Transcript Highlights:

• If you could stand to be recognized along with the youth director, LSE Chiron, and youth administrator
• So, on the federal level, nationwide, the U.S.
• And lastly, on the federal for that.
• 00:34:35.200> the<00:34:35.440> US the federal level, nationwide, the US the federal level
• 36:59.440> I Guard is the first federal service I Guard is the first federal service I think<00

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That money comes from the federal government.
• And that's why the federal government says...
• services provides an updated transition plan.
• services provides an updated transition plan.
• Federal preemption on almost everything.

Bills: HB2076, HB2135, HB2175, HB2186, HB2223, HB2345, HB2364, HB2417, HB2440, HB2666, HB2763, HCR2043

Keywords: school safety, employee training, firearm certification, crisis response, school policies, reimbursement fund, local law enforcement, HB2135, Arizona, civil liability, private right of action, DEI, diversity equity and inclusion, critical race theory, anti-racism, race stereotyping, sex stereotyping, race scapegoating, sex scapegoating, gender identity

Transcript Highlights:

• We're fixing some bad federal law references.
• of Veterans Affairs so that we aren't missing any veterans during that transition period.
• We're fixing some bad federal law references.
• It's a natural transition. So this is the best thing we can do for our veterans.
• Withholding is at 25% of the delinquent fine per month or the federal maximum, whichever is less.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of introductions recognizing FSU Day at the Capitol, Catholic lay leaders, seniors advocates, Broward County school officials, and veterans-related guests. The chamber then moved through its special order calendar, beginning with several Florida Statutes revision bills. SB 36 adopted the 2025 Florida Statutes and prior session law; SB 38 conformed statutory terminology for the Division of Criminal Investigations; SB 40 removed repealed provisions; and SB 42 cleaned up obsolete language, cross-references, and typographical errors. Each passed unanimously or nearly unanimously after brief explanations and no substantive debate. The Senate also passed CS/SB 50 on nature-based coastal resilience, as amended to strengthen the Florida Flood Hub’s role under USF and clarify research and modeling responsibilities; CS/SB 116 on veterans, which expanded veteran awareness and coordination efforts, added mental health training, and authorized adult day health care; SB 118 on presidential libraries, which preempted local regulation to give a future Florida presidential library maximum flexibility; CS/SB 126 on prescription hearing aids, allowing mail distribution for adults after appropriate professional evaluation; SB 150 on abandoning restrained dogs during natural disasters, amended to conform to the House; SB 294 limiting collaborative pharmacy practice from being expanded to certain serious cardiac conditions; and SM 314 urging Congress to increase Florida National Guard force structure. Most of these measures passed with strong bipartisan support, though SB 118 drew questions about local zoning, parking, and safety and passed 36-3, with one senator later changing to a no vote over local control concerns. Later, the Senate approved CS/CS/SB 322 creating a nonjudicial process for removing unauthorized persons from commercial property, and CS/SB 348 on ethics, which would penalize false claims of military rank or honors for material gain and require paycheck withholding for delinquent ethics fines owed by public employees. The chamber also passed CS/CS/SB 7012 on child welfare, which included a CPI/case manager recruitment program, a treatment foster care pilot in two judicial circuits, and improved data collection and capacity analysis for commercially sexually exploited children. CS/SB 108 on administrative procedures was adopted after a detailed explanation of rule review, transparency, and rulemaking deadlines, and CS/SB 160 on public accountancy passed after an amendment clarifying contracted services and discussion of CPA licensure pathways. The longest and most celebratory debate centered on CS/SB 110 for rural communities. The bill created an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance grant program, housing and road funding, school and health care investments, and related rural support measures. Amendments refined transportation priorities in the Everglades agricultural area and clarified the FARM road program. Senators from across the chamber praised the bill as a long-awaited investment in rural Florida, agriculture, broadband, health care, and quality of life. After extensive debate and emotional closing remarks from the sponsor and leadership, the bill passed overwhelmingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• insurance to receive the one-time payment when diagnosed with occupational cancer, and this will help transition
• firefighters to less expensive health plans and give employers financial and administrative benefits
• There are certain provisions that do have administrative processes within this bill, but I think the
• There are certain provisions that do have administrative processes within this bill, but I think the
• Most densely populated regions of the state are able to transition into something meaningful for our

