Transcript Highlights:

• “Three fiscal budgets. We have received no new legislative monies.
• I am here in support of HB 2403 and the $2.5 million fiscal year 2027 funding request for Access EPD
• And so we oppose the strike-everything amendment, and I want to be transparent about why.
• Kohler mentioned, our... ...and transparency of the P&T committee. As Ms.
• Transparency, that's great. It's not transparent. And lastly, inclusivity of testimony.

Bills: HB2048, HB2189, HB2248, HB2403, HB2728, HB2729, HB2730, HB2731, HB2906, HCR2058

Keywords: orders of protection, domestic violence, court procedures, legal guardian, enforcement, healthcare, licensed health aides, scope of practice, ventilator care, training standards, medical freedom, healthcare mandates, employment requirements, public health, government regulation, elderly, physical disabilities, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, home and community based services, funding increase

Transcript Highlights:

• found that overall, virtual schools struggled to produce acceptable student outcomes, demonstrate fiscal
• And so, there's a significant need for more transparency, more reporting, and for approval so that we
• Need transparency. We need the information to be reported to us so that we know what's happening.
• I do believe the fiscal and the geographic issues are the most important.
• So when we look at graduation rates, we have to be very transparent about what they're really telling

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of fiscal year 26.
• So for fiscal year the end of fiscal year 25, the ending balance was 137437.
• c> the<00:46:36.640> end<00:46:36.720> of<00:46:36.880> fiscal So for fiscal
• year the end of fiscal So for fiscal year the end of fiscal year<00:46:37.760> 25<00:46:38.480
• uh transparency. uh transparency.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Dedicated Funds met to review inactive and dedicated accounts, note prior legislation that had passed, and begin its annual review of agency funds. Members discussed several inactive funds, including some HHS-related accounts, a law enforcement memorial fund, and possible cleanup of accounting references where funds had been reorganized or merged. Staff noted that some newer funds may simply not have started receiving revenue yet, and the committee agreed to follow up on specific accounts later rather than address everything immediately. The committee then heard from Fish and Game on its dedicated funds. Topics included the statewide public boat access account, which is used for boat ramp and access-site maintenance and is supported by boat registration fees and federal funds; the ORV education, training, and enforcement account, which has declined over time and may need attention because revenue depends heavily on weather and snowmobile use; and the search and rescue account, which is funded by Hike Safe cards, a $1 fee from boat and OHRV registrations, and court-ordered fees. Fish and Game also explained that the conservation license plate fund had been merged into the non-game species management account, which is supported by donations, federal funds, and a statutory general fund transfer, and that pheasants are treated as game species under a separate program. The committee spent considerable time on the lifetime license account, an off-book Treasury-held account that collects lifetime license sales and returns funds to Fish and Game based on annual sales plus 9% of the fund balance. Members questioned why the account’s presentation did not clearly show the transfer as a revenue reduction and suggested the reporting format needed cleanup so the flow of money would be easier to understand. Fish and Game said the account is operating properly and that the transfer to the unrestricted Fish and Game fund exceeded $400,000 in the most recent year. The committee also reviewed the publications and fundraising revolving fund, which keeps a $100,000 balance for inventory purchases and transfers excess year-end funds to the unrestricted Fish and Game fund; members again raised concerns that the reporting format did not clearly show the transfer, and staff said they could add a note or other clarification.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because this bill includes recurring public funding, transparency and accountability are essential.
• With transparent funding and practical implementation, this policy can expand opportunities statewide
• We must demand radical transparency in how public funds are appropriated, and absolute accountability
• I urge you to support this bill while ensuring the clear standards and public radical transparency in
• We will encourage this community to pass this bill with commitment to transparency and spending clear

Bills: S1062, S1718, S7038

Keywords: speech education, debate, high school, Florida Debate Initiative, civics, competitive teams, student participation, educational advancement, educator preparation, certification, professional development, temporary certificate, military service, collaboration, teaching effectiveness, education, Florida College System, tuition waivers, vocational rehabilitation, state universities

