Video & Transcript : 'tourism activities' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Governor Gavin Newsom's State of the State Address Jan 8th, 2026
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- was widely respected as one of the most accomplished trial attorneys in central Texas and remained active
- while empowering citizens through voter education, advocacy training, and community engagement activities
- members of this select program have every opportunity to meet with folks from business and industry, tourism
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Galveston County is just not the hub for commerce and tourism but also for civic leadership and community
- She has been active with preserving East Austin's murals as part of Arte Tejas and attempting to prevent
- It'd be 9:30 by Kane relates to the requirements of the activation of the Texas.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Galveston County is just not the hub for commerce and tourism but also for civic leadership, and community
- She has been active with preserving East Austin's murals as part of Arte Tejas and attempting to prevent
- AB 930 by Cain relating to the requirements of the activation of the Texas National Guards Act of combat
Bills:
HCR21 , HCR22 , HCR23 , HCR24 , HCR25 , HCR26 , HCR27 , HCR31 , HCR41 , HCR42 , HCR43 , HCR44 , HCR45 , HCR52 , HCR53 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR73 , HR8 , HR10 , HR13 , HR20 , HR21 , HR50 , HR59 , HR61 , HR71 , HR74 , HR79 , HR84 , HR86 , HR90 , HR91 , HR102 , HR103 , HR107 , HR113 , HR125 , HR126 , HR132 , HR142 , HR145 , HR149 , HR150 , HR152 , HR167 , HR179 , HR181 , HR183 , HR186 , HR192 , HR196 , HR199 , HR207 , HR211 , HR212 , HR213 , HR216 , HR249 , HR256 , HR259 , HR261 , HR263 , HR272 , HR281 , HR285 , HR294 , HR295 , HR300 , HR305 , HR311 , HR313 , HR315 , HR316 , HR323 , HR331 , HR339 , HR340 , HR346 , HR349 , HR352 , HR357 , HR358 , HR360 , HR363 , HR374 , HR377 , HCR20 , HCR28 , HCR30 , HCR32 , HCR49 , HR14 , HR15 , HR19 , HR23 , HR24 , HR25 , HR26 , HR27 , HR29 , HR47 , HR48 , HR55 , HR56 , HR66 , HR85 , HR92 , HR93 , HR95 , HR96 , HR140 , HR155 , HR164 , HR204 , HR241 , HR242 , HR250 , HR253 , HR260 , HR262 , HR265 , HR279 , HR310 , HR312 , HR328 , HR332 , HR359 , HR362 , HR367
Keywords:
recognition, award, petroleum industry, leadership, community service, HCR 22, House Concurrent Resolution, Texas Legislature, commendation, honorary resolution, Dr. James Olson, James Olson, University of Texas Permian Basin, UT Permian Basin, psychology professor, 50 years of service, faculty recognition, academic award, Piper Professor Award, Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- She began her civil rights activism in the early 1960s with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
- What this bill does is just allows grants for education, civic, community, and tourism activities within
Bills:
SJR 5 , SJR 36 , SJR 5 , SJR 5 , SR 105 , SR 121 , SB 17 , SB 19 , SB 25 , SB 28 , SB 17 , SB 19 , SB 25 , SB 28
Keywords:
bail, felony offenses, criminal justice reform, public safety, constitutional amendment, school safety, mental health, emergency response, education policy, law enforcement, SR 121, Senate Resolution 121, Pete Alfaro, Pedro Cuellar Alfaro, Pedro Alfaro, Baytown, Texas Senate tribute, in memory, memorial resolution, condolence resolution
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
ECD Public Hearing - Thu Apr 17, 2025 @ 10:30 AM HST
Economic Development & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- Gambling invites addiction, human trafficking, corruption, and criminal activity.
- Dangers we cannot afford to activity.
