Video & Transcript Research : 'Bell County'
Page 129 of 500
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- isn't going to approach anyone. or at least that's been our experience locally in Denton and Collin counties
- My testimony is based on my years of experience working as a nurse in a large county health department
- As the new Travis County. me GOP Chair, I want to thank you on behalf of the Republican Party and myself
- name is Eddie Morales and I I proudly represent the largest district, a geographic region, not by counties
Bills:
HB14, HB 106, HB146, HB267, HB274, HB 1127, HB1359, HB1393, HB1584, HB1640, HB1710, HB2152, HCR101, HJR8, HR51
Keywords:
nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Feb 26th, 2025
Ways and Means Education
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, is it just... is this city... ...is it just city, county, and state?
- It is, but I think it's got language that the city or the county can do some requests to...
- It seems like in a county here and there there's somebody that makes a ton of money and has an... ...
- This notice is required by any county or municipality made by resolution or ordinance adopted at least
Keywords:
HB226, homestead exemption, ad valorem tax, property tax, property tax relief, widow, widower, unremarried spouse, surviving spouse, senior exemption, elderly, disabled, permanently and totally disabled, blind taxpayer, deed ownership, principal residence, school tax, county tax, municipal tax, Alabama Department of Revenue
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 2 April, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- She actually is very involved in Madison County business and economic development.
- Martin, formerly from Holmes County, is one of her County, is one of her business partners, Mr.
- They're part of the Holmes County Jackson State alumni association...
- He's served Jackson County.
- This bill comes to us from Rankin County.
NH
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We have the Chair recognizing the senator from Dallas County, Senator West, on the resolution.
- video with your friends on social media. 📢 Don't forget to subscribe to this channel and hit the bell
Keywords:
American Public Works Association, public works, infrastructure, Texas, recognition day, local government, municipalities, APWA, Texas Chapter, community development, engineering, professional recognition, community impact, Texas Society of Professional Engineers, Lubbock leadership, recognition, professional achievement, Alpha Kappa Alpha, sorority, social service
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Texas Legislative Medal of Honor Committee May 13th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Started way back when, next to Bell, his sister, for Halloween. It started there.
- Um, Gage's granddad was sheriff for 36 years in Hardman County. I think he's in the books.
- My dad was Chester Levin Ingram, uh, Hardman County. And we took pride in grandpa's.
- Presence in history in Harmon County. Uh, we hunted there, we fished there.
- That Harmon County patch, that Texas patch.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We get a letter from a county judge in Blakely County trying to just find him.
- Washington County, same thing.
- surrounding counties.
- We get a letter from a county judge in Blockle County trying to just find him.
- It doesn't serve just one county. It serves a lot of counties around us.
Bills:
SB 1
Keywords:
campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee heard a presentation from the Legislative Budget Board on the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Article 5 budget. LBB recommended $3.7 billion in all funds for 2026-27, a 5.2 percent decrease from the base, while FTEs would rise by 856.7. Major items included funding for driver license services, DPS facilities, troopers and recruit schools, crime labs, vehicle and aircraft operations, border security, and rider changes. The committee also reviewed DPS exceptional items not included in the recommendation, including additional staffing, technology, and facility requests.
Members focused heavily on driver license operations, criticizing long wait times, call abandonment, and repeated staffing increases without clear process improvements. LBB said the agency’s call-answer rate was about 9 percent in fiscal 2024, with average hold times around 34 minutes, later reduced to roughly 22-25 minutes. Senators questioned whether more FTEs alone would solve the problem and urged a broader efficiency study and better use of technology. DPS officials said they were pursuing process changes, including appointment-system upgrades, online pre-population of forms, and remote issuance options, while noting that Real ID requirements and population growth continue to drive demand.
DPS leadership then outlined the agency’s priorities: completion of the Williamson County training academy, recruitment and retention of troopers, capital needs for vehicles and aircraft, and expanded responsibilities at the Capitol complex and the Alamo. Officials said the new trooper funding would help address staffing shortages, public safety, and border operations, and that overtime and deployment patterns had been adjusted to reduce burnout and improve flexibility. They also discussed Operation Lone Star, saying DPS spending is largely overtime, travel, and fuel, and that the agency continues to coordinate with federal partners while awaiting clarity on possible federal reimbursement for border security costs. Senators also raised concerns about oilfield theft, cartel activity, high-speed pursuits, bilingual pay, and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, and DPS said it would follow up on some of those issues.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Technology and Telecommunications 2ND REVISED Apr 16th, 2026 at 08:45 am
Technology and Telecommunications
Transcript Highlights:
- So what's the cost to the counties at that level from the assessment side of it?