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met to consider several education bills and the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 Department of Education budget. The committee first took up CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate, which would formalize Florida’s Speech and Debate Week, strengthen the partnership between the Department of Education and the Florida Debate Initiative, require annual public reporting, and support statewide speech and debate programming. The bill drew extensive supportive testimony from students, alumni, and advocates who said debate improved civic engagement, literacy, confidence, and school performance, while also noting the need for equitable access and funding for travel and competition. The committee adopted a delete-everything amendment and then reported the bill favorably as amended by a unanimous vote of members present. The committee then heard SB 1718 on educator preparation and certification, which expands access to educator preparation coursework, broadens eligibility for temporary certification for some formerly certified professionals, and allows prior subject-area exam results to satisfy requirements. Public testimony largely supported easing barriers for experienced educators while emphasizing that certification changes are only a partial solution to teacher shortages and should be paired with better pay, retention, and professional respect. The bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered SB 7038 on education, which included a wide range of higher education and workforce-related changes, including a tuition waiver for Florida State Guard members, residency clarifications, oversight changes for blind services and vocational rehabilitation providers, licensure updates for private colleges, dual enrollment and assessment revisions, scholarship and funding changes, and reserve-fund requirements. An amendment restored the Classical Learning Test as a qualifying option for a grandparent tuition waiver, adjusted a Pell Grant performance metric, changed accreditation timing, and made other technical revisions. A dental education stakeholder raised concerns that one provision could disrupt long-standing exemptions for dental assisting programs, and the Florida Dental Association said it was working with the sponsor to avoid unintended impacts. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as amended. The final major item was a high-level review of the proposed pre-K-12 budget, totaling $34.9 billion with local funds. Highlights included $30 billion for public schools and K-12 scholarships, a $50 increase in the base student allocation, a 1.64% increase in total funds per FTE, $4.5 billion for family empowerment scholarships as a separate FEFP categorical, $25 million for districts facing future enrollment declines, $65.3 million to help districts with current-year enrollment losses, $432.8 million for VPK, and $30.4 million for regional education consortia. Senators asked about reductions or flat funding in some allocations, teacher pay, declining enrollment support, Schools of Hope funding, and support for non-teaching school staff. Public testimony on the budget focused heavily on concerns about charter and voucher funding, especially the $6 million for Schools of Hope, with speakers urging more investment in traditional public schools, teacher compensation, and school infrastructure. The committee concluded the meeting by adjournment after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Moreover, this legislation strengthens fiscal stewardship by ensuring that alternative providers are
• not only available, but also help rigorous standards of transparency and outcome-based evaluations.
• And then in terms of reporting, is there anything in here that would increase transparency or improve
• transparency of the program so that we know who is being serviced, what they're being provided.
• This bill carries no fiscal note and simply directs TDCJ to establish a mental health.

Transcript Highlights:

• She is an outstanding and transparent executive director, and we have conversations constantly about
• Obviously, I believe that transparency is incredibly important.
• And clarity on Obviously, I believe that transparency is incredibly important, and clarity on what TCEQ
• The Sunset report really drove us to be more transparent.
• Let me ask you this: so is it all based just on transparency, or was there...

