Transcript Highlights:

• I will acknowledge, as I've pulled up here on my own device, the 130-page document that was submitted
• enrollment reallocation plan that has shifted and has not been really, maybe it’s been a guiding document
• That involves a system-wide case management system where we document our efforts to respond to civil
• and critical decisions that they make to serve their students and employees, and who review every document

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held an oversight hearing on the California State University system covering enrollment, core operations, Title IX/civil rights, and basic needs. The Department of Finance said the Governor’s 2026-27 budget does not change CSU enrollment targets from the prior year and proposes a 5% ongoing General Fund increase for core operations as the final year of the compact. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended a lower resident undergraduate enrollment target than the Governor’s proposal, separate funding for enrollment growth rather than folding it into base, a smaller or no base increase tied more closely to inflation, earmarking some base funds for capital renewal, retiring deferred payments, and avoiding new multi-year compact commitments. CSU said enrollment has rebounded for three straight years, but growth is uneven across campuses, with several Northern California campuses still facing structural declines tied to demographics and community college pipelines. CSU described a multi-year reallocation plan shifting about 10,000 FTE and $89 million in ongoing funding toward higher-demand campuses, plus $40 million in one-time support, and said seven campuses submitted turnaround plans aimed at recovering enrollment over the next several years. The system highlighted strategies such as dual enrollment, guaranteed admission pathways with community colleges, outreach to high school students, retention and advising efforts, and new degree models for working adults and military-connected students. Members raised questions about how campus targets are set, whether the May Board of Trustees discussion will address a systemwide enrollment framework, and how CSU will manage future deficits if projected out-year funding does not materialize. On core operations and facilities, CSU said it faces about $320 million in mandatory cost increases in 2026-27 and is pursuing shared services, procurement consolidation, campus administrative sharing, and program redesigns to reduce costs. CSU and the LAO emphasized the system’s large deferred maintenance backlog, estimated at $8.6 billion, and discussed whether CSU’s bond/debt capacity is sufficient to address it; CSU requested up to $1.1 billion for deferred maintenance, while the administration did not propose new funding. The committee also heard CSU’s annual Title IX and civil rights update: CSU said it has implemented 15 of 16 State Auditor recommendations, has dedicated Title IX coordinators at every campus, is using a systemwide case management dashboard, and is piloting centralized investigations at five campuses. Finally, on basic needs, the Governor maintained current funding levels for food assistance/basic needs, rapid rehousing, and mental health. CSU reported heavy use of food pantries, CalFresh support, emergency housing, and counseling services, while warning that federal changes to CalFresh and related funding could make it harder to serve students in need.

Transcript Highlights:

• Announcements: move your electronic devices to silent or off in preparation for our meeting.
• These documented mandate funds for every community, but only when budgets reach a size where professionalism
• nbsp; 1059 HOUSE BILL 465 FIXES THIS BY  ALIGNING REQUIREMENTS WITH RISK,  1060 THESE DOCUMENTED
• There are documented quotes, time and time, which Representative Rayner just went through, some pure
• THERE IS DOCUMENTED QUOTES   1457 TIME AND TIME WHICH REPRESENTATIVE RAYNER JUST WENT THROUGH

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:

