Transcript Highlights:

• re-evaluate which it always be met and informed through the second lens, which are the experiences and the feedback

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the very good feedback. Thank you. I appreciate it. Members, any other questions? Mr.

Bills: SB8, SB650, SB667, SB779, SB1349, SB1355, SB1378, SB1585, SB1721, SB2312

Keywords: immigration enforcement, ICE agreements, sheriff grants, law enforcement, county jail, federal immigration law, China, Chinese-affiliated entities, Chinese military companies, People's Republic of China, Chinese Communist Party, divestment, state pension funds, public retirement systems, Teacher Retirement System, Employees Retirement System, Permanent School Fund, Texas Comptroller, foreign investment, national security

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs resumed consideration of several pending bills, first taking up Senate Bills 667, 1349, 1585, and 2312. After inviting testimony had already been heard, no members of the public came forward to testify on any of those measures, and the committee closed public testimony and left all four bills pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1355, which Senator Parker explained as a committee substitute aimed at helping Texas distillers recover unpaid invoices from wholesalers. The substitute would require distillers to invoice at the time of purchase, send a demand letter if payment terms are violated, and allow complaints to be filed with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, which could determine an appropriate penalty based on the facts. Natasha Dehart of Bent Distilling Company testified in support, describing serious cash-flow problems and unpaid invoices from a Texas wholesaler that had forced layoffs, late vendor payments, and operational strain. No one testified against the bill, and it was left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1378, a narrowly tailored local bill for a Carrollton facility recently acquired by Sazerac that employs more than 1,000 Texans. Senator Parker said the bill would create a limited exemption to avoid forcing the company to shut down or move because of current permit restrictions, while preserving the three-tier system and preventing the company from selling wine to itself. A Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission resource witness said the bill was drafted so it would not open the door to broader industry changes. Mason Moreland testified against the bill as filed, arguing it gave special treatment to one company and failed to address broader problems in the wine industry, including direct-to-consumer sales and permit issues. After questions from senators, public testimony closed and SB 1378 was left pending. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is very personal, and I appreciate everybody's feedback and listening very important to this.

Summary: The Education Employment Committee held its first meeting and heard three bills. Chair Kennedy opened with remarks about the committee’s work and the goal of moving Florida from “excellent to eminent.” The committee first considered PCS for CS for HB 151 on private school participation in interscholastic sports and extracurricular activities. Representative Abbott explained that the bill would let private school students participate in sports at FHSAA member schools when their own school does not offer that sport, clarify treatment of single-sex versus co-ed teams, adjust FHSAA board appointment authority, require appeals panels to include a majority of member-school representatives, set timelines for eligibility appeals, and post appeals decisions online. An amendment by Representative McFarland added FHSAA board decisions to the transparency requirement. The bill drew supportive public testimony and was reported favorably as amended by a 19-0 vote. The committee then took up HB 549 on the “Gulf of America.” Representative Porras said the bill would align Florida’s geographic materials and academic standards with the federal designation replacing the Gulf of Mexico, with a later amendment to phase in the change only for materials adopted or acquired on or after July 1, 2025. Members questioned the timing, costs, and impact on instructional materials; the ranking member and others argued the bill was unnecessary and could burden districts, while supporters said Florida should lead in adopting the federal terminology. Public testimony included support from Florida Citizens Alliance and opposition from a speaker who called the bill a waste of time. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably with committee substitute by a 16-2 vote. Finally, the committee considered CS/HB 85 on hazardous walking conditions. Representative Kendall described the bill as addressing elementary students who live within the two-mile walk zone but must cross interstates, freeways, highways, or ramps, and said the measure would provide bus service in those hazardous situations. An amendment clarified the language by tying it to the statutory definition of a limited access facility. Members from both parties described local safety concerns and personal experiences, while one member noted the likely added cost to districts. Public testimony listed opponents, but the chair later clarified they had submitted cards with the wrong bill number. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably with committee substitute by a 20-0 vote, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• their tireless work and meeting with numerous stakeholders and refining the bill to incorporate feedback

