Transcript Highlights:

• It's an agency bill.
• What it does is extend the Resilient Florida Trust Fund within the Department of Environmental Protection
• and changes the program from FLARE. ...within the Department of Environmental Protection and changes
• If you turn to the summary tab in the agency vacancy report, you'll see the vacancy rate by agency.
• So we've been carefully reviewing the agency trust funds and the ability to fund the agency request,

Summary: The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and heard House Bill 1313, an agency bill by Representative Mooney. The bill extends the Resilient Florida Trust Fund within the Department of Environmental Protection and updates the state accounting reference from FLARE to the new POM system. A technical amendment removing the obsolete FLARE account code was adopted without objection, and the bill then passed favorably on a recorded vote with no public testimony or debate. After the bill, the chair reviewed budget process materials for the committee, including agency vacancy reports and three-year reversion reports. She noted that several agencies have relatively low vacancy rates, highlighting the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as especially efficient, while DEP’s vacancy rate was higher and a member asked about long-term vacancies there. On reversions, she said DACS had only about a 2% reversion rate over three years, while Citrus averaged about 40%, DEP about 12%, and Fish and Wildlife about 10%. The chair also discussed upcoming budget recommendations and asked members to review the materials and raise questions. She flagged trust fund concerns, especially for Fish and Wildlife, saying recent license fee waivers may reduce revenue supporting its trust fund and could affect funding decisions in the next budget. The meeting ended after brief clarification on the vacancy report and a motion to re-recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• Environmental Services. Environmental Services. Welcome,<03:08:56.319> Mr.
• <03:10:00.960> complaints environmental complaints environmental complaints and<03:10:03.040><
• agencies around the country.
• also have, you know, an environmental also have, you know, an environmental health<03:19:02.720>
• <03:26:56.319> their local municipalities to protect their local municipalities to protect

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He previously served the agency in various roles from 2004 to 2017.
• He previously served the agency in various roles from 2004 to 2017.
• Senate Bill 997 by Senator Caballero, an act relating to groundwater agencies.
• Public agencies spend billions of dollars annually on employee health benefits.
• The bill is supported by a broad coalition of counties, water agencies, planners, farmers, environmental

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• vulnerable communities, also requiring the Department of Environmental Protection to establish coastal
• Also, cutting a lot of the red tape to expedite coastal protection projects.
• The Department of Environmental Protection will oversee the study, ensuring scientific accuracy and alignment
• Stephen Shale, the Environmental Defense Fund. Thank you for being here and waving, sir.
• Stephen Shale, the Environmental Defense Fund. Thank you for being here and waving, sir.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 932, which would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging under state-regulated insurance policies. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce delays in follow-up testing after abnormal mammograms and noted support from medical and cancer advocacy groups. Senators Arrington and Sharief spoke in favor, and the bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered CS for SB 160 on CPA licensure. The sponsor said the bill adds additional pathways to licensure in Florida without lowering standards and is similar to measures being considered in other states. The Florida Institute of CPAs supported the bill, and it was also reported favorably. The committee then took up a water management district bill, described as a comprehensive measure to increase transparency in planning, funding, budgeting, reporting, and business practices while making historic investments in Everglades restoration. Senators asked about the role of the Legislative Budget Commission and whether the bill would affect the Lake Okeechobee system operating manual; the sponsor said those issues were still being worked through and that the bill was focused on accountability and transparency. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 50 on coastal resiliency and mangroves. The bill promotes nature-based solutions such as mangroves, living seawalls, and oyster reefs, and requires DEP to establish related rules and study effects on flood risk and insurance premiums. An amendment providing $250,000 from the Resilient Florida Trust Fund for a feasibility study was adopted without objection. The bill drew broad support from environmental and coastal groups and was reported favorably. SB 56 on geoengineering and weather modification was temporarily postponed and not heard, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• LAW, 644, 1463A SENATOR KAVANAGH, AN ACT TO AMEND THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION LAW.
• In the Assembly, he championed consumer protection, environmental protection, government reform, and
• Nation-leading environmental protections, protections for victims of sex abuse, both children and adults
• We hear all the time about protecting wetlands. Lakes and ponds are wet.
• FARMLAND AND PROTECTED WILDLIFE HABITAT. FOREST LAND.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then processed a series of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills, which were so ordered. Several bills were also recalled from the Assembly, had reconsideration votes taken, and were restored to the third reading calendar after receiving 58 ayes. Amendments were received on a number of bills, and those measures retained their place on the calendar. The main business of the day was Privileged Resolution 2318, sponsored by Leader Stewart-Cousins, honoring Senator Michael Gianaris with the President Pro Tempore and Senate Majority Leader’s Legislative Legacy Award. The resolution and floor remarks reviewed his long career in the Assembly and Senate, his role as Deputy Majority Leader and floor leader, and his work on housing, criminal justice, voting rights, labor, environmental, consumer, transit, animal welfare, and other major legislation. Members from both parties spoke at length, praising his strategic skill, mentorship, humor, and influence, while also noting his support for younger members and his commitment to family. Several senators described personal experiences showing Gianaris’s mentorship and political guidance, and many referenced his Greek American identity, Queens roots, and interests such as Star Wars and the Mets. Senators also emphasized that he was leaving on his own terms to spend more time with his wife and daughters. The resolution was adopted with broad support, and Gianaris then spoke in response, reflecting on nearly 30 years in state government, the major laws passed during his tenure, and the relationships he built in the chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:39:21.560> inventory<00:39:22.560> by protects starter home inventory by protects
• ,<00:39:57.280> and fresh capital, protects families, and fresh capital, protects families
• lacks guard rails for environmental lacks guard rails for environmental impacts.<02:04:06.080>
• They merit protection and respect.
• They merit protection and respect.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:31.360> looking possible agency deferral, you're looking possible agency deferral,
• Is uh the agency requesting a deferral? Is uh the agency requesting a deferral?
• agency advice. agency advice. >> Agency<00:21:14.720> adi.
• Could you >> Agency adi.
• <00:21:27.440> you someone higher up in the agency told you someone higher up in the agency

