Transcript Highlights:

• gross substitute House Bill 1578 was the Reducing Threats to Southern Resident Killer Whales by Improving
• gross substitute House Bill 1578 was the Reducing Threats to Southern Resident Killer Whales by Improving
• These projects deliver the greatest benefits in terms of jobs, economic impact, air quality improvements
• Asking for a yes vote today on this, I think, creative and really smart proposal that will improve the
• It does nothing to improve the environment.

Bills: HB2436 , HB2322 , HB2343 , HB1420 , HB2426 , HB2271 , HB2215 , HB2421 , HB2301 , HB2296

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: oil tanker, tank vessel, restricted waters, Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Rosario Strait, Admiralty Inlet, Discovery Island, New Dungeness, tug escort, pilotage, marine safety, spill prevention, oil transport, petroleum shipment, coast guard authorization, Board of Pilotage Commissioners, articulated tug barge, bunker vessel, refueling vessel

Transcript Highlights:

• gross substitute House Bill 1578 was the Reducing Threats to Southern Resident Killer Whales by Improving
• These projects deliver the greatest benefits in terms of jobs, economic impact, air quality improvements
• Asking for a yes vote today on this, I think, creative and really smart proposal that will improve the
• Asking for a yes vote today on this, I think, creative and really smart proposal that will improve the
• And it does nothing to improve the environment.

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 2436, a technical fix to Washington’s oil tanker escort tug requirements in Puget Sound waters. The bill would require escort tugs to have either horsepower equal to 5% of the tanker’s deadweight tonnage or 3,000 horsepower, whichever is greater. Rep. Lekanoff and the Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners said the change aligns statute with existing rules and industry practice and supports protection of the Salish Sea and southern resident killer whales. No opposition was raised, and the hearing was closed without action at that point. The committee then heard House Bill 2322, which changes Clean Fuels Program rules and tax incentives for alternative jet fuel. Supporters, including Rep. Dent, Sky Energy, 12, and the City of Moses Lake, said the bill would provide certainty for large-scale sustainable aviation fuel investment by changing the trigger for tax incentives and clarifying that certain renewable electricity, including hydro, can count as zero carbon. Ecology opposed the bill’s treatment of electricity accounting, saying it would weaken incentives for new renewable generation and could reduce the clean fuels program’s emissions benefits. U.S. Oil asked for additional clarification or changes to allow Pierce County participation or define “blender.” No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. In executive session, the committee passed several bills. Substitute House Bill 2343, dealing with discharge permits for publicly owned animal facilities, passed 21-0. Proposed second substitute House Bill 1420, creating a textile and apparel coordinating organization for a needs assessment, passed 12-9. House Bill 2426, allowing Pollution Control Hearings Board appeals to be heard by a single member or alternative panel by agreement, passed 19-2. Substitute House Bill 2271, expanding post-consumer recycled content requirements for certain plastic products, passed 12-9. Substitute House Bill 2215, adjusting Climate Commitment Act fuel supplier thresholds, passed 12-9. Substitute House Bill 2421, restricting 6PPD and certain substitutes in tires, passed 11-9 with one excused after an amendment to exempt rural eastern Washington was rejected. Action on House Bill 2301 and House Bill 2296 was deferred to a later meeting due to time constraints.

Transcript Highlights:

• This RS seeks to improve transparency by requiring reporting on where the money goes, how it is spent
• We were polite and dug him out and got him pulled back out to the main road and drove him in a different
• Recently, we had a conservation officer who was driving down a public road and saw, I think it was three
• Recently, we had a conservation officer who was driving down a public road and saw, I think it was three
• I think that we can all agree that the management of federal lands can be significantly improved.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• And there are a lot of fatal accidents on that road.
• And there are a lot of fatal accidents on that road.
• Grass, certainly, we would agree with the assertion that the trust performance needs to improve from
• And that's where we think you'd have to have some significant improvements in the trust performance.
• Significant improvements in the trust performance.

