Transcript Highlights:

• It is Tuesday, March 18th, 9:00 a.m. We are in Conference Room 325.
• We do have a 9:20 EP agenda.
• We do have a 9:20 EP agenda.
• DNR has proposed exemptions, and the chapters they propose are specific to the Northwestern Hawaiian
• DNR has proposed exemptions, and the chapters they propose are specific to the Northwestern Hawaiian

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered three measures. SB 1602 would appropriate funds to DLNR for monitoring wells for the Koho aquifer system; DLNR and HHFDC supported it, and written testimony from several organizations and individuals was also in support. Members asked whether monitoring wells are a statewide function rather than a county function, and staff confirmed they are done statewide. The second bill was an administration measure clarifying that criminal water pollution enforcement remains with the Department of Health rather than DLNR. The Attorney General’s office said it was a cleanup clarification and that DOH has stronger enforcement powers and better testing capability; DOH and DLNR supported it, and there was no opposition noted. The final and most heavily debated measure was SB 1074 on environmental impact statements. The bill would let previously authorized or permitted commercial activities continue for up to one year while an agency determines whether environmental review applies after a challenge, and would allow permit renewals during that review. DLNR said it stood on written comments and suggested aligning the bill with similar House language. Supporters, including several ocean tourism and Maui business representatives, argued the bill would provide certainty and keep families and small operators working while environmental review is completed, especially in the wake of the Lahaina fires and ongoing business losses. Some supporters said the measure should be narrowed with a sunset or limited to recently renewed permits. Opponents, including the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, Earthjustice, the Sierra Club, and other environmental advocates, argued the bill was overly broad and could weaken HEPA/NEPA-style environmental review, especially for fisheries and other commercial activities. They said the bill could be used as a “Trojan horse” to avoid review and that DLNR could resolve the underlying disputes more quickly through settlement or existing exemption processes. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So more or less what I wanted to do was bring a bill that gave clarity because for about 9 months it
• /c><00:02:36.560> months<00:02:36.879> it clarity because for about 9 months it clarity
• The bill contains 14 sections related to workers' compensation in chapters 79, 175A, and 176.
• The bill contains 14 sections related to workers' compensation in chapters 79, 175A, and 176.
• /c> um which is how do you actually feed 9 um which is how do you actually feed 9 billion<00:56:33.119

Bills: HF4862, HF4598

Keywords: apprenticeship, education, teacher training, grant program, labor and industry, workers' compensation, Minnesota workers' compensation, Workers' Compensation Advisory Council, reinsurance association, Workers' Compensation Reinsurance Association, WCRA, occupational disease, presumption, first responders, firefighter cancer, PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder, police officer, paramedic, emergency medical technician

Transcript Highlights:

• Calling the HHS CPN calendar at 9:00 a.m.
• c> 339<00:02:09.520> in<00:02:10.000> um<00:02:10.080> our is located in chapter
• 339 in um our is located in chapter 339 in um our statutes,<00:02:11.360> it<00:02:11.599>
• And we're going to insert a new section to read as follows: Remedies under chapter 321.
• Remedies for under chapter 321. follows. Remedies for under chapter 321.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on bills addressing tobacco/vape enforcement, psychology licensure, hospital price transparency, prior authorization, and medical cannabis. The chair opened by explaining the one-minute testimony limit and that written testimony had been reviewed. For SB 2175 on disposable electronic smoking devices, the Department of Health said the bill’s placement in litter-control law was not a good fit because disposable e-cigarettes contain hazardous materials like lithium and nicotine, but it supported the intent and pointed to a related measure. Public health and tobacco-control advocates strongly supported the bill, citing youth use, toxic waste, battery fires, and the need to tighten definitions and remove exemptions; a long list of organizations and individuals were noted in support, with no opposition mentioned. For SB 2410, which would create a state directory and enforcement tools for authorized e-cigarette products, the Attorney General’s office strongly supported the measure and said it would help enforce the FDA-authorized list of products through certification, inspections, and civil penalties. The Department of Health said thousands of illegal products remain on the market and cited youth usage rates, while public health groups also supported the bill. One tobacco industry-related witness was noted in opposition. SB 2080, the psychology interjurisdictional compact, drew support from the Department of Corrections, which said it had severe staffing shortages and that the compact would help fill gaps, especially for forensic psychology and neighbor island facilities. Some committee members raised concerns about whether the compact would loosen licensure standards and reduce licensing revenue, and the Board of Psychology was said to be meeting and had not taken a formal position; testimony also noted the need for resources if the compact were adopted. The committee also heard SB 2276 on surgical assistance, with DCCA in opposition and a supporter from the field, but little discussion followed. SB 2277 on hospital price transparency drew support from consumer and patient advocates, who argued that clearer pricing would reduce medical debt and help patients shop for care; DCCA and the Department of Health offered comments, with the department suggesting an alternative enforcement model using outside review entities and noting that implementation would require significant staffing and funding. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, saying federal transparency rules already cover the issue and state law could create duplication. SB 2282 on prior authorization received comments from insurers and providers; HMSA asked that the bill be set aside pending the report of the prior authorization working group created by Act 151, while the Hawaii Medical Association said prior authorization is a major burden but deferred to regulators on resources. Finally, SB 2413 on medical cannabis was supported by the Office of Medical Cannabis and others, who said the bill would close a patient-access gap by allowing viable seed sales; one witness suggested clarifying jurisdictional language and allowing dispensaries to sell seeds to each other. The committee then began SB 2425 on health insurance, where an addiction treatment provider testified that insurers’ refusal to honor assignment-of-benefits payments can delay reimbursement and create relapse risk for patients, but the transcript cuts off before further action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, on page three, section 5, lines 9 and 10, that was changed to the individuals who are or were
• name of a protected individual in a case involving domestic violence or sexual assault under this chapter
• location of a protected individual in a case involving domestic violence or sexual assault under this chapter

