Transcript Highlights:

• of the CTE programs for the district.
• The program has also helped us expand programs at Lake Technical College.
• non-credit programs.
• non-credit programs.
• Florida Bright Futures has a program.

Summary: The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee heard a panel discussion focused on how Florida schools and colleges are exposing students to in-demand careers in manufacturing, semiconductors, transportation, and related fields, and how they are building pathways from middle school through postsecondary training. Panelists from Seminole County Public Schools, Lake Technical College/Lake County Schools, and St. Petersburg College described their career academies, dual enrollment options, industry certifications, and partnerships with employers, local governments, and state colleges. They emphasized early career awareness, counseling, and parent outreach as key to helping students understand technical education as a viable and prestigious path. Seminole County highlighted 51 career and professional education academies and new offerings in agricultural biotechnology, global finance, firefighting, and planned aerospace engineering. Lake County described Lake Technical College’s programs, strong completion and placement outcomes, and three partnerships: a flexible-day high school/workforce model at Lincoln Park Education Center, the Lake Works pathway collaboration with Lake Sumter State College, and a Transportation Innovation Hub with the City of Tavares that trains students on municipal vehicles and serves multiple local governments. St. Petersburg College discussed its manufacturing and engineering technology programs, including semiconductor processing, mechatronics, soldering, and clean-room training, along with new grant-funded expansion at its Midtown campus. Members asked about wages, the semiconductor workforce, how to change perceptions of technical education, how parents are engaged, and how Bright Futures CAPE and Gold Seal scholarships are communicated. Witnesses said school counselors, CTE teachers, parent nights, and district communications are used to promote these options, and that many students can earn strong wages through short-term certifications or two-year degrees. Lake Technical College also raised concerns about workforce funding not keeping pace with teacher pay increases and inflation, noting that funding covers only about 80% of what it earns and tuition has remained unchanged for 18 years. The meeting ended with members praising the programs, and the subcommittee adjourned without any vote or formal action beyond rising and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• :59.600> program.
• those programs.
• of those programs. of those programs.
• . program. program.
• strengthen these programs. strengthen these programs.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We're speaking about the California Hemp Program, industrial hemp program support and transition.
• And that's why we propose shifting the program to the USDA Federal Hemp Program.
• programs.
• This program has been approved...
• I'm here to speak on behalf of the CNIP program, the California Nutrition Incentive Program.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard several May Revision proposals, primarily from the Department of Food and Agriculture, the Government Operations Agency, the Department of Technology, and the Franchise Tax Board. CDFA presented funding for the animal care program under Proposition 12, a transition away from the state hemp program to USDA oversight by January 1, 2028, ongoing support for agricultural statistics reporting after USDA reorganization, and trailer bill changes to the department’s indirect cost cap. The LAO generally supported the animal care, hemp transition, and statistics proposals, while also urging future review of the Prop 12 funding once litigation is resolved. The indirect-cost-cap language was described as technical and not increasing charges to programs, and it was held open with no objections from the LAO or Finance. The committee also discussed the new federal Workforce Pell program and related Cradle to Career funding and trailer bill language. Finance said the state is still reviewing federal rules and is focusing on basic implementation steps, with the trailer bill assigning eligibility determinations to the California Student Aid Commission, requiring data sharing through Cradle to Career, and prioritizing public institutions first. The LAO urged caution because the federal rules were just finalized and said the Legislature should better define the process and costs before appropriating the $1.3 million requested for Cradle to Career. Members raised policy concerns about limiting the program to certain institutions and about aligning the proposal with pending legislation and broader workforce policy. The Department of Technology presented a $1 million request for Poppy, the state’s digital assistant, to expand a secure GenAI platform for state employees. Members asked detailed questions about data security, model training, bias controls, and whether the system could eventually support local governments; CDT said the system uses state-controlled cloud infrastructure, does not use user data for training, and quarantines new models for review. CDT also sought provisional authority for the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative to cover possible operating shortfalls while the network is still being built; the LAO remained concerned about broad spending authority, and several members questioned the revenue assumptions and oversight. FTB then proposed retaining a smaller set of CalFile resources after the federal Direct File program was discontinued, with the LAO saying the reduced staffing level was broadly reasonable but still worth legislative scrutiny. The committee also began hearing the administration’s revenue proposals, including a permanent limitation on business tax credits and a tax on electronically delivered prewritten software, with the LAO generally supporting the goal of raising ongoing revenue but recommending changes to the software proposal’s exemptions and business-use treatment.