- I haven't been told what the counties are afraid this would cost them.
- And again, both counties or whatever that would look like, however many counties are involved, all of
- those voters would have to approve the change in county line by 60%.
- And when we're talking about emergency services, we're looking at counties.
Keywords:
artificial intelligence, education reform, innovation, funding, advisory council, broadband, Oklahoma Broadband Office, broadband access, statewide broadband plan, internet connectivity, grant programs, expansion council, termination plan, Oklahoma, Gas Hub, national laboratory, public-private partnerships, aerospace, high-performance computing, economic development
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Wed Apr 2, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- Next up, Karen Bell Pelgrin in support over Zoom. the services that we're already trained the services
- <00:24:14.400>
next <00:24:14.600>up <00:24:14.919>Karen <00:24:15.320>Bell - this Bill thank you next up Karen Bell this Bill thank you next up Karen Bell Karen<00:24:16.120
- We are saying that the county, state, private individuals need to be part of the interaction and more
- includes the state federal County includes the state federal County agencies<01:15:41.840>
as
Summary:
The committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 1046 SD1 on condominiums. Testimony on that bill focused on reserve funding and enforcement of reserve study requirements. The Community Associations Institute opposed the bill, saying it would create hardship, confusion, and be difficult to administer, while also urging stronger penalties for boards that fail to comply with reserve study rules. The Real Estate Commission offered comments, and one testifier spoke in support. No vote was taken during the portion provided.
The committee then heard SB 532 SD2 HD1 relating to the Department of Education, which would improve access to pre-approved medications for students with health conditions at school and during off-campus activities. The Department of Health, University of Hawaiʻi nursing and medical programs, and the Department of Education all supported the measure, with DOH suggesting amendments to better identify the correct student and improve medication safety. Members had no questions, and the bill moved on.
Next was SB 1245 SD2 HD1 relating to pharmacists, a bill to allow reimbursement for clinical services pharmacists are already trained and licensed to provide. The University of Hawaiʻi, Board of Pharmacy, Walgreens, Mikai Drugs, and the Hawaiʻi Pharmacists Association supported the bill, emphasizing improved access to care, recruitment and retention of pharmacists, and better chronic disease management. The Hawaiʻi Pharmacists Association also discussed proposed amendments to prevent plans from denying coverage or network participation when pharmacists meet credentialing requirements. Members questioned whether insurers would actually use pharmacists and how the bill would affect pay and contracting; no vote was taken in the excerpt.
The committee also heard SB 1279 SD2 HD1, another pharmacists bill focused on telepharmacy and 340B-related issues. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation supported it, saying telehealth could reduce costs and avoid travel for audits, while the Board of Pharmacy opposed it. Lānaʻi representatives opposed the bill and asked for an exemption, arguing the island already has close in-person access to a resident pharmacist and clinics. The Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association supported the measure, citing large patient savings from 340B pricing, while Mikai Drugs opposed it, arguing that mail-order and telepharmacy are not necessary on some islands and can create delivery and medication-safety problems. Members asked questions about insurer participation, scope of practice, and whether the bill would meaningfully change reimbursement; the transcript ends before any final action or vote.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPN-WTL, CPN-LBT, CPN-TCA, CPN DEFER, CPN, CPN-EDT DEFER Public Hearings 02-07-2025
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- And just to note that, on the counties' matter of fact, I think Hawaii County—I can speak for them—but
- We have testimony also from the City and County of Honolulu in support, and the tow truck in opposition
- We have a problem in the tow industry in Hawaii, and I think the City and County can back me up on that
- Seeing none, I forgot to note for the record written testimony and support from Leo Bell and Clayton
- Seeing none, I forgot to note for the record written testimony and support from Leo Bell and Clayton
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 1 and SB 1561 on vegetation management near utility lines and wildfire prevention. Testimony focused on requiring DLNR to create and update wildfire hazard maps, setting vegetation-trimming responsibilities for property owners near rights-of-way and utility lines, and authorizing utilities to enter property to remove hazardous vegetation. DLNR, the PUC, and Hawaiian Electric all testified, with Hawaiian Electric asking for clearer access language, after-the-fact notification in imminent-risk situations, and liability limits. Committee members discussed balancing wildfire response with property rights and the need for clearer responsibility and enforcement, including on easements and utility poles. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1 pass with amendments, incorporating comments from testimony, and SB 1561 was deferred.
