Transcript Highlights:

• They support the use of tracking users based on unique credentials that are changed at least once per
• funding for a system study and the necessary improvements to provide power to its customers.
• a system study and the necessary improvements to provide power to its customers.
• would provide the names to fill the vacancy.
• would provide the names to fill the vacancy.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of Senate bills covering elections, transportation, health care, land use, water, criminal justice, and local government. Several election-related measures were described, including SB 1037 on voting equipment custody and internet/port restrictions, SB 1568 on election system software timekeeping, and SB 1687 moving the primary date to May starting in 2028. Members also discussed bills on photo enforcement fines, roadable aircraft registration, motor vehicle booting, assisted living occupancy limits, and municipal permit and exaction rules. A number of measures were noted as third-read consent items, while others were flagged for further discussion or amendments. Health and public safety bills drew substantial discussion. The committee heard bills on insurance coverage for breast cancer screening, safe-haven hospital surrender of newborns, dialysis documentation, behavioral health licensing compliance, naturopathic IV drug administration, traumatic event counseling for public safety employees, sex offender registration limitations, and probation rules for dangerous crimes against children. Members raised concerns or requested removal from consent on several items, including SB 1095 and SB 1094 related to gender-affirming care for minors, SB 1346 on AHCCCS claims processing, and SB 1178 on naturopathic drug administration. There was also debate over SB 1520 on immigration data sharing and SB 1635 on warning someone about an imminent arrest, with objections citing civil liberties and First Amendment concerns. The committee also considered multiple property, water, and development bills. These included measures on effluent water use for landscaping, groundwater fee diversion in Pinal County, increasing the Water Supply Development Revolving Fund loan cap, creating a foreign entity review commission for real property transfers, and restricting transport of Mexican gray wolf pups into Arizona. Members discussed SB 1419 on solar roof inspections and financing disclosures, and SB 1787 on municipal exactions and appeals, with an amendment proposed to limit it to commercial property. Several members explained their votes or asked to pull bills from consent, and some items were noted as having split votes or anticipated floor amendments. The caucus ended with Rhonda’s election-related bills and a note that the group would move immediately into a closed caucus afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• This allows competition. in any company that provides electronic monitoring services in the state.
• Please introduce yourself for the record and provide your testimony. Thank you. either one of you.
• Please introduce yourself for the record and provide your testimony. Good afternoon.
• Even in established programs, staffing shortages meant we could not always provide 24-7 coverage.
• We also have white cards from Monica Taylor with the governor's office would provide information.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Judiciary B met on May 21 with a quorum present, approved the May 14 minutes, and then took up a long agenda of bills and resolutions. It first reported Senate Resolution 125 favorably, which urged the Navy to expedite funding and implementation of medium-unmanned surface vessels, citing jobs and private investment tied to Conrad Shipyard in Morgan City. The committee then heard House Bill 1253, the Gracie Claire Rushing Act, from Chairwoman Butler and Crystal Romero, who described the painful history of Gracie’s death, exhumation, and discovery that her heart had not been returned after autopsy; the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee also reported favorably House Bill 89, a local retirement health insurance measure for the Third and 30th Judicial Districts; House Bill 1257, barring elected officials and immediate family members from owning interests in electronic monitoring companies; House Bill 1029, as amended, creating a moratorium on alcohol beverage licenses in House District 3 until 2027; House Bill 1011, making a juror-per-diem donation program for CASA permissive statewide; House Bill 1064, creating a domestic violence intervention court pilot in East Baton Rouge Parish with support from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and YWCA; House Bill 816, prohibiting foreign adversaries from buying land near military installations; and House Bill 940, creating a counter-unmanned aircraft system task force to coordinate law enforcement response to drone threats. The committee then heard House Bill 1247, which addresses the shortage of sexual assault nurse examiners by creating a statewide SANE coordinator in the Attorney General’s office and a response standards subcommittee; after adopting a technical amendment set, it was reported favorably with amendments. House Bill 335, expanding public-benefit eligibility verification to entities administering benefits and adding legislative auditor oversight, was also amended after concerns from food banks and disaster-response nonprofits, with members agreeing to work on additional floor amendments to protect essential services during emergencies. House Bill 623, a tobacco-related deadline fix, was voluntarily deferred to allow more time for drafting. The committee also reported favorably HCR 64, extending a report deadline for the Supreme Court drug and specialty court office. Later, the committee reported favorably House Bill 243, changing recusal procedures so cases go first to the Attorney General rather than a private lawyer; House Bill 451, allowing hearing notices to be sent more than 30 days in advance and electronically; House Bill 1251, reducing permit costs for very small in-state distillers; House Bill 1053, allowing salons, barbers, and boutiques to offer limited complimentary wine or champagne without a permit; House Bill 153, barring criminal-justice debt from being reported to credit agencies; House Bill 59, authorizing East Baton Rouge Parish to transfer funds to the public defender’s office; HCR 50, a task force request; HCR 102, continuing the Senior Task Force on Fraud Prevention; and House Bill 1098, part of the aerospace package addressing liability related to sonic booms. The meeting ended with adjournment after a brief exchange about LSU and McNeese football.

