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.

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.

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.

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.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

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.

Keywords: 998, house, all

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.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

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.

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.

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.

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.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

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

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.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

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.

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.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We’re talking about a bill that amends chapter 634 in the Florida Statutes, which regulates auto and
• The Florida Legislature also made this exact change last year with motor vehicle extended warranty companies
• I have Tim Meenan, Florida Service Agreement Association, waiving and support.
• Tim Meenan, Florida Service Agreement Association, waiving and support. Any other public testimony?
• In the My Safe Florida Home program?

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and temporarily postponed SB 480 before taking up four bills. SB 282, relating to home service warranty association finance requirements, was explained as aligning Florida’s home warranty solvency rules with the framework already adopted for motor vehicle extended warranties. Two amendments were adopted: one correcting a cross-reference tied to the $100 million net worth option and another making a technical title change. A representative of the Florida Service Agreement Association waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered two proposed committee bills preserving public records exemptions. SB 7008 would continue the exemption for certain records held by the Office of Financial Regulation related to financial technology sandbox applications, with staff explaining the exemption is narrow and intended to protect proprietary information. SPB 7010 would continue the exemption for sensitive records held by the Department of Financial Services when acting as receiver for an insolvent insurer, including policyholder personal information, claim data, and trade secrets; staff said the exemption mirrors existing protections and allows consumers to request their own information. Both measures were moved as committee bills and reported favorably. Finally, SB 592 revising the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program was heard. The bill narrows eligibility to certain condominiums, changes owner approval from unanimous consent to 75%, and clarifies eligible roof mitigation techniques. Two amendments were adopted: one requiring the grant work to match the initial inspection report and comply with inspection requirements, and another limiting grants to work that results in a mitigation discount. Testimony was supportive, including from home inspectors and AARP Florida, and senators praised the program’s benefits for hardening homes and lowering insurance costs. SB 592 was reported favorably, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• CONSERVATION AND HELPED SHAPE MAJOR INSTITUTIONS INCLUDING LAW SCHOOLS AND THE COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AT FLORIDA
• A DECORATED ARMY VETERAN AND A PROUD FSU ALUMNI HE LATER SERVED IN THE FLORIDA SENATE AND IS PRESIDENT
• OF FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY WHERE HE WAS BELOVED FOR HIS STEADY LEADERSHIP AND DEEP COMPASSION FOR HIS
• HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1635 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE 2025 REGULAR SESSION OF THE FLORIDA
• LEGISLATURE UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF SECTION THREE D ARTICLE THREE OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION. >> Speaker

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Florida Legislature made this exact change, like I mentioned, last year with auto.
• Currently, UTVs are not permitted for street use within the state of Florida.
• Currently, UTVs are not permitted for street use within the state of Florida.
• Candice Rudd, the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar, waves in support.
• Florida Statute 817.312.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules met and considered a series of bills, beginning with CS/CS/SB 282 on home and service warranty association financial requirements. The bill would allow more than one collateral liability insurance policy to back a warranty license and make related financial requirement changes; an amendment clarifying policy options was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 280 on candidate qualification, which creates an enforceable requirement and private right of action for party-affiliation qualification rules, and SB 7004, an open government sunset review bill that continues a public records exemption related to housing assistance program applicants or participants after disasters. The committee then took up several member bills. CS/CS/CS/SB 88 would create an opt-in framework for local governments to allow utility terrain vehicles on certain roads, with safety requirements and insurance clarification added by amendment; supporters emphasized local transportation benefits and law enforcement tools, while several senators raised concerns about misuse in urban areas, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 106 would allow substitute service through the same electronic platform used by scammers in vulnerable adult exploitation cases, with a 30-day hold clarified by amendment; it received support from elder law and advocacy groups and was reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 262 made technical changes to the Florida Trust Code, including decanting, trustee actions, ademption by satisfaction, and homestead/community property trust treatment, and was also reported favorably. Additional bills approved included SB 402, which updates the unlawful use of uniforms, medals, or insignia statute by referring to armed forces as defined elsewhere in law; SB 700, which continues the public records exemption for site-specific location information for threatened and endangered species; and SB 7006, which preserves public records and meeting exemptions for building plans and related documents depicting 911, E911, and public safety radio communication infrastructure, including next-generation 911 systems. At the end of the meeting, senators requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on certain bills, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Florida is recognized. Florida is recognized.
• Stwie of Florida. Pursuant to House Resolution 1275, the gentleman from Florida, Mr.
• Stwie of Florida. >> Pursuant to House Resolution 1275, the gentleman from Florida, Mr.
• So, if gentleman from Florida, Mr. Stubby and a gentleman from Florida, Mr.
• </c> gentleman from Florida. gentleman from Florida.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, May 15, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Since Florida began recovering from the pandemic, our state revenues and our state budget have grown
• And I thought, wouldn't it be great if every employee in the state of Florida had a boss like that?
• And I frankly only read it because it said the words the state legislature, and that was me.
• ; Eric Carr, Florida Chamber of Commerce, waves in support.
• And, you know, I doubt anybody has woken up at 8 a.m. to turn on the Florida Channel to watch this.