Bills: HB1455

Keywords: tribal consultation, Indian Affairs Commission, tribal governments, tribal sovereignty, state-tribal relations, Native American, tribal nations, consultation requirement, legislative process, jurisdiction, sovereignty, North Dakota tribes, government-to-government consultation, tribal chairpersons, 908, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up House Bill 1489, and Victoria Christian from Legislative Council reviewed the latest 3003 version. She explained that the bill was revised to clarify language about individuals who are or were in a dating relationship, to incorporate provisions from related Senate bills, and to narrow confidentiality and hearing provisions to domestic violence and sexual assault protection order cases. She also noted a clarification on page 12 regarding certification of certain individuals under Supreme Court rules rather than by the Supreme Court itself. Members discussed the consolidation of multiple related bills into one measure. Senator Myrdal moved Amendment 3.03 to engross House Bill 1489, and the motion passed. Senator Myrdal then moved a do pass recommendation on House Bill 1489 as amended, seconded by Senator Luick. The committee voted in favor of the amended bill by roll call, with all members present voting yes, and the motion carried. Chair Larson then asked for a member to carry the bill to the floor, and it was agreed that the bill would be carried. The committee also discussed its remaining workload and planned to clear the rest of its calendar the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment is coded A-2-8-9.
• While this is the Robbins bill, it only has Chapter 12.
• They are both rooted in Chapter 12.
• And in this case, the bills, as I mentioned, are both related to Chapter 12.
• So if it was just Chapter 12 and only Chapter 12, then we'd have a thing.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:23:43.480> in Nurses Association chapter in Nurses Association chapter in Hawaii<00:23
• month problem why does it have to be a 9-month problem why does it have to be a 9-month process<01
• Department of Health on lines uh 7 to 9 Department of Health on lines uh 7 to 9 UM<01:57:23.800> making
• /c> 474 seeing none let's move on um HB 72 9 474 seeing none let's move on um HB 72 9 marriage<02:02:
• Please proceed. repealing HRS chapter 560 Article 5 repealing HRS chapter 560 Article 5 Section<02:02

