Transcript Highlights:

• and results to the communities and the public that depend on a sound, well-balanced transportation network
• Thriving communities depend on safe, reliable, and resilient transportation networks.
• It is literally the lifeblood of many of these cities and towns for their transportation networks.
• A reliable, efficient, accessible transportation network system is foundational to everything that we
• Implementing dynamic road pricing, looking at what transportation network company fees are, delivery

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 4987, the administration’s transportation bond bill centered on Chapter 90 roadway funding and related capital programs. Administration officials described the bill as a roughly $5.5 billion package that would continue $300 million per year for Chapter 90 over four years, with part of the funding distributed by the traditional formula and an additional $100 million based solely on road miles to better support rural and smaller communities. They also highlighted authorizations for municipal pavement work, Shared Streets and Spaces grants, accelerated bridge and pavement repairs, MBTA rail modernization and reliability, housing-related transportation improvements, and a new DCR-focused PRISM program for parkways and related infrastructure. Officials emphasized that the bill is financed through the Commonwealth Transportation Fund and Fair Share revenues, and said it would help municipalities plan more predictably, speed project delivery, and support housing, safety, and climate goals. Committee members and witnesses discussed the bill’s broader scope beyond traditional Chapter 90, especially the $200 million for transportation projects that support housing development and the $200 million for MBTA modernization and rail reliability. Members asked about the rationale for a four-year authorization amid fiscal uncertainty, federal funding volatility, and the status of commuter rail electrification. Administration officials responded that the capital authorization is backed by dedicated transportation revenues rather than the operating budget, and said multi-year certainty helps cities and towns make better long-term repair decisions. They also said the MBTA’s rail modernization funds would support locomotive procurements, including battery-electric and Tier 4 diesel locomotives, as part of a longer-term regional rail and electrification strategy. Municipal officials and regional advocates strongly supported the bill. The Massachusetts Municipal Association, along with town and city officials from Sherborn, Conway, and Yarmouth, said the increased Chapter 90 funding and road-mile-based distribution are especially important for small and rural communities with limited local revenue capacity, and that multi-year funding would let them bundle projects, bid at better prices, and address backlogs more proactively. A Better City and MAPC also supported the bill but urged the committee to treat it like a traditional bond bill by adding policy provisions and considering new transportation revenue tools, such as TNC fee changes, road pricing, parking taxes, and other mechanisms. The committee took no vote during the hearing and adjourned after testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• problem in the state's managed care system, which limits access to providers due to overly restrictive networks
• this bill ensures that at least 50% of the primary care providers participating in a plan provider network
• or out of network.
• What this does is help clarify, because they can check the in- or out-of-network status in a variety
• I mean, I guess it kind of does as it relates to, you know, within the provider networks, and I would

Summary: The committee met to consider a large agenda of health and human services bills, moving quickly because of a two-hour time limit. Early measures reported favorably included SB 976 on challenges to court-appointed psychologists in family law cases, SB 306 on Medicaid provider network access and after-hours availability, and SB 584 on housing supports for college students and youth in extended foster care. SB 1412 on home health regulation modernization also passed, with one support appearance from the Home Care Association. Members then approved several bills focused on research and care delivery, including SB 1800 creating a Parkinson’s disease research consortium at USF with an adopted amendment adding academic medical centers, SB 524 adding Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening, SB 1156 revising a Medicaid home health aide program for medically fragile children, and SB 1490 transferring and redesigning the managed care program for critically ill children. SB 1174 on foster home licensure transfers, SB 1620 implementing mental health and substance use commission recommendations, SB 1568 revising e-prescribing exemptions, and SB 788 on veterans nursing home beds were also reported favorably. The committee had more extensive debate on SB 1270, the Department of Health agency package, which included provisions on vaccination status, medical marijuana background screening, licensing and compact issues, and sovereign immunity for volunteer dental workers; it passed after an amendment and several members voiced concerns about patient treatment and “voting power” language. SB 1606 on patient access to records drew strong opposition from providers and health information professionals over privacy, HIPAA, and administrative burdens; it was initially reported unfavorably, then reconsidered and ultimately passed after a motion to reconsider. Other bills reported favorably included SB 1736 on insulin administration by direct support professionals and relatives, SB 1808 on patient refunds from providers, SB 1842 on referral disclosure of network status, SB 1354 on behavioral health managing entity oversight, SB 1768 on stem cell therapies with informed consent requirements, and SPB 7032 on presumptive Medicaid eligibility for permanently disabled individuals, which was submitted and reported as a committee bill. The meeting ended after all agenda items were handled and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've been able to scale up the The farm-to-school network has developed the Farm to School Roadmap to
• Beth Smoker with the California Food and Farming Network.
• We're a network of 50 or so organizations across the state representing anti-hunger, sustainable ag,
• And lastly, our network also supports the Farm to School program and its unique nexus of farmers and
• I'm with the California Climate and Agriculture Network.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we also have Citrus Family Care Network that has a CHANCE model of homes.
• And then we also have Citrus Family Care Network that has a chance model of homes.
• As you heard, DCF contracted with Citrus Health Network to expand the CHANCE program.
• Citrus Health Network also... ...for the expansion of the CHANCE program.
• Citrus Health Network also developed the state's first short-term residential treatment program, which

