Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. Thank you.
• But common sense would tell you if you get rid of income tax, you can't get a tax credit.
• Thank you. Thank you for your questions. Seeing none. Thank you for your testimony.
• Thank you for your testimony. Thank you.
• Thank you. Questions? See you none. Thank you for your testimony.

Committees: House Agriculture , House Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
• You'd call and you'd ask and say, hey, did you receive it? Yes. Where is it?
• Okay, thank you. Welcome, Carol. Thank you. I guess I call you, I'd call you Madam Chair.
• that they're received... ...before you order them and that they're received.
• So before you go, appreciate very much that you were able to comment on.

Summary: The committee met at the Coteau Freedom Mine in Mercer County, approved the June 2 minutes, and heard an overview of the mine from Coteau Properties president Andrew Hawbaker. He described the Freedom Mine’s production history, customer mix, safety record, reclamation practices, workforce, community involvement, and economic impact. Members asked about how long land stays in production before reclamation, how quickly it returns to agriculture, labor shortages, groundwater impacts, and which skilled trades are hardest to fill. Hawbaker said the mine typically disturbs land for three to five years, reclamation returns much of the land to agricultural use, and the biggest hiring challenges are electricians, welders, mechanics, operators, engineers, and accountants. The committee then heard from Public Service Commission Chairman Randy Christman on coal mining reclamation. He reviewed the history of North Dakota and federal reclamation laws, the PSC’s permitting and inspection authority, bonding requirements, contemporaneous reclamation standards, and how the state handles topsoil, subsoil, drainage, and revegetation. He emphasized that North Dakota’s program is well regarded, with frequent inspections and no corrective-action issues in recent federal reviews. Christman also discussed problems caused by federal coal ownership that can delay mine plans, and he answered questions about reclamation timing, wildlife easements, wind and pipeline reclamation, and whether similar bonding concepts could apply to data centers. In the afternoon, the committee received an update from Lignite Energy Council President and CEO Jonathan Fortner on the lignite industry. He highlighted the industry’s long-term role in providing reliable electricity, jobs, and tax revenue, along with North Dakota’s low electricity rates and strong grid reliability. Fortner discussed severance and conversion tax revenues, federal regulatory changes, litigation over EPA rules, carbon capture, critical minerals, and the potential for large-load customers such as data centers to support new coal generation. He said the industry sees a window of opportunity for growth and expressed support for new large-load development, while noting that diversified energy companies are also pursuing natural gas and other resources. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and adjourning for the tour.

Transcript Highlights:

• I thought you called on me. No, Representative Ston.
• </c> haven't said it before I think you know haven't said it before I think you know my<01:05:40.160>
• That's why I called your name. Thank you. I didn't hear looking at Chelsea.
• </c> improvements we bring before you today. improvements we bring before you today.
• A lot of you guys have seen this project before. You probably remember this water.

Bills: HF2178 , HF942 , HF2470 , HF1043 , HF1287 , HF1229 , HF1230 , HF424 , HF571 , HF404 , HF910 , HF1055 , HF318 , HF319 , HF401 , HF609 , HF306 , HF1599 , HF1881

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• We are here before you today because unchecked waste, fraud, and abuse have been allowed to run rampant
• </c><00:01:13.520><c> you</c><00:01:13.720><c> today</c> District 48 we are here before you today District
• 48 we are here before you today because<00:01:14.520><c> unchecked</c><00:01:15.200><c> waste</c><00
• I have the full quote for you. I'm sure you saw it.
• </c> the full quote for you I'm sure you saw the full quote for you I'm sure you saw it<00:25:03.640>

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Any questions for our testifiers?
• Thank you. Thank you. Any questions? Vice Chair Cortez. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, looks like we'll need to call the roll. Berquist?
• Thank you. Any further discussion? Seeing none, will the clerk please call the roll. Berquist?
• Thank you. Thank you. Representative Burnbaum: Thank you, Chair Berquist.

