Transcript Highlights:

• Betts Memorial Highway in Sarasota County; Bill Smith Memorial Highway in Broward County; Mayor Larry
• Trump Highway.
• Wells Memorial Highway in Walton County; the Superintendent Pledge v.
• Wells Memorial Highway in Walton County, the Superintendent Pledge v.
• Sullivan Memorial Highway in Okalusa County.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of introductions recognizing guests, interns, public safety officials, and a doctor of the day. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and took up several bills, with some measures temporarily postponed and others substituted with House companions before final passage. No committee reports, governor messages, or House messages were on the desk at the start of the regular order of business. The first major bill passed was CS/CS/HB 355 on health care patient protection, which requires hospitals with emergency departments to have evidence-based pediatric emergency care policies, training, pediatric equipment, a designated pediatric emergency care coordinator, and participation in the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment. Senators also passed CS/CS/HB 1113 on public records, clarifying confidentiality protections for victims and for law enforcement officers who become victims in the course of duty, though that bill drew questions about access to information in misconduct cases and received four no votes. The Senate then passed CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, creating a Florida Digital Service-administered program to help local governments obtain cybersecurity services and grants, with amendments shifting the grant-award deadline and rejecting House differences such as locating the program at USF and adding a sunset date. The chamber also passed CS/CS/HB 925 on clerks of court, allowing clerks to retain all revenue above Article V projections and revising related fee distributions, despite concerns from some senators and municipalities about revenue shifts. Additional bills passed included CS/CS/HB 679 modernizing trademark registration, and CS/CS/CS/HB 589 on septic system permits, which addresses long permit delays and clarifies liability if construction begins before a permit is issued. Several other bills were taken up, including elections legislation (SB 1334/HB 991) that generated extensive debate and multiple failed amendments on voter ID, citizenship verification, student and senior IDs, and implementation timing; the transcript ends while that bill is still under consideration, after the Senate adopted one amendment and rejected several others.

Transcript Highlights:

• Highways and other public works? Yeah, Das. Oh, is that what it is? It's not high...
• Just as long as we were here, I said highways, and that's on our list, so I would think that might be
• and that's on our list so I highways and that's on our list so I would<01:30:46.520><c> think</c><01
• Yeah, let's, I'll ask—let's get a reaction from assistance highways and other public works.
• And yes, they're bonded if they're leaking or something like that, but they're with us for perpetuity

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 2 provisions affecting the New Hampshire Retirement System, focusing on Group 2/Tier B retirement changes in pages 25 through 39 of the bill. NHRS Executive Director Jan Goodwin and deputy chief counsel Mark Kavanaugh explained that the 2025 bill is largely similar to prior versions and to HB 727, with the main difference being that the 2025 version does not include the earlier increase in the maximum benefit. They also said the fiscal note for HB 2 is based on earlier actuarial work and that an updated valuation was expected later in the week. A major topic was whether the bill accidentally removed an anti-spiking or special-duty compensation limit. NHRS said the omission appears to be a scrivener’s error caused by moving language between Group 1 and Group 2 definitions, and they planned to flag it in the fiscal note. Members also reviewed the bill’s intent to restore Tier B members to pre-2011 benefit rules, including changes to earnable compensation, average final compensation, and the comp-over-base rule. Some members questioned whether restoring those older rules was appropriate, arguing the 2011 changes were meant to curb pension spiking and that undoing them could be problematic. The committee also discussed the bill’s cost and funding assumptions. NHRS said the 2025 bill would reduce unfunded actuarial liability by about $98.2 million and would have a more favorable effect than the 2023 version, while employer contribution impacts would remain relatively small. Members noted the bill assumes annual appropriations of $27.5 million for 10 years, but House Bill 1 currently provides only $5 million in the first year, and NHRS had not yet analyzed the effect of that shortfall. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the discussion was informational and focused on clarifying the bill’s language, intent, and fiscal impact.

Transcript Highlights:

• According to the data from the Federal Highway Administration, their Highway Statistics 2024 webpage,
• The statistics at the back here or what are, yes, those came from the Highway Patrol. No, no.
• Representative Olson: The Highway Patrol, Mr.
• The Highway Patrol, Mr.
• The Highway Patrol, Mr.