- Three, examine the potential for gaming<00:49:52.319><c> activities</c><00:49:52.640><c> at</c><00:49
- :52.800><c> the</c><00:49:52.880><c> new</c><00:49:53.359><c> stadium</c> gaming activities at the new
- stadium gaming activities at the new stadium entertainment<00:49:54.079><c> district</c><00:49:54.480
Committee:
House Economic Development & Technology
Summary:
The Economic Development Technology Committee met on April 17, 2025, to hear STR 121, a resolution to form a working group to explore legalized gaming in Hawaii. Supporters, including DBED, labor representatives, and some industry interests, argued the measure would allow the state to gather more information, consider economic growth, job creation, investment, and tax revenue, and include a range of viewpoints before any final policy decision. Several supporters emphasized that a working group would help ensure informed decision-making and community input.
Opponents argued that legalized gambling would disproportionately harm low-income residents and Native Hawaiians, increase addiction and related social harms, and bring crime, corruption, and human trafficking. Some cited examples from other states, illegal game rooms in Hawaii, and concerns that gambling revenue would be limited while social costs would be high. Others said the conversation should be led by local communities rather than industry stakeholders, and one testifier requested community representation on any working group for a potential stadium-area project.
The committee also heard from witnesses who framed the measure as a way to address money leaving the state and to create a regulated alternative to illegal gambling. No vote or final action on STR 121 was taken during the hearing, and the chair noted the committee would need to adjourn in time for floor session if the hearing ran long.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration May 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, so we've definitely seen that development activity, and it just didn't take.
- The goal here is to create a more stable and equitable funding source for this activity.
- Second, to provide authority for DCC to seal locations where illicit activity is occurring.
- , raising fees, or finding some other revenue source to support the enforcement activities.
- So we're at least being able to support that activity.
Summary:
The subcommittee first heard an informational presentation on the May Revision’s proposed reorganization of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency into separate housing-focused and consumer/business-focused entities. Administration officials said the split would improve oversight, streamline decision-making, and create a dedicated California Housing and Homelessness Agency with a new housing development and finance committee. The Department of Finance said funding was needed in 2025-26 to begin implementation, while the LAO recommended rejecting the proposal without prejudice because the Little Hoover Commission review was still pending and the plan would require ongoing General Fund costs. Members raised concerns about the timing, the lack of alignment with the budget process, and whether the reorganization would improve accountability for homelessness spending; several public witnesses supported the concept but stressed it could not substitute for new housing and homelessness dollars.
The committee then took up the Department of Veterans Affairs. CalVet requested funding for phase three of its electronic health care record project and a trailer bill to preserve authority for federal background checks, but the May Revision withdrew requests for deferred maintenance and additional administrative support. The LAO noted deferred maintenance can prevent larger future costs, and the chair criticized the withdrawal of less than $1 million for veterans’ homes as short-sighted given existing repair needs. No vote was taken.
Next, the Department of Housing and Community Development presented its budget. HCD said the May Revision provides no new affordable housing or homelessness funding, but does retain existing rounds of funding and proposes a $31.7 million reversion from undersubscribed housing programs. Members from both parties expressed concern about zeroing out ongoing housing and homelessness investments, especially for LIHTC, the Multifamily Housing Program, and HAP. HCD also defended its homelessness accountability and compliance work, saying the unit includes about 30 program staff and six attorneys, with three additional attorneys requested mainly to handle public records and litigation workload. Public commenters largely opposed the lack of new funding and urged continued support for housing and homelessness programs, while some supported the reorganization and accountability efforts.
Finally, the committee heard Go-Biz proposals. The administration requested authority to increase funding for a federal trade program match if needed, plus reappropriations for administrative funds tied to the Containerized Ports Interoperability Grant Program, zero-emission vehicle operations, and the Women’s Business Center Enhancement Program. It also proposed withdrawing the Cal Competes grant request and reverting remaining funds from the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund. The LAO said Cal Competes is generally effective but could be cut as a budget solution, while warning that the performing arts fund was close to awards and should be considered carefully. Members objected to pulling back committed funds for performing arts organizations and questioned why the state would withdraw support after applications had already been submitted.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul where they are actively replacing lead service lines.
