Transcript Highlights:

• A recent article in the Florida Hospital, by the Florida Hospital Association, found that there are over
• Chris Newland, Florida Neurological Society, and then Jill Puckett with the Florida Association of Nurse
• We agree with Senator Harrell that Florida can do better. Florida is doing Florida is doing better.
• Chairman, members of the committee, your Florida Center for Nursing recently reported that Florida ranks
• Wynn, Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, waiving against; and Chris Newell, Florida Chapter of

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met with a quorum present and took up several health-related bills. CS/SB 1110, covering Medicaid and insurance coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics, including activity-specific devices without lifetime or continuous-use caps, received emotional testimony from families and athletes describing high costs and the importance of access for children and adults with disabilities. Members voiced strong support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 1574, which would add biliary atresia screening to the newborn screening program using the existing birth blood specimen. The sponsor and a parent testified that earlier detection could prevent severe liver damage, transplants, and deaths, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 794, dealing with background screening for employees at residential facilities and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities and a review of waiver support coordination, was amended to align with the House companion and then reported favorably after testimony emphasizing the importance of strong support coordinators for APD waiver families. Members then considered SB 162, requiring hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies for smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. Nurses and other supporters described surgical smoke as a serious occupational hazard, while the Florida Hospital Association said hospitals are already regulated in this area and the bill was somewhat prescriptive; an amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 254, which tightens oversight of nursing education programs, adds preceptorship and provisional licensure pathways for graduates awaiting NCLEX results, and increases transparency and accountability for low-performing programs, drew support from nursing advocates and opposition from private nursing schools concerned about workforce impacts; after amendment, it was reported favorably. Finally, SB 688 to reestablish licensure and regulation of naturopathic doctors in Florida was heard with testimony both supporting expanded health care choices and opposing the bill over safety and scope concerns, and it too was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• State College to both FSU and Florida.
• Lastly about me, I was born in Jacksonville, Florida.
• I'm a law professor in Florida.
• as a long South Florida state college.
• here in the Florida Senate, albeit virtually.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THERE WERE 19 SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN FLORIDA THAT DID NOT RECOGNIZE, THAT WENT TO SCHOOL ON VETERAN'S DAY
• NOT ONLY TO OUR COUNTRY BUT TO THE STATE OF FLORIDA. AND WITH THAT, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. WAIT.
• RYAN KENNEDY REPRESENTING FLORIDA CITIZENS ALLIANCE IN SUPPORT.
• AARON FLORIDA FAMILY VOICE IN SUPPORT. SHELLEY KRESS IN OPPOSITION.
• WE HAVE SEEN THIS IN ACTION ON THIS IS WHY THE LEGISLATURE TOOK ACTION TO PROTECT IT.

Transcript Highlights:

• THAT WE TALK ABOUT ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ENTIRE MEDICAL MARIJUANA SUPPLY CHAIN FOR THE STATE OF FLORIDA
• THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA LEADS THE CONSORTIUM FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA CLINICAL OUTCOMES RESEARCH.
• LASTLY, THE FLORIDA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION AND THE FLORIDA OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OFFERED TO OUR
• OF ADMINISTRATION AVAILABLE TO THE QUALIFIED PATIENTS IN THE POTENCY RANGES FROM THE POLICIES IN FLORIDA
• THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM THAT IT HAPPENS A LOT IN SOUTH FLORIDA AND I HAVE EXPERIENCED IT PERSONALLY

Transcript Highlights:

• Gruters: SENATE BILL 160 IS A CPA LICENSE OR BILL ADDING ADDITIONAL PATHWAYS TO BECOMING LICENSED IN FLORIDA
• JASON HARRELL FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF CPAS WAIVING IN SUPPORT. ANY DEBATE ON THE BILL AS AMENDED.
• ROBERT WELCH WITH THE FLORIDA TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY INCORPORATED. SPEAKING FOR THE BILL.
• IN 2023 WHICH IN SEVERAL UPDATES TO FLORIDA'S EMERGENCY PASS THE LEGISLATURE IN 2023 WHICH IN SEVERAL
• AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS AND REVIEWED BY THE LEGISLATURE BEFORE THE REPEAL DATE THUS THE REVISED SCHEDULED

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ryan Kennedy, Florida Citizens Alliance, waves in support.
• Kathy Bome, Florida Education Association, waves in opposition.
• Jude Bruno, Florida PTA, waves in support.
• Eric Carr, Florida Chamber of Commerce, waves in support.
• Jude Bruno, Florida PTA, waves in support.