Committee: Joint Legislative Management

Transcript Highlights:

• last thing I would just like to point out is ROH Section 15-11, which talks about private streets, highways
• ><c> section</c> I would like to point out ROH Section 15-11, which talks about private streets, highways
• Okay, moving on to the next measure: HB 1165, relating to highways.
• , and the Department of Transportation to request acquisition of the property for state highway purposes
• There's also lapse dates for the State Highway Fund that may not be needed, so we'll not note that as

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 1484 on transit-oriented development and HB 157 on transportation. For HB 1484, testimony included a request from the Hoi Community Development Authority to be removed from the measure while offering to assist if the transit-oriented development law is implemented, along with testimony in opposition and support from several individuals. The committees later recommended HB 1484 be passed with amendments, including an HD1, a defective date, deletion of a reference to section 225 on page 11, adoption of H-CDA’s proposed amendment, and related committee report changes. The vote was adopted in both committees, with Representatives Cochran and Lee excused and Representative Mora voting with reservations. HB 157 concerned the transfer and acceptance of roads in the Villages of Kapolei. HHFDC supported the bill’s intent and explained that the roads were originally self-permitted, the city had not accepted dedication, and HHFDC has been maintaining and upgrading the roads under an MOA that requires improvements to city standards before transfer. Testimony from the Villages of Kapolei Association and others described ongoing problems with non-emergency police services, illegal parking, abandoned vehicles, and the need for city enforcement on roads that are open to the public. Committee members asked about the current holdup, the possibility of transferring roads in segments, and whether a cash settlement could resolve the issue; HHFDC said it was working in segments and that the city had mentioned a $60 million figure. The committees then recommended HB 157 pass with amendments, noting they were awaiting an Attorney General opinion on authority to compel the transfer and that the matter would continue to the Committee on Water and Land. The Transportation Committee also heard several additional bills. HB 1083, concerning vessels in state commercial harbors, drew support from the Department of Transportation and some industry groups and opposition from charter operators; HB 1159, which would require compliance with harbor master evacuation orders and increase penalties, drew DOT support and opposition from multiple vessel operators, who argued the bill was too broad and should define emergencies more clearly and use tiered penalties. HB 58, limiting civil liability for firefighting at commercial harbors, received DOT and Maritime Group support. HB 1165, on county disposal of ocean-bordering property and state highway acquisition, received DOT support. HB 938, a broad motor vehicle franchise and EV-related bill, drew support from the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association and the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, but strong opposition from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Tesla, Rivian, Scout Motors, and others; opponents argued it would restrict direct-to-consumer EV sales and innovation, while dealers said the bill was too broad and needed further stakeholder work. No final votes were taken on the Transportation Committee’s remaining measures in the portion provided, and the joint hearing was adjourned after decision-making on HB 1484 and HB 157.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is our one and only Senator Jay Trumbull, who is going to do the Department of Highway Safety and
• prohibits a driver from operating a motor vehicle in the furthest left-hand lane on a road, street, or highway
• they're overtaking or passing another vehicle, when they're preparing to exit the road, street, or highway
• question is if an individual is passing—I know, for instance, you're driving on I-75, a three-lane highway
• will allow the Department of Transportation to incorporate more native wildflowers into the state highway

