Transcript Highlights:

• They have to be required to take an action or make a decision.
• I think that's the overall perception that we're having and we have to make these decisions.
• I think that's the overall perception that we're having and we have to make these decisions.
• I think that's the overall perception that we're having and we have to make these decisions.
• I think that's the overall perception that we're having and we have to make these decisions.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• part of that decision part of that decision making<00:26:27.399> with<00:26:27.600> the
• to be a part of the decision-making. you can sit on it now and be aware or you can sit on it now and
• that that decision making is what we that that decision making is what we want<00:27:47.720>
• smart financial decisions of um making smart financial decisions budgeting<00:54:50.200> and<
• And who makes that decision? The Board of Education would have to approve it.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 110, HD1, which would clarify local food purchase goals for the Department of Education. DOE said it supports the measure and will work toward the 30% local food mandate by 2030. The Department of Agriculture also supported the bill, and outside advocates from the Hawaii Public Health Institute and Hawaii Farm to School Network strongly backed it as consistent with prior farm-to-school laws and helpful for measuring progress toward the goal. The committee then took up House Bill 293, which would exempt certain DOE purchases of local edible produce and packaged food products from electronic procurement rules and allow written-quote purchasing thresholds, including a lower quote requirement for some rural schools. DOE, the Department of Agriculture, the State Procurement Office, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau all supported the measure, describing it as a tool to help the department test and add local products and meet the 30% goal. However, members pressed DOE on the bill’s purpose and mechanics, questioning why the department could not simply add products to vendor lists or use existing procurement flexibility. DOE explained it was trying to test new local products, including products not yet on the USDA-approved list, and said the bill would allow limited pilot purchases while it works through USDA approval and vendor-list updates. Members also raised concerns about whether the bill was being used to bypass procurement and whether small farmers or aggregators could realistically supply the needed volume. House Bill 1069, which would add two voting members representing DOE and the Board of Education to the School Facilities Authority, also drew support from DOE and the Board of Education. Supporters said the change would improve accountability, strategic input, and communication on school facilities matters. SFA testified that it has already increased coordination with DOE through regular meetings and that recent discussions have been more robust. Committee members questioned whether voting seats were necessary given that DOE and BOE could already attend meetings and receive updates, and they raised concerns about how a voting representative would report back and whether the measure would actually solve communication problems. No votes or final actions were taken on the measures during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• pursue that objective uh I want to make pursue that objective uh I want to make a<00:27:30.840><
• The decision to retire a fossil fuel generation plant is a complicated financial business decision.
• and sometimes the economy of scale makes and sometimes the economy of scale makes sense<00:45:45.960
• conversations about why didn't we make conversations about why didn't we make large<00:48:48.960
• <00:52:22.880> uh forward I just kind of want to make uh forward I just kind of want to make

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Energy Finance and Policy Committee met to approve the January 16 minutes and then heard House File 9, which was referred to the Committee on Taxes after the committee’s action. The bill was presented as an energy policy measure aimed at reliability and affordability. It would expand hydroelectric power’s eligibility under the state’s energy standard, delay certain carbon-free compliance requirements for utilities that do not meet a retail rate benchmark, prohibit local permits to demolish fossil fuel plants under certain conditions, state support for carbon capture and sequestration without creating a state funding obligation, end the nuclear moratorium, and expand the sales tax exemption for residential natural gas and electricity used as primary heat year-round starting after June 30, 2026. The committee also took up and adopted the A1 author’s amendment, which clarified that the carbon capture language does not obligate state spending. The bill’s sponsor argued that Minnesota’s current energy policy is driving up costs and threatening reliability, especially during extreme cold, and said the bill would create “off-ramps” from existing mandates to protect ratepayers and businesses. He cited reliability concerns, MISO/NERC risk assessments, rising utility rates, and the need for an all-of-the-above energy approach, including hydro and nuclear. He also said the bill would reduce taxes by broadening the sales tax exemption for residential heating. Testimony was mixed but generally focused on reliability, affordability, and the role of nuclear power. The Minnesota Rural Electric Association and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce supported the bill’s emphasis on keeping power reliable and affordable, with both saying Minnesota needs dispatchable, carbon-free resources and noting concerns about high electricity costs and future demand from data centers and AI. The Prairie Island Indian Community opposed lifting the nuclear moratorium without a viable waste solution, describing the long-term burden of spent nuclear fuel on its community and asking for more consultation. Xcel Energy said its nuclear plants have operated safely and reliably for decades, support low-cost and low-carbon power, and could be part of the state’s energy transition, but it emphasized the need for tribal participation and said decisions about retiring fossil plants should remain within the existing Public Utilities Commission resource planning process.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I think we've made this decision before we can even make this permissible and make this thing.
• Made this decision before we can even make this permissible and make this something that New Mexico can
• But this is one I feel very, very passionate about because I think we're making the wrong decision here
• Principle: first, do no harm when making that decision.
• Because we have to make a decision in our state that we want economic development, we want jobs, we want

