Transcript Highlights:

• This includes highway and rail networks that move back... ...access to the transportation system.
• We're certainly a dynamic industry, as you just learned from FDOT, and very proud of the relationship
• So when we densify in our cargo yards, we're building higher.
• So when we densify in our cargo yards, we're building higher.
• So when we learned that that piece of property was being sold...

Summary: The Transportation Committee heard SB 356 by Senator Wright, which would create an opt-in framework allowing counties and municipalities to designate certain roads for utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs) under local conditions, including driver licensing, insurance, and speed-limit restrictions below 55 mph. Senator Wright said the bill would give law enforcement clearer authority and mirror the local-option approach used for golf carts. Supporters included a retired Volusia County sheriff and county commissioner, who argued UTVs are safer than golf carts and are already being used on roads, while opponents from the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association and Honda warned that UTVs are designed for off-road use, lack federal safety standards, and pose crash and tire-blowout risks on public roads. Several senators raised safety concerns, especially about speed and crash severity, but the committee ultimately voted to report SB 356 favorably. The committee then held a lengthy discussion on seaport infrastructure and funding, beginning with a moment of silence for JaxPort COO and former FDOT employee James Bennett. FDOT presented data showing Florida’s 16 deepwater seaports generate major cargo volume, jobs, and economic impact, and described state funding programs such as FSTED, SPI, and the construction aggregate grant program. Port representatives from Port Everglades, PortMiami, Port Tampa Bay, and the Port of Palm Beach described record cargo and cruise activity, major capital projects, and the need for continued state and federal support for dredging, bulkheads, cranes, rail, and terminal expansion. Senators asked about ROI, trade shifts, intermodal connections, fuel and LNG availability, leverage and reserves, and operational risks such as flooding, sea level rise, and channel depth; port officials emphasized resiliency, private partnerships, and long-term master planning. The committee also confirmed appointees to the Tampa Hillsborough County Expressway Authority and the Tampa Port Authority in one vote, with no objection. Finally, FDOT presented the statewide mapping programs work group report required by SB 1662, explaining that coordinated statewide use of LiDAR and aerial imagery could reduce duplication, improve emergency management and planning, and support insurance and storm-damage assessment. FDOT recommended a formal statewide coordination program, shared procurement and cost-sharing agreements, dedicated staffing, and statutory updates to Chapter 334 to support interagency agreements and recurring funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we all learned a lesson during COVID. when we couldn't get access to semiconductors and we saw
• I'm still like learning the structure, so I was confused on.
• SQL database for debt and was built in 2015. currently use an access GUI.
• And that access GUI is getting to the point of limitation.
• Yet, access to arts education remains deeply inequitable.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• VOGO IS A VIDEO-BASED LEARNING THAT CONNECTS WITH OUR 43,000 INMATES.
• THEY GENERATED 520,000 PROGRAM LEARNING HOURS SO VIRTUAL TRAINING IS VERY EFFECTIVE IN PRISONS.
• THINGS LIKE LIKE EARLY LEARNING AND KINDERGARTEN READINESS.
• THE LEARNING GAINS, THE PM ASSESSMENTS USED ACROSS ALL SCHOOLS.
• UNIFORMLY FAIR AND ACCESSIBLE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• access to the resources and the services that government are here to provide.
• We've learned from that experience.
• Taxes are higher when we're having big draws from it, correct?
• When new states start up, they get to learn from the mistakes of states that went before, get to learn
• We take your comment and where we can learn.

Keywords: Commission on Unemployment Compensation, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So they're higher on defense spending for that one year to get them to $1 trillion higher than the House
• Are we seeing better access to care, uh, more timely access to care where we had really um bad access
• The top is your temperature, and of course the darker the red, the higher the temperatures.
• We never learn our lesson.
• We always say lessons learned, but we don't learn our lesson, and we continue to watch people's houses

Transcript Highlights:

• We've learned new things as far as what...
• And we have struggled higher, largely because, I think, two reasons.
• They finance small businesses that don't have access to mainstream capital.
• It also gives an opportunity for staff to learn about the program and do.
• If we're doing it in-house, my staff can learn them.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're the most affordable, accessible system in the country.
• Florida is the number one state for higher education, Madam Chair.
• Florida is the number one state for higher education, Madam Chair.
• What I think we've learned is each of the institutions would appreciate the ability to charge a higher
• And I think what we've learned is each institution would prefer that decision to be... ...higher out-of-state

