Video & Transcript : 'Florida Legislature' :
Page 148 of 500
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We have over 20,000 preschoolers in Florida who are diagnosed with autism.
- And they don't live in Florida. They're over there in California.
- This neuroscience center at the University of Florida is absolutely key.
- We have many institutions across the state of ...of Florida is absolutely key.
- We have many institutions across the state of Florida.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, doctor-of-the-day recognition, and a series of introductions honoring visitors and groups in the galleries, including Moffitt Cancer Center, students from Lakeland Christian School, space industry guests, Kappa Alpha Psi, the Florida Association of Licensed Investigators, and others. Senators also made announcements about local delegations visiting the Capitol and a session wellness competition.
The chamber then took up CS/CS/SB 112, relating to children with developmental disabilities. Senator Harrell presented the bill as a major autism-focused measure that would expand screening and referral grants, extend Early Steps services through age four with a federal waiver, designate the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment as a statewide hub for research and coordination, create grants for autism-focused summer programs and charter school models, and establish a microcredential for workers who serve children with autism. Senators Davis, Jones, Osgood, Duma, Wright, and others supported the bill while raising concerns about provider shortages, Medicaid managed care coverage, the need for better recruitment incentives, and the importance of research into causes and treatments. Harrell responded that services would be covered under new contracts, Medicaid would provide coverage, the University of Florida would develop the online credential with a stipend incentive, and the bill was a first step in a broader effort that should also address adults on the spectrum.
The Senate passed CS/CS/SB 112 unanimously, 38-0, and then adopted a motion to immediately certify the bill to the House. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 1856 by publication, honoring the life and legacy of Senator Geraldine Thompson, with 38 co-introducers recorded. In addition, SB 1324 by Senator Simon was withdrawn from further consideration, and the Senate adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Mar 11th, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- So Senator Martin is going to talk to us about SB 884, Florida State Guard, and Senator Martin, you're
- So Florida State Guard is in support of this bill package. It creates benefits dedicated.
- It creates benefits dedicated to members of the Florida State Guard by offering leaves of absence for
- SB 336 expands the current Florida National Guard's Educational...
- Senate Bill 402 amends Florida Statute 817.312. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Summary:
The Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security heard and approved three bills. SB 884 by Senator Martin would create benefits for members of the Florida State Guard, including leaves of absence, scholarships for eligible members, state park discounts, and annual sportsmen’s, gold, and fishing licenses. The bill drew no questions or debate, and was reported favorably.
SB 336 by Senator Arrington would expand the Florida National Guard’s Educational Dollars for Duty Program to include spouses and children of active Guard members, providing up to 50% tuition assistance and reserving $500,000 annually for that purpose. Senators raised concerns about whether the existing program is already underfunded and about eligibility verification, but the sponsor said the goal was to add funding rather than reduce support for current Guard members. The bill was reported favorably.
SB 402 by Chair Wright would revise Florida’s law on unlawful use of military uniforms, medals, or insignia by replacing branch-by-branch references with a definition of “armed forces” that includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard. Members spoke in support, emphasizing the harm caused by people falsely claiming military service or collecting donations under false pretenses. The bill was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, Senator Truenow recognized former Senator Kerry Baker and Troop 43 from Tavares, and the committee adjourned without further business.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Labor, Public Employment and Retirement
Transcript Highlights:
- And I'm asking for an I vote to help this bill get through the legislature so that they have some ability
- Last year, the Legislature passed SB 131, creating over a dozen new CEQA exemptions.
- Last year, the Legislature passed SB 131, creating over a dozen new CEQA exemptions.
- Jobs are leaving to Florida. My brother lives in Jacksonville, Florida.
- We don't report it to the Legislature. We don't really name it at all.
Summary:
The committee heard SB 921, which would create a tax credit to help agricultural employers offset overtime premium costs for farmworkers. Senator Grove and supporters, including farmworkers, the California Farm Bureau, and agricultural groups, argued the bill would restore lost hours and take-home pay after California’s agricultural overtime law reduced schedules. Opponents, including the California Federation of Labor Unions and CRLA Foundation, argued the proposal would subsidize employers with taxpayer dollars and undermine the principle that employers should pay overtime themselves. The bill was held in subcommittee until more members arrived.
