Transcript Highlights:

• President Pro Tem Stewart and members of the Senate, pursuant to Article 4, Section 5B2 of the New Mexico
• requiring the public posting of Interstate Commission bonds, laws, rules, and minutes, enacting new sections
• President Pro Tem Stewart and members of the Senate, pursuant to Article 4, Section 5B2 of the New Mexico
• Pursuant to Article 4, Section 5B2 of the New Mexico Constitution, I am authorizing for your consideration
• the provision of loans made pursuant to the Allied Health Student Loan for Service Act, repealing sections

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• message number one: President Pro Tem Stewart and members of the Senate, pursuant to Article Four, Section
• , requiring the public posting of Interstate Commission bylaws, rules, and minutes, enacting new sections
• Number two: President Pro Tempore and members of the Senate, pursuant to Article 4, Section 5B2 of the
• Pursuant to Section 5B2 of the New Mexico Constitution, I am authorizing for your consideration during
• Repealing sections of the NMSA 1978. Making an appropriation. Senate Bill 14.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill has two sections.
• The first section makes it a violation of Section 112, the Florida Code of Ethics, for anyone who is
• Section 2 of the bill, Mr.
• The first section does expand the commission's jurisdiction regarding stolen valor.
• The second section is something that was recommended by the committee.

Summary: The Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum and took up two bills. First, it heard SCS for SB 348, which would make it an ethics violation for a public official, candidate, or appointee to falsely claim military rank or honors for material gain, and would also require withholding delinquent ethics fines from the paychecks of current public officials or employees after 90 days. Senator Gates presented the bill, the Florida Commission on Ethics supported it, and members discussed the wage-withholding process. The committee voted the bill favorably. The committee then considered SB 400, which removes the repeal date from Florida’s participation in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, making the compact permanent unless later repealed by the Legislature. Senator Wright explained that the compact helps military families with school transitions, and a representative from Foundation for Florida’s Future waived in support. The committee voiced support and voted SB 400 favorably. After completing both measures, the committee had no further business and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:27:14.919><c> I</c> troubled with this this whole section I troubled with this this whole section
• </c> person is charged under this section person is charged under this section except<01:13:35.199><c
• You know, as I said, I'm not the biggest fan of section nine.
• I think having some definitions at the beginning of the section might help clarify that.
• I think having some definitions at the beginning of the section might help clarify that.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting covered two main items. First, the solid waste subcommittee reviewed draft language for HB 707, focusing on landfill siting and permitting standards. Members and the Department of Environmental Services discussed replacing repeated references to “aquifer” with “drinking water well,” clarifying that aquifer is a broad term, and considering whether a statutory definition was needed. They also debated the bill’s setback and time-of-travel provisions, including the 10^-5 standard, a 1,500-foot distance, and whether the bill should rely more on performance-based criteria than prescriptive distances. Another major topic was permit denial language tied to applicants with significant histories of repeated serious violations or landfill-related litigation; the department said it already has related authority in current rules, but noted some wording was still too vague and could be tightened. No vote was taken, and the chair closed the hearing with plans to continue work later. The second item was a work session on HB 424, which would direct the Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food to create forms for businesses to request information about service animals and establish a study committee on fraudulent or untrained service animals. Several members said the problem raised by the bill was real but expressed concern that the legislature may be limited by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Others argued that a study committee would likely not produce a workable solution and might conflict with leadership’s direction to avoid unnecessary study committees. Members discussed whether the bill should be retained, amended, or instead replaced with a letter or resolution to the federal delegation. The committee appeared to lean toward ITL and possibly pursuing a letter to federal officials, but no final vote is reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, the content's not different, but we moved where that section resides.
• That includes the delegation and oversight section.
• The asset allocation section maps directly to the asset allocation section.
• The asset allocation section maps directly to the asset allocation section of the previous policy statement
• ... ...section, and then this relates directly to the in-state-specific program and legislation section