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to examine how Florida’s state universities are funded and to begin discussing a possible university funding model. The panel included the State University System chancellor and CFOs from FSU, UF, FAMU, FAU, UNF, and UCF. Members first reviewed major cost drivers, which the universities said are broadly similar across institutions: wages and benefits, equipment and supplies, financial aid, professional services, utilities, IT, and maintenance. Several institutions noted unique pressures from geography, growth, research intensity, and mission, such as UCF’s size and engineering focus, UF’s land-grant and research enterprise, FAMU’s need to recruit top talent while serving a high-Pell student population, and FSU’s large facilities and research obligations. The chancellor also summarized systemwide cost growth since 2012-13, including higher health insurance, retirement, and salary costs, while noting tuition had been held flat. The committee then discussed other revenue sources, including auxiliaries, restricted funds, capital projects, and component units such as foundations and health systems. University leaders explained that many of these funds are restricted to specific purposes, and some, like UF Health, account for a large share of operating expenses. Members also discussed the current performance-based funding process. University representatives generally praised it for transparency, accountability, and its focus on student success, but said the heavy use of one-time funds, nonrecurring appropriations, and unfunded mandates makes long-term planning difficult. FSU and others argued that rising employee costs, waivers, and facilities expenses are not fully covered, while FAMU said performance funding has improved outcomes but can disadvantage institutions serving more low-income students. In response to questions about improvements, the universities suggested more recurring and predictable funding, better coverage of mandated costs, more flexibility in fees, and continued investment in research and strategic priorities. The chancellor said the Board of Governors is considering a version 3.0 of performance funding that would benchmark institutions against peers and Carnegie classifications. The committee also explored whether universities should have more flexibility to set out-of-state tuition and professional school tuition. Most university leaders favored giving boards of trustees more authority, while the chancellor cautioned that increasing out-of-state enrollment or tuition too much could affect legislative support. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair thanking the panel and adjourning the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm looking forward to learning from all of our speakers today and using what we learn to redouble our
• So that's over 100 times higher.
• It can affect the learning environment. It can affect our economy.
• It can affect the learning environment. It can affect our economy.
• So this is this tool that you're welcome to go access.

Summary: The joint Senate and Assembly Environmental Quality/Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials informational hearing focused on the Tijuana River Valley sewage crisis, with members from both parties emphasizing that the problem is long-running, cross-border, and severe enough to require federal, state, local, and binational action. Opening remarks described the crisis as an environmental and public health emergency affecting beaches, air and water quality, marine life, tourism, and residents’ quality of life in South Bay communities. Assembly Member Boerner and Senator Jones both stressed the need for continued funding and cooperation, while Senator Padilla said the issue is underappreciated because of where it occurs but has major public health, economic, and educational consequences. Congressman Mike Levin’s office reported more than $650 million in federal funding secured for infrastructure and cleanup, along with federal legislation and requests for CDC and EPA involvement. Supervisor Paloma Aguirre gave a detailed overview of county efforts and the scope of the crisis, citing decades of sewage flows from Tijuana, nearly four years of beach closures, and the county’s expanded water-quality monitoring. She said the county is pursuing warning signs, an air purifier distribution program, an epidemiological study, soil testing, an economic impact study, and a feasibility analysis to remove the “hot spot” near Saturn Boulevard, which she described as a key local source of airborne pollution. She also pointed to binational funding for treatment plant upgrades and said the county is seeking state support, including from Proposition 4 cross-border river funds, to expand relief and mitigation efforts. Scripps researchers Dr. Sarah Giddings and Dr. Kimberly Prather presented scientific findings on water and air transport. Giddings described a high-resolution forecast model that predicts wastewater movement and beach closure risk up to five days ahead, using real-time observations and showing about 72% accuracy against county measurements. Prather said the main exposure route is through air, not just water, and reported that turbulence at the river hot spot aerosolizes pollutants, with hydrogen sulfide and other gases spiking at night and dropping when river flow is diverted. She said the team has identified thousands of gases and linked measurements closely to odor complaints, while also noting that air purifiers can reduce indoor exposure but are not a permanent solution. Dr. Paula Stigler Granados added that community health surveys and CDC assessments show widespread symptoms, sleep disruption, anxiety, and daily life impacts, especially during nighttime odor events. She said her team has found more than 900 contaminants in river water and 106 chemicals uniquely associated with the Saturn Boulevard hot spot, with passive air sampling showing similar chemical fingerprints in nearby homes. The panel discussion ended with questions about standards and accountability, and witnesses and legislators agreed that the crisis requires updated air-quality standards, more health research, and continued coordination to reduce exposure and address the source of pollution.