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committees on Health and Labor heard testimony on HB 1244, a measure relating to labor standards at health care facilities and nursing staff ratios. Committee members opened by explaining hearing procedures, including a suggested two-minute testimony limit and Zoom rules. The bill drew extensive testimony from hospitals, nursing organizations, unions, and individual nurses, with the central debate focusing on whether staffing ratios should be set by statute or left to collective bargaining and unit-level staffing decisions. Opponents included the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Straub Benioff Medical Center, Hawaii Pacific Health, Kapiolani Medical Center, and Queen’s Health Systems. They argued that fixed ratios are too rigid for the changing conditions of hospital care, could worsen workforce shortages, and should be handled through labor negotiations, staffing committees, and existing agreements. Several also pointed to investments in nursing education, loan repayment, and workforce development as better solutions. Queen’s said it had recently reached an agreement with nurses after more than 40 meetings that included a staffing framework, and Kapiolani and others emphasized the need for flexibility in emergencies and specialty care. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Pride at Work Hawaii, the Hawaii Nurses Association/American Nurses Association chapter, Hawaii Nurses Association Local 50, UNAC/UHCP, and individual nurses, said unsafe staffing levels contribute to burnout, turnover, errors, and patient harm. Testifiers described chronic short staffing, emotionally and physically exhausting workloads, and situations in which nurses were responsible for too many patients at once. Supporters argued that safe ratios are necessary to protect both patients and nurses, and that collective bargaining has not been enough to ensure safe conditions statewide, especially in facilities without unions. No vote or final committee action was announced in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• over the last 10 years, Mass Save expenses over the last 10 years collected from gas ratepayers are up 9%
• Why has the energy efficiency piece, 9% of the problem, attracted the lion's share of attention?
• And again, only 9% attributable to what we collect for energy efficiency.
• I'm testifying today as a member of the Elders Climate Action Massachusetts chapter, also a member of
• But I am most concerned about sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9 that would undercut the administration's

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of late-file energy bills, with much of the discussion focused on battery storage siting, gas system expansion, propane consumer protections, gas workforce safety, and a Taunton home-rule petition on water rates for manufactured housing communities. Representative Sweeney urged support for H. 4689 and H. 4690, which would impose a moratorium and setback requirements for lithium battery storage facilities, citing fire risk, proximity to homes, and environmental concerns. Several local officials and residents from Oakham, Tewksbury, and other communities described proposed battery projects near homes, schools, wetlands, and conservation land, while industry and clean-energy advocates argued the bills would effectively block storage development and conflict with state energy goals and existing fire-safety standards. The committee also heard strong support for S. 2290/H. 3547, a bill to prevent gas expansion near environmental justice communities, from environmental justice advocates, municipal officials, and clean-energy groups. Testimony emphasized rising gas bills, the cost of new pipelines, methane and health impacts, and the need to avoid locking in long-term gas infrastructure costs. Witnesses also discussed related bills on gas workforce safety, gas shut-off valves, and gas meter replacement plans, with labor representatives supporting safety-focused measures and opposing changes they said would weaken inspections, while consumer and environmental advocates argued that some utility replacement practices are unnecessarily expensive and should be reined in to reduce ratepayer costs. Other testimony included support for H. 3518 on propane gas ratepayer protections, with the witness arguing for clearer contract terms and website price disclosure, and support for S. 2652, which would authorize Taunton to create a separate water billing rate for manufactured housing communities because residents there are effectively paying higher water costs through rent due to a single master meter. No committee votes or final actions were taken during the hearing, and members mostly asked brief clarifying questions or made no comment after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• The only thing they mentioned was that THC, or less than 3%, less than 0.3% for Delta 9.
• was an 18-year-old aspiring football player, cybersecurity major at Stetson University, when on May 9,
• Johns, Florida, and was carelessly killed in a vehicular homicide at the age of 18 on May 9, 2012. ..
• .and a vehicular homicide at the age of 18 on May 9, 2003.
• Florida statutes are any substance controlled under Chapter 893.