Transcript Highlights:

• This request today is to provide appropriation to the agency to spend the loan.
• It's to provide for court reporters as statutorily required, according to the letter.
• This is to provide for court interpreters.
• They will also fund a program to develop a credentialing pathway for high school faculty.
• I'd be happy to recirculate the reports that I provided.

Summary: The committee considered a series of appropriation, fund transfer, and reserve requests across multiple agencies. Section B temporary appropriations included funding for state technology upgrades, personnel management staffing and IT skills assessment, court reporters and interpreters, crime victim claims, juvenile sex offender assessments, radiation lab testing, and higher education workforce grants and credentialing pathways. Additional items covered an ARPA grant for the University of Arkansas Fort Smith LPN program, an IIJA grant for the Oil and Gas Commission’s critical minerals work, a restricted reserve transfer for State Police vehicle purchases, a transfer to the Arkansas Heroes Program, and cash fund requests for the Real Estate Commission’s AV system and HVAC work. Most of these items were approved by voice vote. One budget classification transfer request from the Commissioner of State Lands drew extended questioning and was ultimately not approved. Members questioned the $250,000 transfer to operating expenses tied to the purchase of a West Little Rock office building, the ongoing lease costs at the prior location, and whether the agency had adequately planned for building-related expenses. After discussion, the motion failed, and members told the agency to tighten spending and return if needed. The committee then took up 15 pay plan appropriation requests totaling $25.7 million and approved them after discussion with DFA, DHS, Corrections, and the State Board of Election Commissioners. Members focused heavily on DHS staffing shortages at human development centers, where officials said vacancies and turnover were driven by overtime and burnout rather than pay alone; one member asked DHS to submit a written plan to address the issue. Corrections reported the pay plan had improved hiring and retention. The committee also approved overtime appropriations for Emergency Management and Military. Reports on reserve funds, the Budget Stabilization Trust Fund, tobacco settlement, State Central Services, Education Adequacy, Medicaid Trust, IIJA, and revenue transfer activity were received. The Medicaid Trust Fund report prompted significant concern about February’s $90 million draw; DHS said the month was unusually high because of cash-flow timing and that the fund should end the year with a balance between $150 million and $200 million, while lawmakers noted a second $100 million set-aside is planned for FY27. The final discussion centered on DHS’s state hospital damage claim and reconstruction funding, where members expressed disappointment that insurance reimbursement would likely return only about $1.8 million now and possibly about $97,000 more later, far less than the roughly $5 million initially expected. DHS explained the policy was based on actual cash value and depreciation for old buildings, and said the work would proceed on Unit 3 for secured restoration because it was the most cost-effective option.

Transcript Highlights:

• First and foremost, it provides legal immunity to first responders who make these notifications in good
• I will definitely work with you on the floor on this one, provided that we do that.
• It just requires registrants to pay a registration fee and providing for removal and registered registrants
• ensures that when a juvenile is under the supervision or custody of OJA and is ordered, they must provide

Bills: HB1322, HB2015, HB2933, HB2941, HB2959, HB2977, HB2981, HB3040, HB3055, HB3062, HB3087, HB3115, HB3134, HB3244, HB3297, HB3298, HB3299, HB3304, HB3319, HB3321, HB3322, HB3323, HB3345, HB3407, HB3471, HB3497, HB3500, HB3505, HB3544, HB3581, HB3648, HB3755, HB3764, HB3765, HB3767, HB3906, HB3974, HB3982, HB4104, HB4105, HB4106, HB4107, HB4108, HB4126, HB4130, HB4139, HB4144, HB4170, HB4202, HB4226, HB4227, HB4236, HB4260, HB4343