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll delay decision-making to our next hearing. I will not make it on a holiday.
• :23.280> our<00:26:23.360> next delay um decision-making to our next delay um decision-making
• decision-making at that time. decision-making at that time.
• Seeing none, we will move on to decision making. Okay, we're going to recess for a second.
• have the luxury of delaying decision have the luxury of delaying decision making<00:43:25.720>

Bills: SB2479, SB2557, SB2861, SB3204, SB3324, SB3325

Keywords: criminal procedure, family violence, dating violence, child abuse, evidence admissibility, reduced sentencing, homelessness, reporting requirements, statewide office, housing solutions, kauhale projects, public oversight, SB2861, Hawaii, Office of Wellness and Resilience, OWR, Department of Human Services, DHS, Kakou Pilot Program, Kakou

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to criminal procedure, homelessness, family resilience, Medicaid-funded services, and school Medicaid reimbursement. On SB 2479 SD2, the Judiciary testified in neutral opposition with concerns that the bill could require imprisonment even for probation-eligible defendants, expand sentence reconsideration in ways that could undermine finality for victims, conflict with existing sentencing statutes, and require additional judicial resources. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill’s intent but asked for language changes so people serving sentences could raise the new evidence in Rule 40 petitions and so probation would remain available in appropriate felony cases. Written testimony also included opposition from several county prosecutors and police, and support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The chair later deferred SB 2479 SD2, citing unintended consequences and problems with the bill. For SB 2557 SD1, which would require annual reporting by the State Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, the office said it supported the intent but noted it already produces annual and quarterly reports, that some requested data is already available, and that staffing and cost constraints could make the new reporting burdensome. The State Council on Mental Health supported the measure and suggested narrowing the reporting language to data on individuals with serious mental illness or co-occurring behavioral health conditions, to the extent practicable and in collaboration with relevant agencies. A committee member asked about the availability of point-in-time count data, and the office explained that some figures may not be available every year and may need to be generated through HMIS. Dr. Jack Lewin testified in support, saying the data would be useful for understanding health care costs. The committee passed SB 2557 SD1 with amendments, including a deferral of the effective date. The committee also heard SB 2861 SD2 and SB 3204 SD1, both family resilience pilot program measures. For SB 2861 SD2, the Office of Wellness and Resilience and DHS supported the bill but requested amendments to clarify that the office’s role is planning and advisory, that DHS is a key partner, and that federal compliance safeguards are included. The chair raised concerns about overlap with DHS’s existing Ka Ohana program and asked for language to avoid redundancy while allowing the bill to cover other at-risk children; decision-making was deferred to the next hearing. For SB 3204 SD1, which would create a peer-navigator-based family resilience pilot, the Office of Wellness and Resilience and DHS supported the measure, with the office requesting a two-year pilot period, and both agencies and several advocacy groups submitted support. The committee discussed funding, the proposed five peer navigators, and whether the pilot should be limited to one or two geographic areas; no final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee also heard and supported SB 3324 SD1 on Medicaid home and community-based services, with the Department of Health emphasizing caregiver shortages and the cost-effectiveness of community care, and SB 3325 SD1 HD1 on public school Medicaid reimbursement, where DOE and the Attorney General requested clarifying amendments to reporting language and position titles.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, another thing to emphasize is that community members are a valuable asset for decision making.
• So, we are a community-based decision-making agency. will be even more engaged in the will be even more
• a valuable ass asset for decision a valuable ass asset for decision making.<00:09:02.880> uh<
• , we finalized the plan decision-making, we finalized the plan after<00:09:39.680> hosting<00:
• We are, it is community-based decision-making.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not here to make a decision whether we're going to kind of take this on as one of those, but it
• So they're making an educated decision because obviously people are hurting.
• So I think as we educate them, along with the decisions that we're making here and the ideas that we
• So I think as we educate them, along with the decisions that we're making here and the ideas that we
• very tough decisions.