Summary: The Senate Committee on Nominations met with a quorum and first took up pending nominations from an earlier agenda. Members severed Douglas McReecken, nominated to the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents, from the rest of the list and then voted to report the remaining nominees to the full Senate by a 7-0 vote. The committee then voted on the severed nomination itself and reported Douglas McReecken to the full Senate as well, by a 5-2 vote. The committee heard testimony from Brooke Pop, reappointed as chair of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and later from Commissioner Katarina Gonzalez, also of TCEQ. Questions focused on whether TCEQ rules comply with state law, ex parte restrictions, public transparency, concrete batch plant permitting, MUD approvals, water availability, illegal dams, enforcement, and the agency’s role in local environmental disputes. Both nominees said they follow the law as written, described internal legal review of rules, and emphasized transparency, public outreach, and enforcement; Gonzalez said she had already sent back two rules she believed did not comply with legislation. Members also discussed TCEQ’s authority limits and the need for clearer public communication about what the agency can and cannot regulate. The committee also considered Alethea Sullivan, nominated to the Texas Southern University Board of Regents. Questions centered on TSU’s status as an independent institution, the role of HBCUs amid DEI-related legal changes, and student outcomes. Sullivan said she would focus on ensuring taxpayer and student resources produce valuable credentials and noted concerns from her review of graduation and bar passage rates. The committee then heard from Benjamin Barkley, appointed chief executive and public counsel of the Office of Public Utility Counsel. Barkley said OPUC’s main need is additional funding to recruit and retain attorneys and expert witnesses, reduce turnover, and continue representing residential and small commercial consumers in utility rate cases; he said the office was involved in 73 contested cases and saved Texans $2.2 billion in FY 2024. No final action was taken on the later nominees, and the committee recessed with nominations left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Moreover, this legislation strengthens fiscal stewardship by ensuring that alternative providers are
• not only available, but also meet rigorous standards of transparency and outcome-based evaluations.
• And then, in terms of reporting, is there anything in here that would increase transparency or improve
• transparency of the program so that we know who is being serviced and what they are receiving?
• Agencies, these legacy systems lack transparency, cause delays, and burden both licensees and agency

Bills: SB670, SB1388, SB627, SB912, SB269, SB528, HB2711, HB4819, HB5248, HB4175

Keywords: SB 670, investigational sun protection products, sun protection, sunscreen, FDA approval, clinical trial, phase one trial, patient access, informed consent, physician prescription, Texas Health and Safety Code, Texas Medical Board, compassionate use, experimental treatment, medical freedom, patient autonomy, healthcare regulation, dietitian, dietitians, licensed dietitian

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:04:06.480> accountability,<00:04:07.280> and transparency, accountability, and transparency
• If there are bills that do not have any financial, uh, if there's no fiscal note attached to it, we're
• not have any financial uh if<00:19:27.520> there's<00:19:27.760> no<00:19:27.919> fiscal
• /c><00:19:28.240> note<00:19:28.480> attached<00:19:28.799> to if there's no fiscal
• note attached to if there's no fiscal note attached to it,<00:19:29.200> we're<00:19:29.520><

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House DFL leaders held a press availability outlining a broad anti-fraud agenda focused on state programs, especially Medicaid-related services, but also unemployment and tax fraud. They said the package is intended to strengthen accountability, improve oversight, and prevent fraud before it occurs, while arguing that fraud harms vulnerable Minnesotans such as children with autism, people with disabilities, seniors, and homeless people. They also tied the problem to long-term privatization of public services, arguing that outsourcing creates more layers and opportunities for fraud, and cited examples like county case management and managed care arrangements. Specific proposals discussed included strengthening the attorney general’s Medicaid fraud control unit, creating or expanding inspector general functions, requiring more in-person site visits, using electronic visit verification, improving background checks and fingerprinting, and upgrading outdated IT systems. Members said some bills would be relatively low-cost while others would require funding, and that bills without fiscal notes might move separately while others could be folded into budget discussions. They also said the House DFL had already taken steps in prior sessions, including creating a fraud unit at the BCA and adding DHS staff for site visits. The discussion also covered the Office of Inspector General bill, with DFL members saying they support placing the office in the executive branch and that the governor should make the final appointment for constitutional reasons. They said Republicans had blocked amendments they viewed as adding fraud-prevention authority to the OIG bill, and that the governor’s staff had not been involved in working groups. On a separate bill involving disclosure requirements, they said the committee version was improved but still flawed because it could interfere with investigations; they said it would next go to the Children and Families Committee. No votes were taken in the exchange, and members said they were still early in session and hoped for more constructive negotiations later.

