Transcript Highlights:

• the following: $12 million to support the distribution of naloxone kits, $4.5 million to support mobile
• the following: $12 million to support the distribution of naloxone kits, $4.5 million to support mobile
• And you also know how exhausting and painful that job can be.
• First, when we talk about the Department of Elder Affairs, Secretary of Rem, you've done a fantastic job
• I’m just floored by that because we did such an incredible job. We were recognized.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard presentations on the governor’s proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget for the health and human services agencies. Kendall Kelly outlined the overall HHS budget at $48.5 billion, with AHCA accounting for the largest share, and agency heads then highlighted major proposals for Medicaid behavioral health redesign, APD waiver enrollment and facility needs, DCF child welfare, opioid, and mental health investments, DOEA funding for Alzheimer’s, home care, and community services, DOH funding for cancer research, public health initiatives, and lab capacity, and VA funding for facility improvements, cybersecurity, and medication management. Several members praised specific proposals, including increased reimbursement for private duty nursing, Alzheimer’s supports, and the Florida FIRST blood-in-ambulance initiative. Senators also questioned the proposed changes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), with the Surgeon General explaining that the department expects a reduction in covered patients from about 30,000 to about 20,000 because of funding pressures tied to rebates, federal changes, and premium tax credit issues. Public testimony strongly criticized the ADAP changes, citing lack of transparency and warning that many patients could lose access to medications. Other questions focused on the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, DCF’s substance abuse and mental health data dashboard, Kids Care/CHIP expansion implementation, APD bed and facility planning, and the FX Medicaid technology project. DCF said about $7 million is set aside for the dashboard system, and AHCA said the governor’s budget includes $124.4 million for FX maintenance and continued module development, with $13.5 million to begin claims processing work. The committee did not take a substantive vote on the budget presentations and adjourned after questions and public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• If the federal government had honored their agreement with the folks that do a job, the Mexicans here
• Economic development for their communities includes ways to provide not only jobs but also revenues for
• You did a much better Job, and my husband also said, wow, that's super interesting, so he's at home listening
• That was one of the first times that you saw In a second mobilization, very organized way here at the
• Our leadership mobilized by protesting water transfers.

Transcript Highlights:

• One unit is dedicated to inspecting hospitals as well as other medical facilities such as mobile x-ray
• One unit is dedicated to inspecting hospitals as well as other medical facilities such as mobile x-ray
• This includes information like an employee's name, birth date, job title, work location, work contact
• This includes information like an employee's name, birth date, job title, work location, work contact
• evaluation of the responsibilities to maybe become more efficient, or do you feel comfortable with the job

Summary: At the May 14, 2025 JLARC meeting, members approved the January 9 minutes and adopted the 2025–27 biennial work plan with a minor typo correction. Staff reviewed the new work plan studies, including a drug take-back program fee/expenditure review due in December 2025 and a state energy performance standard compliance review due in June 2027, and noted JLARC’s recent session activity, including several bills passed related to JLARC work and recommendations. The committee then heard a preliminary cannabis market study showing Washington businesses likely produced two to three times more cannabis than retailers sold in 2023. Staff and RAND said LCB’s data systems are incomplete and unreliable, limiting regulation, tax verification, and diversion tracking; they recommended that LCB submit a plan by year-end for collecting accurate data by the end of 2026. Members and LCB discussed the long timeline for a new traceability system, the causes of missing sales and weight data, overproduction, diversion, and the social equity program’s effect on producer licenses. JLARC also presented a preliminary hospital oversight report concluding that the Department of Health is late on many hospital inspections, does not verify third-party inspection standards, does not review adverse health event correction plans, and could make hospital data more accessible. The committee discussed fee funding, language access, and inspection timing, and DOH said it would work on a strategic plan and continue coordinating with JLARC. Members also heard a preliminary report on the public records survivor exemption, which found agencies are using it but need more guidance; JLARC recommended keeping the exemption and having the Attorney General provide additional training. Finally, the committee approved the DDA processes and staffing final report for distribution, which recommended performance metrics, stronger data quality controls, and workforce planning; DDA concurred. JLARC also introduced proposed study questions for a future DCYF juvenile rehabilitation review focused on safety, security, programs, staffing, education, and contraband, and the meeting adjourned after members asked about scope and facility conditions.