Summary: The Select Committee on Property Taxes held its first meeting with opening remarks from the co-chairs and ranking member framing the committee’s task as developing property tax legislation for next session. Staff then gave a high-level overview of Florida property taxes, explaining how ad valorem taxes work, the roles of property appraisers, tax collectors, taxing authorities, value adjustment boards, and the Department of Revenue, and reviewing key concepts such as just value, assessed value, exemptions, taxable value, millage rates, homestead exemptions, Save Our Homes, and portability. The presentation also emphasized that property tax law is largely rooted in the Florida Constitution and that local governments choose millage rates, which affects collections. No public comment was taken. The committee then discussed five Speaker-proposed concepts. Proposal 1 would require cities, counties, and special districts to hold a referendum on eliminating property taxes on homestead properties; members raised concerns about local funding, public safety, special districts, renters, and the need for extensive voter education, with some suggesting countywide elections or town halls instead. Proposal 2 would create a new $500,000 homestead exemption for non-school taxes and a $1 million exemption for seniors 65+ or long-term homesteaders; members split between seeing it as meaningful relief for seniors and warning it could devastate local tax bases, especially in lower-value or rural counties, while also potentially trapping older homeowners in place. Proposal 3 would authorize the Legislature to raise homestead exemptions by general law; some liked the flexibility, but others worried about statewide one-size-fits-all impacts, political difficulty in reversing changes, and the need for local revenue replacement. Proposal 4 would change assessment caps for homestead and non-homestead property; several members said it would not provide enough relief and could shift burdens to rental properties and non-homestead owners. Proposal 5, eliminating foreclosure on homestead property for tax liens, drew the strongest opposition, with members saying it would undermine lien priority, mortgage and title systems, and incentives to pay taxes. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly stressed the need to understand local fiscal impacts, including police, fire, infrastructure, and other services funded by property taxes, and to consider alternative revenue sources or offsets if taxes are reduced. The co-chairs said the committee is still in the information-gathering stage, that all ideas remain on the table, and that members should do “homework” by meeting with local taxing authorities and learning how property taxes are set and spent in their districts. The meeting ended with no votes on the proposals and adjournment after a motion to rise.

Transcript Highlights:

• The town has to make that decision, and that would be a decision that I imagine voters would make at
• So mandating hybrid meetings would force town officials to make difficult staffing decisions without
• So we respectfully request the ability to make our decisions regarding remote meeting participation.
• We make better decisions, we promote better understanding of those decisions, and there's better compliance
• It builds accountability and trust by making public decision-making truly accessible for all.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to open meeting law, municipal meetings, town meetings, and remote participation. Senator Rausch supported S. 2205 and S. 2206, and House companion H. 3382, saying they would make remote participation in public bodies permanent and streamline open meeting law and public records complaint processes to reduce burdens on local officials. Committee members and the senator discussed concerns about complaints being weaponized, the role of the Attorney General, and whether public testimony should be presumed allowed unless a chair limits it with justification. The senator said the bills do not change public records fees and are meant to improve process and transparency. A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 3342 and S. 2197, which would modernize municipal meetings, town meetings, and local elections by allowing permanent remote or hybrid participation. Supporters included Wayland officials, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, MAPC, MACC, and others, who argued that hybrid and remote options increase participation, help parents, caregivers, people with disabilities, and residents with travel or work constraints, and have worked well during the pandemic-era extensions. Municipal officials emphasized that a mandate would be costly and difficult for smaller communities because of staffing, technology, room design, cybersecurity, and uneven internet access, especially in western Massachusetts. Committee members asked about equal access, funding, and whether local discretion should remain; the chair said the committee wants a permanent solution beyond emergency rules but must balance access with local capacity. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3328, which would allow remote participation to count toward quorum for statewide appointed bodies such as commissions on women and LGBTQ issues. Supporters argued this would improve regional equity and make it easier for people outside Greater Boston to serve, while committee members noted it is a separate issue from municipal meetings and may be easier to address than broader local-government changes. Another bill, H. 4351, was supported by Rep. Brandy Fluker Reed, who described it as creating an Office of Freedmen Affairs to address longstanding racial wealth disparities affecting descendants of enslaved Americans. The hearing also included testimony on H. 3299 from Common Cause and MASSPIRG in favor of guaranteed hybrid access for public meetings with public participation components, with advocates saying it would improve transparency, accessibility, and civic engagement.

