Transcript Highlights:

• The sad news is that the last several years successively the numbers have increased since COVID.
• Number one, what would the cost increase be if you triple the rate?
• Number two, is there a good case to be made for the need for the cost increase?
• Consequently, the increased rate is unnecessary. We're in the negative.
• It's the increase in capacity, and you've taken care of that.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a wide range of bills, with several focused on water safety, utilities, and local government transparency. CS/SB 848 on stormwater treatment was explained as clarifying water quality credits and water quality enhancement areas, and it was reported favorably after one support appearance. SB 28, a claim bill for Reginald Jackson against the City of Lakeland arising from injuries caused by a police shooting, was also reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 658 on water safety requirements for rental properties drew extensive testimony in support from child advocacy and drowning prevention advocates, who cited Florida’s high child drowning rates and the disproportionate impact on children with autism; the bill was amended to require front-end certification and remove local add-on authority, then passed favorably. CS/SB 18, a claim bill involving the estate of a deceased minor and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, was reported favorably after questions about the verdict, settlement posture, and who would receive the funds. SB 934 on areas of critical state concern was amended to remove a provision viewed as conflicting with the Live Local Act and then passed favorably. SB 1622, which creates a one-time waiver for certain late-filed financial disclosure fines, also passed favorably with support from an appearance form. SB 1264 on private schools and zoning was reported favorably after members noted ongoing concerns and planned further discussion. CS/CS/SB 260 on electric vehicle storage in towing yards was amended to narrow the bill to storage issues and cap the fee period until inspection; it drew both support and opposition from insurers, fire officials, and vehicle industry representatives, and was reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 1014, dealing with municipal utility service to properties outside city limits, was amended to limit it to residential development and clarify capacity standards, then passed favorably. CS/SB 1102 expanded the local infrastructure surtax to include body camera programs and was reported favorably after an amendment requiring voter approval. Finally, CS/SB 1724 and SB 1566, both on local government utility and budget transparency, were amended and reported favorably despite concerns from cities and counties about implementation costs and burdens.

Transcript Highlights:

• He now pays $1,500 just in HOA fees.
• Homeowner approval for increases beyond 8%.
• We are increasing costs.
• We are increasing costs.
• to health insurance premium rate increases.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, offered a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then proceeded through gubernatorial appointments and third-reading measures. Three appointments to the California Housing Finance Agency Board and the State Mining and Geology Board were confirmed by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The body then considered a series of bills on criminal procedure, military authority, housing, refinery safety, land use, music festivals, homelessness planning, solar tax assessment, HOA assessments, privacy, utility accounts, refrigerant disposal, law enforcement training, natural gas planning, school transfers, and regional transportation planning. Among the more debated measures, SB 1173 on lesser related offense instructions passed 25-10 after opposition centered on judicial discretion and consistency. SB 1354, limiting out-of-state military or law enforcement activity without the Governor’s permission, passed 29-9 after supporters framed it as a sovereignty measure and opponents argued federal command authority controls. SB 1090, the Altadena disaster-speculation bill, passed 29-9; supporters said it would curb predatory investor purchases after wildfire disasters, while opponents raised concerns about property rights and market effects. SB 966 on refinery worker participation in safety standards passed 30-9 amid a dispute over worker protections versus regulatory burden, and SB 1256, a local housing/subdivision bill, passed 32-0 despite concerns about fire-safety amendments. The Senate also approved SB 865 on music festivals, SB 866 on homelessness planning with a commitment to exempt smaller cities, SB 1007 on HOA assessment transparency and homeowner approval thresholds, SB 923 on privacy deletion rights, SB 1098 on utility balancing accounts, SB 1010 on refrigerant recovery, SB 937 on flashbang and breaching-device restrictions, SB 1082 on inter-district transfer timelines, and SB 1087 on modernizing regional transportation planning. SB 1329 on solar farm property tax assessment drew extensive debate over county revenues, solar development certainty, and fairness to rural communities, but ultimately passed after the call was lifted. Several measures were supported by authors and committee chairs as balancing consumer, worker, or local government protections against concerns about costs, regulatory stability, and local control.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're increasing the years...
• The only other fee that is allowed is a voluntary fee for something that is… The only other fee that
• is allowed is a voluntary fee for something that was not previously a mandatory fee.
• There's a fee replacement fee. Or if you need an extra fob, a fee.
• There is no way I'm paying this fee. Now, I didn't pay the fee. We closed. We did this, right?