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met to consider and vote on a committee substitute for Senate Bill 6, which Senator King said was intended to address rapidly growing electricity demand from large loads such as data centers while protecting reliability and keeping costs from shifting to homeowners and small businesses. He described the bill as a response to updated ERCOT and PUC forecasts showing much higher generation needs than previously expected. Senator King outlined several substantive changes in the substitute: replacing a minimum transmission charge with an upfront interconnection charge for new large loads; requiring the PUC to conduct a more detailed 4CP evaluation and adopt rules based on it; expanding load-forecasting data collection to smaller loads and standardizing criteria for interconnections; removing an exemption from ERCOT/PUC reliability review for certain net metering arrangements; making some PUC conditions temporary and limiting intervenors in those proceedings; and requiring utilities to work with large load customers on protocols and equipment for firm load shed participation. He also noted technical changes meant to close loopholes, including changing references from “duplicate” to “substantially similar” projects and from “affiliated” to “unaffiliated.” Senator Menendez asked for clarification on several provisions, including whether stranded infrastructure costs applied to generation or only transmission, how “single site” would be defined, how ERCOT-directed curtailment and notice would work, and what “load ramp milestones” meant. King responded that the bill was meant to cover both distribution and transmission-level loads, that the PUC would define certain terms through rulemaking, that large customers would work with utilities in advance on flexible load and backup generation arrangements, and that ramp milestones would help utilities plan for phased growth in demand. After questions concluded, Senator King moved adoption of the committee substitute and passage of SB 6 as substituted. The motion passed on a 7-0 vote, and the bill was reported favorably to the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I would encourage you to take a lot of the feedback you got today and continue working on this bill

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met with a quorum present and considered two bills. The first, CS for SB 88 by Senator Wright, would create a framework for local governments to allow or prohibit utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) on certain low-speed roads, define UTV equipment and driver requirements, and make violations noncriminal traffic infractions. An amendment was adopted to correct the insurance requirement to match automobile-style minimums of $10,000 personal injury and $10,000 property damage liability. Testimony on SB 88 was divided. The Florida Justice Association and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association opposed the bill, arguing UTVs are designed for off-road use, do not meet federal safety standards, and could increase crash risk on public roads; Honda’s letter was cited as opposing road use. Supporters, including the sponsor and agencies waiving in support, argued the bill would address an existing loophole, provide insurance and licensing requirements, and help rural users and law enforcement by creating a clear legal pathway. Senators raised concerns about nighttime visibility, taillight spacing, speed limits, and whether the bill should be more restrictive, but the committee ultimately voted to report CS for SB 88 favorably. The committee then heard SB 274 by Senator Arrington, which designates a portion of International Drive in Orange County as Harris Rosen Way in honor of hotelier and philanthropist Harris Rosen. The sponsor and several senators praised Rosen’s business success, philanthropy, and support for education, cancer research, veterans, and the Central Florida community. There was no opposition, and the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The concerns we have reflect feedback from the practitioners that would implement this law.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• proposal focuses on that criminal justice agency network access charge, and I'd ask for committee feedback
• proposal focuses on that criminal justice agency network access charge, and I'd ask for committee feedback
• >> No, but I was if there's any feedback from the committee, I'd love to have it.
• ><02:07:55.400><c> if</c><02:07:55.520><c> there's</c><02:07:55.640><c> any</c><02:07:55.800><c> feedback
• </c> &gt;&gt; No, but I I was if there's any feedback &gt;&gt; No, but I I was if there's any feedback

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I’ve read the original statute and I’m not getting feedback from my constituents that there’s a problem
• c> getting</c> the original statute and I'm not getting the original statute and I'm not getting feedback
• <c> from</c><00:59:09.920><c> my</c><00:59:10.240><c> constituents</c><00:59:10.960><c> that</c> feedback
• Uh, again, um, there we did hear some of this feedback in the House, and I know the House committee,
• Uh, again, um, there we did hear some of this feedback in the House, and I know the House committee,

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Madam Chair, and this amendment is the result of feedback from... ...several folks through
• Thank you so much, Madam Chair, and I appreciate everyone's feedback and commentary on this.
• Thank you so much, Madam Chair, and I appreciate everyone's feedback and commentary on this.
• We've gone through two different committees now, all with thoughtful, constructive feedback of where
• One is based on the feedback we've heard today.