The committee then took up SB 1083, a cleanup bill to the prior year’s school employee misconduct database law. The author and supporters said it would add due process protections for classified school employees, require an administrative law judge review before placement in the database, and improve notice and vetting rules for contractors and non-permanent staff. School employer groups and other opponents warned the bill could slow investigations and weaken child-safety protections. The committee approved the bill 3-0 and sent it to Senate Appropriations.
Members also considered SB 1089, which would require CalPERS health plans to cover GLP-1 medications and expand access through CalRX for chronic weight management and related health conditions. The author and supporters, including the American Diabetes Association and medical groups, said the drugs can prevent diabetes and improve health outcomes but remain unaffordable for many. Pharma representatives expressed concerns about the bill as drafted but said they were open to continued discussions. The bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations. The committee also approved the consent calendar 4-0.
Later, the committee heard SB 954, which would narrow and add guardrails to last year’s CEQA exemption for advanced manufacturing, including environmental review near disadvantaged communities and labor standards such as prevailing wage and skilled-and-trained workforce requirements. Labor, environmental, and community groups supported the bill as a cleanup of an overly broad exemption, while business and manufacturing groups opposed it, warning it would discourage investment and worsen California’s competitiveness. The bill passed 3-1 to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1299, a fire sprinkler fitter certification bill, was heard and passed 3-0 to Appropriations with support from the sprinkler fitters and building trades and no recorded opposition.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 20, 2026 - 10:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- You guys in Florida are very familiar with that.
- I had a beautiful farm of 30 acres in Live Oak, Florida, and we had one vet who retired.
- I'm Courtney Mooney from the Florida Association of Counties.
- There are issues in different geographic areas of Florida.
- I hope you can work out some of those issues with the Florida Association of Counties.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Yes, we have Ryan Kennedy from the Florida Citizens Alliance. Mr. Kennedy. I see Mr.
- One is, is Florida going to be the only state with this reference, Gulf of America?
- Ryan Kennedy from the Florida Citizens Alliance waves in support.
- But our Florida legislative session, again, is only 60 days.
- Mandy Langworthy, Voices of Florida, is an opponent. Not here.
Committee:
House Education & Employment Committee
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.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 33 Apr 8th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And a federal appeals court has found the Florida law likely constitutional, while appeals courts in
- And a federal appeals court has found the Florida law likely constitutional, while appeals courts in
- We as a state legislature have a duty.
- We as a state legislature have a duty and a responsibility to stand up for our children and their families
- States across the country, from Florida to California, are already implementing restrictions on cell
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Education Policy Committee Apr 2nd, 2025
Education Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Fourteen states, including Tennessee, Florida, and most recently Kentucky, have moved from "may" to "
- them to make their own policy, which is what we do as members of the Education Committee in the legislature
- I'm like Representative Ross; I have been praying so much since I've been in the legislature.
- As we know, the "Don't Say Gay" legislation in Florida kicked off in 2022 and became a model bill for
- A few people mentioned that Florida tried this, and it was basically struck down by the court, so that
Committee:
House Education Policy
Keywords:
school safety, local law enforcement, superintendent, complaints, school bus regulations, National Signing Day, athletic scholarships, military enlistment, postsecondary education, apprenticeship programs, high school students, educational commitments, education intervention, State Superintendent, local boards, provisional release, subpoena authority, compliance, educational operation control, fundraising
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><01:21:45.760><c> for</c> other members of the legislature for other members of the legislature for
- DeS in the state of Florida. >> Different.
- I don't know the status<01:43:23.040><c> in</c><01:43:23.160><c> Florida.
- </c> status in Florida. status in Florida.
- </c><01:43:32.560><c> No,</c> in the state of Florida. Right. No, in the state of Florida. Right.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Judiciary Committee in Session Mar 11th, 2026 at 09:05 pm
Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- So part of the initiative The legislature recognized that transportation was having a hard time hiring
- It is based on a model that has been adopted in other states, namely Texas and Florida.
- There are the same report... ...been adopted in other states, namely Texas and Florida.
- Nebraska was given as an example that they tried this, and the legislature pulled it back.
