Transcript Highlights:

• And then last but not least, in that first initiative would be updating the cleanup of our website.
• We're auditing and currently working on the cleanup, but we've moved into Phase 2.

Committee: House Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• Charter schools are great experts and advocates of alternative paths to licensure, so this is a good cleanup
• So this is a good cleanup that will assist all of our schools.

Committee: Assembly Education

Transcript Highlights:

• This program benefits the state by minimizing DEP expenditures for cleanup and assisting local governments
• The main goal of this bill is to encourage more people to participate in the cleanup of contaminated

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard a presentation on its 2025-2026 budget recommendations and adopted the proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The chair highlighted major funding items including more than $1.2 billion for water quality and Everglades work, citrus recovery, food bank and pantry grants, wastewater and drinking water loans, beach restoration, flood and sea level rise projects, rural land protection, disaster loans, state facilities repairs, SLERS, accounting system replacement, and continued funding for My Safe Florida Home. Staff were authorized to make technical adjustments, and members were told final proviso project lists would be printed later in the week. The committee then considered several bills and reported them favorably, including SB 796 on DEP general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems to help local governments address failing septic-related water quality problems; SB 1162 expanding boating improvement and water access facilities programs; SB 466 implementing the Florida Museum of Black History task force’s selection of West Augustine as the museum site; SB 178 creating a FAMU agronomic study on viable crops for land taken out of production; CS/SB 678 allowing pawnbroker transaction forms to be printed or digital; and CS/SB 736 updating the Brownfields program, with a technical amendment adopted. Testimony on these bills was generally supportive, with speakers from affected industries, local governments, and advocacy groups. The committee also took up CS/CS/SB 700, the comprehensive Florida Farm Bill, which included technical agency changes and major policy provisions such as restrictions on additives to public water supplies, labeling requirements for meat, milk, poultry, and eggs, drone-related protections for farmland, disaster recovery loan updates, an honest services registry for charities, FFA scholarship and school infrastructure provisions, and a mechanism for state purchase of former solar-converted agricultural land. The water-additive provisions drew extensive debate and testimony from supporters and opponents, including dental professionals, public health advocates, and groups arguing for medical freedom and local control. Despite the controversy and a no vote from Senator Arrington, the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1226 creating a regulatory framework for pet insurance was also reported favorably, and the committee adjourned after members recorded additional votes on several bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just move the highway.
• moving the highway?
• Just move the highway. And we do else. Just move the highway.
• Um highway.
• </c> moving the highway? moving the highway?

Bills: HB1846 , HB2205 , HB1802 , HB1571 , HB2047 , HB2434 , HB2426 , HB2361 , HB2395 , HB1712 , HB2544 , HB1619

Committee: House Water & Land

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1846, relating to shoreline mitigation districts. DLNR and the Office of Planning opposed the bill, arguing it would improperly shift regulatory roles between the agencies and prioritize private land interests over public trust and natural and historic resources. Supporters, including the Shoreline Preservation Coalition, Kahana Bay residents, and Hawaii Realtors, said regional planning is needed to address severe erosion, especially in Kahana, and that better coordination between state and county agencies could help move stalled projects forward. Testifiers emphasized that shoreline conditions vary by area and that science-based, region-specific solutions are needed. Members asked questions about whether existing law already allows regional planning and emergency shoreline responses. DLNR said it already has authority to process regional projects and cited an existing draft EIS for Kahana Bay that would proceed through normal permitting and public hearing channels. Supporters responded that the bill would provide a clearer regional planning framework and help communities facing urgent erosion impacts. No vote was taken on HB 1846 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 2205, relating to emergency erosion mitigation. DLNR opposed the bill, saying it already has authority to issue emergency permits and had recently done so quickly for a collapsed sidewalk at Queen Surf Beach, and warning that the bill’s language could weaken Act 16 by changing a prohibition on shoreline hardening to a requirement to merely minimize it. Kahana Bay representatives and other supporters argued the bill would create a limited, regulated short-term pathway for emergency shoreline solutions while long-term plans are developed, and said current permits have expired or stalled, leaving dangerous sandbags and no practical relief. Additional testimony from a private homeowner stressed that erosion is threatening homes and that private owners are often bearing the cost of protecting public shoreline access. The discussion remained focused on balancing emergency protection, public access, and long-term shoreline management, and no final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• including highway rights of way.<02:17:25.359><c> Well,</c><02:17:25.519><c> not</c><02:17:25.760><c
• > all</c><02:17:26.000><c> highway</c><02:17:26.559><c> rights</c><02:17:26.880><c> of</c><02:17:27.120
• Well, not all highway rights of way way.
• Well, not all highway rights of way uh<02:17:29.120><c> are</c><02:17:29.920><c> do</c><02:17:30.160>
• </c> own the underlying property to a highway own the underlying property to a highway right<02:17:43.599

