Video & Transcript : 'Florida Legislature' :
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MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Commerce Feb 16th, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- We have recent data from Florida, which was adopted in similar reforms, reducing the timeline from four
- This proposal has been played out in Florida.
- As the markets have stabilized, companies that had left Florida are now coming back in.
- So real quick on the Florida thing, because it's two witnesses in a row, talk about Florida.
- And we are, as a state legislature, determining predetermined outcomes regardless of the case?
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 1645, which would reduce Missouri’s general personal injury statute of limitations from five years to two years for claims after August 28, 2026, while also extending the civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims from 10 years to 20 years after the victim turns 21. Representative Overcast and supporters from the insurance and business communities argued the change would improve Missouri’s business climate, lower insurance costs, and align the state with most others; opponents, including trial lawyers and victim advocates, warned that shortening the filing window would harm injured adults and sexual abuse survivors who need more time to come forward. Representative Sites supported the child sexual abuse expansion but said broader retroactivity work was still ongoing. No vote was taken in the hearing itself, but the bill drew both support and opposition testimony.
The committee then heard House Bill 1610 and House Bill 2182, both of which were described as similar proposals to shorten the general civil statute of limitations, with HB 1610 moving from five years to three years and HB 2182 moving from five years to two years. Supporters repeated the same business-climate and insurance-rate arguments, while opponents repeated concerns about access to justice and the time needed to investigate complex injuries. Several witnesses from the insurance, chamber, farm bureau, railroad, and business groups testified in support, and some said they preferred two years over three. The chair noted the testimony was largely repetitive across the bills, and the hearings concluded without recorded votes in the transcript.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2714, which would change Missouri from a pure comparative fault system to a modified comparative fault system, barring recovery if a plaintiff is found more than 50% at fault. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would make Missouri more business-friendly and more consistent with neighboring states, while opponents from the trial bar argued it would unfairly cut off recovery for injured people and that juries already apportion fault under current law. Testimony focused on how fault percentages are determined, the effect on settlements and trials, and examples such as car crashes and product liability cases. The hearing ended with continued opposition testimony and no final committee action reported in the transcript.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, we will take up tab 4, a presentation on Florida dairy farms by Florida farmers Jacob Larson and
- Dairy farmer advocates such as Florida Farm Bureau and United Dairy Farmers of Florida allow us to have
- The people are in Florida. The consumers are in Florida.
- How can we incentivize fluid processing plants in the state of Florida to be here for Florida-produced
- milk for the Florida consumers?
Committee:
Senate Agriculture
Summary:
The Committee on Agriculture convened, took roll, and heard Senate Bill 58 by Senator Harrow, which would create regulation for companion animal cremation. Harrow described a case involving mishandled pet remains and said the bill would require written service descriptions, prohibit false or misleading statements, require certification with returned remains, authorize Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services rulemaking, and impose civil penalties for violations. With no questions or public opposition, the committee voted the bill favorably.
The committee then heard presentations on robotics in agriculture and aquaculture. Dr. Nathan Boyd of UF/IFAS discussed the rapid growth of agricultural robotics, including AI-driven weed detection, targeted spraying, autonomous tractors, and harvesting technology, emphasizing reduced pesticide use, lower input costs, and labor-saving automation. Dr. Nicole Kirchoff of Live Advantage Bait and Adrian Johnson of the Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association highlighted aquaculture’s economic and environmental value, Florida’s strong position in the industry, and challenges including hurricane losses, lack of insurance, land-use instability, capital access, and water quality. They urged support for working waterfronts, risk mitigation, and policies to help the sector commercialize and expand.
The committee also heard from dairy producers Kevin Lusher and Jacob Larson. Lusher described his family’s dairy and artisan cheese business, noting reliance on USDA grants, rising costs, labor shortages, and regulatory burdens, and asked for more grant support, marketing for Fresh From Florida products, and permanent funding for Farmers Feeding Florida. Larson discussed the broader dairy market, declining herd sizes due to efficiency gains, high production costs in Florida, and competition from out-of-state processing, suggesting incentives for local processing and supply management. Finally, FDOT Chief Planner Wayway Schen presented on arterial and local road funding programs, including ART, ARTW, SCOP, SCRAP, CIGP, and TRIP, and said rural road needs remain significant, with more than $16 billion in unfunded or partially funded project needs. The committee adjourned after brief discussion and thanks to the presenters.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So was the Florida Department of Law Enforcement get that background screening?
