Video & Transcript Research : 'study'
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NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (01/20/2026)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- And in your opinion shouldn't study?
- 18:07.840>
the <04:18:08.000>long-term the study looking at the long-term the study looking - It's extremely a look at that study.
- study of the implications of this bill? study of the implications of this bill?
- Um, in my written testimony, I do cite a couple studies that, you know, try to discuss and study the
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Local Government Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- I've looked at a gazillion CEQA documents and CEQA studies on a lot of different types of projects.
- For such a large project, typically environmental impact studies are required, and that's one thing.
- They've already done a study that shows us some options. I have yet to be...
- They've already done a study that shows us some options.
- These are garnered in nexus studies, in research, and evidence-based that do that.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills focused on wildfire resilience, local land use, and transparency. SB 911 by Senator Becker would require notification to fire agencies when a home in a high fire severity zone is sold with an agreement to bring it into defensible-space compliance; the California Association of Realtors said it would drop opposition if the bill is amended to use the preliminary change of ownership report, and the bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 994 by Senator Cabaldon would bar local officials from entering nondisclosure agreements that prevent them from sharing information with the actual elected decision-makers of a city or county; supporters framed it as a transparency measure, local-government concerns were raised about personnel/separation agreements, and it passed 4-0 to Appropriations as amended.
SB 1041 by Senator Arreguín would expand access to PACE financing for wildfire home-hardening improvements and add consumer protections, hardship relief, and reporting requirements. Supporters, including Renew Financial and Cal Fire Local 2881, argued it would help homeowners finance roofs, vents, and other fire-safety upgrades, while opponents from homeowner advocates, county treasurers, bankers, mortgage lenders, and consumer groups warned about abusive sales practices, high costs, liens surviving fire or bankruptcy, and risks to vulnerable homeowners. After extensive debate, the bill passed 3-2 to Appropriations as amended and remained on call.
SB 1075 by Senator Reyes would require local governments in AB 617 communities to consider air-quality impacts and related emissions-reduction plans when approving certain commercial and industrial land uses. Environmental justice groups supported the bill as a way to make AB 617 implementation more meaningful, while the Chamber of Commerce, counties, cities, planners, builders, and several industry groups opposed it as duplicative of CEQA, a litigation risk, and a barrier to investment and jobs. The committee approved it 3-2 to Appropriations as amended, also on call. SB 958 by Senator Atkins would facilitate the Midway Rising redevelopment project in San Diego, shifting from a CEQA exemption to prospective guidance on height-related impacts; supporters said it would deliver thousands of homes, including affordable units, and the bill passed 3-0 to Appropriations, remaining on call. The committee also discussed SB 1182 by Senator Allen, which would require local governments to consider insurance availability in safety planning for development in fire-prone areas; the discussion centered on whether insurance access should be part of land-use decisions, but no vote was taken in the portion provided.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- And then one other question I had for you is I don't know how closely you've studied this issue, but
- I don't know how closely you've studied I don't know how closely you've studied this<00:38:13.800
- For this one, and hearing some testimony from DCCA, I feel that we do need to study this issue a little
- So whatever is needed for that for the first study, we'll blank the appropriations for the study on that
- Um, whatever is needed for that for the first study, we'll blank the appropriations for the study on
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 2455, HD2, relating to employment practices. Testimony was limited, with support from the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women and UPW; the committee noted nine support, zero opposition, and zero comments. No vote was taken on this bill during the portion provided.
The committee then took up House Bill 2165, HD2, relating to the Hawaii Employment Security Law. DLIR supported the measure but requested an amendment moving language in Section 2 from subsection A to subsection C to preserve the legal structure. Members questioned DLIR about a January 8 U.S. Department of Labor letter and whether the bill would keep Hawaii in conformity with federal unemployment insurance requirements. DLIR said the federal guidance requires the state to remove the carve-out for labor-dispute claimants, though unions with hiring halls and members in good standing could still be exempt from work-search requirements under an authorized list. UNITE HERE Local 5 opposed the bill and said the current law already gives the department discretion to exempt striking workers. The committee recessed the bill before any final action was taken in the portion shown.
