Transcript Highlights:

• That's reflected in the clearance rates.
• The case types most impacted by the surge in March of 2023 show a clearance rate.
• Additionally, small claims statewide clearance rates are significantly higher.
• rate after the enactment of this law.
• rates that they were showing ahead of time.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This has caused my insurance rates to skyrocket.
• We've got a of CMS Medicare rates.
• It's a reimbursement rate that's set.
• years or what's the reimbursement rate years or what's the reimbursement rate done<00:38:31.119>
• rate. So that will help also in Alabama. rate. So that will help also in Alabama.

Bills: HB185, HB378, SB28, HB400, SB155, HB312, HB185, HB378, SB28, HB400, SB155, HB312

Keywords: appropriation, transportation, judicial system, funding, state budget, Pickens County, local act, vehicle tag fee, registration fee, issuance fee, motor vehicle registration, license plate, replacement tag, transfer tag, renewal fee, county revenue, earmarked funds, ambulance service, emergency medical services, EMS

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, our current seatbelt use rate is 79%.
• The highest use rate that we've ever had in the state is 84%.
• Right now, our current seatbelt use rate is 79%.
• The highest use rate that we've ever had in the state is 84%.
• To attain that use rate.

Summary: The subcommittee reviewed multiple methods of finance and construction items, including projects for Arkansas State University, Black River Technical College, UAMS, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and UCA. The UAPB Allied Health and Sciences Building appeared both as a method of finance and as an alternative delivery construction project, with East Harding Construction selected and AMR Architects as designer. Members approved the methods of finance, the alternative delivery project, and several discretionary grants, including Department of Health grants for a heart attack center designation and community health worker training, and DHS grants related to homeless services, behavioral health transition support, and an enabling technology pilot. The committee then reviewed service contracts, including RFQs, construction-related contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and a large number of out-of-state and in-state contracts. Testimony focused heavily on DHS staffing and state hospital contracts, the Arkansas State Police seatbelt survey, AEDC’s lithium supply chain analysis, and Shared Administrative Services’ new SuccessFactors performance-management contract. Members asked detailed questions about contract nursing costs, turnover, hiring timelines, and whether some contracts were being renewed or amended beyond their original projected costs. DHS and Veterans Affairs officials explained staffing shortages, retention incentives, and the use of contract labor as a supplement to state employees. Several contracts drew scrutiny and were held for further review. Representative Wardlaw raised concerns about projected costs and repeated amendments on the Department of Education security contract and on DHS staffing contracts, arguing that some had exceeded their original projected totals. The committee voted to hold contracts 5, 7, and 8 until Friday, while adopting the remaining contracts. The meeting ended after informational reports on service contract amendments without material change, executed contracts, and emergency procurements were presented, with no further business before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• state rate it also helps with in state rate it also helps with in educating<01:09:38.000> with
• I think to set a rate like this for out-of-network providers, I don't think this is a reasonable rate
• negotiate they get to do their own rates negotiate they get to do their own rates they're<01:30:
• <01:52:11.040> of base rate of base rate of $1,800<01:52:14.199> and<01:52:14.599><
• then number three the negotiated rate then number three the negotiated rate and<04:57:20.200>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a non-germane amendment to HB 297 that would create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Insurance Commissioner DJ Beton, joined by department staff, explained that the proposal is intended to help homeowners afford insurance by funding proactive home improvements that reduce risk and improve insurability. He said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 available on a first-come, first-served basis. Beton described the problem as rising homeowners insurance premiums, hard-market underwriting, nonrenewals, and the resulting shift to more expensive surplus lines coverage. He said eligible projects could include roof fortification, exterior improvements, flood-related foundation work, and removal of hazardous trees or limbs. He cited similar programs in other states, especially Alabama, Louisiana, and North Carolina, as evidence the model can work and noted that industry representatives were present in support. He also said the program would use means testing aligned with the Department of Energy’s weatherization program to target lower-income applicants. Members asked about the non-germane process, who would administer the program, and how the bill would prevent misuse of grant funds. The commissioner said the department would administer the program using one repurposed existing position, with Treasury handling fund flow through an MOU. Staff explained that applicants would have to show completed work through a signed contract, itemized work, and a sworn contractor affidavit, with some upfront payment allowed for materials and the remainder paid after completion. The chair and members discussed that the amendment is being attached to a different bill only to move the proposal through committee and on to House Finance for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2022, the coinsurance rate was reduced down to 60% for budgetary reasons.
• They're more at the market rate of reimbursement, is that correct? Chair, yes.
• It is at a commercial reimbursement rate, so they pay more than a state-funded program.
• They're more at the market rate of reimbursement, is that correct? Chair, yes.
• They're more at the market rate of reimbursement, is that correct? Chair, yes.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• rate.
• for four-year grad rates, we are number one.
• We measure our graduation rate in four-year increments.
• Our four-year graduation rate is 64%.
• Our four-year graduation rate is 64%.