Transcript Highlights:

• Christine Smith, Health Access California, in support. Thank you.
• Grass grows higher than this table.
• To expand access even before COVID, we embraced an innovative, synchronous online learning model, with
• In today's higher-ed environment, we need SB 790 to remain competitive and to survive.
• Sabrina Means, on behalf of the Institute for College Access and Success.

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard a lengthy agenda of Senate bills, with most measures ultimately advancing on party-line or broad bipartisan votes after substantial testimony and several amendments. Early in the hearing, SB 418 by Sen. Menjivar was presented as a health access bill to codify ACA nondiscrimination protections in state law and require coverage for up to a 12-month supply of medically approved hormone therapy; supporters framed it as protecting continuity of care amid federal threats, while there was no opposition testimony. The committee later also took up SB 456, which would exempt muralists from contractor licensing requirements for commissioned fine art murals; supporters said recent enforcement had chilled mural projects and harmed artists and communities, and the bill passed unanimously to Appropriations. SB 641, part of the wildfire response package, and SB 774, a sunset review bill for the Department of Real Estate and Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers, also advanced with support and no opposition. SB 775 and SB 776, sunset extensions for the behavioral sciences, psychology, and optometry boards, passed after witnesses described technical changes and the need to keep the boards operating. SB 777, dealing with abandoned cemeteries, drew testimony from local governments, industry, and counties; after amendments removed a local takeover mandate and shifted the bill toward a stakeholder working group and study process, opposition softened or was withdrawn and the bill moved forward to Local Government. SB 790, on interstate reciprocity for online higher education, generated the most debate, with supporters arguing California students and institutions need stronger consumer protections and access to the national reciprocity framework, while opponents said the bill’s terms conflicted with the existing compact; it passed as amended to Appropriations after committee members emphasized continued work on student protections. The consent calendar, including SB 389 and SB 861, was also approved, and the committee adjourned after additional vote changes were recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• And fourth, improving access to methods.
• Greater access is needed to ensure that New Mexicans with OUD can access life-saving treatment in a timely
• To access that care.
• for survivors to access those services.
• secondary survivors accessing services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Before that, I had a chance to try to learn all about myself, self-taught, and I wanted to learn how
• So I did learn all by myself.
• So I did uh learn all by $15,000.
• 10:51.440> as didn't have the access to instructors as didn't have the access to instructors as
• <01:36:37.120> This workers with higher pay jobs. This workers with higher pay jobs.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• office of higher education. office of higher education.
• We're just continuing to fund them at higher and higher levels.
• We're just continuing to fund them at higher and higher levels.
• We're just continuing to fund them at higher and higher levels.
• And them uh at higher and higher levels.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They also help students learn how to navigate online databases.
• internet is not always affordable or accessible.
• access to the digital world across New Mexico.
• , internet access, whatever.
• If they have access to broadband, they can work Remotely.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Just let them play. right to equal access without right to equal access without discrimination<00:11:
• have they have so they have higher have they have so they have higher testosterone<00:51:04.280>
• students who participate have higher students who participate have higher grade<01:15:12.719>
• But I also learned about getting dunked on, literally, um, in junior high, and I learned a lot about
• But I also learned about getting dunked on, literally, um, in junior high, and I learned a lot about

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We support Walmart and Amazon workers learn and enforce their rights.
• The budget request is slightly higher.
• We already saw a lot of learning loss during the pandemic.
• community for faculty to learn how to use AI.
• That's where the California Learning Lab fits in.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I will tell you I'm still learning things every single day about PBMs.
• And I will tell you I'm still learning things every single day about PBMs.
• Or a provider, which we've learned is the same person that's negotiating the drug price.
• Consumers will face a higher premium and cost sharing.
• This cost shift will result in higher premiums and increased out-of-pocket expenses for our enrollees

Bills: AB93, AB204, AB414, AB504, AB598

Keywords: public employees, police officers, benefits, appropriation, law enforcement, medical debt, collection agency, healthcare, consumer protection, financial assistance, occupational safety, air quality, greenhouse gases, employee monitoring, safety program, hemp, hemp products, cannabidiol, CBD, cannabis

Transcript Highlights:

• Learned English and was so proud of learning about our history and took that exam and became a U.S. citizen
• cost to Medi-Cal, a much higher cost to taxpayers.
• Across the street from where she first learned to read at the library.
• I rise to present AB 123, the Higher Education Trailer Bill.
• Californians will continue to have access to multiple options under this bill.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Third, maintain current law that the single rate is the SRR or ARMR, whichever is higher.
• It's designed to ensure that all children, especially those with disabilities, can access high-quality
• I am the executive director for early learning at SCOE, the Sacramento County Office of Education.
• We request the state adopt enrollment-based funding for early learning and care programs.
• Families are still struggling to access care, and we cannot afford any delays.