Bills: HB2053 , HB2116 , HB2148

Committees: House Appropriations , House House Appropriations Committee of Reference

Keywords: stormwater, recharge mapping, water resources, groundwater, appropriation, Arizona, HB2116, Colorado River, litigation fund, water rights, Arizona water law, general fund appropriation, state budget, interstate water compact, Colorado River Compact, water litigation, A.R.S. 45-119, natural resources, water policy, river management

Transcript Highlights:

• I would rather see capital investment be roads and bridges, not civic centers and swimming pools.
• </c> rather see capital investment be roads rather see capital investment be roads and<00:25:06.000><
• So those are repairs and improvements on the greenhouses.
• And so now, 10 to 15 years down the road, water quality is much improved.
• road water quality is much improved so road water quality is much improved so do<01:32:43.440><c> that

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• roads with traffic patterns and with capacity levels that put their lives and safety in jeopardy.
• Your original bill, I believe, increased the speed limits on certain roads.
• Your original bill, I believe, increased the speed limits on certain roads.
• President, this is the road naming package for DOT.
• Included in this bill is a road designation that holds deep significance.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and moments of silence, including tributes related to the FSU campus shooting, Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, John Thrasher, the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and visiting student and community groups. The chamber then moved into special order bills and adopted a resolution honoring Coach Abdur-Rahim. A number of measures were taken up and passed, including child care and early learning provider regulation updates, false reporting/swatting penalties, health care billing and collection protections, hazardous walking conditions for schoolchildren, young adult housing support for foster and homeless students, the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program, trust fund interest rules for IOTA accounts, transportation-related changes, public records exemptions for AHCA investigators, JQC employees, and appellate court clerks, municipal water and sewer utility rates in Miami-Dade, motor vehicle offenses involving obscured plates and impersonating law enforcement, trespass at large-scale ticketed events, refund of patient overpayments, stem cell therapy standards, insulin administration by direct support professionals and relatives, pre-arranged transportation services, and the Uniform Commercial Code update for digital assets. Several bills were amended before passage, often by substituting House companions and adopting late-filed amendments. The transportation bill was significantly revised to remove speed-limit increases and utility-related provisions while adding beach equipment removal, flood-wake enforcement, expectant mother parking permits, and local regulation of micromobility devices; it passed 37-0. The trust fund interest bill drew the most debate, with supporters arguing it right-sized a volatile funding stream for legal aid and opponents warning it would sharply reduce support for legal aid organizations; it passed 28-10. The municipal water and sewer rate bill also prompted extended debate over fairness, fiscal impact, and accusations of racism, but passed 36-2. Public records exemption bills for AHCA investigators, JQC employees, and appellate clerks passed with varying margins, with supporters emphasizing safety and anti-doxing protections. One bill on cardiac emergencies and another on education were temporarily postponed. Most measures were adopted by wide margins, often unanimously, after brief sponsor explanations and little or no debate. The Senate also adopted a resolution honoring the late USF coach Amir Abdur-Rahim and recognized several visiting groups in the gallery. After completing the day’s special order calendar, the Senate recessed for lunch until 1:30 p.m. or on call of the President.

Transcript Highlights:

• that bans an individual's rights to own property and use it for what they choose, such as ATVs or off-road
• cuts off while describing the third offense within 24 months. or OHVS, which is in essentially off-road
• vehicles, particularly in residential communities and on shared private roads, where law enforcement
• You know, what end users are going to be hurt by this down the road?
• So obviously this would, you know, be interpreted down the road, but my belief, my intention would be

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on energy, public safety, and environmental cleanup. House Bill 455 would create a historic preservation license plate to raise funds and awareness for Delaware preservation efforts, and House Bill 471 would tighten rules and penalties for off-highway vehicles on shared private roads, with golf carts excluded. House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 439, the Truth in E-Bike Marketing Act, would require clearer disclosures when selling electric mopeds and electric motorcycles so consumers understand classification, power, and licensing/insurance requirements. House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 407, related to the Hazardous Substance Cleanup Act and brownfields, would shift funding for brownfield cleanup from the original realty transfer tax approach to a dedicated share of the hazardous substance cleanup fund and raise civil penalties for fraudulent acts. The committee also approved the June 18, 2026 minutes once quorum was reached. Most of the meeting centered on House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 233, as amended, a large-load/data center bill intended to protect ratepayers from costs tied to massive new electricity users. The sponsor and Public Advocate said PJM’s warnings about a coming reliability backstop auction made it urgent to establish a Delaware framework now, requiring large energy users to sign utility agreements, cover their share of transmission, distribution, and capacity costs, and comply with curtailment and other protections. Supporters from environmental groups and some labor and business voices said the bill was needed to prevent cost shifts to households and small businesses, while opponents argued it was being rushed, could deter investment, and might unintentionally affect other industries; several asked for more time and clearer definitions. No vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee also took up House Bill 470, which would authorize Delmarva Power, with PSC approval, to build and operate utility-owned battery storage and spread costs across the customer base. The sponsor and Delmarva said the bill would improve reliability quickly and help avoid outages, while the chair expressed concern that the state had not yet fully studied whether utility-owned or competitively procured storage is the best model, noting a recent SEU storage study and broader policy questions. Supporters said utility storage could be deployed faster and help with peak shaving, while others urged a competitive process; the transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 470.