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Jessica Spencer on cannabis, criminal justice, and mental health. She argued that marijuana products have become far more potent over time, that high-potency THC and hemp-derived products are widely available in Florida, and that daily or near-daily use can contribute to addiction, psychosis, and other mental health problems, especially for adolescents. She also said cannabis is linked to violent crime and suicide in some cases, urged more prevention funding in schools, stronger regulation of Delta-8 and similar products, better law enforcement and regulatory oversight, expanded treatment and diversion options, and more expungement opportunities for simple possession. Senators questioned her about potency data, testing methods, and whether she was claiming causation in violent cases; she said she was and noted she had worked on the No on 3 campaign while still favoring decriminalization of simple possession rather than full legalization. The committee then took up several bills. CS/SB 150, “Trooper’s Law,” was amended and reported favorably; it makes extreme animal cruelty during a declared emergency a third-degree felony, inspired by the rescue of a dog during Hurricane Milton. SB 234, the Jason Rayner Act, was reported favorably after debate over its changes to self-defense language and mandatory life imprisonment for manslaughter committed against a law enforcement officer; supporters said it closes a loophole exposed in the Rayner case, while opponents raised concerns about unintended consequences and mandatory sentencing. CS/SB 138, “Trenton’s Law,” also passed after amendment; it increases penalties for repeat DUI/vehicular homicide offenders and adds language on intoxicating substances, with supporters citing the death of Trenton Stewart and opponents warning about cannabis impairment standards and first refusal penalties. SB 130, dealing with compensation for wrongful incarceration, was reported favorably. The bill removes Florida’s “clean hands” bar, extends the filing deadline from 90 days to two years, and allows exonerees with factual innocence findings to pursue compensation and civil remedies. Support came from innocence and civil liberties advocates. The committee also received a law enforcement presentation from Florida Highway Patrol Lieutenant Channing Taylor on impaired driving enforcement, DRE training, and crash data, emphasizing that drug impairment—especially cannabis—plays a major role in fatal crashes and that officers rely on observation and field testing because roadside chemical testing is limited.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you need a point at our 9:00, we'll call the order of the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative
• Now, we're going to take up 26-9. We'll talk to staff comments first.
• c> to<01:32:18.480> staff<01:32:18.800> comments 26-9.
• Agency comments on 26-9. Uh, yes, we are drafting as well.
• Seeing none, I'd move, uh, I'll pass on 26-9.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and consent calendar, then moved through several Department of Health and Human Services Medicaid-related rules. Rule 25-220 from the Department of Energy was postponed until June so stakeholders would have more time to review revised language. Rule 25-240, involving Medicaid income verification and deductible provisions for medically needy applicants, was adopted after staff noted the cited sections had expired but the agency said it had continued operating under federal law and the state plan; the agency also said it had begun rulemaking on the cited provision. Rules 25-265 and 2633 were also adopted, with staff explaining that although parts of the rules had expired, the agency had continued implementing the policies through the Medicaid state plan, billing manuals, and related rules. The most extended discussion centered on rule 25-304 from the Bureau of Aging and Adult Services, which covers case management services for the CFI program. Staff and the agency explained that the amended conditional approval request clarified how case management agencies indicate staffing capacity, how telehealth decisions are evaluated, and that the department—not the case management agencies—sets the timeline for accepting or denying cases. The agency said the rule is intended to ensure participants are not pushed into telehealth when they do not want it or cannot use it, while leaving technical and clinical telehealth decisions to the provider. A case management provider testified in opposition to parts of the rule, arguing that the committee should not require agencies to admit unverified patients, that reimbursement-rate issues belong in legislation, that the quality-management section duplicates existing licensure oversight, and that the telehealth language improperly gives case managers authority over how other licensed providers deliver services. Committee members questioned whether the telehealth language was simply allowing case managers to determine whether telehealth fits a person’s care plan, and agency representatives responded that this was the intent. No final vote on rule 25-304 is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• cap that was established in the current biennium chapter, chapter 106, Laws of 2023.
• established in the current Bia chapter established in the current Bia chapter 79<00:22:10.480>
• chapter law that chapter Provisions were chapter law that chapter law<00:22:23.200> expires<00
• Grade 9 through 12, so that's one answer for you right there.
• I, it looks like it's 9% general funds.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division III work session focused on the Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Public Health Services budget. Department staff said Public Health has a relatively small budget compared with other DHHS divisions, is supported mostly by federal and other non-General funds, and contains nearly 100 accounting units and more than 50 federal grants. They emphasized that the governor’s budget did not include significant cuts, but that federal funding uncertainty and the winding down of pandemic-era resources were major factors affecting the division. The division also explained that some apparent budget growth reflects reorganizations, including moving the Bureau of Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery and some programs from other DHHS divisions into Public Health. The presentation described Public Health’s mission as serving the entire state through food and water safety, disease surveillance, emergency response, maternal and child health, chronic disease prevention, WIC, community health center support, and public health data collection. Members asked about bird flu, and staff explained that human-health response would involve Public Health’s lab, infectious disease, and emergency preparedness units, while animal-health issues are handled with the Department of Agriculture; they also noted ongoing milk testing requested by FDA and USDA. The division said its organizational structure includes bureaus for Family Health and Nutrition, Infectious Disease Control, Public Health Protection, Emergency Preparedness, Prevention and Wellness, Statistics and Informatics, and Public Health Laboratories, with about a 15% vacancy rate. Committee members questioned whether the division’s budget and staffing had really grown since pre-COVID, and staff responded that full-time authorized staffing is about the same as in 2018, with the increase largely due to federal pandemic funding that has since receded and to program transfers between divisions. They said Public Health’s General Fund share is about $24 million out of roughly $1.1 billion in DHHS General Fund spending, or about 2.2% of the department total. Members also asked about the 3,000-position cap and unfunded positions; staff explained that the cap remains in chapter law through June 30, 2025, that 394 positions were unfunded in the governor’s budget, and that the division expects flexibility to move money from personnel lines and fill unfunded positions to manage changing needs. No votes or formal actions were taken in this portion of the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a 9-member board appointed by the governor for staggered 6-year terms, and our current chairman
• In terms of school district, we are noted in Chapter 19 of the Education Code, and we are solely dedicated
• Yes, in Chapter 19 of the Education code.
• I'm gonna skip you over to page 9 because I want to talk about the facility capacity.
• I was a correctional officer for almost 9 years before I started promoting through that, um, agency.