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered a series of bills, many focused on local government authority, land use, housing, and public notice requirements. Several measures were reported favorably, including SB 984 on firefighter cancer benefits and prevention, SB 1612 requiring local governments to accept electronic payments, SB 936 on temporary door locking devices, SB 962 on affordable housing protections for farms, SB 218 on land use regulations in hurricane-affected counties, SB 1020 on regulation of chickee huts, and SB 1434 on infill redevelopment of environmentally challenged properties. SB 1180 on community development district recall elections was amended to narrow and clarify the recall process and to add provisions on synthetic turf and compact urban mixed-use districts before being reported favorably. SB 380 on legal notices was also amended and reported favorably despite significant opposition from the Florida Press Association, Common Cause, and others who argued it would further fragment public notice access; supporters said it would modernize publication options and save money. Testimony on the bills was mixed. Supporters of the housing and redevelopment measures argued they would increase attainable housing, streamline approvals, and make better use of underutilized or contaminated land, while local government groups and advocacy organizations warned about overdevelopment, reduced public input, infrastructure strain, and conflicts with comprehensive planning. On SB 1444, which combined preemptions related to religious gatherings, private clubs, and certain permitting requirements, supporters framed it as protecting religious freedom and limiting local micromanagement, while the League of Cities and the Florida Association of Counties opposed it as overly broad and unclear; the bill nevertheless passed favorably after debate. SB 218 was presented as restoring normal land-use authority in counties unaffected by hurricanes while preserving protections in damaged areas, and SB 984 was described as clarifying firefighter cancer benefits and health coverage rules; both passed without controversy. The committee also heard extensive testimony on SB 948, a strike-all on local government land development regulations and orders that would create a statewide framework for starter homes and lot-split rules within urban growth areas. Supporters said it would expand housing supply and reduce regulatory delays, while opponents said it would override local zoning, weaken infrastructure and environmental protections, and apply too broadly. The bill drew support from housing advocates and some local officials, but opposition from the Florida League of Cities, Florida Association of Counties, and others. The transcript ends with SB 948 still under consideration, with testimony continuing and no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Administration and let us know how we can help you.
• and Administration, but this legislation died.
• So, transitional housing and housing innovation programs.
• monies are federal monies.
• But if it's federal funds, we cannot. Thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• They want to transition...
• Chair—sorry, the fiscal year extends into the next administration? Yes.
• Sorry, the fiscal year extends into the next administration. Yes.
• It's like the federal government says you're not getting...
• It's like the federal government says you're not getting any more federal Medicaid expansion dollars.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is an example of a federal grant. This is a relationship we've had with the U.S.
• Under the federal AGVets, we can't train spouses.
• Under the federal AGVets, we can't train spouses.
• But if it's a state program, then we can use the federal AGVets. We can't train spouses.
• But if it's a state program, then we can use the federal Federal AGVets, we can't train spouses.

Summary: The Committee on Military Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met to consider SB 96, which originally proposed a new veterans dental care program but was amended to expand the existing Veterans Dental Care Grant Program. The amendment raised eligibility from 300% to 400% of the federal poverty level and added a recurring $500,000 general revenue appropriation. Members discussed whether expanding eligibility without guaranteed additional funding could dilute services for veterans already being served, while supporters argued it would help veterans currently turned away for dental care. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS/SB 96 favorably by roll call vote, with Chair Wright voting no. The committee also approved two committee bills continuing public records exemptions: SPB 7000, covering the address and telephone number of people staying in public emergency shelters during storms or catastrophic events, and SPB 7002, covering certain Department of Military Affairs records stored in or transmitted through Department of Defense systems or related to military cyber operations. Both were moved as committee bills without objection and were favorably reported. Members then received presentations from Dr. Pia Woodley of the Florida Veterans Foundation and Joe Marino of Veterans Florida. Dr. Woodley outlined the foundation’s dental initiatives, emergency assistance, transportation support, benefits guide distribution, new programs for state veterans’ homes and community grants, and recent audits with no findings. Marino described Veterans Florida’s SkillBridge, entrepreneur, and workforce programs, including outreach and federal partnerships, and noted legislative priorities to allow stipends for training at UF IFAS AGVets facilities and to rename a program in statute for clarity. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, military installations in Texas are subject to exclusive federal jurisdiction.
• The sub simply ensures any current or future land the federal government seeks to have under concurrent
• The sub simply ensures any current or future land the federal government seeks to have under concurrent
• There is a distinct difference, though, between federal and state programs around the country.
• There there's a distinct difference though between federal and state programs around the country.