• PLEASE SILENCE ELECTRONIC DEVICES.
• ACCESS TO THOSE DEVICES.
• TWENTY NINE COMMITTEE FACILITIES TO THE MULTI PURPOSE PROGRAM AND 15 DIGITAL DEVICE PROGRAMS.
• TWELVE MULTIPURPOSE COMMITTEE FACILITIES, AND THREE DEVICE PROGRAMS.
• DEVICES THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITIES.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And, um, I guess my question to you is, is there a lack of documentation?
• <00:30:14.799> of<00:30:14.960> these<00:30:15.279> events the documentation
• <00:30:31.760> Is is there a lack of documentation? Is is there a lack of documentation?
• Frankie has drastically improved in his communication through his AAC device.
• Um, happy to send you an analysis of their technical documents.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the October 22, 2025 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel on accidental ingestion of illegal drug products by children. Panel members said pediatric ingestions have become the most common case type they review, with the highest-risk children ages one to four, and that fatal cases have increased in recent years. They reported that the substances most often involved are fentanyl, cannabinoids including THC products, methamphetamine, and increasingly xylazine; they also noted a decline in buprenorphine-related ingestions, which they viewed as a positive trend. The panel used several case examples to highlight recurring problems in investigations and medical response, including delayed DCBS involvement, failure to administer Narcan, inadequate drug testing, lack of child abuse team involvement, and limited or absent law enforcement investigation. They said law enforcement issues are especially common in pediatric ingestion cases and are concentrated in Jefferson County and the Bluegrass/KIPA regions. One example involved a one-year-old who died from fentanyl and Benadryl intoxication; another involved a two-year-old who died after ingesting multiple substances; and a third involved a four-year-old with near-fatal THC gummy ingestion where delayed treatment worsened the child’s condition. They also described a 10-month-old THC ingestion case that resulted in a criminal abuse conviction, which they presented as an example without missed investigative opportunities. Committee members discussed possible policy responses, including creating a more specific criminal child abuse offense or clarifying existing abuse and neglect definitions to cover unsafe access to illegal drugs, while preserving room for true accidents and prescribed medications. Members also raised the need for statewide standardization in reporting, investigation, and medical response, and suggested the panel should be able to call in agencies such as law enforcement, DCBS, judges, and hospitals for closed-session review of selected cases. The panel chair said they were already pursuing meetings with LMPD and would provide Jefferson County-specific breakdowns, and members expressed interest in additional data and agency follow-up before considering legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• of an offense in the highway work zone based on images transmitted by automated speed enforcement device
• and that's the only enforcement device and that's the only change<00:02:39.519> it<00:02:39.760
• It's shown an 87% reduction in fatalities that encompasses these automated speed enforcement devices,
• This legislation would allow for automated speed enforcement devices to transmit vehicle speed and an
• <00:04:11.799> but automated speed enforcement devices but automated speed enforcement devices

Keywords: Roll Call 00:23 Roll Call Approval of Minutes 00:57 HB 664 Discussion 01:26 HB 664 Vote 08:25 HB 682 Discussion 10:46 HB 682 Vote 12:12 HB 493 Discussion 13:00 HB 493 Vote 20:20 HJR 5 Discussion 21:14 HJR 5 Vote 25:08 Kavis and Sherriff’s Inspection Discussion 27:40 Admin. Reg Consideration 35:40, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met with a quorum, approved prior meeting minutes, and then took up several transportation-related measures. House Bill 664, concerning work zone safety, was amended by the committee to clarify that a peace officer may issue a citation based on images from an automated speed enforcement device. Representative John Blanton said the bill was prompted by the 2019 death of Jared Lee Helton in a work zone and is intended to slow drivers, protect workers, and improve safety. The bill would allow automated devices to transmit speed and rear license plate images to an officer, require active worker presence and warning signage with flashing lights, keep the $500 fine, and direct fines to the work zone safety fund. After questions about whether citations would be mailed and whether a worker must be present, the committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 664 favorably with expressions of opinion that it should pass. House Bill 682, sponsored by Representative Ken Upchurch, was also amended by a committee substitute and reported favorably. The bill gives cable operators and broadband providers the same reimbursement treatment as other public utilities when their facilities must be relocated for construction projects. House Bill 493, sponsored by Representative Steve Pollock, was taken up next and, after a committee substitute was adopted, was reported favorably. Pollock described the bill as a transparency measure for towing and storage, creating a certification process through the Transportation Cabinet, requiring public rate sheets, and setting rates to be reasonable and customary in Kentucky. The substitute removed an initial $1,500 cap, extended notice timing to up to five days in some cases, and clarified fees related to investigations and fatalities. Senators asked about regional differences in towing rates, and Pollock said the cabinet would consider different situations and that posted rates would govern. House Joint Resolution 5, designating honorary road and bridge names, was amended by both a committee substitute and committee amendment and then reported favorably. Representative Josh Branscum said the resolution honors various Kentuckians and is especially in memory of Russell County Deputy Joshua Fipps, who was killed in the line of duty in September 2024. The committee approved the resolution and a title amendment. Later in the meeting, Senator Armstrong asked to be recorded as voting aye on HB 664, HB 682, and HB 493. The committee also received an update from Transportation Cabinet IT Director Heather Stout on the CAVIS system, including improved performance, upcoming integration with KY ELT, centralized lien management, online boat renewals, permanent fleet plates, rolling replating changes, temporary tag printing, insurance modernization, and an electronic sheriff’s inspection system expected to reduce fraud and streamline transfers. No vote was taken on the CAVIS update, and the committee also began consideration of a referred administrative regulation on hazardous materials endorsement requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• uh<04:11:47.319> at<04:11:47.479> that<04:11:47.640> point at the same document
• uh at that point at the same document uh at that point I'll<04:11:48.359> happy<04:11:48.640>
• a question about ground-source heat pumps, explaining that a ground-source heat pump is simply a device
• a ground Source heat pump is<05:14:56.480> simply<05:14:56.760> a<05:14:56.958> device
• that pulls the energy is simply a device that pulls the energy out<05:14:59.320> of<05:14:59.520

