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• from Aventura, sponsored by the Senator of the 37th, Senator Pizzo, and Savannah Holsey of Fleming Island

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer, pledge, and recognitions of guests, including YMCA youth and government participants and the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Thomas Clem. Senators also made introductory remarks honoring the YMCA’s 175th anniversary and its community service, and the chamber noted the president’s birthday. The body then took up several bills on the special order calendar. Senate Bill 100 adopted the 2026 Florida Statutes and the 2025 regular session laws; Senate Bill 102 and Senate Bill 104 were reviser bills updating and cleaning up the Florida Statutes. Senate Bill 320, on administrative efficiency in public schools, would reduce district reporting and procedural requirements, expand teacher apprenticeship and certification options, adjust assessment and accountability rules, increase district flexibility in funding and facility planning, and shift some VPK oversight to school districts. Senate Bill 7010 would allow Roth post-tax contributions in state and local deferred compensation plans. Sponsors described each bill as improving efficiency, flexibility, or statutory clarity. All four bills passed unanimously, 36-0, after brief debate or no debate. The Senate also withdrew Senate Bill 1720 from further consideration. At the end of the session, the chamber adopted a motion to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House and then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

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• The states that restrict flavored cigarettes are Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, California

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• Rhode Island just introduced a bill that doesn't have a funding mechanism, just to allow for grants.
• Rhode Island just introduced a bill that doesn't have a funding mechanism, just to allow for grants.
• Rhode Island just introduced a bill that doesn't have a funding mechanism, just to allow for grants.
• Rhode Island just introduced a bill that doesn't have a funding mechanism, just to allow for grants.
• Rhode Island just introduced a bill that doesn't have a funding mechanism, just to allow for grants.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first reviewed its schedule, noting that 13 bills were being executed the next day and that additional subcommittee work would be scheduled around Town Meeting Day and the following session days. The chair explained that the committee would not meet on Town Meeting Day, would handle the remaining bills on the next available subcommittee day, and would continue any unfinished items later in the month. The committee then took up House Bill 774, which concerned Medicare-related coverage issues. Members discussed the bill’s purpose and the differences between Medicare standard and Medicare Advantage, with one member saying the proposal was informative but did not offer a workable solution. The committee also moved to inexpedient to legislate on House Bill 185, and the motion passed on a 6-0 vote. House Bill 241, relating to alternatives to opioids, was retained for further work. Members said the bill raised concerns about insurers effectively practicing medicine and about the lack of evidence on the efficacy of some alternative treatments, while also noting that chiropractic coverage mandates already exist in statute. The committee voted to retain the bill, with the motion passing 6-0. The most extended discussion was on House Bill 648, which would expand insurance coverage for glucose monitoring. Testimony and committee comments focused on whether coverage should be tied to insulin use or instead to a physician’s medical judgment, the role of continuous glucose monitoring for people with type 2 diabetes who are not on insulin, and the potential cost impact. An insurance department fiscal analyst said the original $22-per-member estimate was based on the unamended bill and that the amended version would require updated analysis; members agreed to retain the bill to narrow the eligible population and revisit the language later.

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• The only state I know of that requires reporting is Rhode Island, and they have a whole infrastructure
• We love the way Rhode Island does things, don't we? >> No, we don't.
• , that requires reporting in Rhode Island, that requires reporting in Rhode Island, and<01:17:11.360
• There's no We love the way Rhode<01:17:17.120> Island<01:17:17.400> does<01:17:17.640><
• Rhode Island does things, don't we? Rhode Island does things, don't we?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

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• Apparently, a license plate reader in Rhode Island, and I'm not sure of this, but I've been told this
• Apparently, a license plate reader in Rhode Island, and I'm not sure of this, but I've been told this
• , and I'm not sure of this, but Island, and I'm not sure of this, but I've<00:18:22.320> been<
• So I do a ton of automotive tint down on the Cape Islands where I own a company there.
• Islands where I own a company there. Islands where I own a company there.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