Summary: The House Early Learning and Human Services Committee held public hearings on two bills. HB 1873 would expand Working Connections Child Care eligibility to full-time graduate and professional students with household income at or below 85% of state median income, with copays waived to the extent allowed by federal law. The prime sponsor and student testifiers argued that child care costs and limited stipends force student parents to choose between education and family responsibilities, while some members raised questions about program cost, uptake, and return on investment. The committee also heard HB 2600, which would require DSHS to update the Supported Living Cost Report template and convene a work group to develop Medicaid rate recommendations aimed at improving compensation for direct support professionals. Supporters, including SEIU-affiliated workers, said the bill would increase transparency and help ensure state funding reaches frontline caregivers, citing low wages and high turnover. Opponents from provider organizations argued the current cost report is already detailed, that the bill would add administrative burden, and that recent rate increases have already been passed through to wages and benefits. In executive session, the committee considered three Senate bills. It adopted a striking technical amendment and voted 9-1 to report out SSB 5911, which protects funds for youth in extended foster care and raises the threshold for protected accounts. It then voted 10-0 to report out SSB 5957, expanding the Homeless Youth Advisory Committee to include more people with lived experience and representatives of disproportionately homeless populations. Finally, it voted 7-3 to report out SSB 6184, which updates Office of Homeless Youth programs and language, including expanding eligibility for emerging adults up to age 21. The meeting ended with an interim planning discussion focused on future work on critical incidents, juvenile justice, developmental disabilities data, homelessness, child care, and facility tours.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Mr. Chair. night right before we adjourned. But night right before we adjourned.
• It's the kind of fraud where somebody, you know, calls you from Florida.
• need a retainer before they can do anything for this person and will you wire, you know, $10,000?
• from</c> somebody, you know, calls you from somebody, you know, calls you from Florida.<00:41:32.800>
• until you know a You can't can't wait until you know a year year year before<02:38:01.280><c> one</c

Transcript Highlights:

• We appreciate the opportunity to come before you this morning and go through our current and anticipated
• , I think Senator Funky From has a question, so before we move on too quickly. >> Yeah, thank you.
• </c><00:42:35.119><c> Thank</c><00:42:35.280><c> you.</c> Any other questions before we move on?
• </c> yourself before you start. yourself before you start.
• Uh, currently called KYRS, KYRS 2, KYRS 3. You may know it by different names.

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary met without a quorum and heard an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on the judicial branch budget. AOC Director Zach Ramsey and budget director Carol Henderson outlined the branch’s current funding structure, noting that fiscal year 2026 general fund support is about 2.77% of the state general fund, below the National Center for State Courts’ typical 2% to 4% range. They emphasized Kentucky’s unusual responsibility for courthouse facilities, with the judicial branch directly involved in construction, maintenance, and operations across 229 facilities in all 120 counties. AOC said nearly 91% of its general fund is spent on personnel and other non-discretionary costs, and that the branch has long relied on agency revenue, restricted fund carryforwards, and vacancy credits to balance court operations. Members were told that Senate Bill 25 required a $34.5 million transfer into a reserve account, part of which was used to purchase the Chamberlain Avenue building in Frankfort. AOC reported that only $11.9 million remains in restricted funds, while it projects needing about $13.5 million to cover fiscal year 2026 obligations, not including roughly $9 million in flood-related remediation costs for Hardin and Franklin counties, much of which it expects to recover through insurance and FEMA. Looking ahead to the next biennium, AOC said it will seek full funding of court operations at $341 million annually, a $13.5 million increase to bring current services into the base appropriation rather than relying on reserves. It also previewed additional requests, including a 15% across-the-board pay parity plan for Kentucky Court of Justice personnel, replacement of declining master commissioner fee revenue tied to 141 deputy circuit court clerk positions, funding for technology subscription and case management system costs, JAV audiovisual system upgrades, AEDs and medical kits for courthouses, and other staffing and operational needs. Senator Funky Frommeyer asked whether the 15% salary proposal was included in the $13.5 million increase; AOC said it was not, and that it would be an additional request. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• In soccer, before every game, you get a game plan.
• In soccer, before every game, you get a game plan.
• note, he called me but said, 'Gee, I hardly ever get a thank-you.'
• between the lines, can you just kind of dig into that a little bit more for us?
• Before you move that picture, this is live, so the committee can see that picture. ...that picture.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The Joint Committee on Higher Education held a hearing on two late-filed bills, S. 2927 and H. 5012, titled An Act Relative to Students Accessing Food and Nutritional Information, filed by Senator Joan Lovely and Representative Michelle Badger. The bills would require schools to make clear, centralized online information available about gluten-free and allergen-free meals, including menus, food safety procedures, and contact information, so students with celiac disease and other medically necessary dietary restrictions can safely participate in universal school meal programs. Committee members and the bill sponsors emphasized that the measure is intended to improve transparency, equity, and access within the Commonwealth’s universal free breakfast and lunch program. Testimony came from students, parents, physicians, and advocates, many of whom described celiac disease as a serious autoimmune condition requiring a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. Witnesses said families often struggle to find reliable school meal information, and that lack of communication between school administrators, nurses, and food service staff can lead families to opt out of school meals even when safe options exist. Medical witnesses from Boston Children’s, Mass General, and Beth Israel said the bill addresses a real barrier identified in research and could help prevent health problems, missed school, and long-term complications from gluten exposure. Several witnesses also noted that the bill’s approach could benefit students with food allergies more broadly. Committee members praised the testimony, especially from young student witnesses, and discussed practical issues such as cross-contamination, 504 plans, and whether schools already have the underlying information needed to comply. One member suggested the Department of Public Health might be able to address some of the issue through regulations, similar to a prior restaurant allergy-protocol change. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the committee closed after hearing from all panels and the bill sponsors, who asked for favorable consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and Committee, this is, as you described, often called the 80-20 bill.
• Anything you'd like to add before you get to questions from the committee?
• so much thank you sponsor anything you'd like to add before you get to questions from the committee
• And if you will call the roll, please. Senator Boone. Yes. Senator Ezel. Senator Figueroa.
• If you will call the roll, please. Senator Boone. Senator Isle. Senator Figueroa? Yes.