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 216, which Representative Carol Maguire described as a fix to a workers’ compensation/retirement “glitch.” The bill would remove the current limit that only one year of workers’ compensation time can be credited as retirement service time. Maguire argued the limit is arbitrary and affects only a very small number of grievously injured workers, while committee members asked about the fiscal impact, available data, and whether the change could affect workers’ compensation rates or incentives. Mark Kavar of the New Hampshire Retirement System said Labor could not provide data on how many people exceed a year on weekly indemnity benefits, so the fiscal note used a conservative estimate that could be scaled down; he also explained that workers’ comp is not earnable compensation, which is why service credit stops after a year, and noted that many long-term cases move into disability retirement or lump-sum settlements. The committee closed the hearing, entered executive session, and voted ought to pass on HB 216 by a 13-0 roll call, sending it to consent and noting it would also go to Finance. The committee then acted on House Bill 85, adopting Amendment 0037 and then voting ought to pass as amended by another 13-0 roll call. The bill was described as allowing second-year respiratory therapy students to work under supervision using the skills they have already learned, with support from the Hospital Association and no opposition noted. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 267, the animal chiropractors bill. Members said the bill had been approved previously but was vetoed because of a defect; the problem has now been corrected, and the bill is intended to reduce delays caused by requiring veterinary referrals before chiropractors can treat animals. The committee voted ought to pass 13-0 and placed the bill on consent.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1079 by West relates to the authority of a county to dispose of sensitive media devices,

Bills: SJR36, SB26, SJR3, SJR48, SJR50, SJR51, SCR15, SCR17, SB3, SB5, SB12, SB18, SB1001, SB1002, SB1003, SB1004, SB1005, SB1006, SB1007, SB1008, SB1009, SB1010, SB1011, SB1012, SB1013, SB1014, SB1015, SB1016, SB1017, SB1018, SB1019, SB1020, SB1021, SB1022, SB1023, SB1024, SB1025, SB1026, SB1027, SB1028, SB1029, SB1030, SB1031, SB1032, SB1033, SB1034, SB1035, SB1036, SB1037, SB1038, SB1039, SB1040, SB1041, SB1042, SB1043, SB1044, SB1045, SB1046, SB1049, SB1050, SB1051, SB1052, SB1053, SB1054, SB1055, SB1056, SB1057, SB1058, SB1059, SB1060, SB1061, SB1062, SB1063, SB1064, SB1065, SB1066, SB1067, SB1068, SB1069, SB1070, SB1071, SB1072, SB1073, SB1074, SB1075, SB1076, SB1077, SB1078, SB1079, SB1080, SB1081, SB1082, SB1083, SB1084, SB1085, SB1086, SB1087, SB1088, SB1089, SB1090, SB1091, SB1092, SB1093, SB1094, SB1095, SB1096, SB1097, SB1098, SB1099, SB1100, SB1101, SB1102, SB1103, SB1104, SB1105, SB1106, SB1107, SB1108, SB1109, SB1110, SB1111, SB1112, SB1113, SB1114, SB1115, SB1116, SB1117, SB1118, SB1119, SB1120, SB1121, SB1122, SB1123, SB1124, SB1125, SB1126, SB1127, SB1128, SB1129, SB1130, SB1131, SB1132, SB1133, SB1134, SB1135, SB1136, SB1137, SB1138, SB1139, SB1140, SB1141, SB1142, SB1143, SB1144, SB1145, SB1146, SB1147, SB1148, SB1149, SB1150, SB1565