Summary: The Committee on Veterans Affairs heard several bills related to veterans and military installations. Senator Birdwell presented SB 1197, which would extend existing drone restrictions over military bases and airports to Texas spaceports, with exceptions for authorized operators; there was brief supportive testimony and the bill was left pending. Chairman Hancock presented SB 1271, allowing Texas to accept concurrent jurisdiction over military installations to improve handling of juvenile offenses through state and local involvement; no public testimony was offered, and the bill was left pending. SB 390, by Senator Middleton and explained by Senator Menendez, would expand the definition of historically underutilized businesses to include veteran-owned businesses certified by the SBA, regardless of disability rating, to increase veteran participation in state contracting. The bill drew extensive supportive testimony from veterans and business advocates, while Senator Eckhardt raised concerns that broadening the category might not satisfy the disparity-study basis typically used for HUB programs. The committee also took up pending bills later in the meeting. SB 651 was advanced after adoption of a committee substitute and received a unanimous committee vote to do pass and be recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 897 likewise had a committee substitute adopted and was reported favorably by a unanimous vote, with a recommendation for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1814 was reported favorably and recommended for the local and uncontested calendar by a unanimous vote. SB 1197 was also voted out favorably and recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1271 and SB 390 were left pending at the end of the meeting, and the committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not one, but two federal courts have ordered the administration to end this illegal freeze, and yet we
• we had from our side of the aisle to the previous administrator.
• So I will be in my next conversation with the administrator.
• On Alaska native lands, again, polluted by the federal government.
• If it is only the federal government that has caused this, that's one thing, but if the federal government

Bills: SB347, SB351

Keywords: brownfields, brownfield cleanup, site remediation, environmental cleanup, contaminated property, redevelopment, revitalization, CERCLA, Superfund, EPA grants, state response programs, environmental justice, disadvantaged communities, small communities, local government grants, nonprofit eligibility, community engagement, Alaska Native tribes, Regional Corporations, Village Corporations

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not, at this time, relate to any federal funds or changes in federal funds.
• covering a whole that the federal covering a whole that the federal government<01:23:33.040>
• > time changes in federal funds at this time changes in federal funds at this time okay<01:24:
• sectors and then we'll transition sectors and then we'll transition implementation<04:56:44.360>
• use a federal grant to fund positions, we charge the federal grant for fringe benefits.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Finance received an informational briefing from the Department of Education on its budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. The Superintendent and staff described the department’s mission, enrollment and staffing scale, recent gains in NAEP reading and math, persistent attendance problems since the pandemic, and the need for resources to support student recovery, middle school math, and other strategic priorities. The department said its proposal is intended to be aligned with its 2023–2029 strategic plan, fiscally balanced, and reliable for schools, while also addressing inflation, workforce needs, and uncertainty in federal funding. Assistant Superintendent and CFO Brian Hallet reviewed federal grants, non-general funds, and the budget development process. He said federal funds make up about 11% of the department’s FY25 appropriation and warned that House budget proposals could threaten predictable funding for core programs. He also explained that the department began its biennial budget work in April 2024 and used an internal review group to identify possible reallocations. The department characterized its request as a “flat” budget proposal overall, with a large share devoted to continued funding for existing recurring needs, and noted challenges including a projected state funding decline, inflation, lingering pandemic impacts, recruitment and retention, and uncertainty about future federal support. A major topic was the department’s capital improvement program. DOE officials argued for a risk-based, proactive approach using lump-sum “buckets” to manage facilities and deferred maintenance across more than 21.5 million square feet at 268 sites. They said this would allow more efficient prioritization of projects and better coordination with complex area superintendents, principals, and legislators. Members asked about how legislative priorities would fit into the bucket system, county-versus-state property jurisdiction issues affecting school facilities, enrollment decline and staffing ratios, and how the department plans to adjust facilities and human resources to shifting enrollment patterns. DOE said it is studying enrollment trends, will brief the Board of Education next month, and is willing to provide further briefings to legislators. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It didn't get federally picked up and didn't get on the FIA, the federal FIA. Gotcha.
• million which is federally funded fed federally<00:13:09.519> funds<00:13:10.240> 10.5
• didn't get on the FIA the federal FIA. didn't get on the FIA the federal FIA.
• Aviation Administration.
• Federal Aviation Administration. Federal Aviation Administration.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:09 Approval of Minutes 00:01:10 Welcome New Members 00:01:26 Information Items 00:01:49 COT Special Report 00:02:38 Review of Executive Branch Agency Plans 00:07:41 A. Department of Military Affairs 00:08:07 B. Department of Veterans’ Affairs 00:20:34 C. Kentucky Infrastructure Authority 00:25:54 D. Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet 00:35:05 E. Transportation Cabinet 00:55:53, 958, all