- our city every year, infuse $383 million annually into our local economy, and drive business, jobs, tourism
- A place that not only attracts even more world-class events, but also fuels the kind of activity, energy
- remains a destination for capital city remains a destination for entertainment,<01:43:43.119><c> tourism
- , tourism, and economic growth.<01:43:45.679><c> A</c><01:43:46.000><c> key</c><01:43:46.239><c> component
Committee:
Senate Capital Investment
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal without Calendar) Jun 4th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- fiscal year 2026 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities
- supplementing certain existing appropriations to provide for supplemental appropriations for certain other activities
- fiscal year 2026 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities
- Appropriations and for certain other activities and projects, H. 5470.
- Lucia and the Bahamas were able to sign the partnership agreement in tourism, education, and healthcare
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted two resolutions: one recognizing the town of Sturbridge on the 250th anniversary of the United States and another congratulating Zachary Erich on earning Eagle Scout. The chamber then handled several procedural matters, including suspending Joint Rule 12 on multiple petitions and adopting extension orders giving the Committee on Financial Services additional time to report on credit union and mortgage financing bills, with members emphasizing the extensions were limited and needed to complete ongoing work.
The Senate then took up House No. 4361, a bill relative to benefits for teachers, which was amended by Ways and Means and passed to be engrossed after extensive support from members. Senators described the measure as a long-delayed fix to the Retirement Plus program, creating a one-time window through June 30, 2027 for eligible teachers to buy in, with required back payments of missed contributions. The bill passed by a roll call of 39-0. The chamber also passed S. 3106 on toxic-free medical devices and S. 3107 on advancing the profession of commercial interior design, both after supportive floor debate.
The Senate later adopted a conference committee report on the FY26 supplemental budget, H. 5470, after debate over its major spending items. Supporters highlighted municipal winter relief, MBTA operating and capital support, education funding, housing incentives, and collective bargaining agreements, while opponents criticized MBTA subsidies, legal defense funding, and tax-related provisions. The report was approved by roll call, and the bill was passed to be enacted. The Senate also enacted several local bills, including measures for Berkeley recall elections, a Milton school construction deadline extension, a Lexington parkland exchange, and long-term municipal roads and bridges financing.
Near the end of the session, the Senate concurred in a House amendment to S. 2563, a broad bill revising laws affecting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities by replacing outdated and offensive terminology in 346 sections of the General Laws. Members described it as a dignity and language modernization measure. The Senate adopted the emergency preamble and passed the bill to be enacted. The session concluded with an adjournment order to meet again the following Monday, and the day’s adjournment was dedicated to the memory of Richard Louis Volpe of Sturbridge.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We actually see increased subdivision activity within our CCN where developers need properties with instructions
- The difference between environmental activism And conservation. His money and management.
- An organization And truthfully we're all environmentally active.
- These efforts support local economies through agriculture, hunting, fishing, recreation, and tourism.
- This report requires agency programs to close out calendar year activities.
Bills:
HB 937 , HB 2078 , HB 2080 , HB 3322 , HB 3350 , HB 4212 , HB 4630 , HB 4896 , HB 4951 , HB 5348 , HB 5675 , SB 565 , SB 971 , SB 1662 , SB 2124
Committee:
House Natural Resources
Keywords:
special districts, notice requirements, Water Code, government transparency, public meetings, meeting notice, transparency, public engagement, notice, elections, groundwater management, water conservation, joint planning, environmental impact, desired future conditions, groundwater, conservation district, environmental quality, regulatory review, water utility
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We actually see increased subdivision activity within our CCN, where developers deed property with instructions
- The relationship between environmental activism and conservation is funding. ...and management and organization
- Truthfully, we're all environmentally active. All of us want to help the environment.
- These efforts support local economies through agriculture, hunting, fishing, recreation, and tourism.
- This report requires agency programs to close out calendar year activities, which includes gathering
Bills:
HB937 , HB2078 , HB2080 , HB3322 , HB3350 , HB4212 , HB4630 , HB4896 , HB4951 , HB5348 , HB5675 , SB565 , SB971 , SB1662 , SB2124
Committee:
House Natural Resources
Keywords:
special districts, notice requirements, Water Code, government transparency, public meetings, meeting notice, transparency, public engagement, notice, elections, groundwater management, water conservation, joint planning, environmental impact, desired future conditions, groundwater, conservation district, environmental quality, regulatory review, water utility
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TCA, TCA-EIG Public Hearings 04-10-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And testifying first is the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.