Summary: The Pre-K Through 12 Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and took up three bills, along with a brief budget conference-prep presentation. The first bill, CS/HB 1483 on school grading and student supports, would gradually align Florida’s school grading scale with the familiar A-F student grading scale over a 10-year glide path, add school report card transparency on the percentage of students reading at grade level, expand interventions for students with substantial reading and math deficiencies through VPK through grade 8, and create a competitive grant for diverse books in K-5 classrooms and libraries. Supporters argued the current school-grade scale is misleading and that the bill would improve transparency and supports; some members raised concerns about impacts on turnaround schools, community perception, and whether the bill adequately captures student gains. The bill passed 12-2 and was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS/HB 859 on the School Readiness Program, which revises the definition of “economically disadvantaged” for eligibility purposes. The bill originally moved from 150% of the federal poverty level to 65% of state median income, but three amendments were adopted to create a glide path and reduce fiscal impact by using 50% of state median income or 150% of poverty, whichever is greater, and by deleting an obsolete section. Public testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, emphasizing child care as workforce infrastructure and a lifeline for working families. The bill passed unanimously, 14-0, and was reported favorably. Finally, CS/HB 1607 on cardiac emergencies in schools would require AEDs in every Florida school, including charter schools, require CPR/AED training, and create a pulse-saving plan with rulemaking authority for the State Board of Education. Proponents cited alarming statistics about sudden cardiac arrest on campuses and argued that rapid AED access can save lives; supporters from the American Heart Association, PTA, and cardiology groups backed the measure. Members spoke in strong support, and the bill passed unanimously, 14-0, and was reported favorably. The meeting ended with a budget presentation explaining that House and Senate FY 2025-26 budget, appropriations project, and proviso side-by-sides had been distributed ahead of conference, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It streamlines the administration and implementation of the My Safe Florida Home Program.
• It streamlines the My Safe Florida Home Program.
• Sam Wagner, Florida League of Cities. I do want to thank the sponsor, first and foremost.
• Jeff Scala, Florida Association of Counties. Come on up. You're recognized.
• Thank you, Chairman, and Jeff Scalph, Florida Association of Counties.

Summary: The State Administration Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered three bills. HB 1221, the Department of Financial Services agency package, was presented as a streamlining and modernization bill covering the My Safe Florida Home Program, unclaimed property, and the state’s new PALM accounting system. Two amendments were adopted: one restoring the current $15 million cap DFS may retain in the unclaimed property trust fund and another making conforming changes to replace references to FLAIR with PALM. The bill was supported by public witnesses and was reported favorably after a unanimous roll call vote. The committee then heard HB 1291, dealing with the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA). The sponsor explained that the bill was intended to address concerns that NICA could fall below actuarially sound funding in the 2027-2028 fiscal year and that current law lacks clear triggers for funding remedies. An amendment was adopted that removed the bill’s fiscal impact and preserved a $20 million reserve. NICA representatives spoke in support, and the amended bill was reported favorably by unanimous vote. Finally, the committee took up CSHB 1329, which would modernize local government budget transparency by requiring budgets to be posted 14 days before hearings, retained online for five years, and made searchable and accessible, while also requiring a 10% budget-cutting exercise before adoption. Local government groups and the CFO’s office discussed costs and suggested that the EDR portal may be a better centralized way to present the data, especially for smaller jurisdictions. Members generally supported the transparency goal but raised concerns about implementation costs; the sponsor said the bill was still being refined. The bill was reported favorably on a mostly party-line vote, with one member voting no for now. The meeting then adjourned after the chair noted submission of the FY 2026-27 budget recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislature enacted a public records exemption for the personal information of trial court clerks
• We have one appearance form and that is from Judge Clay Roberts, Florida Conference of DC a judge is
• Basically, we're that's already in the Florida probate code.
• Sarah Butters with the Real Property Probate and Trust Law section of Florida bar.
• We have one appearance form JP Bill Florida Realtors Association waiving in support. Thank you.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that are being offered have to go through CIE to be able to continue to provide those courses in Florida
• The current amount of dual enrollment is set as an item that the legislature funds.
• So this is all about lowering cost to Florida kids for their post-secondary degree.
• So I think, holistically, the Legislature said this is really valuable. Oh, I agree.
• Joanne Hart, Florida Dental Association, speaking for information. You recognized? Am I on now?

