Transcript Highlights:

• Of presidential libraries here in the state of Florida. Very well.
• We all know how important transparency is to the state of Florida. I am not masked in any way.
• Peter Abayo from the Florida Association of Counties. Is he in the audience? Very well.
• But very important to understand there is zero fiscal to Florida.
• Thank you very much for your service and your family service to the state of Florida.

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee heard and voted on several local and statewide bills. HB 69, by Rep. Andrade, preempted local zoning and land-use authority to the state for presidential libraries; after an amendment clarifying the scope of preemption, it passed 13-2. HB 63, by Reps. Gerwig and Cassel, created a public-records exemption for city and county administrators and their deputies, citing threats and harassment against local administrators; it included a 10-year sunset and passed 15-0. HB 4045, by Rep. Alvarez, updated the City of Tampa firefighters’ and police officers’ pension plan, including extending the DROP period by three years; it passed 14-0 with a committee substitute. HB 4023, by Rep. Hunschofsky, tightened conflict-of-interest rules for officers and employees of the North Springs Improvement District after prior audit concerns; it passed 16-0. HB 4017, by Rep. Oliver, codified the Bermont Drainage District’s charter and corrected a statutory cross-reference via amendment; it passed 16-0 with committee substitute. HB 4009, by Rep. Kendall, renamed the St. Johns County regional airport to the St. Augustine Airport and passed 16-0. The committee also considered PCB IAS 25-01, by Vice Chair Griffiths, which would standardize county constitutional officers’ budget procedures and create an appeal process for clerks of court and supervisors of elections similar to that used by sheriffs; after testimony from the clerks and supervisors’ associations, it passed 16-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tim Parsons, Florida Sheriff's Association, is waiving in support, right?
• Tim Parsons, Florida Sheriff's Association, is waiving in support, right?
• Justin Senior is speaking in information, Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida.
• I'm the CEO of the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida.
• I just want to say with respect to this amendment, thanking the Florida Department of Corrections, as

Summary: The Criminal and Civil Justice Committee met with a quorum present and began with a notice that the committee would not present its budget that day, instead planning to roll it out the following week in coordination with House counterparts and Senate notice requirements. The chair also noted several members were excused or late, and the committee proceeded to the agenda items. The committee heard CS for SB 760 by Senator McLean, relating to violations of pretrial release conditions for violent crimes. There was no debate, and the Florida Sheriffs Association waived in support. The bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee also took up SB 1536 by Senator Pizzo on digital voyeurism, described as expanding the reasonable expectation of privacy to include a privately fenced yard; no questions, appearances, or debate were recorded, and the bill was closed on without further action noted in the transcript. Next, the committee considered SB 102 by Senator Yarbrough on inmate services. A leave-filed amendment was adopted that addressed correctional facility maintenance and repair deductions, Medicaid supplemental reimbursement participation, emergency medical transport reimbursement, and negotiated rates for certain community health care providers, including telehealth arrangements. The Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida spoke in information and indicated the amendment was a positive step, while the Florida Department of Corrections waived in support. The bill, as amended, was reported favorably by roll call vote. Two additional agenda items, CS for SB 1582 on statewide data sharing of secondhand dealer and pawnbroker transactions and SB 1792 on public records for pawnbroker transactions, were temporarily postponed, and the committee adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate further amended it to a study, and it ultimately passed the legislature as a study.
• The executive order issued by Governor Armstrong calls on the legislature to hold a special session to
• Under the executive order, it is now prohibited until such time as the legislature takes some further
• I mean, this medicinal chemistry paper out of University of Florida is outstanding. Complicated.
• I mean, this medicinal chemistry paper out of University of Florida is outstanding. Complicated.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing none, Senator Lakey of Florida closed debate. Thank you, Mr. President, debate is closed.
• There was one in Florida, Mr.
• There was one in Florida, Mr.
• It's also coming from a plan we have already put in place here as a legislature.
• Hardware and closed captioning for Idaho In Session is provided by the Idaho Legislature.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Aaron White, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, you are recognized, sir.
• Kara Gross, American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, recognized.
• Seth Miller, Innocence Project of Florida. Thank you, sir.
• Barney Bishop, Florida Smart Justice Alliance. Barney Bishop, Florida Smart Justice Alliance.
• God bless, Florida.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee met with a quorum present and considered two bills. HB 59, by Rep. Koster, would expand Florida’s wrongful incarceration compensation process by extending the filing deadline from 90 days to two years, removing the statute’s clean hands provision, and allowing exonerees to choose between a civil lawsuit and the state compensation process. Supporters from criminal defense, innocence, civil liberties, and justice reform groups appeared in support, and members spoke favorably about the bill’s purpose. A technical amendment was adopted to align the bill with the Senate companion and remove conflicting statutory language. The committee then voted 17-0 to report HB 59 favorably as amended. The committee next heard HB 243, by Rep. Andrade, which would prevent cash bond funds posted by third parties from being automatically used to satisfy a criminal defendant’s fines, fees, or judgments. The sponsor said the bill protects third-party depositors, while some members raised concerns about clerk revenue, bail incentives, and whether third-party organizations posting bonds should be treated differently. Rep. Gottlieb indicated he would support an amendment allowing a cash depositor to authorize those funds to be used for costs at the time of posting, and the sponsor said he would accept that concept. Public testimony was in support from Florida Smart Justice Alliance and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. After debate, the committee voted 15-3 to report HB 243 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gaetz: IN A CASE LIKE THAT, THERE ARE SOME IN FLORIDA BUT NOT MANY.
• REBECCA O'HAIR OF THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES.
• IN FACT, I CAN THINK OF ONE WHERE THE GRADUATE SCHOOL WHERE IT IS NOT IN FLORIDA.
• I ENSURE THEIR PLACES LIKE THIS IN FLORIDA.
• TO CONSTRUCT THIS HISTORIC LANDMARK HERE IN FLORIDA.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• WE HAVE JOY RYAN WITH FLORIDA INSURANCE COUNCIL IS AN OPPONENT. YOU WISH TO APPEAR IN PERSON?
• FLORIDA IS A DESIGNATED STATE.
• FLORIDA IS ONE OF THOSE.
• UP NEXT WE HAVE JASON WITH FLORIDA SENIOR LIVING ASSOCIATION. YOU ARE A PROPONENT.
• JASON FLORIDA LIVING ASSOCIATION.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then lastly, it is just that the legislature does not provide consistent updates to funding when
• In recent years, states such as Texas and Florida have taken the step to codify requirements that ensure
• So we just really want to protect that investment that the legislature makes to ensure that is there.
• So we just really want to protect that investment that the legislature makes to ensure that is there.
• Believing that these matters should no longer be discussed in classrooms, the legislature passed House