The next major item was SB 640 on artificial intelligence disclosures. The bill would require businesses and individuals in commercial transactions to clearly disclose when consumers are interacting with an AI chatbot or similar technology, and it would create private rights of action and penalties. TechNet, the Office of Consumer Protection, and the Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about vague definitions, overbroad application, enforcement, and the private cause of action; the Chamber also argued the bill could burden small businesses that use AI tools for routine functions. In response to questions, OCP said the measure was ambiguous as to who it applies to and that the remedies and treble-damages provisions were unclear. The committee recommended SB 640 be deferred.
The committee also heard SB 454 on prorating the rental motor vehicle surcharge tax when a vehicle is rented for only part of a day. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii said the proposal would make the tax system fairer but more complex and would require better recordkeeping by rental companies; the Department of Taxation and Enterprise Mobility also submitted comments. Senator Melby noted possible effects on the special highway fund and said that could affect his vote. The measure was referred onward, with the discussion indicating it would proceed to Ways and Means.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1272 on towing, which would create a licensing framework for tow companies. Testimony from tow-industry representatives strongly supported the measure, describing unlicensed or noncompliant operators, poor insurance practices, and the need for accountability and consumer protection. They said a licensing board would give regulators a clearer enforcement avenue and help ensure fair treatment of vehicle owners. The hearing ended before a final action was taken on SB 1272 in the portion provided.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 216, 5 February, 2026; 8:30 AM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- Miss Bell, Miss Ross, you all have the floor. Good morning. Good to see y'all all again.
- <00:23:30.480>
U <00:23:30.720>Miss <00:23:30.960>Bell, <00:23:32.159>Miss - U Miss Bell, Miss Ross, barbering board.
- U Miss Bell, Miss Ross, you<00:23:33.120>
all <00:23:33.280>have <00:23:33.360>the <00:23:37.360>Thank <00:23:37.520>you I'm Katherine Bell, Denise Daset with Cornerstone
Summary:
The committee first heard from the Board of Registration for Foresters, which said it is self-funded through applications and renewals and receives no general fund support. The board requested a budget increase from $62,755 to $77,035, mainly for technology upgrades to its database and website, a social media presence, and about $3,000 more for board travel. Members asked about contractual expenses, staffing, renewals, reserves, and office location; the witness said most renewals are now online, the board has a reserve but he did not know the exact amount, and the board is leased space in the Robert E. Lee Building. No vote was taken, and the chair moved on to the next agency.
The Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists then presented its budget and operational needs. The board described its 10-member structure, three employees, and oversight of about 4,450 social workers and 210 marriage and family therapists. It explained that a prior $50,000 deficit appropriation was approved too late to spend, and asked to include that amount in the current budget for technology upgrades and equipment. The board also requested salary increases, additional travel funds, money for out-of-state compact participation, more contractual funds for database enhancements and digitizing records, and one additional computer. Members questioned the board about its large cash balance, staffing, office location, and the social work compact; the board said it has about $1 million in cash, is in leased space at Old River Place, and needs database changes to support the compact. No action or vote was taken.
Finally, the Cosmetology and Barbering Board discussed major licensing and regulatory changes and its budget request. The board said it had already adopted a passing score for the licensure exam, ended the practical exam, extended testing approval periods, removed barriers to temporary work permits, and opened a path for apprenticeships, mobile establishments, and online licensing software. It also described recommendations in SB 2566, including a low-income first-license fee waiver, sanitation warnings, reduced education and instructor-hour requirements, and removal of some display requirements. The board said these changes had already led to new applications and test signups. On the budget side, it said it was withdrawing a prior request for $6,340 for practical-exam contractors because that exam was eliminated, but still sought $120,000 for certified mail, $49,000 for recruitment and retention salaries, and continued flexibility for possible live-streaming requirements under pending legislation. Senators asked whether the practical exam had been eliminated and whether the board could still ensure competency and inspections; the board said skills are still assessed through program completion and theory testing, and it asked to retain inspector positions because it oversees roughly 6,000 to 6,500 licensed shops and salons with only two inspectors.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill requires counties and municipalities operating traffic infraction detectors to maintain certain
- The bill requires counties and municipalities operating traffic infraction detectors to maintain certain
- Doug Bell, you're recognized as waving in support for Progressive Insurance. Good to see you.