- He's been very active internationally as well. Thank you. you.
- He's<00:07:50.479><c> been</c><00:07:50.720><c> very</c><00:07:51.039><c> active</c><00:07:51.599><c>
- internationally</c><00:07:52.479><c> as</c> He's been very active internationally as He's been very
- active internationally as well.<00:07:53.520><c> Thank</c><00:07:53.680><c> you.
Summary:
The committee heard and then voted on several concurrent resolutions. HCR 71, asking the Coalina Golf Club to work with the Department of Transportation to prevent golf balls from reaching Fington Highway, drew no opposition in testimony; a member thanked the golf club for cooperating after a constituent’s windshield was struck, and the measure was passed unamended. HCR 19 HD1, supporting Taiwan’s international participation and a U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement, received only DBED testimony in support and was passed with technical amendments. HCR 163, urging the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to establish an annual Pacific Island culture and arts festival, was supported by DBEDT and the foundation itself, which said it would welcome such a festival subject to funding and staff resources; it was passed unamended.
In the later joint session, HCR 70 on accelerating sustainable aviation fuels received support from the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, while DOT said it is already working on clean fuels through its greenhouse-gas reduction efforts and that the resolution would mainly require a more targeted progress report; the measure passed, with one no vote in the joint committee vote. HCR 123, on a restricted parking zone pilot program in West Oahu neighborhoods, had no oral testimony and was passed with technical amendments. HCR 57, on a traffic mitigation and calming study in Waipahu, also had no testimony and was passed unamended. HCR 112, urging Honolulu to adopt a pedestrian-first policy, drew broad support from public health, planning, bicycling, and student witnesses, though one testifier urged coordination with existing county plans; it passed unamended. HCR 177, encouraging a summer streets pilot program, also passed unamended.
For HCR 203, urging Maui County to prioritize planning for the Kihei North-South Collector Road, the chairs proposed technical amendments to correct the responsible agency from the Planning Department to the Public Works Department, and the measure passed with those amendments. Across the meetings, the committee repeatedly noted when there were no further questions or testimony, and each resolution was adopted by the committee after the stated recommendations.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- She's the active on-site coordinator.
- A lot of creative activities.
- A lot of creative activities.
- So today, Anna's days are filled with activities that her caregivers help her choose.
- So today, Anna's days are filled with activities that her caregivers help her choose.
Committee:
All TASK FORCE ON AUTISM
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The agency will inspect the pits as part of its inspection. to ensure no oil and gas activities pollute
- With gaining a better understanding of the root causes of surface breakouts and seismic activities.
- Thank you. is remediation activities.
- Associated with different activities that the agency may be developing in terms of our work.
- and tourism revenue.
Committee:
Senate Finance
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Care & Wellness Jan 27th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Health Care & Wellness
Transcript Highlights:
- The Department of Health must also conduct system oversight activities, such as establishing a statewide
- We must stay and actively manage that patient. And that's why anesthesia is billed by time.
- This fear of medical tourism is unfounded because the vast majority of Washington hospitals have not
- health condition, yet public disclosure of past enforcement actions, especially when someone is actively
- Now, I just want to be clear again, we are, again, actively working.
Committee:
House Health Care & Wellness
Keywords:
anesthesia services, healthcare access, reimbursement, patient care, equitable treatment, emergency services, healthcare outcomes, health infrastructure, system improvement, charity care, residency requirements, medical assistance, low-income, HB 2340, nursing assistants, nurse aide, substance use disorder monitoring program, monitoring program, credentialing, licensure
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Care & Wellness Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The Department of Health must also conduct system oversight activities, such as establishing a statewide
- We must stay and actively manage that patient. And that's why anesthesia is billed by time.
- This fear of medical tourism is unfounded because the vast majority of Washington hospitals have not
- health condition, yet public disclosure of past enforcement actions, especially when someone is actively
- Now, I just want to be clear again, we are actively working.