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Gentleman from Florida.
• </c> The member from Florida reserves. The member from Florida reserves.
• </c> Florida seeking recognition? Mr. Florida seeking recognition? Mr.
• Gentleman from<04:20:07.439><c> Florida</c> from Florida from Florida reserves.<04:20:09.359><c> Gentle
• </c> compared to say Florida and Texas? compared to say Florida and Texas?

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, May 5, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I work for the Amusement Machine Association of Florida.
• Chair Alvarez: Florida Family Voice waves in support.
• Florida PBA in support. Thank you, sir.
• Barney Bishop, Florida Smart Justice Alliance, in support.
• Alec McNair, Florida Sheriffs Association in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the second question might be: at some point in the past, Florida went private or not the federal
• Do you know what the status might be in Florida? No, I don't have the Florida details.
• You're contemplating reconstituting a work group that hasn't been authorized by the legislature, which
• How it normally works is that a nonprofit association is created by the legislature with a plan manager
• How it normally works is a nonprofit association is created by the legislature with a plan manager and

Bills: HB2428 , HB2399 , HB2087

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Business

Keywords: life insurance, policy lapse, policy cancellation, nonpayment of premium, premium grace period, lapse notice, termination notice, third-party notice, third-party designee, beneficiary protection, consumer protection, insurance regulation, insurer notice requirements, policyholder, beneficiary, Washington RCW, insurance code, unintentional lapse, coverage continuation, premium delinquency

Transcript Highlights:

• The cancer hospitals are participating in the Florida Cancer Hospital program.
• The cancer hospitals are participating in the Florida Cancer Hospital program.
• You know, I think that's true with our inpatient state plan amendments, our GME programs in Florida,
• When I personally, we were trying to get approval on these from CMS, the Florida Cancer Hospital program
• You know, I think that's true with our inpatient state plan amendments, our GME programs in Florida,

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• dependents, and it's a similar bill to other bills that have shown up in recent years here at the legislature
• Beginning in fiscal year 2028, DES must annually submit a report to the legislature detailing its progress
• any interim target or final target, the department must submit a corrective action plan to the legislature
• Finally, the bill allows the legislature to allocate additional funding for program improvements if DES
• corrects... ...the legislature to allocate additional funding for program improvements if DES corrects

Bills: SB1017 , SB1149 , SB1162 , SB1192 , SB1249 , SB1253 , SB1331 , SB1333 , SB1334

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: informed consent, surgical procedures, healthcare professionals, patient rights, regulatory compliance, child welfare, dependency hearings, foster care, court procedures, parental rights, healthcare compliance, behavioral health technicians, licensing, monitoring, administrative burdens, basic first aid, good samaritan, medical licensing exemption, Arizona medical board, A.R.S. 32-1421

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:45:17.280><c> should</c> but whether the legislature should but whether the legislature should
• ,</c><01:49:28.640><c> the</c> insult to the legislature, the insult to the legislature, the taxpayers
• </c> on a beach in Florida. on a beach in Florida.
• I would actually reside in Florida.
• ,</c> you know, spend your time in Florida, you know, spend your time in Florida, you<06:29:33.800><c

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1514 on Public Records and Meetings, Space Florida, by Senator Burgess.
• Very briefly, this is the public records bill to go along with the Space Florida bill that this committee
• The bill exempts from public record meetings of the Board of Space Florida.
• The bill exempts from public record meetings of the Board of Space Florida when they are discussing trade
• Thank you, and welcome to the Florida Senate. Thank you so much. Good job.

