Transcript Highlights:

• That's an off-airport application.
• Some of that could be medical applications, so whether that's carrying patients or organ transplant,
• What we're seeing on some of those on-airport applications, that partnership takes place through a lease
• For some of the off-airport applications, Depending on where that property may be located, it's a very
• So a lease-type application. Any other questions? All right.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met and first received an update from FDOT on the Sun Trail shared-use nonmotorized trail program. FDOT said the program, created in 2015 and expanded by 2023 legislation, now includes connections to the Florida Wildlife Corridor and received a one-time $200 million appropriation plus increased annual funding. The department reported programming about $180 million of that funding, completing 42 construction projects totaling nearly 95 miles in 21 counties, and installing trail counters and QR-code surveys to measure usage and economic impact. Members expressed support for the program and asked no substantive questions. The committee then heard a presentation on FDOT’s locally administered state transportation funding programs, including SCOP, SCOPM, SCRAP, SIGP, and TRIP. FDOT explained these programs support local roadway resurfacing, bridge repair, drainage, paving unpaved roads, and safety or capacity improvements, with varying state match levels depending on the program and eligibility. FDOT said its adopted five-year work program includes more than $1.4 billion for local transportation improvement projects. A member asked whether toll revenues from Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties fund these programs; FDOT said it would research the funding source and follow up. The committee’s main discussion was a panel on advanced air mobility (AAM), including FDOT and industry representatives from Supernal, Joby, Atlantic Aviation, Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, and Eve Air Mobility. FDOT described its AAM planning work, advisory committee, local government guidebook, and upcoming training, while panelists emphasized Florida’s leadership, the likely use of existing airport and heliport infrastructure first, and the expectation that private investment will fund much of the early vertiport buildout. Members raised concerns about community acceptance, privacy, zoning, airspace congestion, security, and lessons from scooters and drones. Panelists repeatedly stressed a “crawl, walk, run” rollout, local government coordination, multimodal connectivity, and public outreach. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the panel.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are in a request for applications process, so it's a fair process.
• They are in a request for applications process. So it's a fair process. It's a transparent process.
• So when we fund a development, we have the applicant tell us, how are...
• So when we fund a development, we have the applicant tell us, how are you setting aside these units?
• We had, I want to say, in this RFA, over 60 applications that came in.

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs held its first meeting and heard presentations focused on affordable housing implementation under the Live Local Act. Florida Housing Finance Corporation described its role in administering rental and homeownership programs, including SAIL, SHIP, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, disaster recovery efforts, supportive housing, and the Live Local funding and tax incentives. Officials said the first year’s $150 million Live Local rental allocation was fully committed to 23 developments producing 3,171 units with mixed-income set-asides, and they outlined how projects were selected through competitive solicitations tied to statutory priorities such as mixed-use development, publicly owned land, foster youth, rural areas of opportunity, redevelopment, and housing near military installations. They also discussed the tax credit contribution program, the missing-middle property tax exemption, sales tax rebates, and the year-one ad valorem exemption for qualifying affordable projects. Members asked detailed questions about the data and program design, including the use of area median income figures, per-unit subsidy levels, county targeting, tenant relocation during redevelopment, and whether the programs were helping lower-income households. Florida Housing said it uses competitive scoring and data from the Schimberg Center and that redevelopment projects are supposed to include tenant relocation plans. The homeownership portion of the presentation covered the Hometown Heroes program, which provides down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time homebuyers, with exceptions for active-duty military and veterans. Staff said the program has assisted more than 21,000 families and leveraged over $6.5 billion in first mortgages, and members asked about repayment rates, credit scores, and whether participants were staying in homes long enough to show the program was serving intended buyers. The committee then heard from OPAGA on two required Live Local evaluations: affordable housing strategies in other states and affordable housing policies in Florida. OPAGA reported that Florida has a high share of cost-burdened households, with 1.5 million households cost burdened and 1.4 million severely cost burdened, and that Florida’s counties and municipalities reported more than $1.4 billion in affordable housing expenditures in fiscal year 2023-24. The report identified 13 innovative out-of-state programs, with three considered high-potential for Florida implementation, and summarized Florida local government practices such as SHIP-funded homeownership and rental assistance, expedited permitting, mixed-income zoning, rehabilitation programs, and interlocal cooperation. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Within a few days of posting the application online, we had over a hundred applicants.
• :05.199> applicants.
• Meanwhile, over a hundred applicants.
• <01:13:39.920> who'd from sorting through applications who'd from sorting through applications
• <01:18:10.880> wants scenario, uh, where the applicant wants scenario, uh, where the applicant