Keywords: domestic violence, offenders registry, public safety, law enforcement, victim protection, conviction records, landlord, tenant rights, rental agreement, housing safety, tenant protections, insurance regulation, homeowner claims, premium discounts, catastrophe mitigation, civil penalties, fentanyl, overdose, first responders, drug reporting

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides legal immunity to first responders who make these notifications in good faith, and in cases
• Okay, I will definitely work with you on the floor on this one, provided that we do that.
• It also requires registrants to pay a registration fee and provides for removal of registrants under
• It also requires registrants to pay a registration fee and provides for removal of registrants under
• when a juvenile is under the supervision or custody of OJA and is ordered in detention, they must provide

Bills: HB1322, HB2015, HB2933, HB2941, HB2959, HB2977, HB2981, HB3040, HB3055, HB3062, HB3087, HB3115, HB3134, HB3244, HB3297, HB3298, HB3299, HB3304, HB3319, HB3321, HB3322, HB3323, HB3345, HB3407, HB3471, HB3497, HB3500, HB3505, HB3544, HB3581, HB3648, HB3755, HB3764, HB3765, HB3767, HB3906, HB3974, HB3982, HB4104, HB4105, HB4106, HB4107, HB4108, HB4126, HB4130, HB4139, HB4144, HB4170, HB4202, HB4226, HB4227, HB4236, HB4260, HB4343

Keywords: domestic violence, offenders registry, public safety, law enforcement, victim protection, conviction records, landlord, tenant rights, rental agreement, housing safety, tenant protections, insurance regulation, homeowner claims, premium discounts, catastrophe mitigation, civil penalties, fentanyl, overdose, first responders, drug reporting

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a large number of bills, mostly by unanimous or near-unanimous due-pass votes. Early measures included HB 34, expanding “zones of safety” to include places like skating rinks, youth centers, pools, arcades, amusement parks, and water parks to bar sex offenders from loitering; HB 3407 on abandoned personal property and manufactured homes; HB 43 on rates for court-appointed property appraisers; and HB 2981 requiring school board meeting minutes to be posted online. Members also considered criminal justice and public safety bills such as enhanced penalties for people on the DOJ terrorist list (HB 3764), updating controlled dangerous substances schedules (HB 3767), and a bill to allow first responders to notify law enforcement after responding to suspected overdoses, with immunity for good-faith reporting and a fentanyl-related presumption in fatal overdoses (HB 2941). Several bills were laid over, including HB 2015, HB 2959, HB 3087, HB 3581, and HB 4227. The committee also advanced bills affecting courts, property, and administrative procedures. These included HB 3321 ending cost-arrest warrants for unpaid court fines, HB 3322 codifying rules for interpreting multiple versions of statutes, HB 3323 moving notarization requirements for electronic documents submitted to Service Oklahoma, HB 3497 clarifying appeals of pretrial orders in criminal cases, HB 3500 removing a nine-month deadline for successor affidavits after transfer-on-death property transfers, and HB 3505 creating a uniform wage garnishment law. Other measures addressed workers’ compensation and public employment, including HB 4260 creating a rebuttable presumption for first responders in workers’ comp, HB 4202 aligning radiology reimbursement with other specialties, and HB 3055 and HB 315 setting qualifications for the CLEET and DOC directors. Later in the meeting, members approved bills on consumer protection, technology, and public safety. HB 2933 tightened insurance claim timelines and penalties and made mediation mandatory for carriers; HB 3544 targeted AI chatbots that simulate emotional relationships with children; HB 3299 created a criminal offense for creating or disseminating digitized or synthetic media using another person’s name, image, voice, or likeness; HB 4107 criminalized misuse of outdoor tornado sirens; HB 4108 expanded critical infrastructure protections to airports; and HB 4139 revised home service contract rules to require truthful offerings and qualified service providers. The committee also passed HB 1322 creating a public domestic violence offenders registry, HB 4104 adding certain voyeurism-related crimes to the sex offender registry, HB 4106 lowering the grand larceny threshold to $900 and making a third petty larceny offense a felony, and HB 3974 addressing liability in shared inmate housing facilities. The meeting ended with HB 4144, which revises Open Records Act language for arrest and incident reports, and the committee adjourned with plans to meet again Tuesday.

