Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
• The agency then reviews it.
• The agency then public reporting system. The agency then reviews<00:28:46.960><c> it.
• </c><00:58:57.200><c> Uh</c> challenges with with Prism. Uh challenges with with Prism.
• can</c> for two weeks agency that the agency can for two weeks agency that the agency can react<01:42

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not know, creating a new agency.
• ><00:26:22.640><c> of</c><00:26:23.360><c> um</c> existing agencies and sort of um existing agencies
• </c> are there any other agency folks here? are there any other agency folks here?
• I think we have to be realistic about the challenges.
• </c> more challenging all the time, isn't it? more challenging all the time, isn't it?

Bills: SF0025, SF0027, SF0043, SF0066

Keywords: landowner licenses, hunting, wildlife management, quota hunt areas, game and fish commission, game management, hunting regulations, black bear, tracking dogs, wildlife conservation, conservation, contracting, supervisor, funding, districts, hunting licenses, donated licenses, life-threatening illness, vision impairment, nonprofit organizations

Transcript Highlights:

• And has that led to either some challenges or some shifts in how you think about service?
• In terms, I wouldn't necessarily say that it's presented challenges to us at this point.
• The good news is the state has policy tools available to solve those challenges.
• The good news is the state has policy tools available to solve those challenges.
• The buildings from 50 years ago, my understanding is, are often more challenging.

Summary: The hearing focused on downtown recovery and the future of public transit, with members and witnesses emphasizing the two-way relationship between strong downtowns and strong transit systems. Transit agency representatives from BART, LA Metro, and Sacramento Regional Transit described how ridership has shifted since the pandemic, with more weekend, evening, and event-based travel, while traditional weekday commute ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels in some systems. They highlighted efforts to adapt through improved safety, customer service, special event service, fare gate upgrades, transit-oriented development, and investments in housing near stations. Several witnesses urged the Legislature to protect transit funding, especially programs tied to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, SB 125, and capital grants such as TIRCP, AHSC, and LCTOP. The second panel focused on walkability, street design, and curb management. Jeff Speck argued that downtowns become more walkable when trips are useful, safe, comfortable, and interesting, and said cities can quickly improve safety through restriping, lane reductions, two-way street conversions, narrower lanes, trees, and protected bike lanes. Mark Vuksevich of Streets for All said downtown streets and curbs should be treated as economic infrastructure, supporting frequent transit, better parking management, and pedestrian improvements. He supported parking benefits districts, dynamic pricing, and returning parking revenue to the neighborhoods where it is collected, while also noting that state law may need to provide model authority and more flexibility for local experimentation. The final panel addressed housing near transit and major downtown transit investments. California YIMBY’s Aaron Eckhouse supported more housing in transit-rich downtowns and discussed AB 2074, revolving loan funds for high-rise housing, condo reform, and building code changes to lower construction costs. He said downtown housing helps transit ridership, reduces driving, and expands affordability. Adam Vandewater of the Transbay Joint Powers Authority described the Salesforce Transit Center and surrounding Transbay neighborhood as a case study in transit-oriented development, with millions of square feet of development, thousands of residents, and a planned rail portal to connect Caltrain and future high-speed rail into downtown San Francisco. He said state funding and policy support remain critical to completing the portal and related development. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• different for other agencies.
• different for other agencies.
• different for other agencies.
• , so a private agency has a nurse staffing agency.
• </c><00:43:23.720><c> outside</c> agency agency yeah yeah it's outside agency agency yeah yeah it's outside