Transcript Highlights:

• program if we're not growing the program program if we're not growing the program from<00:09:26.959
• the program. the program.
• and others to be a part of this program. and others to be a part of this program.
• <00:51:42.160> So, program is. So, program is.
• program we're offering. program we're offering.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:53.920> they programs they are not one program they programs they are not one program they
• I keep talking about program, program.
• program so far? program so far?
• program and the concept of this program program and the concept of this program was<01:37:29.520
• We were told at the end of our audit that this program was no longer a current program and the program

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• buyer downpayers assistance program buyer downpayers assistance program through through through
• Section 8 codifies the program in Chapter 462A as an ongoing program to be administered by a community
• > to in chapter 462A as an ongoing program to in chapter 462A as an ongoing program to be<00:18
• If we ever hope to have uh program.
• says we need to continue this program. says we need to continue this program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Program.
• can be a robotics program.
• Sorry, program.
• program.
• My question is, on the virtual programs, online programs, are all these programs only for New Mexico

Transcript Highlights:

• We started out with one program, which was our first-time homebuyer program.
• Since that start of that one program, we've grown to administering over 40 programs.
• I will note there are some other states that fund different programs Monitor a program for a program
• The funding We have two different program models for our Homeowner Rehab Program.
• program.

Transcript Highlights:

• Programs that feature Como in the community and residency program, public engagement events, those include
• These are all great programs.
• programs 12 different Grant programs programs 12 different Grant programs that<00:37:12.920>
• a competitive grants program.
• programming uh these programs are programming uh these programs are administered<01:15:36.520>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• some of the programs.
• programs that help us to be able to move these programs forward with our farmers.
• types of programs.
• So the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program is an agricultural land preservation program designed
• under the program.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum present and heard three presentations focused on Florida aquaculture, agricultural nutrient reduction, and land preservation. First, clam farmer Tim Solano of Cedar Key described the economic and environmental importance of the state’s clam industry, noting Florida’s strong national production, the industry’s recovery role after the net ban, and the severe damage caused by recent hurricanes and red tide. He said the Dislocated Workers program helped farmers return to work and asked that existing state programs be written more broadly to include aquaculture. Oyster producer Canaan Greg of Pelican Oyster Company then discussed the growth of off-bottom oyster farming, the losses his industry suffered from Hurricane Michael and the pandemic, and the need for better access to recovery loans, student internships, local seed production, and waterfront protection. Members asked questions about leases, production, predators, and storm resilience, and the presenters emphasized that aquaculture is a sustainable, year-round industry that filters water and supports local economies. The committee next heard from UF/IFAS regional extension agent Dr. Bob Hockmouth on education, research, and extension efforts to reduce nitrogen in the Suwannee Valley Basin Management Action Plan area. He explained that the region’s agricultural load reduction target has increased from about 4.2 million to 5.8 million pounds of nitrogen, and that extension programs are helping farmers adopt practices such as precision fertilizer placement, soil moisture sensors, controlled-release fertilizer, petiole sap testing, and irrigation automation. He highlighted corn and watermelon as major examples, saying on-farm demonstrations and cost-share programs are essential because the equipment and technology are expensive. He reported substantial reductions from participating farms and said growers are generally cooperative when funding is available. Finally, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services presented an update on the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The program acquires development rights through voluntary conservation easements to keep working agricultural lands in production, protect water resources and wildlife habitat, and preserve taxable land without transferring ownership. The presenter said the program has expanded rapidly in the last two years, with more acreage acquired, faster application review, and more properties in the Florida wildlife corridor. He noted new online application and monitoring tools, a shortened review timeline, and stronger partnerships with federal and defense-related programs. Committee members asked about long-term maintenance responsibilities and the Board of Trustees approval process, and the presentation closed with support for continued funding and efficiency improvements before the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are also significant costs to Social Insurance programs, or those safety net programs, and that
• There are also significant costs to Social Insurance programs, or those safety net programs, and that
• There are also significant costs to Social Insurance programs, or those safety net programs, and that
• than many programs in the different than many programs in the sense<00:27:21.399> that<00:27:
• We also have continued to receive interest from manufacturing programs, agriculture programs.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I support this program.
• struggling just Staffing my program struggling just Staffing my program programs<01:26:54.920>
• used for current programming.
• Chair, and support the program.
• Chair, and support the program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SF 818, a request for funding for the Block Builders Foundation, which provides financial literacy and job-readiness training for youth. Senator Fate and testifiers described a 12-week program covering budgeting, savings, banking, credit, debt, career exploration, job preparation, entrepreneurship, and mentorship. They said the program served youth ages 13 to 19, had expanded to multiple cohorts, and had produced graduation ceremonies and job placements. Testifiers also said the organization had transportation challenges and limited space, and that additional funding would help with staffing, participant support, and transportation partnerships. Committee members asked extensive questions about the program’s outcomes, funding sources, and finances. Block Builders said it had 40 graduates in the most recent cohort, with 30 placed in jobs, and that participants who complete the program receive a $500 stipend. The organization said it had been operating since 2023 in North and South Minneapolis, had received $50,000 from the state previously, and raised additional community support. Members also asked about IRS filing status, audits, and how outcomes were measured; the organization said outcomes were tracked through graduation and certificates, and that it had not yet filed a 990 because it had not reached the threshold. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion, with committee members noting the current language makes the appropriation available only through June 30, 2026 unless amended. The committee then began hearing SF 927. An A1 technical amendment was adopted without objection. Senator Pappas introduced the bill, which would appropriate $1.5 million to the Mung American Partnership for workforce development and business lending. The transcript cuts off before further testimony or committee action on SF 927.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE DENTAL PROGRAM?
• HIGH LEVEL THE KID CARE PROGRAM TITLE 21 IS A CHIP PROGRAM IN TITLE 19 FOR MEDICAID FOR CHILDREN THOSE
• TWO PROGRAMS COMBINE WHAT WE CALL THE FLORIDA KID CARE PROGRAM.
• SERVICE PROGRAMS OR TO EXPAND EXISTING PROGRAMS TO NEW LOCATIONS.
• PROGRAM.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Program design.
• We can do school A that has two programs, school B that has three programs, and school C that has one
• program.
• three programs.
• The McKinney-Vento program, the homeless student program, had a robust pilot program done.