Bills: SB2350, SB2349, SB2178, SB2101, SB2373, SB2905, SB3231, SB3296, SB2704, SB3162, SB2885, SB2174, SB3256, SB2333, SB2713, SB2100, SB3012, SB2805, SB2102, SB2478, SB2103, SB3233, SB2678, SB2461, SB2645, SB3247, SB2005, SB2022, SB2083, SB2128, SB2130, SB2240, SB2306, SB2547, SB2603, SB2756, SB2782, SB2818, SB2944, SB2982, SB2986, SB3022, SB3031, SB3032, SB3035, SB3053, SB3288, SB2435, SB2970, SB2938, SB3110, SB3251, SB3322, SB2068, SB2268, SB3046, SB2526, SB2231, SB2448, SB2567, SB3095, SB3264, SB3131, SB3069, SB3180, SB2119, SB2137, SB2209, SB2180, SB2949, SB2431, SB2410, SB3199, SB3245, SB2274, SB2277, SB2175, SB2080, SB2799, SB2491, SB2310, SB2489, SB2925, SB2709, SB17, SB2227, SB2887, SB2006

Keywords: agriculture, aquaculture, livestock, agribusiness, Department of Agriculture, regulatory functions, employee benefits, restorative practices, sustainability, environmental stewardship, local food systems, Native Hawaiian, workforce development, industrial hemp, Hawaii, Native Hawaiian practices, regulation, cultural stewardship, economic development, organic waste

Transcript Highlights:

• to add that we want to thank the students for serving the cowboy stew and for all of those that provided

Bills: SB2350, SB2349, SB2178, SB2101, SB2373, SB2905, SB3231, SB3296, SB2704, SB3162, SB2885, SB2174, SB3256, SB2333, SB2713, SB2100, SB3012, SB2805, SB2102, SB2478, SB2103, SB3233, SB2678, SB2461, SB2645, SB3247, SB2005, SB2022, SB2083, SB2128, SB2130, SB2240, SB2306, SB2547, SB2603, SB2756, SB2782, SB2818, SB2944, SB2982, SB2986, SB3022, SB3031, SB3032, SB3035, SB3053, SB3288, SB2435, SB2970, SB2938, SB3110, SB3251, SB3322, SB2068, SB2268, SB3046, SB2526, SB2231, SB2448, SB2567, SB3095, SB3264, SB3131, SB3069, SB3180, SB2119, SB2137, SB2209, SB2180, SB2949, SB2431, SB2410, SB3199, SB3245, SB2274, SB2277, SB2175, SB2080, SB2799, SB2491, SB2310, SB2489, SB2925, SB2709, SB17, SB2227, SB2887, SB2006

Keywords: agriculture, aquaculture, livestock, agribusiness, Department of Agriculture, regulatory functions, employee benefits, restorative practices, sustainability, environmental stewardship, local food systems, Native Hawaiian, workforce development, industrial hemp, Hawaii, Native Hawaiian practices, regulation, cultural stewardship, economic development, organic waste

Transcript Highlights:

• The language that we have that we will provide to the sponsor of this bill still solves the problem,
• The language that we have that we will provide to the sponsor of this bill still solves the problem,
• And the language I'm going to provide to Senator has that language included in there.
• The bill also provides civil and criminal liability shield to health care professionals who provide an
• It provides that a nursing home maintain an electronic health record system.

Summary: The Committee on Health Policy met with a quorum and considered three bills. Senate Bill 526 on nursing education programs, sponsored by Senator Harrell, would tighten oversight of nursing schools by requiring admission criteria, exit exams, remediation plans, annual reporting, on-site inspections, and stronger action against programs with poor NCLEX results or adverse actions in other jurisdictions. After testimony from the sponsor and several committee questions, a late-filed amendment restored a two-year probation period instead of one year, and the bill was reported favorably. Senate Bill 714, also by Senator Harrell, would create a voluntary non-opioid advance directive allowing patients to document a wish not to receive opioids, including when incapacitated, with the form developed by the Department of Health and potentially included in electronic medical records. The sponsor said it would not prevent treatment discussions and would provide liability protection for providers who lack actual knowledge of the directive in emergencies. The bill drew no opposition in the meeting and was reported favorably. Senate Bill 170, sponsored by Senator Burton, would add nursing home quality and transparency measures, including consumer satisfaction surveys, patient safety culture surveys, electronic health record requirements, reporting to the Florida Health Information Exchange, a $10,000 fine for failure to submit required financial data, and reporting on Medicaid quality payments. An amendment clarified the fine’s application to both facilities and home offices. Testimony from AARP and the Florida Health Care Association supported the bill, and it was reported favorably after discussion about implementation and costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• To provide direct assistance to individuals experiencing or at risk.
• But as I grew up, I realized that that roof provided me housing security, that trailer provided for me
• Do we provide a safe place?
• We're doing what we're supposed to do, providing the vouchers.
• Members, AB 1041 will streamline the provider credentialing process. us for doctors by establishing requirements