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee met in August with a quorum present and approved the prior meeting minutes without objection. The committee then reviewed several regulations, generally adopting staff-suggested amendments without objection, and heard brief explanations from agency representatives on each item. The Board of Pharmacy regulations would clarify what registered and certified pharmacy technicians may do under supervision and what certified technicians may not do, while updating registration applications. The Board of Cosmetology package included changes to executive director authority, licensure and reciprocity rules, school requirements, training hours, instructor ratios, sanitation and disease-related rules, complaint procedures, and permit terms; members asked about straight razor language and the increase in student-to-instructor ratios, and the board explained that cosmetologists are not permitted to use straight razors and that the higher ratio was intended to give schools flexibility, especially for part-time students and schools with wait lists. The Occupational Therapy emergency compact regulation added four compact rules adopted in April 2025, and Senator West raised a technical question about certification requirements under House Bill 6; the agency said it had been instructed to file the regulation as submitted. The Department for Fish and Wildlife Resources presented a package covering wildlife management area rules, a northern pintail bag limit increase, reportable disease reporting, and a repeal tied to boat registration fees. After a brief explanation of the new wildlife disease reporting rule, the agency requested and received a deferral of 301 KAR 2:031 to avoid a gap while replacement language is finalized. The Economic Development Finance Authority explained an emergency regulation for the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program, saying it was needed because the program had become oversubscribed and because administration was shifting to a new film office and council; members also asked about certification issues under House Bill 6, and the agency said it had filed the regulation as directed. The Department of Workplace Standards emergency PPE regulation was also discussed, with members asking about HB 6 certification language, and the agency gave the same response. The Department of Insurance regulation would create a $10,000 registration fee and a $1,000 annual licensing fee for pharmacy benefit manager licenses, with an agency amendment exempting PBMs that solely serve workers’ compensation plans. Members asked how many PBMs would be affected and why workers’ compensation PBMs were carved out; the agency said there were 70 registered PBMs total, four solely workers’ comp, and that workers’ comp rates are set by statute and could not absorb the fee. Finally, the Public Service Commission’s pole attachment regulation was summarized as a broadband-expansion measure that speeds application review, increases the number of poles allowed in a single application, and shortens dispute timelines; the commission explained it grew out of earlier legislative direction and subsequent emergency amendments, and the committee adopted the staff amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are working through the environmental process.
• can you just list out who those partner agencies are?
• Okay, so for clarification, those are all public agencies and governmental agencies.
• In general, our cost to collect are aligned with other toll agencies.
• It's documented in the final supplemental environmental impact statement.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Interstate 5 Bridge met remotely with Washington legislative members to receive updates on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, including environmental review, cost and funding, tolling, and procurement for construction. Program staff said the final supplemental environmental impact statement was published in April 2026, with a federal record of decision expected in early summer. They described the recommended design as a single-level fixed-span bridge, centered I-5 alignment, C Street ramps, one auxiliary lane in each direction, and dispersed park-and-ride parking. Members raised concerns about transparency, the closed chat function, and the decision not to include two auxiliary lanes; staff said the one-lane option was recommended through consultation with partner agencies and analysis, but the final decision would come with the record of decision. Staff also said the diversion analysis projected less than 3% traffic diversion to I-205 in 2045, though members from Oregon and Washington expressed concern about impacts to their communities and asked for more detail on mitigation and decision-making. The committee also reviewed a major cost update. Staff said the full five-mile program is now estimated at $13.5 billion to $15.2 billion, with a likely cost of $14.4 billion, up from a 2022 estimate of $5 billion to $7.5 billion, citing inflation, schedule delays, scope changes, and more detailed risk modeling. They said the first funded phase has been reduced to a $5.68 billion package focused on the Columbia River bridge replacement, connections to I-5, Hayden Island and SR-14, bridge demolition, tolling infrastructure, and advancing light rail design. Funding for that phase was described as $5.69 billion, including $2.1 billion federal funds, $1 billion from each state, and $1.5 billion in projected toll revenue. Members asked what would happen if costs rise