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary heard and approved CS/SB 1694, which revises postsecondary general education standards to incorporate technology-related instruction. The adopted amendment shifted the bill away from creating a sixth core course and instead required technology-integrated general education courses to include digital literacy, AI tool application, and related content such as software engineering, networks, databases, and cybersecurity as applicable. The amendment also addressed high school computer science instruction by emphasizing critical evaluation of AI results, limitations of AI, and ethical use. After brief questions and no opposition, the committee voted unanimously to report the bill favorably. The committee also took up a confirmation package for appointments on tabs 1 through 2 and, on one motion, recommended confirmation of all appointees favorably. It then considered SPB 7038, a committee bill on postsecondary education and workforce development that touches tuition and fee policies, consumer protections, career and technical education, student acceleration, and institutional operations. Senator Berman asked about dual enrollment expansion, CIE licensure/jurisdiction, and removal of the classic learning test as a fee-waiver qualifier; the sponsor said the dual enrollment change was intended to expand student options without necessarily increasing enrollment costs, and that the classic learning test removal was an error to be corrected later. Joanne Hart of the Florida Dental Association appeared in support of preserving the existing exemption for dental assisting programs from CIE requirements, noting the programs are approved by the Board of Dentistry and help address workforce shortages. After discussion, the committee adopted the motion to submit SPB 7038 as a committee bill and then voted unanimously to report it favorably. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 1455 creates section 794.0116 of the Florida Statutes, which establishes mandatory minimum sentences
• This ensures Florida law reflects the severity of these offenses and continues to put our state front
• My name is Joe Harmon, and I represent the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops.
• Andrew Rutledge, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, waves in opposition.
• Bernie Bishop, Florida Smart Justice Alliance, waves in support.

Summary: The committee heard three member bills. CS/HB 1095 would create a criminal offender substance abuse pilot program in Hillsborough County for probationers ordered to abstain from drugs and alcohol, with frequent testing, immediate arrest for violations, and a cap of 150 participants. An amendment removed the fiscal impact by eliminating an appropriation and directing any appropriated funds to the administering entity; the amendment and bill both passed, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. CS/HB 1455 would establish mandatory minimum sentences for repeat sexual offenders or predators who commit specified sexual offenses, including 10-year and 20-year minimums depending on the offense, with no gain time or discretionary early release. The only public testimony was in support from the Smart Justice Alliance. The committee approved the bill 11-1 and reported it favorably. CS/HB 1283 would make the sex trafficking of a child under 12 or a mentally incapacitated person a capital felony punishable by death or life imprisonment. Members questioned the fiscal impact, housing on death row, and how the death penalty process would work; the sponsor said the bill was aimed at the worst offenders and that current law already provides mandatory life for trafficking a child under 12. Public testimony included opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and support from the Smart Justice Alliance. After debate focused on constitutionality and the death penalty, the committee passed the bill 10-3 and reported it favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chamber Board of Directors, as chair of the current Florida Chamber Foundation, or as chair of the Florida
• I've been president of the Florida Medical Association.
• I've been chair of the Florida delegation to the AMA.
• I have been a Florida resident for the past 30 years.
• We're very rural, northwest Florida, the Panhandle.