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In any company that provides electronic monitoring services in the state.
• Increase victim safety, provide structured, long-term offender accountability, and deliver coordinated
• Please introduce yourself for the record and provide your testimony. Thank you. Good afternoon.
• We also have a white card that would provide information from Lieutenant Jonathan Kemp with Louisiana
• Even in established programs, staffing shortages meant we could not always provide 24-7 coverage.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• internships, and they'll also have access to the high-paying jobs that the tech industry is now providing
• To the high-paying jobs that the tech industry is now providing.
• AI will analyze it, tell you where you went wrong with certain steps, and also provide you the steps
• And I believe it's our job to provide something like an AI library... ...are understanding the world,
• and I believe it's our job to provide something like an AI library as well as ethics trainings to the

Summary: The meeting began with a report on institutions of higher education for annual certification/solvency, which required no action and was noted as coming later in the week. The main presentation featured students from Arkansas State University, Valley View High School, and the University of Central Arkansas discussing artificial intelligence in education and the workforce. They argued that AI should be taught responsibly in K-12 and higher education to prepare students for jobs, support Arkansas’s growing tech sector, and reduce misuse such as cybercrime, scams, plagiarism, and academic dishonesty. They also cited survey results from teachers showing broad support for responsible AI instruction, district-level management, and teacher training, while noting concerns about critical thinking, ethics, and unequal access. Examples were given of AI already being used at UCA and the University of the Ozarks, and the group suggested a statewide AI library and related training built on the Access Act framework. Committee members asked about student reactions, and the presenters said responses are mixed, especially in the arts, but that AI is already being used in real-world careers and should be integrated with clear standards. The committee then heard from a Pine Bluff community coalition led by Pastor Jesse Turner about school-based outreach and youth support programs. The group described long-running work in Pine Bluff schools and Watson Chapel, including Pass on Patrol, mentoring, anti-bullying and nonviolence efforts, drug and vaping education, gun-violence prevention, and leadership clubs for students. They emphasized that their approach is nonreligious in the schools, focused on encouragement, citizenship, scholarship, and keeping students engaged in class. They also highlighted the use of free curriculum resources on African American history and said they help students see themselves as having promise rather than being “at risk.” Members asked about whether the programs could be shared elsewhere and about impacts on behavior; the group said some materials are trademarked but can be adapted with support, and cited reported reductions in negative behavior and referrals in participating schools. The meeting ended after members praised both the AI presenters and the Pine Bluff outreach group, and the committee adjourned with no votes taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• And James for providing interpretation, and to Tracy for captioning.
• And so we really appreciate the support that they provide.
• And so in many cases, the community college can help provide that.
• And so in many cases, the community college can help provide that.
• So there's someone there, you know, provides that kind of support.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened with roll call and approved the January minutes. Members then heard from Undersecretary of Labor and Workforce Development Josh Cutler, who gave an update on the Healey-Driscoll administration’s apprenticeship efforts and emphasized apprenticeship as an earn-while-you-learn model that can help address workforce shortages while including people with disabilities. He described growth in apprenticeships across sectors such as banking, bio, early education, health care, and human services, and noted recent milestones including the state’s 10,000th registered apprenticeship, expanded tax credits, reduced program fees, added apprenticeship liaisons, and Grow grants to support program development. Committee members focused on how apprenticeship could be adapted for human services and disability-related jobs, including early education, direct care, PCA work, sterile processing, and related health occupations. They asked about funding structures, employer participation, community college involvement, and how to make programs accessible to people with disabilities. Cutler explained that apprenticeship programs are employer-designed but must meet core requirements such as paid employment, at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning, related technical instruction, mentorship, and progressive wages. He said the state can support programs through the registered apprenticeship tax credit, which he said is $4,800 per apprentice and can be stacked with the disability employment tax credit, and through Grow grants, which were most recently awarded at about $2.1 million statewide. Members and Cutler discussed using intermediaries such as trade associations, nonprofits, and disability organizations to help employers set up programs and navigate incentives. He said the commission could be useful as a convener and suggested a targeted panel or information session with apprenticeship liaisons, employers, and existing sponsors to identify a few specific occupations and build a proof of concept. The meeting ended with agreement to follow up offline on potential partner employers, including Eastern Bank, and on possible next steps for a focused panel or pilot opportunities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Commission would be expanded to include a CPA and financial analyst skills and credentials not present
• That also can be a counterbalance to that certainty of recovery that's provided by the legislature and
• This bill provides that legislative...
• And the intent there is to provide some relief that I know he's heard a ton about.
• If you are providing a service and you are paying for the infrastructure and you have some assumption

