of $3.4 million to support 12 positions and its quasi-judicial appeals function. The panel said that with provisional licenses largely phased out, more annual licensees now have appeal rights and the workload is beginning to increase, with two cases currently on the docket. The LAO recommended limiting funding to three years and requiring a workload and comparative analysis before making the funding permanent, while Finance supported ongoing funding as consistent with the panel’s permanent statutory role. Members questioned the panel’s compensation and workload, noting that the five-member body is paid at a high statutory rate despite historically meeting only quarterly, though panel staff said the work now includes substantial case preparation and monthly hearings. Finally, the Department of Consumer Affairs introduced two proposals: $2 million ongoing for the Contractors State License Board’s IT needs and $251,000 plus one limited-term position for the Board of Pharmacy to implement Proposition 34-related licensing policy and reduce barriers to licensure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Further clarification would be helpful regarding the scope of covered products and focus, possibly on
• ... ...to information a business collected directly from an individual, not that covers, and that covers
• We're moving into a new field where we're having decisions being made by non-human entities.
• We're moving into a new field where we're having decisions being made by non-human entities.
• It's a cover-up. And real women and girls pay the price.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• red cards for opposition, white cards for information, and blue cards if you're with a government entity
• I have a list of a few of them, but those do not specifically cover this.
• And we did have Artemis, you know, that this would have covered those blueprints and the safety ends
• I have a list of a few of them, but those do not specifically cover this.
• They’re just trying to get covered for the medicals.

Summary: The committee first heard HB 1071, which creates a public records exception for certain aerospace facility and activity records, including blueprints, plans, technical data, operational documents, and security information tied to federally regulated work and contracts with the U.S. Department of War or intelligence agencies. The sponsor and several members emphasized protecting Louisiana aerospace and defense-related work, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then took up HB 181, as amended, which authorizes the legislative auditor to review confidential income tax records to help LDH verify Medicaid eligibility, and, after amendment, SNAP eligibility as well. Supporters said the bill would help identify ineligible recipients, reduce fraud, and improve the state’s error rate to avoid federal penalties; opponents argued tax returns are outdated and unreliable for current eligibility, could create false flags, and might burden or discourage eligible low-income residents. After extensive debate, the committee adopted Amendment Set 2633 and reported HB 181 favorably by a 10-6 vote. Later, the committee considered HB 250, which removes the requirement that immediate family members of appointed board or commission members disclose certain employment information, while leaving existing ethics prohibitions in place. The Ethics Board said the bill would not change substantive conflict-of-interest rules, only the disclosure requirement, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 544, authorizing a citizen’s advisory referendum election, was briefly explained as a nonbinding, petition-driven local ballot question process, but the sponsor deferred it for further consideration and the committee deferred the bill. The committee also heard HB 1036, which clarifies when a group is considered a “committee” for campaign finance purposes by using a more objective spending threshold rather than the current “primary purpose” standard. Ethics officials said the change would give clearer investigative guidance without changing other disclosure rules, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, HB 210 was amended to address retroactivity concerns in a prior ethics-related provision affecting school board and local governing authority members employed by entities with contracts or business before June 5, 2024; the amendment grandfathered earlier situations while requiring disclosures going forward, and the bill was reported favorably as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• A follow-up question was raised about whether 100% funding guarantees that the program can cover 100%
• The response was that it is estimated to cover 100% of those, so that it is at 100%.
• </c> guarantee that the program can cover guarantee that the program can cover 100%<00:14:58.680><c>
• to cover 100% of those<00:15:07.199><c> so</c><00:15:07.360><c> that</c><00:15:07.480><c> it's</c><00
• Representative Nemes continued that proxy companies are foreign entities making suggestions about what