Summary: The Capital Planning Advisory Board met with a quorum, approved the May 21 minutes, and welcomed a new executive branch member, Secretary Keith Jackson of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. The board also received two informational items: agency responses to prior questions and amendments made to capital plans after the last meeting. It then heard the Commonwealth Office of Technology’s report on executive branch IT capital project scoring, which reviewed 16 IT requests totaling about $330.5 million. COOT said projects were ranked through an independent panel using standardized criteria focused on feasibility, statewide alignment, readiness, impact, and risk; the CIO recommended moving an enterprise application and artificial intelligence inventory system from rank 11 to rank 4 because of its enterprise-wide impact and connection to Senate Bill 4. The Department of Military Affairs presented its capital plan, describing 43 million in projects for the current period and 13 projects totaling $65 million for 2026–2028, with most funding coming from federal sources and restricted agency funds and no general fund request in the latter period. Its projects included maintenance pool adjustments, a statewide Army master plan, the Somerset readiness center, Shelbyville and Ashland armories, a future home for the Kentucky Army National Guard band, and other facility upgrades. Members asked about the Somerset project’s cost growth and federal delay; the department said the project remains in conceptual design, is awaiting federal MILCON action, and would require a state match of about $9.8 million against $29.6 million federal funding if it is approved. Members also asked about staffing levels, and the department said state employee and Title 32 numbers have been relatively steady, while technician positions have declined. The Department of Veterans Affairs outlined seven projects for 2026–2028, led by a Radcliff Veterans Center HVAC replacement that needs an estimated additional $16 million to finish phase two after phase one was already funded. Other requests included a maintenance pool increase, renovations and exterior upgrades at Eastern and Western Kentucky veterans facilities, a cooling tower replacement at Thompson Hood, and parking lot and lighting improvements. The department said some projects were already in the six-year plan and that the Radcliff phase two could be bid in June 2026 if funded. Members confirmed that a columbarium wall project at Grayson is federally funded. The Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented its six-year capital plan, citing more than $3 billion in loan commitments since 1988 and over $5 billion in supported infrastructure projects. KIA requested $298.439 million in the first biennium, including $27.742 million in state match for federal clean water and drinking water revolving funds, $25 million for its state Infrastructure Revolving Fund, $185.697 million in federal capitalization grants, and $30 million in leverage bond authorization for each year of the two federally assisted loan programs. Members asked about drinking-water quality, and KIA said that function is handled by the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Water, not KIA. KIA also said its loan rates currently range from 0.5% to 2.25%, averaging just under 1%, and that its revolving loan programs have had no defaults. The Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet began its presentation at the end of the transcript, with staff identifying themselves, but no project details or board action from that presentation were included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Dan baltz and I'm the administrator Dan baltz and I'm the administrator clerk<00:03:40.560> treasur
• at the federal level or past ones.
• in terms of provision of transit support to the fair?
• like transit like transit services<01:52:55.159> um<01:52:55.599> just<01:52:55.800
• > the provision of Transit uh support to the provision of Transit uh support to the fair<01:53

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It includes language to ensure a smooth transition for health care benefits for the employees of the
• We've been heavily involved in the discussions about what sort of transition will take place and what
• The transition is not merely a local concern.
• The transition from UHV to Texas A&M presents an opportunity to add such degree plans and courses.
• Updated on March 24 with strict standards, all 16 are eligible for federal financial aid.

Bills: SB530, SB757, SB769, SB1085, SB1241, SB1242, SB1409, SB1878, SB2138, SB2314, SB2231, SB2361, SB2431, SJR59

Keywords: accreditation, postsecondary education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, baccalaureate degrees, junior colleges, program delivery, faculty recruitment, higher education, performance standards, student loan debt, degree programs, funding, students with disabilities, accessibility, enrollment, report, SB 1085, Sul Ross State University, Rio Grande College, Del Rio

Transcript Highlights:

• Lombardo of Billerica continues: the gradual transition to zero-emission vehicles, or ZEV, is a notable
• But you have to forgive me if I don't have a lot of confidence in an administration that has bragged
• That administration has bragged about stopping pipelines coming into the Commonwealth, or whose administration
• This legislature needs to act because this administration has failed the ratepayers on energy costs,
• At a time when our federal government has cut over $1 billion in food assistance programs, including