Transcript Highlights:

• Station construction will improve response in communities across the state, but also improve the health
• improving public pipeline safety requirements and regulations.
• Tom Helm with Valley Improvement Projects in opposition.
• Importantly, this bill directly improves credit integrity.
• In Malibu, despite horrific crashes and people dying on PCH, road safety improvements, such as protected

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills focused on environmental policy, public infrastructure, housing, and energy. AB 1812, dealing with compostable plastics and compost contamination, drew strong support from farmers, composters, counties, cities, and waste companies, while manufacturers and compostable-product companies opposed it unless amended, arguing it would undermine compostable packaging and SB 54 goals. AB 2216 to expand the Delta Conservancy’s service area also received broad support and no opposition. AB 2481, which would allow leftover glass quality incentive funds to support recycled glass used in fiberglass insulation and other products, was supported by insulation manufacturers, recyclers, and waste advocates and passed with no opposition. AB 2152, streamlining fire station construction and tying CEQA relief to project labor agreement requirements, was supported by firefighters and construction trades but opposed by contractors and wildlife groups over the PLA mandate and environmental review provisions; the committee discussed amendments and sent it forward. AB 1536, the Save Our Shores Act, aimed at offshore oil and gas safety and decommissioning, was supported by coastal and environmental groups and opposed by the petroleum industry, with members debating pipeline safety, drilling risks, and carbon intensity before advancing the bill. AB 1849, a study bill on decarbonized gaseous fuels, split supporters from hydrogen, bioenergy, and propane interests against environmental and justice groups who said it favored biomethane and hydrogen without clear definitions; the author said it was only a study measure, and it moved ahead. AB 1732, which would expand CEQA streamlining for public university and community college housing projects, was backed by students, UC representatives, housing advocates, and labor, with no opposition heard; members raised concerns about environmental impacts and evacuation planning, but the bill was approved. Several measures were taken on consent and others were held open for absent members or quorum issues, with multiple bills receiving due pass recommendations as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• really raises a lot of just practical questions that are going to cause a lot of headaches down the road
• Rather than starving our roads and infrastructure of critical funding, perhaps it's time to diversify
• and modernize, Our roads and infrastructure are critical funding priorities.
• We need to take care of our roads and bridges.
• Morale improves, and that translates into better classrooms.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a journal approval, and recognitions including the Doctor of the Day and guests. Members also adopted a proclamation honoring National School Social Work Week, with remarks emphasizing the role of school social workers in student mental health, crisis intervention, and family support. The chamber then moved through first readings and multiple Committee of the Whole calendars. On the first calendar, the House considered HB 2123, HB 2140, and HB 2144, all dealing with gold and silver or child support beginning at pregnancy. HB 2123 and HB 2140 were amended and recommended do pass; HB 2144 drew debate over paternity, genetic testing, rape-related pregnancies, and whether support should begin before birth, but it also received a do-pass recommendation as amended. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report and engrossed those bills. On a later calendar, the House advanced HB 2492 on urban growth boundaries, HB 2875 with clarifying amendments, HB 2946 on housing affordability and construction costs, and HB 4115 and HCR 2051 on ballot initiative petition rules and disclosure. Supporters said those measures would improve transparency and ensure Arizona initiatives are driven by residents, while opponents argued they would make it harder for citizens to qualify measures and would burden direct democracy. The House also considered HB 2175 on hate-crime law, HB 2270, HB 2416, HB 2495, HB 2557, HB 2697, HB 2940, and HB 4010. HB 2175 prompted a failed attempt to add a Garcia amendment that would have included gender identity and removed political affiliation from the hate-crime statute; the House later adopted the Committee of the Whole report without that amendment. HB 2557 was described as a medical-records bill changing timing from calendar days to business days, and HB 2697 was explained as a Good Samaritan-style measure extending protections for expired opioid antagonists such as Narcan. HB 2940 drew substantial opposition from Democrats and health advocates who said it would cut people off SNAP and Medicaid/Access and could violate pension protections, while the sponsor argued it would reduce ineligible enrollment and save money; it still advanced as amended. HB 4010 also advanced as amended. In the final portion, the House took up HB 2324, HB 2573, HB 2601, HB 2876, and HCR 2004. HCR 2004, on photo enforcement, was amended to allow cities with photo radar to put the issue to local voters; supporters framed it as a compromise and a local-choice measure, while opponents argued photo enforcement saves lives and reduces speeding-related crashes. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, then reconsidered earlier failed bills HB 2055, HB 2150, HB 2426, and HB 2755. The chamber also passed several third-reading bills, including HB 2264 and HB 2373, while HB 2413 failed. The transcript ends amid debate and voting on HB 2862, a sentencing bill involving crimes committed while wearing a mask.