Transcript Highlights:

• These bills do not make us safer.
• For an exception in the setting of a complicated pregnancy, timeliness and decision-making matter.
• decisions.
• decisions about their own bodies.
• Hard decision-making is essential. Why does the state assume it should play a role in that process?

Bills: SB10, SB16, SB6, SB 6, SB 10, SB 16

Keywords: trafficking, prostitution, affirmative defense, victims, criminal justice reform, victim rights, criminal justice, judicial reform, court procedures, mental health services, criminal penalties, court security, SB 6, Woman and Child Protection Act, abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, pro-life

Transcript Highlights:

• What this does is make more beach areas available for that designation and the funding and the help.
• This is going to expand the number of areas that would be eligible for that fund and perhaps make it
• By making them available for the federal funding, now you have federal funds that come in regardless
• The public really deserves to know about the decision makers, and the decision makers they deserve clear
• The public really deserves to know about the decision makers, and the decision makers deserve clear,

Bills: S0544, S0636, S0848, S0546

Keywords: golf courses, best management practices, fertilizer regulation, Department of Agriculture, environmental protection, certification, beach management, beach erosion, beach nourishment, coastal resilience, shoreline protection, critical erosion, critically eroded beach, Florida DEP, Department of Environmental Protection, coastal flooding, compound flooding, storm surge, inlet management, coastal engineering

Summary: The Environment and Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and took up several bills. SB 636 on beach management, by Senator Leek, would create additional pathways for counties and municipalities to obtain critically eroded beach or area of critical state concern designations, shifting the process toward a more proactive approach. Senator Smith and Senator Harrell raised concerns about local capacity and funding, and the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association said the bill was an alternative pathway but emphasized the need for more recurring funding. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 544, which transfers the Golf Course Best Management Practices Certification Program from DEP to FDACS and establishes certification and training standards there. Senator Smith and Senator Harrell asked about environmental oversight, taxation, and whether the change would affect state park restrictions; the sponsor said it would not change tax treatment or park rules and that DEP would still handle enforcement if BMPs are not followed. The Florida Springs Council opposed the bill, arguing golf courses are not agriculture and warning of weaker protections for springs, while the Florida Golf Course Superintendent's Association supported the move as a continuity and participation measure. After adopting a technical amendment, the committee reported the bill favorably, with Senator Smith voting no. SB 848 on stormwater treatment, also by Senator Trunow, was amended to clarify the role of water quality enhancement areas while stormwater rules are still being finalized and to make public-land project review forward-looking. Resource Environmental Solutions supported the amendment and bill as providing a clearer market for water quality credits, and the Florida Home Builders Association supported the measure. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 546 by Vice Chair Mayfield would require 30-day public notice before meetings reviewing the sale or exchange of state conservation lands, including at water management districts; after a technical amendment, it received support from conservation groups and was reported favorably. The committee also received a DEP presentation on the State Park Amenities Report, which said Florida’s 175 state parks drew over 28 million visitors and generated a $3.6 billion economic impact. DEP identified nearly $759 million in needed repairs and upgrades over 10 years and $1.39 billion in contemplated new construction and development in unit management plans. No votes were taken on the presentation, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• year's Senate Bill 180 that they want a real voice in how their communities grow, transparency in decision-making
• That's what I'm trying to make. Follow-up question, I'm sure.
• A local government still has to base its decision on competent, substantial evidence.
• We think it's important that we make our decisions in front of the public and the public be engaged.
• I'll make a couple comments. Thank you for, you know, I appreciate all the stakeholders.