- What we're doing in the state of Florida is the envy of the country.
- The choice should be now all of the schools in the state of Florida.
- Lois Florida PTA is Danny McMIllan is waiving in support. Sure.
- Inputs tell from Florida PTA is waiving in support.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 29, 2026 - 09:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Barney Bishop, Florida Smart Justice Alliance, waves in support.
- Todd Lewis, Florida Chiropractic Association, waves in support.
- Christian Minor, Florida Chiropractic Society, waves in support.
- It provides for the Florida Senate President and the Florida House Speaker to appoint one member to the
- It provides for the Florida Senate President and the Florida House Speaker to appoint one member to the
Summary:
The Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered several health-related bills. HB 887, reducing medical marijuana registry card fees to $15 for honorably discharged veterans, drew support from veterans’ advocates and cannabis groups as a way to lower a financial barrier to care; it passed 18-0 and was reported favorably. HB 733, a Department of Health bill covering medical marijuana treatment center setbacks, physician certification renewals, low-THC/cannabis definitions, emergency license suspension for certain murder-related arrests, dental loan repayment area definitions, Early Steps policy cleanup, and autism microcredential eligibility, received mixed testimony from cannabis advocates who objected to some marijuana-related changes and zoning impacts; it also passed 18-0. HB 259, removing the $1,500 cap on pre-treatment funds held in trust by chiropractic physicians, was described as a free-market change supported by chiropractic groups and passed 18-0.
The committee also approved PCS for HB 1443, creating a statewide Parkinson’s Disease Registry within the existing Parkinson’s Disease Research Institute and adding appointments to the consortium board, with USF support and no opposition; it passed 18-0. HB 1445, the related public records exemption for the registry, adopted an amendment adding the required public necessity statement and sunset date of October 2, 2031, then passed 18-0. HB 1309, which would standardize and speed patient access to medical records and align nursing home timelines with federal requirements, drew opposition from an information systems group concerned about data mining and portal access, while supporters argued it would improve patient access and care coordination; it passed 17-1 and was reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Feb 12th, 2025
Ways and Means Education
Transcript Highlights:
- You can look to the far right and see that Florida and Texas don't have income taxes either.
- Texas has a two billion dollar lottery, and Florida also has significant revenue from theirs.
- What was the last COLA the legislature gave? It was for 2007.
- Either the legislature or some other governing body grants the retiree COLA.
- The legislature would just appropriate that.
Committee:
House Ways and Means Education
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So it's not just impacting Florida citizens and Florida agriculture.
- So it's not just impacting Florida citizens and Florida agriculture.
- in Florida.
- This was built in 2018 with funds from the Florida Legislature, the governor, the beekeepers, as well
- as from the Florida State Beekeepers Association and the University of Florida.
Committee:
Senate Agriculture
Summary:
The Committee on Agriculture heard two informational presentations before taking up legislation. Tracy Dean of Conservation Florida described the organization’s work protecting wild and working lands, especially ranch and timber lands within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and argued that agricultural conservation easements are essential to preserving habitat, water resources, family farms, and the corridor itself. Senators discussed how conservation easements can help family operations remain viable across generations, and Dean emphasized strong demand for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and Florida Forever funding. Dr. Jamie Ellis of the University of Florida then gave a detailed presentation on honeybees, their role in pollination and Florida agriculture, and major threats such as Varroa mites, queen quality, nutrition issues, hurricanes, and the yellow-legged hornet; senators asked about colony losses, pollination alternatives, and the economic importance of beekeeping in Florida.
The committee then considered SB 210 on animal cremation, sponsored by Senator Harrell. The bill was described as a response to a case involving mishandled pet cremation and would require crematories to provide clear disclosures about services, prohibit false or misleading information, and authorize civil penalties enforced by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. Next, the committee took up SJR 318, a joint resolution by Chair Truenow creating a proposed ad valorem tax exemption for tangible personal property used in agricultural production or agritourism on agricultural land and owned by the landowner or leaseholder. Several industry and agency representatives appeared in support, and the resolution was also reported favorably by unanimous vote.
The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment motioned by Senator Rouson.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 13, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Notice if I select Florida homeschool, select my student's grade level.
- So I'll go back to a Florida private school.
- And going through that process, I just want to say, I'm from Central Florida.
- And going through that process, I just want to say, I'm from Central Florida.
- Florida, so very, very grateful for your hard work.