Committee: Senate House Education

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 47, the school employee insurance “80-20” bill, which would require school districts and charter schools to pay 80% of employee health insurance premiums, bringing K-12 employees into parity with other public employees. Supporters from school superintendents, school boards, charter schools, teachers, AFT, NIA, and labor groups said the bill would improve recruitment and retention, reduce the burden of rising premiums, and increase take-home pay, especially in rural districts. One amendment proposed by Senator Ramos would have expanded the bill to require a cooperative purchasing process and more insurance options, but it was opposed as a structural change not vetted for this bill and was withdrawn. The committee then approved HB 47 on a roll-call vote and sent it to the Senate floor. The committee next took up House Bill 253, the public education changes bill, which focuses on full-time virtual education and related funding issues. The sponsor and education officials said the bill preserves virtual learning options, requires districts and charters to report virtual enrollment, creates an evaluation/certification process for full-time virtual programs, and includes a temporary funding fix to address budget shortfalls caused by virtual enrollment growth. Testimony from school leaders and boards supported the compromise, noting the need to avoid a statewide loss in unit value while also addressing the Gallup-McKinley situation and other funding distortions. Several senators raised concerns about impacts on small rural districts, out-of-state students, and the treatment of full-time virtual students in rural-unit calculations, but officials said emergency supplemental funding could address shortfalls and that a broader study would be done in the interim. The committee then passed HB 253 on a roll-call vote and advanced it to the Senate floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. Thank you. The House is now in session. The clerk will call the roll.
• Before you ask your question, members, I think everyone...
• You can call it a voucher, you can call it a tax credit scholarship, whatever you want to call it.
• He called me and said, you know, if you really want to make reforms in education, you need to repeal
• Roll call is in progress. Miller aye. Thank you. Thank you.

Bills: SB1177 , HB3705 , SB1942 , SB2026 , SB1533 , SB1327 , SB2065 , SB2155 , SB2159

Summary: The House convened, completed the roll call, received an invocation focused on grief and remembrance, and heard several special presentations recognizing a brave child, visiting groups, and multiple student-athlete teams and school groups in the galleries. The chamber also introduced the Doctor of the Day and Nurse of the Day. The main business was consideration of the Joint Committee report on Senate Bill 1177, the general appropriations bill, presented by Chairman Caldwell-Trey. Most of the floor time was spent on extended questions about the budget’s major features. Caldwell-Trey explained the bill as a largely flat or modestly increased budget that includes a $200 million transfer to a new sovereign wealth fund, $225 million in set-asides, a $12.5 million “dream accounts” program for newborns, and funding tied to teacher pay, education, workforce, public safety, agriculture, and health agencies. Members questioned the use of one-time funds for recurring expenses, the reduction in state contributions to the OPRS pension system, Medicaid assumptions, emergency management funding, veterans’ services, child care, school counselors, and the lack of funding for some requested items such as National Board Certified Teacher stipends and veterans’ facility maintenance. Caldwell-Trey defended the budget as transparent, early, and designed to preserve cash reserves while supporting core services. No final vote on the appropriations report is reflected in the transcript excerpt. The House also heard explanations that the limits bills would be run later in committee, and that the budget negotiations were still ongoing with the Senate and governor on some related items. The session ended with the queue closed after the budget questioning, and the transcript cuts off during additional remarks from Representative Timmons.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, you can come from there, and I'll get you pulled up. Thank you. Her call is Dr.
• before you put it on the shelves.
• Thank you. Chair calls Dr.
• Calls Beth Lasker-Arcata. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Are you Miss Scruggs? Yes. Okay.
• I appreciate you guys. Thank you. The Chair calls Tara Littell.