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would require an application for license be from Senator Bale.
• This bill would require an application<00:09:02.959> for<00:09:03.200> license<00:09:03.519
• > be application for license be application for license be from<00:09:05.760> Senator<00

Bills: HB465, HB307, SB338, HB465, HB307, SB338, SB359

Keywords: emergency management, public funds, educational materials, promotional materials, state agency, speedy trial, visiting judge, court administration, public interest, criminal justice, New Hope, Madison County, municipal boundary, corporate limits, deannexation, boundary adjustment, local act, city limits, municipal jurisdiction, annexation rollback

Transcript Highlights:

• of that money was structured as low-interest loans, 3% loans for entities qualified through an application
• before it can be distributed as a grant regarding the... ...specific qualification of that grant applicant
• This, of course, evaluates each application.
• If you'll look on page 11, it is based on the grant application. ...services and management, efficiency

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so we're going to move on to the Oʻahu applicants.
• Thank you for considering our application. Thank you very much.
• Thank you for considering our application. Thank you very much.
• We are seeking your support for our grant and aid applications.
• Our grant application seeks to expand these programs across all islands.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, if someone applicants for a license.
• I know that we had prescribed allowances when I did financial aid applications at UNH.
• Um there is I know applications at UNH.
• to go through this application process to go through this all<03:27:15.439> again?
• It wasn't it application process again.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• posted on our website in terms of performance and how many dollars have gone out the door with this application
• So, I think we'll be really making sure that that is very rigorous as well when we do that for applications
• I think we've received hundreds of millions in applications, and we have a total funded about $146 million
• The way that the agency has handled that is by doing a competitive application process where it's very
• So, applications are due November 5th, and we are getting feedback from providers now.

Transcript Highlights:

• Make them stop putting people through alternative landscape permit plan applications and paying fees.
• Make them stop putting people through alternative landscape permit plan applications and paying fees.
• An applicant can submit a letter of recommendation from a current employer or prospective employer who
• The applicant must have worked...
• The applicant must have worked under a mapper or surveyor for at least four years, and it changes the

Summary: The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee met to consider three bills before moving to its budget presentation. HB 843, relating to Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trust funds, was explained as a set of clarifying changes to improve budget flexibility, including use of certain trust funds for law enforcement and other conservation-related purposes. After questions about whether the bill would shift resources away from conservation, an amendment removed the sections dealing with the Administrative Trust Fund and the Florida Panther Research and Management Trust Fund. The amended bill received support in public testimony and was reported favorably. The committee then heard HB 295, which directs the Department of Environmental Protection to develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan by 2026 based on prior recycling recommendations. Supporters, including students involved in an “Ought to Be a Law” program and representatives from the waste and recycling industry, said the bill would create a roadmap for improving recycling and waste diversion. An opponent argued the state should instead enact more direct statutory changes on issues such as food waste, yard waste, and manure handling rather than study them further. Members praised the student participation and the bill passed. HB 339, creating a temporary alternative credentialing pathway for surveyors and mappers, was presented as a response to workforce shortages and an aging profession. The sponsor said the bill would help meet demand while preserving oversight, and an amendment added a four-year work requirement and adjusted renewal provisions. After brief supportive debate, the amended bill passed. The subcommittee then received its Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget proposal, which emphasized spending reductions, vacant-position cuts, and a smaller overall budget than the current year while still funding water resources, Everglades restoration, resiliency, land management, cleanup programs, agriculture facilities, and other projects. Members closed by thanking the chair for an inclusive budget process, and the meeting adjourned after a motion to rise.