- It was the first new high school for the Black community in Miami-Dade County.
- The first new high school for the Black community in Miami-Dade County.
Keywords:
traffic enforcement, speed detection systems, school safety, traffic violations, reporting requirements, local authority, electronic signatures, vehicle titles, insurance regulations, auditing, total loss vehicles, specialty license plate, specialty plates, Florida DMV, DHSMV, Miami Northwestern Alumni Association, Miami Northwestern Senior High School, alumni association, commemorative plate, license plate fees
Summary:
The Transportation Committee met with a quorum and first took up SB 654 on traffic infraction enforcement, which would standardize procedures for red-light, school-zone speed, and school bus camera enforcement. The bill would allow clerks to retain 10% of penalty revenue, permit virtual hearings, require records retention, limit surveillance/data use, tighten school-zone flashing-light requirements, and add school board approval and reporting requirements for school bus camera programs. An amendment clarified reporting periods and which entity receives liability-transfer affidavits. Members raised questions about information-sharing, facial recognition, school-zone warnings, and school bus stop safety, but the committee accepted the amendment and reported the bill favorably.
The committee then considered SB 1080, which was amended by a delete-all to address FDOT direct payments to first-tier subcontractors and takeover agreements involving sureties and replacement contractors. The amended bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved a slate of appointments in tabs 1 through 6 by one vote.
Next, the committee heard SB 382 on electric bicycles and scooters. A strike-all amendment shifted the bill away from immediate enforcement changes and instead created an e-bike task force, required crash data collection and reporting, and retained rules requiring riders to yield to pedestrians, provide audible signals, and limit speed near pedestrians. Members discussed enforcement practicality, access concerns for riders who rely on e-bikes, and the need for public education and transparency. The amended bill was reported favorably. The committee then reported favorably SB 684, which removes certain signature requirements for electronic odometer disclosures in total-loss vehicle and vessel insurance transactions, and SB 880, which creates a new license plate for the Miami Northwestern Alumni Association. The meeting ended after all items were approved and the committee adjourned.
AL
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- That's most of Isanti County, part of Sago County.
- I represent District 58B, which covers Dakota, Goodhue, and Rice counties.
- Par educators work bell-to-bell, and before the law change, a para's first day was also the student's
- Par educators work bell-to-bell, and before the law change, a para's first day was also the student's
- Par educators work bell-to-bell, and before the law change, a para's first day was also the student's
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Congressional Redistricting, Select Aug 1st, 2025
Congressional Redistricting, Select
Transcript Highlights:
- Travis County has in connection with San Jacinto County or Polk County, that's closer to me.
- Travis County, Polk County, Trinity, or Houston County?
- I'm the McLennan County judge. In McLennan County, Waco is our county seat.
- Louie Minor is registered to testify on behalf of Bell County, Precinct 4, and Sealth against House Bill
- The only area out there was just one county, Lubbock County.
Bills:
HB4
Keywords:
district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, 997, house, all
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PSM, PSM DEFER Public Hearings 02-12-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- /c><00:26:55.720>
from <00:26:55.880>the <00:26:56.039>hovi <00:26:56.480>county - attorney's office from the hovi county attorney's office from the hovi county office<00:26:57.679
- Marco Visce or Lieutenant Bell? Good afternoon, Chair, Vice Chair, committee members.
- >
afternoon <00:54:33.280>chair <00:54:33.760>Vice <00:54:33.960>chair Bell - The county police departments are required to submit their data to us by February 1st.
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 547 on water conservation, a deferred agenda item that had already been considered by the other joint committees and received no public testimony. The chair recommended adopting Department of Taxation and Department of Health amendments, passing the bill, and adding a defective date of July 1, 2050. The committee voted to adopt the recommendation; the vice chair voted yes, two senators were excused, and the recommendation was adopted.
