Transcript Highlights:

• I can't hear. Is this an exigent or emergent need to pass this resolution?
• How many times are you going to hear that position?
• Hearing no motion, the resolution has failed. Thank you.
• The bill was—I was not in committee to hear it in the Senate.
• The bill was—I was not in committee to hear it in the Senate.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, hearing the Gulfstream was trying to decouple.
• Thank you for hearing me. But also far beyond. Thank you for hearing me.
• Thank you for hearing me, Mr. Chair. Have a great day. Thank you for your testimony.
• That's some of the things you don't hear about.
• We want to hear from you, from the public, and that's actually part of what led us here.

Summary: The Commerce Committee held its first meeting, took roll, established a quorum, and heard opening remarks from the chair, vice chair, and ranking member emphasizing the committee’s broad scope and focus on Florida’s economy and daily-life issues. The committee then considered several bills, with members and staff noting the agenda included four bills and a PCS. The first measures dealt with insurance and consumer regulation. CS/HB 367 on home and service warranty associations was explained as allowing financial requirements to be met through one or more contractual liability policies and reducing certain filing requirements; an amendment adding requirements for liability insurance coverage was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. HB 655 on pet insurance and wellness programs created a regulatory framework for pet insurance and also passed favorably. HB 6015, which deleted the word “reusable” from the wine keg statute, had brief support testimony and passed favorably. The committee spent the most time on CS/HB 105, a strike-all PCS on thoroughbred permit holders and decoupling racing from gaming. The sponsor said the revised bill would decouple racing and gaming while adding protections for the thoroughbred industry, including a notice period before racing could stop, permit transferability, and changes to how breeders’ and owners’ funds are administered. Supporters argued the bill would preserve and strengthen the industry through clearer rules and more direct support, while opponents—horsemen, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and related businesses—warned it would harm a major rural industry, threaten jobs, and favor casino interests. After extensive debate, the strike-all was adopted and the bill was reported favorably on a divided vote. Finally, HB 11 on municipal water and sewer utility rates was presented as correcting an unintended consequence in surcharge law for utilities owned by one municipality but located in another. Testimony focused on the fairness of the current surcharge structure and the impact on Miami Gardens and North Miami Beach. After debate about negotiation, parity, and local impacts, the bill passed favorably. The committee then adjourned after its first meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:30:21.280> Well, and hear what it's really about?
• Well, and hear what it's really about?
• <02:41:12.319> Republicans way, you know, I hear Republicans way, you know, I hear Republicans
• portion began at 1:00 in the hearing portion began at 1:00 in the morning.
• c> doing<04:32:54.640> that, You don't hear Treasury doing that, You don't hear Treasury doing

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Not to say we're not going to hear bills on any other topics, but the three topics that we're going to
• as I know what we're going to hear so that you know what's coming.
• I've started many hearings as of late with... Thank you so very much.
• And so that Fast Track Grant has been instrumental in helping our students in this program.
• I like, I think I want to hear the ideas.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, many of my Republican colleagues did express concern in this very hearing room in 2019 when
• I suggest that perhaps we have an opportunity to hear from Senator either Cortez Masto or Van Hollen
• But I'm hoping you're open even after today's hearing to improve this. and willing to take amendments
• And I think the fact that I guess I didn't hear the argument other than it's beyond the scope, but it
• Hearing no objections, so ordered. I now move to call up S. 875, the FIRM Act.

Bills: SB875

Keywords: banking regulation, federal agencies, reputational risk, financial services, supervision, FIRM Act, bank supervision, depository institutions, federal banking agencies, FDIC, OCC, Federal Reserve, NCUA, CFPB, credit unions, Operation Choke Point, financial discrimination, safety and soundness, supervisory guidance, examination manual

Summary: This meeting focused on the markup of the Genius Act and the FIRM Act, two significant pieces of legislation addressing stablecoin regulation and the financial industry's regulatory framework. The Chairman noted the importance of providing clarity to the digital asset community and protecting American consumers, while also promoting innovation and competition within the financial sector. Members of both parties expressed varying viewpoints, with some highlighting concerns related to national security and the potential risks associated with stablecoins.

Transcript Highlights:

• I anticipate we will hear from the state Division of Emergency Management at our future meeting.
• And you wait for the word that I never want to hear again in my life: 'obligation.'
• Post Office, it's just, I hear there is a truck, but it's not being managed very well.
• I hear you talk about most and drove here to get up here to talk to you about it.
• And I ask you to explain a little further when I hear that.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:40:22.640> a geothermal energy, we're sure hearing a geothermal energy, we're sure hearing
• , most of all, a trusted and instruments, most of all, a trusted and beloved<01:43:03.199> friend.
• <01:43:13.360> their giving so many the gift of hearing their giving so many the gift of hearing
• You hear something? And at the same time, Mr.
• I'm You hear something? And at the this. I'm You hear something?