Keywords: 964, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This way, if we increase the limit on the income, it will be able to capture more of the veterans that
• Outdated liability thresholds by increasing per-claim caps from 200 to 300 and the aggregate cap from
• There is a ton of standards and caps attorney's fees at 25% of recovered funds.
• the fee section and cost section does in particular, I'd like to just add some context to.
• There is some disagreement on the fees.

Bills: S0330, S0474, S0694, S1120, S1216, S1366, S1442, S7018

Keywords: firefighter disability, law enforcement disability, correctional officer disability, correctional probation officer, presumptive disability, workers' compensation, line of duty presumption, heart disease presumption, hypertension presumption, tuberculosis presumption, public safety employees, first responders, physical examination, preemployment exam, medical specialist, Medicare reimbursement, employing agency, Florida Statutes 112.18, Florida Statutes 943.13, occupational disease

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills, beginning with SB 694 on compensation for the descendants of the Groveland Four. Senator Bracey Davis described the wrongful accusations, convictions, deaths, and long-term harm to the families, and an amendment added a $4 million appropriation and updated the recipient for Ernest Thomas’s family. Multiple family members, advocates, clergy, and supporters testified in favor, emphasizing the decades-long delay in justice and the need for accountability and repair. Senators from both parties spoke in support, and the committee reported the bill favorably after a roll call vote. The committee then approved SB 330 on disability provisions for firefighters, law enforcement, and correctional officers; SB 474 on military affairs leave and related benefits; and SB 96 on the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program. SB 96 drew the most discussion, with Senator Sharief explaining that the bill raises eligibility to 400% of the federal poverty level and moves $500,000 in recurring funding to the General Appropriations Act. Senator Wright and Senator Harrell raised concerns about whether expanding eligibility could worsen the existing waitlist, while supporters argued the change would help more veterans access needed dental care. The bill was ultimately reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 7018 on child welfare, making the Step Into Success pilot program permanent and statewide, adjusting visitor/background-check rules for foster homes, and creating a best-practices program through the Florida Institute for Child Welfare. SB 480 on information technology was reported favorably after amendments creating a central IT governance structure under the Governor’s office, adding vendor performance metrics and a preferred vendor list, and restoring criminal justice information security provisions. SB 1066 on the Ocklawaha River and Rodman Dam also advanced after extensive testimony from supporters and historians about partial restoration, recreation, and economic benefits; the sponsor said he would continue working through permitting questions before floor consideration. Later, the committee approved SB 1216 on educator compensation, which gives districts more flexibility on cost-of-living adjustments, advanced degrees, and performance pay caps, and SB 1120 on water management district oversight and reporting. The committee also reported favorably SB 1366 on sovereign immunity and claims against government, which would raise damages caps, index them to CPI, shorten claim deadlines, and cap attorney fees at 25%. That bill drew testimony from hospitals, cities, counties, school districts, and others, with some supporting the Senate’s compromise approach and others raising concerns about impacts on self-insured law enforcement agencies and attorney incentives. The meeting concluded with the favorable report on the bill after debate continued over those issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are seeking ways to increase the supply of child care through work with cities.
• Recording is a fee-for-service operation, meaning that they rely on fees that they charge to provide
• This is clear evidence that existing fees do not reflect actual costs.
• In fact, recording fees have not been increased by the Legislature since 2009, despite providing recording
• While the base recording fee is increased under this bill, several other fees are eliminated compared