Transcript Highlights:

• Program that we utilize. OK.
• program.
• been a pro-life program.
• That wasn't the original program, program intent. And so just clarifying that in statute.
• and parenting support programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Part of that money goes to the ROC program. Okay. You call it the ROC's program?
• We recently launched a program called the ZIP Program, Zero Interest Homebuyer Program, recently launched
• a program called the ZIP Program, Zero Interest Homebuyer Program, which is to stimulate entry-level
• It was a startup program.
• I think I counted over a dozen different internship programs and apprenticeship programs.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The cap-and-trade. trade program is a tax and spend program.
• We have the Salton Sea Management Program. That's the program that we came before you last year.
• CRC program.
• TURCIP program and the LCTOP program.
• Thank you. program.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• so far, the in-state program.
• so far, the in-state program.
• I think that your program...
• investment program.
• Programs that are out there.

Summary: The committee met to approve prior minutes and receive updates on the Legacy Fund transparency website and fund performance. Staff reported the website procurement was in contract negotiations, with a planned go-live around November 1, and that the site would provide downloadable, more transparent information on fund holdings, allocations, history, and legislative appropriations while protecting confidential data. The investment office then reviewed performance through January 2026, describing strong returns relative to benchmarks, noting real estate and fixed income as weaker areas, and explaining that the fund’s diversification and internal management had helped offset market volatility, including recent geopolitical impacts. Members also discussed the in-state investment program, especially the Bank of North Dakota’s CD-match allocation. Several members questioned whether the program had been static for years and whether the uncommitted balance should remain parked there if it was not being used. The committee voted to pause further transfers into the program until the Bank provides a report and the committee can consider possible statutory changes; the motion also requested a cost-benefit analysis from RVK, and it passed by roll call vote. In the afternoon, RVK presented its review of the investment policy statement as it relates to the in-state investment program. The consultant said it found no major policy impediments, and that implementers and stakeholders generally felt the program was proceeding as intended. RVK emphasized best practices such as third-party due diligence, competitive risk-adjusted returns, diversification, pacing, and exit strategies, while cautioning that required lower-return investments or spending commitments can create pressure on the fund’s long-term real value. The consultant also raised ancillary concerns about state-level concentration risk, the need to distinguish between public and commercial infrastructure, and the lack of a central repository for all state funding commitments to the same projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's just a quick overview of the program.
• And so the Oregon program, we are the first operational RUC program in the nation when we went live in
• And this is a permanent program for Virginia.
• Was it always meant to be a voluntary program? It has been a voluntary program.
• And you said your program is a prepayment.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee first took up three highway naming resolutions on its consent calendar: ACR 109, SCR 78, and SCR 90. The committee approved the consent calendar with 11 aye votes and no no votes, then adjourned the bill-hearing portion. Members also recognized committee science fellow AJ Mendeola for his service, noting his contributions to bill analysis and staff support. The committee then held an informational hearing on alternatives to the gas tax, focused on the projected decline in fuel-tax revenue and the need for a more sustainable transportation funding model. The chair and invited experts described how inflation, improved fuel efficiency, and growth in electric and other alternative-fuel vehicles are eroding gas-tax revenues. Presenters from the National Conference of State Legislatures and the University of California discussed state options such as higher or indexed gas taxes, EV registration fees, road usage charges, delivery fees, public EV charging fees, transportation network company fees, and managed