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• proceedings in that section D.
• proceedings in that section D.
• :37:09.199><c> upon</c> whole section is predicated upon whole section is predicated upon these<01:37
• I want to insert a new section before section four.
• </c><02:12:00.960><c> It</c><02:12:01.119><c> states,</c> section four. It states, section four.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2592, which would clarify the powers of the Mauna Stewardship and Oversight Authority regarding land use on Mauna Akea and related property transfers. The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the rural property transfer but objected to language transferring conservation district use permits, saying CDUPs normally run with the land rather than being assigned to specific telescopes or observatories. The University of Hawaiʻi and the observatories generally supported the bill but urged clearer language, especially on the transfer of real property assets, related obligations and liabilities, and the inclusion of milestones for the transition. Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill’s overall intent but warned that some language could be overbroad and might improperly waive future beneficiary claims. Several testifiers opposed the measure, arguing it ignored DHHL lands and beneficiary rights, while others supported it as a way to clarify the authority’s role. Members questioned DLNR about the practical effects of transferring CDUP responsibility, and the committee emphasized that the bill was narrowly focused on specific land. The committee then took up House Bill 2593, which would authorize the Mauna Stewardship and Oversight Authority to extend existing leases and subleases for up to 10 years. The authority explained that the bill does not itself extend any lease, but instead gives the authority discretion to initiate a transparent public process if extensions are needed. The University of Hawaiʻi supported the concept but said the timing of any extension matters and noted possible legal requirements under state law. The observatories also supported the bill, describing it as a flexible tool during a broader transition process and noting that the authority has held many public planning workshops. Opponents, including Native Hawaiian and community testifiers, argued that the conservation lands should receive the highest protection, that the community had not consented, and that the observatories have had decades to plan ahead. One testifier urged the bill be deferred or killed for lack of clarity. In response to questions, the committee clarified that the bill only authorizes a process and does not itself extend leases, and that any extension would require public participation. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was House Bill 2047, relating to the AHAPU advisory committee. The discussion focused on the committee’s administrative relationship to the Department of Land and Natural Resources and whether DLNR should oversee basic legal compliance issues such as Sunshine Law and legislative reporting. DLNR explained that the committee is administratively attached to the department, which provides support on human resources, procurement, and legal questions, but that the committee itself generally handles its own operations. The department said it would route compliance questions to its attorneys and implement their advice. The hearing then moved on to House Bill 2231, which would transfer appointment authority for island burial council members from the governor and Senate to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees. OHA said it generally supported the change for geographic moku representatives, since it already nominates candidates for those seats, but expressed concern about taking on appointment authority for the large landowner seats because that role is less directly tied to its statutory duties.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's been for particular uh section.
• By having a larger section, training.
• . section. section.
• </c><00:20:07.440><c> in</c> that we in took into this section in that we in took into this section in
• ,</c><00:21:10.559><c> but</c> previous years out of this section, but previous years out of this section

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> utility each year uh on page 10 section utility each year uh on page 10 section A3<01:07:02.160>
• <01:18:00.440><c> 132d</c> Section 132d Section 132d -3<01:18:03.080><c> remove</c><01:18:03.560><c>
• ><c> seven</c><01:18:05.320><c> of</c> -3 remove sections four six and seven of -3 remove sections four
• Remove section 15.
• 15 add a section appropriating A blank 15 add a section appropriating A blank amount<01:19:09.199><c

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate hearing focused primarily on SB 1201, a wildfire measure that would create a wildfire recovery fund and allow securitization for electric utilities. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the bill, saying it would help protect customers, property owners, insurers, and the broader economy from future catastrophic wildfire liability while improving the utility’s credit profile and lowering financing costs. Support also came from DCCA Consumer Advocacy, the Attorney General’s office on written comments, Ulupono Initiative, Clearway Energy Group, IBEW Local 1260, Par Hawaii, KIUC, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, Plus Power, and numerous organizations and individuals. Opponents or commenters raised concerns about the liability cap, victim compensation process, and fund structure, including the Hawaiʻi Association for Justice, the Hawaiʻi Regional Council of Carpenters, and the Hawaiʻi Insurance Council; Henry Curtis of Life of the Land supported the concept of a fund but questioned the catastrophe threshold and whether the fund would be empty without a prudency finding. Much of the discussion centered on whether the proposed fund would actually help restore Hawaiian Electric to investment grade, with senators comparing the proposal to California’s wildfire fund. Hawaiian Electric said the bill was only one part of a broader process, alongside physical risk reduction and settlement finalization, and argued that without the bill the utility would not regain investment grade. Senators also questioned the proposed $1 billion fund size, the fairness of ratepayer contributions versus shareholder contributions, and whether customers should pay for consulting and administrative costs; Hawaiian Electric said its proposed amendment would remove those consulting-related charges. The company also said the fund would accrue interest and, if unused, could be returned to customers, and that there would be replenishment and supplemental contribution mechanisms if the fund were exhausted. The Attorney General’s office said it still had further amendments to discuss, and the departments had not yet resolved where the fund should reside administratively, though Hawaiian Electric said it believed DCCA was the appropriate place but was open to alternatives. KIUC requested two amendments. No vote or final committee action was taken during the hearing, and the measure remained under discussion with questions and proposed amendments still outstanding.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:04:52.960><c> three</c> we're also going to take section three we're also going to take section
• on Article 10, Section 6 of the Constitution, it talks about it, but then it says this section shall
• on Article 10, Section 6 of the Constitution, it talks about it, but then it says this section shall
• on Article 10, Section 6 of the Constitution, it talks about it, but then it says this section shall
• on Article 10, Section 6 of the Constitution, it talks about it, but then it says this section shall

