Video & Transcript Research : 'golf course'
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HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TRN Public Hearing - Thu Mar 20, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, seeing none, moving on to the next measure: HCR 71 and HR 64, requesting the Coalina Golf Club
- management, in coordination with the Department of Transportation, to implement measures to prevent golf
- Okay, seeing none, moving on to the next measure: HCR 71 and HR 64, requesting the Coalina Golf Club
- management, in coordination with the Department of Transportation, to implement measures to prevent golf
- HCR 71 and HR 64, requesting the Coalina Golf Club owners and management, in coordination with the
Summary:
The House Committee on Transportation met on March 20, 2025, first on two bills and then on a series of resolutions. On SB 597, relating to administrative driver’s license revocation, the Department of the Attorney General and other agencies supported extending the deadlines for written review decisions because chemical testing results, especially from neighbor islands, can take longer to return. One individual testified in opposition. The committee amended the bill to set the review-decision deadlines at 14 and 28 days, deferred the effective date to July 1, 3000, and recommended passage with amendments by vote.
The committee then heard SB 1285 SD2, a highway safety measure that would create an impaired-driving offense, establish automatic license suspension procedures, and amend related administrative processes. The Attorney General’s office raised concerns about the new infraction structure and recommended deleting that section, while the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing it could create due process problems and unnecessary burdens on the courts. DOT and several advocacy groups supported the measure, and one individual testified in support of lowering the BAC limit to 0.05. The committee adopted extensive amendments, including deleting several sections, revising revocation language for refusals to test, and deferring the effective date to July 1, 3000, then passed the bill with amendments.
In the later resolution hearing, the committee heard measures on Maui road projects, the Kulani Hako Bridge replacement, enforcement against improperly registered out-of-state vehicles, a proposed extension of the Skyline rail to West Oahu, a proposal to transfer airport regulatory authority to DOT, a golf-ball safety resolution, and a restricted parking pilot program in West Oahu neighborhoods. Testimony was generally supportive on the Maui road, bridge, vehicle-registration, and golf-ball measures, while DOT opposed the airport-corporation task force resolution and several groups offered mixed views, including calls for public-sector union representation if a task force were created. The committee also heard support and concern on the Skyline extension resolution, with members noting the need for transit options that better serve West Oahu. At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted the resolutions it took up in decision-making, including the Maui road measures, the bridge resolution, the vehicle-registration resolution, and the Skyline-related resolution, with the airport-corporation and parking-zone measures also heard before adjournment.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment Apr 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Golf courses are not in this bill. I can sue the golf course.
- Unless your golf course—unless your ball... ...the golf course.
- Unless your golf course—unless your ball goes, wait, and if your ball goes in the water because of climate
- So, you know, he's got golf courses over there. I want to put this in some simple terms.
- So, you know, he's got golf courses over there. I have strawberries.
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 804, the Louisiana Energy Protection Act, which was presented as a narrowly focused ban on climate-change damages lawsuits rather than a measure affecting emissions claims, pollution claims, or private property rights. The author and supporters said the bill was intended to stop speculative suits targeting energy producers, farmers, truckers, manufacturers, and other businesses for global climate impacts, while preserving claims for actual legal violations under state or federal environmental and safety laws. After a substitute amendment was adopted to clarify and streamline the bill, the committee heard extensive support from oil and gas, chemical, business, port, and legal reform groups, along with a few opposition speakers who argued the bill could still be read to shield industry too broadly or weaken climate accountability. HB 804 was reported favorably as amended.
The committee then considered HB 802, as amended, which creates a watershed conservation fund tied to the Amite River Basin. The author explained that the bill was narrowed from a statewide proposal to a basin-specific program to reduce flood risk and restore watershed areas using existing severance revenue from sand mining, modeled in part on coastal restoration funding. Supporters from the concrete industry, landowners, levee boards, and conservation groups described it as a practical, low-cost, non-government solution to help remediate old sand and gravel pits and improve flood control. With no opposition cards and no objections, HB 802 was reported favorably as amended.
Finally, the committee heard HB 934, as substituted, which would allow licensed wildlife rehabilitators to possess white-tailed deer fawns under specific conditions, including disease monitoring, release only within the same management zone, and other handling requirements. The author said the bill was meant to prevent the euthanizing of orphaned fawns that could be rehabilitated and to create a lawful pathway for licensed care. A supporter described her experience rescuing an orphaned fawn that was later confiscated and killed, while the Louisiana Wildlife Federation opposed the measure, warning it could effectively create a captive deer program, undermine wildlife conservation principles, and lead to dangerous or inhumane facilities. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 934, before final committee action is shown.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Banking and Insurance. (3-10-26)
Banking & Insurance
Transcript Highlights:
- Her favorite sports are basketball, football, and golf.