Summary: The Transportation Committee took up several bills and amendments related to traffic safety, utilities, schools, and motor vehicle administration. Senator Pizzo’s SB 1782, as amended, expanded reckless driving per se to include certain high-speed behaviors; the late amendment removed impound language but kept mandatory court appearance, and the bill was reported favorably. Senator McLean’s SB 818 on utility relocation was amended to include an important state interest finding; after testimony from county groups opposing the cost shift to local governments and Charter Communications supporting the bill, it was also reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1644 on emergency vehicles, after a delete-all amendment broadened warning-signal use for volunteer firefighters, medical staff, and related vehicles. Senator Trumbull’s SB 1348 on DHSMV services was amended to streamline local delivery of motor vehicle services and remove certain fines, waiting periods, and CDL retesting provisions; it passed favorably with support from Florida Tax Collectors. Senator McLean’s SB 1188 on local governing authorities and charter schools drew the most debate, with supporters arguing local governments were using traffic and site-plan rules to block charter schools and opponents warning the bill would tie the hands of local governments and create a blanket preemption; it was reported favorably. The committee then passed SB 636, which limits use of the far-left lane on high-speed roads except for passing, exiting, move-over compliance, or traffic conditions, and requires FDOT signage. Senator Arrington’s SB 1152 increased the Florida Wildflower specialty plate fee from $15 to $25 to raise more money for wildflower research and habitat programs; it was reported favorably. Finally, the committee unanimously recommended confirmation of multiple appointments to the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Central Florida Expressway Authority, Jacksonville Port Authority, Jacksonville Transportation Authority, and Florida Transportation Commission, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have with us today Trooper 1st Class Dustin Starkey of the Highway Patrol Administration and Corporal
• We have with us today, Trooper 1st Class Dustin Starkey of the Highway Patrol Administration and Corporal
• Landon Mills, Law & ...of the Highway Patrol Administration and Corporal Landon Mills, Law Enforcement

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. Members granted leave for Representatives Brad Hall and Brandon Achor, dispensed with reading the previous day’s journal, and recognized several guests, including law enforcement officers, the doctor and nurse of the day, leadership groups, family members of a representative, representatives-elect, and other visitors in the galleries. The main item of business was House Bill 1001, an appropriation for the Arkansas House of Representatives for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Representative Vaught presented the bill as the fiscal-session appropriation, and no one spoke against it. The House passed the bill and its emergency clause by a vote of 96 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 present. After passage, Representative Meeks moved to adjourn until 1:00 p.m. the next day, and the motion carried. Members also announced upcoming committee and caucus meetings, including House Management, Joint Budget Committee, Rules, personnel, Energy Caucus, and House Prayer Caucus meetings scheduled for later that day or the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• My question is, why doesn't it include highway districts that are other than countywide? Mr.
• If we're going to include countywide highway districts, I think we should include other highway districts
• We're going to include countywide highway districts.
• that's why the other highway districts are not included.
• Countywide highway district, and that's why the other highway districts are not included.

Transcript Highlights:

• Alan Hanscom, state highway maintenance engineer for the Department of Transportation, said briefly from
• c><02:56:49.760><c> done</c><02:56:50.000><c> on</c><02:56:50.240><c> state</c><02:56:50.399><c> highways
• </c><03:10:38.160><c> where</c> certain sections of the highways where certain sections of the highways
• whole different set of approaches that they're taking. ...which is based on, I think, state money, bonds
• So I think those staff costs are relatively minimal. ...which is based on, I think, state money, bonds

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• supplemental appropriations, including formula changes, as well as a $4,750,000 appropriation from the Highway
• and staff has told me that that will go to DPS and then will go straight to the governor's office highway
• The bills appropriate approximately $536 million for building renewal, statewide highway construction
• to the state match Advantage Transportation Fund and outline reporting requirements for statewide highway
• The bills appropriate approximately $536 million for building renewal, statewide highway construction