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, April 23, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think we're in agreement that we're going to hear Senate Bill 4.
• For the public to see or hear of what we have done while we are here at the state legislature.
• Could you hear me? I'm so sorry. Yes, we can hear you now. All right, my apologies.
• And if you would like to respond, I'd love to hear what you would like to say.
• We have changed this repeatedly over the last six months after hearing from people.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because we've got instrumentation in there.
• Can everyone hear me? Am I speaking loud enough? Okay, great.
• "Can you hear me?" "Okay." "Yes, we can."
• I'm glad that you got to hear from the mayor from Minnesota earlier today.
• Can you hear me? Yes, we can. Let's see. Hi, everyone. Okay, let's see. Can you hear me?

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You might hear from some of them today.
• I'm happy to hear about what the issues might be.
• Today I'm asking you to hear mine.
• And I really want to hear from maybe...
• I want you to know that we see you, we hear you.

Bills: S0042, S0688, S0762, S1168, S1296, S1298, S1300, S1318, S1332, S1376, S1548, S1570, S1574, S1632, S1634, S1750

Keywords: child protection, medical records, investigation, abuse, neglect, healthcare, Child Protection Team, diagnosis, criminal defense, legal representation, death penalty, indigent defense, regional counsel, conflict of interest, background screening, athletic coaches, youth sports, criminal history, expungement, Florida statutes

Summary: The committee first took up CS for SB 42 on specific medical diagnosis and child protective investigations. A late-file strike-all amendment was adopted that made only stylistic changes to align with the House version. Supporters said the bill would help DCF and child protective teams better identify rare medical conditions and give parents a chance to defend against mistaken abuse findings. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1570, which restores a prior program to help locate missing persons with special needs through voluntary tracking devices and coordination with sheriff’s offices and CARD centers, with nonrecurring funding included. Members then advanced several education, disability, and public services measures. CS for CSSB 182 created a teacher training and mentoring program for high-performing current and retired teachers to mentor teachers in D- and F-rated schools, and CS for CSSB 794 required background screening for employees in residential and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities while directing APD to study support coordination quality, workforce issues, and service gaps. Testimony on SB 794 strongly supported better training, lower caseloads, and more consistent support coordination. The committee also favorably reported CS for CS SB 1168 on background screenings, CS for CS SB 214 to allow rural special districts to pay verified invoices directly, CS for SB 1376 to create grants for genetic counseling education, and SB 1574 (Maddie’s Law) to add newborn screening for biliary atresia; the latter drew emotional support and testimony that early screening could save lives and reduce transplant costs. The committee heard and passed a number of other policy bills, including CS for CS for SB 1510, the DEP agency package, after environmental groups warned that one provision could delay basin management protections and allow more septic systems in impaired watersheds; the bill still passed favorably. Members also approved CS for CS for SB 598 on funeral and cemetery regulation, SB 688 to license naturopathic doctors, SB 1318 on scholarship account reversion rules, CS for CS for SB 682 on domestic violence injunctions and penalties, SB 130 on workforce training for current and former inmates, and SB 1548, the latest Live Local affordable housing update. Several bills were briefly postponed or taken up later in the meeting. In the latter portion of the meeting, the committee approved CS for C.S. for SB 536 on criminal gang membership criteria, CS for C.S. SB 762 on assigning conflict capital cases across regional counsel offices, SB 1332 on career offender registration requirements, CS for CS for SB 1742 creating a new offense for indecent exposure of sexual organs to a child, and CS for SB 1750 increasing penalties for serious sex offenses and child sexual abuse material crimes. The committee also debated CS for SB 1226 on Public Employee Relations Commission procedures and union certification rules, including a late-file amendment setting a 60% threshold and 25% quorum for recertification; the discussion focused heavily on constitutional concerns, union rights, and differences between first responders and other public employees. The transcript ends while that bill’s debate is still underway, with the committee having already taken numerous favorable votes throughout the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing none, I'll now hand things over to the committee's legal counsel, Jess Brisler, and Gabe Adams
• This will include links to each of the public hearings so that folks can view the commission's work to
• This will include links to each of the public hearings so that folks can view the commission's work to
• This will include links to each of the public hearings so that folks can view the commission's work to
• And I’d love to hear from our friends at DPH to see kind of what efforts are already underway with that