lanes, emphasizing tradeoffs among revenue adequacy, fairness, administrative cost, and public acceptance. Committee members raised concerns that mileage-based fees or EV fees could function as new taxes on commuters and lower-income drivers, especially if the gas tax is not repealed. Presenters responded that road usage charges are generally intended as replacements for the gas tax, not additions, and argued that mileage-based systems better preserve the user-pays principle while being less tied to vehicle fuel efficiency. They also noted that flat EV registration fees are easy to administer but can be less equitable because they are not linked to actual road use. Officials from Hawaii, Utah, and Oregon described their state programs and policy choices. Hawaii said its new road usage charge began July 1, 2025, for EVs, offers a choice between a per-mile charge and a flat annual fee through 2028, and will transition to mandatory EV participation before expanding to all light-duty vehicles by 2033. Utah described its voluntary EV road usage charge program, quarterly reporting, privacy protections, and legislative scenarios for removing the cap or making participation mandatory. Oregon outlined its constitutional cost-responsibility framework and broader transportation funding challenges, including reliance on user fees and limited use of general-fund support.

Transcript Highlights:

• and similar programs.
• and similar programs.
• We provide programs.
• programs? programs?
• program costs, are the collaboratives part of these programs?

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:07 Chair Comments 00:00:36 Approval of Minutes 00:04:01 Volunteers of America 00:04:21 Soil and Water Conservation/Energy and Environment Cabinet 00:14:52 Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy/Justice & Public Safety Cabinet 00:21:05 Kentucky Department of Agriculture 00:26:01 Early Childhood Advisory Council 00:45:18, 958, all

Summary: The Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee met to review how tobacco settlement dollars are being used and to press recipients for detailed information on total funding, administrative versus program spending, and measurable outcomes. The chair emphasized that the committee was not there for general program overviews, but to assess return on investment and whether each program should continue to receive tobacco settlement support. The committee approved the minutes from its December 22, 2025 meeting and then heard presentations from several agencies and organizations. Volunteers of America Mid-States described its southeastern Kentucky restorative justice program, which uses an evidence-based New Zealand model for juvenile cases in nine counties. The group reported tobacco settlement funding of $516,000 in FY24 and $233,500 in FY25, representing about 17% and then about 5% of the program budget, respectively. It said the funding helped expand the program from 13 cases in 2021 to 180 youth served, and cited an independent evaluation showing recidivism of 24.5% compared with 40.4% in AOC data, along with a cost of a little under $20 per day versus detention and other placements. Some members questioned whether the program fit the tobacco settlement funding categories and suggested it might be better supported through other justice-related funding sources. The Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Conservation explained that tobacco funds support $1 million in direct aid to conservation districts and $2 million in cost-share projects for farmers, with 5% of the cost-share appropriation allowed for administration, or about $100,000 in FY26. Officials said the direct-aid line was moved into tobacco funding in 2019, reducing money available for farmer cost-share, and described a multi-year project approval and reallocation process. Senator Webb asked for a more specific breakdown of the $850,000 direct-aid amount, and the cabinet said it would provide that information. The Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy reported that in FY24 it expended just under $30 million across tobacco funds, general funds, restricted funds, and a one-time federal grant, with less than 2% used for administration. Officials said most tobacco settlement money goes to Kentucky ASAP local boards in all 120 counties, supporting prevention, treatment, and some law enforcement work. The Department of Agriculture then began its presentation, describing strategic investments, loan programs, county funding, administrative costs, and a reported return of about $2.30 for every dollar spent, but the transcript cuts off before that presentation was completed.