In the joint hearing with Commerce and Consumer Protection, the committees heard House Bill 1509, HD2, relating to workers’ compensation. DLIR supported the bill, DHER offered comments and requested an amendment, UPW supported it, and one Zoom testifier described personal experience with delayed care and urged faster decisions. After testimony, the committees voted to pass the bill with amendments. The adopted amendments restored the 7-day treatment-plan deadline from 10 days, changed the effective date to January 1, 2077, and struck the proposed $500 fine for employers who fail to respond within 10 days.
Back in the Labor and Technology agenda, the committee heard House Bill 1515, HD2, also relating to workers’ compensation, with testimony noting seven in support, one in opposition, and one comment, but no action was taken in the excerpt. The committee also heard House Bill 1514, HD2, relating to workers’ compensation vocational rehabilitation plans. A Zoom testifier opposed the bill, arguing the 120-day timeline was unrealistic for complex cases. DLIR said the bill would give the director discretion to extend the vocational rehabilitation plan timeline beyond 120 days with no cap on extensions, and the committee noted five support, four opposition, and zero comments. Finally, the committee began House Bill 2458, HD3, relating to surveillance pricing. OCP said it stood on written testimony, while supporters argued the bill would prevent corporations from using personal data to set prices, especially for groceries. Retail and grocery interests opposed the measure, saying it was too broad and could restrict loyalty programs, promotions, and discounts; one witness asked that a loyalty-program exemption be restored.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It's the, it's the independent women's, uh, study group.
- , I worked in that field for 20 years, the study that they will often refer to as a 10% rate of, of,
- It is a paper, it is not a study.
- Now I've heard testimony about how safe these things are and the studies have been given that support
- That same study revealed that these pills are 22 times more dangerous than what the FDA has reported.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Proportionately affected, as studies show that premiums for widowed females are 12 to 13 percent higher
- Could you share that study with the members of the committee, please? Happy to. Thank you.
- A couple of other studies have similar findings.
- There are similar studies on that from as recently as 2017. ...to.
- Studies show 65% of patients choose their pharmacy based on convenience to their home.
Bills:
HB712, HB722, HB946, HB1687, HB1809, HB1899, HB2528, HB2583, HB2741, HB2750, HB3021, HB3150, HB3265, HB3658, HB3812, HB3960, HB4392, HB4432
Keywords:
prostate cancer, health benefit plans, insurance coverage, cost sharing, preventive health care, auto insurance, total loss evaluation, disclosure, insurance materials, vehicle appraisal, HB 946, Texas Insurance Code, automobile insurance claims, oral release, written release, settlement agreement, claim release, property damage, bodily injury, psychological injury
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations (3-5-25) - Upon Adjournment
Transcript Highlights:
- Second, the sub requires the University of Kentucky to conduct a study.
- of Kentucky to um conduct a um a study of Kentucky to um conduct a um a study and<00:02:31.760><
- c> what<00:02:32.000>
the <00:02:32.360>study and what the study and what the study - <00:03:56.680>
these this can but as we've studied these this can but as we've studied these - we work through this uh as we've studied we work through this uh as we've studied this<00:04:34.199
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and took up Senate Bill 202, adopting a committee substitute before hearing testimony. Senator Julie Rocky Adams explained that the substitute would require the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to promulgate regulations by January 1, 2026 for intoxicating hemp-derived beverages, direct the University of Kentucky to study manufacturing, testing, distribution, sales, and consumer effects of those beverages, and impose a moratorium on their sale until July 1, 2026. Supporters, including Rep. Matt Cook, said the measure was intended as a consumer-protection step rather than a ban, citing concerns about youth access, inconsistent labeling, and the need for a clearer regulatory framework.
Members asked about the legal status of the products, whether the bill could unintentionally sweep in non-intoxicating hemp beverages, and whether there was evidence of harm. Senators were told the products are legal under the federal farm bill loophole, but that testing has shown THC levels on sampled cans did not match labels and that current regulations do not specifically address intoxicating hemp-derived beverages. Senator Higdon said CHFS had already been authorized to regulate hemp products and was moving forward with regulations and enforcement, while Senator Meredith questioned whether a moratorium would unfairly punish businesses that had already invested in the market and suggested setting a THC standard instead.