Committee: House Election Law

Transcript Highlights:

• So the DOT one is all related to highway construction.
• We are on to bill draft number 106 related to highway patrol troopers. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• The draft provides for a transfer from the strategic investment and improvement funds, the Highway Patrol
• We are on to bill draft number 106 related to highway patrol troopers. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• It changes the computation of the final average salary for benefits under the Highway Patrol Troopers

Committee: Joint Employee Benefits Programs Committee

Summary: The Employee Benefits Committee met to hear presentations on state employee health insurance, compensation, leave policies, labor market conditions, and prevailing wage issues, then later took up committee rules and bill-draft jurisdiction. PERS reviewed the history and structure of the state health plan, noting the state has paid the full family premium since 1979, described cost-control and benefit-enhancement changes over time, and explained current plan options, wellness incentives, employer wellness discounts, and the upcoming bid process for the 2027-29 contract. HRMS then presented compensation comparisons showing state classified pay generally trails private and regional markets, with larger gaps at higher-level jobs, and reviewed benefits and leave policies, including the new enhanced annual leave and new-hire leave, the state’s unpaid family leave structure, and varying tuition reimbursement practices. Job Service reported on labor force trends, low unemployment, high labor force participation, job openings, and wage growth, and OMB said there are no state prevailing-wage requirements beyond federal Davis-Bacon rules for federally funded projects. The committee then considered a proposed amendment to Joint Rule 211 to better align the health insurance mandate review process with recent statutory changes. Members discussed how the rule should reference both the committee’s required actuarial reports and the Legislative Council cost-benefit analysis, and the amendment was adopted on a roll call vote. The committee also discussed how its jurisdiction decisions affect whether a bill draft receives actuarial analysis, with staff explaining that a decision not to take jurisdiction means the bill is not treated as impacting the relevant retirement or health plans for purposes of that analysis. After that, the committee began reviewing bill drafts for jurisdiction. The first draft, bill draft 33, would automatically renew pre-tax elections for dental and vision coverage during open enrollment instead of requiring annual re-election. Members debated whether it had any actuarial impact, noting the state does not pay those premiums directly, and the discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Her two kids had been plowed into by a truck driver on Highway 95.
• I jotted down 18 different issues that could be dealt with for the highway and the safety of it.
• What I heard from our sheriff and ISP was that we had drivers that were aggressively driving on Highway
• , that's a help to our highway system that doesn't require passing lanes, restriping, or signage.
• You could get people to drive within the laws and rules of our highways; that's a help to our highway

Transcript Highlights:

• And the highway research facility was a major attractant there. It's free enterprise.
• Uh Uh Uh and<00:19:24.159><c> the</c><00:19:24.280><c> highway</c><00:19:24.720><c> research</c><00:19
• was a and the highway research facility was a major<00:19:26.600><c> attractant</c><00:19:27.320><c>
• > research</c><00:20:53.320><c> is</c><00:20:53.760><c> is</c><00:20:53.920><c> a</c> and the the highway
• research is is a and the the highway research is is a good<00:20:54.200><c> example</c><00:20:54.680

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that...
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that distracted driving in its various forms
• Two Florida Highway Patrolmen were present that day to support their budget.
• We think of our major highways: I-75, I-95, the Turnpike, and I-10.
• But my accident didn't happen on a highway. It happened in a parking lot.