- Chair will note that Florida, Texas, Kansas, and Ohio have had successful transitions to this program
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The legislature created this committee because Texas had and continues to have an unacceptably high rate
- That's the beauty of the legislature. That's why we're here. And so, um, that's the intention.
- Um, 10 states have this as current law, including Florida, Tennessee, and Louisiana.
- Yes, so, so far 10 have, uh, and that includes Florida, Tennessee, and Louisiana.
- We're a nonprofit that's headquartered here in Austin, Texas that works with legislatures and governors
Committee:
House Public Health
Keywords:
judicial liability, personal bond, felony offenses, judges, criminal justice reform, voter registration, election procedures, change of address, residence requirements, Texas Election Code, Texas election law, residence address, precinct voting, county move, same-county move, Election Code, registrar, statement of residence, polling place, local elections
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The legislature created this committee because Texas had and continues to have have an unacceptably high
- Yes, so far, it's 10 have, and that includes Florida, Tennessee, and Louisiana.
- There's nothing stopping a hospital or the legislature with funding.
- We're a non-profit that's headquartered here in Austin, Texas that works with legislatures and governor's
- You're going to have Massachusetts You're going to have Colorado, Florida, you're going to have Illinois
Committee:
House Public Health
Keywords:
healthcare, maternal health, reporting requirements, Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee, health provider immunity, workplace violence, nurses, grant program, healthcare facilities, safety measures, safety, nursing, grants, healthcare safety, verbal abuse, physical abuse, nurse empowerment, occupational therapy, licensure, interstate practice
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Banking and Insurance Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Florida law governing licensed funeral and cemetery service providers.
- Ann Michelle Pellecky, Florida Bankers Association, waving in support.
- I'm a senior at North Florida Christian School here in Tallahassee.
- So that's not just in Florida; that is across the country.
- I appreciate you bringing us into the 21st century in Florida.
Summary:
The Banking and Insurance Committee took up several bills, beginning with CS/SB 326, which modernizes Florida’s curator statute in probate law by clarifying when curators may be appointed, what they may do, and the oversight required. The bill was reported favorably without opposition. The committee then heard SB 1256 on pharmacy audits, which would require PBM audits of pharmacies to follow uniform standards and provide due process protections; pharmacists testified in support, describing current audits as burdensome and conflicted. That bill was also reported favorably.
Members next considered CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services. An amendment was adopted removing provisions on civil damage caps and phasing out direct disposers, and the bill was then reported favorably. SB 632, dealing with transportation network company insurance, would set coverage requirements for the period after a ride is accepted but before pickup; an opponent argued the existing insurance framework should not be reduced, but the bill passed on a divided vote and was reported favorably. CS/SB 786 on trusts, creating a nonjudicial process to close uncontested trusts and discharge trustees, was supported by banking and legal groups and reported favorably.
The committee then took up CS/SB 1110 on Medicaid, health insurance, and HMO coverage for orthotics and prosthetics. A delete-all amendment clarified eligible recipients, and the bill drew extensive emotional testimony from amputees, parents, and advocates describing the high cost of activity limbs and the benefits for children’s health and participation. Several senators praised the testimony and the policy, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1588 on legal tender refined last session’s gold-and-silver law, and SPB 7044 created related public-records exemptions for custodians of gold and silver; both were reported favorably, with SPB 7044 adopted as a committee bill. The meeting ended with senators recording additional affirmative votes on selected bills and adjournment.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, April 22, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Representative from Florida is recognized.
- The gentleoman from Florida. Florida. Florida.
- > >> Representative from Florida is >> Representative from Florida is recognized. recognized
- ,</c> home in my, uh, home state of Florida, home in my, uh, home state of Florida, uh,<03:09:59.120>
- It's all of the bills bills in Florida.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Economic Development & Workforce Investment (9-25-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- , Florida State, Clemson, South Carolina, Louisville, and Kentucky.
- ,</c><00:37:45.520><c> Florida</c> Georgia, Georgia Tech, Florida, Florida Georgia, Georgia Tech, Florida
- , Florida State, Miami, Florida, US, uh, and UK.
- , Florida State, Miami, Florida, US, uh, and UK.