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House Agriculture and Food Systems and Tourism hearing focused on HB 189 and HB 966, both dealing with agricultural tourism. HB 189 would require counties to adopt ordinances governing review and permitting of agricultural tourism as secondary uses on working farms, require the principal agricultural use to pre-exist any tourism-related permit, and limit ag tourism to land where productive agriculture is occurring. HB 966 would create statewide uniform standards for agricultural tourism, require county registration of activities, require ag tourism to coexist with agricultural activity on a farming operation, and end the tourism use when agricultural activity ceases. Testimony on HB 189 was mixed. The Department of Agriculture and Kualoa Ranch opposed the bill, arguing that the proposed restrictions and income-based limits could burden bona fide farms and ranches, reduce flexibility for counties, and harm food production, jobs, and diversification efforts. Kualoa Ranch said ag tourism supports its food sales and community market and warned the bill could cost more than 350 jobs. The Hawaiʻi Cattlemen’s Council also opposed the measure for similar reasons. The Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported the bill with suggested amendments, including clearer language around agricultural dedication. The Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau supported the intent of the bill but urged caution, saying ag tourism should remain tied to actual agricultural production and that counties need flexibility to address abuses without imposing overly rigid standards. Members discussed how to define a bona fide agricultural operation and whether property tax agricultural dedication could serve as a clearer qualifier. They also raised concerns about how counties would enforce revenue thresholds or separate accounting for tourism and farm income, and whether state law should better target clearly non-agricultural uses such as gondolas or other abusive developments. The Department of Agriculture and Farm Bureau said counties already have authority to regulate ag tourism through ordinances, but that any new standards should avoid unintended burdens on true farmers and ranchers. HB 966 was then introduced, and initial testimony again reflected support for the bill’s intent from some agricultural groups and opposition or caution from others. Kualoa Ranch said ag tourism can help educate visitors and support agriculture, the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported county flexibility, and the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau reiterated concerns about the bill’s income comparison provisions and the need to distinguish legitimate agricultural tourism from misuse. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have no details of what the state plans to do or not do in that section.
• But after we bypassed that section of Route 111, it serves just that section of Route 111; it serves
• </c> to be so if if the highway section to be so if if the highway section wasn't<00:26:10.919><c> being
• </c><00:27:51.880><c> automatically</c> nothing that section automatically nothing that section automatically
• </c><00:28:01.840><c> of</c> find that there that that section of find that there that that section of

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 561, sponsored by Representative Nancy Murphy, which would limit the state’s ability to discontinue, reclassify, or revert state-owned highway property to municipalities without local approval. Murphy and other supporters argued the bill would protect towns from unfunded mandates and prevent property tax increases caused by taking on costly road maintenance. Representative Wendy Thomas, Rosemarie Rung, Merrimack Town Council Chairman Finley Rothhouse, and Town Manager Paul McAuliffe all testified in support, describing the financial burden of the planned transfer of Continental Boulevard in Merrimack and warning it would set a harmful precedent for other communities. The Department of Transportation’s Steve Leon explained the department’s current authority and processes for discontinuance and reclassification, said active highways are not surplus property, and noted that the Supreme Court’s Town of Nelson decision held such reclassifications were not an unfunded mandate. The committee then closed the public hearing on HB 561. The committee next took up House Bill 578, presented by Representative Mooney on behalf of Representative Bill Boyd, to require sound barriers along the F. Everett Turnpike in Merrimack. Supporters said widening the turnpike would increase noise in nearby neighborhoods and that a 2019 NHDOT study identified 17 neighborhoods with noise levels above federal standards, though only four were included for mitigation under the current project. They argued the remaining neighborhoods should also receive relief and cited quality-of-life and property-value concerns. Senator Tim McGuire also testified in support, saying residents were experiencing unexpected and severe noise impacts and urging the committee to act outside the usual criteria to approve the barriers. The transcript provided does not show a final committee vote or action on HB 578.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sullivan-Almeida of Abington moves to amend the bill in section 10 in line...
• Sullivan-Almeida of Abington moves to amend the bill in section 10, line 134, by striking out the word
• section: Section 11A, Item 1596.
• Decker of Cambridge moves to amend the bill by inserting after Section 11A the following section: Section
• Connolly of Cambridge moves to amend the bill in Section 2 by inserting after the word 'three-kewing'