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:17 Attendance Roll Call: 00:41 Approval of Minutes: 02:40 HB 694: 03:16 SB 183: 18:32 Discussion on PPOB Membership: 36:10 Adjournment: 42:35, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its January 27 meeting and then took up House Bill 694, which would create a default rule for the Teachers’ Retirement System health insurance trust fund once it reaches 100% funding, currently anticipated around 2027. The bill would redirect two funding streams now going to the health trust—state payments on behalf of local districts and other employer contributions—into TRS pension benefits if the health fund reaches and maintains full funding. The sponsor said this would add about $154 million annually to TRS pensions and would only serve as a default if no other plan is adopted later. Members asked whether the bill would shift the unfunded liability to teachers or affect employee contributions. The sponsor and staff said it would not shift liability to teachers and would not change the employee contribution; only the employer-side payments would be redirected. Several members asked about the meaning of actuarial 100% funding, whether the fund could fall back below 100%, and whether employee contributions might be reduced in the future. The sponsor said the bill is based on actuarial projections, would revert the money back to the health trust if funding fell below 100%, and does not prevent future legislative or board action. Senator Higdon and others spoke in support of discussing the issue, noting the 2010 shared-responsibility changes and the need for a default approach as full funding is reached. The committee then heard Senate Bill 183, which would amend Kentucky law governing proxy advisers used by retirement systems. The sponsor said the bill would require proxy advisers, when handling shareholder-sponsored proposals, to act solely in the interest of retirement system members and beneficiaries and to provide an economic analysis when voting against a company board’s recommendation. He argued the measure is aimed at proxy advisers such as ISS and Glass Lewis, which he said often advance ESG-related proposals not tied to shareholder value. A guest from APCIA said the bill is meant to distinguish proxy advisers from investment managers and to strengthen the 2023 law by requiring a clearer economic justification for votes that depart from board recommendations. Members asked how proxy advisers differ from other financial advisers, whether Kentucky uses them, and whether the bill would prevent pension funds from investing in companies with ESG factors if those investments are profitable. The sponsor and guest said the bill would not bar such investments; it is intended to regulate proxy voting recommendations, not investment decisions. They described the bill as a proactive measure to reinforce fiduciary responsibility and limit outside proxy influence on pension voting. No final vote on either bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• when we go over the next bill we're going to cover.
• over the next bill we're going to cover.
• 150 covers 99% of the waterborne traffic.
• My other bills cover that about the Caddo-Bossier Port.
• They are their own entity created by state statute. Okay. Now, the St.

Bills: HB345, HB502, HB511, HB655, HB667, HB713, HB714, HB730, HB743, HB777, HB803, HB836, HB871, HB1037, HB1167, HB1174, HB1175

Keywords: rail infrastructure, ports, Class II railroads, Class III railroads, transportation, Caddo Parish, property taxes, abatement, payment in lieu of taxes, taxing entities, governmental approval, pursuit intervention, law enforcement, safety technology, GPS tracking, public safety, ferries, Department of Transportation, contracts, state legislation

Summary: The committee heard several transportation and aviation measures. HB 1175, by Rep. Turner, updated aeronautics-related definitions and was reported favorably without objection. HB 655, by Rep. Brough, authorized DOTD to use cost-plus contracts for operation and maintenance of state ferry systems, with Secretary Glenn LaDay explaining it was intended to give DOTD flexibility for possible privatization or contracting of ferries such as Cameron; it was also reported favorably. HB 1037, by Chairman Borek, shifted certain DOTD operational responsibilities to a chief operating officer and was reported favorably, and HB 1174, also by Chairman Borek, recreated DOTD and was reported favorably as a cleanup measure. HB 714 and HB 502 were voluntarily deferred. The committee then considered several port-related bills. HB 871, by Rep. Carver, would have added two St. Tammany Parish appointees to the Port of New Orleans board, but the author asked to voluntarily defer it, saying the timing was premature given ongoing work on the Louisiana International Terminal and related access projects. HB 345, by Rep. McMakin, expanded the Rail Infrastructure Improvement Program to include rail infrastructure at ports and was reported favorably. HB 713, by Rep. McCormick, would cap the Caddo-Bossier Port executive director’s compensation at the statewide average of the top ten port directors; after extensive debate and testimony from the port, the Port Association, and Caddo Parish opposing the bill, the committee voted 12-1 to involuntarily defer it. HB 667, also by Rep. McCormick, would change Caddo-Bossier Port commissioners from appointed to elected; witnesses argued it would politicize the board, create election costs, and conflict with the port’s current structure, and the committee again voted 12-1 to involuntarily defer the bill. The committee also advanced local infrastructure and flood-protection measures. HB 743, by Rep. St. Blanc, creating the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport District in St. Mary Parish, was reported favorably after testimony that the district would help the parish manage the airport as an economic development asset. HB 836, by Rep. Hilferty, would reconfirm members of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority East by Senate confirmation; after concerns that the original August 1 date could interfere with hurricane-season operations, the committee adopted an amendment moving the reconfirmation date to December 1, 2026, and then reported the bill favorably by substitute. Finally, HB 730, by Rep. Cruz, was presented to prohibit the use of ADS-B aircraft tracking data to assess taxes or fees on aircraft owners, with an amendment narrowing the bill to smaller aircraft; the discussion continued into questions about enforcement and exemptions for carrier airports.