Transcript Highlights:

• , including language to provide for additional data, analysis, studies, and accountability and transparency
• So I don't know what the exact answer is, but I absolutely share your interest in the transparency and
• And the ways that we are looking to be transparent... ...to be sure.
• And the ways that we are looking to be transparent on who it benefits, I'll use just speaking for Uber
• So the study that you guys are all proposing to add, along with the areas that it exists transparently

Summary: The committee heard several insurance-related bills. SB 371 by Senator Cabaldon would lower uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage requirements for rideshare companies from the current $1 million level to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident, with added transparency and data-reporting provisions. Uber, Lyft, and several business groups supported the bill as a way to reduce fares and improve affordability, while consumer attorneys, labor groups, and others opposed it as a major cut in protection for injured passengers and drivers. Committee members raised concerns about whether savings would actually reach riders and drivers, but the bill was approved on a do-pass vote to the next committee, with one member not voting. SB 487 by Senator Grayson would change how settlement or judgment proceeds are distributed when peace officers or firefighters are injured by a third party, ensuring they receive at least two-thirds of the at-fault party’s liability insurance limits in certain cases. Supporters, including public safety unions and an injured deputy sheriff, said current law can leave injured first responders with little or no recovery after employer reimbursement, while opponents representing cities, counties, and public agencies argued the bill would reduce recovery of taxpayer-funded workers’ compensation costs and lacked sufficient data. The committee members who spoke largely supported the bill, and it passed on a do-pass vote to Appropriations, with one member not voting. SB 616 by Senator Rubio would create an independent community hardening commission within the Department of Insurance to develop statewide wildfire mitigation recommendations and a post-catastrophe reporting process. The Department of Insurance, local governments, consumer groups, and fire-related organizations supported the measure as a way to improve wildfire resilience and insurance availability, while water agencies opposed provisions touching water infrastructure and warned of litigation and ratepayer impacts. The bill advanced on a do-pass vote to Appropriations, with some members not voting and one member voting no. The committee also heard SB 547 by Senator Perez, coauthored by Senator Rubio, which would extend wildfire-related insurance cancellation/nonrenewal moratoriums to commercial properties; insurers removed their opposition after amendments, and the bill passed to Appropriations on a do-pass vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't view this as being as transparent with voters as we should be.
• I don't view this as being as transparent with voters as we should be.
• <01:07:46.559> with view this as being as transparent with view this as being as transparent
• Madam Chair and committee members, a fiscal note has not been requested on this bill.
• Arneson that would provide the amount for fiscal year 2027. Do you want to walk through it?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The second is in response to what's called a fiscal emergency.
• So a fiscal emergency occurs when the enacted level of the budget from the last three fiscal years are
• fiscal year.
• So that is not an unknown fiscal practice in California.
• It is also a priority for me to do this work transparently.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Accountability and Oversight held a hearing on proposals to reform California’s Budget Stabilization Account, or rainy day fund, ahead of the May Revision. Members and witnesses reviewed how Proposition 2 (2014) changed reserve rules, including mandatory deposits, a 10% cap on the fund, and limits tied to the Governor’s declaration of a budget emergency. LAO staff explained that California’s revenues are highly volatile, that current reserve rules are complicated by interactions with Proposition 98 and the Gann limit, and that under current law reserves would cover only about one-third of funding shortfalls in a benchmark scenario over 50 years. The LAO presented its report recommending a larger reserve target, including raising the cap to 50% by 2055 and pairing that with either broader, more flexible deposit rules or a simpler approach that deposits all excess capital gains. The Department of Finance described the Governor’s proposal to raise the cap from 10% to 20% and exempt BSA deposits from the state appropriations limit, while Assembly Member Valencia presented ACA 1, which would make similar changes and was described as an evolving proposal. Testimony generally supported saving more during boom years, but differed on how much to hardwire into the Constitution versus leave flexible, and on whether to broaden the deposit formulas beyond capital gains. Public witnesses and committee members raised additional issues, including whether reserve reforms should also address debt repayment, the treatment of unemployment insurance fund debt, and whether the Gann limit should be adjusted to better allow reserve growth. Supporters argued that stronger reserves would protect Californians from cuts during downturns and help the state weather volatility and federal funding threats. Some advocates warned that reforms should not come at the expense of current public needs, while taxpayer representatives cautioned against turning the BSA into a pass-through account that weakens constitutional spending limits. The hearing ended without a vote, with the committee chair noting the complexity of the issue and adjourning after public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Higher Education estimated in the fiscal Higher Education estimated in the fiscal note<00:09:15.120
• million one-time appropriation in fiscal million one-time appropriation in fiscal year<00:15:35.360
• <00:15:57.360> year on campus initiative from fiscal year on campus initiative from fiscal
• know what that fiscal impact is, because the fiscal notes have not yet been completed.
• a completed fiscal note. university estimated in the fiscal note university estimated in the fiscal