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs received three presentations and took no bill votes. The Department of Children and Families gave an extensive update on human trafficking prevention and services, describing Florida’s statutory framework, hotline and investigation data, placement options such as safe houses and safe foster homes, new adult safe house certification rules, expanded screening tools for vulnerable adults, and prevention efforts including youth-led outreach and training. Members asked about whether current funding is sufficient, how DCF addresses grooming and re-victimization in residential settings, and how long youth typically remain in safe-house placements; DCF said funding is only one part of the support system, that families and youth receive prevention resources even when allegations are not substantiated, and that placement length varies by child. OPPAGA then presented its 2024 annual report on commercial sexual exploitation of children. The report found that verified CSE victims slightly declined in 2023, with Broward, Miami-Dade, Duval, Hillsborough, and Escambia among the highest-prevalence counties. Most verified victims were community youth rather than children already in care, though dependent youth had higher rates of prior maltreatment. OPPAGA also reported continued concerns about limited placement capacity, especially for less restrictive Tier 1 safe houses, and service gaps such as the need for survivor mentors. Its recommendations focused on expanding placement options, improving data collection, and strengthening collaboration to support survivor mentors. Finally, DCF presented the Step into Success pilot program for current and former foster youth ages 16 to 26. The program combines workforce education, professional development, and paid internships with mentor support; the first cohort launched in 2024 with 15 participants, all of whom secured placements, and the department reported strong satisfaction and early outcomes. Committee members asked about scalability, costs, and whether the model could be moved beyond DCF-run operations into community-based providers. DCF said the program was designed to be scalable, currently costs about $500,000 annually for the pilot, and could be expanded statewide with additional funding and partner support. The committee adjourned after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the Biden provider excuse me, and the plan is required to pay the providers in our network provider
• Maybe I'd be happy to follow up with additional information with you as to what those network adequacy
• Healthy start in the Southern birth test this network.
• You know, when we talked about network adequacy, we are now attorney desert in Martin County.
• As we are seeing more and more maternity deserts, you're recognized. >> So our network asked adequacy