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• half are states of<01:23:38.800> Massachusetts<01:23:39.480> Rhode<01:23:39.719> Island
• of Massachusetts Rhode Island of Massachusetts Rhode Island Connecticut<01:23:40.400> all
• Rhode Island insurers get a huge discount once again, and our property taxpayers are going to flip the
• We operate in four states: Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. permitted by Medicare
• um and here on uh Rhode Island um and here on uh specifically<04:15:43.119> Bill<04:15:43.479

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a non-germane amendment to HB 297 that would create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Insurance Commissioner DJ Beton, joined by department staff, explained that the proposal is intended to help homeowners afford insurance by funding proactive home improvements that reduce risk and improve insurability. He said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 available on a first-come, first-served basis. Beton described the problem as rising homeowners insurance premiums, hard-market underwriting, nonrenewals, and the resulting shift to more expensive surplus lines coverage. He said eligible projects could include roof fortification, exterior improvements, flood-related foundation work, and removal of hazardous trees or limbs. He cited similar programs in other states, especially Alabama, Louisiana, and North Carolina, as evidence the model can work and noted that industry representatives were present in support. He also said the program would use means testing aligned with the Department of Energy’s weatherization program to target lower-income applicants. Members asked about the non-germane process, who would administer the program, and how the bill would prevent misuse of grant funds. The commissioner said the department would administer the program using one repurposed existing position, with Treasury handling fund flow through an MOU. Staff explained that applicants would have to show completed work through a signed contract, itemized work, and a sworn contractor affidavit, with some upfront payment allowed for materials and the remainder paid after completion. The chair and members discussed that the amendment is being attached to a different bill only to move the proposal through committee and on to House Finance for further consideration.

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• migratory species because there are over 26,000 acres. of Protected Lands, the Big Boggy Refuge, and Mad Island

Bills: SCR3, SCR30, SB2375, HCR35

Keywords: cowboy culture, Bandera, cultural heritage, historical significance, Texas identity, Birding Capital, Matagorda County, wildlife, conservation, Texas Legislature, statutory revision, code corrections, laws omitted, legislative updates, spaceports, tax-exempt bonds, aerospace investment, Texas space economy, Federal legislation, 1185

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• Colleagues visiting us in the gallery today are youth from the Boys and Girls Club on the island of Kauai

Keywords: 912, senate, all

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• And I remember I was a kid when Three Mile Island happened, and that's what started this whole charade
• Come on. kid when three Mile Island happened and kid when three Mile Island happened and that's<02:06
• So we get the Pacific Railway Act, right? That's why we're here in Cheyenne today.
• So we get the Pacific Railway Act, right? That's why we're here in Cheyenne today.

Keywords: 916, all

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• <00:11:05.519> I<00:11:05.760> would to that reclaiming our island.
• I would to that reclaiming our island.
• > campaign<00:22:44.080> and did the island hopping campaign and did the island hopping
• I mean, you know, like, I mean, there's islands to buy.
• I mean, you know, like, I mean, there's islands to buy.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

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• Establish one full-time equivalent OI island property manager position within the ADC and appropriates
• specific to Department of Agriculture and biosecurity and the invasive species committees of the Pacific

Bills: SB2350, SB2349, SB2407, SB3320

Keywords: agriculture, aquaculture, livestock, agribusiness, Department of Agriculture, regulatory functions, employee benefits, restorative practices, sustainability, environmental stewardship, local food systems, Native Hawaiian, workforce development, agricultural development, Hawaii Island, property manager, state employment, SB3320, Hawaii, Agribusiness Development Corporation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SP 2350, which would transfer oversight of the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Development Division and the aquaculture and livestock support services branch to the Agribusiness Development Corporation. The Department of Agriculture and ADC both testified, with ADC opposing the bill as written while supporting the goal of strengthening agriculture. ADC said the transfer could create federal operational and coordination risks, jeopardize federal funding and program continuity, and was unnecessary because ADC is a business development entity, not a regulatory agency. The Hawaii Farmers Union also expressed concern that moving the programs could weaken the department’s ability to access federal resources, while the Hawaii Farm Bureau submitted written testimony and the Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association and H-Plan were noted as supporting the measure; the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was noted as opposing it. Much of the discussion focused on aquaculture’s economic potential and the role of regulation, permitting, and funding. Committee members questioned why aquaculture had not grown faster, citing current gross revenues of about $66 million last year, a prior high of $82 million, and a possible long-term target of $500 million. Testimony identified permitting and feed costs as major barriers, along with market conditions and water quality issues affecting producers. ADC described ongoing efforts on feed development, permitting streamlining, coastal-state collaboration on seaweed and restorative aquaculture, and national advocacy for more parity in seafood import standards. Members also pressed the Department of Agriculture on its leadership and priorities, criticizing the lack of bills and resources dedicated to aquaculture and asking whether the department should have more authority to pursue land purchases and development opportunities. The department said it relies on divisions and industry feedback for bill ideas, noted it funds an annual aquaculture survey, and said it was pursuing congressional earmarks and other funding for aquaculture parks, research, and export/import issues. ADC said it would work with the department if the bill passed, but that its current statute does not give it regulatory authority and any such change would require a statutory amendment.