Summary: The joint appropriations committee met on April 28 to review the FY 2027 budget package, including the general appropriations feed bills (HB 4138 and SB 1831) and related budget reconciliation measures. Staff described the budget as including about $17.96 billion in general fund appropriations, a one-time transfer of state monies to increase revenues, a 5% lump-sum reduction to most agencies’ discretionary general fund budgets, and several one-time restorations or continuations for items such as school facilities, child care, child safety, corrections stipends, and public safety operating costs. Members spent much of the meeting debating how the across-the-board cuts would be implemented, which programs might be affected, and how fund sweeps from prior-year appropriations and special funds would work, including questions about universities, public safety, rural hospitals, transportation grants, the Corporation Commission, and health insurance costs for state employees and troopers. A major point of discussion was the impact on universities and higher education. Arizona Board of Regents representatives said the proposed reductions and fund sweeps would affect already obligated dollars, research, staffing, and student aid programs, and could force difficult decisions about programs such as the Promise Program, Teachers Academy, and other pass-through funds. Committee members also raised concerns about whether the cuts could lead to tuition increases or reductions in services, while majority members emphasized that agencies and the executive branch should decide how to absorb the reductions. Another major topic was health care and the state employee health plan: staff explained that the budget includes a $228 million general fund infusion to stabilize the plan, while a separate reconciliation bill would raise employee premiums over three years. Members also discussed whether the budget’s changes to AHCCCS/Access and hospital eligibility rules could increase costs for hospitals and reduce coverage. Public testimony largely opposed the budget. Speakers from Opportunity Arizona, the Arizona Board of Regents, and local governments argued that the proposal would shift costs onto working families, reduce support for education, housing, SNAP, health care, and rural infrastructure, and protect tax benefits for data centers and higher-income taxpayers. A mayor from Globe asked for state help after severe flooding damaged roads, water lines, and homes, while a motorcycle safety advocate asked the committee to review a DPS motorcycle safety fund appropriation. Committee members and staff repeatedly clarified that some items discussed were one-time appropriations not continued into FY 2027, that some fund sweeps were from unspent or unencumbered balances, and that the committee planned to take a mass roll-call vote on the budget bills at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, if we're talking about just as state money and the highway is getting $100 million off the top, uh
• </c><00:37:44.079><c> Patrol</c> education and Mississippi Highway Patrol education and Mississippi Highway
• Um, in section two, on lines 58, we're, uh, instead of using the Mississippi Highway Patrol, we're...
• In section three, the same kind of change is being made: instead of using Mississippi Highway Patrol,
• And in section seven uh highway patrol.

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill of media rules, 14A, Spoofus, and acts in the highway law.
• And that is in the highway law.
• And that's in the highway law. Who by San Fernando, say, my Santa Dabo, on favor, on favor of pose.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The transcript appears to be a committee vote session on many bills across a range of subject areas, including media rules, highway law, education, health, social services, business, insurance, real property, arts and culture, banking, navigation, and vehicle traffic. For each item, a senator moved the bill, another seconded it, and the chair repeatedly announced that the motion carried, with bills being reported out of committee. The transcript is heavily garbled, so many bill titles and bill numbers are unclear, but the overall pattern is consistent: sequential consideration and reporting of numerous measures. Most items were approved without recorded opposition, though the transcript occasionally notes “all in favor” or “all in favor, opposed,” suggesting routine voice votes or unanimous consent. A few specific references are legible, such as the highway law, education law, health law, insurance law, social services law, business law, and arts and cultural affairs law, indicating the committee was processing amendments or related bills in those areas. The session also includes repeated references to particular sponsors or bill numbers, but the text is too distorted to reliably identify them all. No substantive debate, testimony, or amendments are clearly described in the transcript. The main action was procedural: motions, seconds, and repeated announcements that bills were reported out. The meeting ends with additional garbled references to later bills, again suggesting continued routine reporting of measures rather than extended discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, something like closing rest stops on our interstate highways and things.
• 00:03:52.720><c> on</c><00:03:53.200><c> our</c><00:03:53.440><c> interstate</c><00:03:53.840><c> highways
• </c> stops on the on our interstate highways stops on the on our interstate highways and<00:03:54.400

Transcript Highlights:

• But, you know, she's a very good contact with the North Dakota Highway Patrol.
• Yellowhammer brought up that the highway patrol, they came down and, you know, they threw everything
• Wood and, you know, the Highway Patrol has met numerous times.
• We called 911, and the dispatchers from up north in the Highway Patrol told us they won't come.
• I'll pass them more on that road than they'll pass a highway patrol.