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• resources including devices and networks resources including devices and networks essential<00:11
• <00:11:32.399> to<00:11:32.639> public<00:11:33.320> networks<00:11:34.320><
• c> um<00:11:34.680> I private networks to public networks um I private networks to public
• Thank you. oh devices and networks essential for oh devices and networks essential for conversation<00
• I passed out all the copies that I was able to print, okay, so I'm just going to go off of memory.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard CACR 6, a proposed constitutional amendment by Representative Keith Ammon to recognize a fundamental right to use computation resources. Ammon argued that computing is now essential to daily life, speech, education, and economic opportunity, and said the amendment was intended to push back against government or corporate restrictions, citing a 2023 federal executive order on AI registration and reporting as an example of the kind of precedent he wanted to oppose. He said the proposal should be simple and clear because it would go to voters, and he compared the right to compute to other constitutional rights that do not require the government to provide the underlying tools. Committee members raised concerns about the breadth of the language, including whether it could affect encryption, authentication, network security, energy use, and other regulatory issues. Representative McFarland questioned whether the amendment could interfere with security measures, while others asked whether it would prevent ordinary network management such as throttling or require the state to provide internet access or hardware. Ammon responded that the right would not entitle someone to other people’s resources and said encryption and similar issues would sort themselves out. Several members also raised concerns about child safety, public safety, and whether existing laws could still regulate misuse of computing; Ammon said reasonable limits would still apply, similar to other constitutional rights. Sarah Scott of Americans for Prosperity testified in support, saying the amendment would protect innovation, individual autonomy, and economic competitiveness by preventing overregulation. After questions concluded, the chair closed the hearing on CACR 6. The committee then opened House Bill 615, sponsored by Representative Dan Maguire, which would substantially rewrite the state’s drug-forfeiture law. Maguire said the bill is intended to improve fairness and efficiency in cases where property such as cars or cash is seized in connection with drug offenses, noting that the criminal case and the civil forfeiture case are currently handled separately, with the property case prosecuted by the Attorney General’s office. He explained that the bill addresses courtroom procedure for these forfeiture actions and is meant to make the process more specific and orderly.

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair recognizes Representative Bridal for memorial remarks for former member from Hampton, The Honorable
• 13:04.160> for chair recognizer represent Bridal for chair recognizer represent Bridal for Memorial
• 05.279> for<00:13:05.519> former<00:13:05.880> member<00:13:06.240> from Memorial
• remarks for former member from Memorial remarks for former member from Hampton<00:13:06.839> The<
• Speaker, I move that today's memorial marks be placed in the permanent journal without objection.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that include um not just your network that include um not just your network number<02:23:15.600>
• Network and support on Network and support on Zoom<04:11:15.800> Aloha<04:11:16.439> chair<
• ready to succeed and it takes a network ready to succeed and it takes a network of<04:11:43.640>
• have Hawaii children's Action Network have Hawaii children's Action Network speaks<04:21:28.840>
• <04:21:38.040> speaks Hawaii children's Action Network speaks Hawaii children's Action Network

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the state director of the Kentucky CASA Network.
• Rebecca Hartzo Babage, co-founder and contract lobbyist for the Kentucky CASA Network. Thank you.
• director of the Kentucky CASA network. director of the Kentucky CASA network.
• network. Thank you. network. Thank you. >> Thank<00:01:33.920> you.
• And so at this time, if you network.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first considered Senate Bill 17, a cleanup bill updating Kentucky CASA statutes. The sponsor and witnesses said the bill would reduce the required board size from 15 to 12 to better fit rural and regional programs, remove the ban on certain CHFS employees serving as CASA volunteers while preserving DCBS independence, and update statutory references from the National CASA Association to the Kentucky CASA Network and current national standards language. Members expressed support for the program’s child advocacy role. A committee substitute and title amendment were adopted, and SB 17 passed 8-0 and was reported favorably. The committee then heard Senate Bill 34, which would authorize transfer-on-death deeds for a primary residence or primary vehicle. The sponsor and Uniform Law Commission witnesses said the measure is intended to let owners name a beneficiary to receive property at death without probate, while retaining full ownership and revocation rights during life. They said the bill is designed to be simple, affordable, and protective of creditors, Medicaid recovery, and surviving spouse rights, and that it has been adopted in 30 states. Questions focused on how the deed would interact with wills, revocation, and possible fraud or family disputes; witnesses said a will would not revoke a TOD deed, only a recorded revocation or later deed would, and that challenges to capacity could be brought within two years. The county clerk association requested a future floor amendment on details, and title companies and bankers were described as neutral. SB 34 passed 8-0 and was reported favorably, with some members noting they would want to review the forthcoming amendment before final floor consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• , right, to double or triple—I’m not really sure what the number would be—to triple your provider network
• And so let's develop the provider network, or do you develop the provider networks so they're there at
• We would want to look at our provider networks where the individuals live and do an analysis of what
• As you're reviewing the network adequacy, are there any financial penalties imposed for any violations
• And we do issue liquidated damages for plans for failing to meet network adequacy. Thank you.

