Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Anna Upton, CEO of the Everglades Trust.
• I trust the commissioner and I trust members that are key in the bill.
• I also trust the counterpart in the Senate.
• So I trust these, ma'am.
• You know why they don't trust us because we haven't earned their trust. I live by the mantra.

Transcript Highlights:

• constructed a confusing, ambiguous, and punitive patchwork of bad laws, and we're asking our constituents to trust
• And, above all, it was about trust.
• Trust in a framework that would be responsible and safe, but somewhere along the way that trust was broken
• The attorneys are in the judicial branch.

Bills: SB5 , SB11 , SB12 , SB5 , SB11 , SB12

Transcript Highlights:

• concerns expressed by skeptics is whether or not the mail ballot system can systematize. can truly trust
• It is not good for democracy when significant amounts of voters do not have trust in our election processes
• One of the major reasons that faith and trust in our current election system is at an all-time low nationwide
• In 2017, the Election Integrity Project California retained judicial watch to successfully sue the California
• It's no wonder that the faith and trust in our election process continues.

Committee: House Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• Administration to invest money into Bitcoin from the General Revenue Fund, Budget Stabilization Fund, trust
• funds, and agency funds of state agencies and the judicial branch, funds of constitutional or statutory
• that's been described as vapor, and we can understand those terms that are used would lead you to not trust
• doing something that is consequential, representatives, that while we cannot tangibly see, we have to trust
• Someone told me that they trust in the integrity of the members we have serving in the House of individuals

Summary: The Insurance and Banking Committee met with a quorum and heard three bills. HB 487 would authorize the CFO and State Board of Administration to invest up to 10% of certain state funds in Bitcoin, require specified custody methods, allow Bitcoin lending under rule, and create a process for accepting taxes and fees in Bitcoin. The sponsor and several proponents argued it would diversify state investments, hedge inflation, and position Florida as a leader in digital assets. Members raised concerns about volatility, security, valuation, and whether Bitcoin was being singled out over other cryptocurrencies, but the bill was reported favorably after debate and a roll call vote. The committee then considered HB 7011, an Open Government Sunset Review measure for records of insolvent insurers. The bill would continue some exemptions but make additional records public, including underwriting files, risk-solvency assessments, corporate governance annual disclosures, and the names, benefits, and compensation of insurance executive officers. There was no public testimony, and members discussed privacy and safety concerns, but the bill passed and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard HB 1433 on hurricane mitigation grants and insurer regulation. The bill would tighten restrictions on former executives of failed insurers, raise capital requirements for new insurers, and require mitigation credits when homeowners receive Safe Florida Home funds. An amendment was adopted to require a licensed person to make final claim-denial decisions when AI or automation is used and to prioritize filings that lower rates. Consumer advocates supported the transparency and consumer protections, while industry representatives urged caution on the AI provisions. After debate, the amended bill was reported favorably. The meeting ended with closing remarks from the ranking member, vice chair, and chair reflecting on the committee’s work and likely final meeting of the term.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, this was unreviewed judicial and administrative discretion.
• both produced studies that concluded that sentences were based more on a judge's background and judicial
• Trust and confidence in the legitimacy of our systems and processes is engendered through open and transparent
• An opportunity for judicial review to ensure comportment with these practices is essential.
• But we would save a tremendous amount of judicial time, court time, attorney time, and crime lab time