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum present and heard three bills. First, the committee considered Senator Osgood’s home hardening products bill (CS/SB 78). An amendment was adopted that changed the sales tax exemption for impact-resistant doors and windows into a refund process, limited eligibility to homeowners with site-built homesteads valued at $700,000 or less, capped the refundable tax at $500,000 per property, and set the refund period for two years beginning July 1, 2026. After the amendment, the bill was reported favorably. The committee then took up Senator McClain’s SB 208 on land use and development regulations. The bill would define compatibility and infill residential development, allow administrative approval of certain infill projects, and set standards for local development-related fees. Several members and stakeholders discussed possible changes to the compatibility and fee provisions. Testimony included opposition from Audubon Florida, the Florida Association of Counties, the Florida League of Cities, and 1,000 Friends of Florida, who raised concerns about sprawl, public participation, the 100-acre infill threshold, and impacts on rural lands and the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Support came from Highland Homes and several groups that waived in support, including AARP, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and Associated Industries of Florida. The bill was reported favorably after debate. Finally, the committee heard Senator Trumbull’s SB 118 on special assessments for recreational vehicle parks. The bill clarifies that if a local government levies a special assessment on an RV park space or campsite, the assessed square footage cannot exceed the maximum square footage allowed for a recreational vehicle. An amendment clarified the maximum square footage as 400 square feet. After brief discussion and no opposition, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So please just make your decisions based on data and facts and the women.
• <00:05:17.280> decisions<00:05:17.680> based So please just make your decisions based
• So please just make your decisions based on<00:05:18.639> data<00:05:19.440> and<00:05
• their own health care decisions.
• And yet, this bill moves us further into government control over deeply personal medical decisions.

Bills: HB0117, HB0126

Keywords: informed consent, abortion, civil liability, coercion, healthcare rights, fetal heartbeat, termination of pregnancy, medical emergency, Wyoming legislation, rights of minors, healthcare regulations, parental consent, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m going to defer decision-making on this item.
• c><00:05:07.520> to<00:05:07.960> recess<00:05:08.479> for<00:05:08.840> decision
• To order the Committee on Higher Education, we are in decision-making. We have just two measures.
• <00:07:03.759> making<00:07:04.759> we education we are in decision making we education
• we are in decision making we have<00:07:05.800> just<00:07:06.039> two<00:07:06.280>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education, meeting jointly at points with the Committee on Health and Human Services, heard testimony on SCR 137, which asks the Office of the Auditor to conduct a performance audit of the University of Hawaiʻi Foundation, and on SCR 203/SR 163, which asks the University of Hawaiʻi to explore establishing an Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and to identify requirements for federal funding from the National Institute on Aging. The meeting also noted that it was being streamed live and could be recessed or adjourned due to technical issues, with any unfinished business to be taken up later. For SCR 203/SR 163, Kobe Chop of the Alzheimer’s Association testified in support, saying the measure would help get the process started for an ADRC in Hawaiʻi and that recent federal action had kept funding available long enough to clarify next steps. Another supporter said the state’s diverse population and research opportunities made the proposal worthwhile. No opposition testimony was recorded, and the committees moved the measure to decision-making. In voting, the joint committees recommended passage of SCR 203/SR 163 as is, with members voting aye and the recommendation adopted. The Higher Education Committee then took up SCR 137 and likewise recommended passage as is; one member stated an intent to vote no while the chair and others voted aye, and the recommendation was adopted. The committee then adjourned/recessed after completing the agenda items.