Summary: The committee took up issue number seven, Child Care Rate Reform Transition Plan, and heard a presentation from the LAO on an eight-part transition plan for the period before implementation of the alternative methodology-based child care rate system. The plan would provide interim rate increases to existing regional market rates and standard reimbursement rates beginning January 1 of the budget year, keep the higher of SRR or ARMR as the single rate, annualize cost-of-care supplements, update hold-harmless language, eliminate the private market cap, authorize one-time systems transition funding with JLBC approval, and require annual reporting on parent co-pays. Members asked about the timeline and public/legislative feedback process, and administration staff said they were working toward the July 1, 2025 deadline while continuing stakeholder engagement through the rate and quality advisory process. Public comment was overwhelmingly focused on child care and early learning funding. Providers, county offices, advocacy groups, and education organizations urged the Legislature to move quickly on the alternative rate methodology, provide interim relief through a cost-of-living adjustment, reimburse based on enrollment rather than attendance, and preserve health and retirement benefits and workforce stability. Many speakers also pressed for funding to expand the promised 200,000 child care slots, warning that waitlists remain long and providers are under financial strain. Several commenters supported maintaining or extending grants and technical assistance for transitional kindergarten, inclusive early education, and mixed-delivery early learning programs. A separate set of comments addressed the Inclusive Early Education Expansion Program, with Sacramento County education officials and others urging a statewide plan that would extend support to the 20 counties not currently receiving grants, especially rural areas. Other speakers raised concerns about facilities and staffing impacts from TK expansion, the need for consistent eligibility rules across subsidized programs, and the importance of statewide systems-level funding. The chair thanked the LAO, administration, and public commenters, said the item would remain open until after the May Revision, and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:44:05.079> they're artificially propped up higher they're artificially propped up higher
• <00:53:59.280> a qualify here's how you can um access a qualify here's how you can um access
• <01:10:43.080> the Bill uh last week uh the higher the Bill uh last week uh the higher the
• higher<01:10:43.760> rate<01:10:44.560> higher<01:10:44.960> income<01:10:45.480
• > was<01:10:45.679> 80%<01:10:46.560> that higher rate higher income was 80% that

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I learned that natural gas causes a process. And my friend's story isn't unique.
• I learned that natural gas causes approximately 15,941 structure fires every year.
• Which is a few points higher than the national average.
• I've seen higher figures that we rip it out completely.
• I learned a lot. It's great to hear everybody. I learned a lot from this stuff, too.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of late-file energy bills, with much of the discussion focused on battery storage siting, gas system expansion, propane consumer protections, gas workforce safety, and a Taunton home-rule petition on water rates for manufactured housing communities. Representative Sweeney urged support for H. 4689 and H. 4690, which would impose a moratorium and setback requirements for lithium battery storage facilities, citing fire risk, proximity to homes, and environmental concerns. Several local officials and residents from Oakham, Tewksbury, and other communities described proposed battery projects near homes, schools, wetlands, and conservation land, while industry and clean-energy advocates argued the bills would effectively block storage development and conflict with state energy goals and existing fire-safety standards. The committee also heard strong support for S. 2290/H. 3547, a bill to prevent gas expansion near environmental justice communities, from environmental justice advocates, municipal officials, and clean-energy groups. Testimony emphasized rising gas bills, the cost of new pipelines, methane and health impacts, and the need to avoid locking in long-term gas infrastructure costs. Witnesses also discussed related bills on gas workforce safety, gas shut-off valves, and gas meter replacement plans, with labor representatives supporting safety-focused measures and opposing changes they said would weaken inspections, while consumer and environmental advocates argued that some utility replacement practices are unnecessarily expensive and should be reined in to reduce ratepayer costs. Other testimony included support for H. 3518 on propane gas ratepayer protections, with the witness arguing for clearer contract terms and website price disclosure, and support for S. 2652, which would authorize Taunton to create a separate water billing rate for manufactured housing communities because residents there are effectively paying higher water costs through rent due to a single master meter. No committee votes or final actions were taken during the hearing, and members mostly asked brief clarifying questions or made no comment after testimony.