Summary: The Committee on Rules heard a long agenda of growth-management, elections, education, housing, and professional-licensing bills. The first major item was SB 354 on “Blue Ribbon Projects,” a framework for very large planned developments on at least 15,000 contiguous acres with 60% reserved area. After adopting a strike-all amendment, senators debated whether the bill adequately protected conservation land, local government authority, neighboring property, concurrency, and multi-county projects. Supporters argued it would create more orderly, master-planned growth and preserve large areas of land; opponents said the reserve areas were too weakly protected and the bill preempted local control. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably on a party-line style roll call, with Chair Pasadomo and Vice Chair Jones voting no. The committee then approved SB 620 on candidate qualifying, which requires candidates to disclose any foreign citizenship and, through amendments, adds a 2026 congressional qualifying framework tied to apportionment and redistricting, including revised petition rules and deadlines. Members discussed disclosure, redistricting, and candidate vetting, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/CS/CS/SB 1452, a Department of Financial Services bill, was also amended and approved; the amendments addressed My Safe Florida Home, unclaimed property, firefighter hiring, workforce housing code accommodations, and related financial-services issues. CS/CS/SB 1620, the school board members’ bill of rights, was narrowed by substitute amendment to focus on access to records, fiscal transparency, NDAs, and related rights, and it passed after supportive testimony from school board and superintendent representatives. The committee also passed CS/HB 245, which replaces the term “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material,” after debate over whether the terminology change could affect the seriousness of the crime or existing case law. SB 1548, a Live Local/affordable housing update, was reported favorably with little debate. Finally, the committee approved the veterinary medicine bill creating veterinary professional associates, after amending it to require immediate supervision by a licensed veterinarian. Throughout the meeting, many public commenters and senators weighed in on the balance between development and conservation, local control, and the scope of state regulation, with several bills drawing both strong support and strong opposition before final votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, happy to take feedback and questions and suggestions, or to talk offline.
• So, happy to take feedback and questions and suggestions, or to talk offline.
• state agency not needing a law to be passed by the legislature to do the right thing, taking that feedback
• :34:19.679><c> thing,</c><01:34:20.239><c> taking</c><01:34:20.560><c> that</c><01:34:20.800><c> feedback
• </c><01:34:21.120><c> and</c> right thing, taking that feedback and right thing, taking that feedback

Bills: HF3635, HF3638

Keywords: teacher mobility, interstate compact, licensure, military spouses, education, teacher regulation, teacher qualifications, state sovereignty, educator licensing, paraprofessional credentials, mental health, professional development, data sharing, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The community was informed of a proposed bike trail to get their input, regular updates, and feedback
• The community was informed of a proposed bike trail to get their input, regular updates, and feedback
• is getting that local control during the process and, in fact, earlier in the process to get that feedback
• </c><01:41:20.199><c> from</c><01:41:20.639><c> the</c> process to get that feedback from the process
• to get that feedback from the locals<01:41:21.560><c> so</c><01:41:22.560><c> we</c><01:41:22.679><c

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• because of the increasing Big Island population, but I would also point out I also think there's a feedback
• because of the increasing Big Island population, but I would also point out I also think there's a feedback
• unfortunately some of the solution for that is just to continue everything, which just, as I said, has a feedback
• I</c><01:40:43.960><c> said</c><01:40:44.159><c> has</c><01:40:44.280><c> a</c><01:40:44.440><c> feedback
• </c><01:40:45.000><c> loop</c> which just as I said has a feedback loop which just as I said has a feedback