Transcript Highlights:

• From the budget reserve trust fund, we'll intend to improve statewide improvements, such as the grant
• </c> see, taxpayers deserve to see improved see, taxpayers deserve to see improved student<00:16:07.680
• Administrative improvements are also prioritized. Administrative improvements are also prioritized.
• Speaker, I yield back to the gentleman from Todd. million road fund in FY28 to fund CPI million road
• </c> Eastern Kentucky as far as the road Eastern Kentucky as far as the road racing<01:51:54.960><c>

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved into committee and floor reports. Several measures received favorable committee reports and were ordered to first reading and placed on the calendar, including Current Resolution 9, Senate Joint Resolution 23, House Bill 145, House Bill 567, and House Bill 506 with House Committee Substitute 1. The chamber also noted that House Bills 500 and 504 had already received two readings and were sent to the Rules Committee before House Bill 500 was brought up for final consideration. Most of the discussion focused on House Bill 500, the executive branch budget bill. Members described it as a “good first draft” and emphasized a budget process they said was more transparent than in prior years. The bill was presented as a restrained two-year operating budget with spending growth kept at a little under 2% annually, while setting aside about 2% of projected revenues, or roughly $614 million, in the Budget Reserve Trust Fund for future needs. The budget also used base reductions in some areas while exempting others such as Medicaid benefits, SEEK, corrections, behavioral health, and veterans programs. Subcommittee chairs then outlined major spending areas. Education provisions included a 2% annual increase in base SEEK funding, transportation funding held flat, equalization for recallable nickel funding, continued retirement contributions, and major support for postsecondary access, dual credit, asset preservation, and workforce training. Health and family services provisions held Medicaid steady while adding waiver slots, behavioral health and substance use support, public health investments, and funding for rural health and laboratory capacity. Other sections covered personnel and pensions, veterans services, infrastructure, public safety, economic development, tourism, and environmental projects. The only recorded action on the floor was adoption of House Committee Substitute 1 to House Bill 500, followed by a motion for final passage of the bill as amended. The transcript ends as discussion on final passage begins, before any final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Paper from the House: The House bill establishing financing for long-term improvements to municipal roads
• The House bill establishing financing for long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges, House

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and several brief recognitions of visitors, including the Case High School girls softball team, which was congratulated for winning three consecutive Division Four state championships, and Bonnie Allen, the Senate reading clerk from Oregon, who was welcomed with her family. Later, Senator Collins introduced participants in the Ward Fellowship from Boston Latin School, noting the program’s focus on public service and summer internships. On the legislative calendar, the Senate took up Senate No. 2507, a bill establishing the Gloucester Fisheries Commission. Senator Tarr offered and the chamber adopted an amendment substituting a new draft, Senate No. 2566, titled an act further regulating the Gloucester Fisheries Commission. The bill, as amended, was then passed to be engrossed. The Senate also acted on several committee and House papers, suspending rules and Joint Rule 12 as needed to refer matters to committees. In addition, House No. 4307, a bill establishing financing for long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges, was ordered to a third reading. The Senate adopted an order to meet again on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. in a formal session with a calendar. Senator Tarr then moved that the Senate adjourn in memory of Christopher J. Daley of Gloucester, age 18, who died in a car accident; he was remembered for his school, sports, and community involvement, especially hockey, and for his plans to attend Coastal Carolina University. The motion was adopted, a moment of silence was observed, and the Senate adjourned in his memory.