Transcript Highlights:

• covers asymptomatic pre-existing conditions or pre-existing conditions that do not affect a worker's
• We cover schools in Northern and Central California.
• We cover schools in Northern and Central California.
• So the four grantees cover those three regions. Okay.
• So the four of the grantees cover those three regions. Okay.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is more on the dialogue between the two entities.
• This is more on the dialogue between the two entities.
• It would just be on the public entities website.
• They pretty much covered it for y'all.
• They cover the high school football games.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several bills, mostly dealing with open meetings, public records, election administration, and local government notice requirements. Senate Bill 1 by Sen. Jenkins would authorize electronic voting under the Open Meetings Law and apply retroactively to validate prior electronic votes; after brief discussion and support from the Louisiana Municipal Association, it was reported favorably. House Bill 1052 by Rep. Spell would exempt certain child advocacy center and multidisciplinary team work product, forensic interviews, and related sensitive records from public records disclosure to protect child abuse investigations; testimony from child advocacy organizations emphasized the need to prevent misuse of records and preserve court-controlled access, and the bill was reported favorably. Senate Bill 289 by Sen. Abraham, concerning confidentiality of certain university records and negotiations, was amended to clarify protections for proprietary research, donor confidentiality, and limited confidentiality for industry negotiations, then reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 218 by Sen. Talbot, allowing alternative certification programs for election officials if approved by the State Board of Election Supervisors, and Senate Bill 220, a technical correction regarding the official journal of the state, were both reported favorably. Senate Bill 161 by Sen. Seaball, repealing a requirement that certain high-salary unclassified state employees register vehicles in Louisiana, was also reported favorably after questions about its scope and purpose. The committee then took up House Bill 1193 by Rep. Sawyer, which authorizes the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority to use indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity construction contracts for maintenance and emergency work. CPRA officials said the model would speed small repairs and pre-construction tasks, improve efficiency, and mirror a similar DOTD approach; an amendment narrowed the public-records language and excluded design-build contracting. Members raised concerns about public records transparency and inclusion of minority and small contractors, but the bill was reported favorably as amended. House Bill 249 by Rep. Green, a constitutional amendment creating an independent compensation commission for elected officials and tying adjustments to CPI, drew extensive debate over removing the legislature from setting salaries, the appointment structure, and whether the state could afford automatic increases. After opposition from several members and a roll-call vote, the bill failed to be reported, 6 yeas to 9 nays. Because HB 249 failed, the companion enabling bill, House Bill 248, was deferred. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 997 by Rep. Edmondson, which would let parishes, municipalities, and school boards use their own websites as an alternative to newspaper publication for public notices. Supporters from the Police Jury Association argued the bill would reduce duplicative costs, preserve all existing notice requirements, and simply add a third option alongside newspaper publication and newspaper-hosted digital publication. An amendment narrowed the bill to parishes, municipalities, and school boards, removing other political subdivisions. Members questioned transparency, enforcement, record retention, and whether the change would undermine newspapers; supporters said courts would still enforce notice requirements and that local governments already maintain the records. The bill remained under discussion at the end of the transcript, with no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:40.239><c> can</c> determines when government entities can determines when government entities
• :44.480><c> immune</c> Government entities are generally immune Government entities are generally immune
• I will uh on by the government entity.
• </c> Litigation against a governmental entity Litigation against a governmental entity is<00:08:12.720
• So, the bill does not cover speech that is not already covered by the First Amendment.

Bills: SF0035, SF0090, SF0072

Keywords: education, cell phones, smart devices, school policy, student conduct, school property, rental fees, youth activities, education policy, Wyoming legislature, teacher licensure, teacher mobility, interstate compact, education compact, licensure reciprocity, reciprocal certification, teacher certification, professional teaching standards board, out-of-state teachers, military spouse

Transcript Highlights:

• engages in the provision of telemedicine unless they're otherwise exempt, and then it exempts all covered
• entities under HIPAA.
• The entity that is designating an emergency operation zone no longer has to notify law enforcement about
• inside an emergency operation zone, the notification of that activity now goes to the designating entity
• This exempts all covered entities under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