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• The use of skin-lightening products within the South Asian community and many other Asian Pacific Islander

Bills: HF2779, HF1645, HF1885, HF1289, HF1534, HF2707, HF1675, HF3046

Keywords: health care transparency, ownership disclosure, control reporting, health care consolidation, private equity, management services organization, MSO, provider organization, health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, hospital system, affiliate reporting, financial disclosure, public reporting, market concentration, horizontal consolidation, vertical consolidation, health care ownership, corporate practice, health care regulation

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• is Andy Morris and I serve as the legislative and public affairs director for the Council on Asian-Pacific
• applies to each of the ethnic councils, I will only be speaking to its impact on the Council on Asian-Pacific
• c> on speaking to its impact on the Council on speaking to its impact on the Council on Asian-Pacific

Bills: SF856, HF3168, HF3528, HF389

Keywords: Inspector General, fraud prevention, state audit, public funds, misuse, transparency, government accountability, ethnic councils, diversity, governance, state participation, community representation, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, Minnesota Historical Society

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• In the gallery, I have a former Big Island resident, Judy Steinman.

Bills: HB20, HB463, HB469, HB649, HB963, HB1163, HB1334, HB1481, HB1509, HB1511, HB1514, HB1515, HB1516, HB1518, HB1519, HB1523, HB1524, HB1546, HB1548, HB1550, HB1553, HB1573, HB1574, HB1576, HB1588, HB1591, HB1618, HB1619, HB1628, HB1642, HB1643, HB1656, HB1658, HB1664, HB1667, HB1679, HB1682, HB1688, HB1692, HB1696, HB1700, HB1705, HB1707, HB1710, HB1711, HB1713, HB1716, HB1718, HB1721, HB1728, HB1737, HB1740, HB1741, HB1749, HB1752, HB1753, HB1768, HB1782, HB1800, HB1804, HB1810, HB1823, HB1839, HB1842, HB1854, HB1858, HB1864, HB1870, HB1875, HB1881, HB1886, HB1888, HB1890, HB1894, HB1897, HB1898, HB1920, HB1929, HB1946, HB1959, HB1961, HB1962, HB1973, HB1974, HB2001, HB2005, HB2020, HB2021, HB2022, HB2023, HB2062, HB2078, HB2093, HB2095, HB2096, HB2097, HB2101, HB2137, HB2152, HB2207, HCR137, HCR181

Keywords: lava insurance, homeowners, insurance market, subsidy, Hawaii, eviction, housing access, tenant rights, judicial reporting, disassociation, disability, parking, travel placard, accessibility, mobility, small boat harbors, moorage, harbor permits, commercial use permit, commercial fishing

Transcript Highlights:

• from Aventura, sponsored by the Senator of the 37th, Senator Pizzo; and Savannah Holsey of Fleming Island