Transcript Highlights:

• fuel stock for RNG benefits the agriculture community by providing diversified farm income, creating jobs
• So, as Representative McFarlane has done just a fantastic job of representing the facts and the surrounding
• ground before the condo was built for the generator, I wouldn't get paid, and I'd probably lose my job
• requirements and ID requirements for operating electric bicycles, motorized scooters, and micro-mobility
• enhancing reporting requirements, provides a framework for Florida to continue to lead on advanced air mobility

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee heard several transportation and infrastructure bills. HB 1239, Energy Infrastructure Investment, would let the Public Service Commission create a mechanism for utilities to recover costs for renewable natural gas infrastructure; supporters said it could diversify energy supply and help agriculture, while members raised concerns about consumer rates and asked whether savings from RIN credits should be passed to customers. The bill drew supportive public testimony and was reported favorably after debate, with members noting the PSC would set costs and that the sponsor was open to further discussion on consumer protections. The committee then took up HB 313, which exempts Purple Heart recipients from paying Florida tolls. With no questions or opposition, it passed unanimously. The committee also considered HB 567, a broad transportation omnibus/strike-all bill covering EV tax revenue for roads, airport and MPO changes, workforce funding, traffic signal modernization, speed limits, and a pilot to streamline airport permitting. A major amendment added utility right-of-way notice, response, and incentive/penalty provisions, and another amendment authorized local governments to set age and ID rules for e-bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices after testimony about a fatal crash. The bill was reported favorably after extensive debate and public testimony from transportation and utility stakeholders. HB 112, dealing with municipal sewer collection systems, would allow cities to use sewer revenues to expand wastewater infrastructure. Sponsors said it was aimed at helping cities like Hollywood reduce septic use and improve water quality; testimony supported the measure as a way to unlock funding for sewer expansion, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee also approved HB 7009, preserving public records and meeting exemptions for 911 and public safety radio communications systems and expanding them to next-generation 911. Finally, PCS for HB 1397, a large transportation package addressing airport, seaport, spaceport, and workforce issues, was amended and passed 14-1 after questions about federal testing notifications, removal of certain business preference language, and a provision redirecting some transit funds to highway projects if not timely used.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will do what it takes, and we will get the job done.
• We will do what it takes, and we will get the job done.
• We did our job and then we would come home.
• It means doing the job when the job is very dangerous.
• </c> the job when the job is very dangerous. the job when the job is very dangerous.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Big lift, hard job. That's the tax base. Market value on January 1.
• Okay, fiscally constrained, yeah, but they do a great job. Okay, it's an important job.
• Gaming has been estimated to support 73,000 jobs.
• Gaming has been estimated to support 73,000 jobs.
• So we have job descriptions have changed.

Summary: The State Administration Budget Subcommittee met for an introductory overview of the agencies under its jurisdiction and their current-year budgets. Chair Vicki Lopez welcomed members and staff, and each member briefly introduced themselves and identified areas of interest, with recurring themes including fiscal restraint, insurance regulation, revenue administration, condominium issues, and government efficiency. The chair then outlined the subcommittee’s overall budget, about $3.1 billion, and noted major recent policy areas affecting the budget such as condominium legislation and emergency communications funding. Agency heads then presented high-level summaries of their missions and budgets. The Department of Revenue described property tax oversight, tax administration, and child support enforcement; the Department of Management Services reviewed state purchasing, telecommunications, fleet, state insurance, retirement, and digital services; DBPR highlighted licensing, enforcement, condominiums, and building code work; DFS covered insurance consumer services, risk management, unclaimed property, fire marshal functions, and criminal investigations; the Gaming Control Commission discussed pari-mutuel and tribal gaming oversight and enforcement; OIR explained insurer solvency and rate review; the Lottery emphasized education funding and record sales; OFR described regulation of banking, securities, lending, and money services; DOAH outlined administrative and workers’ compensation adjudication; PSC covered utility rate regulation and consumer complaints; PERC described labor relations and career service appeals; and FCHR summarized discrimination complaint investigations and outreach. Several members asked questions about utility returns, insurance regulation staffing, DMS’s state employee health plan deficit and prescription drug formulary management, agency recommendations for reducing regulatory burden, and state facilities usage. Responses generally emphasized that utility rates and insurer filings are determined through evidentiary and actuarial processes, that OIR has reduced vacancies but still seeks specialized staff and a Tampa office expansion, and that DMS acknowledged rising health plan costs and said the issue likely requires broader budget-level discussion. The chair also pressed multiple presenters to stay focused on agency operations and budgets rather than broader policy issues. No votes or formal actions were taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• In February of '23, John Wesley Holt was walking down the sidewalk on O'Hell Road in Mobile.
• ,</c> in Mobile, in Mobile, uh,<00:14:22.000><c> guy</c><00:14:22.240><c> was</c><00:14:22.480><c> driving
• And you may do a better job than I would, but restitution in a criminal setting might be the cost of
• </c><00:31:17.039><c> than</c><00:31:17.200><c> I</c> And you you may do a better job than I And you
• you may do a better job than I would,<00:31:17.600><c> but</c><00:31:18.399><c> um</c><00:31:18.559><