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so now State Farm, 22% increase before you, you know, you did stall that increase.
• I went from reporters asking me, why am I allowing for these rate increases?
• And then we're going to start seeing the rate increases.
• And the increase, of course, is for State Farm policyholders.
• At me because of what's going on and the rate increases.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 597, a bill to strengthen consumer protections for disaster survivors who use public adjusters. The author and the Department of Insurance said the measure would cap public adjuster fees at 15% for claims tied to declared disasters, require clearer contracts, prohibit solicitation during emergency conditions, and allow consumers to rescind contracts that were solicited during prohibited periods. Insurance industry groups supported the bill, while public adjuster representatives opposed it as written but said they were willing to work on revisions. The committee approved the bill and re-referred it to Appropriations; the roll call was ultimately recorded as 16-0. The committee then held its fourth oversight hearing on the Department of Insurance’s Sustainable Insurance Strategy, with Commissioner Ricardo Lara giving an extensive update on wildfire-related market reforms and consumer protections. He said the recent Southern California wildfires had not derailed the strategy and described actions including advance claim payments, a one-year moratorium on residential non-renewals in affected areas, a new fraud strike team, smoke-damage claim guidance, additional living expense protections, and a consumer claims tracker. He reported more than $12.1 billion in claims paid, over 37,000 claims filed, and more than 7,000 survivors assisted directly. He also discussed related bills and reforms, including AB 597, SB 495, SB 547, SB 429, SB 616, AB 888, and AB 2026. Members questioned the commissioner about the Fair Plan’s growing exposure, the $1 billion assessment, rate increases, non-renewals, underinsurance, and whether the reforms would actually stabilize the market. Lara said the assessment was already approved, that policyholders would not be hit with one large bill because insurers have two years to recover costs, and that the department was pushing insurers to use catastrophe modeling and reinsurance tools in exchange for commitments to write more policies in wildfire-distressed areas. He said the department expects to see market stabilization by 2026, though he emphasized the timeline depends on insurer participation, implementation of the new regulations, and future disaster activity. Members generally expressed support for the goals of the strategy while pressing for clearer expectations for consumers and faster action on mitigation and market reform.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also projects a 3.2% increase in average Cal Grant award amounts.
• The projected 2% increase in average Cal Grant award amounts is primarily driven by planned tuition increases
• fee increases.
• Pell Grant recipients have increased by well over 100%.
• Percent, and CCPG recipients have increased by 250 percent.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• will increase.
• So as tuition increases, it will increase. Perfect.
• increases.
• 20% increase.
• just fee relief.

Summary: The subcommittee on Education Finance heard an overview of the governor’s budget proposals and higher education financial aid trends, with a major focus on the Middle Class Scholarship (MCS), Cal Grant spending, and the effects of recent federal student aid changes. The Department of Finance said the budget would fully fund Cal Grant at projected levels and reduce MCS coverage from 35% to 17.5% of unmet need in 2026-27, while the Legislative Analyst’s Office supported considering the reduction as a cost-saving measure given out-year deficits. UC and CSU representatives opposed the cut, saying MCS is important to affordability and debt-free degree goals; they estimated average awards would fall substantially and that campuses do not have funds to backfill the loss. The Student Aid Commission said the proposal would reduce aid but simplify administration, and members questioned how lower awards would affect students, borrowing, and work-study options. No vote was taken, and the issue was held open for possible future action. The committee then discussed federal changes to student loans and Pell Grant policy under H.R. 1, including caps on Parent PLUS loans, elimination of Grad PLUS loans, and new proration rules for federal direct loans based on enrollment intensity. The LAO said these changes would likely push some borrowers into the private market, especially graduate and professional students and some parents of students at private institutions. CSU said the changes would affect thousands of graduate and part-time students and could reduce access by about $97 million in loan availability for part-time borrowers, while UC said the new definitions of professional degrees were too restrictive and would reduce access for nursing, teaching, law, dentistry, and other programs. Community colleges said they use relatively little federal loan aid but are monitoring Workforce Pell. Members raised concerns about workforce impacts, social mobility, and whether the state should consider alternative loan programs or other ways to reduce student costs. This issue was also held open. In the segment financial aid update, the LAO reported Cal Grant spending is projected to rise to about $3.2 billion in 2026-27, driven by more recipients and higher awards tied to UC and CSU tuition increases, while CSAC said FAFSA and CADAA applications are up significantly year over year. CSU, community colleges, and UC described their aid packaging and rising aid totals, with CSU reporting over $5.5 billion in aid to 381,000 students, community colleges reporting over $4.3 billion to more than 920,000 students, and UC reporting $3.17 billion in grant aid to undergraduates. Members asked about Cal Grant reform, application trends, and long-term outcomes; UC and community colleges pointed to alumni and wage dashboards, and the LAO noted the state’s Cradle to Career data effort. The committee then took public comment, including testimony on library funding and other education-related priorities, and concluded by holding the issues open without formal action.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think, again, what we want to do is increase the voice of rural areas without shaking things up
• And I think, again, what we want to do is increase the voice of rural areas without shaking things up
• This bill increases transparency and improves the efficiency of housing project approvals.
• by 6% and result in increased property taxes for local governments by up to 16%.
• Downtowns increased tourist visitation, create jobs, increase tax revenue, and benefit our entire economy

Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee heard a full agenda of bills focused largely on housing, permitting reform, transportation governance, and local government finance. Early in the hearing, AB 24 by Assemblymember DeMaio proposed changing SANDAG board selection to give rural unincorporated areas a stronger voice; members raised concerns about the approach and local input, and the bill ultimately did not receive a second at the time it was heard. The chair later clarified that because no second was made, the bill was held rather than voted out, though the transcript also reflects confusion and later attempts to revisit the item. Several housing and permitting bills advanced with committee amendments and broad support. AB 671 by Assemblymember Wicks would streamline restaurant permitting through self-certification and faster plan review; AB 920 by Assemblymember Caloza would require a centralized online portal for housing permit tracking in larger jurisdictions; AB 1061 by Assemblymember Kirk Silva would allow SB 9 housing in historic districts with limits to protect historic character; AB 818 by Assemblymember Anamarie Farías would streamline temporary manufactured housing after disasters; AB 660 by Assemblymember Wilson would tighten timelines and remedies for post-entitlement housing permits; AB 1308 by Assemblymember Hoover would allow third-party inspections for small residential projects if local inspections are delayed; and AB 1445 by Assemblymember Haney would expand downtown revitalization financing tools for mixed-use housing. Each of these measures drew support from housing, business, and industry groups, with some local-government and special-district stakeholders seeking continued amendments on certain bills. The committee also approved AB 1156, which updates the solar use easement program to better accommodate renewable energy development on water-constrained agricultural lands, and AB 964, which would let local governments offset certain state mandate reimbursement debts against amounts the state owes them. AB 1223, by Assemblymember Wynn, would let Sacramento-area transportation authorities propose sales tax measures for portions of the county and keep revenues local; it advanced despite some transportation and taxpayer concerns. Consent items AB 36 and AB 1131 were also approved. Most bills were reported out on bipartisan votes, often with committee amendments and some members noting they would continue working on the measures in later committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it was kind of even the playing field regarding attorney fees.
• So we kind of stripped that out so both sides get attorney fees.
• I know you had the amendment regarding the attorney's fees.
• Well, that would be a 10% increase, yeah. Yeah. Okay.
• Don't just If either side wins, that side could get attorney's fees.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , design engineering fees, construction engineering fees, inspection and engineering fees, other.
• <00:48:25.560> fees, fees, construction engineering fees, fees, construction engineering fees
• We've increased 14%.
• Um and the uh increases.
• additional 9% increase in rate. additional 9% increase in rate.