Summary: The Health Care Budget Subcommittee took up two bills and then continued oversight discussions with APD and AHCA. CS/HB 27, the Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact, was presented as a way to let Florida social workers practice in other compact states and vice versa; AARP, the Florida Chamber, and NASW Florida supported it, and the bill passed favorably. HB 1127, a child welfare bill, would create a treatment foster care pilot for children with high behavioral needs, improve DCF data collection on commercially sexually exploited children, and expand recruitment for protective investigators and case managers; the bill also passed favorably after brief supportive testimony. The committee then questioned APD at length about the iBudget waiver waitlist, enrollment pace, spending projections, and provider capacity. APD said it had sent more than 1,100 interest letters in categories 3, 4, and 5, enrolled 1,124 people so far this year, and expects to spend about 96.4% of its waiver appropriation, leaving roughly $82 million unspent. Members pressed APD on why prior discussions suggested more reserve was needed, how long the SANS process takes, whether category 6 could be expanded, and whether the agency has enough waiver support coordinators and direct support providers. APD said it has about 1,061 waiver support coordinators statewide, adequate capacity for current enrollees, but would need further analysis if the legislature directed a much larger enrollment increase. Members also asked about outreach, annual maintenance of the waitlist, portability for military families, and whether communication efforts should be privatized. Finally, AHCA walked the committee through the 2023 Achieved Savings Rebate (ASR) report for Aetna and explained how the report is used for financial monitoring, rebate calculations, and transparency. AHCA said the ASR is separate from the medical loss ratio (MLR) calculation, though both are reviewed, and that Florida uses the ASR mechanism rather than an MLR remittance requirement to recover funds from plans. Members asked about related-party disclosures, CVS/Caremark relationships, expanded benefits, encounter data, network adequacy penalties, denials and appeals reporting, interest earned on capitation payments, and whether rate increases were reaching providers. AHCA and the outside auditors said they review the plans’ reported data, reconcile it to underlying records, and can assess liquidated damages for network adequacy violations; several members requested follow-up data on rebates, interest, provider capacity, and related-party reporting.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the event of network failure, it may be necessary to reschedule the hearing or schedule a meeting
• In the event of network failure, it may be necessary to reschedule the hearing or schedule a meeting
• I'm Nicole Wo from Hawaii Children's Action Network.
• Moving to the next Zoom speaker, we have Hawaii Children's Action Network speaks.
• Moving to the next Zoom speaker, we have Hawaii Children's Action Network speaks.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Economic Development and Technology met on February 5, 2025, and heard testimony on several bills related to economic development, broadband, tax policy, and family support. HB 455 drew support for a startup-business loan program, with DBEDT, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, and Hmua Collective among those in favor; Tax Foundation Hawaii questioned the need for a special fund. HB 437, concerning Hawaii trade/investment offices, received support from DBEDT and Hawaii Friends for Civil Rights, and members asked DBEDT about how to measure return on investment from the overseas offices. HB 650, dealing with broadband-related administration, was supported by DBEDT, the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, and others, while committee discussion focused on the role of the state’s trade and investment offices and broadband administration. HB 935, on digital navigator support, received testimony in favor from DBEDT, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the University of Hawaii system, and others, but also drew comments about consumer representation and the need for service on neighbor islands. The committee also heard strong testimony on tax and family-related measures. HB 572, which would remove the grocery tax, received overwhelming support from groups including the Hawaii Food Industry Association, AARP Hawaii, and others, with testimony emphasizing food insecurity and cost-of-living relief; Tax Foundation Hawaii offered technical comments. HB 701, a caregiver tax credit bill, was supported by AARP Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others, with AARP stressing the burden on family caregivers and Tax Foundation Hawaii suggesting the credit percentage be reduced to preserve price-shopping incentives. HB 753, another child and dependent care tax credit measure, drew support from AARP Hawaii, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others; Tax Foundation Hawaii again raised technical concerns, this time about the complexity of the formula. After testimony, the committee took up decision-making. HB 455 was passed with amendments, including transferring administrative responsibility from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to the Community-Based Economic Development Program, blanking out the appropriation, adding one business loan officer FTE, and noting a $95,000 cost. HB 437, HB 650, HB 934, HB 442, and HB 572 were all advanced with amendments, generally involving blanking out appropriations, moving amounts into committee notes, technical cleanup, and setting effective dates to July 1, 3000. HB 935 was deferred because of overlap with public library programs and uncertainty about federal funding for digital navigator positions. The chair also indicated HB 7 would be amended to add a nonrefundable family caregiver tax credit and related technical changes, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I refresh my memory on the timeline because this, you know, this was in a bill that we had about
• So, I refresh my memory on the timeline because this, you know, this was in a bill that we had about
• So, I refresh my memory on the timeline because this, you know, this was in a bill that we had about
• So, I refresh my memory on the timeline because this, you know, this was in a bill that we had about
• So, I refresh my memory on the timeline because this, you know, this was in a bill that we had about