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• there is a fiscal note in the packet. there is a fiscal note in the packet.
• We do have a fiscal note.
• We do have a fiscal note.
• to see if we think we may need a fiscal to see if we think we may need a fiscal note<01:23:20.880
• Smith, we don't anticipate a fiscal cost. I'm sorry, Mr.

Bills: HF1606, HF3733, HF743, HF2627, HF4071

Keywords: nudification technology, image rights, privacy protection, sexual exploitation, cybersecurity, recreational camping, utility fees, electricity charges, consumer protection, energy policy, health insurance, insulin, step therapy, diabetes, patient care, prescription drugs, pet shops, animal welfare, dog sales, cat sales

Transcript Highlights:

• The other piece that's really been driving the reorganization in our thinking is around fiscal prudence
• We'll also create more increased transparency in funding by providing a public and transparent process
• Any other last And in that earlier assessment of our fiscals, we're currently going through that process
• We also like the idea that there will be more transparency in public process and alignment along the
• So next fiscal year, Cal ICH will be releasing public dashboards.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• responsibility and government fiscal responsibility and government transparency,<00:57:02.079> which
• The fiscal note gives us an idea.
• Transparency builds trust. agency form. Transparency builds trust.
• Fairness and fiscal discipline.
• finan fiscal impact. finan fiscal impact.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What's the fiscal note Should we do it? What's the fiscal note on<01:20:09.760> this?
• note don't see a fiscal a current fiscal note don't see a fiscal a current fiscal note posted.<01
• <01:42:11.200> transparency<01:42:11.960> portal, and adds a fiscal transparency portal
• , and adds a fiscal transparency portal, which<01:42:12.480> I<01:42:12.560> know<01:42
• >> some specific comments on fiscal >> some specific comments on fiscal transparency

Bills: HF3919, HF1335, HF3864, HF3916, HF3728

Keywords: veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, electronic license, driver's license, digital credential, transportation, data privacy, authentication, license plates, vehicle registration, validation stickers, Minnesota statutes, transportation policy, aeronautics, transponder, aircraft safety

Transcript Highlights:

• There's uh we're waiting for our fiscal analyst, Mr. Raymond, to come down.
• The fiscal note's being passed out, folks. In talking with General Ellison, knowingly or...
• amount of the fiscal note. amount of the fiscal note. Thank<00:18:21.679> you.
• amendment is to bring more transparency amendment is to bring more transparency to<00:20:48.120>
• And especially as we're dealing with this fraud crisis here in Minnesota, I think transparency is an