Bills: HB28 , SB3 , SB 3

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, state health, youth protection, licensing fees, criminal offenses, flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program

Transcript Highlights:

• us uh rep Myers if house file 403 before us uh rep Myers if you<00:20:16.440><c> please</c><00:20:16.679
• Um, you know, it's something I think, uh, and Chair Gomez has said before, um, you know, it's something
• Um, you know, it's something I think, uh, and Chair Gomez has said before, um, you know, it's something
• </c><00:31:30.760><c> before</c><00:31:30.960><c> we</c> stand for questions thank you before we stand
• for questions thank you before we go<00:31:31.240><c> to</c><00:31:31.440><c> questions</c><00:31:31.799

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• And you may not have known that. ...call on to help me out.
• But, you know, I think... ...kept calling him representative to sort of balance it out a little bit.
• So thank you, and we wish you the best. Senator Wagner. Thank you, Mr.
• You know, when you get there, when you get to D.C., make a great big boom so you can all hear here.
• You are you.

Bills: SCR8410 , SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution

Transcript Highlights:

• you have some relationship to something in the matter before you.
• If you have a lot of filings, you know at some point that could mean a lot of appeals before the board
• Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today.
• Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today.
• Thank you. Thank you. That motion was made by Vice Chair Grove. Can we please call the roll?

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met to consider several routine items and two governor’s appointments requiring appearance. The committee first approved, by unanimous 5-0 votes, the appointments of Armin Meyer to the Division of Consumer Financial Protection and Uca Danka to the California State Lottery Commission, along with bill referrals, a rules waiver request to suspend Senate Rule 55 for guests on the floor, and floor acknowledgments. The committee then heard from Arania Ortega, appointed to the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB). Members asked about her background, PERB’s handling of AB 288 while litigation remains pending, recusal rules, case backlogs, ride-share enforcement, and legislative employee unionization. Ortega said PERB has no current backlog, is prepared to implement AB 288 if litigation changes, and has recusal procedures that would automatically exclude her from certain state employee and child care cases for one year. Public testimony supported the appointment, and the committee voted 5-0 to send Ortega’s nomination to the full Senate. The committee also heard from Monica Erickson, nominated to continue as Director of the Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Questions focused on bargaining and fiscal responsibility, CalPERS oversight, recruitment and retention, telework, discipline and accountability, DEIA efforts, degree requirements, veteran hiring, return-to-office implementation, and the gender pay gap. Erickson said CalHR is working to reduce vacancies, expand recruitment pipelines, remove unnecessary degree requirements, support departments with guidance and training, and address pay equity; she also noted the gender pay gap has declined over the past decade. Supportive public testimony followed, and her nomination was approved 5-0 to advance to the Senate floor. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• :07:28.560><c> it</c> many times before if you look at what it many times before if you look at what
• So you have to have that number before March. >> Thank you. Further questions?
• So you have to have that number before March. >> Thank you for the question.
• So, it... what your SAU budget is before um you what your SAU budget is before um you can<01:19:33.440
• Call it what you want, expenditure.

Committee: House Education Funding

Transcript Highlights:

• We have now before you a tentative agreement for which you are hearing today, and on February 10th will
• I appreciate the opportunity to appear before you. Thank you. Thank you.
• The bill before you prohibits a person from soliciting...
• The bill before you makes a number of changes to the program.
• We do have before us a Senate bill, Thank you.