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, severance tax, oil and gas, Texas STRONG fund, economic stabilization, public health, property tax relief

Transcript Highlights:

• also require that there be an authentication and verification process for wireless communication devices
• Members, what that means is simple in simple terms: the ID on a mobile device must be accessed with an
• authentication and verification process on both iOS and Android devices.
• The bill does not impact law... verification process on both the iOS and Android devices.
• user has programmed in the phone so that so that protects access to the identification on a stolen device

Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation heard several bills, mostly local memorial highway designations and transportation-related regulatory measures. Senator Hinojosa presented SB 1351 to designate part of US 281 in Hidalgo County as the Jose Rodriguez Lua Memorial Highway in honor of a Border Patrol processing coordinator killed by a drunk driver; a family member testified emotionally in support, and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard and left pending SB 2245 on bonded titles for vehicles when a lienholder has gone out of business, SB 1568 on animal-friendly specialty license plates with a second “spay, neuter, adopt” plate, SB 2589 on handling closed county roads in Webb County, SB 1104 on allowing large retailers to use one fingerprinted employee of record across multiple Texas locations, SB 1423 naming the Bill Stout Parkway in Longview, and SB 1931 naming part of US 83 the Rodolfo Valdez Memorial Highway. Most of these bills drew supportive testimony or were presented as local measures with no opposition. The committee also took up broader policy bills. SB 215 would create a digital identification program for Texas driver’s licenses and certain other licenses, but the sponsor said he was mainly laying the bill out for discussion and study; testimony was limited and the bill was left pending. SB 2707 would clarify that government entities such as TxDOT and the military remain exempt from fees on oversized/overweight permit authority, though a county commissioner raised questions about road-use impacts and fee revenue. SB 2807 drew the most discussion: it would prevent a motor carrier’s use of safety technology, training, and related practices from being used as evidence that an independent contractor is actually an employee. Supporters said the bill would encourage adoption of safety tools like cameras and braking systems without increasing misclassification risk, while opponents from the trial lawyers’ side warned the wording could conflict with existing labor-code definitions and create litigation. The sponsor and committee members discussed possible clarifying floor amendments. After public testimony, the committee voted on the pending bills. All measures were reported favorably on 6-0 votes, with committee substitutes adopted where applicable. SB 1351, SB 1423, SB 1568, SB 1931, SB 2245, SB 2589, SB 2707, SB 2807, and SB 2841 were all sent to the full Senate, and several were recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee recessed subject to the call of the chair after completing the votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• interested in seeing the recurring changes in funding, I would refer you to the LFC post-session review document
• by the manufacturing, production, transmission, and also transportation and installation of these devices
• Earthworks has spent the past decade documenting greenhouse gas emissions and pollution in the state’
• All projects must target the adoption of energy efficiency, consumer behavior, equipment, or devices
• also had some challenges with invoicing the State of New Mexico as we developed new templates and documents

Transcript Highlights:

• it impacts this bill so it's and how how it impacts this bill so it's it's basically like a it's a device
• that it's basically like a it's a device that it's basically like a it's a device that you know a juvenile
• were going to do all the provisions they were going to do all the provisions are in place all the documentation
• and are in place all the documentation and are in place all the documentation and certainly doing a

Keywords: sessions, 2025-R, 1, 219

Transcript Highlights:

• Several examples have been given around how people have worked around the devices, the car starter, and
• I guess, what is being done to address some of those challenges when people work around those devices
• Obviously, those devices report, I mean, if you use the device, ...device, you drive a vehicle, and sometimes
• recite that if there is any driving, the person... ...and has to do it with an ignition interlock device
• generally, in most counties, if there is an alcohol type of... ...offense, there is an interlock device

Bills: HB1482, HB2017, HB2103, HB2341, HB2756

Keywords: community supervision, repeat offenders, intoxication, Texas Penal Code, criminal justice reform, intoxication manslaughter, criminal penalties, mandatory supervision, parole eligibility, Grayson's Law, mental health, trauma, jailers, law enforcement, occupational health, diligent participation, state jail felony, time credits, rehabilitation programs, de-escalation

Transcript Highlights:

• :46.239> medical pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device
• industries,<03:24:47.920> have<03:24:48.160> some<03:24:48.399> experience device
• industries, have some experience device industries, have some experience in<03:24:48.960> advertising
• :50:56.399> be<03:50:56.560> able<03:50:56.640> to<03:50:56.800> come devices
• so that they'll be able to come devices so that they'll be able to come in.<03:50:57.439> Um,

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a telecommunication service, manufacture, possession, or delivery of unlawful telecommunications device
• Theft of telecommunications service, publication of a telecommunications access device, and false caller
• OK, that's an explosive device. It is influencing.
• The more egregious acts, I should say, are going to involve some sort of firearm or explosive device
• device, publication of a telecommunications access device.