Public testimony then shifted to industry opposition. Jim Higdon of Cornbread Hemp said his company had invested heavily in a beverage line and argued the moratorium would function like a ban and harm small businesses. Dee Taylor of 502 Hemp and the Kentucky Hemp Association also opposed the moratorium, saying existing rules already require age limits, behind-the-counter sales, and licensed retailers, and arguing that a cap on milligrams would be preferable to a shutdown. He said retailers were seeing approved and unapproved products in the market and urged work with the Cabinet and ABC rather than a moratorium.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:16:14.319>
and realtor.com uh released a study and realtor.com uh released a study and - <04:55:09.600>
it that issue so we can actually study it that issue so we can actually study - testimony a subcommittee or a study testimony a subcommittee or a study committee<04:59:21.200><
- coming with a carrot and maybe studying coming with a carrot and maybe studying the<04:59:36.080
- <04:59:51.600>
committee today I'm gonna have a study committee today I'm gonna have a study
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 4/14/26
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And I could uh uh research and studies.
- at that study too.
- allowing like Minnesota state to study allowing like Minnesota state to study the<01:00:40.559><
- And able to speak at that study, too.
- that it's quite the same as a study that it's quite the same as a study necessarily<01:03:22.720
Keywords:
higher education, public university, college campus, postsecondary institution, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, University of Minnesota, town hall, town hall meeting, elected official, legislator, public forum, constituent meeting, campus access, free meeting space, parking fees, civic engagement, public outreach, chapter 135A, HF4368, Minnesota State
Summary:
The committee approved the April 9 minutes and then took up House File 4479, which would require public postsecondary institutions to make space available for town halls and similar official events by elected officials, with limits intended to keep the events on the official side and not campaign-related. Representative Frederick said the bill is meant to prevent universities from creating barriers such as fees or parking charges and to ensure a neutral, accessible venue for community conversations. The bill was laid over for possible later action.
The committee heard supportive testimony from Jim Dimmick of Minnesota State University, Mankato, who argued that town halls should be public, open, moderated, and dialogic rather than speeches, and said universities should be centers for public discourse. He also said charging fees can undermine neutrality and that using partisan student groups to sponsor events can create the appearance of bias. Minnesota State official Mr. Omen said campuses often host these events, fees are set locally to cover costs, and student government sponsorship can sometimes avoid charges; he also noted the fee at Mankato is discounted and depends on room size.
Several members raised concerns about the bill. Representative Scott, Chair Robbins, Representative Schwarz, Representative Allen, and others argued that campuses should not be required by statute to give legislators special treatment, that fees and parking costs cover real expenses, and that universities should remain focused on education rather than political events. Questions also focused on who would decide what room size is reasonable, how disputes would be handled, and who would pay for security if protests or safety issues arose. Representative Frederick responded that room selection would be a good-faith partnership with the university, that the bill does not require a town hall or guarantee a specific room, and that security funding is not spelled out in the bill.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- studying studying the<00:48:29.400>
vaccines <00:48:30.040>and <00:48:30.160>immunizations - Requires MDH to conduct the study.
- Requires the Maryland Health uh study.
- Uh task BHA and medical of the study.
- implementing the findings of the study implementing the findings of the study and<00:53:14.520><
Summary:
The House met with 125 members present and began with the pledge, prayer, and opening formalities. Two House resolutions were presented and adopted by voice vote: one honoring the pioneering women of the Maryland State Police and State Fire Marshal’s Office during Women’s History Month, and another recognizing the University of Maryland School of Medicine Center for Infant and Childhood Loss on its 50th anniversary. Both resolutions highlighted the honorees’ service and contributions, and the clerk read each resolution into the record.
The chamber then received Senate bills introduced in the House, including Senate Bill 6 and Senate Bill 551, which were read the first time and referred to committee without objection. The House also took up multiple committee reports, largely adopting favorable reports and ordering bills printed for third reading. Measures advanced included bills on residential real estate contract contingencies, Maryland data privacy, local alcoholic beverages licenses and fees in several counties, county salary study commission membership, sheriff and municipal enforcement matters, estates, health occupations background checks, school book fair tax exemptions, school board compensation and voting, and a Calvert County medical center bill.