Summary:
The House Health Care & Wellness Committee held public hearings on several bills. House Bill 2232 would create a Department of Health-operated time-sensitive emergency data repository covering trauma, cardiac, and stroke events, with quality improvement reporting and support for rural facilities; it drew strong support from emergency physicians, nurses, and the Department of Health, while the Washington State Hospital Association said hospitals support the goal but lack the resources to absorb the added requirements. House Bill 1812, as a proposed substitute, would bar insurers and public plans from imposing anesthesia time limits or related reimbursement caps; the sponsor and anesthesia providers said it protects patient safety and fair payment, and the Washington State Society of Anesthesiologists asked for a clarifying amendment on physical status modifiers. House Bill 2250 would limit hospital charity care to Washington residents, while preserving emergency care access; supporters from rural hospitals and the Washington State Hospital Association said the change would help border hospitals facing rising nonresident charity care, and opponents from legal aid, patient advocacy, and LGBTQ groups warned it would create barriers, chill access for immigrants and other vulnerable patients, and conflict with Washington’s safety-net values.
The committee also heard House Bill 2340, which would extend existing substance-use monitoring program protections and stipend eligibility to nursing assistants under the Board of Nursing’s CARES program. The sponsor described it as a simple equity measure, and the Board of Nursing supported it, saying it would improve access and reduce stigma; members asked where the stipend funding comes from, and staff and the board said it is currently general-fund supported at about $25,000 annually. House Bill 2577 would change hospital inspection law by requiring acute care hospital inspections every 18 months rather than on average, allowing some accredited inspections to satisfy the requirement every 36 months, and clarifying fire-protection reinspection standards; the sponsor and Department of Health said it responds to a JLARC audit and provides needed clarity, while DOH said it is still working to catch up from inspection delays caused by the public health emergency. The meeting ended after public testimony on the bills was closed and the committee adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 5, 2025 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Its enforcement activities include routine inspections to monitor compliance with statute.
- Thanks to this operation, Homeland Security is able to track this activity and support a much larger
- So explain to me, other than arrests, are there any other enforcement activities that you do when it
- We would go in and make arrests like we do every other enforcement activity that we have.
- Two of those permits are currently active, the two parks that I mentioned.
Summary:
The subcommittee first heard presentations on protecting minors from age-restricted products from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Attorney General’s office. DBPR described its Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco division’s licensing and enforcement work on alcohol, tobacco, nicotine, and hemp sales, including inspections, undercover underage-purchase operations, arrests, and coordination with the Attorney General on hemp and nicotine enforcement. Members asked about trends in youth use, retailer training, use of underage decoys in investigations, and whether additional education or penalties could help reduce sales to minors. The Attorney General’s office then outlined the new nicotine dispensing device directory created under last year’s law, explaining the criteria for listing devices attractive to minors, the notice process for manufacturers and retailers, and enforcement consequences once listed devices become contraband. Members discussed online sales, product descriptions, notice to industry, and whether more outreach to parents, schools, and local partners could help.
The committee then took up House Bill 105, which would decouple thoroughbred pari-mutuel permit holders from the requirement to conduct live racing in order to operate card rooms/slot gaming. The bill sponsor said the measure would align thoroughbred permits with other live-event permits and argued the industry is already declining and heavily subsidized, so the Legislature should not force a private business to keep an unprofitable line of business. An amendment by Rep. Yeager was adopted to remove live-racing requirements for thoroughbred permit holders who are card room licensees, broadening the bill’s effect to include Tampa Bay Downs as well as Gulfstream Park. Public testimony was sharply divided: supporters said decoupling would give tracks flexibility and not end racing, while opponents from the thoroughbred breeding and racing industry warned it would undermine live racing, breeding, jobs, farmland, and the broader equine economy.
After debate, several members spoke in favor of the bill, emphasizing business flexibility, declining foal counts, and the view that the state should not require a private industry to maintain racing to keep gaming rights. Opponents argued the bill could damage a signature Florida industry and its economic impact. The committee then voted 10-6 to report HB 105 favorably, with several members voting no and some excused. The meeting then adjourned.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/15/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Holding Bitcoin is actively choosing the path of freedom over total control.