Summary: The committee held a work session on tort liability and parole, with the chair explaining that the topics were linked because criminal justice reform and state liability often intersect, especially in cases involving child welfare and corrections. Staff first outlined Washington’s tort liability framework, including the state’s broad waiver of sovereign immunity, statutes governing mandatory reporting and investigation of abuse, the childhood sexual abuse statute of limitations, and the lack of caps on non-economic damages. Staff and presenters also compared Washington to other states and noted that Washington remains among the broadest states for state liability and childhood sexual abuse claims. Presenters from the Attorney General’s office, Washington State Association for Justice, DCYF, DSHS, and DOC discussed how tort exposure has grown, especially in claims involving DCYF, historical child abuse, juvenile rehabilitation, vulnerable adults, employment discrimination, medical negligence, and negligent supervision. DCYF and AG staff said claims and payouts are rising, with many claims tied to older abuse and new theories of liability, while defense counsel emphasized the human harm behind the claims and argued that tort cases have historically driven accountability and reform. Agency witnesses said they face large volumes of old claims with limited records, rising verdicts and settlements, and staffing and systems challenges, and they highlighted efforts such as early resolution programs, electronic health records, medication-assisted treatment, and improved incident review processes. The committee then shifted to parole. Sentencing experts reviewed Washington’s move from indeterminate sentencing to the current determinate sentencing system under the Sentencing Reform Act, and explained how parole could be integrated with sentencing guidelines through different models used in other states. They also summarized Criminal Sentencing Task Force recommendations related to a determinate-plus approach for three-strikes and persistent offender laws and a second-chance review process, noting there was no consensus on those ideas. Judges from the Minority and Justice Commission and the Superior Court Judges Association said a parole system could support rehabilitation and reduce disparities if it includes data collection, fairness, transparency, due process, and meaningful judicial review; they also pointed to research suggesting parole and structured reentry can reduce recidivism and costs, while warning that access and outcomes can vary by geography and other factors.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, if we look in line 6.15 through 6.18, in cases of administrative dispute or other judicial or
• quasi-judicial dispute or proceeding, an administrative law judge, mediator, arbitrator, judge, or other
• cases of administrative dispute or in cases of administrative dispute or other<00:13:15.600><c> judicial
• </c><00:13:16.079><c> or</c><00:13:16.320><c> quasi</c><00:13:16.800><c> judicial</c><00:13:17.279><c
• > dispute</c> other judicial or quasi judicial dispute other judicial or quasi judicial dispute or<00

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm going to trust my law school classmate. I trust you.
• And I'm going to trust my law school classmate. I trust you.
• </c> we have a bedrock of a judicial system. we have a bedrock of a judicial system.
• And so, um, I trust the process, and I trust it as we move forward.
• And so, um, I trust the process, and I trust it as we move forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Essentially, the board serves as what they call a quasi-judicial entity, which is geared towards reviewing
• , how do you, Understand policy proposals, how do you work to, how do you envision building public trust
• Health Network, in my neck of the woods, is the only CBC that has been awarded contracts for three judicial
• I don't trust someone who speaks that way, and therefore I will vote against him.
• I don't trust someone who speaks that way, and therefore I will vote against him.

Summary: The committee first considered the confirmation of Dr. John Lattell to the Board of Medicine. In questioning, senators focused heavily on his views about abortion, vaccines, ivermectin, and the role of CDC/FDA guidance in board discipline cases. Dr. Lattell said the board applies Florida statutes and works through probable cause panels and legal counsel, but he also expressed strong pro-life views, skepticism of federal health guidance, and criticism of vaccines and some medical practices. Supporters praised his long medical career, military service, and family medicine background, while opponents argued his views could prevent him from being objective in disciplinary matters. The committee voted to recommend him for confirmation to the full Senate, with Senators Polsky and Ruson voting no. The committee then took up the confirmation of Taylor Hatch as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. Hatch described her background in state human services and outlined priorities centered on accountability, data, lived experience, and improving service delivery. Senators asked about SNAP error rates, Hope Florida, legislative analyses, staffing, and the department’s handling of child welfare and medically complex cases. Hatch said the department was reducing SNAP error rates, that Hope Florida uses navigators to connect people with community resources and self-sufficiency supports, and that DCF is working with the Department of Health and other partners to improve investigations and accountability in child welfare. She also said the agency is reviewing medically complex cases and strengthening oversight of community-based care providers through contracts, audits, and proposed funding-model changes. A substantial portion of the Hatch discussion centered on whether the department had been responsive to legislative requests and whether it had provided timely bill analyses. Senators also pressed her on Hope Florida staffing, the number of participants served, and the Hope Florida Foundation’s compliance and legal oversight. Hatch said the foundation is undergoing a financial audit and that the department is relying on required reports and ongoing investigations. The transcript ends amid continued questioning about a community-based care contractor’s finances, related-party transactions, and whether further forensic audits or repayments are needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I have a discussion with that kid because they trust me and they want to talk to me. ...discussion
• with that kid because they trust me and they want to talk to me, am I then under this particular law
• mentioned, then the school personnel have an obligation... ...discussion with that kid because they trust
• , even if it’s outside the school setting... ...the school nurse, a teacher, a principal, another trusted
• outside the law, heavily contingent on what we... the school nurse a teacher a principal another trusted