Bills: HB0085, HB0086

Keywords: elections, audit procedures, ballot integrity, political party observation, transparency, county officials, election code, misconduct, removal, government accountability, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in the signed memorandum memorialized in the signed memorandum dated<01:29:28.360> November<01
• Her life story and memories growing up are very much influenced by decisions made by the Territorial
• Her life story and memories growing up are very much influenced by decisions made by the Territorial
• Her life story and memories growing up are very much influenced by decisions made by the Territorial
• Her life story and memories growing up are very much influenced by decisions made by the Territorial

Keywords: House Agenda:, 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Holocaust Memorial Museum and others... ...definition in the U.S.
• Holocaust Memorial Museum, and other grassroots, all of those.
• says as part of this effort DESE should partner with Massachusetts museums cultural centers and memorial
• Commonwealth should encourage collaboration between institutions of higher education and museums, memorials
• And did you have any—there were a number of, and I'm going on my memory here, there were kind of a number

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism met to hear testimony from Chief James Hicks of the Natick Police Department, who chairs the Municipal Police Training Committee, and Chief Thomas Fowler of the Salisbury Police Department. They described the statewide civil-rights-officer model for hate-crime response, the HEART Unit, and MPTC training authority under POST, and urged the commission to recommend incorporating the IHRA definition of antisemitism into police training and to fund that effort. Commissioners asked about how law enforcement should handle antisemitic incidents that may not rise to crimes, the 2022 Mapping Project, masking during protests, and the role of HART; the chiefs said departments can update training quickly, that every department should have a trained civil-rights officer, and that HART’s expertise should be integrated statewide. The commission also approved the October 16, 2025 minutes after correcting an initial procedural error. The rest of the meeting focused on the draft report, especially the prefatory statement and the definition section. Commissioners broadly praised the report’s scope and the chairs’ work, but offered many edits aimed at tightening language, reducing advocacy tone, and clarifying the “Massachusetts way” of combating antisemitism. Several members wanted stronger emphasis on Massachusetts values, education, moral leadership, and the distinction between hate incidents, hate crimes, and statutory offenses; others urged clearer references to constitutional protections, First Amendment limits, and Attorney General review of legal statements. There was also discussion of whether to keep or remove references to alternative definitions of antisemitism: some commissioners argued that only the IHRA definition should be centered, while others said acknowledging other definitions was factually important and would reflect the range of testimony. Commissioners also raised specific substantive edits for later sections, including adding examples such as the 2022 Mapping Project, strengthening language on online intimidation, academic boycotts, and divestment campaigns, and clarifying that some conduct may be hateful even if lawful. In the higher education section, members praised recommendations on mandatory training, bystander intervention, trauma-informed responses, mental health supports, and campus climate surveys, while suggesting a few technical edits and additional best-practice examples. No final votes were taken on the draft report during this portion; the chairs said they would incorporate feedback into a revised draft before the remaining meetings and eventual vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, I rise today to memorialize Lance Corporal Chukwuejokwu of Fura, a Marine stationed at Camp
• Speaker, I rise today to memorialize Lance Corporal Chukwuejokwu of Fura, a Marine stationed at Camp
• In the middle of my family farm in Tarkio, Missouri, is the Gould Peterson Memorial Airport, which is
• Every In the middle of my family farm in Tarkio, Missouri, is the Gould Peterson Memorial Airport, which
• THEIR PRESENCE KEEPS LOVED ONES MEMORIES ALIVE, AND THEIR ADVOCACY REMINDS US TO FOCUS ON THIS UNWAVERING