Bills: SB169, SB180, SB203, SB87, SB195, SB192, SB169, SB180, SB203, SB87, SB195, SB192, HB132, HB37, HB13, HB54, HB126, HB7, SB30, HB188, HB189, HB26, HB264, HB288, HB248, HB249, HB227, HB228

Keywords: Lieutenant Governor, vacancy, governor appointment, Alabama Constitution, state government, media monitoring, government contracts, state agencies, local agencies, media regulations, transparency, dental insurance, medical loss ratio, premium regulation, insurance commissioner, rebate, consumer protection, midwifery, licensed midwives, State Board of Midwifery

Transcript Highlights:

• prevalence of cashless transactions and cashless businesses in the Commonwealth, credit card fees, mobile
• prevalence of cashless transactions and cashless businesses in the Commonwealth, credit card fees, mobile
• 2024, spending over $24 billion and generating $2.3 billion in tax revenue, supporting over 155,000 jobs
• It's an acknowledgement that your retailers are doing the job of tax collector.
• You both have done a great job today. I put you on the spot a little bit. That's okay.

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The Special Legislative Commission on the Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Business held a public hearing focused on credit card interchange fees, cashless transactions, chargebacks, fraud, and possible reforms affecting small businesses in Massachusetts. Chair Paul Feeney opened the meeting, outlined the commission’s charge, and noted that the hearing would hear from small business owners, industry representatives, and others on the effects of payment trends and proposed policy changes. Representative Sean Garballey testified first, arguing that universal card acceptance and the current interchange system are important to Massachusetts tourism and should not be disrupted ahead of a busy summer season. A large portion of the hearing featured independent restaurant owners and advocates, who said processing fees are especially burdensome because restaurants operate on very thin margins and are charged fees on sales tax and tips that are not retained as revenue. Testifiers including Jen Ziskin, Kristen Canty, Nancy Cushman, and Kerry Colzer described rising operating costs and gave examples of annual or monthly fee totals, urging relief from fees on tax and gratuity amounts. Ryan Lotz also asked for chargeback reforms, including refunding chargeback fees when merchants prevail, requiring consumers to contact businesses before disputing charges, proportional fees, and safeguards against repeat abuse. Several witnesses, including Dan Swanson, argued that states have authority to regulate aspects of the payment system and cited the Illinois litigation and federal court rulings as support for state action. Opposing testimony came from credit unions, banks, payment industry representatives, and policy groups, who warned that changing interchange rules could create compliance burdens, reduce rewards, raise account fees, and shift costs elsewhere. Witnesses such as Alex Vereen, Brad Popolado, Keely McEwen, David Montero, Hunter Hamburlin, and Luke Bondar emphasized fraud prevention, network security, consumer protections, and the need for a stable, uniform payment system. Some suggested alternatives such as vendor compensation, surcharging, instant payments, or QR pay code standards, while others argued that sales tax and tip amounts cannot easily be separated within current card-network architecture. The chairs said the commission is still exploring options, discussed possible state-level solutions, and announced plans for one more public hearing before moving toward recommendations and a report. The commission then voted to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• His new job title is deputy administrator for farm programs with USDA in the nation's capital.
• So he says hi and he's going to be doing this job for, I don't know how long, at least three years from
• And it's usually not to say, hey, you're doing a fantastic job. It's a tax issue of some kind.
• Nice job. All right. Thank you. Commissioner, it turns out you're not done.
• The mobile driver's license fee was instituted in 2021.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Reducing educational expenses, and creating opportunities for greater professional mobility is a win-win
• And I just want to say, you all are doing a great job.
• But I want to say, you all are doing a great job.
• Cutting programs is part of our job. It's not a joyful part.
• Great job. I'm glad we were able to hear from everyone. Thank you all for working with that. Yes.