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Health and Human Services committees heard Hawaii Health Systems Corporation’s biennium budget request, with testimony from HHSC leadership on the Hilo/Big Island region (HTH 212) and the Oahu region (HTH 215), plus discussion of capital improvement projects and systemwide partnerships. HHSC described its role as the rural healthcare safety net, serving a high share of Medicare, Medicaid/Quest, and uninsured patients, and said its costs are elevated by state employee fringe benefits, which it said are about 64% compared with roughly 30% in the private sector. HHSC also said pandemic-era federal aid, including relief funds and PPP loans totaling about $100 million, reduced the need for general fund support in prior years. For HTH 212, HHSC said its general fund request for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 was higher than the governor’s recommendation because of rising insurance, pharmaceutical, and contractor labor costs, and because it includes $13.2 million in FY 2026 and $2.3 million in FY 2027 for Epic electronic medical record implementation in East Hawaii. For HTH 215, HHSC said the requested general funds were aligned with the governor’s recommendation, in part because of increased Medicaid reimbursement rates for long-term care facilities under prior legislation. HHSC also said it was restoring a special fund ceiling so the region could spend its cash collections on operations. Members asked about the 64% fringe rate, and HHSC explained the difference was mainly due to defined-benefit pension and retiree health insurance costs, which private hospitals generally do not bear at the same level. Members also asked about the Daniel K. Akaka State Veterans Home, and HHSC said operations would be funded through the general fund corporation for the home when it opens, with management by Ohana Pacific, but no additional legislative operating funds were being requested at that time. Other questions focused on staffing and vacancies, including an abolished procurement position and an ongoing IT help desk recruitment need. HHSC highlighted several capital and partnership projects, including a $25 million state CIP request matched by $25 million from the Benioff family for the Benioff Health Center, an ER expansion and reconfiguration at Corner Community Hospital, and $7.5 million in each fiscal year for Kauai EMR capital funds to join the Epic platform. Testimony also described collaborations with Queen’s, the University of California San Francisco, Hawaii Pacific Health, the Hawaii Cancer Consortium, the Department of Health, and the state hospital to improve specialty access, clinical trials, behavioral health, and patient placement across the system.

Transcript Highlights:

• despite the challenges um these challenges<00:04:51.120><c> that</c><00:04:51.240><c> I</c><00:04:51.400
• </c><00:09:07.519><c> in</c> you know that locally challenges in you know that locally challenges in
• to two state agencies who will coordinate in a transparent process.
• Very good questions from committee members. challenge and preliminarily there's been challenge and preliminarily
• </c><00:19:27.720><c> budget</c> is probably the most challenging budget is probably the most challenging

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee heard a briefing from the governor on her recommended fiscal years 2026-2027 budget. She described it as a “recalibration” that reduces general fund spending by about $150 million from the prior budget, avoids tax increases, and aims to protect vulnerable residents while supporting the economy. She said the proposal addresses a projected current-biennium deficit, cites lower-than-expected revenues and off-budget spending, and includes a hiring freeze and other spending reductions. The governor also said the budget is built on current revenue estimates developed with the Department of Revenue Administration and the state’s chief economist. Major policy areas discussed included education, public safety, health and human services, housing, and workforce development. The governor said the budget increases spending on public education and special education, expands Education Freedom Accounts to public school students, funds a cell-phone-free classroom grant program, continues the community college tuition freeze, and supports workforce training. She also highlighted investments in the Group II retirement system for first responders, Northern Border Alliance and drug interdiction efforts, child advocacy and victim services, mental health services, developmental disability services with no wait list, and a streamlined housing permitting process with a 60-day review target. Committee members raised questions about the fiscal assumptions, the impact of possible federal funding changes, the Education Freedom Account expansion, dam infrastructure funding, and workforce issues such as state employee pay and vacant positions. The governor said the budget continues funding for federal programs currently assumed, and that she would advocate for block grants and other federal flexibility. On dams, administration officials said the budget includes about $13 million in capital funding, with possible fee increases under consideration. On staffing, the governor said the budget funds the previously bargained 12% state employee increase, includes eight position reductions tied to program changes, and would allow those employees to be rehired if openings arise. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> to switch um point point agencies, to switch um point point agencies, &gt;&gt; correct?
• . challenge. challenge.
• </c> agency instead of department of health? agency instead of department of health?
• So, really, trying to find other agencies.
• </c><00:20:57.840><c> that</c> officer and law enforcement agency that officer and law enforcement agency

Bills: SB2841, SB2533

Keywords: SB2841, human trafficking, trafficking awareness, transient accommodations, hotel industry, lodging, hospitality, hotel workers, housekeeping, front desk staff, contract workers, third-party contractors, employee training, signage, reporting requirements, National Human Trafficking Hotline, labor trafficking, sex trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation of children, anti-trafficking