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The special commission on xylazine met virtually to review and discuss the first draft of its final report. Chair Mindy Domb opened the meeting, confirmed quorum, and the commission approved the minutes from its December 11 public meeting. Staff then walked commissioners through the proposed report structure, including background on xylazine as both an FDA-approved veterinary drug and an illicit drug supply contaminant, as well as appendices for public meeting materials and public resources. The commission discussed findings and recommendations for several working groups. For oversight and enforcement, members focused on licit versus illicit sources of xylazine, noting that the illicit supply is typically obtained through online vendors rather than diverted from veterinary use. Recommendations included better storage and reporting practices in authorized settings, review of manufacturing and distribution information, and focusing enforcement on fentanyl trafficking and large-scale xylazine importation rather than personal possession. Commissioners also discussed whether xylazine should remain in Schedule 6 or be subject to additional penalties, and several members emphasized the need for coordination, information-sharing, and possibly a DPH task force or advisory body to monitor emerging drug threats. For outreach and treatment, staff summarized strong existing programs such as drug checking, wound care education, naloxone distribution, mobile and low-threshold care, and self-directed wound kits, while noting gaps including the lack of an FDA-approved reversal agent for xylazine, difficulty distinguishing xylazine from other exposures, and uneven access by geography, insurance, and audience. Commissioners stressed the need for provider education, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, family support networks, and first responders, and for clear guidance on wound care and when more intensive treatment is needed. The education and training section identified first responders, clinicians, non-clinicians, and people who use drugs and their families as key audiences for tailored, stigma-free materials, with emphasis on real-time, centralized data, naloxone and breathing support, recognition of overdose versus xylazine exposure, and adapting materials as the drug supply changes. The meeting ended with discussion of next steps: staff will circulate a revised draft by March 2, the commission will meet again on March 9 to consider the report and recommendations, and an additional late-March meeting was reserved if needed before the statutory deadline.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for hearing. And Mayor, how much does the equipment cost?
• Madam Chair, members, thank you for hearing this bill.
• So I appreciate you hearing the bill, Madam Chair.
• Madam Chair, Representative Peshlakai, I hear you on that for sure.
• Madam Chairman, Representative Pesh Lekai, I hear you on that for sure.

Bills: SB1137, SB1176, SB1287, SB1335, SB1336, SB1445, SB1677

Keywords: underground utilities, utility locating, dig safe, call before you dig, 811, excavation safety, damage prevention, one-call center, locate request, white lining, large project coordination, buried infrastructure, subsurface utilities, utility marking, locator wire, locator strip, interactive positive response system, landlord duties, apartment community, mobile home park

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm so glad to hear that. You also have an incredible ethnic studies program here.
• I hear it from our graduates.
• Yes, Madam Chair, I'm glad to hear the promotoras are still included also.
• I was happy to hear that Matt is available in your county jail.
• If you are here for public comment, we could hear from you now.

Transcript Highlights:

• But there are people in the audience that we're going to hear.
• to use this language, yet it may be put on television that they're going to hear it.
• Second, let me assure you that my alma mater, UT Austin, will hear from me today.
• So I'm glad to hear that it's, you know, at least one Aggie dad is happy with that result.
• As a CFO, I'm glad to hear all of the other ways that we are doing it.

Bills: SB22, SB 22

Keywords: Texas, moving image industry, incentive program, film production, grant funding, job creation, economic development, youth camp, summer camp, camp safety, emergency operations plan, emergency preparedness, evacuation drill, camp staff training, volunteer training, camper safety, lost camper, natural disaster, fire safety, mass casualty

Transcript Highlights:

• officers of our tremendous university system here in the state of Florida, and our goal really is to hear
• And we have a selection of them here today, which we'll hear from in just a minute.
• So when you hear ding dong, you will know. Okay, we're talking about cost drivers. Okay.
• So when you hear ding dong, you will know. Okay, we're talking about cost drivers. Okay.
• I think if you leave nothing else in the hearing, it should be continued investment.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to examine how Florida’s state universities are funded and to begin discussing a possible university funding model. The panel included the State University System chancellor and CFOs from FSU, UF, FAMU, FAU, UNF, and UCF. Members first reviewed major cost drivers, which the universities said are broadly similar across institutions: wages and benefits, equipment and supplies, financial aid, professional services, utilities, IT, and maintenance. Several institutions noted unique pressures from geography, growth, research intensity, and mission, such as UCF’s size and engineering focus, UF’s land-grant and research enterprise, FAMU’s need to recruit top talent while serving a high-Pell student population, and FSU’s large facilities and research obligations. The chancellor also summarized systemwide cost growth since 2012-13, including higher health insurance, retirement, and salary costs, while noting tuition had been held flat. The committee then discussed other revenue sources, including auxiliaries, restricted funds, capital projects, and component units such as foundations and health systems. University leaders explained that many of these funds are restricted to specific purposes, and some, like UF Health, account for a large share of operating expenses. Members also discussed the current performance-based funding process. University representatives generally praised it for transparency, accountability, and its focus on student success, but said the heavy use of one-time funds, nonrecurring appropriations, and unfunded mandates makes long-term planning difficult. FSU and others argued that rising employee costs, waivers, and facilities expenses are not fully covered, while FAMU said performance funding has improved outcomes but can disadvantage institutions serving more low-income students. In response to questions about improvements, the universities suggested more recurring and predictable funding, better coverage of mandated costs, more flexibility in fees, and continued investment in research and strategic priorities. The chancellor said the Board of Governors is considering a version 3.0 of performance funding that would benchmark institutions against peers and Carnegie classifications. The committee also explored whether universities should have more flexibility to set out-of-state tuition and professional school tuition. Most university leaders favored giving boards of trustees more authority, while the chancellor cautioned that increasing out-of-state enrollment or tuition too much could affect legislative support. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair thanking the panel and adjourning the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• And every time I go to Smart Act hearings, I hear, 'We'll get back to you.'
• And every time I go to Smart Act hearings, I hear, "We'll get back to you."
• The problem I have time I go to Smart Act hearings, I hear time I go to Smart Act hearings, I hear we'll
• I can hear what you're saying and I shouldn't be able to hear what you're saying.
• hear a lot about affordability. hear a lot about affordability.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a few minutes before the hearing began. a few minutes before the hearing began.
• Further discussion hearing? None.
• Hearing none, this consent calendar.
• Hear no objection. All in a voice vote? Hear no objection.
• <02:04:03.840> So any more bills to do hearings on. So any more bills to do hearings on.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We found, and I'm hearing it this morning, if people don't have the mic directly in front of them...
• Can you hear me now? Okay. Yes, we can.
• I'd like to begin by saying that I'm very hard of hearing.
• But before that, we have examples of all the instruments that were used for sheep survival.
• I'm really happy to hear about the Hispanic Education Act, because there we're going to be focusing on

Transcript Highlights:

• no program any objections hearing no program any objections hearing no objections floor privileges are
• in procuring and imminently instrumental in procuring and imminently instrumental in procuring and that
• no members any objections hearing no members any objections hearing no objections absent members are
• me say this every day going to hear me say this every day going to hear me say this every day please
• from not only the tremendous yes to hear from not only the tremendous yes to hear from not only the

Bills: HB 9, HB 22, HB 908, HB 1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• In aid of such inquiry, the committees held public hearings, which members of the public were invited
• After due consideration of the findings of such inquiry and the evidence adduced at the public hearings
• Public hearings were conducted for certain appointees by the committees of reference.
• And this was to Donna, who was very instrumental in making this happen.
• You can hear the frustration in our voices.

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer, pledge, and a series of introductions recognizing guests, visiting groups, and special honorees in the galleries. The chamber then took up committee and executive appointment business, adopting a report confirming 42 gubernatorial appointments by a vote of 36-0. The Senate next considered a long special-order calendar of bills, most of them passing with little or no opposition. Measures included public-records sunset reviews and trade secret/cybersecurity exemptions; a child-abuse reporting statute of limitations bill; commercial driving school oversight; human trafficking training for nurses; a new injunction for protection against serious violence and its related public-records exemption; nature-based coastal resiliency and mangrove protection; a chiropractic trust-funds cap repeal; specialty license plates; a waiver of late financial disclosure fines; public school personnel compensation; the Florida Farm Bill with multiple agriculture, biosolids, and enforcement provisions; homestead exemption clarification for long-term leases; disability presumption clarifications for first responders; reinsurance intermediary manager conformity; patriotic displays in public schools; ADS-B aviation fee restrictions; autism-related law enforcement training and the Blue Envelope program; campus safety reporting procedures for public postsecondary institutions; and veterinary prescription disclosure. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including local vessel restrictions, temporary critical-need practice certificates, and domestic animals. The floor debate featured the most discussion on the farm bill, the HCSM/nonprofit religious organizations bill, the autism law-enforcement bill, and the school athletics bill. The HCSM bill drew extended debate over whether licensed insurance agents should be allowed to market faith-based health care sharing ministries, with supporters emphasizing consumer choice, free speech, and religious liberty, and opponents warning about unregulated products and commissions; it passed 32-5. The athletics bill, prompted by the Teddy Bridgewater/Miami Northwestern situation, would let coaches provide good-faith support to student-athletes while requiring reporting and FHSAA oversight; it passed 38-0. Most other measures passed overwhelmingly, including the autism bill 38-0, the campus safety bill 37-0, the public school patriotic displays bill 36-2, and the farm bill 38-0 after amendments addressing Everglades lands and biosolids timing were adopted.