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and considered four bills, all of which were reported favorably. SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives was presented as a negotiated “glitch bill” to narrow statutory language so co-ops can choose generation and power purchases based on cost and reliability without exposure to lawsuits aimed at banning fuel sources; it was supported by the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association and passed without debate. SB 364 on public accountancy was described as a modernization and licensure-efficiency bill to increase the supply of CPAs; an amendment correcting a drafting error and restoring automatic mobility language was adopted without objection, and the bill as amended was reported favorably. A public comment on the bill was briefly redirected after it appeared to address a different subject. The committee then took up SB 200 on utilities, which addresses solar decommissioning and storm protection plans. Chair Bradley said the bill would authorize counties to require decommissioning plans for utility-scale solar facilities at the end of their useful life, direct DEP to develop best management practices, and require the Public Service Commission to consider whether storm protection plan costs are reasonable relative to expected customer benefits. County and consumer groups spoke in support, and the Small County Coalition said the bill was a needed step that did not restrict solar development; the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered SB 126 on the Florida Public Service Commission, which was presented as a reform and “glitch” bill and amended to add CPA and financial analyst expertise, require stronger PSC order explanations, tighten intervention requirements, cap returns on equity at the national average for comparable utilities, set periodic ROE review schedules, and require affordability to be considered in rate-related proceedings. The PSC staff deputy executive director answered extensive questions about storm hardening, cost recovery, risk, and affordability. Several members and public speakers supported the bill’s goals but raised concerns about the affordability standard, the ROE cap, and comparisons to other states; others said the bill would improve transparency and accountability. The amendment was adopted, and CS for SB 126 was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• or entities that are not health care partners, provided the contributions support an eligible purpose
• We want to make sure that everyone is getting the credentials that they need to go and be successful.
• And again, that's provided to every veteran at no cost.
• But it provides an excellent opportunity for a great education.
• We provide seven, nine scholarships to kids there.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Higher Education Appropriations Committee met with a quorum present and announced that the budget rollout would be postponed until the following week. The committee first considered SB 1246, which expands the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund to support health science workforce shortages in addition to nursing. The bill, as amended by a strike-all, broadened eligible uses of the fund, allowed matching contributions from non-health-care partners, prioritized health-care partner contributions, and updated reporting requirements. Testimony in support emphasized that the program has already reduced hospital vacancy rates and should be expanded to allied health fields. The committee adopted the amendment, passed the bill favorably, and recorded the chair’s affirmative vote. SB 720 was temporarily postponed at the sponsor’s request after the chair noted it had been incorporated into a larger committee bill. The committee then heard confirmations for numerous trustees of state colleges and universities, including Chipola College, Tallahassee State College, Pensacola State College, Palm Beach State College, Pasco-Hernando State College, and St. Petersburg College. Appointees generally described their backgrounds and emphasized visions centered on affordability, student success, workforce training, dual enrollment, and alignment with local labor needs. Several highlighted strong nursing outcomes, including high NCLEX pass rates and job placement, while others pointed to expanding programs in welding, plumbing, electrical, cybersecurity, aviation, and other technical fields. Trustees from Tallahassee State and Pensacola State also discussed veterans’ services and health care coverage for college employees, respectively. After hearing from the appointees, the committee took up the confirmations as a block. Senator Calatayud moved to recommend confirmation of all appointees on the listed tabs, Senator Leek seconded, and the motion passed by roll call. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do know that Tallahassee State College provides 70% of the workforce at Tallahassee Memorial here in
• That's reason enough to be able to provide that program.
• That's reason enough to be able to provide that program.
• I look forward to working with all of you to be sure that Hillsborough College continues to provide the
• You want to provide the chair for number? Yes, nine four one... no, I'm seven seven two...