Bills: HB 214

Keywords: Texas Women's Privacy Act, HB 214, sex-segregated facilities, bathroom bill, restroom access, locker room, changing room, shower room, single-sex spaces, gender identity, transgender, biological sex, women's privacy, public facilities, state agency, political subdivision, correctional facility, prison housing, jail housing, family violence shelter

Transcript Highlights:

• If you have any documents you'd like to have distributed to the committee members, please just hand them
• Please be sure to mute your cell phones or other devices, and if you're with us remotely also please
• our, both of us, it's our first time testifying and trying to figure out how to do it on our AAC device
• progressed to the point where I required brain surgery, and now live with a responsive neurostimulation device
• and language therapy focused on articulation, resonance, and language development, consultation and device

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a public hearing on a large slate of bills, with the chairs emphasizing time limits, written testimony, and grouping similar measures together. Early testimony focused on opioid use disorder education in schools (S.382), with Senator Keenan arguing that students should be taught about the risks of substance use disorder and naloxone use as part of health curricula. Representative DeCost also briefly introduced H.551, a narrow bill concerning parent rights for children in third grade and younger. Several bills were then closed without testimony, including measures on type 1 diabetes informational materials and other diabetes-related proposals. A major portion of the hearing centered on school health and emergency response bills. Supporters of H.652/S.342 on diabetes management in schools described inconsistent district practices and urged clearer standards so students can receive care in classrooms rather than being sent out of instruction. Bills on epinephrine access and seizure disorders drew extensive testimony: advocates for stock epinephrine in schools argued that unassigned epinephrine can save lives and should be funded in a cost-neutral way, while a pediatrician opposed one version as an unfunded mandate. For seizure-safe schools (S.422/H.635), students, parents, educators, and advocates described missed or delayed responses to seizures, stigma, and the need for staff training, seizure action plans, and emergency medication protocols. A separate bill, H.645, allowing anti-seizure medication on school buses, was supported by a parent and student who said current law forces costly and restrictive transportation arrangements. The committee also heard testimony on youth skin health bills (S.334/H.600/H.619), which would let students carry and apply sunscreen at school and camp without a physician’s note. Supporters from melanoma prevention, dermatology, and industry groups said the bills would remove unnecessary barriers and promote sun-safe habits, while one witness cautioned about drafting details and unintended consequences. The hearing then moved to CPR/AED education for graduation (S.456), where Senator Tarr, a student advocate, and the Red Cross all supported requiring hands-on CPR certification for high school students. Finally, the committee took testimony on healthy school lunches (H.539/S.401): supporters from the Healthy School Lunch Coalition and school food directors backed stronger nutrition standards and a standing advisory council, while Consumer Brands Association witnesses opposed the bill as too vague and potentially disruptive. A nutrition scientist also warned about unintended restrictions on medically necessary or innovative foods. The chairs closed the hearing on the healthy lunch bills and then opened testimony on universal school meals for virtual schools (H.700), with Superintendent Patrick Latuka supporting access for students in Commonwealth virtual schools who currently receive no meal support.