Summary:
The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee met to continue reviewing how Family Empowerment Scholarship students are funded through the FEFP and the role of scholarship funding organizations. Staff gave a statutory overview of parent, SFO, and Department of Education responsibilities, including application deadlines, eligibility verification, quarterly payment timing, cross-checks to prevent duplicate funding, and the 99% district FEFP limitation for certain awards. The committee then heard demonstrations from Step Up for Students and AAA Scholarship Foundation showing their parent portals, application workflows, reimbursement systems, school enrollment/invoice processes, and marketplace tools for tuition, tutoring, and approved goods and services.
Step Up reported major growth since HB 1, saying its scholarship population expanded from about 260,000 to more than 440,000 students, with application processing averaging about 10 days. It also highlighted faster tuition, provider, and reimbursement payments, multilingual support in English and Spanish, and resources such as videos and a call center. Members asked about support for Creole speakers, optional Florida ID numbers, student identifiers, marketplace pricing, tutor qualifications, background screening, and how awards differ from funded status. Step Up said it does not currently support Creole, does not do background screenings for tutors, sets no marketplace prices itself, and uses a unique internal student ID separate from the state ID.
AAA demonstrated its revised software for the 2025-26 school year, including an eligibility screener, household and student application steps, messaging with staff, reimbursement requests, and administrative review and payment batching. AAA said the new system is custom-built, more transparent about award value versus available balance, and designed to better handle quarterly funding for UA students. Members questioned AAA and Step Up about student ID numbers, public-school cross-checks, fraud controls, school fee schedules, whether schools must participate, and reimbursement timing. Both organizations said they report quarterly to DOE, receive public-school cross-checks, and recover funds when students return to public school; AAA said its average reimbursement turnaround is about 14 business days, while Step Up said its reimbursement approvals have improved significantly. The committee also requested follow-up information, including one-pagers, data on income levels and demographics, and additional details on forecasting and system costs.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 21, 2026 - 09:15 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Gregory Black, Florida Nonprofit Alliance, waiving in support.
- members across the great state of Florida.
- Sam Wegner, Florida League of Cities, waiving in support.
- In fact, when Googling how to place a public notice in Florida, Florida Public Notice.com appears with
- Aaron, Florida Family Voice in support. Sam Wagner, Florida League of Cities in support.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 28, 2026 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Amelia Spanek, Florida for All waives in opposition. Chair Botana: All right.
- We have Florida Cattlemen's Association, proponent. Thank you, sir.
- Travis Mar, Florida Springs Council, is an opponent. You are recognized.
- Chair Botana: David Reddick, Resilience Florida waives in support.
- Next we have Peter from Florida Association of Counties waives in support.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Mar 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- HOWEVER THE PROGRAM ITSELF GIVEN WE HAVE OVER 100 OF THEM IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, THEY WOULD DECIDE
- BETH GERHART AND I AM A CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR IN CENTRAL FLORIDA.
- MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER CHRISTIAN FAMILY COALITION OF FLORIDA AND WE
- MY NAME IS ALAN ABRAMOWITZ, CEO OF ARC OF FLORIDA.
- Brodeur: WELCOME TO THE FLORIDA SENATE.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Budget Commission Feb 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The transfer of funds supports the phased demobilization plan for the Florida National Guard.
- I'm not sure exactly what the duties are for the Florida National Guard.
- The Florida Cancer Hospital Program provides eligible Florida cancer hospital supplemental payments to
- State Hospital, Northeast Florida State Hospital, and South Florida State Hospital.
- Florida KidCare is jointly financed with state and federal funds.
Summary:
The Legislative Budget Commission met with a quorum present and considered 12 budget amendments, most of which were adopted without opposition. The first amendment transferred $8.2 million in Department of Corrections general revenue authority from salary incentives to contracted services to support the phased demobilization of Florida National Guard troops assisting with correctional staffing. Senator Pizzo questioned the length of the Guard’s deployment and urged a long-term staffing solution, while the department said the Guard presence was being reduced and that about 2,200 employees were in training. The Department of State received an additional $618,391 in federal grant authority for library grants and private cloud costs, and the Department of Transportation’s two amendments were zero-sum work program changes: one realigned funds to production-ready projects and another added three projects over $3 million each to the current-year work program.