Keywords: 0:00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:28 Approval of Minutes 0:00:40 Information Items 0:01:13 Rpt from Postsecondary Institutions 0:26:46 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 0:30:53 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 0:39:20 Rpt from OFM – KIA 0:52:42 Econ Development – EDF Grants 0:55:15 OFM Debt Issues 0:58:43 Informational Discussion 1:44:36 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including a quorum call, approval of minutes, and informational items on school district financing and KCTCS equipment purchases. It then considered two KCTCS capital projects after initially rolling them together and later unrolling them: a Fire Commission Fire Academy maintenance building project that had grown from an original $2 million authorization to $4.7 million because of design changes, soil issues, and higher mechanical costs, and a $1.5 million renovation of the Blake Lee building at Somerset Community College for a health science simulation lab. Members questioned the large cost increase on the fire academy project and the adequacy of front-end due diligence, while KCTCS said the project was bid and ready to proceed and that a 15% contingency had been included. Both projects were approved by roll call vote, with the Blake Lee project ultimately approved after the committee unrolled the items and took them separately. The committee next heard and approved a University of Kentucky public-private partnership for the Hamburg East Medical Office Building, a five-story, 220,000-square-foot facility with a not-to-exceed budget of $275 million. UK said the project is intended to expand outpatient access, consolidate some services, and support projected growth in patient volume; the building will house multiple specialties, urgent care, therapy, imaging, and a retail pharmacy. Members asked about possible community uses, consolidation of services, and whether the project would free up other space, and UK said it hopes to consolidate some services and free campus space. The project was approved by roll call vote. The committee then approved three UK lease renegotiations: a specialty pharmacy and infusion services lease at Wellington Way in Lexington, a Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences lease at Conte Terrace, and a College of Social Work lease at McGrath Park Way. Members asked about rising lease rates, occupancy, and whether space needs should be reduced; UK and the lessor’s representative said the pharmacy space remains busy, the ophthalmology lease was lower than before, and the social work lease had been negotiated down from a higher request. The committee also approved a Department of Military Affairs project amendment for a Mutual Field Maintenance Shop Restoration project, increasing federal funding by $1 million to $4.5 million because of higher construction costs, and approved a Kentucky State University Shanty Hall renovation project funded by bond and HBCU Title III funds. Finally, it approved a new lease for the Office of Mines and Minerals in Pike County, a new lease for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Pulaski County, and a lease renewal for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Kenton County after questions about rent increases and office utilization; the cabinet said the Kenton County space still has limited vacancy and remains in use by field staff. The meeting ended as the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority began presenting six sewer and water loans and six cleaner water program grant reallocations, with members agreeing to roll those items for later consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Why is it a tax increase?
• Why is it a tax increase?
• It is a tax increase. It is always a tax increase.
• It is a tax increase. It is always a tax increase.
• It is a tax increase. It is always a tax increase.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House opened with the national anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call establishing a quorum. Members then approved the journal of April 8, 2026, and heard several introductions and tributes, including recognition of Home Education Day in Colorado, a welcome to Sigma Lambda Gamma members, and a reminder about an education luncheon. The chamber then recessed briefly before moving into second reading and floor consideration of bills. The main substantive debate centered on House Bill 1357, which phases out the Teacher Recruitment Education and Preparation (TREP) program. Supporters said the program serves a relatively small number of students, costs more per student than community college alternatives, and should be wound down so limited state education dollars can go to core services and the school finance formula. Opponents argued the state had promised the program to students who planned their education around it, including some who turned down scholarships, and said the change would harm future teachers and should have been treated as a pause rather than an end. The House adopted an appropriations amendment (L003), withdrew a proposed substitute amendment (L005), and then passed HB 1357 as amended. The House also passed House Bill 1358, which reduces the appropriation for the Colorado Academic Accelerator Grant Program by $5.2 million in general fund. The sponsor described it as a grant program supporting community learning centers and math/STEM enrichment, but said funding will end after the following fiscal year and the program must step down so families can seek other services. The bill was adopted without further opposition. Finally, the House considered House Bill 1359, which redirects certain revenue from public school land natural resource removals to the state public school fund rather than the permanent fund, with projected transfers of $25 million in FY 2025-26 and $45 million in FY 2026-27. Supporters said the measure is needed to help balance the budget. An opponent raised concerns about impacts on a constituent ranch lease tied to a proposed green energy project, but the sponsor clarified the bill applies only to royalties and leases on state-owned public school lands. The House then adopted HB 1359.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is meant to increase opportunity.
• On the commission, who's going to be paying, I guess, the fees and stuff?
• Is there fees that's going to be associated with this?
• What are the administrative fees? So, you know, I don't have that, but I believe Joan does.
• As far as the fees or administration, there are no fees or administrative fees being charged against

Bills: HB2180, HB2184, HB2188, HB2194, HB2206, HB2321, HB2322, HB2438, HB2442, HB2448, HB2727, HB2797

Keywords: appropriation, funding, University of Arizona, education, state budget, fetal death, funeral homes, informed consent, abortion, women's rights, medical assistance, emotional support, language acquisition, early intervention, hearing impairment, grant program, deaf education, health care, insurance claims, prior authorization