further; staff said the estimate includes substantial contingency, the project will use progressive design-build to manage risk, and the team will continue updating the finance plan annually. A separate tolling and traffic-revenue presentation explained that four toll scenarios were analyzed using regional travel demand modeling, a toll diversion model, and a post-processing review. All scenarios assume pre-completion tolling beginning July 1, 2028, a 50% low-income discount for eligible users, and exemptions for tribal preemptions, emergency vehicles, maintenance vehicles, and organized militia. Staff said the low-income discount would affect about 4% to 6% of annual transactions and reduce annual revenues by roughly 2% to 3%. They said Scenario 2 was used for the financial analysis and is sufficient to support the $1.5 billion toll contribution in the funded phase. Members asked about toll collection costs, revenue impacts of the discount, and how the scenarios differed; staff said collection costs are expected to be in line with other WSDOT toll facilities, but exact costs are not yet set because toll rates are not final. Finally, WSDOT staff outlined procurement and delivery steps for construction. They said WSDOT will be the lead contracting agency, using progressive design-build, with a request for qualifications targeted for early July 2026, a request for proposals in October, contractor selection in April 2027, construction starting in 2028, and tolling beginning in 2028. Staff said the approach is intended to consolidate scope, reduce interface risk, and allow transparent negotiation with an independent cost estimator, while preserving an off-ramp if a fair price cannot be reached. Members asked for more detail on timing, cost allocation, and the share of the first phase funded by tolls; staff estimated tolls account for about 26% of the first phase cost.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pollution Control Agency. Pollution Control Agency.
• <00:05:06.720> review spec approval, environmental review spec approval, environmental review
• that protection. that protection.
• It helps protect public and environmental health, saves money, and allows our economy to grow and prosper
• implementing agencies implementing agencies uh,<01:41:29.560> according<01:41:29.960>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They came asking that we pass bills pebbled in Albany to protect the animals, domestic, wild, on air
• IT WOULD PROHIBIT THE IMPORTATION AND THE ENVIRONMENTALLY-DAMAGING OCTOPUS FARMING.
• Gaps in the law are leaving survivors without clear protection, allowing the focus to drift away from
• IN FACT PEOPLE APPLYING FOR MINIMUM WAGE JOBS WOULD PERHAPS BE MORE IN NEED OF PROTECTION THAN PEOPLE
• But I think the people that You're trying to protect would be further hurt by that. >> Mr.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and adopted a resolution calendar with several exceptions before taking up a series of ceremonial resolutions and bills. Members welcomed student visitors from the YWCA of White Plains’ Voices Unfiltered Policy Program, then adopted resolutions honoring Senegalese independence and the Senegalese community, MWBE Advocacy Day, John Coltrane’s 100th birthday, the Sing Sing Prison Museum, I Love My Park Day, Animal Advocacy Day, Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month, and Denim Day. Speakers emphasized cultural recognition, public service, environmental stewardship, animal welfare, rare disease awareness, and support for survivors of sexual violence; each resolution was adopted. The chamber then moved through the regular calendar, passing a number of bills on broad roll-call votes. Among the measures approved were bills amending the Penal Law, Executive Law, Public Housing Law, Retirement and Social Security Law, Social Services Law, Environmental Conservation Law, General Municipal Law, Railroad Law, Election Law, Labor Law, and Public Service Law. Several bills passed unanimously or nearly so, while a few drew notable opposition, including a public health measure that passed 39-19 and the labor-related bill on ghost job postings that passed 39-19 after extended debate. The most detailed floor debate centered on the Labor Law bill addressing “ghost jobs,” requiring employers with 100 or more employees to disclose whether postings are for current vacancies, expected future openings, or general resume collection, with Department of Labor enforcement and civil penalties. Supporters argued it would protect job seekers from deceptive postings; opponents said it was unnecessary, burdensome, and could invite litigation or penalties disproportionate to the problem. The Senate also debated and passed a bill expanding election-language assistance under the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act to Haitian Creole and Middle Eastern and North African communities, with supporters citing growing language-access needs and opponents raising concerns about scope and local costs. The Senate then adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bastrop County and underscore our commitment to protecting the water quality of the aquifer.
• It became very political due to environmental concerns, legitimately so. It is a critical part.
• The committee substitute focuses on protecting the Devil's River in Val Verde County.
• Existing laws allow TCEQ and the environmental agencies to review petitions for inquiries related to.
• This dates back to the predecessor agencies of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and predates