Summary: The joint Judiciary, Labor, and Technology Committee heard two bills in the morning session and later took up two Judiciary decision-making items. SB 2841 would require human trafficking awareness training for transient accommodation workers. Testimony was generally supportive from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Department of Law Enforcement, and the Hawaii Hotel Alliance/American Hotel and Lodging Association, which also proposed amendments to preserve existing industry training programs and broaden coverage. Members clarified that the administration wanted DLE to be the lead agency instead of DLIR, while the Attorney General would still handle approval of training programs. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including coverage for third-party contractors and implementation dates, and the measure was adopted with no recorded opposition. SB 2533 would adjust the salaries of the Campaign Spending Commission’s executive director and associate director to better align with comparable enforcement/compliance positions. The commission supported the bill, saying its salaries lag behind similar offices by about $30,000 and that recruitment and workload have become more difficult, while one testifier opposed the proposal. Members questioned why the bill used the Department of Health as the salary comparator and whether Ethics would be a better benchmark; the committee agreed to revise the bill to peg the salaries to the Ethics Commission instead, blank out the dollar amounts for further review, and note the requested appropriation in the report. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted. In the Judiciary decision-making agenda, SB 2203, concerning the use of masks or personal disguises by law enforcement officers, was amended to allow exceptions for officers who are unmasked nearby or who are supporting undercover operations, to change the term to “facial covering,” and to add definitions covering federal, state, and county law enforcement. The committee also set a far-future effective date and passed the bill with amendments. SB 2442, relating to judiciary purchase-of-service contracts with community-based organizations, was also passed with amendments; the committee added a far-future effective date, clarified the consumer price index reference, and noted a recommended appropriation amount of $4.26 million in the committee report. All measures were adopted without recorded no votes or reservations.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're all led by leaders of state health agencies that are part of a community of state health agency
• We have several waves of challenge coming at us.
• That is collectively across our state agencies that are serving our joint clients.
• And essentially, that is, I mean, we still have challenges, right?
• It's all the challenges that remain: workforce, affordability, and access.

Summary: The committee first welcomed new DSHS Secretary Angela Ramirez, who introduced herself and described her background in public service, federal and state legislative work, and health and human services leadership. Members emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with her and noted her focus on protecting services, using strategic approaches in a tight budget environment, and improving partnerships with the Legislature. Ramirez said she wanted to keep communication open and that her priorities would be shaped by what she learns from lawmakers and agency partners. The next work session focused on the West Coast Health Alliance and the broader Governor’s Public Health Alliance. Department of Health and governor’s office staff said the West Coast alliance, involving Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii, was formed to coordinate science-based public health guidance, especially around vaccines, return-to-work guidance, and responses to federal changes. They said the alliance is intended to reduce confusion, counter misinformation, and preserve access to evidence-based recommendations, with early actions including vaccine guidance for COVID-19, flu, and RSV, a statement rejecting any vaccine-autism link, and preparation for possible ACIP changes. Members asked about workload and coordination with other regional alliances, and staff said there is informal coordination but no formal regular meetings. The committee then heard from the Washington State Health Benefit Exchange about open enrollment and the effects of federal policy changes. Exchange leaders said the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, HR1 provisions, and immigration-related eligibility changes are affecting affordability and enrollment, with some customers facing large premium increases and some counties becoming harder to serve. They reported early open-enrollment traffic increases, nearly 10,000 new sign-ups, and nearly 12,000 active coverage drops so far, while noting that many more people may disenroll later if subsidies are not extended. They also described mitigation efforts such as silver loading, Cascade Care Savings, outreach through navigators and community partners, and planning for future HR1 requirements like ending auto-renewal and adding verification steps. In the final work session, staff from the Health Care Authority and Insurance Commissioner’s office reviewed Washington’s health reform history and the state’s current affordability and access efforts. They highlighted past ACA-related coverage gains, continued work on prescription drug affordability, PBM oversight, primary care and behavioral health access, and a pending legislative proposal to preserve access to preventive services. They also discussed federal changes affecting Medicaid and the exchange, including work requirements, six-month redeterminations, and the need to coordinate across agencies to implement new rules. Members raised concerns about network adequacy, provider access, and the complexity of the health care system, while staff said they are trying to mitigate harm, simplify administration, and keep coverage and access as stable as possible.