Bills: S0720 , S1246

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Keywords: tuition, resident status, incarceration, education, equal access, nursing shortage, health care, education funding, workforce development, LINE Fund, monetary contributions, nonmonetary contributions

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to consider one bill, a postponed bill, and a slate of trustee confirmations. The committee first took up CS/SB 1246, which expands the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) fund to support health science workforce shortages beyond nursing, including allied health programs. The bill also broadens eligible uses of funds, revises matching requirements and grant criteria, and updates reporting requirements. A strike-all amendment was adopted without objection, and the committee then reported the bill favorably after supportive testimony from Florida State College at Jacksonville, the Florida Hospital Association, the College of Central Florida, and the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Senator Davis also noted a favorable vote on the bill for the record. The committee then temporarily postponed SB 720 at the sponsor’s request. Chair Harrell explained that the bill had been incorporated into a larger committee measure and would likely be heard later in another form. Public witnesses who had come to speak on the bill were not heard because of the postponement. The remainder of the meeting focused on confirmations for trustees at several state colleges, including Chipola College, Tallahassee State College, Pensacola State College, Palm Beach State College, Pasco-Hernando State College, and St. Petersburg College. The appointees emphasized themes of affordability, workforce training, nursing and allied health success, dual enrollment, community partnerships, and local economic development. After hearing from the appointees, the committee approved a block motion to recommend confirmation of all appointees on tabs 2 through 25. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will treat farms like other critical infrastructure in Florida.
• I'm here on behalf of the Florida Dental Association.
• Trip Hunter, Florida Farm Bureau, waving in support.
• Lena Juarez, Florida Agritourism Association.
• Florida in our water is, in fact, medication and not necessary.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard a presentation on its 2025-2026 budget recommendations and adopted the proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The chair highlighted major funding items including more than $1.2 billion for water quality and Everglades work, citrus recovery, food bank and pantry grants, wastewater and drinking water loans, beach restoration, flood and sea level rise projects, rural land protection, disaster loans, state facilities repairs, SLERS, accounting system replacement, and continued funding for My Safe Florida Home. Staff were authorized to make technical adjustments, and members were told final proviso project lists would be printed later in the week. The committee then considered several bills and reported them favorably, including SB 796 on DEP general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems to help local governments address failing septic-related water quality problems; SB 1162 expanding boating improvement and water access facilities programs; SB 466 implementing the Florida Museum of Black History task force’s selection of West Augustine as the museum site; SB 178 creating a FAMU agronomic study on viable crops for land taken out of production; CS/SB 678 allowing pawnbroker transaction forms to be printed or digital; and CS/SB 736 updating the Brownfields program, with a technical amendment adopted. Testimony on these bills was generally supportive, with speakers from affected industries, local governments, and advocacy groups. The committee also took up CS/CS/SB 700, the comprehensive Florida Farm Bill, which included technical agency changes and major policy provisions such as restrictions on additives to public water supplies, labeling requirements for meat, milk, poultry, and eggs, drone-related protections for farmland, disaster recovery loan updates, an honest services registry for charities, FFA scholarship and school infrastructure provisions, and a mechanism for state purchase of former solar-converted agricultural land. The water-additive provisions drew extensive debate and testimony from supporters and opponents, including dental professionals, public health advocates, and groups arguing for medical freedom and local control. Despite the controversy and a no vote from Senator Arrington, the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1226 creating a regulatory framework for pet insurance was also reported favorably, and the committee adjourned after members recorded additional votes on several bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida can Lee.
• How significant is it in Florida? How many cases have we had?
• So we in Florida so far are in pretty good shape.
• Is there a a standard in Florida about what is a reasonable geographic area?
• Next, we'll hear from Chris Nuland from the Florida, the American College of Physicians, Florida Chapter

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• FLORIDA HAS SIGNIFICANT COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES.
• I AM WITH DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE BASED IN ORLANDO FLORIDA.
• AS MENTIONED AS THE OPERATORS ARE LOOKING AT THESE TERTIARY MARKETS IN FLORIDA AND FLORIDA IS PART OF
• I THINK THE STATE OF FLORIDA IS MOVING IN THAT DIRECTION.
• FIRST, LET'S TALK ABOUT WHY FLORIDA IS WELL GROWTH.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hope, Missouri, was kind of mirrored after, excuse me, Florida, Hope Florida.
• Texas, Florida, Hope Florida. We didn't want to be the same as them.
• And that list of candidates and alternates will then be sent to the legislature, where the Senate and
• The legislature, well, first of all, the committee, if a commissioner discusses anything outside the
• And that list of candidates and alternates will then be sent to the legislature, where the Senate and