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognitions for the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Thomas Clem of Lakeland, and a large YMCA delegation visiting for the organization’s 175th anniversary. Senators highlighted the YMCA’s youth leadership programs and community service, and the chamber entered a proclamation recognizing the YMCA’s long service and its work in community support, youth development, and public health efforts. The chamber then took up several bills on the special order calendar. Senate Bill 100 adopted the 2026 Florida Statutes and the 2025 regular session’s statute materials; Senate Bill 102 removed repealed provisions from the statutes; and Senate Bill 104, the general reviser’s bill, deleted obsolete language, updated cross-references, and corrected drafting errors. Each of those bills was advanced to third reading and passed unanimously, 36-0. Senators also passed Senate Bill 7010, which authorizes Roth post-tax contributions in state and local deferred compensation plans, also by a 36-0 vote. Senate Bill 320, relating to administrative efficiency in public schools, drew the most substantive policy discussion. Its sponsor said the bill would reduce district-level mandates, expand teacher apprenticeship pathways, create longer-term teacher contracts and certificates, streamline salary supplements and assessments, increase flexibility in district finances and Title I use, adjust facility planning requirements, and shift oversight of district-run VPK programs. The sponsor emphasized reducing bureaucracy while preserving accountability and focusing resources on students; the bill passed 36-0. The Senate also withdrew Senate Bill 1720 from further consideration, waived rules to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, and adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Stein from Aventura, sponsored by Senator Pizzo, and Savannah Holsey of Fleming Island, sponsored by

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and introductions recognizing Dr. Thomas Clem as Doctor of the Day and a YMCA delegation, including Youth and Government students, in the gallery. Senators also noted the YMCA’s 175th anniversary and its community service, and later offered birthday wishes to the President. The chamber then took up several special-order bills. SB 100 adopted the 2026 Florida Statutes and the 2025 session’s enacted statute materials; SB 102 removed provisions that had been repealed or expired; and SB 104 served as the general reviser’s bill, deleting obsolete language, updating cross-references, and correcting drafting errors. All three passed 36-0. The Senate also passed SB 320 on administrative efficiency in public schools, which reduces district-level requirements, expands teacher apprenticeship and certification flexibility, streamlines assessments and budgeting, and adjusts VPK and facility-planning rules; Senator Simon said the goal was to reduce burdens while maintaining accountability. The Senate further passed SB 7010, allowing state and local deferred compensation plans to offer Roth post-tax contributions in addition to pre-tax options. Senator Mayfield explained the bill would give DFS and local governments authority to add that option. The chamber also withdrew SB 1720, relating to public school personnel compensation, from further consideration. At the end of the session, the Senate waived rules so all bills passed that day could be immediately certified to the House, and then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

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• spans an area covering almost 1 million acres, which is close in size to the entire state of Rhode Island

Summary: The Assembly Natural Resources Committee heard two items: AB 1016 by Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez and AJR 10 by Assemblymember Rogers. AB 1016 would expand the local permitting pilot for geothermal power plants in Imperial County, increasing the eligible generating capacity and extending the program through 2030. Gonzalez said he accepted committee amendments and emphasized the bill’s potential to create jobs, generate school and local tax revenue, and support California’s clean energy and baseload power goals. Imperial County officials and supporters from the State Building Trades and Independent Energy Producers Association testified in strong support, citing the county’s long geothermal permitting history, high unemployment, and major economic benefits from proposed projects. No opposition was presented. Committee members asked a few questions, including about the bill’s capacity range and ongoing coordination with labor. Gonzalez said he was continuing to work with the building trades on amendments, and the trades indicated they were now in support. The committee then took a roll call and passed AB 1016 on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations, with the roll held open for absent members and later additional aye votes recorded. AJR 10 called on the federal government to oppose Forest Service staffing cuts and highlight the importance of national forests for water, wildlife, wildfire prevention, recreation, and rural economies. Rogers argued that reduced staffing would worsen wildfire risk and harm rural communities, and the committee heard no opposition. The resolution was adopted on a roll call vote, with the roll also held open and later additional aye votes added. The hearing concluded after both measures received enough votes to move forward.

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• I'm from Staten Island, California. I'm against AB 928. Bello County, and I oppose AB 928.

Keywords: 988, house, all

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• We're talking about a guy that slapped a 10% tariff on an island populated only by penguins.

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• , Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island

Bills: HB248, HB311

Keywords: weather modification, atmospheric pollution, chemical dispersion, environmental law, public health, improvement districts, assessment collection, property taxes, local governance, foreclosure procedures, 1136, house, all