The commission then approved several Agency for Health Care Administration amendments tied to Medicaid supplemental payment programs. These included funding for the Florida Cancer Hospital Program, indirect medical education payments, disproportionate share hospital payments for the state mental hospitals, the Low-Income Pool program, physician supplemental and public hospital payments, Florida KidCare, and Medicaid services realignment. Members asked about possible federal disallowances in the LIP and physician/public hospital programs, and agency staff said some disallowances were likely but the amount was not yet known. For KidCare and Medicaid, staff explained the changes were based on the December estimating conference, enrollment shifts, and updated actuarial assumptions, including changes to managed care regions and program design.
The final amendment restored budget authority for a hospital direct payment program after a prior payment, including a $24.3 million CMS-related amount and $3.2 million in administrative fees, was not processed before fiscal year-end and reverted. Senator Pizzo pressed the agency on how the payment was missed and whether any penalty applied; staff said the invoice was not received and processed in time and that communication issues contributed. After brief debate on each item, the commission adopted all amendments, with one recorded nay on the final item, and then adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The other thing is that it includes that all students in Florida can have access to Florida Virtual School
- They're Florida employees of the state, just like our regular teachers, and have access to Florida retirement
- Melanie Bostic, representing Florida Virtual School, waves in support.
- Melanie Bostic representing Florida Virtual School waves in support.
- Tom State College of Florida, waves in support.
Committee:
House Education & Employment Committee
Summary:
The Education and Employment Committee heard and voted on several education-related bills. HB 129 on Florida Virtual School was presented as a cleanup bill responding to audit-related statutory updates; it would remove priority language, allow all Florida students and eligible overseas military dependents access, clarify teacher employment/retirement status, permit local schools to administer required exams, and authorize direct support organizations. The bill drew support from Seminole State College and Florida Virtual School and was reported favorably 15-0.
HB 423 on student elopement, sponsored by Reps. Eskamani and Tramont, would require schools to establish safety teams and procedures to prevent and respond to elopement by students with autism or similar needs. Testimony from the Autism Society of Greater Orlando and a student advocate emphasized safety risks and the need for clear school protocols. Members spoke strongly in support, and the bill passed unanimously 16-0. CS for CS for HB 753 on school counselors removed two certification barriers, kept the master’s degree requirement, and aligned evaluations with Florida school counseling standards; school counselor groups and several members argued it would help address counselor shortages and workload issues. It also passed unanimously 16-0.
The committee also approved CS for CS for HB 1253, which would let school-employed coaches use up to $15,000 per team per year of personal funds to support student-athletes with items like food, transportation, therapy, and rehabilitation, with an amendment requiring written parental consent. Several members raised concerns about liability, fairness, and guardrails, but the bill passed 17-0. PCS for CS for HB 833 on private school facilities would allow small private schools of 150 students or fewer to locate in commercial or mixed-use zoning without rezoning and to use certain existing buildings if fire and life-safety standards are met; members discussed traffic, school zones, and proximity to dispensaries, and it passed 15-0. PCS for CS for HB 1325 on the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund clarified matching contributions, allowed use of funds for expansion or modernization of existing space, and permitted two-year awards; it passed 16-0. Finally, CS for HB 1437 on conversion charter schools created dispute-resolution options over facility maintenance and, via amendment, allowed capital outlay funding if the charter assumes full maintenance responsibility; despite some opposition, it passed 13-3. The committee then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-12 (10:30AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Constitution and the Florida Constitution.
- That's what he did, not only for Florida State. That's what he did for the state of Florida.
- Florida State fan because of this man.
- Florida State fan because of this man.
- being governed by the state of Florida.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Mar 5th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- several important things to improve the lives of Florida's veterans and strengthen the work of the Florida
- We're also completing ties between Veterans Florida and FDVA to require Veterans Florida and FDVA to
- We ask our veterans to do a lot more with less all the time, but this year the Florida Senate wants to
- I'm Stacey Hall, the Executive Vice President and CEO for the Florida Pharmacy Association.
- Mario Lopez, Florida Chapter American College of Cardiology. You're recognized, sir.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services took up two bills. Senator Burgess presented SB 116, the Senate Veterans Package, which would reduce the number of Veterans Hall of Fame nominations, expand FDVA health survey and coordination efforts, add mental health training to the veterans suicide prevention pilot program, fix statutory references, improve coordination between Veterans Florida and FDVA, and require FDVA to develop a plan for adult day health care facilities for veterans and their families. An amendment was adopted to appropriate $300,000 for the suicide prevention training pilot and $50,000 for the health survey. The bill was supported in debate, especially for the adult day care provision, and CS/SB 116 was reported favorably by roll call vote.