Committee: House General Laws

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of aircraft in the state of Florida.
• And bringing this new industry to Florida will create at least 15,000 new jobs in Florida.
• And this is a new industry we're gonna bring for Florida and Florida should be the leader in it having
• Michelle Duggar, Florida PTA.
• The bill from the Florida from the Florida ban on texting while driving law to the Florida hands free

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• CAROLYN NOLTE FLORIDA PRESS ASSOCIATION. PLEASE COME FORWARD.
• THE LEGISLATURE IN 2022 IN FLORIDA PROVIDED FOR SOME GOVERNMENT LEGAL NOTICES TO BE PUBLISHED ONLINE
• FOR FLORIDA COURTS.
• APPLICATION PROCESS ACROSS FLORIDA.
• OKAY WE HAVE ONE APPEARANCE FORM AMY BARR FLORIDA, FLORIDA ALLIANCE WAIVING IN SUPPORT.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And Florida says it's a felony if you do it, and it's a $100,000 fine a day.
• against Florida.
• Three: Tennessee, Florida, and what's the other one? Louisiana.
• Let's not go to Florida. Because, you know, Idaho, that looks like a better target.
• And one states were in Florida, Tennessee, Tennessee, and Louisiana. Louisiana.

Committee: House Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He is from Northwest Florida. Duncan, please stand. Welcome to the Florida Senate.
• He has really opened his heart and the state's wallet to rural Florida.
• This won't be the last time that I'm asking for rural Florida.
• It works that way in rural Florida.
• Welcome to the Florida Senate. Any other announcements?

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Florida Senate. Questions. So the B-MAP thing.
• Again, Ryan Smart, Florida Springs Council.
• When the Outstanding Florida Springs B-MAPs were adopted in 2018, we had 24 of 30 Outstanding Florida
• So two more Outstanding Florida Springs have become impaired.
• Act, passed by the legislature in 1977.

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met with a quorum present and took up several environmental bills and one confirmation. First, the committee considered SB 1422 on surface waters, which was amended with a strike-all focused on coral reef protection and designation of coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure. Senator Garcia described the amendment as a way to support restoration, disaster resilience, and access to federal funding; Audubon Florida waived in support. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS for SB 1422 favorably. The committee next considered SPB 7034, a DEP rule ratification concerning the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee River minimum flows and levels and recovery strategy. Senator Rodriguez explained the rule would replace prior MFLs and allow longer permits, while opponents from the Florida Springs Council and local river advocates argued the plan relies too heavily on one future wastewater reuse project, delays restoration, and lacks a clear funding source. DEP and JEA waived in support. After debate, the committee approved the motion to submit the proposal as a committee bill; the measure was favorably reported, with Senator Smith voting no. The committee then heard SB 1510 on DEP-related matters, as amended. The strike-all addressed Outstanding Florida Springs B-MAP mediation plans, septic system upgrades where sewer is unavailable, rural cost-share eligibility, notice to property owners, rulemaking procedures, and land acquisition governance, while removing biosolids and fee provisions. Florida Springs Council opposed the 60-day delay for B-MAP effectiveness, saying it could slow restoration and allow more conventional septic systems to be installed before stricter requirements take effect. DEP and others supported the bill. The committee reported CS for SB 1510 favorably. It also heard SB 1196 on waste facilities, which would prohibit new ash-producing incinerators and waste-to-energy facilities within two miles of certain federally authorized water impoundment areas, with an amendment narrowing the bill to Miami-Dade and Broward County. Supporters, including the City of Miramar, said it would protect water resources and Everglades restoration; opponents from the Florida Waste-to-Energy Coalition warned it would limit local solid waste options and could force more landfilling. The committee adopted the amendment and reported CS for SB 1196 favorably. Finally, the committee considered SB 912 on battery collection and recovery, establishing a battery stewardship program and requiring producers and retailers to join a stewardship organization by 2028. Supporters from the battery industry and recycling sector said the bill would reduce fires and keep batteries out of the waste stream. The committee adopted the amendment and reported CS for SB 912 favorably. The committee also recommended confirmation of Gary Jennings to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and then adjourned.