- , Florida State, Miami, Florida, US, uh, and UK.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:28
Kentucky Recovery Vocational: Workforce Reimagined 00:01:31
Update on College Athletics and 25RS SB 3 00:24:39
Goodwill Kentucky Excel Center 01:09:53, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first heard a presentation from Kentucky Recovery Vocational Workforce and Re-entry Incorporated, led by Executive Director Jerick D'vor, on its vocational training model for people in recovery and formerly incarcerated individuals. He said the nonprofit operates in Russell Springs and serves students from across Kentucky, offering manufacturing and welding training tied to recovery services through Spark Recovery. D'vor emphasized that the program combines treatment, soft-skills coaching, job placement, and continued support after employment, arguing that training should begin around 90 days into recovery rather than earlier. He reported strong outcomes, including 292 students served, 259 certificates earned, and 250 job placements, with many participants placed in manufacturing jobs and 17 welders trained and placed through the new welding academy.
Members praised the program but asked about funding, retention, and employability barriers. D'vor said the pilot was supported by opioid abatement grant funding, and the program now relies mainly on donor contributions and Spark Recovery’s investment in clients, with possible future support from additional opioid abatement funds or 1915(i) mechanisms. He said participants are not charged tuition and that the organization provides soft-skills training and job coaches. In response to questions about long-term outcomes, he said the program does not yet have a full alumni tracking system but is exploring technology options and continues to provide post-employment support for 90 days.
After approving the committee minutes, members received an update on college athletics and Senate Bill 3 from University of Louisville Athletic Director Josh Heird and University of Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart. They said Kentucky’s NIL framework and reporting requirements are working reasonably well and praised the state for not trying to create a competitive advantage in the evolving college sports environment. Heird reported that 521 student-athletes have signed up for NILGO and about 240 deals have been approved through the system, while noting the need to ensure NIL agreements are legitimate marketplace deals rather than artificial payments. The discussion also touched on the House settlement, the $600 approval threshold, and broader federal changes affecting college athletics.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 3, 2026 - 02:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- We have Corinne Mixen with the Independent Funeral Directors of Florida, waving in support.
- in support, and Heather Bernier, Independent Funeral Directors of Florida, waving in support.
- And Heather Bernier, Independent Funeral Directors of Florida, waving in support.
- You mentioned 3,000 commercials that we have in Florida.
- We are in the state of Florida, and that happens all the time.
Summary:
The Insurance and Banking Subcommittee met with a quorum present and heard four bills. HB 1231, relating to final disposition, funeral, and cemetery services, was presented as a consumer protection and workforce modernization measure. After questions about hospice/funeral provider exclusivity, direct disposal licensing, causes of action, and funeral director/embalmer licensure, the bill was amended by strike-all to remove some provisions and add authorization and regulation of natural organic reduction. Support came from funeral industry representatives, and the bill was reported favorably with the committee substitute.
HB 943 would require Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to create a commercial lines clearinghouse by January 1, 2027, to move certain commercial residential and other commercial risks into the private market while maintaining current eligibility rules. The sponsor and members discussed Citizens’ remaining commercial exposure, surplus lines participation, and carrier financial-strength guardrails. A strike-all amendment conforming to the Senate version and making technical corrections was adopted, and the bill passed favorably with the committee substitute after supportive debate from members.
HB 1221, a Department of Financial Services bill, was described as streamlining DFS processes, improving licensing, updating the My Safe Florida Home Program, strengthening public adjuster protections, and modernizing unclaimed property rules. Three amendments were adopted: notice before a My Safe Florida Home application is deemed abandoned, removal of a misdemeanor disclosure requirement for certain licensure applicants, and a provision allowing public officials to appoint or promote relatives to firefighter positions through a competitive process in a collective bargaining agreement. Testimony was generally supportive, including from firefighters and unclaimed-property claimants’ representatives, and the bill was reported favorably with a committee substitute.
HB 99, concerning reinsurance intermediary managers, would exempt certain underwriting managers handling limited facultative reinsurance business from the intermediary manager statute and instead require an agency license. With no public testimony or debate, the bill was reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, May 21, 2025 - Part 2)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The gentleman from Florida is recognized. Mr. Frost: Thank you.