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met for an introductory overview of the higher education programs under its jurisdiction. After roll call and member introductions, Chair Busatta outlined that the subcommittee oversees programs in the Department of Education and the State University System, including vocational rehabilitation, blind services, private postsecondary licensure, student financial aid, career and adult education, the Florida College System, and the Board of Governors. The chair and staff also noted that these areas represent roughly $9 billion in current-year funding. Officials from the Department of Education presented on several programs. Vocational Rehabilitation Director Kelly Rogers described services for adults and youth with disabilities, including pre-employment transition services, job coaching, assistive technology, and employer support; she said the program served more than 55,000 people last year, has no wait list, and reported a return of $7.61 to the economy for every $1 invested. Division of Blind Services Director Robert Doyle explained services from birth through older adulthood, including early intervention, school-age support, vocational rehabilitation, independent living, the Business Enterprise Program for blind vendors, and the Braille and Talking Book Library; he said the division serves about 12,000 people annually and also has no wait list, though some community rehab providers may have one. Tiffany Hurst of the Commission for Independent Education described licensure and consumer protection for independent postsecondary institutions, reporting oversight of about 1,100 institutions and 721 non-degree schools, along with enforcement actions against unlicensed operators. Sean Haskin of Student Financial Assistance reviewed 22 scholarship and grant programs totaling about $1 billion for more than 200,000 students, including Bright Futures, Benacquisto, need-based grants, EASE, EASE Plus, veterans’ scholarships, dual enrollment reimbursement, first responder scholarships, and the Ocoee and Rosewood scholarships. Members asked about surplus funds, marketing, Bright Futures eligibility requirements, and whether EASE awards had changed; Haskin said any unused funds are reverted to the Legislature, that the department markets through schools and the Florida Lottery, and that EASE remained at $3,500 per FTE for the last two fiscal years. Several members raised concerns that students and parents may not learn about aid programs early enough, especially in economically disadvantaged communities. Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell then presented on Career and Adult Education, highlighting record participation in career and technical education, adult education, and apprenticeship. He said about 800,000 secondary students and 480,000 postsecondary students are in CTE, adult education serves about 183,000 learners, and apprenticeship/pre-apprenticeship programs include more than 22,000 participants. He also described the workforce development fund, Perkins, WIOA Title II, the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant, workforce capitalization grants, CAPE performance funding, and the Pipeline nursing initiative, noting strong NCLEX outcomes and expanded outreach through the Get There, Your Way, Future of Work Florida, and Zello platforms. Kathy Hebda began the Florida College System presentation by emphasizing open access, workforce preparation, statewide reach, and strong enrollment and completion growth, including more than 672,000 students, over 131,000 degrees and certificates, and significant dual enrollment savings for students and families.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have rate hasn't gone down.
• uh therapy rates. uh therapy rates.
• rates, say accept less money. rates, say accept less money.
• growing two times the rate of inflation. growing two times the rate of inflation.
• the provider rates. the provider rates.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened, led the pledge of allegiance, and established a quorum before approving the corrected journal. The Majority Leader then moved a long list of bills—House Bills 1150 through 1179—to be made special orders for February 11, 2026 at 9:15 a.m., and the chamber agreed without objection. The committee then took up House Bill 1150, a supplemental appropriation for the Department of Agriculture. Representative Serna explained it included technical adjustments tied to other agencies, plus a pilot program to test a biocontrol strategy for the mountain pine beetle infestation in Colorado’s ponderosa pine forests. After brief opposition from a member who said he would vote no on spending measures generally, the bill passed. House Bill 1151, the supplemental appropriation for the Department of Corrections, generated extensive debate. Supporters said the bill was necessary to cover major costs such as medical case loads, outside medical and mental health contracts, local jail payments, prison case load, private prison utilization, and food services, while also addressing staffing and parole/community corrections coordination. Opponents argued the state keeps funding more beds instead of investing in services that reduce incarceration, criticized DOC management and delays, and said the legislature should demand better accountability and efficiency. Supporters countered that DOC does not control the parole board or community corrections, that the prison population is aging, and that the state must pay for required custody and care. The transcript ends amid continued debate over the corrections supplemental, with no final vote on House Bill 1151 shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• rate.
• rate.
• rate.
• rate.
• rate.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• rate of 5.3%.
• rate of 5.3%.
• rate of 5.3%.
• rate of 5.3%.
• rates and exemption rates uh vaccination rates and exemption rates it<04:10:17.080> is<04:10:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard several measures, beginning with HB 194, which would designate May 22 as Maritime Day. Testimony from labor, health, and community groups was in support, and the committee later recommended passage of the bill as is, with several members voting yes and some reserving or being excused. HB 458 would designate April 27 as Brother Joseph Dutton Day; the Department of Accounting and General Services, the Joseph Dutton Guild, and a descendant all supported it, and the committee recommended passage with technical amendments. HB 957 would designate the first Friday in May as Lā‘au Day; support came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and many individuals, and the committee recommended passage as is. HB 345 would establish the ʻōpae ula as the state shrimp to promote awareness and protection of anchialine ecosystems; DLNR, Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAu, and other supporters testified, and the committee recommended passage with technical amendments. The committee also heard HB 901, which would allow public charter schools to appeal directly to the Board of Education on certain operational, governance, or funding matters. The Attorney General and the Public Charter School Commission offered technical comments and suggested amendments, while the commission described its current monitoring and renewal process and said it works closely with schools over the life of a charter contract. Members raised concerns about whether the bill would shift too much work to the Board of Education, and one member voted no when the committee later moved the bill with the Attorney General’s amendments. HB 1066 would add Head Start-related ex officio members to the Early Learning Board; the Early Learning Board and the Executive Office on Early Learning supported it, explaining the changes were needed to align with the federal Head Start Act, and the committee moved it forward without opposition. HB 1069 would add voting members from the Department of Education and Board of Education to the School Facilities Authority Board. DOE and the School Facilities Authority supported the change as a way to strengthen collaboration, though questions from members focused on the current communication process between the agencies. HB 1343 would require the Board of Education to adopt a policy banning student phone and related device use during school hours; the committee noted written testimony in support and then moved to decision-making. At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted recommendations to pass HB 194, HB 458 with technical amendments, HB 957, HB 345 with technical amendments, HB 901 with amendments, HB 1066, HB 1069, and HB 1343.