Bills: SB5826, SB5828, SB5909, SB5954

Keywords: medication abortion, public education, access, healthcare rights, postsecondary institutions, college grant, scholarships, higher education, private institutions, Washington State, undergraduate programs, enrollment, program review, public institutions, veterans, tuition waiver, education, survivors, eligibility, 904

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we should all worry to be fiscally responsible in this state to do our job as state elected in
• But how will they find a job if they can't get access to the records?
• It's like if someone was withholding your bachelor's degree, and then you need it for a job opportunity
• This clarification is very important so that California's DFPI is allowed to do its job and do its job
• Without targeted support, too many immigrants remain excluded from the promise of economic mobility and

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• takes a while to go through the process to make it to the courthouse, and then the clerk doing their job
• The other challenge is the challenges on managing urban mobility.
• Um, urban mobility is important because there's existing, uh, infrastructure.
• We've found that many Texans would prefer to live in an urban area near their jobs and near recreational
• , to residential, uh, spaces, often in areas of town, there are going to be good access to quality jobs

Transcript Highlights:

• We are going to talk about the Division of Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes, which oversees
• Not that it does not have individual impact, which is what our job is and our role is to make sure that
• this is what they have to do and they just blew me off or disregarded, and I don't want to lose my job
• And so our job is to actually license those individuals.
• So you can just look at the roster of every single condo association that's paid a mobile home co-op

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met for a panel discussion on current issues affecting Florida condominiums. DBPR Secretary Melanie Griffin highlighted the department’s expanded condo education, complaint, and ombudsman services under HB 1021, including new online resources, board member certification, increased outreach, and broader complaint jurisdiction. She said the division has filled most of its new positions and that the new condo website is intended to improve transparency and access to records and information. Other panelists focused on insurance, inspections, and market impacts. Insurance agent Mike Clarkson said the condo insurance market remains difficult, especially for older buildings, and raised concerns about roof replacement demands, Citizens’ depopulation practices, and the mismatch between reserve studies and insurer timelines. Building officials representative Ron Laceca described challenges with phase one and phase two inspections, including incomplete databases, limited contractor capacity, and the need for local flexibility and better recordkeeping. University of Florida researcher Bill Hughes said his data show the condo market has not suffered a major overall decline from the new laws; he argued the rules have made costs more transparent and may strengthen the market over time. Community association manager Jamie Ballard said the biggest pressures on associations are rising insurance costs and early roof replacement requirements, and she supported board certification while opposing the continuing education exemption for long-tenured CAMs. In committee discussion, members pressed witnesses on whether recent condo laws caused insurance and roof-cost problems, and witnesses generally said those issues are driven more by the market than by the legislation. Senators also discussed possible reforms, including better data collection, clearer reporting duties for managers, and possible changes to insurance and reserve practices. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is three weeks into the job.
• And it was about economic mobility and social mobility.
• first job in North Dakota.
• You know, Dante, great job and a great story.
• I can add a little color for this from two jobs ago.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• choice environment, the 1972 funding structure, designed and dependent on high predictability and low mobility
• choice environment, the 1972 funding structure, designed and dependent on high predictability and low mobility
• you've done in this bill is you've made not necessarily the lives of the SFOs easier, but you made their job

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Founders’ Day and a visiting debate student. The chamber then received and adopted, by a 39-0 vote, a committee report confirming 52 gubernatorial appointments to various state, regional, and local boards and commissions. The first major bill was SB 250 on rural communities. Senator Simon described it as a broad rural renaissance package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance Grant Program, housing and transportation investments, and additional education and health care support. Two amendments were adopted to remove overlapping rural health provisions after Florida secured federal rural health funding and to update hospital funding estimates. Senators from both parties spoke in support, though some raised questions about eligibility for certain rural grants and the distribution of federal funds. The bill passed 39-0. The Senate then took up CS/SB 318 on educational scholarship programs. Senator Gaetz said the bill responds to the Auditor General’s findings by separating scholarship funding from public-school funding, requiring student identification and verification, reducing scholarship organization fees, tightening payment and audit rules, and creating a stabilization fund for scholarship demand. Three amendments were adopted, including removal of a declining-enrollment provision from this bill and changes to enrollment documentation and withdrawal procedures. Senators debated the bill’s impact on accountability, public schools, and scholarship providers, but generally supported the reforms. The bill passed 38-0. At the end of the session, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify SB 250 and CS/SB 318 to the House, welcomed Palm Beach County Day participants, and adjourned until the following Thursday.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good job.
• </c><00:43:06.160><c> Good</c><00:43:06.280><c> job.</c> for all. Thank you. Good job. for all.
• Good job. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, good<00:43:08.200><c> job,</c><00:43:08.440><c> y'all.
• </c><00:57:21.880><c> of</c> we haven't always done the best job of we haven't always done the best job
• And then good job, Senator Amabile.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All of these projects will continue to bring good jobs that connect transit-dependent populations to
• jobs, schools, and leisure.
• I want to add one point to this, and that is transit funding creates transit jobs.
• And the construction sector is where we found those jobs.
• Our policymaking around them has helped to educate the public, help to build unity, help to mobilize