- Her favorite sports are basketball, football, and golf.
- He plays golf.
- of business can still do that normal course of business, and we give them an exception to this.
- of business can still do that normal course of business, and we give them an exception to this.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Joint Transportation, Highways and Public Works Mar 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And, of course, of the most importance is what's going to construction this upcoming fiscal year.
- Of course, the ones that will be addressed in future highway priority programs, we will come back to
- And when you get to that station, you have golf carts pick you up and bring you to your Airbnb and back
- And when you get to that station, you have golf carts pick you up and bring you to your Airbnb and back
- You can get golf carts pick you up and bring you to your Airbnb and back to a great restaurant.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Transportation, Highways, and Public Works met on March 9, 2026, established a quorum, and approved the March 3 minutes. The chair introduced new members and then moved through four priority-program items: the statewide flood control program, the airport construction and development priority program, the port construction and development priority program, and the state highway priority program. DOTD staff said there were no changes to the flood control, airport, or port projects from the prior week, and the highway priority packet reflected about $1.2 billion in total investment, including about $913 million slated for construction in the upcoming fiscal year. Members also discussed the written justifications for projects raised during the road show but not included in the highway priority list, with the department explaining that those comments would continue to be tracked and addressed in future priority programs. Each of the four programs was approved without objection.
The committee then received a presentation from Amtrak’s Todd Stennis on Louisiana service and the new Mardi Gras route between New Orleans and Mobile, which began in August 2025. He described the route as a state-supported service funded by Louisiana, Mississippi, the city of Mobile, and their transportation agencies, and said ridership had exceeded projections, with more than 80,000 riders in about six months against a first-year estimate of 76,000. He also outlined strong on-time and customer-service performance, station usage patterns, fares, and planned capital improvements funded through federal CRISI grants and state matches that are intended to improve rail fluidity and shorten travel times over the next several years.
A substantial portion of the Amtrak discussion focused on railroad crossing safety after members raised concerns about recent accidents and fatalities. Stennis emphasized the blue emergency placards at crossings, the 800-number system for reporting incidents, and ongoing coordination with Operation Lifesaver and the host railroads to improve public messaging. Members also asked about an app used to identify crossings when signs are unreadable, and Stennis said he would follow up. The meeting concluded with a motion by Vice Chair Carter to adjourn, which carried without objection.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Thu Feb 12, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 14
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- courses.
- courses actually are positive, that there are more births on golf courses, and he was a proponent of
- golf courses being good stewards of the land.
- courses actually are positive, that there are more births on golf courses, and he was a proponent of
- golf courses being good stewards of the land.
Keywords:
gambling, prediction markets, Hawaii gambling laws, financial contracts, ethical concerns, electric bicycles, micro-mobility devices, safety regulations, traffic laws, insurance exemption, high-speed electric devices, land use, ropeway, transportation, state regulation, government exemption, building code, permitting process, training, state council
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Working Group on Omnibus Taxes Bill - 05/23/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <02:36:48.080>
um <02:36:48.319>where <02:36:48.640>should thousand golf courses - . um where should thousand golf courses. um where should they<02:36:49.040>
go <02:36:49.560>- And so, um, I understand there's probably a couple of golf courses in Minnesota that perhaps the PGA
- And so, um, I understand there's probably a couple of golf courses in Minnesota that perhaps the PGA
- I understand there's probably a couple of golf courses in Minnesota that perhaps the PGA is probably
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Fifty Six - Wednesday, April 22
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Of course, and then we have lots of families that enjoy being outside.
- Of course, and then we have lots of families that enjoy being outside.
- And, of course, the health care. There's a lot of health benefits.
- People are more apt to go golfing, more time in hospitality, entertainment.
- And you have to wait until the federal government, of course, makes it.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal, and a long series of introductions recognizing student groups, interns, visiting families, and guests, including the Tipton Lady Cardinals girls basketball state champions, FCCLA and FBLA students, Missouri Rural Water Association members, and legislative assistants. Members also highlighted Earth Day and National Arbor Day by promoting free tree seedlings from the Department of Conservation.