Summary: The Health Care Budget Subcommittee began with a roll call confirming a quorum, then heard a presentation of the proposed health care budget. The chair said the overall health care budget would total $46.7 billion, a 2.1% decrease in total spending and a 3% increase in general revenue, while reducing 3,585 state FTE. He highlighted funding for Medicaid, KidCare, developmental disabilities services, opioid settlement spending, mental health facilities, senior services, school health nurses, veterans’ dental care, and veterans nursing home improvements. The chair also presented PCB HCB 25-01, a conforming bill that eliminates the Health Care Innovation Program, the Health Care Innovation Council, and the revolving loan program; makes changes to cancer research and graduate medical education provisions; and adjusts Medicaid rebate-related language. The conforming bill passed favorably after no questions, public testimony, or debate. The committee then considered CS/HB 47 on child care. The bill, as explained by Rep. McFarland, would reduce regulation for child care providers in good standing, speed background screening for child care workers, allow provisional hiring status in some cases, create license-exempt status for certain employer-provided child care facilities and DOD child care facilities, and remove outdated paperwork requirements such as the flu brochure. An amendment restored language protecting large family child care homes from being dropped by residential insurers and cleaned up statutory language; it was adopted. Members debated the bill at length, with supporters emphasizing common-sense deregulation and helping working parents, while some members raised concerns about safety, early learning quality, and the loss of informational reminders to parents. The bill was reported favorably. The subcommittee also heard HB 1553 on a uterine fibroid research database. Rep. Dunkley explained that the bill would require health care providers to submit identified fibroid data to DOH so it can be de-identified for a research database, after the department had been unable to use prior de-identified submissions reliably. An amendment removed the current appropriation and was adopted. Members spoke in strong support, noting the prevalence of fibroids and the value of better diagnosis and treatment data. The bill passed favorably. Finally, the committee heard HB 1529, which addresses the home health aide program for medically fragile children. Rep. Tremont said the bill would direct AHCA to seek a federal waiver so parents’ earnings from caring for their children would not count against Medicaid eligibility, and would revise training requirements and remove mandated annual program assessments. The bill drew supportive public testimony from home care stakeholders, had no debate, and was reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• helped shape major institutions, including law schools at FAMU and FIU and the College of Medicine at Florida
• 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
• Legislature under the authority of Section 3(d), Article III of the state constitution.
• Legislature is limited to the GAA, the implementing bill, and the enumerated list of conforming bills

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Representative Plakon’s father, Bartow William Saunders Jr., and for former Speaker John Thrasher, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The journal was approved, a quorum was announced, and there were no Senate messages, committee reports, reconsiderations, third-reading bills, or special-order bills on the desk. The chamber then adopted motions to waive the rules to introduce House Bill 5, House Bill 5017, and House Joint Resolution 5019. Representative Garrison also moved to take up House Concurrent Resolution 1635, which was read twice by title and described as extending the 2025 regular session under Article III, Section 3(d) of the Florida Constitution. HCR 1635 was adopted. The resolution limits the extended session to the General Appropriations Act, the implementing bill, and specified conforming measures, while all other measures are indefinitely postponed and withdrawn as of 12 a.m. Saturday, May 3, 2025. The House then approved adjournment to allow committee and subcommittee meetings and other House business, to reconvene upon call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chris Nuland, Florida Neurological Society and then Joel Fetter with the Florida Association of Nurse
• We agree with Senator Harrell that Florida can do better. Florida is doing better.
• As the Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sentinel have reported, Florida deregulated nursing schools
• We have two nursing schools in the state of Florida.
• These folks are waiving for or against: Jerrod, Florida Association, for; Jason Winn, Florida Dental

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Keywords: 999, senate, all