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to consider a slate of trustee confirmations for several Florida state colleges and universities. Chair Harrell outlined the process, including swearing in nominees, allowing brief presentations and questions, taking public comment after each nominee, and voting on the full slate at the end unless a member was pulled for separate consideration. One nominee, Edward Fleming, was not heard and was deferred to a future meeting. The committee also dealt with several technical issues for remote participants before proceeding through the agenda. Nominees and reappointees emphasized their personal ties to their institutions and focused their remarks on workforce development, affordability, and partnerships with local employers. Several highlighted nursing and allied health programs, with committee members repeatedly asking about NCLEX pass rates; reported figures included Polk State at 100%, Lake-Sumter at 97.5%, Northwest Florida State at 100%, Daytona State at 95%, Pasco-Hernando at 97% for associate degree and 100% for practical nursing, Pensacola State at 90% practical nursing and 85% RN, and Hillsborough College at 87.5%. Other priorities mentioned included construction technology, agriculture and ag technology, surveying/geodetic programs, maritime and diesel mechanics, aircraft maintenance, dual enrollment, AI, cybersecurity, and support for military and veteran transitions. After hearing from all nominees, the committee asked whether any names should be voted on separately; none were requested. Senator Bradley moved a block vote to recommend confirmation, the motion was approved by roll call, and all nominees heard that day were recommended for confirmation except Tab 10, Edward Fleming, who was postponed to a later meeting. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Due to the hybrid nature of this hearing, those wishing to provide remote testimony were required to
• To secure the commitment of the business community, H. 3249 provides a powerful incentive: a tax credit
• Rubin stated earlier, those credentials while maintaining some work-based experience, enhancing their
• We have provided detailed written submissions for both the delivery tax and digital tax, but for these
• We have provided detailed written submissions for both delivery tax and digital tax. detailed written

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on a large slate of bills related to advertising, economic development, tourism, digital advertising, delivery taxes, and alcohol taxation. The first panel supported H. 3249, which would create a high school trade partnership program linking public schools with private employers, especially in manufacturing, and would offer employers a tax credit for participation. Representative Soder, Uxbridge High School leaders, and others argued the bill would strengthen career pathways, build a skilled workforce, and keep students and jobs in Massachusetts. The committee then heard testimony on H. 3031 and S. 2003 to modernize the Massachusetts Tourism Trust Fund by dedicating an additional share of hotel occupancy tax revenue to tourism promotion. Tourism and hospitality representatives from Cape Cod, Southwick Zoo, and Indian Ranch said the proposal would not raise taxes but would reinvest existing visitor-generated revenue into marketing that supports jobs, local businesses, and municipal tax receipts. A tech-industry coalition opposed several digital advertising tax bills and a delivery tax bill, warning they would raise costs, create uncertainty, and burden consumers, small businesses, and delivery workers. The largest portion of the hearing focused on S. 2029, which would raise the alcohol excise tax by 10 cents per drink and dedicate the revenue to public health programs. Public health experts, advocates, a student prevention leader, and representatives from Jane Doe, Inc. argued the tax would reduce alcohol-related harms, address decades of inflation-driven erosion in the tax, and generate substantial new funding for prevention, treatment, domestic violence services, and community schools. Committee members asked questions about the current tax structure, inflation, and how the proposal compares with neighboring states. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair adjourned after public testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• judicial determinations; HB 1584, appropriation DOC; HB 1621, obesity prevention; HB 1632, DES credential
• This bill, along with the amendment, provides needed clarity in the statute to reduce ambiguity, and
• Maintains or operates a facility where abortions are performed, provides referrals for, or otherwise
• It says that the state may not make grants and contracts to abortion providers, effectively those who
• same time, I have great admiration for what they're trying to do, obviously make money, but also provide