Transcript Highlights:

• This challenge is an artifact of just the way different lines are drawn.
• But in terms of a solution... ...property tax between agencies.
• We have a very small agency.
• Sometimes that may mean multiple diseases or physiological challenges that they may have.
• There were some staffing changes with the agency.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> for a state agency. for a state agency.
• </c> top of all state agencies. top of all state agencies.
• And no one agency has the amount of staffing resources to take on some of these challenges in large-scale
• </c> Pollution Control Agency. Pollution Control Agency.
• </c> the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• another one, and inflation, and the challenges to get patrons to spend money in...
• And the challenges to get patrons to spend money in our nightlife establishments—those are critical challenges
• It's a challenge on many levels.
• As a liaison between the city's nightlife industry, residents, and government agencies.
• We then established a MASH approach, multi-agency support for hospitality.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, the agency has the G file. Oh, the agency. So the agency has the G file. The G file.
• So I represent small agencies and large agencies.
• So the large agency I represent is the... is the Harris County Sheriff's Office, a very large agency,
• I can't speak for every agency, but most agencies that I work with have mechanisms where those are kept
• Of record-keeping that reduces public and inter-agency visibility, and we'll make sure that no agency

Bills: SB7, SB14, SB 7, SB 14

Keywords: gender designation, civil penalties, private civil rights, multiple-occupancy spaces, Texas Women's Privacy Act, law enforcement, confidentiality, personnel files, employee records, misconduct, abortion, civil liability, abortion-inducing drugs, qui tam actions, Texas Citizens Participation Act, Religious Freedom Restoration Act, healthcare regulations, impact fees, water conservation, reuse projects

Transcript Highlights:

• “A challenge not only at the state level but increasingly at the federal level.
• That is part of the challenge.
• These situations are even more challenging in special education classrooms.
• However, the challenges are real and omnipresent.
• However, the challenges are real and omnipresent.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard several education bills, with AB 887 by Assemblymember Berman proposing that every school district and charter school adopt a plan so all high schools offer at least one computer science course by 2029-30. Supporters, including a teacher and student, argued California is falling behind other states and that computer science is essential for student opportunity and workforce readiness. ACSA opposed the bill, citing the shortage of qualified computer science teachers and administrative burden. The bill passed the committee on a 6-0 vote and was sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1390 by Assemblymember Solache, which would allow local and county school boards to raise trustee compensation above long-standing statutory minimums that have not changed in decades. Supporters said the current stipends are too low to make board service accessible to working families and younger community members. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill passed with five votes, with the roll left open for additional members. AB 865 by Assemblymember Gonzalez would create a $5 million, three-year grant program for dual-language immersion instructional materials, split between high-demand languages and other languages. Supporters said districts often lack standards-aligned materials in languages beyond Spanish, forcing teachers to create their own. The bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. AB 857 by Assemblymember Gibson, requiring annual cultural competency training for K-12 staff, also passed 5-1 after supporters linked it to the state reparations task force report and argued it would improve trust and student outcomes. The committee additionally approved AB 677 by Assemblymember Bryan, which would make it easier for unhoused students to access school-based vision and dental screenings by allowing directory information to be used for that purpose with an opt-out process; it passed 8-0. AB 903 by Assemblymember Avila Farias, directing the Department of Education to develop best practices on education technology and digital equity, passed after amendments and with some opponents indicating they would remove opposition once the amendments were in print. Finally, AB 917 by Assemblymember Avila Farias, extending permanent-status protections to certain educators in small districts and county programs, drew significant opposition from small districts and regional occupational programs over flexibility and funding concerns; the bill still passed 5-2 with the roll held open for additional votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Pollution Control Agency. Pollution Control Agency.
• ,</c> street, which can cause some challenges, street, which can cause some challenges, but<00:13:28.960
• </c> infrastructure challenges we're facing. infrastructure challenges we're facing.
• </c> challenging and tense. challenging and tense.
• </c> challenges to our work. challenges to our work.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Department of Finance will be our main witness today, and all of our departments and agency experts
• The Department of Finance will be our main witness today, and all of our departments and agency experts
• Witness today, and all of our departments and agency experts will be here on Tuesday to answer in-depth
• Now moving on to several other proposals that are notable within the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Moving on to the Natural Resources Agency for the Department of Water Resources.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing focused on the governor’s May Revision, especially the proposed extension of the cap-and-trade program to 2045 as “cap-and-invest,” the related greenhouse gas reduction fund (GGRF) spending framework, and several trailer bill proposals. Department of Finance staff outlined budget solutions including a $1.5 billion annual General Fund-to-GGRF shift for Cal Fire that would grow to $1.9 billion by 2029-30, continued support for high-speed rail, climate bond implementation, and various environmental and water-related statutory changes. The administration also described proposals affecting the Delta Conveyance Project, water quality planning, groundwater bulletin timing, Exide cleanup funding, and other agency-specific items, though the chair repeatedly asked staff to keep the presentation high-level and save details for the next hearing. Members from both parties raised strong concerns about the cap-and-invest proposal, arguing that it could reduce or displace funding for transit, affordable housing, active transportation, wildfire prevention, zero-emission vehicles, and other previously committed programs. Several members questioned whether the administration was effectively shifting essential ongoing services like Cal Fire onto a temporary carbon market fund, how the General Fund backstop would work if auction revenues fall short, and whether the proposal would leave enough money for continuous appropriations and future awards. Members also criticized the inclusion of cap-and-invest reauthorization in the budget process and asked for clearer information on the impact to high-speed rail, transit, and other GGRF priorities. The Delta Conveyance Project and related trailer bill language drew significant opposition from members and public commenters, who argued the proposal would fast-track the project, weaken CEQA-related review, and authorize revenue bond financing without sufficient legislative oversight. Public testimony also included support for maintaining or expanding funding for transit, affordable housing, AB 617 community air protection, offshore wind infrastructure, and ignition interlock programs, while environmental and community groups opposed cuts to wildfire prevention, housing, and school climate-related programs. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and the chair said the committee would continue the discussion and receive more detailed responses at the follow-up hearing on Tuesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> one of our state agencies one of our state agencies talking<00:19:46.679><c> about</c><00:19:47.040
• </c><00:32:33.640><c> to</c> Section 1 authorizes state agencies to Section 1 authorizes state agencies
• I've surveyed state agencies and myself was surprised at the number of state agencies still providing
• </c><01:10:21.280><c> So</c> Agency gets everything they need. So Agency gets everything they need.
• </c><01:26:15.680><c> I</c> agency, so I appreciate that work. I agency, so I appreciate that work.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These agencies have been our Commission.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Right now, Hawaii only has an agency &gt;&gt; Right now, Hawaii only has an agency policy
• </c> burdensome and it's lengthy for agency burdensome and it's lengthy for agency staff<00:20:09.520
• As Hawaii prisons continue challenges.
• Because we met with our agency partners, who shared the challenges they face securing placement, we also