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• universal program beginning in fiscal universal program beginning in fiscal year year year 2027.
• Regarding the fiscal note, the fiscal note was written prior to the amendment to 115.
• Regarding the fiscal note, the fiscal<01:32:56.480> note<01:32:56.719> was<01:32:56.960
• <02:33:04.720> The report to ensure transparency. The report to ensure transparency.
• It's not transparent. information. It's not transparent.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's more transparency.
• We're um there's more transparency.
• <04:26:34.000> and transparency and transparency and accountability.<04:26:35.840> Most
• Transparency and know this.
• governance structure, and fiscal goals. governance structure, and fiscal goals.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Senator Regina Birdsell at the request of the Insurance Department. The bill would clarify that a birth mother’s health insurance is the primary policy for a newborn’s care unless the mother has no coverage or no employer-sponsored coverage. Birdsell and Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the measure simply codifies the department’s long-standing interpretation of existing law. Representative Miles asked whether the coverage would extend to a grandchild if a young woman on her parents’ plan had a baby, and Birdsell said it would. The hearing on SB 47 was then closed. The committee next heard Senate Bill 121, introduced by Grant Bosi for Senator Kevin Avard. The bill requires insurers to notify the Insurance Department when they stop writing an entire line of business or, in some cases, when they change Medicare Advantage offerings. Benton Court said the bill was prompted by disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, where consumers and the department were confused by carriers exiting, changing plans, or narrowing offerings. He said the department does not regulate Medicare Advantage itself, but does license the carriers, and the notice requirement would help the department advise consumers; he also said noncompliance could affect a carrier’s license and could lead to fines. Members discussed the notice period, and the department and AHIP indicated support for changing it from 120 days to 90 days to align with federal timing. The hearing was closed with plans to work on an amendment in subcommittee. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 247, introduced by Representative Brian Cole, which would prohibit network exclusion for pharmacies that refuse to dispense prescriptions when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost. Cole said the bill is meant to stop pharmacies from being forced to sell at a loss. Members questioned whether pharmacies voluntarily enter PBM contracts, whether the bill would raise consumer prices, and whether it would mainly affect independent pharmacies. Cole and others said the issue has changed over time because PBMs now control a much larger share of the market, and that the bill would let pharmacies refuse loss-making fills and direct patients to mail order instead. The discussion also noted that the bill excludes Medicare and Medicaid and that the current proposal does not create a middle-ground option for patients to pay a premium at the counter.

Transcript Highlights:

• Look, uh it alleges one fiscal note.
• through. one of the tricks on fiscal notes when one of the tricks on fiscal notes when they<00:51:09.760
• <00:51:21.359> note on the 11th of February the fiscal note on the 11th of February the fiscal
• a $5 million fiscal note, yet Mr.
• a $5 million fiscal note, yet Mr.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with a brief update and prayer for Oscar, a person known to members, noting he was making slow but encouraging progress and awaiting transfer to rehab. The hearing then began on House Bill 518, which would require the commissioner of DHS to provide a detailed annual report of DCYF costs. Representative Erica Leyon, the sponsor, said the bill was intended to improve transparency, clarify how DCYF resources and shared services are used, and help future discussions about staffing, funding, and whether DCYF should remain within DHHS or become a separate department. She said the department could likely comply without additional cost and was open to adjusting the reporting date, with the department preferring December 31 instead of September 1. Committee members and the DCYF director, Marie Nunan, discussed whether the bill was duplicative of existing reporting and whether it should also include federal funding mandates. Nunan said DCYF already has many policies and reports, but does not currently produce one consolidated DCYF-specific report in this form; she also said the department believed it had the capacity to file the report and was not taking a position on the bill. Several members questioned whether the measure was necessary, while others supported transparency but suggested the information was already available or could be obtained without legislation. In executive session, the committee voted 15-1 to retain HB 518, meaning it will not advance to the calendar at this time. The committee then opened House Bill 775, sponsored by Representative Jod Nelson, concerning supervised visitation centers. Nelson introduced Dr. Scott Hampton, who testified that supervised visitation is important for child safety, domestic violence prevention, and family preservation. Hampton described the history of visitation centers in New Hampshire, saying funding cuts had reduced the number of centers over time and that prior legislation had failed due to budget reductions. He argued that supervised exchanges can reduce risks such as abuse, abduction, and homicide, and said the service can prevent harm without adding cost by avoiding more serious incidents. The hearing on HB 775 was still underway at the end of the transcript, with no vote or final action shown.