Summary: The Senate first took up two budget-related transportation bills. AB 107, a junior budget bill, was described as a technical measure that updates federal appropriations by about $15 million, exempts certain Proposition 4 funds from the Administrative Procedures Act to speed spending, and makes other technical corrections without adding new projects or General Fund spending. Some senators objected to the APA waiver as reducing transparency, but the bill passed 28-10. AB 117, an early-action trailer bill for Bay Area transit, authorizes a $590 million loan from the state’s transit and intercity rail capital program to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, which can then lend the money to Bay Area transit agencies for operating support, with repayment and interest secured by transit revenues. Supporters called it an emergency bridge to prevent major service cuts at BART, Muni, AC Transit, and Caltrain; opponents raised concerns about ridership recovery, accountability, and consolidation. The bill passed 28-9. The Senate then confirmed two California Air Resources Board appointees: Sonoma County Supervisor Linda Hopkins and Riverside Mayor Patricia Locke Dawson. Both were supported by colleagues who praised their experience and backgrounds, and both confirmations passed. The body also adopted SCR 89, a resolution by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas opposing federal attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Supporters argued DEI is essential to civil rights, education, public service, and equal opportunity, while criticizing the Trump administration for dismantling related federal offices and funding. The resolution passed on a largely party-line vote after extensive floor debate. Finally, the Senate adopted SCR 78, commemorating the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 and the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. Senators from both parties spoke about the injustice of the internment, the resilience and military service of Japanese Americans, and the importance of remembering the history to guard against future abuses. The resolution passed unanimously, and the author then introduced survivors and guests in the chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• We think that hurts local jobs.
• We think that hurts local jobs.
• home spaces rented within a mobile home park.
• They will continue creating jobs and anchoring their local economy.
• And we're also supporting over 3,000 job seekers on their path to self-sufficiency.