The chamber then considered several committee reports and moved to third reading on House Substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Bills 3068 and 3049, a broad public safety package. Supporters described it as a vehicle for multiple bipartisan provisions, including driver’s education, human trafficking training for paramedics, psilocybin trials, intoxicated driving accountability, fire and life safety updates, AI restrictions, and protections involving explicit images of children. Opponents objected to anti-trans language and argued the bill was overly broad and constitutionally problematic. The bill passed 117-10 with 17 present.
The House also passed Senate Bill 914, dealing with lateral fields and moving from perk tests to soil analysis, by a vote of 108-34 with one present, after supporters said it would help keep sewage out of rivers and drinking water. Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1142, a Secretary of State measure on certificates of good standing for series LLCs doing business in other states, passed 142-0 with one present.
Members then took up House Bill 1758, a daylight saving time trigger bill. The sponsor and many supporters argued it would protect Missouri from neighboring states forcing a switch to permanent standard time, help tourism and outdoor recreation, and reduce health and safety problems associated with changing clocks. Opponents favored permanent standard time instead, citing research on circadian rhythms, health effects, school bus safety, and energy use, and some questioned the bill’s federal-law implications and state sovereignty issues. Debate was ongoing when the transcript ended, with no final vote shown on that bill.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WAL Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3,2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- She also noted that Act 281 included an exemption for recreational ponds, such as golf course ponds.
- Or even, I don't even know about golf courses—how many kids are running around golf courses?
- <00:55:56.079>
courses <00:55:56.480>how I don't even know about golf courses how I - golf many kids are running around golf courses<00:55:58.720>
but <00:55:59.200>um <00:55 - /c><00:56:30.880>
was <00:56:31.040>just the golf course I that I was just the golf course
Summary:
The Committee on Water and Land met on February 3, 2026, and heard testimony on several bills, with the chair emphasizing a two-minute limit and noting that bills would die if the hearing ran past noon. For HB 1848, the Commission on Water Resource Management and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development both supported the measure with technical, non-substantive amendments. Testimony focused on requiring early consultation about water availability in district boundary amendment petitions, with water officials explaining that the petitioner should submit a written statement reflecting consultation and that the goal was to identify water constraints earlier in the development process. The Land Use Commission’s representative opposed the bill, arguing that water availability is already addressed through existing environmental review and agency consultation, that the issue had been raised and rejected before, and that the proposal could create unnecessary delay or litigation.
The committee then heard HB 1728 on rainwater catchment systems. The Commission on Water Resource Management said it acknowledged the bill’s intent but deferred to counties and other regulatory agencies, including the Department of Health, on regulatory implications. Hawaii Realtors testified in support. No vote was taken during the portion of the hearing shown.
For HB 1652 on storm water management systems, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association opposed the bill, arguing it would weaken protections created by Act 281 (“Sharkey’s Law”) and increase drowning risk for children by exempting certain water features from safety requirements. The American Council of Engineering Companies of Hawaii supported the bill, saying the language clarifies and better balances child safety with practical green stormwater infrastructure, including depth-based limits and exemptions for certain agricultural ponds. The Hawaii Farm Bureau also supported the agricultural pond exemption, saying such ponds are used for irrigation, livestock, and fire control and are generally away from the public. A private testifier, Allison Schaers, opposed the bill and described her daughter’s drowning in a detention basin, arguing that poor maintenance can turn stormwater features into dangerous hazards. The hearing ended without any recorded committee action or vote in the excerpt provided.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- And of course, her dad is the former president of the Senate.
- And of course... ...the economy in that region, and of course the state benefit, the benefit that went
- Also, tomorrow is Golf Industry Day at the Capitol.
- I know most of us probably won't be here, but I'll be— Golf Industry Day at the Capitol.
- It's golf.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then spent much of the opening portion recognizing guests and advocacy groups, including State Farm agents, justice court judges, Donate Life participants, AARP, educators, and rural water advocates. Members also introduced a doctor of the day and several former legislators and officials. The chamber later agreed to the House’s request to adjourn after completing business on March 11 until March 16, and committee meetings and caucuses were scheduled for the recess.