- Holding Bitcoin is actively choosing the path of freedom over total control.
- that is important underwriting activity that is important uh<01:55:03.199><c> to</c><01:55:03.520><c
- Our whole economy is based on tourism, so how does it impact that?
- </c><03:37:38.560><c> but</c> state where there are no tourism but state where there are no tourism but
Summary:
The House Commerce Committee opened a public hearing on House Bill 310, sponsored by Representative Keith Ammon, which would create a study commission to develop a legal framework for stable tokens and tokenized real-world assets. Ammon described stable tokens as blockchain-based digital tokens backed by U.S. dollars or treasuries, and tokenized real-world assets as representations of ownership in items such as gold, real estate, or artwork. He said the bill is intended to help New Hampshire get ahead of emerging financial markets while waiting to see how federal legislation develops.
Committee members asked about the purpose of the bill, the difference between this proposal and Bitcoin, whether state regulation could be preempted by federal law, and whether the commission could be balanced and avoid becoming a vehicle for fraud or money laundering. Ammon said the proposal is blockchain-agnostic, could apply to multiple networks, and is meant to regulate asset-backed tokens rather than create a state-issued coin. He emphasized that the state would not be guaranteeing the underlying assets, but would set rules requiring audits, proof of reserves, and honest representation of backing, with the Secretary of State’s securities office involved in oversight.
Several members raised concerns about the risks of stablecoins, including money laundering, tax evasion, and possible harm to the dollar or confusion about whether the state was endorsing a new currency. Ammon responded that the bill would not undermine the dollar and argued that tokenization could actually expand demand for U.S. currency by making it easier to use globally. He also said the state would not be in the business of weighing assets or directly valuing them, only ensuring a valid audit trail and one-to-one backing. The discussion ended with general agreement that the subject is complex and that a commission could help develop future legislation, but no vote or final action was taken in the hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 4/16/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- The tourism loan program, which was last funded in 2001.
- The tourism loan program, which was last funded in 2001.
- The tourism loan program, which was last funded in 2001.
- Whatever we think about the federal activity in our state, Chair Frasier, back to you.
- in our state, uh, Chair activity in our state, uh, Chair Frasier,<00:35:34.240><c> back</c><00:35:34.400
Bills:
HF3732
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Senators, we have developed a good government budget that provides for the transportation, tourism, and
- economic development activities of our state.
- I've been reading about activities where there's attendant charities and associations within agencies
- I've been reading about activities where there's attendant charities and associations within agencies
- Sometimes activities become a little stale.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several gallery introductions before taking up Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, on mental health. Senator Bradley explained that the bill is intended to divert clinically appropriate defendants with mental illness from jail to treatment, create pretrial mental health diversion programs, expand grant uses for mental health and substance abuse reinvestment, require evaluations and treatment follow-up in certain probation and prison settings, add Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, and establish a Florida Behavioral Health Data Repository. Senators from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing treatment over incarceration, public safety, and the Murphy family’s role in the bill. The Senate passed the bill 37-0 and then recorded 37 co-sponsors.
The chamber then moved into presentations on SB 2500, the 2025-26 General Appropriations Act. Chair Hooper said the Senate budget totals $117.4 billion, reduces overall spending from the prior year, maintains reserves, keeps employee health contributions level, and includes major investments in water quality, transportation, education infrastructure, and nearly $1 billion in education capital outlay. Committee chairs outlined their portions of the budget, including increased funding for K-12 schools and scholarships, higher education workforce programs, Medicaid and health services, corrections and courts, transportation and housing, and environmental restoration such as Everglades and water quality projects.
Members then asked extensive questions, especially about education funding, school choice, AP/IB and accelerated programs, the Family Empowerment Scholarship, and the FEFP calculations. Senator Burgess repeatedly explained that scholarship funding is being moved “below the line” to improve tracking and that the Senate position is to preserve funding while giving districts more flexibility. Senators also questioned the APD wait list for disability services, opioid settlement spending, arts funding, the My Safe Florida Home condo pilot, and proposed IT and agency restructuring. Several chairs said some issues would be resolved in conference, and no final vote on the budget was taken in the portion provided.