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered several bills. SB 590, by Senator Bradley, would toll the statute of limitations for failure to report suspected child abuse by mandatory reporters until the offense is known to law enforcement, with a retroactivity amendment adopted. Supporters said it would help hold mandatory reporters accountable in institutional abuse cases; it was reported favorably. SB 778, by Senator Simon, would update the definition of forensic client so certain individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism whose charges were dismissed for incompetency could be housed in the same secure setting under Chapter 916, reducing duplicative staffing and space needs at APD; it was also reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 560, by Senator Garcia, which streamlines psychotropic medication procedures for children in DCF custody, clarifies when new medical reports are needed, reduces duplicative background checks, and simplifies consent documentation. An amendment removed language expanding who could serve as a qualified evaluator and revised the Road to Independence Program changes to focus only on post-secondary education services and support, extending eligibility ages to 26 while keeping a five-year maximum. Members discussed fiscal impacts and funding sources, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 1010, by Senator Yarbrough, which strengthens enforcement of existing prohibitions on sex-reassignment prescriptions and procedures for minors and adds civil and criminal penalties, along with Attorney General enforcement authority and related parental rights provisions. An amendment clarified that actions could be brought by individuals as well as the Attorney General and that the provisions apply only to minors. The bill drew extensive public testimony both for and against, with supporters emphasizing child protection and accountability and opponents warning about chilling effects on medical care, schools, and parental rights. Senators raised concerns about standing, scope, and impacts on teachers and clinicians, but the bill was ultimately reported favorably on a 5-1 vote, with Senator Sharif voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• It removes a bank or trust company's requirement that a stock offering be completed within six months
• With regard to trust accounts, the amendment requires a financial institution to pay the highest interest
• Law firms have a trust account to deposit client money, which, when aggregated with other clients' money
• The Chief Judge of the 13th Judicial Circuit will work together with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's
• This non-recurring appropriation from the Opioid Settlement Trust Fund will support this program, Madam

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Bradley, you're recognized introduced Senate Bill 794, regarding mandatory can trust that aisles
• U.S. with the SEC and then assistant state attorney for the Office of State Attorney attempt to Judicial
• And you can trust the goal that you're getting. So we accredit were finest around the world.
• But you still have the trust issue.
• She want to look at something that is built on existing rails like trust companies, trust departments

Transcript Highlights:

• Then why are you allowing trusts, estates, partnerships, and corporations to claim the credit, because
• 00:03:50.080><c> uh</c> claim um then why are you allowing uh claim um then why are you allowing uh trust
• <00:03:51.000><c> Estates</c><00:03:51.519><c> Partnerships</c><00:03:52.239><c> and</c> trust Estates
• Partnerships and trust Estates Partnerships and corporations<00:03:53.400><c> to</c><00:03:54.280><c
• </c><01:01:30.960><c> fund</c><01:01:31.200><c> for</c> the condominium education trust fund for the