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing on best practices for medical or compassionate release programs used by correctional systems nationwide and how Hawaii’s current approach compares. Kristen Johnson of the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission introduced Molly Crane of Families for Justice Reform, noting that the commission, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Hawaii Paroling Authority have all been involved in developing proposed legislation, though the bill itself was written by community advocate Bob Merse. Crane described FAM’s work on justice reform and said the group has studied compassionate release programs across the country, including federal reforms, to help Hawaii align with best practices. Crane argued that compassionate release is intended for people who are too ill or cognitively impaired to pose a public-safety risk and who are often the most expensive and resource-intensive people to incarcerate. She said Hawaii is the only state without a compassionate release statute and currently relies on an agency policy, which she described as complex and slow. She cited examples of severe medical cases in custody, including people with advanced dementia, multiple sclerosis, kidney failure, and hospice needs, and said the burden on correctional medical staff, overtime, off-site transport, and specialized care can consume a disproportionate share of staff time and state resources. She also said the recidivism rate for this population is under 1 percent, citing Vera Institute research. Members asked about the source of the recidivism figure, how a statute would streamline the process, and why the issue had not advanced in the past. Crane said the proposed bill would reduce layers in the process by moving cases from the medical director to the director and then to the Hawaii Paroling Authority, with a target timeline of about 30 business days from petition to hearing. Johnson said prior efforts failed in part because the agencies most affected were not included early in drafting and revision, and she said one attempt was vetoed, another was removed in conference committee, and another passed one chamber but did not advance. Johnson also explained that incarcerated people’s medical care is paid entirely by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, with no private insurance or Medicaid/Medicare coverage while incarcerated, making severe cases a direct burden on state funds. No votes or formal actions were taken because the briefing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Haley Andrews with Gaines Insurance Agency, an independent agency in El Dorado Hills, and on behalf
• I'm Haley Andrews with Gaines Insurance Agency and Independent Agency in El Dorado Hills and on behalf
• John Bradford, with McGee and the own insurance agency, a 106-year agency in Sacramento, and we stand
• with those agencies, with CHP.
• It doesn't just impact those few large agencies, or small number of large agencies.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on artificial intelligence, child safety, mental health, and privacy. SB 574 by Senator Umberg would require transparency and human oversight when attorneys, judges, and court neutrals use AI; it drew support from privacy advocates and committee members, with no opposition. SB 1276, the End Child Exploitation Act, would update child sexual exploitation laws to cover live-streamed and AI-generated abuse material and clarify that viewing such content can be criminally punishable; prosecutors, child advocacy groups, and others supported it, while no one appeared in opposition despite opposition on file. SB 813 would create a California AI standards and safety commission and a voluntary two-tier certification framework for AI safety standards; supporters said it would create scalable, independent oversight, while TechNet and CalChamber opposed it as duplicative, under-defined, and likely to create a de facto mandate. The committee discussed market pressure, federal preemption concerns, and the role of voluntary standards, but no final vote was taken in the excerpt. Senator Padilla also presented SB 300, which would strengthen protections for minors from sexually explicit chatbot content by moving from a reasonableness standard to an affirmative duty to prevent such exposure and to prohibit facilitation. Supporters said new evidence showed greater risks and that companies can and should build stronger safeguards; opponents, including TechNet and CCIA, argued the bill was premature because SB 243 had only recently taken effect and warned it could create strict-liability-like exposure. Padilla then presented SB 903, which would bar AI chatbots from being advertised as therapists, require licensed clinician oversight and informed consent for AI use in psychotherapy, and protect patient confidentiality; it received broad support from mental health professionals and labor groups, while industry and health associations were opposed unless amended over triage and crisis-detection language. The committee members emphasized the need for human judgment in mental health care and noted ongoing negotiations on amendments. The committee also heard SB 1119, a companion to AB 2020, which would require annual risk assessments, crisis-response protocols, default child settings, parental controls, limits on data use, public incident reporting, and third-party audits for chatbots used by children. Supporters argued the bill would address documented harms and improve transparency, while industry groups objected to ambiguous standards, liability exposure, and the private right of action. A roll call vote was taken on SB 1119 after quorum was established; the motion to pass to Appropriations succeeded on a 5-1 vote, with one no vote and the measure left on call for absent members. Finally, SB 354, a privacy bill for insurance consumers, would modernize outdated insurance privacy rules, bar sale of personal information, and expand consumer rights to know, correct, and delete data. Supporters said it would implement Proposition 24’s privacy mandate, while a large coalition of insurers, agents, brokers, and related businesses opposed unless amended, mainly seeking a small-business exemption and narrower treatment of publicly available information; members and the author said negotiations were ongoing and the bill had already been substantially revised.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so employer engagement might be a bit more challenging these days.
• So could that be an apprenticeship for people with learning challenges?
• So could that be an apprenticeship for people with learning challenges?
• And if we can... ...and maybe invite people from different agencies to come.
• So that's a big challenge. Agreed. Josh, this is just a great exchange.