Bills: HB2157, HB2351, HB2365, HB2357, HB2446, HB2523, HB2606

Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI regulation, algorithmic discrimination, high-risk AI, machine learning, generative AI, synthetic content, impact assessment, risk management policy, consumer protection, civil rights, discrimination, facial recognition, automated decision-making, deployers, developers, Washington RCW, Title 19 RCW, employment, housing

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think we can cover a lot of ground there. And that’s it.
• Chairman, members, House Bill 2248 restricts a governmental entity, business entity, school, or ticket
• Chairman, members, House Bill 2086 prohibits governmental entities and businesses from requiring...
• to special health care districts and health care institutions owned or operated by a governmental entity
• They cannot require a face covering or a face mask except where work safety and infection controls are

Summary: The committee met for its first hearing of the session, took roll, introduced members and staff, and reviewed committee rules and amendment deadlines. The chair also announced that video recording would not be allowed in the room and set the order and speaking limits for the day’s bills. The committee heard HB 2248, the Arizona Medical Freedom Act, which would bar governmental entities, businesses, schools, and ticket issuers from denying employment, entry, services, or participation based on whether a person has or has not received a medical intervention. Supporters framed it as protecting bodily autonomy, parental rights, and freedom from medical discrimination. Opponents, including physicians, child care and public health advocates, argued the bill was overly broad and could undermine vaccination policies, school and child care illness controls, and protections for immunocompromised people. The bill passed on a 3-2 vote. The committee then heard HB 2086, which would prohibit governmental entities and businesses from requiring vaccination or masks/face coverings, with limited exceptions for workplace safety and infection control. Supporters said it would prevent government coercion and protect individual liberty and business freedom; opponents warned it would interfere with private business decisions and public health measures. After testimony and debate over the scope of the bill and the relevance of Jacobson v. Massachusetts, the committee approved HB 2086 on a 3-2 vote. Finally, the committee considered HB 2688, which would require the Arizona Department of Administration to identify state budget positions vacant for at least 150 days and direct budget units to eliminate those positions each fiscal year, with some exceptions such as Corrections and DPS. The sponsor said the bill was intended to reduce waste and prevent vacant positions from functioning as slush funds, while critics raised concerns about hard-to-fill specialized roles. The committee passed HB 2688 on a 3-2 vote and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think we can cover a lot of ground there. And that's it.
• Chairman, members, House Bill 2248 restricts a governmental entity, business entity, school, or ticket
• Chairman, members, House Bill 2086 prohibits governmental entities and businesses from requiring...
• to special health care districts and health care institutions owned or operated by a governmental entity
• They cannot require a face covering or a face mask except where work safety and infection controls are

Bills: HB2086, HB2248, HB2688

Keywords: vaccination mandates, mask requirements, public health, government entities, COVID-19, medical freedom, healthcare mandates, employment requirements, government regulation, vacant positions, state budget, government efficiency, employment, full-time equivalent positions, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• if it hasn't been highlighted, to at least express what they would be interested in our committee covering
• And so the remainder of the document has the descriptions of every budget entity within our departments
• Within each budget entity, there's a line-by-line of the starting fiscal year base budget for all of
• information, staff has provided a brief explanation for each of the categories within each budget entity
• We've seen over the years there's a lot of funding going to a lot of different entities, a lot through