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House took up several procedural orders early in the session, including extending the reporting deadline for the Housing Committee on H.4655 and suspending Joint Rule 12 for a petition seeking to rescind prior Article 5 constitutional convention applications. It then advanced three Ways and Means bills on education-related topics: personal financial literacy education (H.4670), expanded access to the state seal of biliteracy (H.4671), and teacher preparation and student literacy (H.4672), each moving through amendment adoption and third reading or engrossment procedures. A major portion of the meeting focused on H.4670, which would require personal financial literacy instruction in middle and high school and establish a financial literacy trust fund for curriculum and teacher training. Members spoke in support, emphasizing budgeting, credit, student loans, and long-term financial planning, and the bill passed to be engrossed by a 154-0 roll call. H.4671, which broadens access to the seal of biliteracy for students in public and private schools, also drew support and passed to be engrossed 155-0. The most extensive debate centered on H.4672, a literacy bill requiring evidence-based reading instruction, DESE-approved curricula or approved local alternatives, screening and progress monitoring, professional development, and related implementation measures. Members described concerns about declining reading scores and argued for a shift away from three-cueing toward phonics-based, science-of-reading approaches. Several amendments were considered: a proposal to change intervention language from “significantly” to “at risk of falling behind” failed, while amendments adding funding language, stakeholder collaboration, and other implementation details were adopted. One amendment clarifying that pictures may be used as a supplement in literacy curricula was also adopted, and the bill ultimately passed to be engrossed 155-0. The House also observed moments of silence for former Judge Leslie Harris, former Representative Mark Carron, and former Representative Dennis Rosa, and adjourned to meet the next day at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• by section, and placed before the Senate for final consideration.
• So that really deals with sections 2 through 13.
• by section, and placed before the Senate for final consideration.
• So that really deals with sections 2 through 13.
• by section, and placed before the Senate for consideration.

Summary: The Senate convened with 31 members present, heard a prayer and pledge, approved the prior day’s journal, and adopted several routine committee reports and referrals. Committee actions included printing and referral of Senate Resolution 116, referral of various newly printed bills, and transmission of House bills and enrolled measures between chambers. The chamber also received messages from the House and advanced several bills through first and second reading calendars. On third reading, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1276, which removes a sunset on a public employee retirement provision allowing certain retired employees to return to work, after supporters said it helps address teacher shortages and does not harm the retirement system. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1291, a Title 33 education code cleanup bill tied to prior task force work; supporters said it repeals obsolete or unused provisions, while no opposition was recorded. Senate Bill 1292, revising foster parent training requirements, passed on a shared roll call vote after supporters said it sets basic training expectations and improves foster care placement quality. Senate Bill 1293, which clarifies that crime victims’ compensation is not treated as a public benefit under prior legislation, also passed unanimously on a shared roll call vote. The most debated measure was Senate Bill 1288, creating the Idaho High Needs Student Fund to reimburse districts for unusually high special education costs above $30,000 per student, using $5 million in one-time funds. Supporters argued it would help districts meet federal obligations, reduce local levy pressure, and provide targeted relief for the most expensive cases; opponents said it was a patchwork fix, could become an ongoing obligation, and should wait for broader funding formula reform. After extended debate, the bill passed 22-1 and was sent to the House. The Senate then reordered the third reading calendar, moved to miscellaneous business, heard several introductions and announcements, and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• by section, and placed before the Senate for final consideration.
• So that really deals with sections 2 through 13.
• by section, and placed before the Senate for final consideration.
• by section, and placed before the Senate for final consideration.
• and the journal show it has been read a third time, section by section, and placed before the Senate