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, a committee decided to eliminate a state agency. Wasn't a program. It's entire agency. Agency.
• Agency 205. Seeing none, agency 205 is closed. Agency 206, Wyoming Department of Education.
• Seeing none, agency 211 was closed. Next was agency 220, Environmental Quality Council.
• > agencies.
• this protection. this protection.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• environmental environmental services. services. services.
• Have some agencies stopped receiving funds and other agencies are then put into this group of five, or
• There was some shift in other agencies, which they can speak to because of agencies shifting programs
• share the same pride and protective share the same pride and protective instincts<00:32:35.200><
• agency was complying with state law. agency was complying with state law.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Protection for the on-site sewage program.
• Protection.
• And we are trying to protect that.
• And we are trying to protect that.
• And his family started a foundation to really honor his work in protecting our environment, protecting

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard and advanced several bills. SB 958, by Senator Bradley, would require local straw and stirrer ordinances to allow renewable, certified compostable, and marine-biodegradable products, with supporters arguing it creates standards and avoids patchwork local rules; it was reported favorably. SB 1066, by Senator Brodeur, proposed a phased restoration of the Ocklawaha/Rodman Dam area, including partial dam restoration, recreation and economic development planning, and a local advisory council; testimony was strongly divided between restoration supporters and local officials concerned about water supply, reservoir value, and community impacts. The committee adopted an amendment adding a Naval Air Station Jacksonville representative to the advisory council, then reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee also approved CS/SB 698 by Senator Martin, which would let builders proceed with home construction after applying for septic permits rather than waiting for the permit to be issued first. Testimony from builders and industry representatives focused on permitting delays, contract pricing, and the need for a glide path if DEP rules change; some senators raised concerns about the 120-day transition period, but the bill passed favorably with a technical amendment. CS/SB 1230, by Senator Harrell, would phase out PFAS-containing firefighting foam for non-emergency use, require inventory and disposal reporting, create DEP rules and a registry of alternatives, and establish grant/cost-savings support for local agencies; it was reported favorably after an amendment clarifying DEP references and penalty language. Finally, the committee approved CS/SB 1288, also by Senator Harrell, to designate a water body feature in the Jupiter Narrows area as the Andrew Red Harris Shoal in honor of a local environmental advocate who died rescuing a friend. The bill was amended to clarify the shoal identification and then reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators requested the record reflect additional affirmative votes on certain bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• . protected. protected.
• aims to protect as a part of protected aims to protect as a part of protected community<03:22:19.680
• federal agency." federal agency."
• is often essential different agencies is often essential to<03:40:10.680> protecting<03:40:11.320
• In addition to environmental protection, we must, of course, always consider our economy.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the area of water quality restoration and environmental protection, a few of the highlights include
• Protection.
• Taken together, these additional decreases At the Department of Environmental Protection.
• Investments in environmental protection have been reduced, including significant cuts to Florida’s Coral
• Investments in environmental protection have been reduced, including significant cuts to Florida's Coral

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But rather, it's about the environmental risk factors, Mr. President.
• Paraquat is an environmental risk factor, and that research that I just told you about is there.
• But rather, it's<00:29:22.040> about<00:29:22.920> the<00:29:23.080> environmental
• c><00:29:23.920> risk it's about the environmental risk it's about the environmental risk factors
• Paraquat is an environmental exposures.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

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• environmental environmental degradation<00:03:47.920> um<00:03:48.200> if<00:03:48.280
• intended I think to expand environmental intended I think to expand environmental stewardship<00
• popular and very much needed to protect popular and very much needed to protect lakes<00:07:08.720
• communities respond to environmental communities respond to environmental degreg<00:18:24.679>
• This includes $12.88 million for 19 appropriations. to protect to restore land water and to protect to

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that meaningful protections.
• environmental impact statement projects. environmental impact statement projects.
• projects are mandatory environmental projects are mandatory environmental impact<01:17:38.239>
• highest level of environmental review. highest level of environmental review.
• and I also represent the Control Agency and I also represent the Environmental<01:20:36.800> Quality

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• representing the Association of California Water Agencies.
• I'm the general manager of the Placer County Water Agency.
• It should be somewhere else that is protected. In regards to— Generator.
• It should be somewhere else that is protected.
• I applaud you for bringing one of my best water agencies with you.

Keywords: 988, house, all