Transcript Highlights:

• for certiorari within 60 days after the application is filed.
• There should be the same law applicable to everyone.
• Um we do law applicable to everyone.
• there are no other qualified applicants there are no other qualified applicants and<01:37:21.199
• certiorari within 60 days after the application is filed.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2246, which would expand public financial disclosure requirements. The State Ethics Commission strongly supported the bill, saying broader disclosure could help restore public trust and potentially deter corruption, and it offered a clarifying amendment to make clear the requirement applies to board and commission members rather than all employees of listed agencies. Several organizations and individuals also testified in support. A committee member asked about the amendment, and the commission explained it was intended as a clarification rather than a substantive change. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2250, which would add homeless facilities to the locations covered by the drug-free-zone offense for promoting controlled substances. The Public Defender opposed the measure, arguing that many homeless facilities are unmarked and not easily identifiable, creating notice, fairness, and due process concerns and risking arbitrary enforcement. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying it targets distributors rather than users, that notice can be proven through evidence, and that the law is aimed at protecting vulnerable people in shelters and similar facilities. In questioning, senators asked how homeless facilities would be identified and whether the bill would cover all shelter models; the prosecutor said the definition is cross-referenced in statute and must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii and other groups testified in opposition, while several service and advocacy groups testified in support. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2325, which would allow courts to review and potentially reduce sentences for certain juvenile offenders after 15 years if the person is not a danger to the community. Judiciary staff said the court supports the bill’s intent but noted Hawaii’s indeterminate sentencing structure leaves no alternative sentence for a court to reduce to, suggesting the measure may need structural sentencing changes or could instead be directed to the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Public defender representatives and youth-justice advocates supported the bill, emphasizing rehabilitation, adolescent brain development, trauma, and the need for a meaningful opportunity for release. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:19:38.840> so like in in um in actual application so like in in um in actual application
• <00:32:48.120> but<00:32:48.320> I tax so that wouldn't be applicable but I tax so
• Subdivision 2 simply talks about the application procedure.
• Subdivision 2 simply talks about the application procedure.
• Subdivision 2 simply talks about the application procedure.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• uh this the the the three applications uh this the the the three FTE<00:48:28.960> that<00:48
• The application that we were awarded was developed with input from farmers, food processors, counties
• The application that we were awarded was developed with input from farmers, food processors, counties
• The application that we were awarded was developed with input from farmers, food processors, counties
• habitat this coming fall are submitting their applications right now.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If the number of applicants... Within the framework, as it should be.
• the number of applications for the number of scholarships.
• The applications for that, and this is where the real data is, 3x the number of applications for the
• to the public school, should be applicable to where our money goes.
• Applicable to the public school should be applicable to where our money goes.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened with a quorum, adopted its committee rules, and heard opening remarks from members introducing staff and outlining priorities for the session. Members from both parties emphasized education as a major issue, while several Republicans framed the committee’s work around school choice and parent empowerment. Senator West and other Democrats stressed protecting public schools, listening to Texans, and considering the effects of vouchers or education savings accounts on school districts and communities. Chairman Creighton laid out Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, describing it as a universal education savings account program modeled on similar programs in other states. He said the bill would provide about $200 million for a universal eligibility pool and additional funding for students with disabilities and lower-income families, with priority weighting for former public school students. He also highlighted anti-fraud measures, vendor pre-approval, criminal background checks, cybersecurity protections, annual testing requirements for participating students, and the use of the Comptroller rather than TEA to administer the program. Creighton repeatedly said the bill is not a voucher and argued it would not take money from public schools, which he said would receive separate historic funding increases. Members questioned Creighton about the 500% of federal poverty line definition, the adequacy of the $10,000 ESA amount, whether the program would favor students already in private school, how microschools and homeschool pods would fit, and whether the bill protects religious liberty and private-school autonomy. Democrats raised concerns about disability protections, 504 students, foster children, public-school funding, open records, and the historical context of vouchers. Republicans generally supported the bill as a way to expand options for parents and students, while also asking about administration, fraud prevention, and data security. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, with EdChoice President Robert Inlow presenting in support of SB 2 and citing the growth and reported success of school choice programs nationwide.