Committee: Joint Tribal and State Relations Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of us in this room are familiar with the Highway 37 corridor, which runs from Vallejo in Solano
• County to Highway 101 in Marin County.
• Additionally, the highway bisects the biologically rich San Pablo Baylands habitat restoration.
• for future climate-damaging highway expansion projects.
• I think I've sat in more meetings on Highway 37 than any other policy.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of water, parks, transportation, species protection, and fisheries bills. AB 430 would require the State Water Resources Control Board to publish an economic and environmental impact study when emergency water regulations are extended over multiple years; the author and supporters from agricultural and water groups said it would add transparency without limiting emergency authority. AB 1139 would expand a CEQA exemption to let county park agencies open existing roads and trails for non-motorized recreation, with supporters emphasizing access to nature and opponents warning about impacts to sensitive habitat, tribal resources, and fire risk. AB 929 would temporarily exempt small community water systems and managed wetlands from certain SGMA pumping reductions and fines; supporters said it would protect vulnerable communities and wetlands, while farm and water coalition opponents argued it would undermine basin-wide groundwater management and shift burdens to other users. AB 1225, creating an Accessibility Advisory Committee for State Parks, drew broad support and passed unanimously. The committee also heard AB 514, which would encourage local water suppliers to develop emergency water supplies for drought and service interruptions; it passed with broad support, though one member cautioned against using scientific research as a loophole. AB 550 would let developers seek incidental take permits for species under consideration for listing, aimed at reducing delays for clean energy projects; environmental groups supported the goal but asked for clearer standards, limits on using research as mitigation, and a fee provision, and the bill passed as amended. AB 697 would authorize an incidental take permit for the State Route 37 interim project in Solano and Marin counties, balancing congestion relief and habitat restoration; supporters stressed long commutes and urgent restoration deadlines, while opponents raised climate, sea-level-rise, and tribal concerns. The bill passed, with some members noting they would continue to work on the measure. Other measures discussed included AB 975, which would give Sutter County a narrow, temporary exemption from streambed alteration agreements for certain damaged small bridges and culverts; county officials described repeated flood damage and long permitting delays, and the bill passed as amended. AB 1056 would phase out transferability of set gillnet permits after 2027, allowing only a final family transfer; supporters framed it as a gradual response to bycatch concerns, while fishing industry opponents said it would unfairly target an existing fishery and set a bad precedent. The committee also took up AB 1146, described by the author as a response to politically motivated water releases; supporters from conservation and water organizations backed the bill. Several bills were voted out to Appropriations, some were left open for later action or add-ons, and the committee repeatedly noted it was working through the agenda without a quorum early in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> through</c><00:46:14.400><c> Kipapa</c> Kamehameha Highway going through Kipapa Kamehameha Highway
• On the right side, that's Farrington Highway near Ke'ea Beach.
• ><c> left</c><00:47:46.000><c> side</c> Kamehameha Highway on the left side Kamehameha Highway on the
• </c> Farrington Highway near Ke'ea Beach. Farrington Highway near Ke'ea Beach.
• </c><01:12:36.040><c> would</c> guaranteeing that the highway would guaranteeing that the highway would

Bills: SCR21 , SCR75 , SCR50 , SCR149 , SCR47 , SCR163 , SCR169 , SCR170

Transcript Highlights:

• We may have even talked to DOT Highways about the roadways, the bridges, definitely the volcanoes.
• I mean, Licky Lake Highway was closed because we were doing some work at Wilson Tunnel.
• On the highways evacuation side, like.
• We started this right after the line of fires, just using our own highway funding.
• Um but last our own highway funding.