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Summary: The committee opened by outlining testimony procedures and then heard SB 376 on tax credits, which would create a home fire safety improvement tax credit. Testimony from the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi urged that the concept would be better handled as a subsidy program and raised drafting concerns about unclear definitions and eligibility. Later, the committees agreed to pass SB 376 with amendments, including making the credit nonrefundable, clarifying third-party certification, deleting recapture-related language, and making technical changes. Members then heard SB 417, which would make unlicensed contractor work during or within five years after an emergency or disaster a class B felony. The Contractors License Board was listed for comments, and the Subcontractors Association supported the measure. The committees ultimately recommended passage with technical, non-substantive amendments and an adjusted effective date, and the measure was adopted. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on SB 782, which would require free and accessible voice communication services for incarcerated people and prohibit state agencies from profiting from those services, while also directing the PUC to set standards and providing funding for the SAVIN victim notification program. Supporters, including the Public Defender, ACLU of Hawaiʻi, Worth Rises, and others, argued the bill would reduce costs for families, improve reentry, and align adult corrections with the juvenile system. Opponents, including the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Hawaiʻi Paroling Authority, and SAVIN-related witnesses, warned that changing the funding structure could weaken victim notification and safety services. The committees deferred SB 782. The committee also heard SB 999 on fireworks, which would repeal permissible consumer fireworks uses, impose civil penalties and forfeiture remedies, and create a forfeiture special fund for safety education. The Department of Law Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, while fireworks industry representatives and others opposed it, arguing prohibition would be ineffective and urging stronger enforcement and education instead. The committees deferred SB 999 for further consideration, and SB 1136 on insurance was also deferred after insurers and the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs opposed it. In the later joint session with the Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, SB 744 on condominium loans was heard with support from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority and banking groups, while one testifier raised concerns that the program could function like C-PACE financing and add risky debt to condominium associations; testimony and discussion continued on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• that the legislature did not intend to limit either the right to make records requests or to seek judicial
• relief to vindicate any judicial relief to vindicate any violations<00:11:23.360><c> of</c><00:11:23.600
• There is no trial-related, no judicially related reason to do this.
• </c> There is no trial related, no judicially There is no trial related, no judicially related<01:33:
• We trust New Hampshire's judges other.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill works to fix the problem by requiring, the Judicial Council to collect and publish anonymized
• I've been assisted by incredible staff from Judicial Council and Superior Court systems across the state
• , as part of As part of this process, I learned about the outcome categories used by the Judicial Council
• It provides clearer rules, trusted processes, and faster, more consistent outcomes.
• When both sides have a trusted system in place, issues can be addressed early and handled fairly.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Transparency protects workers, protects the public, and builds trust. I urge your aye vote.
• Families were shaken, communities were disrupted, and trust was deeply damaged.
• Families were shaken, communities were disrupted, and trust was deeply damaged.
• Access to justice depends on public trust in the legal profession.
• This bill is about protecting consumers and restoring trust in our legal system.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• When resources appear limited and needs appear great, help us to trust that abundance can still emerge
• distributions of the fuel sales tax proceeds and caps the distribution of funds into the Inland Protection Trust
• distributions of the fuel sales tax proceeds and caps the distribution of funds into the inland protection trust
• Members, SB 2512E is the judicial certification conforming bill we passed out during session.

Summary: The Senate convened in special session for budget conference work, opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and moments of silence honoring Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Mateer and former Senator Bill Posey. The Secretary read the joint proclamation calling the special session, which was limited to the budget, implementing bill, collective bargaining/state employee issues, retirement, DMS, law enforcement radio system, health, higher education, K-12 education, government administration, correctional facilities financing, judges, documentary stamp tax distributions, petroleum cleanup programs, fuel taxes, and taxation. Chair Hooper outlined the process for moving Senate and House budget conforming bills into conference posture, noting that conference meetings would be on one-hour notice. The Senate then took up and passed a series of Senate conforming bills and House companion bills, generally by unanimous 32-0 votes, with delete-all amendments used to place Senate language onto House bills or to clear bills for conference. Measures addressed fuel taxes, the state agency law enforcement radio system, judges, pre-K through 12 education, retirement, higher education, health care, government administration, correctional facilities financing and capital improvements, documentary stamp tax distributions, petroleum cleanup programs, state employees/collective bargaining, and the implementing bill for the 2026-27 budget. Senators repeatedly moved that, when the House version was not passed as received, the Senate request conference or accede to the House’s request for conference. The General Appropriations Bill was handled by substituting House Bill 5001E for Senate Bill 2500E, amending it with Senate substance, and passing it 32-0 before requesting conference. House Bill 7031E on taxation was also amended and debated; Senator Berman used the debate to urge consideration of suspending the motor fuel tax for summer relief, but the bill ultimately passed and the Senate requested conference after failing to pass the House version as received. The session ended with a motion to waive rules for publishing the Special Order Calendar for the remainder of the special session, followed by adjournment upon the call of the President for committee meetings and other Senate business.