Transcript Highlights:

• The public hearing and disclosure requirement is if there is a rezoning petition or application for a
• <01:14:21.280> for<01:14:21.440> a ...petition or application for a conditional use
• If it's not the author's intent to have the provisions as stated here applicable to the construction
• or a conditional use permit application or a conditional use permit for<01:17:26.000> the<01:
• This is going to really help applicants This is going to really help applicants know<01:36:38.120

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 231, Higher Education Guaranteed Access Grant Program Applicability, favorable.
• applicability, favorable. applicability, favorable.
• <00:52:56.000> local areas be paid to the applicable local areas be paid to the applicable
• <01:07:19.160> for are subject of an application for are subject of an application for involuntary
• <01:36:47.400> of department to notify applicants of department to notify applicants of possible

Keywords: House streaming session for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 124 members present, offered a prayer, and recognized foster youth visiting the chamber. Members then adopted two House resolutions honoring Dr. Sonja Santelises for 10 years as CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools and recognizing Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, for 104 years of service, scholarship, and sisterhood. The House also received Senate bills and began taking up committee reports. Several bills were reported favorably and advanced to third reading, including measures on higher education grants, public safety pay restrictions, retirement and pension system work group extensions and cost-of-living adjustments, synthetic turf and aquaculture studies, rail crew requirements, Howard County speed limits, election address confidentiality, IT investment fund uses, ethics financial disclosures, Public Information Act divorce records, aging-in-place grants, judicial assignments, clerk and register salaries, and firearm literature distribution. House Bill 428, concerning temporary assignment of former judges, was special ordered until the next day after the minority whip requested time for an amendment. The chamber also considered and adopted amendments on several bills. House Bill 437, the Transportation and Climate Alignment Act of 2026, was amended to exempt the Chesapeake Bay Bridge project and then special ordered after questions about greenhouse gas impacts on major highway expansion projects. House Bill 457 on menstrual hygiene products at higher education institutions, House Bill 538 on student enrollment disclosures, House Bill 561 on child care credential funding, House Bill 720 on a veterans scholarship, and House Bill 212 on out-of-state vehicle registration all received amendments and favorable reports as amended. HB 212 drew extended debate about Maryland residents using out-of-state tags, with supporters saying it would help enforce registration laws and opponents raising concerns about legislative вмешательство in vehicle regulation and enforcement discretion.

Transcript Highlights:

• because of the competitive application because of the competitive application process<00:04:46.320
• Other kind of contributing factors here: there's more applications and more intake.
• Applications are up about 50% annually since 2020.
• Applications are up about 50% annually since 2020.
• intake applications and more intake applications<00:26:55.720> are<00:26:55.880> up<00

Bills: HF1538, HF1965, HF2251, HF2838

Keywords: teacher apprenticeship, registered apprenticeship, teacher licensure, teacher shortage, workforce development, education finance, K-12 education, higher education, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, Tier 3 license, teacher preparation, mentor teacher, school district, cooperative unit, teacher pipeline, alternative licensure, apprenticeship program, labor and industry, union representation

Transcript Highlights:

• application processes.
• While dual-purpose application applications can save election officials money over time, switching to
• While dual-purpose<00:48:46.520> application dual-purpose application dual-purpose application
• And given the application, the applicant can affirmatively decline rather than opt in.
• And given the application, the applicant can affirmatively decline rather than opt in.

Bills: SB2041

Keywords: land court, real property, legal documents, bureau of conveyances, judicial confirmation, property registration, working group, Hawaii Revised Statutes, reform, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard SB 2041, which would repeal the Land Court, transfer its functions to the Bureau of Conveyances, and create a working group to recommend implementation. DLNR and Judiciary stood on their written testimony, while Realtors supported the bill and one testifier raised concerns about the loss of judicial authority, title disputes, adverse possession, and possible effects on Kuleana lands. Members questioned whether property could be deregistered and what the legal consequences would be, and the Bureau of Conveyances said deregistration is already available but burdensome. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted by both committees. The Judiciary Committee then heard SB 2247, which restricts certain governor-appointed, Senate-confirmed executive branch employees from participating in campaign fundraising. The State Ethics Commission and Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill as a way to curb pay-to-play concerns and the appearance of undue influence, and several advocacy and civic groups also testified in support, with one person opposing. The committee agreed to amend the bill so the restrictions apply only after confirmation and continue until the person leaves the covered position. The committee voted to pass SB 2247 with amendments. Finally, the Judiciary Committee heard SB 2143, which would make the Attorney General the interim Chief Election Officer if that office becomes vacant until the Elections Commission appoints a replacement. Supporters argued the bill would provide continuity, prevent delays in certifying election results, and protect election integrity; opponents argued it would politicize the office, create a conflict of interest, and was unnecessary because current law already provides a process for filling vacancies. Testimony was extensive and sharply divided, with many speakers on both sides. The transcript provided does not include a final vote or action on SB 2143.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm seeing that language throughout, like on page 11, the attorney general or applicable prosecuting
• I'm seeing that language throughout, like on page 11, the attorney general or applicable prosecuting
• <00:46:04.480> prosecuting general or applicable prosecuting general or applicable prosecuting
• This is just a suggestion, you know, of the applicable county in which the false claim arose.
• , any employee, contractor, if applicable, any employee, contractor, or<01:30:20.080> agent<01