Several bills were amended before advancing. House Bill 443 on Prince George’s County small event center alcohol licensing received a capacity-related amendment; House Bill 348 on Baltimore City alcohol license extension received a technical amendment and a change expanding coverage to transfers of ownership before July 1, 2029; House Bill 682 changed a license classification from Class C to Class GC; House Bill 405 on EV recharging equipment in condo/HOA documents was amended to clarify budget treatment; and House Bill 895 on dynamic pricing and predatory pricing received amendments clarifying definitions, disclosures, and enforcement. After extended discussion of HB 895, including questions about whether it bans dynamic pricing for food, how it treats discounts and loyalty programs, and whether supply-and-demand pricing changes are affected, the House agreed to special order the bill until later in the day.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 4, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- as well as before and trial studies as well as before and after<01:23:26.320>
studies <01:23:26.639 - What was the outcome of that study?
- What was the outcome of that um<01:44:23.760>
study? - because you should have and be um study?
- it from studies as really working<01:56:09.119>
well <01:56:09.360>elsewhere.
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard House Bill 2095, which would provide supplemental appropriations for the Judiciary for the 2025-2027 biennium. Judiciary Administrative Director Brandon Kimura testified in strong support and outlined a request for about $6.4 million in supplemental operating funds, plus four permanent full-time position conversions. He grouped the request into security, services to court users, and staffing needs, including $3.25 million for supplemental armed private security at judiciary facilities statewide, nearly $200,000 for cybersecurity staffing and support, restoration of funding for substance use treatment purchase-of-service contracts, restoration of funding for the Office of Public Guardian on Kauaʻi, salary commission funding, a Kona court operations position, and two Court-Appointed Special Advocates positions converted from temporary to permanent. He also described five capital improvement requests totaling $55.4 million, led by $30 million for construction of a new South Kohala courthouse, $1.2 million each for air conditioning upgrades in Hilo and Kauaʻi, $15 million for elevator upgrades at Kahumanu Hale, and $8 million in lump-sum bond funds for emerging projects.
Several organizations testified in support, including Parents and Children Together and the True Cost Coalition. Supporters emphasized the importance of the purchase-of-service funding for domestic violence and substance use treatment services and said the restoration would return funding to pre-COVID levels and help providers maintain capacity. Kimura explained that the Judiciary often shifts funds among contracts during the year to avoid service interruptions, but that the reduced funding has caused delays and operational problems for providers and probationers.
Members asked detailed questions about the capital projects and operating requests. Representative Shimizu asked for more information on the lump-sum bond funds and the elevator project, and Kimura explained that the Kahumanu Hale request covers four remaining elevator shafts after earlier funding addressed the first five elevators. Representative Cochran asked about the absence of Maui County projects, and Kimura said the Judiciary is still planning for its older Maui facilities with DAGS. Chair Tarnas questioned the need for armed private guards and discussed whether court security should be prioritized within the Department of Law Enforcement; Kimura said the Judiciary needs additional personnel now and has not asked DLE to deprioritize other missions, though the chair suggested further coordination between the agencies. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/27/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- In one example, a 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society showed higher
- In one example, a 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society showed higher
- In one example, a 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society showed higher
- This bill also clarifies the definition of ownership interest for background study purposes.
- any must submit background studies for any must submit background studies for any owner<00:24:50.799
Keywords:
PACE, elderly, Medicaid, health services, long-term care, community-based services, support person, healthcare, patient rights, assisted living, community support, caregiver respite, financial eligibility, Minnesota Statutes, HF1477, residential program licensing, community residential setting, small group home, licensed capacity six or fewer, rental licensing
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 01/29/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Scott Wells has done a study, I was referenced earlier.
- Scott Wells has done a study; I was referenced earlier.
- Scott Wells has done a study; I was referenced earlier.
- Scott Wells has done a study; I was referenced earlier.
- Scott Wells has done a study; I was referenced earlier.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/26
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- That study was completed in mid-to-late 2025.
- A 2025 study conducted pricing cycles.
- study was completed in mid-to-late 2025. study was completed in mid-to-late 2025.
- We don't coordinate studies association.
- close study. close study.