The Senate then took up a series of third-reading votes. Bills passed included SB 1602 on kinship foster care; SB 1621 creating an obesity treatment and prevention advisory council; SB 1672 on AHCCCS step therapy, where one senator objected to the fiscal note while another argued for broader access to treatment; SB 1677 appropriating funds for forestry and fire management, with comments about tamarisk removal and native plant restoration; SB 1811 on public schools; SB 1001 and SB 1072 appropriating funds to the Department of Economic Security; SB 1169 appropriating funds to AHCCCS administration, with support tied to medical residency opportunities; SB 1531 on special plates; and SB 1776 amending AHCCCS statutes. SCR 1020, a proposed constitutional amendment on compensation for elective state officers, also advanced after debate about recruiting a broader range of candidates and making the salary more livable.
The chamber also used Committee of the Whole to amend and advance several bills. SB 1170 on drug offenses was amended to change crime qualifications and remove mandatory minimums, then recommended do pass. SB 1488 establishing a study committee on coal-impacted communities was amended to alter appointment provisions and then passed out of committee and later on third reading, with a lengthy explanation from a senator about the economic history of coal plants and tribal communities. SB 1641 on marijuana licensure was amended to remove DHS’s annual license determination role and passed with the required three-quarters vote. SB 1752 on mescaline offenses and SB 1740 on turquoise alerts also advanced. The Senate confirmed gubernatorial nominations for Alex Ridgeway as Director of Tourism, Jessica Manuel to the Game and Fish Commission, and Stephen Williams to the Livestock Loss Board. The session ended with announcements, a motion to reconsider the failed SCR 1047, a civic learning proclamation, and a series of first-reading referrals for House bills before adjournment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And these courses are similar to that.
- encouraged their peers to also take these courses.
- These courses did more than just teach history.
- I was privileged to attend a university that offered these courses, but ethnic studies for course credit
- This would add the two ethnic studies courses that we currently have to those two courses as well.
Bills:
HB178, HB178, HB1551, HB1939, HB2040, HB2354, HB2674, HB3029, HB3460, HB3631, HB3662, HB5201, HB5381
Keywords:
efficiency audit, political subdivision, tax rate, fiscal management, government accountability, Texas education, public schools, curriculum, social studies, high school graduation requirements, State Board of Education, Education Code, ethnic studies, world history, world geography, U.S. history, government, economics, personal financial literacy, free enterprise
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Section 3 indicates that TEA may charge a fee for the course, which is already implied but was not advised
- Texas Workforce Commission to review health profession-related career and technology dual credit courses
- Texas has a performance acknowledgment on a student's transcript that indicates the language courses
- It simply means the student has taken certain language courses. Other than English classes.
- Appropriate course of action, just so our committee can wrap our arms around this amendment.
Bills:
HB178, HB1551, HB1939, HB2040, HB2354, HB2674, HB3029, HB3460, HB3631, HB3662, HB5201, HB5381, HB178
Keywords:
Texas education, public schools, curriculum, social studies, high school graduation requirements, State Board of Education, Education Code, ethnic studies, world history, world geography, U.S. history, government, economics, personal financial literacy, free enterprise, religious literature, Hebrew Scriptures, Old Testament, New Testament, ninth grade
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- And then, of course, we also...
- courses, and directing those revenues to investments in conservation and recreation.
- You'll hear from our incredible partners here today and over the course of the hearing, but speaking
- So the additional codes, 441210 for recreational vehicle dealers, and 713910 for golf courses and country
- Natural working lands are, of course, a vital element in achieving those goals.
Summary:
The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition No. 25-15, H.5505, “An Act to Protect Water and Nature.” Committee co-chairs outlined the Article 48 initiative process and explained that the hearing was divided into expert, proponent, opponent, and public-comment sections. The first witness, Undersecretary Stephanie Cooper of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, described current state and federal funding sources for land conservation and outdoor recreation, said existing programs are oversubscribed, and noted that the proposal aligns with the Commonwealth’s 30% land conservation goal by 2030 and 40% by 2050. She also flagged possible governance clarifications in the petition, including board structure and administrative authority, while saying the administration has the expertise to manage such a fund.
Proponents from Mass Audubon, the Trustees of Reservations, Mount Grace Land Trust, the Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, the Authentic Caribbean Foundation, and Bemis Associates argued that Massachusetts needs a dedicated, sustained revenue stream for conservation, clean water, climate resilience, and public access to nature. They said current funding is inconsistent and insufficient, cited estimates that the state may need roughly $300 million or more annually to meet conservation targets, and emphasized benefits to public health, mental health, biodiversity, flood protection, and the outdoor recreation economy. Several speakers said the measure would dedicate a portion of existing sales tax revenue tied to sporting goods, recreational vehicles, and golf courses, and that it would support both urban and rural communities, including underserved communities.