Bills: SF0087, SF0088, SF0092

Keywords: felony, law enforcement, police officer, criminal penalties, public safety, sex offender, child care facility, residency restrictions, criminal law, sex offenders, child care facilities, legislation, false claims, civil penalties, state accountability, whistleblower protection, fraud prevention, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um right now they've gone through a lot of paper just on the original application and this year we did
• Um right now they've gone through a lot of paper just on the original application and this year we did
• So, the previous applicant that is now.
• application and this year<00:09:25.839> we<00:09:26.080> did<00:09:26.240> a<00
• in there when they do their application in there when they do their application the<00:31:43.919

Bills: HB0045

Keywords: property tax, exemption, homeowners, long-term, aged, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Develop the recommendations for uniform standard practices applicable to towing state and county parking
• I want to do a deletion of applicable I want to do a deletion of applicable dates<01:19:37.760><
• We're going to insert the sunset date of December 31st, 2035, but make this applicable to taxable years
• for the purposes of applicable for the purposes of maintaining<01:26:54.080> the<01:26:54.320
• <01:32:58.960> and highway fund which is applicable and highway fund which is applicable and

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met on February 5 and heard testimony on a long agenda of transportation-related bills. Early measures included HB 2392, which would create an employer tax credit for transportation demand management benefits; HB 2462, which would bar auto manufacturers and dealers from charging post-sale fees for already-installed hardware; and HB 2423, which would require diesel sold for on-road use to contain at least 5% biodiesel. HB 2392 drew support from the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization and one individual, with the Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation offering comments. HB 2462 drew support from DCCA and one individual, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation opposed it. HB 2423 drew comments from the Hawaii State Energy Office and Hawaii Farm Bureau, support from Pacific Biodiesel and the Hawaii Transportation Association, and a question from the chair about whether biodiesel is exported; the witness said production stays local. The committee also heard HB 1771 on voluntary carbon offsets for air travel, HB 2081 on requiring firefighters exempt from CDL rules to follow equivalent alcohol and substance abuse policies, HB 2334 on allowing the Department of Transportation to assume NEPA responsibilities for certain projects, and HB 2336 on DOT agreements with the Department of Defense for work at military installations using federal funds. HB 1771 drew comments from Life of the Land warning that carbon offsets are often unreliable and could create liability, while Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines offered comments. HB 2081 received support from DOT, county human resources offices, fire departments, and county officials, with the Hawaii Firefighters Association in opposition. HB 2334 was supported by DOT, and the director said other states using NEPA assignment can complete projects in about half the time. HB 2336 was supported by DOT, HIEMA, DBEDT’s military relations office, and the Hawaii Military Affairs Council; the committee discussed the administrative fee as a way to recover costs under an intergovernmental agreement. The most extensive testimony centered on HB 1666, which would limit new motor vehicle markups above 5% of MSRP and require recordkeeping. Multiple dealer groups and the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association opposed it, arguing it would threaten dealership operations, especially in Hawaii’s high-cost market and for vehicles without an MSRP. The committee also heard HB 2375 on uniform towing and parking enforcement standards on state and leased lands, including notice, disability protections, payment safeguards, and public reporting; DLNR, DAGS, and several advocacy groups testified, with strong public support and concerns about towing practices and ADA compliance. HB 2415, which would appropriate funds for crosswalks near school properties, drew support from DOT, DOE, and the Hawaii Bicycling League, and the committee discussed how counties would request projects and how funding would be allocated. Finally, HB 2451, which would move Hawaii toward fare-free public transit beginning in 2027 and create a dedicated funding source through a petroleum tax increase, received broad support from DOT, the Energy Office, public health and advocacy groups, and many individuals; DOE testified that it currently uses about $2.1 million for student bus passes and that the program is tied to savings from inactive school bus routes.