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services opened with remarks about shortening meeting times and then heard a JLBC presentation on the effects of H.R. 1 on SNAP. JLBC staff explained that H.R. 1 expands SNAP work requirements, raises the state share of SNAP administrative costs from 50% to 75% beginning in FY 2027, and could require Arizona to pay a share of benefits if its SNAP error rate exceeds 6%. JLBC estimated the administrative cost increase at about $33 million in FY 2027 and $44 million in FY 2028, and said a 2024 error rate of 8.8% could trigger about $139 million in state benefit costs under the new federal formula. The committee then considered HB 2797, which requires DES to regularly review data from other agencies to verify SNAP eligibility, post fraud and noncompliance data, and address out-of-state EBT purchases. Supporters said it would improve program integrity and help Arizona avoid federal cost-sharing penalties; the bill passed 7-5. The committee next heard HB 2180, which appropriates $2.5 million in FY 2027 to the University of Arizona for AZ REACH, a statewide hospital transfer coordination service. Supporters from rural hospitals and the health system described it as a useful, voluntary service that speeds transfers and reduces burden on physicians, while one health system representative asked for better operational coordination. The bill passed 11-1. HB 2184, as amended, would extend fetal death certificate filing requirements to fetal deaths at or before 20 weeks if requested by the mother and require notice of the option to transfer remains to a funeral home before an abortion. Supporters, including a mortuary owner and parents who had experienced miscarriages, said it would give grieving families dignity and closure; opponents raised concerns about reproductive rights and language in the bill. The committee adopted the Bliss amendment and passed the bill 7-4-1. HB 2188, as amended, created a Language Acquisition Grant Program for services to deaf or hard-of-hearing infants and toddlers. Supporters said it would streamline funding and preserve family choice among spoken language, ASL, or both, while an opponent argued the bill should more explicitly ensure equal access to ASL and Deaf Culture services; the bill passed 12-0. The committee also considered three more H.R. 1-related SNAP bills. HB 2442 would require able-bodied adults under 60 receiving SNAP to participate in an employment and training program unless exempt; supporters said it would connect recipients to work and training, and it passed 7-5. HB 2448 would bar DES from seeking work-requirement waivers or discretionary exemptions unless authorized by law; supporters said it would prevent broad waivers and improve employment outcomes, and it also passed 7-5. Finally, HB 2206 would require DES to reduce the SNAP payment error rate to 3% by 2030, submit annual progress reports, and face corrective action if targets are missed. Supporters said it would save taxpayer money and improve accountability, while opponents argued the target was too aggressive without more staff or funding and could strain DES; the bill was still under discussion at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also states that the board has an increased burden of proof to clear and convincing evidence.
• Madam Chair, members, HB 2946, Municipalities Counties Development Fees, modifies development fees charged
• Madam Chair, members, HB 2946, Municipalities Counties Development Fees, modifies development fees charged
• HB 4020, insurance fraud unit assessments increase, passed Commerce Committee unanimously.
• Madam Chair, members, House Bill 2834, claims against HOA's filing fee.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of bills and resolutions, with staff giving brief descriptions and members flagging which items were on consent, had unanimous committee votes, or should be pulled for further discussion. Topics included education, health care, public safety, labor, water, taxation, housing, and elections. Several measures were noted as party-line or mixed votes, while many others were reported as unanimous and placed on third-read or consent calendars. Among the more discussed items were bills on school and labor policy, including a proposal to prohibit teacher strikes, a measure restricting school district bond actions, a bill requiring school safety protocols and assigning felony penalties for noncompliance, and a resolution limiting public money for labor organization activities. Members also raised concerns or requested further review on bills involving pharmacist testing authority, expired opioid antagonists, a county sheriff-related measure, a housing affordability district proposal, and a tobacco/vape regulation bill. Some measures were explicitly pulled from consent, including a Medicaid audit resolution, a budget-related pay-withholding resolution, and several education and public safety bills. The caucus also heard multiple health and human services measures, such as genetic counselor licensing, nursing board and pharmacy board continuations, foster care rights, psychiatry access funding, and free school meals. In addition, there were water and energy bills on Colorado River management, groundwater, transmission-line review, and renewable energy valuation, plus election and campaign-related proposals. The meeting ended with announcements, including an upcoming Colorado River breakfast briefing and an internal award recognizing Representative Brian Garcia, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We require clear disclosure to consumers before any fee is charged.
• To your point, these fees can already be charged, but then the accusation could be made that the fees
• There’s that fee that they can charge, which we would say is reasonable.
• Who determines whether an allowable fee is reasonably related to?
• Who’s making money off of the fee believes is reasonable.

Bills: S0386, S0528, S0806, S0696, S0930, S0874, S0898, S0826, S0838

Keywords: farm equipment, agricultural machinery, farm machinery, tractor, combine, harvester, implements, warranty, lemon law, defective equipment, repair rights, consumer protection, manufacturer liability, authorized service agent, replacement, refund, rural agriculture, urban agriculture, Florida Statutes, chapter 604