Transcript Highlights:

• It expands the Electronic Device Recycling and Recovery Act to include the collection of recycling of
• :55.639> expands<00:04:56.120> the<00:04:56.240> electronic<00:04:56.720> device
• recycling expands the electronic device recycling expands the electronic device Recycling<00:04:
• the insurance industry; representatives from retailers that sell batteries and battery-containing devices
• the insurance industry; representatives from retailers that sell batteries and battery-containing devices

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee met on February 12 in Room 224 and via videoconference to consider several measures. First, it heard Senate Bill 547 on water conservation, which would create an income tax credit for gray water recycling systems and atmospheric water generators, along with a rebate program and building code standards. The chair recommended passing the bill with amendments from DOA and the Department of Health and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050; the recommendation was adopted unanimously by the members present. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1633, a Green Building tax credit measure tied to the use of Hawaii-grown hemp in primary structures, and also addressing hemp and cannabinoid product regulation, including age limits, packaging requirements, THC limits, and a separate hemp program within the Department of Health. The chair recommended passing the bill with DOA amendments and a further amendment allowing hemp processors to sell certain edible or beverage cannabinoid products with limited THC content, plus a deferred effective date of July 1, 2050. The motion passed with five votes in favor. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 391 on recycling, which would expand the Electronic Device Recycling and Recovery Act to cover certain lithium-ion batteries and require manufacturers to ensure their safe collection and recycling. The chair instead recommended amending the bill into a working group under the Hawaii State Energy Office to study battery end-of-life management, costs, safety, environmental impacts, in-state versus out-of-state recycling options, and related feasibility questions, with a report due before the 2026 regular session and dissolution on June 30, 2026. That amended approach was adopted unanimously, and the hearing concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nobody wants to see a fire prevention device, a sprinkler system, improperly installed, so it’s a good
• I do want to reiterate that the county OES and city OES have all that documentation of where those backup

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Emergency Management heard several bills after a delay while the Senate was in budget deliberations. The committee first approved the consent item, SB 895, on a do-pass motion to the Committee on Communications and Conveyance. The main policy discussion centered on SB 1299, which would place in statute a certification and training framework for fire sprinkler fitters and apprentices after prior regulations were struck on procedural grounds. Supporters said the bill would protect public safety by ensuring qualified installation and maintenance of fire suppression systems; opponents raised concerns about added costs, housing affordability, and impacts on rural areas. The bill was approved on a do-pass-as-amended vote to the Committee on Labor and Employment, with Assembly Members Hadwick and DeMaio voting no. The committee then heard SB 1153 on wildfire preparedness and public water systems. The author and supporters from water agencies argued the bill would require urban retail water suppliers to include wildfire response procedures in emergency plans, clarify that water systems are not designed to suppress large wildfires, and reduce litigation costs passed on to ratepayers. Several water districts, fire-related organizations, and business groups testified in support. Members discussed transparency, backup power for pumps, and whether the bill should require more public disclosure about generator capacity; the author said he would continue working on the issue. The bill passed on a do-pass-as-amended vote to the Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials. Finally, the committee considered SB 828, prompted by the Esparto fireworks warehouse explosion. The bill would tighten fireworks licensing and storage rules by requiring disclosure of storage locations, proof of local permits, and confirmation that licensees are not federally disqualified. Support came from local government and environmental health representatives, while one pyrotechnic operator opposed unless amended, arguing the permit-verification requirements could not be met for hobby rocketry and some jurisdictions lack a permit process. Members and the author discussed possible clarifications for model rockets and other niche uses, and the author said he would continue working with the Fire Marshal and stakeholders. SB 828 passed on a do-pass-as-amended vote to the Committee on Local Government, and the meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• limiting provider participation in restricting access for others who rely on these medically necessary devices
• There's no document in here that indicates the racial makeup of the different districts, is there?

Bills: SCR12, HB221, HB509, HCR58, HB75, HB1222, SB121, SB312, SB348, SB485, SCR9, SCR58, SB65, SB215, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR54, HCR79, HCR87, HCR94, HCR104, HCR32, HB944, HB17, HB41, HB73, HB223, HB244, HB410, HB750, HB759, HB906, HB966, HB1006, HB1009, HB1086, HB1107, HB1112, HB1215, HB1242, SB208, SB217, SB283, SB387, SB389, SB401, SB408, SB469, HB74, HB119, HB368, HB414, HB552, HB732, HB776, HB848, HB870, HB953, HB956, HB1236, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB149, SB274, SB300, SB341, SB382, SB441, SB449, HB134, HB210, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB784, HB1117

Keywords: logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, Mississippi River bridge, Trump Expressway, transportation, federal funding, Louisiana highways, injection wells, public hearing, geologic sequestration, environmental impact, public comment, Ascension Parish, state capitol, economic development, community partnership, celebration day