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This was actually a separate Section 11 item 5.
• Laws of 2021, special appropriation section 9. Almost all of those are completed.
• Laws of 2022, special appropriation, Section 9. Laws of 2020, special appropriation, Section 9.
• Laws of 2024 special appropriation, Section 9.
• Laws of 2025, general fund appropriation, Section 11, cost of $10 million.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee heard a District 5 New Mexico Department of Transportation presentation from Rhonda Lopez, who reviewed the district’s FY26 budget, staffing vacancies, and the status of special appropriations from 2020 through 2025. She described numerous completed and ongoing projects across the district, including roadway overlays, bridge work, intersection improvements, ADA upgrades, and maintenance projects, and also summarized STIP, TPF, LGRF, and equipment needs. Members asked about a guardrail issue near U.S. 64 in Hogback, the 5% local match for TPF projects, and the status of the New Mexico 371/U.S. 36 intersection funding agreement with the Navajo Nation; DOT said the match is secured or waived where applicable and that the Navajo agreement is nearly finalized. The committee then heard House Bill 270, which would amend the Public Works Apprentice Training Act to require contributions to apprenticeship and training programs for certain public works contracts, including highway-related work, while creating an exception where no approved apprenticeship program exists for a trade classification. The sponsor said the bill was intended to strengthen workforce development and support apprenticeship training. Contractors and asphalt industry representatives opposed the bill, arguing it would raise road project costs and duplicate existing training contributions. A motion to table failed on a tie, and a later motion to pass also failed on a tie, leaving the bill in committee. Next, the committee heard House Bill 322, which would create a transportation trust fund and transportation program fund, dedicate additional revenue sources including a portion of electricity GRT and motor vehicle excise tax, and begin annual distributions for federal matching funds in 2029. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would help address a multi-billion-dollar road funding gap, improve maintenance, and provide a stable source for matching federal dollars. Some members raised concerns about the electricity tax component, its effect on utility bills, and overlap with recently enacted transportation financing measures; others supported the concept but questioned timing and funding priorities. A motion on the bill resulted in a tie and failed, leaving the bill in committee. The meeting concluded with a District 4 NMDOT legislative presentation. The district outlined its geography, budget, staffing vacancy rate, completed special appropriations, active construction and maintenance projects, wildfire-related recovery work, local government funding allocations, and equipment replacement needs. Members asked about school district uses of local funding and the impact of aging equipment and weather on maintenance costs. The presentation ended without any formal action on District 4 items, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the definitions are in section four of the bill.
• </c> these do similar things but this section these do similar things but this section one<00:02:15.680
• This is only bringing forward the code sections.
• </c><00:15:56.560><c> I</c><00:15:56.880><c> I</c> bringing forward the code sections.
• I I bringing forward the code sections.

Keywords: Municipalities - Room 216, 30 January, 2026; 9:30 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to look at sections 30 and 31 as it pertains to charitable trusts added on lines 1169.
• That section does not allow for a blanket open-ended funding of all lifeguards.
• And it was eventually added to the TDT bill in 125.01.4, Section 5C.
• It did not, that section does not allow for a blanket open, you can't fund all lifeguards.
• the Live Local, middle-income missing-middle opt-out in sections 9, 10, and 12.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on April 16, 2025, with one agenda item: PCB WMC-2502, the committee’s tax package. Chair Duggan presented the bill as a broad tax measure covering sales tax, tourist development taxes, ad valorem/VAB procedures, affordable housing property tax changes, tangible personal property, special assessments, fuel taxes, communication services taxes, corporate income tax updates, pari-mutuel/card room taxes, local incentives, and a redistribution of horse industry trust fund money. He also noted emergency rulemaking authority for the Department of Revenue and estimated a recurring state impact of $34.6 million in FY 2025-26. Members questioned several provisions, including the aviation fuel tax repeal, the delay of the natural gas fuel tax, the extension of the local communication services tax freeze, the charitable trust corporate income tax clarification, the reduction in card room taxes, and the affordable housing changes tied to the Live Local Act. Public testimony included support from airlines, UPS, child care management, and others, while the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association opposed the lifeguard/TDT change, the Florida Association of Counties and Florida League of Cities opposed the missing-middle exemption changes, and local government representatives raised concerns about revenue impacts and the loss of local opt-out authority. The committee also adopted Amendment 1 by Representative Rizzo, which limits certain special assessments on RV parks when based on square footage. During debate, members split on some provisions but generally supported the package, with comments focused on aviation competitiveness, preschool assessment relief, lifeguard funding, affordable housing, and the horse industry funding shift. Representative Duggan closed by emphasizing that the bill was only the beginning of the process and would continue through conference and floor consideration. The committee then voted 16-1 to report PCB WMC-2502 favorably, with Representative Alvarez voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 514 addresses three primary challenges, I would say.
• that previously followed the jury instructions section.
• These provisions affect two significant sections of the civil...
• Practices and Remedies Act, Section 18, Chapter 18, Section 18, and Section 41, and they both need to
• Let's go down to line or section 14, physical pain and suffering.