Keywords:
surveillance, price discrimination, wage discrimination, automated decision systems, consumer protections, data privacy, biometrics, consumer protection, price setting, biometric data, retail, privacy, 1183, house
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from March 3, 2026, and then received a presentation from the Minnesota Office of the Attorney General on the Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act. Assistant Attorney General Caitlin Miko and Deputy Attorney General Jessica Whitney reviewed the law’s scope, consumer rights, business obligations, and enforcement history. They said the law took effect July 31, 2025, gives Minnesotans rights to access, delete, and opt out of sale, profiling, and targeted advertising, and is enforced by the Attorney General with penalties up to $7,500 per violation. They reported more than 200 complaints in the first six months, many warning letters, and a shift from education to active enforcement now that the initial warning-letter period has expired.
Committee members asked about how the universal opt-out works, what happens when companies deny deletion or editing requests, how the office determines willful noncompliance, and whether the law could burden small businesses. The AG’s office said the opt-out can be set through privacy-protective browsers or extensions, companies must respond to consumer requests within 45 days, small businesses are exempt as defined by the SBA, and investigations look for patterns and evidence of willful conduct rather than minor technical violations. The office also said it needs additional funding to fully staff enforcement efforts and noted that it has already issued subpoenas and civil investigative demands.
The committee then took up House File 3408, the Stop Grocery Surveillance Price Gouging Act. The author explained that the bill would prohibit retail grocers, physical and online, from setting individualized prices based on consumer information, would limit certain uses of facial recognition and electronic shelf labels, and would preserve narrow exceptions for discounts and loyalty programs. Public testimony followed from the Minnesota Farmers Union in support, arguing that grocery consolidation and surveillance pricing could worsen already high food costs and harm fair competition. The Minnesota Grocers Association opposed the premise that grocery stores use surveillance pricing, said shelf prices are generally uniform and set from a single storewide database, and argued electronic shelf labels are efficient and not nefarious. A technology company representative similarly said ESLs do not use personal data or facial recognition, prices are uniform, and a 2025 study found no meaningful price increases after ESL adoption. The bill was laid over for possible further discussion after the testimony.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Mayor Carter: That was the point of doing that Guinsler study that I referenced.
- That Guinsler study studied 20 buildings downtown and determined that, as I learned, lots of stuff that
- :41:12.920>
study <00:41:13.359>uh <00:41:13.520>studied <00:41:13.880>20 - that guinsler study uh studied 20 that guinsler study uh studied 20 buildings<00:41:14.680>
downtown - <01:02:20.319>
for um the annual economic impact study for um the annual economic impact study
Keywords:
data centers, tax exemption, Minnesota statutes, economic development, employment growth, income tax, tax brackets, tax adjustments, Minnesota, tax policy, underutilized buildings, adaptive reuse, building conversion, historic preservation, downtown revitalization, vacant property, vacancy reduction, refundable tax credit, income tax credit, grant in lieu of credit
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Last biennium, the legislature established a legislative study group on this issue, and that study group
- We will also have some public testimony and member discussion. and that study group produced the bills
- and that study group produced the bills posted<00:01:38.079>
for <00:01:38.399>today's - We got to the task force or the study group, but just wanted to make sure that as we move forward
- group because this establish a study group because this whole<00:04:50.759>
idea <00:04:51.400
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Finance (Part II) Jan 28th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Is that the same study that you were—what happened to that study? Does anybody know?
- Yeah, and that's kind of what that study was.
- We were directed to do a study, an efficiency study and process, so we did that with the University of
- And so we had months of waiting for a feasibility study.
- It's the feasibility study that we contracted for.
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee heard the Legislative Budget Board’s overview of the Texas Department of Public Safety’s 2026-27 budget, followed by extensive testimony from DPS leadership. The LBB presentation covered funding and staffing changes across driver license services, facilities, troopers and recruit schools, crime labs, vehicle and aircraft operations, and border security. The recommendations included added support for customer service staffing and trooper hiring, but did not include several DPS exceptional items such as major driver license staffing and technology requests, new regional headquarters in El Paso and San Antonio, and other capital projects. Members also discussed proposed rider changes, including a new rider to lapse unused trooper funding and require reporting after recruit schools.
Much of the committee’s questioning focused on driver license operations, where senators criticized long call wait times, low call-answer rates, appointment delays, and what they viewed as an overreliance on adding staff rather than improving processes. DPS and LBB witnesses said the agency is pursuing some technology upgrades, including automation, online pre-population of applications, and appointment-system improvements, but acknowledged that the driver license division remains a major problem area. Senators also raised concerns about whether the 2019 efficiency study led to meaningful changes and whether the agency should consider broader process redesign or even a different administrative structure.