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposed license fee increase for junior trappers goes up by more than five times, from $9 to $50
• It will require $9 million of matching funds from here.
• In addition to species combined as protected in Chapter 7 NMSA 1978, the commission is authorized to
• Saying, 'there is created a state wildlife commission', rather than carry out the purpose of Chapter
• So then that means that Section 9 is essentially a new reporting period, which is right after 8.

Transcript Highlights:

• The hour of 9:30 has not arrived. Members, please take your seats.
• In the 22nd chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, the Pharisees asked, In the 22nd chapter of the Gospel
• meetings of agencies at which any agency business is discussed or acted upon as provided in this chapter
• meetings of agencies at which any agency business is discussed or acted upon as provided in this chapter
• Senate Bill 9 to the Committee on Health.

Keywords: Scheduler, 973, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's actually a provision in Chapter 1201 of the Occupations Code that basically states that those
• But then, really and truly, the changes in Chapter 1201, we think, reflect how Texas is actually unique
• There's a provision in Chapter 1201 that states that once the definitions in 1201 are established, they
• Nationally, we're at about 9%... of the total housing unit market in Texas, we represent about 7%.
• Roll of the chair, time is 9:41.

Bills: HB303, HB 1107, HB 1063, HB1517, HB1991, HB2464, HB3509, HB3527, HB303

Keywords: municipality, local government, Type A, Type B, Type C, change authority, emergency medical services, civil service status, municipal government, public safety, local government code, school funding, education, state budget, local control, equity, tenant legal services, eviction, low-income tenants, disability rights

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislation modernizes Chapter 57 of Title 15.
• I would like Senate Bill 9 read in by title only for its third and final time. Mr.
• Chief Clerk, please read in Senate Bill 9 by title only.
• SB 9... Representative Heffernan. Thank you.
• Chief Clerk, please call the roll on Senate Bill 9. Mr.

Summary: The House convened with quorum, offered prayers and moments of silence for community members who had recently died, and recognized several guests and family members in the chamber. After routine communications and passage of consent calendar 29, the chamber took up a series of measures on the main and colored agendas, with several bills and resolutions passing by voice vote or roll call. Among the measures approved were House Concurrent Resolution 157, which as amended requested a State Lottery report on options to support traditional lottery retailers; Senate Bill 53 on the Delaware Farm to Community Program; Senate Bill 307 on PSC authority for Lifeline telecommunications carriers; Senate Bill 339 clarifying health directive forms in mental health facilities; Senate Bill 235 on manufactured home community rent increases; Senate Bill 325, as amended, updating fire prevention and volunteer fire/EMS background check rules; Senate Bill 309 on inmate work and discharge of incarceration-related balances; Senate Bill 324 on deadly weapons and constable agency representatives; Senate Bill 293 on youth camp child care licensing; Senate Bill 94 on respiratory care practitioners and ECMO medication delivery; and Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 100, proposing a constitutional amendment protecting the right to marry regardless of race or gender while preserving religious freedom. House Bill 188, changing Delaware primary elections to allow unaffiliated voters to choose a party primary, also passed after debate. Two measures drew extended discussion and amendments. Senate Bill 233, requiring snow and ice to be removed from vehicles, was tabled once, then later amended and passed after debate over whether the law was workable for truck drivers and other vehicle operators; a proposed truck-related exemption amendment failed. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 404, creating a pilot program for artificial intelligence and extended reality in schools, passed after testimony from the Department of Education emphasizing guardrails, privacy, and educator oversight, alongside concerns from members about data, bias, and long-term effects. Several items were tabled or reconsidered during the session, and the House adjourned after completing the day’s business.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. We're in Conference Room 309.
• mechanism in chapters uh 387 and 388. mechanism in chapters uh 387 and 388.
• like it currently does in chapter 388. like it currently does in chapter 388.
• 109 and chapter 2011B in HRS.
• We'll added to chapters 2011b and 109.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, if you go into statute into 9-14-303, 9-14-303, it's actually 302 and 303.
• Chapter 3, Article 4 of the regular Wyoming peace officers retirement to Title 9, Chapter 3, Article
• Chapter 3, Article 4 of the regular Wyoming peace officers retirement to Title 9, Chapter 3, Article
• That is already existing in Title 9, Chapter 3, Article 4 of the regular Wyoming peace officers retirement
• to Title 9, Chapter 3, Article 6.