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on an amended and restated tribal-state gaming compact with the Squaxin Island Tribe. Washington State Gambling Commission staff explained the compact amendment process and said the restatement consolidates six prior amendments, updates several appendices, and adds new provisions including high-limit room options and electronic table games. Squaxin Island representatives said the changes clarify the existing compact, improve casino regulation and management, and support tribal economic development and community services. Committee members expressed support, and the compact will next go through additional commission and legislative review before possible governor approval. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5831, which enacts the Uniform Mortgage Modification Act. Staff and the bill sponsor said the measure creates safe harbors for common mortgage modifications, clarifies when modifications must be recorded, and preserves the priority of modified mortgages in foreclosure without preempting other mortgage or lending laws. A Uniform Law Commission representative testified that the bill would advance protections by reducing uncertainty and costly attorney opinion requirements. There was no opposition testimony, and the public hearing closed without a vote. Senate Bill 6178, requested by the Insurance Commissioner, would prohibit contractors and others from soliciting or requiring post-loss assignments of property insurance benefits from insureds, making such agreements void and enforceable by the commissioner with civil penalties. The sponsor, Insurance Commissioner, and several supporters said the bill would protect homeowners after disasters from losing control of their claims and help prevent contractor abuse; a consumer attorney, PEMCO, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau also supported it. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6031, which expands and modernizes the state’s insurance fraud laws, classifies insurance fraud as a Class B felony, broadens reporting and investigative authority, and extends the fraud program to related crimes affecting insurers and consumers. The Insurance Commissioner, anti-fraud groups, and industry representatives supported the bill, while the Washington Society of CPAs said concerns about CPA language would be addressed by amendment. After public hearings, the committee moved to executive session, adopted a proposed substitute for SB 5928, and voted do-pass recommendations for SB 5928 as amended and SB 5919, sending both to Rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. Kim, please call the roll on CS for SB 1422. Senator Arrington? Yes.
• Seeing no objections, Kim, please call the roll on SPB 7034. Thank you. Seeing no objections.
• And it's nice to call you Senator. I've called you a rep for several years as you were.
• Thank you. Thank you. Kim, please call the roll on CS for SB 1196. Senator Arrington, yes.
• Thank you. And he called me the other day, and he said, 'Kenya, guess what?

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met with a quorum present and took up several environmental bills and one confirmation. First, the committee considered SB 1422 on surface waters, which was amended with a strike-all focused on coral reef protection and designation of coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure. Senator Garcia described the amendment as a way to support restoration, disaster resilience, and access to federal funding; Audubon Florida waived in support. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS for SB 1422 favorably. The committee next considered SPB 7034, a DEP rule ratification concerning the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee River minimum flows and levels and recovery strategy. Senator Rodriguez explained the rule would replace prior MFLs and allow longer permits, while opponents from the Florida Springs Council and local river advocates argued the plan relies too heavily on one future wastewater reuse project, delays restoration, and lacks a clear funding source. DEP and JEA waived in support. After debate, the committee approved the motion to submit the proposal as a committee bill; the measure was favorably reported, with Senator Smith voting no. The committee then heard SB 1510 on DEP-related matters, as amended. The strike-all addressed Outstanding Florida Springs B-MAP mediation plans, septic system upgrades where sewer is unavailable, rural cost-share eligibility, notice to property owners, rulemaking procedures, and land acquisition governance, while removing biosolids and fee provisions. Florida Springs Council opposed the 60-day delay for B-MAP effectiveness, saying it could slow restoration and allow more conventional septic systems to be installed before stricter requirements take effect. DEP and others supported the bill. The committee reported CS for SB 1510 favorably. It also heard SB 1196 on waste facilities, which would prohibit new ash-producing incinerators and waste-to-energy facilities within two miles of certain federally authorized water impoundment areas, with an amendment narrowing the bill to Miami-Dade and Broward County. Supporters, including the City of Miramar, said it would protect water resources and Everglades restoration; opponents from the Florida Waste-to-Energy Coalition warned it would limit local solid waste options and could force more landfilling. The committee adopted the amendment and reported CS for SB 1196 favorably. Finally, the committee considered SB 912 on battery collection and recovery, establishing a battery stewardship program and requiring producers and retailers to join a stewardship organization by 2028. Supporters from the battery industry and recycling sector said the bill would reduce fires and keep batteries out of the waste stream. The committee adopted the amendment and reported CS for SB 912 favorably. The committee also recommended confirmation of Gary Jennings to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. Kim, please call the roll on CS for SB 1422. Senator Arrington? Yes.
• Seeing no objection, Kim, please call the roll on SPB 7034. Thank you.
• Thank you, Madam Chair. And thank you, Senator Smith. And it’s nice to call you Senator.
• I’ve called you a rep for several years, as you were. No doctor in there, though. I’m not a doctor.
• Thank you. Thank you. Kim, please call the roll on CS for SB 1196. Senator Arrington, yes.