Summary: The subcommittee met to approve the January minutes and then heard an update from Undersecretary of Labor and Workforce Development Josh Cutler on apprenticeship expansion in the Healey-Driscoll administration. Cutler described apprenticeship as a key workforce tool, especially for sectors with labor shortages, and highlighted growth in early education, health care, banking, bio, and human services. He noted the administration’s milestones and supports, including reaching 10,000 registered apprenticeships, expanding the registered apprenticeship tax credit (RATSY), lowering program fees, adding apprenticeship liaisons, and issuing Grow grants to help employers start programs. Members focused on how apprenticeship could better serve people with disabilities and human services employers. They raised examples such as sterile processing, radiology, PCA services, developmental disability supports, and community college partnerships, and asked how smaller or lower-paid providers could afford to participate. Cutler explained that apprentices are W-2 employees, programs must include on-the-job learning, related instruction, mentorship, and progressive wages, and employers largely design their own programs. He said the state can support through tax credits, grants, and intermediaries such as trade associations or disability organizations that help employers navigate the process. The discussion also covered employer outreach, the role of intermediaries, and possible collaboration with community colleges and organizations like Commonwealth Corporation. Cutler said Eastern Bank did not currently have a program but could be a potential partner, and he confirmed that the RATSY credit is $4,800 per apprentice, with a cap and online application process, and that it can be stacked with the disability employment tax credit. The subcommittee agreed to follow up with Cutler’s team, identify a few priority occupations, and consider a targeted panel or information session to help expand apprenticeship opportunities for people with disabilities and in human services.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:57.439><c> this</c> the executive branch agencies this the executive branch agencies this
• </c> The agency amendment is approved. The agency amendment is approved.
• </c> that and alleviate that uh challenge. that and alleviate that uh challenge.
• </c> your marketing challenges. your marketing challenges.
• </c> &gt;&gt; I don't know what the biggest challenge &gt;&gt; I don't know what the biggest challenge

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are the affiliate public-private agencies at the department. I won't go through them all.
• We understand that the number one challenge small business is going to face is access to capital.
• We understand that the number one challenge of small business is going to face is access to capital.
• The NASA Causeway Bridge involved an immense amount of multi-agency coordination and getting agencies
• Fish and Wildlife Service, FWC, And getting agencies like U.S.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met to hear presentations from the Department of Commerce and the Florida Department of Transportation. Jason Mahon of Florida Commerce outlined the state’s economic development strategy, emphasizing Florida’s GDP growth, business formation, and strengths in manufacturing, high-tech, life sciences, defense, and financial services. He described the department’s tools for small business lending, rural investment tax credits, venture capital support, infrastructure and workforce grants, performance-based incentives, and disaster recovery loans, and highlighted examples such as ServiceNow, Williams International, Asteris, and Point Blank Enterprises. Senators asked about grant availability for small businesses, foreign companies relocating to Florida, workforce shortages in manufacturing, and whether additional tools may be needed; Mahon said most small-business support is loan-based and noted ongoing workforce and infrastructure challenges. Jennifer Marshall of FDOT then reviewed major transportation projects and the Moving Florida Forward initiative, describing the state’s large portfolio of active contracts and major congestion-relief projects across Florida. She highlighted early completions and accelerated timelines on projects including the NASA Causeway Bridge, I-95 at US 1 in Volusia County, I-4 congestion relief lanes, the First Coast Expressway, the Howard Frankland Bridge, I-4 interchanges in Central Florida, A1A coastal protection work, I-75 improvements in Southwest Florida, and the I-395 reconstruction in Miami. Senators asked about how express lane projects are selected, whether toll revenues are used for local maintenance and improvements, the status of the Miami I-395 project, and the impact of losing electric-vehicle express lane exemptions. Marshall said FDOT works with local long-range plans and congestion data, and that she would follow up on several specific funding and project questions. Committee members generally praised both agencies for project delivery, cost savings, and coordination with local partners. Senator Mayfield noted the importance of using savings and working with local governments, while Senator Wright commended Commerce’s role in economic development and FDOT’s work on major road projects. The meeting concluded with no further business, and the committee adjourned.