Colonel Freeman and other DPS officials then defended the agency’s broader law enforcement and border-security work, emphasizing the need for the Williamson County training academy, the 500 additional troopers funded in prior sessions, and continued support for Operation Lone Star. They described DPS’s role in border interdiction, threat-to-life investigations, oilfield theft cases, Capitol and Alamo security, and highway safety, and said the agency is stretched thin by deployments and overtime. Members asked about border reimbursement possibilities, regional staffing differences, pursuit safety, fleet and aircraft replacement needs, and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame museum. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- So, and that was a 2023 study.
- So, and that was a 2023 study. services. So, and that was a 2023 study.
- I also have a 20-year study that that?
- weigh it um you know or how the study weigh it um you know or how the study commission<02:00:20.480
- <03:10:52.960>
commission look at that and do a study commission look at that and do a study
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- to create a task force comprised of relevant state entities to be referred to as the Tiger Team to study
- request by Senator John Kennedy to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to initiate a formal study
- It is a concurrent resolution to authorize and direct the Law Institute to study intestate succession
- Domain is a concurrent resolution authorizing and requesting the Louisiana State Law Institute to study
- He then studied tirelessly to become a state trooper and scored the highest ever on the Civil Service
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 30th, 2026 at 09:51 am
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- Does line 86 require a bill for a Beaver to study utility affordability? Thanks, Mr. Chair.
- Does line 86 require a bill for the Bieber to study utility affordability? Mr.
- We’re putting $100,000 toward a utility affordability study, correct?
- Chairman, Representative Pettigrew, this body has done studies like this to Bieber in the past.
- . in there to study cohabitation and some other things with stakeholders there.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Community Affairs Dec 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the interim director of the Schimberg Center for Housing Studies.
- , which we, and both the data clearinghouse and the rental market study, we do, that are sponsored by
- So we did update the rental market study in 2025. It's the ninth one we've done.
- When we looked at the rental market study, we found that about a million people had moved to Florida
- So a lot more detail in the rental market study.
Summary:
The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum present and took up SB 122, which would repeal Chapter 205 on local business taxes while allowing municipalities to continue imposing a gross-receipts-based business tax on merchants. Senator Trumbull presented the bill for the sponsor, and committee members questioned what services local governments fund with local business tax revenue and whether the bill should be considered alongside broader property tax changes. County and city representatives opposed the bill, arguing that local business taxes are capped home-rule revenues used for general fund services such as public safety, zoning and licensure checks, economic development, and business support, and warning that repeal would shift costs to residential taxpayers and reduce local flexibility. Senator Shreve said he would vote no because of ongoing property tax discussions, while Senator Pizzo said he would support the bill but wanted clearer accounting of how the revenue is spent. The committee voted 5-1 to report SB 122 favorably.
The committee then held a housing panel discussion focused on Florida’s housing shortage, affordability, and supply constraints. Dr. Samuel Staley said Florida is in a housing crisis driven largely by insufficient supply, arguing that the state needs roughly 100,000 additional units per year just to keep up with in-migration and that local planning systems often do not prioritize housing enough. He urged more emphasis on measurable impacts, streamlined permitting, accessory dwelling units, smaller lot sizes, and other market-responsive tools. Ann Ray of the Shimberg Center said Florida is seeing more single-family and multifamily construction but that production is concentrated in a handful of counties, while condo construction remains limited; she also noted that rents and home prices spiked sharply in the early 2020s and remain above pre-2020 levels, with nearly 905,000 low-income renters cost-burdened. Leslie Deutsch of John Burns Research said the national housing market is slow, Florida has a severe affordability problem, and builders are lowering prices and offering incentives but still face high land, labor, materials, and insurance costs.
In committee discussion, senators focused on whether Florida should encourage more density, including townhomes, build-to-rent products, modular housing, and redevelopment of existing sites rather than relying on large new subdivisions. Members also discussed the role of local zoning, impact fees, density bonuses, and state incentives tied to housing targets. Several senators said Florida’s growth and affordability challenges require updating land development codes and planning for where future residents will live without overbuilding rural or environmentally sensitive areas. The chair closed by emphasizing that density can support affordability and that Florida should use existing footprints more efficiently.