Bills: HB0098, HB0075, HB0041, HB0101

Keywords: gun control, Second Amendment, constitutional rights, misdemeanor, law enforcement, virtual currency, kiosk, financial institutions, regulation, Wyoming Money Transmitters Act, penalties, death benefits, retirement, survivor support, public safety, guardianship, monitoring, ward protection, financial independence, case management

Transcript Highlights:

• I have 10 Navajo chapter houses in my district, as well as a town of Kirtland and the city of Farmington
• I represent House District 9, that's the Gallup area.
• And I have Navajo chapters looking forward to working with everyone. Thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the revisions in this bill clarified that Chapter 721 Florida statutes, which governs timeshares,
• So if the intent is not to allow concentration above the 0.3% total delta-9 THC, this will also need
• So ratios are in milligrams, a total of delta-9 THC, to mass or volume of product.
• To be clear, ABC legally sells Delta-9 THC beverages that are low-dose.
• ABC legally sells Delta-9 THC beverages that are low-dose and hemp-derived, available only to people

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard a lengthy agenda of bills, with the chair limiting public testimony to about one minute per speaker. Early action included passage of HB 203, which allows certain counties to opt back into transportation concurrency, as amended to narrow the bill to small counties. The committee also favorably reported CS/HB 43, allowing renters to reuse tenant screening reports for 30 days, and HB 897, a timeshare-related strike-all that clarified timeshare governance provisions and annual board meeting requirements. The committee then approved HJR 1,215, proposing a constitutional amendment to eliminate tangible personal property tax for farmers and agricultural businesses, with support from agriculture and business groups. A major portion of the meeting focused on the committee’s hemp package. Members discussed the committee bill PCB for HAT-25-01, which would create a regulatory framework for hemp-derived intoxicating products, including licensing, packaging and labeling restrictions, testing, and sales limitations. Testimony was mixed: industry representatives and distributors generally supported regulation but urged changes on branding, packaging, milligram limits, and sales locations; convenience store and petroleum marketers opposed restrictions that would exclude gas stations; and consumer-safety and addiction advocates supported tighter controls, including bans on synthetics, online sales, and child-appealing packaging. The committee also heard and approved PCB for HAT-25-02, a companion tax bill imposing excise taxes on hemp consumables and beverages, despite concerns raised about possible triple taxation and higher compliance costs. The committee next passed HB 211, expanding the definition of farm products to include edible and non-edible plants and clarifying agricultural preemption on bona fide farm operations. It also favorably reported PCS for HB 561, creating a chief manufacturing officer role within the Department of Commerce, a workforce development grant program, a voluntary manufacturing promotion campaign, and required reporting, along with PCS for HB 563, which adds an annual fee of up to $100 for participants in the promotional campaign. Both manufacturing bills drew broad support from industry and economic development groups. Finally, the committee took up HJR 1257 and its conforming bill HB 1259, which would create property tax benefits for long-term rental properties owned by Floridians with a separate homestead. Supporters argued the measure would encourage long-term rentals and investment in Florida, while opponents from counties and cities warned it would shift tax burdens and reduce local revenue. After debate, the joint resolution passed 9-4 and the implementing bill also passed 9-4, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• But if you look back to chapter 15 of the Florida State statute, you'll see all of the state symbols
• The C 9 and common area is a key component of the Broward County Water Preserve areas project.
• As mentioned earlier, you know, Chapter 3.27, was passed a number of years ago that controls this.
• You are recognized to introduce Amendment bar Code 7, 9, 8, 2, 2, 2, >> Thank you, Mr.
• Barcode 1, 4, 9, 6, 9, 2, senators.

Keywords: 999, senate, all