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 23, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have so many memories of this place. I have so many memories of this place.
• the wonderful memories and the friendships.
• John Hoffman, who's my office mate following Kari Dziedzic of blessed memory.
• , memory, memory, Mary<03:44:20.960> Kunesh<03:44:21.400> has<03:44:21.520> been
• <03:46:32.120> of supporters and so I have this memory of supporters and so I have this memory

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The meeting was a Senate retirement recognition session held after adjournment sine die, with the presiding officer relaxing decorum so members could speak, applaud, and interact more freely. The chair explained the order of speakers and noted that retiring members would be recognized from their desks, with a plaque presented by Senate leaders and photos taken afterward. The session was framed as a celebration of service for retiring senators and a tribute to staff, families, and colleagues. Senator Mann spoke first, thanking constituents, family, staff, colleagues, and advocates, and highlighting policy accomplishments such as banning non-compete clauses, wage transparency, breast cancer screening coverage, protections for students, expanded health coverage, pharmacy benefit manager reforms, physician workforce changes, the medication repository program, and paid leave. She also used her remarks to criticize racism, sexism, and broader threats to women’s and people of color’s freedoms, urging civic engagement and warning against erosion of democracy. Senator Tou Xiong followed with a personal farewell centered on his mother’s refugee experience, his family’s sacrifices, and gratitude to mentors and colleagues; he emphasized the value of public service, bipartisan cooperation, and the idea that Minnesota should be a model for the country. Senator Howe gave a faith-centered retirement speech reflecting on his path from humble beginnings, his family, military and public service, and the importance of humility, justice, mercy, and listening to constituents. Senator Klein looked back on a decade in the chamber, including the pandemic and the George Floyd unrest, and said the Senate’s decorum and relationships endured through difficult times; he cited a bill he helped pass for a child needing a prosthetic blade as an example of the legislature’s best work. Senator Draheim began his remarks by thanking his wife and children and joking about his discomfort with speeches, then described being recruited to run for office despite never seeing himself as a politician.

Transcript Highlights:

• Resolutions, petitions, memorials, and other papers. >> We have none, Mr. Speaker.
• On behalf of the senior gentleman from Washington and the head page, we would like to join in memory
• Yansy. >> Adjourn in memory.
• Yansy Yansy Yansy >> adjourn<00:35:17.359> in<00:35:17.520> memory.
• Today I'd like to adjourn in memory of a local legend in Jackson County in Pascagoula, Mr.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 9 February, 2026; 4:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum, dispensed with reading the journal, and welcomed several guests, including Dr. Richard Calderon and medical student Sam Buckley, along with hospital and judicial visitors in the gallery. The chamber then moved to floor action on several bills, mostly from the Workforce Committee. House Bill 622 was brought back on reconsideration, amended to align code sections with changes made by House Bill 3, and passed 119-0. House Bill 329, a reverse-auction option for local school boards and local governments, passed 113-1. House Bills 1401 and 1588, both workforce-related measures extending repeal or exemption dates and adjusting reporting requirements, passed 121-0 and 118-0, respectively. House Bill 562 created the Mississippi Career and Technical Education tuition guarantee program for CTE students and passed 116-0. House Bill 1696 transferred apprenticeship program oversight to a state advisory structure; members questioned how it would work, whether it would affect existing programs, and how it related to specific trades, but the bill passed 113-4 after an amendment to conform to federal requirements. House Bill 338 established a construction training assistant fund supported by a reduced designated contractor contribution rate; members asked about the funding source, whether it was state money, and how it would interact with existing training efforts such as Build Mississippi and Habitat for Humanity. After adopting a committee amendment reducing the contribution percentage, the bill passed 128-0. The House also concurred in a Senate amendment on another bill, making it effective immediately so a state health department hygienist could begin work right away; that motion passed 128-0. The session ended with memorial announcements for several individuals, a request for a rules meeting after adjournment, and adjournment until 10:00 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sebesta Memorial Highway. Senator DeSigley recognized to explore. Designations for Senator James A.
• Sebesta Memorial Highway. Senator DeSigley is recognized to explain the bill. Thank you, Mr.
• Sebesta Memorial Highway.
• ago, it became mine very quickly — the source of adventure, joy, and the backdrop of our very best memories
• All I can say is I'm incredibly sorry for your losses, and thank you for honoring his memory in being