Summary: The committee meeting began with quorum, member introductions, and an overview of the Agriculture, Environment, and General Government budget process. The chair emphasized using the committee resource book and performance metrics to review the base budget and invited members to identify areas of interest for later discussion. Members were also reminded about appearance forms and speaking procedures. Wes Gregory of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services presented on agricultural best management practices and water policy. He said the office had updated all nine commodity BMP manuals and added a manual for small farms and livestock, expanded enrollment by 742 producers covering 677,000 acres, and used GIS and data analysis to target areas such as the Indian River Lagoon. He also described cost-share projects, a new field application for enrollment and inspections, cross-training staff, and a request for $20 million for regional water quality projects. Members asked about BMP enrollment, compliance, and enforcement; Gregory said noncompliance is uncommon and cases can be referred to DEP. Adam Blaylock of DEP reviewed environmental grant programs, saying the state has appropriated $2.9 billion since 2018 for water quality projects, with about 1,100 projects reducing nitrogen and phosphorus statewide. He described the Water Quality Improvement Grant, Indian River Lagoon, Biscayne Bay, Springs, Alternative Water Supply, and Resilient Florida programs, including a planned public dashboard and a water-quality monitoring portal. Senators asked about the application window, award timing, and the high cost of septic-to-sewer conversions, with Blaylock estimating a blended average of about $35,000 per home. Chief Conservation Officer George Worthing of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission then presented on invasive animal control. He discussed prevention, risk screening, law enforcement at ports, public outreach programs such as the Python Challenge, Lionfish Challenge, and Exotic Pet Amnesty Program, and early detection tools like the Ive Got One reporting system. He also described control efforts for Burmese pythons, tegus, and lionfish, along with research and partner coordination. Members asked about the most harmful invasive species and whether iguanas may be taken; Worthing said iguanas are open for take, subject to other laws. The meeting ended after members briefly identified priorities such as water quality, recreation water quality, sustainability, sea level rise, and septic-to-sewer infrastructure, and the committee adjourned without any formal votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• that we just covered a lot of that ground in our previous presentations and in our presentation last
• that we just covered a lot of that ground in our previous presentations and in our presentation last
• And various partner entities, including NGOs such as Ducks Unlimited... ...and partner entities, including
• This program only covers two-thirds of the cost, and so the landowner covers that other third of the
• A lot of conservation entities would come in and say, "I'm worried about sediment levels.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House Agricultural Affairs Committee began by approving the minutes from February 12, 2026, and then heard a presentation from Idaho FFA state officers and Hadley Brown, the state creed speaking champion and national finalist. The FFA students described their agricultural experiences, leadership training, community service, and the three-circle model of classroom instruction, FFA activities, and supervised agricultural experience. They invited legislators to the state convention in Twin Falls and asked them to keep agricultural education and CTE in mind when considering future bills. Hadley Brown then recited the FFA Creed and discussed the competition process that led to her national title. The committee then took up House Bill 503, which would place the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission within the Idaho Department of Water Resources. Sponsor Representative Manwaring said the bill was intended to improve efficiency, reduce administrative duplication, and save about $107,000 while preserving the commission’s non-regulatory, locally led mission. Testimony from the Idaho Farm Bureau and the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts reflected initial concerns about mission creep, but both groups said those concerns were addressed by Senate Concurrent Resolution 115, which affirms the commission’s independence and voluntary conservation role. Director Matthew Weaver said the merger process had been credible and stakeholder-driven, and that the agencies could work successfully together if the statutory duties and resources were preserved. The committee voted to send House Bill 503 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. It then heard and passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 115, which supports the merger framework and the preservation of the commission’s mission. Representative Miller, who sponsored the resolution, gave a lengthy background on conservation districts and argued that local, voluntary control is essential to their effectiveness. Members also noted that the resolution and bill should be considered together. Both measures received do-pass recommendations without opposition. After the votes, Director Weaver, Deputy Administrator George Hitz, and Tori O’Neill provided a detailed report on the Soil and Water Conservation Commission’s work, including district support, conservation programs, CREP, WACPA, and budget requests for a new miscellaneous revenue fund and matching-fund shortfalls. The final presentation came from the Idaho Wheat Commission, whose executive director described the commission’s grower-funded structure, research and market development work, export markets, education programs like Bread in a Bag, and challenges such as low prices, high input costs, misinformation about wheat, and farmer mental health. The committee adjourned after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you do this with other contractors typically, such as managing entities?
• "Contractors, typically, such as managing entities?" You're recognized. "No, ma'am."
• So you could charge 150% to your managing entity contract, 150% to your CBC contract.
• So you could charge 150% to your managing entity contract, 150% to your CBC contract.
• For the CEO that is making close to $800,000, what is the population that they're covering?