Summary: The Commerce and Tourism Committee met with a quorum and considered several bills, most of them receiving favorable reports. SB 386, relating to farm equipment repair rights, was briefly explained by the sponsor as a lemon-law style measure for farm equipment; it passed without questions or debate. SB 528, aimed at strengthening Florida’s manufacturing sector by expanding Department of Commerce responsibilities, codifying the chief manufacturing officer role, creating a workforce development grant program, and requiring reporting, drew support from several appearance forms and was reported favorably. SB 806, a broader right-to-repair bill covering portable wireless devices and agricultural equipment, drew the most discussion: dealership and industry representatives opposed it, arguing existing manufacturer agreements already provide access to repair information and that the bill could force manufacturers into competition with dealers, while supporters framed it as pro-consumer and pro-repair access; it was still reported favorably. SB 696 on trademark registration modernization and SB 930 creating a Florida Retirement Savings Task Force were both explained as administrative/policy measures and passed without opposition. SB 874, which creates a professional licensure reciprocity path for out-of-state surveyors and mappers to address workforce shortages, also passed favorably. The committee then took up SB 826 on gift certificates, which the sponsor said is intended to target bank-branded “reward cards” that function like gift cards but expire, while not affecting loyalty programs. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association expressed concern about unintended consequences and asked to work on tighter definitions, but the bill was reported favorably after the sponsor said clarifying language would be added later. The committee also heard SB 838, as amended, on electronic payments for retail installment contracts; the sponsor said it would clarify that reasonable convenience fees for optional electronic payments are permissible, require disclosure, and preserve a fee-free option. Members raised concerns about what counts as a “reasonable” fee and whether the bill could authorize junk fees, but the committee substitute was reported favorably. Several votes were taken by roll call, with the bills above reported favorably and SB 898 temporarily postponed at the sponsor’s request. Members later asked to be recorded as voting affirmatively on bills they had missed. The meeting concluded after the final vote on SB 838 and a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• That was the only change, which increases the maximum for middle income.
• This is a 31% increase over last year.
• when those fees are incurred.
• In order for fees to be incurred, the client must owe the fees to their attorney, meaning that the attorneys
• In a case where the attorney is actually doing this for a fee, they still have to prove up their fees

Bills: HB5621, HB4904, HB5067, HB5076, HB5081, HB5354, HB4862, HB3847, HB4088, HB4157, HB2966, HB2287, HB4203, HB4803, HB4737, HB5093, HB783, HB5411, HB4281

Keywords: HB 5621, consumer protection, Deceptive Trade Practices Act, DTPA, Business & Commerce Code, attorney general, consumer protection division, district attorney, county attorney, local prosecutor, civil investigative demand, CID, voluntary compliance, financial institution records, bank records, privacy, protective order, in camera review, trade secrets, insurer

Transcript Highlights:

• You pay essentially two plate fees.
• And so the question is, if you have to pay an additional fee, then you have to run a fee bill.
• fee just to be increased as opposed to setting a new fee, maybe?
• An existing fee just to be increased, as opposed to setting a new fee, maybe if you want to address that
• Thank you, and I just learned about this fee, the fee bill, today, but I'll get back to you on that.