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several fireworks-related bills. On HB 550, which would allow law enforcement to use drone recordings to establish probable cause for fireworks arrests in public areas and appropriate funds for drones, the Department of Law Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department supported the measure. The Public Defender and some public testifiers opposed it, arguing that a statute cannot mandate probable cause and that the bill raises constitutional concerns. A prosecutor later explained that the bill is intended to address Hawaiʻi case law, especially State v. Kit, which limits aerial surveillance over homes under the state constitution, and suggested that changing “shall” to “may” could reduce constitutional problems. Members also questioned whether current law already allows video evidence of fireworks violations and whether the bill was necessary. Testimony included both support and opposition from individuals and organizations, and no vote was taken during the hearing. The committees then heard HB 806, which would appropriate funds for the Department of Law Enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oʻahu to enforce fireworks laws. The department and police supported the bill, while the Libertarian Party of Hawaiʻi opposed it, arguing that fireworks are already illegal and that the measure adds unnecessary enforcement powers and constitutional risk. Committee members asked what “sting operation” means and whether the term should be defined more clearly; the department said it refers to police or criminal investigations involving deception and agreed a definition would help guide use of the funds. The department also said the funding would support training, storage, and other operational costs for undercover investigations. Finally, the committees heard HB 1483, a broader fireworks enforcement bill that would create an adjudication system for fireworks infractions, revise definitions and penalties, establish new offenses, and increase penalties when fireworks offenses cause injury or death. The Attorney General’s office strongly supported the bill, saying it would improve enforcement by clarifying definitions and allowing cases to be proven without particle testing or expert witnesses when fireworks leave no physical evidence. The Department of Law Enforcement also supported it. The Public Defender opposed the bill, focusing on the bill’s penalty enhancements for offenses that are rarely enforced and its concurrent trial provision, which it said raises problems because of the differences between civil and criminal proceedings. No final committee action or vote was reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so that's how we prioritized specific services that we targeted rates to, based on that feedback
• <01:20:19.120><c> that</c> targeted rates to um based on that targeted rates to um based on that feedback
• and also based on a a cost feedback and also based on a a cost analysis<01:20:22.320><c> of</c><01:20
• I'm not going to ask you your opinion on that here, but I just want to share the feedback that I've been
• I'm not going to ask you your opinion on that here, but I just want to share the feedback that I've been

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Division of Long-Term Supports and Services presented its budget and program overview as part of the Department of Health and Human Services operating budget review. Leadership described the division’s three bureaus—Aging and Adult Services, Developmental Services, and Family-Centered Services—and explained that the division provides guidance, technical assistance, quality monitoring, and contracted provider oversight across the lifespan. Members also discussed staffing, with reported vacancy rates of 4% in Aging and Adult Services, 15% in Developmental Services, and 6% in Family-Centered Services; the division said the higher BDS vacancy rate is partly due to the small number of authorized positions. The governor’s budget had left eight positions unfunded in the division, including three in Aging and Adult Services and five in BDS. A major topic was the division’s roadmap initiatives, especially building a system of care for healthy aging and strengthening developmental disabilities systems through a new reimbursement rate structure. The division said it contracted with an actuary to study DD service costs and found rates had not been reviewed since 2017 and were significantly below actual costs and other states’ rates, contributing to provider shortages even when services are authorized. Members asked about the impact on service delivery and whether rates would need to rise overall; the division said its strategy is to focus on lower-cost services that help people remain in the community. The division also reported waiver enrollment figures, including about 4,161 people on the Choices for Independence waiver, 3,688 average nursing facility residents, 5,061 people on the DD waiver, 228 on the acquired brain disorder waiver, and 488 children on the in-home support waiver, while noting there is no funding waitlist but provider availability remains a constraint. The division highlighted IT modernization as a major accomplishment, especially moving Adult Protective Services and Developmental Services into the New Heights system. Officials said these changes improve case-note access, data retrieval, service authorization tracking, and transparency for providers, and they asked for future oversight discussion focused on IT leverage. Members noted that New Heights maintenance is budgeted in the Office of the Commissioner under class 27 and suggested better transparency on system costs and benefits. The division also reported that it closed out a long-running CMS corrective action plan for BDS on July 1, 2023, and said it is now focused on strengthening the system rather than compliance alone. Other discussion covered the Aging and Adult Services bureau’s name change from Elderly and Adult Services to Adult and Aging Services, intended to avoid negative connotations and better reflect preventative services. The bureau described Adult Protective Services trends involving scams, financial exploitation, self-neglect, and isolation, and explained that it administers the CFI waiver, determines medical eligibility for nursing facility level of care, and braids funding from Medicaid, state funds, Older Americans Act money, Social Service Block Grants, and other grants. Members asked about waiver growth targets and federal consequences if enrollment remains below projections; the division said it would explain the shortfall in a future waiver amendment and did not anticipate a federal penalty. The meeting ended without any votes or formal actions taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• The feedback we receive from lead agencies and service providers has been overwhelmingly positive.
• The feedback we receive from lead agencies and service providers has been overwhelmingly positive.
• The feedback we receive from lead agencies and service providers has been overwhelmingly positive.
• The feedback we receive from lead agencies and service providers has been overwhelmingly positive.
• The feedback we receive from lead agencies and service providers has been overwhelmingly positive.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've heard feedback that, you know, for example, the services are covered by our plans currently, but
• So I would just, my feedback would be, if it isn't changing anything, why are we changing it?
• We've heard feedback that, you know, for example, the services are covered by our plans currently, but
• So I would just, my feedback would be, if it isn't changing anything, why are we changing it?
• So I would just, my feedback would be, if it isn't changing anything, why are we changing it?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• described the use of likes and comments as the dopamine hit, and called the system a social validation feedback
• body to evaluate age assurance technologies, monitor compliance, assess privacy impacts, gather feedback
• I sincerely appreciate the feedback, the input, and the advocacy.
• I appreciate the feedback, the input, and the advocacy.
• Now, they may have very productive feedback, and I'm sure they do, but again, it's got to be for the,