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, received a prayer and pledge, adopted the journal, and heard messages from the House reporting final passage of several Senate bills and concurrence in SCR 86 and 87. The chamber also observed personal privileges honoring the lives of Edith K. Kirkpatrick and Susan Ann Traylor Bidick, with family members present and a moment of silence held for Bidick. The House later refused concurrence on Senate amendments to HB 42 and HB 159. The Senate then took up a series of resolutions, most of which were adopted without objection. These included studies on energy infrastructure and modernization (SR 174, amended to add an alternative energy industry representative and a consumer advocate), breast pump Medicaid reimbursement (SR 175), digital student IDs (SR 176), lethality assessment protocols in domestic violence cases (SR 177), problem gambling prevention (SR 178), community water system grading (SR 179), condolences for Sharon Courtney (SR 180), and expansion of the Louisiana Tumor Registry (SR 181). The chamber also adopted SCR 85 honoring the Sam Houston High School Broncos baseball team after a recorded vote of 36 yeas and 8 nays. On bills returned from the House, HB 1222 on grocery initiative grants failed on final passage by a vote of 18 yeas and 19 nays. SB 312 had House amendments rejected, SB 348 and SB 485 had House amendments concurred in, and SB 121 on congressional redistricting was the subject of extensive debate over racial gerrymandering, district configuration, and expected litigation before the Senate concurred in the House amendments by 28 yeas and 10 nays. The Senate also concurred in several House concurrent resolutions, including studies or reports on flooded corn and migratory waterfowl, deer hunting with dogs in Kisatchie National Forest, support for a Senator Kennedy letter to the Fish and Wildlife Service, boating safety reporting, and subsurface data review. Finally, HB 944 creating a Women’s Health Consortium within the Department of Health was amended to address funding concerns and convert it into a more task-force-like structure, then passed 37-0 with nine coauthors. The Senate then recessed until 1:30 p.m. to continue work, including conference committee reports.

Transcript Highlights:

• committee for the earlier compacts based on feedback we received from the commission on those particular documents
• Would they be required to take portable devices with them with this?

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please make sure that your cell phones and other communication devices are turned off or on silent mode
• So that team right now that is developed, that first document are working on the procedures to implement

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, senators and those in the audience, please silence all electronic devices.
• , or my concern was some communities are more inundated with the cameras than others, is there a document

Summary: The Committee on Transportation received a presentation from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles on Florida’s camera-based traffic enforcement programs: red light cameras, school bus stop-arm cameras, and school zone speed cameras. The department explained how the programs work, including human review of recorded violations, issuance of civil notices to vehicle owners, and escalation to uniform traffic citations if unpaid or uncontested. Officials also outlined the fee structure and reported preliminary data showing 42 red light camera jurisdictions, 496 red light cameras, and more than 923,000 notices of violation in fiscal year 2024-2025, along with growth in school zone and school bus programs. Senators asked about camera placement, signage, review procedures, and whether reviewers or vendors receive revenue from citations; several questions were left for follow-up because the witness did not have all statutory or operational details. The committee then heard an update from FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue on the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, funded by a $4 billion general revenue investment leveraged into a $7 billion program for 20 major projects. He said the initiative is advancing high-priority congestion relief projects across the state, with 80% of the plan expected to be underway by the end of 2026 and the remaining projects in 2027. Perdue highlighted new delivery methods such as modified phased design-build, voluntary acceleration, and structured acceleration, along with workforce and supply-chain efforts, including regional hiring events and aggregate planning. He cited projects such as I-4 congestion relief lanes, Golden Glades, I-95 at US-1, I-75 auxiliary lanes, and I-275 improvements as examples of the program’s progress. Members questioned FDOT about traffic management during construction, subcontracting opportunities for small businesses, public transit planning, contractor safety and fatalities, bridge strikes, logistics access near ports and airports, aggregate supply, local government coordination, and federal funding uncertainty. Perdue said FDOT continuously reevaluates traffic control plans, works with local governments and industry partners, uses small business participation targets, and requires contractors to be in good standing with OSHA and to implement corrective action plans after incidents. He also said Florida’s transportation revenues are flat, the state remains largely state-funded, and additional resources are the main need for future transportation delivery. The committee adjourned after the chair requested FDOT staff provide senators with district-specific project information.