Bills: SB1540, SB2225, SB2284, SB2382, SB2487, SB2514, SB2595, SB2876, SB2877, SB3031, SB2753, HB45

Keywords: election officials, confidentiality, personal information, government transparency, public safety, spirit beverages, alcoholic beverages, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, distribution, taxation, firearms, local regulation, archery equipment, weapons, voter registration, statewide list, county requirements, election integrity, computer services contracts, mental health

Transcript Highlights:

• Certain sections of House Bill 2019-19 are included here. Sections 1, 2, 4, and 5.
• Sections allow for longer temporary and emergency appointments of employees in the executive branch.
• Section 1 establishes the purpose and intent. It talks about the subcabinet's purpose.
• Section 4 sets out the subcabinet membership. Section 5 sets out their duties.
• Section 6 is the Citizens Engagement Council.

Bills: HF1837, HF361, HF2725, HF2566, HF2744, HF1685, HF501, HF1889, HF1389

Keywords: state policy, employment, health insurance, fossil designation, public funds, community resources, Capitol Mall, grantmaking, community vitality, livability, funding, healthy aging, aging policy, older adults, seniors, elderly, gerontology, long-term care, assisted living, nursing homes

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving now to section three on page five.
• Section two. Section two.
• Turning to page 6 and continuing with section 3.
• On page 8, section 4 includes writer highlights.
• Continuing with Section 4.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tedious, but under current law, Section 45.031 governs judicial sales and outlines the procedures for
• SB 48 addresses this issue by removing alternative sales procedures from Section 45.031, establishing
• Within the Bar, the court authorizes the creation of 23 voluntary Bar sections.
• can; in this case, the reptiles sections do.
• There's a whole UPL part of the website that has an English section, a Spanish section, and we're working

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met with a quorum present and Senator Thompson excused. The committee first considered Senate Bill 48 by Senator Garcia on judicial sales and procedures. Garcia explained a delete-all amendment that would create clearer statewide procedures for alternative judicial sales, increase transparency, remove bidding credits, extend sale timelines, and add oversight for auctioneers and escrow agents to prevent fraud and collusion. After no questions or opposition, the amendment was adopted, Senator Pasadoma said the rewrite addressed many of his concerns, and the committee then voted CS for SB 48 favorably with unanimous yes votes from members present. The committee then received a presentation from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office on the effectiveness of Florida’s recent anti-squatting law, House Bill 621/SB 888. Presenters described several cases in which deputies used the new process to remove unlawful occupants, including a false landlord report, a long-term fake lease situation, and a more recent unlawful occupancy case. They said the law has helped protect property owners and potential victims, but suggested technical changes: clearer authorization for deputies to enter and use force if needed, and a fix to the affidavit penalty provision because false statements are currently being charged as false reports rather than perjury under the existing wording. The Florida Bar also presented on its role in regulating lawyers, lawyer advertising, and the unlicensed practice of law. Bar leaders explained that the Bar operates under the Florida Supreme Court’s authority, is funded by member fees, and handles complaints through a multi-step process involving intake, branch offices, grievance committees, referees, and final Supreme Court review. They described advertising review procedures, discipline statistics, consumer assistance, the Clients’ Security Fund, and enforcement against unlicensed practice. Senators asked about the Legislature’s authority over lawyer advertising, the prevalence of legal ads, the role of public members on grievance committees, and how those members are selected and used.