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, the number one state in the country for manufactured housing is Florida.
• What's Florida have that we don't? Hurricanes, right.
• </c> for manufactured housing is Florida for manufactured housing is Florida what's<00:27:11.480><c>
• Florida</c><00:27:11.840><c> have</c><00:27:11.960><c> that</c><00:27:12.080><c> we</c><00:27:12.200>
• <c> don't</c> what's Florida have that we don't what's Florida have that we don't hurricanes<00:27:13.760

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:01 Roll Call 00:16 HB 211 Discussion 02:55 HB 211 Vote 16:30 HB 160 Discussion 18:50 HB 160 Vote 52:06 Adjournment 57:35, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Local Government met for its first meeting of the year, established a quorum, and heard two bills. House Bill 211, sponsored by Representative Chris Lewis, would create a definition for cigar bars and allow indoor cigar smoking in qualifying establishments if they meet criteria such as deriving at least 15% of gross income from cigar-related sales, restricting entry to those 21 and older, prohibiting cigarettes and vaping, and requiring a smoke-free area for deliveries. Lewis and Louisville Metro Council member Anthony Pantini described the bill as a small-business and tourism measure modeled on Tennessee law, while the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and a St. Elizabeth physician opposed it, arguing it would undermine local smoke-free ordinances and expose patrons and workers to harmful secondhand smoke. Several members raised local-control concerns, and Lewis said he was open to local governments making decisions on less restrictive approaches. The committee adopted a committee substitute and then approved HB 211 on a roll call vote, with multiple members voting yes and several no votes, sending the bill forward as amended. The committee then heard House Bill 160 from Representative Susan Whitten, with Logan Haynes of the Kentucky Manufactured Housing Institute. They said Kentucky faces a housing shortage of roughly 200,000 units and that starter homes are increasingly unaffordable, making manufactured housing an important part of the solution. Whitten said the bill would treat manufactured housing more like site-built housing while still allowing local governments to enforce cosmetic standards such as roof pitch, exterior facade, and foundation material, and she emphasized that HOA, deed, and historical preservation restrictions would remain in place. Haynes argued that modern manufactured homes are federally and state inspected, more energy efficient, faster to build, and more affordable than site-built homes, and he said the bill would not open the door to older-style mobile homes or single-wides except in limited narrow-lot situations. Representatives from the Kentucky League of Cities and the Kentucky Association of Counties expressed concerns about the bill’s current language, saying land-use decisions should remain local and warning that the definition of qualified manufactured home and the bill’s treatment of local standards could have unintended consequences. They said they appreciated Whitten’s willingness to work with them and indicated they hoped to continue negotiating amendments as the bill moved forward. No vote on HB 160 was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I WON'T DO IT HERE IN FLORIDA EITHER. >> Chair: ANY OTHER DEBATE ON THE BILL? DEBATE ON THE BILL?
• SECTION 112 FLORIDA CODE OF ETHICS FOR ANYONE WHO IS A PUBLIC OFFICIAL OR CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OFFICE
• THIS BILL IS FILED AT THE REQUEST OF MANY FLORIDA VETERANS AND WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF
• CHAIRMAN THIS DEALS WITH FINES IMPOSED BY THE COMMISSION ON ETHICS OR ANY VIOLATION OF THE FLORIDA CODE
• COMMISSION ON ETHICS FOR PURPOSES OF THE SUBSECTION DEALING WITH PENALTIES FOR THE FLORIDA COMMISSION

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• States like Florida and Idaho also proved that this approach works.
• Florida, through its strategic self-sufficiency, implemented programs like the Open Door Grant Program
• Representative Soder just mentioned Idaho and Florida, which have demonstrated the viability of the approach
• Siegel here, who has been an advisor to this legislature for a number of years on a number of important