Summary: The Transportation Committee met and considered a series of bills, beginning with SB 266, which would exempt sales and use tax on electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft sold from manufacturers to operators. Senator Harold said the measure is intended to help Florida attract an advanced air mobility industry and create jobs. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying the definition of EVTOL aircraft and excluding drones, then reported the bill favorably. SB 350, by Senator DeSigley, was also reported favorably after a minor amendment; it allows local governments to permit vehicles to travel slowly on flooded streets without being treated as unlawfully impeding traffic. Supporters from the Florida PBA and Florida League of Cities waived in support. The committee next approved SB 706, designating part of U.S. 92/Gandy Boulevard as the Senator James A. Sebesta Memorial Highway. SB 628, Lucy’s Law, was heard with extensive emotional testimony from Lucy Fernandez’s parents and others. The bill strengthens boating safety by increasing penalties for reckless boating, requiring boating safety education after certain violations, and aligning some boating penalties more closely with motor vehicle laws. A substitute amendment was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 872, dealing with county and municipal price controls for the removal and storage of electric vehicles, was also amended and reported favorably after testimony from towing industry representatives about the added costs and storage constraints posed by damaged EVs; the Florida Insurance Council spoke in opposition. The committee then approved SB 650, which expands hazardous walking condition criteria for elementary school students to include walkways along freeways, ramps, and interchanges, regardless of speed limit. SB 1318, the hands-free driving bill, generated substantial testimony from safety advocates and families affected by distracted driving; it would rename Florida’s texting law as a hands-free driving law and prohibit handheld use of wireless devices while driving. The committee also passed SB 994, increasing driver education requirements for standard and learner’s licenses, and SB 662, designating a portion of West Beaver Street in Duval County as Harry Frisch Street. Several senators recorded affirmative votes on bills after the roll calls, and the meeting adjourned after all listed measures were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• 557 558 559 560 561 562 563 564 565 566 567 568 569 Members, if you can take your seats, we have a memorial
• Senate resolution 113 by Blanco in memory of Carl McElhaney. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Members, today I'm honored to present Senate Resolution 113 in memory of a remarkable community member
• adjourning today. in Carl's honor, but for now, I ask that we observe a moment of silence in his memory
• Members thank you for your vote. votes, Jocelyn's family thanks you, and in memory of Jocelyn, I move

Bills: SJR 1, SB 9, SB 40, SJR 36, SJR 1, SJR 5, SB 9, SB 40

Keywords: bail denial, illegal aliens, felony offenses, constitutional amendment, law enforcement, bail reform, defendants, pretrial detention, public safety, criminal justice, charitable bail organizations, bail bonds, public funds, political subdivision, injunctive relief, taxpayer rights, bail, criminal justice reform

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:39:31.119> of been a really strong network of been a really strong network of non-traditional
• So one of your maps shows the network of the arterial, but I want to focus in on the highway BRT.
• So one of your maps shows the network of the arterial, but I want to focus in on the highway BRT.
• So one of your maps shows the network of the arterial, but I want to focus in on the highway BRT.
• This historic sites network is a state responsibility.

Keywords: 1183, house