Transcript Highlights:

• The only thing is up to the business to make that decision.
• The only thing is up to the business to make that decision.
• The only thing is up to the business to make that decision.
• The only thing is up to the business to make that decision.
• The only thing is up to the business to make that decision.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Information about their condition so that they can make better decisions about their own healthcare.
• We're here for them during their most critical decision-making moments, and we stay with them.
• So that they can make the best healthcare decisions for themselves.
• I think day after day we're hearing that that was the right decision to make, that this is the way to
• Yeah, I mean, there's clearly nothing efficient about what these decisions are going to make.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But, members, we need better science so that we can make sound decisions in dealing with a topic of such
• They actually have sort of the regulatory protection to make those hard decisions that they need to.
• You know, decisions that this legislature is going to make with respect to how we amend Chapter 36 to
• You're going to have to make some hard choices and decisions in order to peel back that onion and get
• If we're really serious as a committee about making certain that we're not making these decisions based

Bills: HB24, HB27, HB24, HB27

Keywords: groundwater, conservation, water permits, sustainability, resource management, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And number two, what are the procedures and rules that apply to the deliberation and decision-making
• <00:30:45.120> because of our decisions because of our decisions because this<00:30:46.760
• rules that apply to the deliberation and rules that apply to the deliberation and<00:32:19.040> decision-making
• 19.720> by<00:32:19.800> the<00:32:19.920> entire<00:32:20.240> house and decision-making
• by the entire house and decision-making by the entire house on<00:32:21.280> the<00:32:21.360

Bills: HB389, HB469, HB1510, HB1573, HB1705, HB1858, HB1875, HB1946, HB1961, HB1962, HB2001, HB2093, HB2096, HB2097

Keywords: HB389, uncrewed aircraft, drone, drones, UAS, unmanned aerial vehicle, misuse of uncrewed aircraft, criminal offense, felony enhancement, drone crime, public safety, police, deputy sheriff, fire department, intoxicated operation, registration number tampering, property damage, bodily injury, Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Package, Hawaii Revised Statutes

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:52.879> more have made uh aimed to make more have made uh aimed to make more businesses
• the federal level and we wanted to make the federal level and we wanted to make sure<00:21:50.320
• So that decision is separate, committee.
• But what decisions and conversations.
• <00:59:53.440> that and appreciate the the decision that and appreciate the the decision that

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are calling into question is that ability of that local community to make that decision. Right?
• important decisions for you're making important decisions for the<01:31:45.040> state.
• So if the Department of Education did make that policy decision, likely it would also be codified in
• did make that policy decision,<03:27:15.760> likely<03:27:16.160> it<03:27:16.239>
• > with just simply make a policy decision with just simply make a policy decision with no<03:30:30.479

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that, just from the perspective of being able to offer them the same suite of services in their decision-making
• Of services in their decision-making, has that been contemplated, and was there a decision to leave them
• That is key to making sure we're not making purchases that aren't going to work.
• to help agencies make appropriate decisions by having really that consultant team on procurement will
• We're not making those decisions.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met with a quorum present and considered three items. First, it heard and passed SB 158, which eliminates cost-sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations under the state employee health plan. Senator Berman described the bill as a way to remove financial barriers to early breast cancer detection, and several senators spoke in strong support, emphasizing the importance of follow-up screening and the life- and cost-saving value of early diagnosis. The bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then took up SPB 7024, a committee bill on state planning and budgeting. Senator Brodeur explained that the proposal modernizes and simplifies the state agency long-range planning process by focusing on key data points, removing stale measures, and improving how plans are presented to the Legislature. Senator Berman supported the bill, highlighting new provisions on implementation status and budget consequences if enacted laws are not carried out. The committee voted to submit the proposal as a committee bill and reported it favorably. Finally, the committee considered SPB 7026, a major overhaul of state information technology governance. Senator Harrell described a transition from the current Florida Digital Service structure to a new cabinet-level Agency for State Systems and Enterprise Technology (ASSET), with enterprise-wide standards, interoperability, procurement oversight, cybersecurity coordination, technical debt tracking, a testing laboratory, workforce development, and annual IT expenditure reporting. Members raised questions about procurement authority, judicial branch inclusion, existing contracts, cybersecurity, and staffing; Harrell said agencies would retain final procurement decisions but would have to follow enterprise standards, the courts were not included, existing contracts would continue, and the bill would add significant state IT staffing. Several amendments were adopted, including changes on CIO selection conflicts, removal of the Northwest Regional Data Center from a definition, reporting on deviations from standards, and technical updates related to the data center and workforce positions. Public testimony strongly supported the bill as a needed modernization of Florida’s fragmented IT system. The committee then reported SPB 7026 favorably as a committee bill. The meeting adjourned after members recorded their votes on the three items.