Transcript Highlights:

• prepared, is now before the House for final passage: House Bill 5375, an act financing long-term improvements
• to the municipal roads and bridges.
• House 5375, an act financing long-term improvements to the municipal roads and bridges.

Transcript Highlights:

• Transportation Commission for state highway projects identified in the Statewide Transportation Improvement
• Road Fund, and adjusting certain formulaic distributions of motor vehicle fees.
• Transportation Commission for state highway projects identified in the Statewide Transportation Improvement
• for electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and distributing the additional fees to the State Road

Transcript Highlights:

• don't actually know the skills or what they're supposed to do with it, you still won't get that improved
• It's been improved through the 2000s, and I think the last modification was in 2016.
• They may be fired or they may quit, and then they can go work 20 miles down the road and do the exact
• Well, I certainly would hope so because to his point, when he says they can go 20 miles down the road
• to avoid your question, it's hard to answer exactly what potential language may look like down the road

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, it seems to kick the can down the road another 20 years. Does not address that.
• In fact, it seems to kick the can down the road another 20 years where the MFLs fell short.
• I went all the way down, drove all the way up on these roads.
• I'm worried that we're kicking the can down the road on trying to do better by our environment here.
• people who already have waste-to-energy facilities in their districts, that they are able to rebuild, improve

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met and first took up CS/SB 1422, as amended, which focused on coral reef protection and surface waters. The strike-all amendment redesignated coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure, emphasized their role in disaster mitigation and climate resilience, and was described as helping streamline permitting and access to federal restoration funding. Audubon Florida waived in support, and the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered SPB 7034, a rule ratification related to DEP’s minimum flows and levels recovery strategy for the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers and Priority Springs. Senators questioned the rule’s effects on consumptive use, funding, and whether utilities or taxpayers would bear costs. Several speakers from the Florida Springs Council and local river advocates opposed the rule, arguing it delays restoration and relies too heavily on a single long-term wastewater reuse project, while DEP and utility representatives supported it. The committee approved the bill as a committee bill and reported it favorably, with Senator Smith voting no. Next, the committee heard CS/SB 1510, which made changes to DEP-related programs including springs basin management action plans, septic system requirements, resilience cost-share eligibility, permitting procedures, and land acquisition governance. A late-filed strike-all removed biosolids provisions and other items, and the main public concern centered on a 60-day delay before B-MAP changes take effect, which opponents said could delay springs restoration and allow conventional septic systems to be installed before new restrictions apply. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed CS/SB 1196, which restricts new ash-producing incinerators and waste-to-energy facilities within two miles of certain federally authorized water impoundment areas, after debate over impacts on local waste disposal options and environmental protections; and CS/SB 912, the Safe Battery Collection and Recovery Act, which creates a producer stewardship framework for battery collection and recycling, with support from industry and recycling groups citing battery fires and growing waste-stream concerns. Finally, the committee recommended confirmation of Gary Jennings to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tatum cared deeply about others and consistently sought to improve the lives of those around her, living
• sought to improve the lives of<00:12:13.600><c> those</c><00:12:13.920><c> around</c><00:12:14.320><
• House Bill 384, an act relating to road fund receipts and declaring an emergency.
• </c><00:19:51.520><c> fund</c><00:19:51.760><c> receipts</c> an act relating to road fund receipts an
• act relating to road fund receipts and<00:19:52.240><c> declaring</c><00:19:52.640><c> an</c><00:19:

Summary: The House convened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 95 members present. Members approved excusing absent members, suspended rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications, and approved the journal from January 13, 2026. The Banking and Insurance Committee reported House Bills 176, 184, and 265 favorably, and those bills were placed on the calendar as having had first reading. The chamber then took up several announcements and citations. A legislative citation was adopted honoring Tatum Elizabeth Dale, with remarks from members describing her kindness, service, and impact on the community. Another citation was adopted recognizing Emily Bingham for her book My Old Kentucky Home: The Astonishing Life and Reckoning of an Iconic American Song. Members also announced upcoming committee meetings, including Tourism and Outdoor Recreation, the House Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Health Services, and Oversight and Investigations. The House received a large batch of new bill introductions covering topics such as criminal law and minors, electric utilities, daylight saving time, veterans’ treatment and benefits, transportation, outdoor recreation, human trafficking, licensed professionals, automated license plate readers, postsecondary education, utility disconnection protections, electric metering, virtual currency kiosks, mental health facilities, perinatal mood and anxiety disorder screening, controlled substances, prescription drugs, and literacy in schools. Two resolutions were also introduced, one encouraging a school naming honor for Jose Marte and another recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The Committee on Committees then referred numerous bills to standing committees, and the House adjourned until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any other roads named in this bill?
• There are typically strong opinions on what the names of roads are going to be, or a memorial road for
• And our memorial roads and the naming reflect that.
• ARE GOING TO BE OR A MEMORIAL&nbsp; 1482 ROAD FOR THAT MATTER.
• &nbsp; 1489 AND OUR MEMORIAL ROADS AND&nbsp; THEY ARE NAMING REFLECT THAT.

Committee: House Commerce Committee

Summary: The committee first took up PCS for HB 1137, which would codify a long-standing DBPR rule allowing alcohol distributors to deduct excise tax for broken or spoiled products. The sponsor said the rule had been nullified for lack of statutory authority, and industry representatives waved in support. The bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. Members then approved PCS for HB 797 on nonprofit corporations, described as a broad update to the nonprofit statute that tracks prior for-profit corporation changes and model act language. A technical amendment was adopted, and testimony from the Florida Nonprofit Alliance and a Bar business law section representative was supportive. The bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee also passed CS for HB 679 on trademark registration, which updates the state trademark system to align with federal classifications and create an online application; an amendment extending the implementation date was adopted before the bill passed. The committee next heard several bills related to licensing and regulation. CS for HB 1433 would create an optional high school financial literacy course focused on property and casualty insurance and allow graduates to satisfy pre-licensure requirements for an entry-level license; it passed with support from insurance and free-market groups. HB 929 clarified local permitting for tiki huts, including electrical and plumbing permits, decks, fasteners, and setbacks, and passed without opposition. HB 99 exempted certain underwriting managers handling limited reinsurance business from reinsurance intermediary manager licensing requirements and also passed. A major portion of the meeting focused on gambling enforcement in the strike-all for CS for CS HB 155, which would strengthen penalties for illegal gambling operations, expand oversight of the Florida Gaming Control Commission, clarify fantasy sports and internet sports wagering language, and allow destruction of seized slot machines. Supporters argued the bill would help shut down repeat illegal internet cafés and related criminal activity; one homeowner group opposed it. The committee adopted the strike-all and the bill passed, with several members speaking in favor and a few voting no. The committee also passed HB 1307 on unauthorized aliens after adopting a strike-all that clarified provisions affecting licensing, housing assistance, workers’ compensation, employment enforcement, and related financial services; the bill drew substantial opposition testimony about language barriers and immigrant families, but also support from proponents citing public safety and victim stories. Later, the committee approved DS for HB 387, which would restrict the use of ADS-B aviation data for automatic billing at airports while preserving landing fees and safety functions. It passed after supportive testimony from a private pilot. HB 865, as amended, would require professional management for community associations above a higher budget threshold, add timeshare-specific language, and impose additional licensing and insurance requirements for managers; supporters cited fraud and lack of enforcement in large associations, while one member opposed it as government overreach. The bill passed with one recorded no vote. Finally, the committee passed PCS for HB 885, a transportation facility designation bill naming several roads and bridges, and began debate on CS for HB 33, which would designate a portion of SR 895 near FIU as Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue and also codify a Donald Trump boulevard designation. That bill prompted sharp debate, with supporters praising Kirk’s influence and opponents objecting to honoring a non-Floridian and to his public statements; the transcript ends during that debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that would be a great challenge that we ought to take on and look to have an improvement.
• And I think that would be a great challenge that we ought to take on and look to have an improvement.
• A lot of the workforce initiatives, for example, improvements there are going to benefit all areas.
• And the work and the success that you had initially on improving transportation… And the work and the
• On-the-road meeting, which was going to be at the end of this month.

Transcript Highlights:

• First question asked whether there are any updates or improvements on our budget.
• So that kind of specific information about your market... ...down the road, there's not a single one.
• that needs a city permit to do the gig is going to know to call SBDC. ...on a job down the road that
• This past year we've been able to improve P-Card.
• Some counties have sent it, very few, have sent it to the school board for school improvement.