Transcript Highlights:

• see that the rates are are higher. see that the rates are are higher.
• tax rate above the current 10-cent cap? tax rate above the current 10-cent cap?
• And your ISO rating is tied directly to your home insurance policy.
• And your ISO rating is tied directly to your home insurance policy.
• And your ISO rating is tied directly to your home insurance policy.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:04 Roll Call 00:00:23 HB 246 Discussion 00:02:47 HB 246 Vote 00:15:15 HB 613 Discussion 00:17:04 HB 613 Vote 00:29:09 Adjournment 00:30:37, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Local Government met with a quorum present and briefly introduced a guest before taking up two bills. House Bill 246, as amended by House Committee Substitute 1, would require animal control officers to complete training on recognizing child abuse and neglect. The sponsor and a young advocate testified that animal control officers often encounter warning signs in homes, cited data linking animal abuse and child abuse, and said the training would be free, brief, and housed by Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky. The committee substitute was explained as addressing local government liability concerns by allowing counties to opt out, tying the bill to existing reporting statutes, and clarifying that the training creates no investigative duty. Members asked about whether the training was one-time, how opt-outs would be tracked, and whether the information would be public; the sponsor and witness said participation would be tracked and the training/evaluation would be available through the organization. The committee approved HB 246 with favorable expression to pass on the House floor. The committee then considered House Bill 613, which would give Chapter 75 fire districts a process to seek a tax increase above the current 10-cent cap through public hearings and voter recall, while preserving local control. The sponsor and fire service representatives said the bill responds to modern fire district costs, including higher equipment prices, staffing shortages, declining volunteer numbers, and the shift to all-hazards service. They emphasized that any increase would be subject to notice, public comment, and a voter recall mechanism, and said the cap would remain in place unless the district used the new process. Members questioned the fiscal impact language, the meaning of the cap, and whether the bill effectively removed the cap; the sponsor clarified that the cap stays but districts could go up to two cents above it through the process, with voters able to recall the increase. One member passed on the vote due to concern about the indeterminable fiscal impact, but the committee still reported HB 613 favorably to the House floor. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• To another insurer, often in pursuit of a better rate of return.
• But I'm finding that since I got into it, they've doubled my rate.
• they need more, except to the Department of Insurance and ask for a hearing to set the rate.
• It's been a while since, since the rates have actually gone up. All right, thank you.
• into a rate discussion with you unless you want to.

Transcript Highlights:

• Go ahead, Senator. >> What is the current error rate?
• >> What is the current error rate? I >> What is the current error rate?
• were saying this would increase rate. were saying this would increase rate.
• DHR who What is the current error rate?
• Um like I have very high error rates.