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House met in a session centered on the FY26 budget, especially the Energy and Environmental Affairs and Labor/Economic Development sections, while also taking time to recognize several championship teams and other guests. Early in the day, the chamber adopted a set of commemorative resolutions, including observances for Apraxia Awareness Day, International Celiac Awareness Day, and Jewish American Heritage Month. Members also welcomed Franklin High’s cheerleading and boys basketball champions, Winthrop boys hockey champions, St. Mary’s of Lynn girls basketball champions, Holy Trinity School students, and later Boston Celtics guard Drew Holiday and Lauren Holiday. The most contentious debate involved amendments related to Massachusetts’ climate and clean-car policies. Representative Lombardo offered amendments to delay or repeal ACC2/zero-emission vehicle requirements and to convert climate mandates into goals rather than requirements, arguing the rules were unrealistic, costly, and harmful to dealers, consumers, and the economy. Opponents said the House had already addressed the issue, and that climate and energy policy should remain under review through a public process. The House rejected Lombardo’s ACC2-related amendments, including after a ruling of the Chair was upheld by roll call, and later adopted a consolidated Energy and Environmental Affairs amendment by a wide margin. The House then adopted a consolidated Labor and Economic Development amendment and ultimately passed the FY26 budget to be engrossed. Supporters highlighted major funding for environmental protection, parks, fish and game, clean energy, food insecurity programs, agricultural support, economic development, tourism, and an immigration legal assistance fund. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for Molly McGovern, and at the end of the session adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• administration.
• Implemented two federal demonstration projects to remove barriers, reduce administrative burden, and
• The federal administration is dismantling access to justice for immigrant children and families.
• The federal administration is halting funding to critical legal programs, including for unaccompanied
• The administration, through the Office of Management and Budget, issued a federal funding freeze directive

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Commercial enroles to maximize Federal Commercial enroles to maximize Federal matching<00:04:49.840
• <00:05:08.759> funds not done enough to access federal funds not done enough to access federal
• states have used to draw down federal states have used to draw down federal dollars<00:20:04.360
• She noted that the federal government is always changing, regardless of which party or administration
• with what is allowed through the federal with what is allowed through the federal government<01:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> deal, Um the safe transitions deal, Um the safe transitions deal, um<00:18:39.400> I'm<
• a safe transitions program. a safe transitions program.
• The number varies from day to day. safe transition program? How many safe transition program?
• Is DHS working with the federal<00:58:24.080> government federal government federal government
• And that is what federal law federal<01:19:52.000> law<01:19:52.240> requires.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Establishing a permitting process for events exceeding these limits with fees based on administrative
• And as, as I, my testimony explained, uh, there already have been counties that have transitioned to
• Uh, it's not an automatic transition.
• Most of our funding is federal, right? And it is accounted for.
• Uh, constables provide a vital law enforcement administrative role for our county.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Biden administration and former DHS Secretary Mayorkas deliberately ignored the painful connection
• We have always had a good partnership with our federal law enforcement partners.
• And I'm really pissed off, too, because I've seen the federal government do so little.
• And yet the administration in the last four years did nothing about that.
• The centerpiece of my team's work which provides federal grant funds to areas determined in federal funding

Keywords: Coast Guard, maritime drug enforcement, illegal drugs, fentanyl crisis, legislative reforms, public testimony

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation addressed critical issues surrounding maritime drug enforcement and the Coast Guard's role in stopping the influx of illegal drugs. The chairman highlighted the alarming consequences of current policies allowing drugs to cross borders, emphasizing the need for legislative reforms, such as the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2025. There was an intense discussion regarding the operational challenges faced by the Coast Guard, which has recently made significant drug seizures, indicating progress but also revealing gaps that need addressing. Several witnesses, including victims of the drug crisis, shared their compelling testimonies, which underscored the urgency for stricter controls and comprehensive support for law enforcement agencies involved in drug interdiction efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• that are with the federal funds that are available<00:25:15.520> through<00:25:15.799> the
• and let the federal funds hang out<00:26:08.919> on<00:26:09.120> the<00:26:09.279>
• but then we'll be able Administration but then we'll be able to<00:28:47.159> uh<00:28:47.480
• It states in here high rates of poverty, determined by receipt of federal Title One.
• Representative Hollins said that in October, Como Conservatory started Phase One by transitioning the

Bills: HF1013, HF1598, HF1656, HF2162

Keywords: energy, economic development, funding, renewable resources, Clean Energy Economy Minnesota, air ventilation, geothermal, school financing, Minnesota Climate Innovative Finance Authority, geothermal energy, renewable energy, construction funding, Como Zoo, energy efficiency, HF2162, Minnesota, planning grants, renewable development account, clean energy, Department of Commerce