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And additionally, the DRA is here to provide their feedback as to how they interpret that particular
• And additionally, the DRA is here to provide their feedback as to how they interpret that particular
• 00:20:48.400><c> to</c><00:20:48.799><c> provide</c><00:20:49.760><c> their</c><00:20:50.159><c> feedback
• </c><00:20:50.799><c> as</c><00:20:51.039><c> to</c> here um to provide their feedback as to here um
• to provide their feedback as to how<00:20:51.840><c> they</c><00:20:52.240><c> interpret</c><00:20:53.039

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And my question is, what conversations have you had with them, and what is their feedback on this bill
• Troopers consistently report strong positive feedback about the chaplain program.
• Troopers consistently report a strong Troopers consistently report a strong positive<01:24:34.080><c> feedback
• </c><01:24:34.480><c> about</c><01:24:34.800><c> the</c><01:24:34.960><c> chaplain</c> positive feedback
• about the chaplain positive feedback about the chaplain program.<01:24:36.239><c> Chaplain</c><01:24

Bills: HF3169, HF3749, HF2605, HF3541, HF4102, HF3513, HF268

Keywords: suicide prevention, transportation, mental health, bridge safety, data collection, state law, bridge inspection, active transportation, truck parking, public safety, vehicle registration, fee structure, full-service providers, Capitol security, emergency management, state buildings, law enforcement, Minnesota State Patrol, State Patrol compensation, trooper salary

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, this was based, we did have feedback from both those who would implement this and those who
• </c><00:14:52.240><c> we</c><00:14:52.399><c> did</c><00:14:52.560><c> have</c><00:14:52.720><c> feedback
• </c><00:14:53.199><c> from</c> this was based we did have feedback from this was based we did have feedback
• We had quite a bit of feedback on whether the surcharge should be tied to a vehicle's retail price or

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Based on feedback from the pilot districts, we offered a pathway series focused on coding and reporting
• So great feedback. Thank you. Representative Keeler. Thank you.
• So great<01:48:59.600><c> feedback.</c><01:48:59.960><c> Thank</c><01:49:00.200><c> you.
• </c> great feedback. Thank you. great feedback. Thank you. Representative<01:49:01.800><c> Keeler.

Bills: HF3776, HF3557, HF3585

Keywords: screen time, preschool, kindergarten, early childhood education, digital media, tablets, smartphones, educational technology, EdTech, classroom devices, publicly funded preschool, school policy, child development, special education, IEP, 504 plan, IFSP, Minnesota education law, climate literacy, education