Summary: The committee considered and reported favorably several bills, most of them sponsored by Senator Rodriguez. CS/SB 164 on vessel accountability was presented as a measure to help law enforcement identify vessel owners, create a free long-term anchoring permit program, increase penalties for derelict vessel violations, and authorize grants for local governments in FWC’s prevention program; it passed without amendment. SB 388, dealing with FWC trust funds, was also reported favorably after Senator Berman asked whether non-game wildlife funds would support immigration enforcement; Senator Rodriguez said they would not. CS/SB 1320 was amended to recreate the Resilient Florida Trust Fund and then passed favorably. CS/CS/SB 344 modernizing the Telecommunications Access System was amended to define new terms and reduce the maximum surcharge from 25 cents to 15 cents, then reported favorably. CS/SB 86 on peer support for first responders expanded eligibility to support personnel and passed with broad support from law enforcement and related groups. The committee also took up CS/CS/SB 92, a hit-and-run accountability bill by Senator Gruters. The adopted amendment added a front license plate requirement, lowered the damage threshold from $5,000 to $2,500, and retained reporting requirements for repair shops. NFIB testified in opposition to parts of the bill, citing concerns about the lower threshold, short reporting deadlines, and potential license revocation, while supporters argued the bill would improve accountability and help solve hit-and-run cases. The bill was reported favorably after debate. The final and most contentious measure was CS/SB 56 by Senator Garcia, which would prohibit geoengineering and weather modification activities in Florida, repeal older weather-modification statutes, create a public reporting system at DEP, and impose penalties for violations. Supporters, including individuals identifying with weather-watch and anti-geoengineering concerns, argued that the bill would address public fears and environmental risks. A cloud-seeding company representative testified that cloud seeding is distinct from solar radiation management and said permitting should exist for responsible weather modification, while warning the bill could hinder beneficial precipitation enhancement. Despite skepticism from some members about the bill’s premise and scope, the committee reported it favorably. The meeting then concluded after members recorded missed votes and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• increased by 40%.
• fees.
• c> so<03:37:02.840> I<03:37:02.960> sum MV fees motor vehicle fees so I sum MV fees
• <04:08:48.640> are fee as versus the town fees are fee as versus the town fees are dependent
• No, we did courts fees and Lottery. We did Lottery, and then the fees.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee received a Department of Revenue Administration update from Commissioner Lindsay Stepp focused on revenue estimates for fiscal years 2025, 2026, and 2027. She explained the department’s forecasting method, which uses five scenarios based on the first seven months of actual collections and different assumptions for the remaining months, then selects a reasonable high and low range for FY 25 and applies projected growth rates for FY 26 and FY 27. Members asked several clarifying questions about how the scenarios are chosen and how the estimates relate to economic growth and taxpayer behavior. For business taxes, Stepp reported FY 25 year-to-date collections of $110.3 million, 18.2% below plan and 17.2% below prior year. She said the shortfall reflects both economic conditions and a resetting of estimated payments after unusually strong pandemic-era profits, and noted that the department cannot fully separate changes in taxpayer liability from changes in estimated payment behavior. She said approximately just under $72 million was refunded in FY 24 due to the CCO cap, and that FY 25 year-to-date refunds are at 41.7%. For business taxes, the department’s FY 25 range was based on either continued underperformance versus plan or a return to prior-year levels, with FY 26 and FY 27 growth projected at 3% to 8%. The committee also reviewed meals and rooms tax, tobacco tax, and related trends. Meals and rooms revenue was $6.9 million, or 3.3%, ahead of plan and prior year; the FY 25 gross estimate was $475.894 million, with a net range of about $331.82 million to $335.259 million after municipal transfers and school building aid. Stepp said recent monthly results suggest some fluctuation tied to disposable income, weather, and travel patterns, but no clear sustained decline. Tobacco tax was $18.1 million, 14% below plan and 4.8% below prior year; she said cigarette stamp sales are declining while e-cigarettes and other tobacco products are growing, with FY 25 tobacco revenue projected at $182.5 million to $185.3 million and FY 26-FY 27 growth ranging from -5% to flat. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• The tuition fees and special fund, I believe it's called.
• The tuition fees and special fund, I believe it's called.
• <00:39:37.240> it care as long as we're not increasing it care as long as we're not increasing
• But till then, yeah, the region I understand is probably looking at increasing tuition, increasing student
• housing fees, and so forth.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education met on March 11 and began with House Bill 442, which would appropriate funds to the University of Hawaiʻi system for nursing programs. University of Hawaiʻi representatives testified in strong support, and several additional supporters submitted testimony. Members asked about a similar Senate measure, and the witness confirmed the university supported that bill as well. No opposition or vote was recorded on HB 442 during the excerpt. The committee then heard House Bill 1169, a housekeeping measure concerning the University of Hawaiʻi Conference Center revolving fund. Testimony explained that the bill would consolidate existing Conference Center statutes into one centralized fund statute and allow campuses to use the fund more broadly. Members raised no questions, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. House Bill 185, which would establish a plant-based building materials working group, drew the most discussion. The Department of Agriculture said it supported the intent but wanted baseline research before a larger working group was formed. Supporters argued the measure could help develop a homegrown industry using bamboo, hemp, and other plant materials, create green jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Several members questioned whether a formal working group was necessary and whether the work could be done without new legislation. The University of Hawaiʻi later estimated the bill’s requested work would cost about $150,000 over two years to analyze crop options and report findings. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was House Bill 1320, which requires the University of Hawaiʻi to collect, analyze, and publicly report graduate outcome data and develop a Graduate Outcomes Dashboard. University officials said they already use some data sources but lack a dedicated data-visualization specialist and need additional capacity to consolidate and present the information. Members questioned the need for new positions and funding, arguing the university should use existing resources and that students already have many ways to explore careers. Supporters responded that the dashboard would help students and the state better understand postgraduate outcomes, workforce needs, and program value. No final action or vote was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:36.320> of freeze for next year is an increase of freeze for next year is an increase
• We're seeing those title transactions increase monthly.
• We're seeing those title transactions increase monthly.
• We're seeing those title transactions increase monthly.
• So, we'll begin with the clerk fees.

Keywords: 958, all