Bills: S0912 , S1196 , S1422 , S1510 , S7034

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Environment and Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and took up several environmental bills and one appointment. SB 1422, as amended by a strike-all focused on coral reef protection and designating coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure, was reported favorably after support from Audubon Florida was noted. The committee then considered SPB 7034, a DEP rule ratification related to minimum flows and levels for the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers and associated recovery strategy; witnesses from the Florida Springs Council and local river advocates criticized the plan as too delayed and too dependent on a single future water project, while committee members raised questions about funding and utility responsibility. Despite concerns, the committee approved the bill as a committee bill, with Senator Smith voting no. The committee next heard SB 1510, as amended, which made technical changes to DEP-related provisions including B-MAP notice and timing, septic system requirements in Florida Springs areas, biosolids, fees, land acquisition, and rulemaking procedures. The main public testimony came from the Florida Springs Council, which opposed the 60-day delay for B-MAP effectiveness as harmful to spring restoration, while DEP and others supported the measure. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered SB 1196, a targeted siting bill restricting new ash-producing incinerators or waste-to-energy facilities within two miles of large federally authorized water impoundment areas, with an amendment narrowing the practical effect to Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Supporters, including the City of Miramar, argued it would protect water resources and communities; opponents from the Florida Waste-to-Energy Coalition argued it would limit local waste-disposal options and could force more landfilling. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 912, the Safe Battery Collection and Recovery Act, which would require battery stewardship organizations and related recycling plans to keep batteries out of the waste stream. Industry and recycling representatives supported the bill, citing growing battery volumes and fire risks at recycling facilities. The committee also recommended confirmation of Gary Jennings to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. All measures were approved favorably except that Senator Smith voted against SPB 7034; the meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is an honor to be able to present before you today.
• Thank you. Can you please call the roll on CS for SB 698? Senator Arrington, yes.
• Thank you. Kim, please call the roll on CS for SB 1288. Senator Arrington? Yes.
• Is there any other business before the committee? Senator Smith moves we adjourn. Thank you.
• Is there any other business before the committee? Senator Smith moves we adjourn. Thank you.

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard and advanced several bills. SB 958, by Senator Bradley, would require local straw and stirrer ordinances to allow renewable, certified compostable, and marine-biodegradable products, with supporters arguing it creates standards and avoids patchwork local rules; it was reported favorably. SB 1066, by Senator Brodeur, proposed a phased restoration of the Ocklawaha/Rodman Dam area, including partial dam restoration, recreation and economic development planning, and a local advisory council; testimony was strongly divided between restoration supporters and local officials concerned about water supply, reservoir value, and community impacts. The committee adopted an amendment adding a Naval Air Station Jacksonville representative to the advisory council, then reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee also approved CS/SB 698 by Senator Martin, which would let builders proceed with home construction after applying for septic permits rather than waiting for the permit to be issued first. Testimony from builders and industry representatives focused on permitting delays, contract pricing, and the need for a glide path if DEP rules change; some senators raised concerns about the 120-day transition period, but the bill passed favorably with a technical amendment. CS/SB 1230, by Senator Harrell, would phase out PFAS-containing firefighting foam for non-emergency use, require inventory and disposal reporting, create DEP rules and a registry of alternatives, and establish grant/cost-savings support for local agencies; it was reported favorably after an amendment clarifying DEP references and penalty language. Finally, the committee approved CS/SB 1288, also by Senator Harrell, to designate a water body feature in the Jupiter Narrows area as the Andrew Red Harris Shoal in honor of a local environmental advocate who died rescuing a friend. The bill was amended to clarify the shoal identification and then reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators requested the record reflect additional affirmative votes on certain bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Senator.
• Thank you very much. Ms. Hamilton: Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Senator.
• So each year, as many of you are aware, we produce what is called the Idaho Poll, which is a public opinion
• This is often called what's referred to as the shot clock law or shot clock approach, where you give
• Thank you very much. Thank you. All right. Thank you.

Committee: Senate Local Government and Taxation