Transcript Highlights:

• When resources appear limited and needs appear great, help us to trust that abundance can still emerge
• distributions of the fuel sales tax proceeds and caps the distribution of funds into the Inland Protection Trust
• distributions of the fuel sales tax proceeds and caps the distribution of funds into the Inland Protection Trust
• Members, SB 2512E is the judicial certification conforming bill we passed out during session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have put our trust in you in the past and will continue to put our trust in you in the years to come
• imposition of a tax that is realized or unrealized capital gains of an individual. family, state, or trust
• Since 2015, she has also served on the Texas Judicial Council. since 2017 and the Texas Access to Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• Then the bill went to judici<00:14:22.800><c> uh</c><00:14:22.959><c> to</c><00:14:23.120><c> the</c>
• <00:14:23.279><c> judiciary</c><00:14:23.839><c> committee</c><00:14:24.240><c> and</c> judici uh to
• the judiciary committee and judici uh to the judiciary committee and you'll<00:14:24.639><c> hear</c>
• </c><00:36:58.240><c> and</c><00:36:58.880><c> uh</c> need to go at the speed of trust and uh need to
• go at the speed of trust and uh at<00:36:59.119><c> a</c><00:36:59.359><c> pace</c><00:36:59.520><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• So look, but I trust the author.
• I trust my colleague. I believe she wants to get it right.
• you know, we can make sure that we can utilize these tools in a way that doesn't jeopardize public trust
• that's disclosed, because then at least we can test those statements and what was observed in the judicial
• There will be judicial discretion on this, that this will be a matter for not just to happen in the jail

Summary: The committee heard several public safety bills, with testimony split between supporters who framed the measures as targeted fixes and opponents who warned about overcriminalization and unintended consequences. SB 701, by Senator Wahab, drew support from law enforcement and local government groups, who said state law lacks a tool to address the conduct at issue; the ACLU opposed it as duplicative of existing law, while public defenders said they may withdraw opposition after amendments. Because there was no quorum at that point, the bill was held open without a vote. SB 834, by Senator DeRazzo, was presented as a technical cleanup bill to improve California’s automatic record clearance system by preventing outdated “pending” charges from blocking relief, requiring local court records to match DOJ records, and creating a way for people to obtain proof of relief. It received broad support from criminal justice reform and defense organizations, with no opposition, and the chair indicated support, but no final action was taken during the hearing. SB 248, by Senator Rubio, would require DOJ to send new gun purchasers educational materials during the waiting period about safe storage, suicide prevention, domestic violence, and related resources; supporters called it common-sense education, while one opponent argued the information is already available. The committee voted the bill out on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, but it remained on call pending one additional vote. Senator Rubio’s SB 19, the Safe Schools and Places of Worship Act, would create a new offense for credible threats against schools or houses of worship even when no specific individual is named. Supporters, including law enforcement and Jewish community advocates, said current law leaves a loophole and that the bill would help prevent panic and resource-draining lockdowns; opponents from civil liberties and youth justice groups argued existing law already covers threats and that the bill would worsen the school-to-prison pipeline. After a motion and second, the committee voted due pass to Appropriations, with the measure also left on call. Later, SB 759 by Senator Archuleta, prompted by the killing of Whittier Officer Keith Boyer, would require a court hearing after a third supervision violation or new offense for people on post-release community supervision; supporters said it adds accountability, while opponents said it removes probation discretion and could increase jail and court burdens. The bill passed due pass to Appropriations and was reported as passing. The committee also heard SB 6 by Senator Ashby, which would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance while preserving veterinary use. Supporters, including veterinarians, law enforcement, and a parent who lost a son to a drug-related death, said the drug is increasingly present in fentanyl mixtures and needs to be controlled; opponents from drug policy and civil liberties groups argued scheduling would criminalize users, hinder research, and repeat failed drug-war policies. After extensive debate, the committee voted the bill out due pass to Appropriations, and it passed. Finally, SB 11, the AI Abuse Protection Act, was introduced to regulate AI-generated voice, image, and video replicas, with supporters emphasizing protection against deepfakes and nonconsensual images; the California Chamber of Commerce opposed unless amended, seeking narrower definitions and limits on consumer warnings. The hearing ended while SB 11 was still under discussion, with no final vote reflected in the transcript.