The main hearing focused on SB 1030, which would define election fraud intimidation to include carrying any firearm or weapon at or near a voter service center, place of deposit, or polling place. Testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers arguing the bill duplicated existing sensitive-places law, raised Second Amendment concerns, and could create confusion for lawful concealed carry holders using ballot drop boxes. A smaller number of supporters, including gun violence prevention advocates and labor representatives, argued the measure would improve voter safety. The committee heard more than 1,560 total testimonies for the hearing overall, and for SB 1030 staff noted over 10 in support and over 80 in opposition; no vote on SB 1030 was taken in the portion provided.
The committee then heard SB 38, which would extend Hawaii’s ban on high-capacity magazines from pistols to any firearm with a detachable magazine over 10 rounds. Supporters, including the Department of Law Enforcement, Moms Demand Action, Everytown, Brady, and other gun violence prevention advocates, said the bill would close a loophole, improve consistency in the law, and reduce the harm caused by mass shootings. Opponents, including gun owners, veterans, and Second Amendment advocates, argued the bill would criminalize lawful owners, be difficult to enforce, and would not reduce crime. The committee reported receiving over 40 testimonies in support and over 400 in opposition.
Finally, the committee began SB 401, which would add rifles capable of firing .50 caliber or higher ammunition to the list of prohibited weapons, excluding antiques and muzzle loaders. HPD and Everytown testified in support, describing the weapons as military-grade and dangerous, while Jerry Yuan and others opposed the bill, saying it was overbroad and would sweep in firearms and ammunition types that are not used in crime. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 401, before any committee action or vote on that measure.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 04/15/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Secretary will ring the bell.
- Secretary will ring the bell.
- I don't know where they were or what county, but I'm very much completely fully aware that OTDA...
- I also know that counties through social services, but the point of this is to help to streamline.
- So, it also reduces administrative costs on the counties.
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then took up a series of utility and public service bills and resolutions. A resolution sponsored by Senator Scarcella-Spanton designating April 9, 2026, as Yellow Ribbon Day was adopted after remarks honoring veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The chamber then moved through several Public Service Law measures focused on utility affordability, consumer protections, and PSC procedures, with some bills laid aside and others advanced.
Among the bills passed were measures by Senators Mayer, Cleare, Hinchey, Comrie, and Parker. Debate on the Mayer bill centered on limiting utility expenses and fees recoverable in rate cases; supporters said it was part of a broader package to reform PSC practices, while opponents argued it would not lower current bills and had been softened from earlier versions. The Webb bill creating a residential utility usage monitoring program drew extended debate over whether it would meaningfully reduce costs, who would pay for the program, and whether it could lead to government monitoring of household usage; supporters said it would give consumers more control and transparency, while critics said it would not lower rates. The Gonzalez bill, which would add consumer protections during PSC investigations and delay shutoffs in certain circumstances, also passed after questions about whether it applied to rate cases, with the sponsor saying rate cases were explicitly excluded.
Several members explained their votes, with supporters emphasizing affordability, transparency, and consumer protection, and opponents arguing the package would not address immediate rate relief and could burden ratepayers or encourage nonpayment. Senator Tedisco and others criticized PSC appointments and state energy policy, while Democratic sponsors argued the bills were part of a longer-term effort to reform utility regulation and address climate and affordability concerns. The chamber restored multiple bills to the non-controversial calendar before final votes, and the recorded results showed passage of the major utility bills by substantial margins, along with one amendment appeal being ruled nongermane and rejected.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Tech Council, Adam Hawkins, Aerospace Arizona, Sean Linum, Qualtech, Worth Ray, Phantom, Ross Garrick Bell
- Commissioner Tatum has been appointed to trial court appointments for Maricopa County.
- Commissioner Tatum has been appointed to trial court appointments for Maricopa County.
- Commissioner Tatum has been appointed to trial court appointments for Maricopa County.
- DES submitted a new waiver to the USDA/FNS for Yuma County for the following reservation areas: Cocopah
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We will have a two-minute testifier limit, so once you hear the chimes or bells, please wrap it up.
- We will have a two-minute testifier limit, so once you hear the chimes or bells, please wrap it up.