Summary: The committee took up a long agenda of bills, beginning with CS/SB 678, which would allow pawnbroker transaction forms to be printed or digital; it drew support from a business representative and was reported favorably. Members then heard several bills by Senator Leak, including SB 466 to designate St. Johns County as the site of the Florida Museum of Black History and create a board to work with the museum foundation and Florida Memorial University; the bill drew supportive testimony about preserving accurate Black history and the significance of the site, and it passed favorably. Leak’s CS/SB 578 would let Florida wineries use recyclable inserts and other alternative containers for larger wine sales, and it also passed favorably. SB 582 would increase penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings and structures, limiting the higher penalties to certain nationally or internationally recognized historic properties; it was supported by preservation advocates and reported favorably. CS/SB 1168 would create an aggravated offense for installing or using tracking devices or apps in furtherance of crimes such as murder, domestic violence, or robbery, and it passed favorably after a brief discussion about stalking and violent crimes. CS/SB 806 would make the Florida Attorney General the exclusive public official with standing to enforce Florida charitable trusts, limiting out-of-state attorneys general from suing over Florida-administered trusts; members debated whether this would burden out-of-state beneficiaries, but the bill was reported favorably. SB 1228 would advance spring restoration efforts for Ichetucknee Springs and Santa Fe spring flows and allow a utility compliance plan amendment to deliver reclaimed water to replenish the aquifer; it passed favorably. CS/CS/SB 304 would require a qualified medical opinion in child protective investigations involving infants and young children with possible genetic or medical conditions that can mimic abuse, and it drew emotional support from parents and advocates before passing favorably. SB 1286 would clarify that ordinary unsupervised childhood activities like biking or playing outside do not constitute neglect absent reckless endangerment, and it was reported favorably. SB 1318, the hands-free driving bill, generated the most extensive debate: it renames the texting-while-driving law, expands the prohibition to handheld device use, and adds penalties in work zones and school zones; supporters cited fatal crash statistics and personal loss, while opponents raised concerns about enforcement, civil liberties, racial disparities in traffic stops, and the need for broader distracted-driving and insurance reforms. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably after amendments. The committee also approved two claims bills, SB 14 for the estate of Penao-Hanvier against Miami Beach and SB 20 for J.N. against Hillsborough County, both settled claims recommended favorably by the special master. Finally, CS/SB 68 would modernize health facilities authority financing for private not-for-profit health systems, and CS/SB 172 would restrict misuse of health care specialty titles while preserving titles authorized under existing practice acts; both were discussed with questions about doctors, optometrists, and CRNAs, and both were reported favorably after amendment and debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that distracted driving in its various forms
• Two Florida Highway Patrolmen were present that day to support their budget.
• So today, while my speech is not endorsed by the Florida Highway Patrol, I hope once again to tell you
• We think of our major highways: I-75, I-95, the Turnpike, and I-10.
• But my accident didn't happen on a highway. But my accident didn't happen on a highway.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Committee on Rules took up a long agenda of bills and reported several measures favorably. Early action included CS for SB 678, allowing pawnbroker transaction forms to be printed or digital, and SB 466, which designates St. Johns County as the site for the Florida Museum of Black History and creates a board to work with the supporting foundation and county officials. Senators and public speakers largely supported the museum bill, though some members asked about feasibility studies and long-term planning. The committee also approved CS for SB 578 on wine containers, SB 582 on penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings, CS for SB 1168 creating an aggravated offense for unlawful tracking-device use in furtherance of crimes, CS for SB 806 clarifying that only the Florida Attorney General may represent beneficiaries of Florida charitable trusts as a public official, and SB 1228 to support spring restoration efforts for Ichetucknee and Santa Fe springs. The committee then heard and favorably reported CS for CS for SB 304, which addresses child protective investigations involving infants and young children with genetic or other pre-existing medical conditions. The bill requires a qualified medical opinion before permanent removal in cases where injuries may be explained by an underlying condition, and it drew strong support from the sponsor and several speakers. Members also approved SB 1286 clarifying that ordinary unsupervised childhood activities, such as biking or playing outside, do not by themselves constitute neglect unless reckless, and SB 1318, a hands-free driving bill that renames the texting-while-driving law, expands the handheld-device prohibition, and adds penalties for handheld use in work and school zones and for certain serious crashes. The hands-free bill prompted the most debate, with supporters citing crash and fatality data and families sharing personal losses, while opponents raised concerns about enforcement, civil liberties, and potential disparate impacts on lower-income and minority drivers; the bill was still reported favorably after amendments. Additional measures reported favorably included SB 14 and SB 20, two claims bills for injuries and deaths involving local governments, and CS for SB 68, which updates health facilities authority financing rules to reflect modern hospital structures. The committee also approved CS for SB 172 on health care practitioner specialty titles and designations after adopting an amendment protecting CRNA titles; the bill generated questions about whether licensed practitioners with doctoral degrees may still use the title doctor under their practice acts. Throughout the meeting, most bills were adopted without opposition, and the committee repeatedly voted to report them favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whitmore Village, without having visited it, but it is a community that is a ways in off of Kamehameha Highway
• Whitmore Village, without having visited it, but it is a community that is a ways in off of Kamehameha Highway
• that is um uh a ways in off of kameha that is um uh a ways in off of kameha Mayha<00:47:43.400><c> Highway
• c> there's</c><00:47:45.359><c> only</c><00:47:45.839><c> one</c><00:47:46.119><c> Road</c> Mayha Highway
• and there's only one Road Mayha Highway and there's only one Road in<00:47:47.280><c> and</c><00:47:

Transcript Highlights:

• property, but also one abutment was on generally a right of way because you're coming off of, you know, Highway
• 48.040><c> know,</c> because you're coming off of, you know, because you're coming off of, you know, Highway
• 50.040><c> using</c><00:03:50.360><c> my</c><00:03:50.560><c> hometown</c><00:03:51.440><c> and</c> Highway
• 80 and I'm using my hometown and Highway 80 and I'm using my hometown and it's<00:03:52.280><c> the<

Committee: House Economic Development & Workforce Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• This new connection will link key highways, including State Route 77 to Snowflake and Holbrook.
• This new connection will link key highways, including State Route 77 to Snowflake and Holbrook, U.S.
• By providing alternate routes, the project will significantly reduce congestion on state highways like
• State Route 260. ...congestion on state highways like State Route 260.

Bills: SB1272

Committees: House Rural Economic Development , House House Rural Economic Development Committee of Reference

Keywords: appropriation, Douglas port of entry, state funding, infrastructure, federal support

Transcript Highlights:

• HCM 2016, Chief Barbe, Highway Route 191. HCM 2016, Chief Orpottito Highway Route 191.
• H.C.M. 2016, Chief Barbe, Highway, Route, 191,1. H.GM 2016, Chief Orpottito Highway Route 191.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a proclamation declaring March as Sleep Apnea Awareness Month. Guests recognized included ACLU of Arizona volunteers for Lobby Day, a student intern, a doctor of the day specializing in dementia care, and members of the Arizona chapter of the American Institute of Architects for Architecture Advocacy Day. The chamber also received several appointments to committees and a series of House messages and bills for introduction and first reading. The main floor action was third reading votes on multiple measures. The Senate passed SB 1011, SB 1017, SB 1170, SB 1173, SB 1234, SB 1275, SB 1332, SB 1544, SB 1557, SB 1585 on reconsideration, SCR 1022, SB 1273, and SB 1274, with most votes falling along a 17-9 or 16-10 split. Several senators explained their no votes, raising concerns about mandatory minimum drug penalties, juvenile court changes, diversion policy, and the light rail feasibility study; supporters argued for public safety, judicial discretion, or the need for updated studies and voter review. On SCR 1022, which would refer a constitutional amendment on legislative member districts, supporters argued Arizona’s House is too small for its population and should be expanded, while opponents said the idea needed more study before going to voters. The Senate also heard committee announcements for the next day, including meetings for Health and Human Services, Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency, Education, Judiciary and Elections, and Public Safety. The body then adjourned until Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• HCM 2016, Chief Barbito Highway Route 191. HCM 2016, Chief Barbito Highway Route 191.
• H.C.M. 2016, Chief Barbe, Highway, Route, 191,1. H.GM 2016, Chief Orpottito Highway Route 191.

Transcript Highlights:

• The money in the fund shall be expended by the Department of Highways for constructing and maintaining
• The money in the fund shall be expended by the Department of Highways for constructing and maintaining
• The bill would allow the commissioner of highways to transfer an additional $3 million in any fiscal
• grants $100 million in road fund spending authority to the Department of Transportation, Division of Highways

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• We represent 90% of the billboard companies that have signs in and around the state highways.
• The state does require a great deal of regulations for the placement of billboards along state highways
• day and age, is that the signs that are non-compliant are also out of compliance with the Federal Highway
• Beautification Act, and the repercussions for that could be the loss of 10% of federal highway dollars

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Organization heard several bills related to outdoor advertising, open meetings, and San Francisco economic development. SB 364 by Senator Strickland would speed up processing of outdoor advertising permits by allowing Caltrans to act on applications as freeway projects are completed in segments, and clarifies customary maintenance of signs. Supporters said the bill would reduce permit backlogs and help local governments and the billboard industry; there was no opposition. The committee passed SB 364 to Appropriations, with the roll left open for additional votes. SB 470 by Senator Laird would extend until January 1, 2030 the sunset on the alternative Bagley-Keene open meeting rules adopted in SB 544, allowing state boards and commissions to continue using remote participation under specified conditions. Supporters from the Little Hoover Commission and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities said the current law has increased public participation, saved money, and improved access for people with disabilities and caregivers. Opponents, including ACA of California Action, the California News Publishers Association, and media and transparency groups, argued the bill weakens in-person public access and accountability. The committee approved SB 470 to Appropriations, with some no votes and the roll held open. SB 395 by Senator Wiener would let San Francisco create a hospitality zone in Union Square/Yerba Buena with up to 20 additional non-transferable liquor licenses for restaurants to support downtown recovery. City and business representatives said the measure would help fill vacancies, attract restaurants, and boost foot traffic, while remaining temporary and geographically limited. The bill passed to Appropriations with broad support and no opposition. SB 783 by Senator Rubio would extend until January 1, 2029 the special outdoor advertising rules for signs in former redevelopment areas; supporters said it would give affected communities time to find a permanent solution, while billboard industry opponents warned about compliance and federal highway funding risks. The committee passed SB 783 to Appropriations as amended, and then adjourned at 2:45 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Association, and we represent 90% of the billboard companies that have signs in and around the state highways
• that the state does require a great deal of regulations for the placement of billboards along state highways
• day and age, is that the signs that are non-compliant are also out of compliance with the Federal Highway
• Beautification Act, and the repercussions for that could be the loss of 10%... ...of federal highway