Summary: The House Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing on hazard mitigation planning and recent tsunami and wildfire threats. Chair Dela Buladi opened by framing the meeting around the need for iterative disaster planning and lessons learned from events such as the Lahaina wildfires, the Puna Coast earthquake/tsunami, and recent wildfire activity. The committee heard first from Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Tomage Magno, who explained the federal and local hazard mitigation planning process, including the requirement for an active five-year mitigation plan to qualify for federal disaster funds. He described the plan as a living document built from prior plans, public and agency outreach, risk and capability assessments, and ongoing updates, with county departments, state agencies, and subject matter experts participating in the process. Magno outlined several FEMA-related mitigation funding programs, including flood mitigation assistance, post-fire assistance, pre-disaster mitigation, revolving loan funds, and dam safety grants. He emphasized that the Hawaii County plan was recently approved by FEMA, that the county council approves the plan, and that the county reviews it annually with a formal revision process beginning in the fourth year. Members asked about how the plan tracks project status, how priorities and funding changes are handled, and whether federal funding programs might be affected by HR1; Magno said the county is proceeding on the assumption that funding will remain available and noted some sources have been reestablished. He also said the county encourages council participation in meetings and planning. Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen then addressed the committee on DOT’s response to a recent tsunami threat, saying the agency had about four hours to prepare before the first wave arrival and was focused on its own operational response rather than the broader statewide planning process. In response to questions, he stated that FHWA funds cannot be used for evacuation routes, which is why prior legislative funding was important. Members also discussed specific mitigation projects such as fire breaks, bridge retrofits, and the Singing Bridge, with DOT noting that work is underway and that a replacement bridge upstream is being planned to carry traffic during repairs. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> have seen in federal or in state highway have seen in federal or in state highway funding<02:01:
• </c> government to fund these highways. government to fund these highways.
• </c> into the highways into the highways only<02:09:45.160><c> increases</c><02:09:46.080><c> 10-15%<
• </c> to the mission of the highway patrol. to the mission of the highway patrol.
• </c> some highways. some highways.

Transcript Highlights:

• that he believes so deeply in: serving others, standing for what is right, and never forgetting the bond
• and never standing for what is right, and never forgetting<00:41:20.000><c> the</c><00:41:20.240><c> bond
• and forth from our districts, uh, the most important thing we would talk about is the traffic on Highway

Transcript Highlights:

• Likewise, the work that we're doing on wildlife crossings, helping animals cross highways, is really
• For some reason, CNRA has been completely dependent on voter-approved bonds or the occasional surplus
• compensation program, but we can't keep doing this, whether it's human-animal conflict or climate change, by bonds

Summary: The hearing focused on human-wildlife conflict in California, especially predator management involving bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and wolves. The chair and Assemblymember Hadwick framed the issue as a balance between protecting people, livestock, and property while preserving wildlife and biodiversity, citing habitat loss, development, drought, wildfire, and climate change as drivers of conflict. Department of Fish and Wildlife officials described their conflict-response work, including public education, depredation permits, wildlife incident reporting, and coordination with sheriffs, counties, and other agencies. They also noted that wildlife sightings and conflicts are increasingly common in both rural and urban areas, including recent mountain lion activity in San Francisco and ongoing bear conflicts in places like Tahoe and Sierra Madre. CDFW staff outlined the department’s human-wildlife conflict program, including the WEIR reporting system, a public toolkit, limited-term staff, and regional response efforts. They said the program grew out of drought-related incidents and later state funding, but that one-time money has expired, creating service gaps. Officials also discussed specific management approaches such as Tahoe’s trap-tag-haze bear program, DNA-based incident tracking, and the use of nonlethal deterrents before lethal action. For wolves, they explained that the species is protected and managed differently from bears and lions, that there is no general depredation-kill process for wolves, and that the department is working on data-sharing agreements, county liaisons, compensation programs, and improved coordination with ranchers and local law enforcement. Members pressed the department on underreporting, trust in state agencies, the need for sheriffs to participate in investigations, and whether more authority should be given for public-safety removals or hazing. Assemblymember Gonzalez also raised wildlife trafficking and border enforcement issues in Southern California. The panel repeatedly emphasized that more resources, technology, and local partnerships are needed. Officials gave budget context, saying roughly $17 million in one-time funding over several years supported conflict response and wolf compensation efforts, but that staffing and program capacity remain limited. The chair concluded by noting interest in further work on technology, funding, and institutionalizing collaboration, and the hearing then moved to a second panel of university researchers who presented on wolf and mountain lion conflict, habitat planning, trust, and the need for flexible, science-based, locally tailored mitigation strategies.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bond good luck so important it's going Bond good luck so important it's going to<01:51:58.560><c> do<
• They built the railroads, laid the highways, and graced the world with American marvels like the Empire