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes from the prior meeting, and heard budget presentations from the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and the State Auditor. The Secretary of State’s office described its FY27 budget, emphasizing efficiency gains from technology, election security work, and business services. It said it is operating with fewer staff than a decade ago, but rising costs and outdated statutory fees are creating deficits in service of process and other operations. The office asked the committee to consider either increasing fees or allowing it to retain a larger share of business-service revenue, and it also proposed creating an Office of Entrepreneurship to help small businesses navigate state government, grants, permits, and related services. Committee members questioned the Secretary of State’s office about fee increases, the current 50-50 split of certain revenues with general revenue, and whether the proposed entrepreneurship office would duplicate existing services. The office said it would complement, not replace, Commerce, SBDC, or grant programs, and would report metrics and policy recommendations to the legislature. The Attorney General then requested a one-time $2 million special revenue appropriation to hire additional lawyers and support staff, citing increased litigation, federal and state legal work, and the need to defend new laws. He also discussed embedded DMV lawyers handling DUI revocation hearings and said the arrangement costs the office just over $200,000. The State Auditor reported that his office is largely self-funded through special revenue and said he wants to reduce reliance on general revenue over time. He highlighted savings from renegotiated leases and an open government contract, discussed the need for more auditors in the Chief Inspector’s Division, and described fraud recovery and P-card operations. A major topic was delinquent land sales: the auditor said the office sold about 17,000 parcels last year and believes online bidding and better marketing could generate substantially more revenue, with the surplus potentially shared among counties, the state, and other programs. Members also asked about securities fee changes, fairness hearings, fire department audits, IT/cybersecurity, and how surplus proceeds from delinquent land sales should be handled. The committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• trailers come in, and it's pretty neat because the panels are pretty long and they come in with the road
• guys in the front with the the um road guys in the front and<00:08:48.399><c> the</c><00:08:48.560><
• Our next tranche is for snowmaking improvements.
• So the first item is seeking toll credits to help make improvements to the state-owned bus terminals,
• to the stateowned bus improvements to the stateowned bus terminals.<00:20:30.000><c> many</c><00:20:

Summary: The Capital Project Overview Committee approved the minutes from its February 24 meeting and then received a briefing on the legislative parking garage from Terry Poff, Chief Operating Officer for the General Court. He reported that the pre-stressed concrete garage, being built with panels fabricated by Unistress in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, remains on schedule, with erection expected in late July through August and functional occupancy targeted for March 17, 2026. He said the garage will provide 409 spaces, security cameras, a communications repeater, and a maintenance plan developed from the outset. In response to questions, he explained nearby street excavation is for drainage vaults and oil-water separators, and that temporary closures will be needed during panel deliveries. He also said the garage was designed with future EV charging infrastructure in mind, but current charging stations would need to be located outside the secure facility; he has begun discussions with city officials about possible curbside charging options. The committee then heard and approved a $754,000 capital request for Cannon Mountain/Franconia Notch State Park maintenance projects. The request, recommended by the Cannon Mountain Advisory Commission, covers lodge exterior repairs, lift maintenance, snowmaking pipe replacements and pump controls, and equipment purchases to improve maintenance operations. The committee approved the item after brief discussion. Next, the Department of Transportation presented two toll-credit requests. The first, CAP 250007, sought toll credits to support transportation planning, regional planning commissions, GIS and asset-management work, and related federal planning requirements; members asked about coordination with Granite data and the effect of a prior budget decision on regional planning officers, and staff said the request would not affect the regular federally funded program. The committee approved the item. The second, CAP 25010, sought $245,000 in toll credits for bus terminal improvements, regional mobility management, a statewide transit assessment, and an intercity bus pilot intended to connect Keene with southern New Hampshire or Concord. Members asked about the subsidy structure and ridership reporting; staff said the intercity service would be a net-cost subsidy and agreed to provide updated ridership and route information. The committee approved this item as well. At the end of the meeting, the committee noted that a quarterly capital projects report from DAS and the community college system was informational only, and members opted not to hear a separate presentation that day. The next meeting was set for September 29 at 9:00 a.m., with a request to invite HHS to discuss closed-loop referral system projects. Members also asked for future updates on the planned sale of the Cenuunu Center, and the committee adjourned after a motion carried.