The committee then heard SB 294 by Senator Harrell, which would exclude specified cardiac conditions—such as heart failure, coronary heart disease, and cardiac arrhythmias—from the list of chronic health conditions that may be managed under collaborative pharmacy practice agreements. Senator Harrell argued that these complex conditions require direct physician involvement and that pharmacists should not be making medication changes for severe cardiac patients based on protocols alone. Senator Rouson asked why heart conditions had been included previously, and Vice Chair Davis asked about fiscal impact; Harrell said there would be no state cost, though patients might face additional out-of-pocket expenses, which she said could be offset by avoiding more serious complications.
Public testimony on SB 294 was divided. The Florida Pharmacy Association opposed the bill, arguing that collaborative practice agreements are voluntary, physician-controlled, and already include safeguards, and that pharmacists are highly trained to help manage chronic conditions and improve access and outcomes. A cardiologist with the Florida Chapter of the American College of Cardiology supported the bill, warning that cardiac patients are complex and that pharmacists may make dangerous decisions without the full clinical picture. Senator Burton also supported the bill, saying the original collaborative practice framework was not intended to let pharmacists diagnose or treat serious cardiac disease. SB 294 was then reported favorably by roll call vote. At the end of the meeting, Senators Rodriguez and Garcia asked to be recorded in the affirmative on SB 116, and the committee adjourned without further business.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Oct 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- the whole gamut of Florida from South Florida, all the way up to Pensacola, with our agricultural operations
- I've been in Florida 19 years, almost 19 years now.
- And I've been able to see all of Florida and really the public service side of Florida has been something
- And Florida is the largest population state of bears.
- hunting in the state of Florida.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- First we have Karen Murillo with a R p of Florida waiving in support.
- very much want to work with the legislature to stamp out fraud.
- Christopher Hodge is up next with Florida Credit Union Association, Mr.
- I represent the Florida Credit Union Association over 100 credit unions throughout the state of Florida
- I'd like 45 to be Florida and that is the bill.
Committee:
House Commerce Committee
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We will treat farms like other critical infrastructure in Florida.
- And then there are obviously world swallowed forms of Florida as well.
- Trip honor Florida Farm Bureau waiving in support Alex Haley, Florida, Department of AG and Consumer
- Florida under water is in fact, medication and not necessary.
- Florida. The studies are clear, Dennis will say, oh, we have studies.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- A decorated Army veteran and a proud FSU alumnus, he later served in the Florida Senate and as President
- of Florida State University, where he was beloved for his steady leadership and deep compassion for
- House a Concurrent Resolution 1635, a concurrent resolution extending the 2025 regular session of Florida
- Legislature under the authority of Section Three D, Article Three of the State Constitution.
- Legislature under the authority of Section Three D, Article Three of the State Constitution.
Keywords:
legislative session extension, General Appropriations Act, budget process, session deadlines
Summary:
The Florida House of Representatives convened for a brief session focused on procedural matters. Representative McClure moved to waive rules and introduce House Bill 5017 and House Joint Resolution 5019. The primary business was Representative Garrison's House Concurrent Resolution 1635, which extends the 2025 regular legislative session until 11:59 PM on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The resolution specifies that only the General Appropriations Act (GAA), its implementing bill, and an enumerated list of conforming bills, joint resolutions, and general bills may be considered during the extension. All other legislative measures will be indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration as of 12:00 AM on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The resolution was adopted.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 28, 2026 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- We have Brandon Edmondson from the Florida Dental Association waving in support.
- Florida prides itself on high standards, and our health care system should be no exception.
- Laura Lee Mintello waving in support from Disability Rights Florida. Valerie.
- Breen, Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, waving in support.
- And then Ron Watson, Florida Voices for Health waves in support.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- FLORIDA LEADS THE U.S.
- WE HAVE JUDGE TONY ROBERTS FLORIDA CONFERENCE OF JUDGES. WAIVING IN SUPPORT.
- MICHELE COMBS CHRISTIAN COALITION OF FLORIDA WAIVING IN SUPPORT.
- ALBERT TOLEDO YES FLORIDA POLICY WAIVING IN SUPPORT. DENISE ROCK FLORIDA CARES WAIVING IN SUPPORT.
- GUS CABELLO FLORIDA RIGHTS COALITION WAIVING IN SUPPORT.