- Up first, we have the City and County of Honolulu Human Resources Department director. bargaining<00:
- I'm here on behalf of No Mia Saki, the Director of Human Resources Development at the City and County
- not as if they don't have an opportunity to complain; it's just that we believe, like the City and County
Summary:
The Committee on Labor and Technology heard testimony on several measures. Senate Bill 327, relating to internships, drew broad support from the Department of Education, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, University of Hawaiʻi, DBEDT, P20, HFIA, Hawaiʻi Electric, the Hawaii Primary Care Association, and the Chamber of Commerce, with suggested amendments to clarify the internship purpose, limit some responsibilities to the state executive branch, and address staffing and reporting details. The committee later recommended passing SB 327 with amendments, including changes to the internship language, private-sector references, work-hour limits, reporting requirements, and a deferred effective date for further discussion. Senate Bill 716, relating to the Hawaii Employment Security Law, received support from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations as a step toward modernizing unemployment insurance, and the committee recommended passage with housekeeping and technical amendments.
Senate Bill 717, relating to collective bargaining, would allow certain exempt employees to grieve suspensions or discharges. The City and County of Honolulu and the Department of Human Resources Development said the issue should remain a collective bargaining matter, while HGEA and United Public Workers supported the bill. DHRD opposed changing the statute and pointed to existing internal complaint procedures. The committee nevertheless recommended passing SB 717 with amendments and deferred the date for further discussion.
Senate Bill 742, relating to data sharing, would create a data sharing and governance working group within the Office of Enterprise Technology Services and include appropriations. OETS, the Executive Office on Early Learning, the University of Hawaiʻi, DOE, Hawaiʻi Kids Can, Hawaiʻi P-20, and others supported the measure, with OETS estimating a total cost of about $2.64 million, including software, consulting, and six FTE. The committee recommended passage with amendments and a deferred effective date, and noted the budget request in the committee report. The final measure, Senate Bill 855, relating to the Hawaii Retirement Savings Act, would shift the program from opt-in to opt-out and appropriate startup funds; former Senator Brian Taniguchi and AARP supported it, while Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi and the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi opposed it over costs and burdens on small businesses and concerns about adding mandates before the program is implemented. The committee recessed briefly on a proposed AARP amendment, then returned and indicated support for the opt-out language before taking the bill up for decision-making.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Jan 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- There was no shelter in our beautiful Miami-Dade County that would take 18-year-olds and up victims of
- I'll just say I'm in Broward County. Okay, I apologize. That's okay.
- worst criminals to be sentenced as swiftly as possible, move on to DOC and not have to wait in our county
- Speaking for the bill, I have Linda Bell. Linda Bell, Florida Right to Life, waving support.
- I'm from Broward County.
Summary:
The committee heard a lengthy presentation from Miami-Dade State Attorney Catherine Fernandez-Rundle on human trafficking, describing it as a major criminal enterprise in Florida driven by online recruitment, local victims, and organized traffickers. She outlined Miami-Dade’s task force, victim-centered prosecution practices, training efforts for schools, hotels, transit workers, and other partners, and community-supported services such as the Project Phoenix shelter and Thrive Clinic. She also urged better interstate communication about known traffickers and noted that prior legislative changes, including restrictions on tattooing minors, came from trafficking cases. Senators asked about school-based exploitation, technology and social media recruitment, and information-sharing with other states; Fernandez-Rundle said training and technology remain essential and offered to share materials and tour the facility.
The committee then considered CS for SB 656, which Senator Bradley said would codify FDLE’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force funding program and rename/expand the online sting operations grant program to better support investigations, training, technology, and personnel. The bill was supported as a needed response to online child exploitation and was reported favorably by unanimous roll call. The committee also passed SB 892 by Senator Martin, which streamlines sentencing procedures for habitual felony offenders and related designations by reducing paperwork delays tied to clemency and requiring clearer notice before pleas; it too was reported favorably unanimously.
The most extensive debate centered on SB 164, which would expand Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow civil damages for the death of an unborn child. Senator Graal said the bill uses existing statutory language defining an unborn child and is intended to let parents recover damages when negligence causes a pregnancy loss. Supporters argued it recognizes unborn life and should be strengthened; opponents warned it would function as a personhood measure, create liability risks for doctors, businesses, friends, and family members, chill miscarriage and abortion-related care, and worsen Florida’s OB-GYN shortage. Several speakers raised concerns about abuse by rapists or abusive partners and about impacts on IVF and emergency care. The committee heard extensive questioning about the bill’s scope and its relationship to existing criminal statutes, but no vote on SB 164 was taken in the portion provided.