Committee: House Governmental Organization

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Organization met and heard several bills, beginning without a quorum and later establishing one. SB 364 by Senator Strickland would speed up outdoor advertising permit processing by allowing Caltrans to act on applications as freeway projects are completed in segments, and it also clarifies customary maintenance for signs. Supporters from Fountain Valley and the outdoor advertising industry said the bill would reduce delays and help local revenue; there was no opposition. The bill passed 13-0, with the roll left open for additional votes. The committee also heard SB 470 by Senator Laird, which extends until January 1, 2030 the sunset on the alternative open-meeting rules for state boards and commissions created by SB 544. Supporters, including the Little Hoover Commission and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, said remote participation has increased public attendance, saved money, and improved access for people with disabilities and caregivers. Opponents, including the ACLU of California Action, California News Publishers Association, and media and good-government groups, argued the bill weakens transparency and should be more narrowly tailored. The bill passed 12-4, with the roll left open. SB 395 by Senator Wiener would create a hospitality zone in San Francisco allowing up to 20 additional non-transferable liquor licenses for restaurants in the Union Square/Yerba Buena area. Supporters said the measure would help downtown recovery, fill vacant storefronts, and support small restaurants by offering licenses at the ABC application fee rather than the high secondary-market price. The bill passed 16-0, with the roll left open. Finally, SB 783 by Senator Rubio would extend until January 1, 2029 the current rules for outdoor advertising displays in former redevelopment areas. Supporters said the extension would protect existing signs and give communities time to work on a permanent solution, while opponents warned about unfair market advantages and possible federal highway funding risks. The bill passed 21-0, and the committee adjourned at 2:45 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, the bill is actually recognizing the need to recruit new troopers for our highway patrol.
• 54.639><c> our</c> the need to recruit new troopers for our the need to recruit new troopers for our highway
• 56.400><c> Uh,</c><00:04:56.960><c> right</c><00:04:57.199><c> now</c><00:04:57.759><c> they're</c> highway
• Uh, right now they're highway patrol.

Transcript Highlights:

• maintenance only, and the fact that their train cars keep tons and tons of transportation off of our highway
• transportation off tons and tons of uh transportation off of<00:08:37.599><c> our</c><00:08:37.839><c> highway
• 39.039><c> is</c><00:08:39.200><c> is</c><00:08:39.599><c> part</c><00:08:39.760><c> of</c> of our highway
• saving them is is part of of our highway saving them is is part of the<00:08:40.000><c> reason</c><00

Summary: The committee met in executive session on HB 25, the capital improvements appropriations bill. Representative Jack moved ought to pass and also offered Amendment 1455H. Discussion focused largely on several capital items and, in particular, a disputed freight rail public-private partnership. Representative Kazinski opposed the rail subsidy, arguing it favored connected private interests and reflected excessive spending, while Representatives Clutier and others defended the rail funding as a public-private partnership that supports rail maintenance, reduces truck traffic, protects roads and bridges, improves safety, and benefits the environment. Representative Jack explained that the amendment was intended to appropriate enough money to cover bids rather than a fixed purchase price. The committee then voted on Amendment 1455H, which passed 17-1. After that, the committee voted on HB 25A, the bill as amended, and it also passed 17-1. Representative Kazinski indicated he would vote no and was asked whether he wanted to write a minority report; he agreed to do so. The chair noted the bill could not go on the consent calendar and would need further discussion. After completing the bill, the chair announced the committee had one Senate bill expected later, with a due date of May 29, and said the committee would take next Tuesday off and schedule the Senate bill when convenient. Members also discussed an upcoming community college system lunch at the Lakes Region campus, thanked staff for their work on the bill, and noted the committee had brought HB 25 in about $10.5 million under the governor’s request.