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on a large slate of bills related to advertising, economic development, tourism, digital advertising, delivery taxes, and alcohol taxation. The first panel supported H. 3249, which would create a high school trade partnership program linking public schools with private employers, especially in manufacturing, and would offer employers a tax credit for participation. Representative Soder, Uxbridge High School leaders, and others argued the bill would strengthen career pathways, build a skilled workforce, and keep students and jobs in Massachusetts. The committee then heard testimony on H. 3031 and S. 2003 to modernize the Massachusetts Tourism Trust Fund by dedicating an additional share of hotel occupancy tax revenue to tourism promotion. Tourism and hospitality representatives from Cape Cod, Southwick Zoo, and Indian Ranch said the proposal would not raise taxes but would reinvest existing visitor-generated revenue into marketing that supports jobs, local businesses, and municipal tax receipts. A tech-industry coalition opposed several digital advertising tax bills and a delivery tax bill, warning they would raise costs, create uncertainty, and burden consumers, small businesses, and delivery workers. The largest portion of the hearing focused on S. 2029, which would raise the alcohol excise tax by 10 cents per drink and dedicate the revenue to public health programs. Public health experts, advocates, a student prevention leader, and representatives from Jane Doe, Inc. argued the tax would reduce alcohol-related harms, address decades of inflation-driven erosion in the tax, and generate substantial new funding for prevention, treatment, domestic violence services, and community schools. Committee members asked questions about the current tax structure, inflation, and how the proposal compares with neighboring states. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair adjourned after public testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next we have Tony Large, Florida College of Emergency Physicians. Thanks.
• Tony Large, representing the Florida College of Emergency Physicians.
• We have Dan Davis, Florida Health Care Association, waves in support.
• Barney Bishop, Florida Smart Justice Alliance, waves in support.
• And finally, Barney Bishop, Florida Smart Justice Alliance, waves in support.

Summary: The Health Care Facilities and System Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered five bills. HB 1101 on out-of-network providers drew the most discussion; Rep. Albert said it would require written notice when a patient is referred to an out-of-network provider and would count certain insurer payments toward deductibles. Several members and the Florida College of Emergency Physicians raised concerns about placing the burden on doctors’ offices, possible delays in referrals, and unclear enforcement, but the bill was reported favorably 16-2. Public testimony included support from AARP and concerns from emergency physicians about ER workflow and insurance-network transparency. The committee then unanimously approved PCS for HB 475, reducing fines for ambulatory surgery centers that violate good-faith estimate requirements from $1,000 to $250 per day, with a lower maximum penalty. The bill sponsor said the change was intended to right-size penalties for smaller facilities; witnesses from surgery centers and HCA supported it. HB 797, which would allow a nonprofit retirement community serving veterans and spouses to create veteran-and-spouse nursing home beds and transfer a certificate of need within 100 miles, also passed unanimously after members discussed whether it could affect access for veterans; the sponsor said it would create additional private beds rather than displace existing ones. HB 1085 on the Children’s Medical Services Program was amended and reported favorably 14-3. The bill would move managed care plan operations for medically fragile children from the Department of Health to AHCA, keep clinical eligibility at DOH, and shift PPEC services fully into managed care. The adopted amendment changed the waiver provision to require AHCA to develop and present a comprehensive redesign plan for the Medicaid model waiver for children receiving private duty nursing. Several members supported the goal but raised concerns about eliminating family choice and the impact on medically fragile children. Finally, HB 1353 on home health care services passed unanimously. The bill would remove geographic limits on home health administrators, allow more licensed RNs including contract RNs to perform visits, and revise the home health excellence award program. Supporters said it would address workforce shortages and improve access, while one member warned it could increase costs and competition for nurses. The committee adjourned after reporting all five bills favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• minority position in the United States for tax to be collected at the point of sale, for example, Florida
• Florida collects at the point of sale, I believe also Indiana.
• ..up to that would be: when money is requested to come out of the Medicaid trust fund, does the legislature

Committee: All REVENUE & TAXATION- HOUSE SALES, USE, MISC. TAXES & EXEMPTIONS SUBCOM.

Summary: The committee first approved special expenses incurred by the committee, then took up interim study proposals. ISP 2025-069, sponsored by Representative Perry and presented by Representative Eaton, would move collection of sales tax on motor vehicles from the current post-purchase registration process to the point of sale at dealerships. Committee members and DFA discussed the current 60-day registration/tax payment window, possible fiscal and programming impacts on DFA, the added administrative burden on dealers, verification and audit issues, and concerns about whether the change would improve or complicate tax collection. After questions, the committee voted to send the proposal to research/interim study. The committee then considered ISP 2025-071, from Representative Ray, based on House Bill 1636, which would phase out the state excise tax on soda over five years if revenue triggers were met. Representative Ray explained the tax revenue supports the Medicaid trust fund and said the proposal was intended to continue discussion after the bill failed on the House floor in the regular session. Members asked about the annual revenue generated, the trust fund’s other revenue sources, and whether the revenue would be replaced. DFA was asked to provide additional information on how withdrawals from the Medicaid trust fund are authorized and whether the legislature has oversight. The committee then approved the proposal for interim study and adjourned.