- Houchin: I yield one minute to the gentleman from Florida, Mr. Fine.
- TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA, MR. FINE.
- I yield one minute to the gentleman from Florida. Mr.
- I YIELD ONE MINUTE TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM FLORIDA, MR.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Labor, Public Employment and Retirement
Transcript Highlights:
- And I'm asking for an I vote to help this bill get through the legislature so that they have some ability
- When I met Mike Fine, when I first got here to the Legislature several years ago, you know, I told him
- Last year, the Legislature passed SB 131, creating over a dozen new CEQA exemptions.
- Jobs are leaving to Florida. My brother lives in Jacksonville, Florida.
- We don't report it to the Legislature. We don't really name it at all.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:26:52.480><c> and</c> annual reports to the legislature and annual reports to the legislature
- And I just think it's a wonderful, wonderful thing that the Hawaii State Legislature is considering this
- /c><00:29:14.399><c> like</c> Jersey, like North Carolina, like Jersey, like North Carolina, like Florida
- , like Utah who all support as a Florida, like Utah who all support as a matter<00:29:18.559><c> of</
- </c> that the Hawaii state legisl legislature that the Hawaii state legisl legislature is<00:29:27.600
Committee:
House Culture & Arts
Keywords:
arts education, student engagement, cultural literacy, public schools, funding, public art, cultural preservation, community identity, art management, performing arts, ticket surcharge, arts funding, education, community support, therapeutic arts, neurodiverse, autism, attention-deficit disorder, underserved communities, mental health
Summary:
The Committee on Culture and the Arts heard several measures focused on arts funding, public art, performing arts, and libraries. HB 2437 would appropriate funds for the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ Artists in the Schools program; the Foundation testified in strong support, explaining that demand has increased and that additional funding would allow more schools to be served. HB 2461 would raise the ceiling for the works of art special fund and provide money for maintenance and a collections manager position; the Foundation supported it and described major conservation needs, including large-scale repairs to public artworks such as the Tadashi Sato work in Hilo and the King Kamehameha statue, as well as ongoing bronze maintenance and new commissions affected by rising materials costs. HB 2604 would create a performing arts ticket surcharge; the Attorney General and Department of Taxation raised drafting and administration concerns, while the State Foundation supported the concept. HB 2605 would create a position to coordinate specialized arts programs and therapeutic arts interventions for underserved neurodivergent populations, and the Foundation supported that measure as well. HB 1860 would designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the state symphony orchestra and require annual reports; the Attorney General suggested clarifying the public purpose, and the Symphony, youth symphony, and many community supporters testified in favor, emphasizing educational, cultural, and civic benefits. HB 20001 would designate the first Friday in February as Love My Library Day; the State Public Library System, Friends of the Library, and individual testifiers strongly supported it, describing libraries as essential community and educational resources.
After hearing testimony, the committee took action on several bills. HB 2437 was recommended for passage with amendments in HD1, with the appropriation blanked out and the additional needed funding to be noted for Finance consideration; the vote was unanimous among members present. HB 2604 was also recommended for passage with HD1 and technical amendments, including deleting the term “Hawaii-based,” clarifying that student performances at public charter schools are exempt, aligning recordkeeping provisions with tax law, and setting an effective date of January 1, 2027. HB 2461 was deferred to decision-making on Friday, February 13. The transcript also indicates the committee moved through the remaining measures after testimony, but the excerpt ends before final votes are shown for HB 2605, HB 1860, and HB 20001.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Sep 11th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So we're trying to continue to grow that kind of support, and I do want to thank the legislature for
- The numbers in Florida are right at that 80% number.
- Florida, I will mention that state; Texas, I will mention that as well; Arizona, and other states that
- Do you have any programs such as that, and would funding from our legislature be something that might
- If you haven't learned in the legislature that time is merely a concept, go ahead.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 13, 2026 - 02:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair Melo: You are with Florida Family Voice and you are recognized.
- Aaron DiPietro: Aaron with Florida Family Voice.
- Bill Snyder, I'm a Florida resident.
- Bill Snyder: We have 120 districts in Florida each represented by one of you.
- Florida is a very diverse state, probably the most diverse state in our nation.