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee met with a quorum present and took up a presentation from the Department of Children and Families on HB 7089, which revises how Florida’s community-based care (CBC) lead agencies for child welfare are funded. Representative McFarland described the bill’s background, arguing that the prior formula relied too heavily on outdated, static factors and produced inequities among CBCs. She emphasized that the new approach is intended to provide a more stable, transparent, and statute-based funding method that better supports prevention, case management, and family services while reducing year-to-year political uncertainty. DCF Chief of Staff Casey Penn explained that HB 7089 required an actuarially sound, reimbursement-based formula developed with CBC and provider input. The new model uses a cost-based structure with three tiers: Tier 1 for operational and administrative costs, Tier 2 for per-child/per-month service costs, and a possible Tier 3 incentive component for performance measures if the Legislature chooses to fund it. The model includes regional growth factors, inflation adjustments, a 2% risk corridor for Tier 2, a hold-harmless provision for agencies that would otherwise receive less than prior funding, and the ability for CBCs to retain some state general revenue savings. DCF said the model produced a total budget need of about $1.392 billion, roughly $28.6 million above the prior year after offsets, and that the department is also updating its child welfare case management system to improve data quality and future modeling. Members asked about whether prevention spending is captured, how Tier 3 incentives would work and how much they might cost, how the formula accounts for insurance, hurricanes, child acuity, and staffing costs, and whether CBC executives’ compensation is capped. DCF said prevention is included in the model but is not yet separately broken out due to data limitations, Tier 3 is optional and not yet costed, and the formula can incorporate additional growth factors if needed. On executive pay, DCF explained that compensation is limited by statute for CBC contracts, but multiple contracts and non-state funding sources can affect total compensation; staff later clarified that CBC CEOs with multiple contracts had been reviewed for compliance. The meeting ended after questions, and Representative Miller moved to adjourn; the subcommittee adjourned without any vote on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you are now familiar, and as we know, the sales tax exemption covered everything from construction
• It says, for a qualifying business entity—that would be a data center—that commences construction on
• electricity rate schedule or energy service agreement that fully recovers from the qualifying business entity
• supportive of the measures that have been presented in House Bill 897 that will ensure that business entities
• the amount of time that the utility would take to be reimbursed or to make sure that they're fully covered

Summary: The House Revenue and Taxation Committee heard House Bill 897, a revised data center tax incentive bill presented by Representative Chris Bruce and Senator Lori Den Hartog. The sponsors said the bill narrows the existing sales tax exemption so it applies only to internal server equipment, limits the exemption to 20 years, requires Tax Commission reporting on foregone sales tax revenue, and modifies the property tax treatment for large data center investments. They also emphasized new conditions intended to protect ratepayers and water resources, including requiring utilities to recover electricity costs from the qualifying business entity and requiring efficient water-use arrangements. The sponsors described the measure as a tax incentive bill, not a regulatory bill. During questions, members asked about how the bill would protect utility customers and whether data centers that generate their own power or use closed-loop cooling systems would still qualify. The sponsors said the electricity costs would need to be covered through energy service agreements and that construction for on-site power generation or cooling systems would not qualify for the sales tax exemption because the bill limits the incentive to server equipment. Public testimony was generally supportive. Lane Thornton, a Kuna farmer, backed the bill because of concerns about power costs and water use, and Courtney Dawson of the Idaho Rural Water Association supported the water-related provisions and asked for a due pass recommendation. After closing remarks, Representative Monks moved to send House Bill 897 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee approved the motion by voice vote, and Representative Bruce was designated to carry the bill on the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you are now familiar, and as we know, the sales tax exemption covered everything from construction
• it says, Lines one through seven, and I'm just going to read it, says, 'For a qualifying business entity
• electricity rate schedule or energy service agreement that fully recovers from the qualifying business entity
• supportive of the measures that have been presented in House Bill 897 that will ensure that business entities
• the amount of time that the utility would take to be reimbursed or to make sure that they're fully covered

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House Revenue and Taxation Committee met on March 18, 2026, to hear House Bill 897, a revised data center tax incentive bill sponsored by Representative Chris Bruce and Senator Lori Den Hartog. The sponsors said the bill narrows Idaho’s existing sales tax exemption so it applies only to internal server equipment, limits the exemption to 20 years, and requires the Tax Commission to report the amount of sales tax revenue not collected. They also said the bill modifies the property tax treatment for large data center investments and adds provisions intended to protect utility ratepayers and water resources by requiring full cost recovery through utility agreements and efficient water-use practices. They emphasized the measure is a tax incentive bill, not a regulatory bill. Committee members asked questions about how the bill would protect ratepayers and how utility costs would be recovered. The sponsors said the utility costs would be handled through energy service agreements that fully recover the utility’s costs from the data center, and that those agreements would generally be worked out before construction. Representative Raymond asked about a letter in opposition from TerraVolt and whether a data center’s self-built power plant or cooling infrastructure would qualify for the exemption; Senator Den Hartog said those construction costs would not qualify because the bill limits the exemption to internal server equipment. Public testimony was generally supportive. Lane Thornton, a Kuna farmer, said he supported the bill’s water and power protections and was concerned about rate impacts and water quality. Courtney Dawson of the Idaho Rural Water Association also supported the bill, saying its water-related provisions and accountability measures would help protect drinking water and wastewater systems. After closing remarks, Representative Monks moved to send House Bill 897 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and the motion passed by voice vote. Representative Bruce will carry the bill on the floor.