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on a series of housing, education, workforce, and court-related bills. On Substitute Senate Bill 5884, staff described changes to a sales and use tax deferral for redeveloping vacant or underused land into affordable housing, including broader eligible property definitions and lower affordability thresholds in designated areas. Testimony was mixed: builders opposed language they feared could encourage project labor agreements, while Spokane and Kent representatives supported the bill but asked for flexibility on affordability mix requirements. On Senate Bill 6256, which expands a property tax exemption for nonprofit low-income rental housing to include certain co-located community uses during construction and extends the pre-construction exemption period, testimony was strongly supportive from housing nonprofits and local housing partners, with questions focused on clawback provisions. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 6027, which expands allowable uses of local housing and supportive housing sales tax revenue, adjusts a REET exemption timeline, broadens emergency housing definitions, and changes use of the Affordable Housing for All account. County, housing, and nonprofit witnesses said the bill would help preserve housing and services amid federal funding uncertainty, though Snohomish County asked for an amendment to allow rental assistance. Substitute Senate Bill 6018 would revise the Housing Finance Commission’s authority, including direct lending and bond counsel terms; commission staff said it would modernize outdated restrictions and improve financing flexibility. Substitute Senate Bill 6028 would create a revolving loan fund for mixed-income homeownership projects; supporters said it would help smaller infill projects pencil, while staff noted the loans would be subordinate and carry some risk. Later, the committee heard Senate Bill 6275 on the community reinvestment program, which would require periodic plan updates, reporting, and a WSIPP study, while also expressing legislative intent to continue at least $100 million annually in the account. Advocates, workforce groups, legal aid providers, and small business owners testified that the program supports communities harmed by past disinvestment and should be made permanent and more accountable. Substitute Senate Bill 5961 would move the Imagination Library program from DCYF to OSPI; early literacy advocates and local partners supported the transfer as better aligned with school readiness. Substitute Senate Bill 5969 would integrate IEP transition plans with high school and beyond plans, and a prior critic said amendments addressed her concerns. Second Substitute Senate Bill 5292 would shift PFML premium rate-setting to the annual actuarial report and raise the reserve target; labor and industry witnesses supported the change, while a policy group opposed the program’s costs. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5868 to add one superior court judge each in Skagit and Yakima counties. Judges and county officials testified that caseloads, population growth, and backlogs justify the additions, and county leaders said they had already budgeted for their share. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5827 would allow service members to use pre-discharge certification to claim veterans’ civil service preference; the sponsor said it would solve a timing problem for transitioning service members. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the transcript, as the meeting consisted of bill briefings and public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• comprehensive set of regulations as to what they can do with tower cranes within the confines of a job
• . be that local governments are still permitted to regulate tower cranes in the space of a job site.
• comprehensive set of regulations as to what they can do with tower cranes within the confines of a job
• And Kevin Guthrie and I, you know, found ourselves on a mobile home park attaching hoses to pumps, to
• Good job. Good morning. Is waiving in support for Americans for Prosperity.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several bills, reporting each favorably after hearing sponsor presentations, public testimony, and member questions. SB 578 would allow wine to be sold in recyclable containers, aligning wine with beer container rules; it received support from Americans for Prosperity and passed without debate. SB 606 clarified when guests in public lodging or food service establishments may be removed for nonpayment, updated notice and checkout provisions, and removed a mandatory arrest requirement, with support from hotel and restaurant industry groups; it also passed favorably. Members then heard SB 202, which addresses a municipal water utility surcharge issue affecting Miami Gardens and North Miami Beach by requiring the utility to charge residents where the plant sits the same rate it charges its own residents. The sponsor and supporters described it as a fairness issue, while North Miami Beach argued it would shift costs and threaten utility finances; the bill was reported favorably. SB 570 modernized and clarified the scope of work for swimming pool and spa contractors, and SB 928, as amended, regulated non-approved disposable nicotine devices by restricting advertising and display, increasing inspections and penalties, and adding a school-buffer provision; both were reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 346, which repeals state preemption over local regulation of hoisting equipment and cranes, prompted by concerns after Hurricane Milton and a crane collapse in St. Petersburg. Supporters said local governments need authority to address storm-related crane safety, while industry representatives warned against patchwork regulation and said local oversight already exists in some areas. Finally, the committee took up SB 652, creating Veterinary Professional Associates to perform certain tasks, including limited surgeries under veterinarian supervision; animal welfare groups supported it as a way to expand access, while some veterinarians opposed the surgery provisions. The bill was reported favorably after amendment. The committee then began SB 354, a major overhaul of Public Service Commission oversight, including expanding the commission, adding financial expertise, tightening rate-setting and storm-hardening review, and increasing transparency for nonprofit water and wastewater utilities; the substitute amendment was adopted and public testimony was heard from consumer advocates and utility-related groups, but the transcript ends before final action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are a mobile control and reporting center responsible for decentralized command and control of joint
• year 2025, our total economic impact is estimated at $800 million, while supporting more than 7,300 jobs
• Our total economic impact is estimated at $800 million while supporting more than 7,300 jobs in the region

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee convened with a quorum, approved the March 6 minutes, and then heard an annual update from Colonel Ray Gunter on Mountain Home Air Force Base. His briefing focused on the base’s mission and readiness, including the 366th Fighter Wing’s role, F-15E operations and planned recapitalization, range and airspace improvements, recent joint and allied exercises, and support for deployed operations. He also highlighted infrastructure and quality-of-life priorities such as the Snake River water pipeline and treatment plant, school and child care improvements, housing efforts, and partnerships with local governments, tribes, education officials, and health providers. Colonel Gunter emphasized the base’s economic impact, estimated at $800 million and more than 7,300 jobs, and thanked the Military Affairs Committee and community partners for their support. Members did not ask questions after the briefing. The committee then voted to dissolve into an executive session for an unclassified intelligence briefing from Mountain Home Air Force Base, later voted to reconvene in public session, and adjourned with no further business.