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the pledge, attendance, and a series of guest introductions and recognitions, including the Dr. of the Day, Korean community guests, students, local officials, and a proclamation honoring the future USS Arizona SSN-803 and the USS Arizona Legacy Foundation. The chamber also announced committee assignments and took up several procedural motions, including reconsideration motions on HB 4027 and HB 2444, both of which were granted and returned to third reading. The House then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider measures on Calendar Numbers One and Two. In Committee of the Whole, HB 4034, dealing with CTE-related issues, was amended and reported do pass after debate over concerns from Tempe Union High School District and EVIT, with supporters saying the bill clarified statute and reduced future disputes. HB 2444 was amended and reported do pass. HB 2992, a pilot program related to sexual abuse prevention, drew opposition over concerns about opt-out instruction, pilot status, and classroom burdens, but it passed Committee of the Whole on a 31-21 division vote after amendments. HB 4027, involving highway naming, was amended and reported do pass despite objections that the amendment still appeared to elevate Charlie Kirk over the existing Ed Pastor designation. On third reading, HB 293 passed 31-22 and HB 2502 passed 37-16. HB 2229, relating to maternal services and funding for pregnancy resource centers, generated extensive debate over abortion-related implications and was defeated 26-27, though a motion to reconsider later succeeded 27-21. HB 2533 failed on reconsideration, while HB 2750 passed 44-9 and HB 2999, a special taxing districts bill tied to housing affordability, passed 32-21 after supporters argued it would lower financing costs and help build more affordable homes. H.C.M. 2009, urging federal action to streamline access to minerals on federal land withdrawals, passed 31-22. The House adjourned until the next day after additional announcements and personal privilege remarks, including a proclamation for Sleep Apnea Awareness Month and a call for more efficient floor action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Unlike many of my brothers and sisters in arms, I was provided with the opportunity to use psilocybin
• I urge you to unlock this tool to provide help, to provide hope. testifiers psychedelic assisted psychotherapy
• I urge you to unlock this tool to provide help to provide hope. Thank you, Mr.
• It establishes oversight, licensing training standards and safeguards for both patients and providers
• And I'm currently completing so provide supervised hours towards facilitator.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And James, for providing interpretation, and to Tracy for captioning.
• And so we really appreciate the support that they provide.
• And so in many cases, the community college can help provide that.
• And so in many cases, the community college can help provide that.
• It's a mentor-mentee relationship, so there's someone there who provides that kind of support.

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:

• And James, for providing interpretation, and to Tracy for captioning.
• And so we really appreciate the support that they provide.
• And so in many cases, the community college can help provide that.
• And so in many cases, the community college can help provide that.
• So there's someone there, you know, provides that kind of support.

Keywords: 1212, all

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 Massachusetts. Cutler described the Healey-Driscoll administration’s efforts to grow apprenticeships beyond the building trades into sectors such as banking, bio, early education, health care, and human services, emphasizing that apprenticeship is an earn-while-you-learn model with strong retention and career advancement. He noted recent milestones and supports, including the 10,000th registered apprenticeship, expanded tax credits, reduced program fees, added apprenticeship liaisons, and Grow grants to help employers launch programs. He also said the administration is open to using grants, incentives, and convening power to encourage more human services and disability-focused apprenticeships. Members focused on how these models could work for disability and human services providers, especially in lower-wage fields like early education and direct care. They raised examples such as sterile processing, PCA services, mental health, brain injury, independent living centers, and programs involving community colleges, Bridgewater State, and vocational schools. Cutler explained that apprentices are W-2 employees, programs must include at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning, 150 hours of related instruction, a mentor relationship, and progressive wages, but employers largely design the program themselves. He said intermediaries such as the Massachusetts Bankers Association or disability organizations can help employers navigate the process and that the state can support these efforts through grants and tax credits. The discussion also covered employer outreach, the role of community colleges, and how to make careers in disability services more visible and valued. Cutler said the registered apprenticeship tax credit is $4,800 per apprentice, can be claimed twice for longer apprenticeships, and is stackable with the disability employment tax credit. Members suggested hosting a targeted virtual panel with apprenticeship liaisons, employers, and intermediaries to identify a few priority occupations and develop concrete next steps. The meeting ended with agreement to follow up offline on specific opportunities and potential partners, including Eastern Bank and existing apprenticeship programs in health care and related fields.