Committee members pressed witnesses on the bill’s fiscal and constitutional implications, including how much sales tax revenue would be redirected, whether the measure is constitutional, how funds would be allocated among communities, and why the proposal includes certain revenue sources but not others such as ticket sales. Proponents said the measure would likely direct up to about $100 million annually when fully phased in, that it was designed as a “subject to appropriation” mechanism, and that legal review had found it constitutional. They also acknowledged that the proposal would reduce general fund flexibility but argued it would create a long-term investment in natural resources. The hearing concluded after public testimony, and the committee announced it would accept written testimony until March 27 at 5 p.m.; no vote was taken on the petition at the hearing.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Jul 1st, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Interestingly enough, our little university owns a golf course, and it is not just a golf course; it's
- a golf course.
- We are moving pretty quickly to develop homes on the golf course to make more housing available for not
- So, you know, of course the growth hasn't taken.
- Of course, HPCC, there was no cost share. We have an ASECA Bureau at ISC. They have a role to play.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/27/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- So, June 23, 2020, I'm on the golf course, where most people should be not on June 23, 2020, but anytime
- they can get on the golf course, okay?
- they can get on the golf course, okay?
- > people<00:37:16.280>
should the golf course where most people should the golf course where - golf course okay so they can get on the golf course okay so anyway<00:37:23.240>
um <00:37:24.200
Keywords:
PACE, elderly, Medicaid, health services, long-term care, community-based services, support person, healthcare, patient rights, assisted living, community support, caregiver respite, financial eligibility, Minnesota Statutes, HF1477, residential program licensing, community residential setting, small group home, licensed capacity six or fewer, rental licensing
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- And of course, her dad is the former president of the Senate.
- And of course, The economy in that region, and of course the state benefit, the benefit that went into
- Also, tomorrow is Golf Industry Day at the Capitol.
- Golf Industry Day at the Capitol.
- It's golf.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Universities and Colleges - Room 216, 3 March, 2026; 11:00 AM
Universities and Colleges
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, this property has served several purposes, including the golf course for the university up until
- purposes, property has served several purposes, including<00:02:44.800>
the <00:02:45.040>golf - <00:02:45.360>
course <00:02:45.599>for <00:02:45.840>the including the golf - course for the including the golf course for the university<00:02:46.480>
up <00:02:46.640>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate and House Tax Policies Discussion Group - 05/06/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And of course, that will terminate after enough is collected or 20 years max.
- And of course, plus financing costs.
- Course, which is a public golf course. from 10 million to 15 million. from 10 million to 15 million.
- Course, which is a public golf course. Course, which is a public golf course.
- course project.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Economic Development & Workforce Investment (9-25-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- And um adaptive golf industry.
- And then, of course, Dr.
- These are accelerated courses, so it's eight-week courses.
- And then of course we Dr. Kentucky. And then of course we Dr.
- so it's 8week accelerated courses so it's 8week courses.<01:14:14.800>
We <01:14:15.040>have
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:28
Kentucky Recovery Vocational: Workforce Reimagined 00:01:31
Update on College Athletics and 25RS SB 3 00:24:39
Goodwill Kentucky Excel Center 01:09:53, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first heard a presentation from Kentucky Recovery Vocational Workforce and Re-entry Incorporated, led by Executive Director Jerick D'vor, on its vocational training model for people in recovery and formerly incarcerated individuals. He said the nonprofit operates in Russell Springs and serves students from across Kentucky, offering manufacturing and welding training tied to recovery services through Spark Recovery. D'vor emphasized that the program combines treatment, soft-skills coaching, job placement, and continued support after employment, arguing that training should begin around 90 days into recovery rather than earlier. He reported strong outcomes, including 292 students served, 259 certificates earned, and 250 job placements, with many participants placed in manufacturing jobs and 17 welders trained and placed through the new welding academy.
Members praised the program but asked about funding, retention, and employability barriers. D'vor said the pilot was supported by opioid abatement grant funding, and the program now relies mainly on donor contributions and Spark Recovery’s investment in clients, with possible future support from additional opioid abatement funds or 1915(i) mechanisms. He said participants are not charged tuition and that the organization provides soft-skills training and job coaches. In response to questions about long-term outcomes, he said the program does not yet have a full alumni tracking system but is exploring technology options and continues to provide post-employment support for 90 days.