Bills: SB61, SB8, SB58, SB60, SB167

Keywords: school psychologist, school psychology, interstate compact, licensure compact, license reciprocity, portable license, equivalent license, professional licensing, psychology board, school mental health, student services, educational services, interstate practice, reciprocal licensing, background check, continuing education, workforce shortage, military spouse, active duty military, compact commission

Transcript Highlights:

• undergraduate rate is.
• We did what Carla was talking about, take a look at the rates, you know, on our existing rates.
• But under this, using those rates, those completion rates, the base is about 86 and a half.
• There's not different rates between completion rates between the campuses because the differences in
• We have different completion rates.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and the national. rate.
• So then you. said the morbidity rates have been calculated for all years for the maternal morbidity rate
• The rate for, the base rate for an attendant is 1060. It's $10.60 an hour.
• Well, it is based on an hourly rate.
• rate.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do the utilities rate their bonds themselves, or do the rating agencies rate those bonds like they do
• The rating agencies rate the bonds based on the quality of the bond.
• The rating agencies rate the bonds based on the quality of the bond.
• The rating agencies rate the bonds based on the quality of the bond.
• The rating agencies rate the bonds based on the quality of the bond.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• aspects of the disability waiver rate aspects of the disability waiver rate system<00:47:13.359>
• Rate exceptions are based on the exceptional needs of the individual that the DWS framework rate does
• Rate exceptions are based on the exceptional needs of the individual that the DWS framework rate does
• exceptional need goes away the rate exceptional need goes away the rate exception<01:08:52.359><
• MMIS, um, to process that rate.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• disability rating. disability rating.
• The standard tax rate that we tax rates.
• We have the town tax rate. We have the school tax rate.
• you calculate two separate rates? you calculate two separate rates?
• In our two separate tax rates.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• excess earnings above the assumed rate excess earnings above the assumed rate of<00:35:11.680>
• TRS's assumed rate of return of 7.1%. TRS's assumed rate of return of 7.1%.
• <01:07:52.400> for there is a fixed statutory rate for there is a fixed statutory rate for
• rate, just not enough. So, we need more. rate, just not enough. So, we need more.
• rate on behalf of the school districts. rate on behalf of the school districts.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with a quorum call, the Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer, and approval of the prior meeting minutes. The first presentation was from Bo Craycraft of the Judicial Form Retirement System, who gave an update on investment performance, asset allocation, cash flow, and projected employer costs. He reported strong fiscal year 2025 investment results, with both the legislative and judicial retirement plans outperforming their actuarial assumed rates of return and benchmarks, driven largely by U.S. equity performance. He also noted the plans remained near their target asset allocation and continued to experience negative cash flow, though he said that was manageable in context of strong asset growth. Craycraft then discussed a recent experience study and actuarial assumption changes, especially a revised salary growth assumption and a higher cash balance interest credit rate. He said these changes increased projected employer costs, with contributions rising from about $700,000 to a projected $2 million in later years, though he expected the eventual 2025 valuation and investment gains to reduce that estimate. Members asked about mortality assumptions, the impact of the experience study on liabilities, and the sharp increase in the judicial plan’s projected employer cost. Craycraft explained that the increase was driven mainly by the updated assumptions and that no other major plan changes were involved. At the chair’s request, Craycraft also addressed the recent rise in Medicare Advantage premiums for the plan’s health coverage, saying the 2025 increase was largely tied to Part D changes and the Inflation Reduction Act and had been about 45%, but that future growth was expected to be under 5%. After his presentation, the committee moved to the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority update, where the next speaker began by saying the funds had exceeded actuarial assumed returns for the fiscal year.

Transcript Highlights:

• > three<00:10:35.000> areas Delinquency rates in these three areas Delinquency rates in
• However, home loan delinquency rates However, home loan delinquency rates remain<00:10:42.680>
• to the national rate.
• Although the unemployment rate has risen, Minnesota's rate remains below the national rate, and the state's
• an annualized growth rate of 2.2%. an annualized growth rate of 2.2%.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• through 7 establish a reimbursement rate through 7 establish a reimbursement rate for<00:05:15.440
• services such that the rates are a bit closer to the cost of providing care.
• services such that the rates are a bit closer to the cost of providing care.
• Rate for a specific set of home care services such that the rates are a bit closer to the cost of providing
• some additional there's a blank rate some additional there's a blank rate increase<00:21:46.279>

Bills: HF729, HF728

Keywords: human services, provider enrollment, medical assistance, healthcare, housing stabilization, substance use disorder, vulnerable adults, fraud prevention, respite care, children, licensed settings, home and community-based services, 1183, house