After approving the committee minutes, members received an update on college athletics and Senate Bill 3 from University of Louisville Athletic Director Josh Heird and University of Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart. They said Kentucky’s NIL framework and reporting requirements are working reasonably well and praised the state for not trying to create a competitive advantage in the evolving college sports environment. Heird reported that 521 student-athletes have signed up for NILGO and about 240 deals have been approved through the system, while noting the need to ensure NIL agreements are legitimate marketplace deals rather than artificial payments. The discussion also touched on the House settlement, the $600 approval threshold, and broader federal changes affecting college athletics.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on HF2432 5/13/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, he loved golf, loved his family and friends, and had started to look forward to his future.
- Um,<00:01:49.200>
he <00:01:49.439>loved <00:01:49.759>golf, <00:01:50.159>love - <00:01:50.320>
his <00:01:50.560>family <00:01:50.720>and Um, he loved golf, - love his family and Um, he loved golf, love his family and friends,<00:01:51.439>
and <00:01:51.759 - It's a public hearing, of course, and so, uh, there's no need unless you want to be available to answer
Summary:
The Public Safety and Judiciary Conference Committee met on May 13, 2025, with a quorum present and heard emotional testimony on Senate File 281, the coercion crime bill. Jamie Bumth testified about her son Carter’s death by suicide after being targeted in an online sextortion scheme, describing how the perpetrator groomed, shamed, and extorted him and urging lawmakers to hold offenders accountable and better protect children online. Members thanked her for sharing her story, and the committee then moved on without further discussion of that item.
The committee next adopted several agreed-upon policy items. It approved Article 4, R17 House language, which extends consecutive sentencing to local jail inmates who assault a sheriff’s correctional officer, mirroring existing law for state correctional inmates and limiting the scope to first- through fourth-degree assault. The motion passed unanimously.
Members also adopted Article 5, R1 Senate language with changes: replacing “preserve and protect” with “document,” removing a disputed provision related to fleeing individuals for future work, and inserting “active” so the language refers to facilitating the active search for a missing person. The committee then adopted the A3 amendment concerning felony murder resentencing, clarifying that when eligible individuals are resentenced, the predicate felony or lesser-included offense is redesignated for the felony murder charge while preserving the original conviction date, and applying the clarification to resentencings from August 1, 2023. All motions passed, and the committee adjourned after concluding its formal agenda.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Mar 24th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- From there, I went to the PGA of America, the Golf Association.
- And finally, of course, the law school.
- And finally, of course, the law school.
- Of course we do.
- Of course we do.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education first took up a block of confirmation hearings for trustees and board members at several public universities and state colleges. Appointees from Florida A&M University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Pasco-Hernando State College, South Florida State College, Valencia College, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of Florida described their backgrounds and emphasized themes such as governance, student success, workforce alignment, fiscal stewardship, research growth, and institutional reputation. Members asked a few questions, but most nominees received no substantive opposition. The committee then voted unanimously to recommend confirmation of the group of appointees on tabs 3 through 18 and forwarded them to Ethics and Elections.
The committee next heard Senate Bill 114 by Senator Trumbull, which would create the Florida Center of Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management at Florida State University, move the public hurricane loss projection model from FIU to FSU, and provide funding for the effort. Trumbull said the bill is intended to strengthen the state’s insurance research capacity and broaden study of insurance lines beyond wind risk. Senators asked about the impact on FIU and the distinction between the new center and existing FIU work; Trumbull said FIU’s Wall of Wind would remain and that the state-owned model would simply be contracted to FSU instead of FIU. The committee reported the bill favorably.
The committee then considered Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1624 by Senator Calatayud, a wide-ranging higher education bill addressing tuition, workforce programs, institutional operations, and naming changes. Amendments were adopted to create state college regional consortium service organizations for rural colleges, remove a proposed out-of-state fee change for nonresident online students, extend university master plan update cycles from five to 10 years, and rename Hillsborough Community College as Hillsborough College. The bill also changed several references from specific minority categories to “underrepresented,” revised aid and waiver provisions, adjusted adult education and career program rules, and made other technical changes. Senators Smith and Davis questioned the shift away from enumerated categories, arguing it could obscure disparities affecting groups such as Black students, women in STEM, and students with disabilities; Calatayud said the intent was to focus on socioeconomic access and flexibility for institutions. After debate, the committee voted 6-2 to report the bill favorably, with Senators Davis and Smith voting no, and then adjourned.