Transcript Highlights:

• Mostly in finding good data and pushing it out into the broader sector.
• It is sometimes very hard, as you may know, to find good data on nonprofits.
• With data and research, these are just some examples of who we partner with.
• Appreciate your inputs. Thank you.
• Thank you for your inputs.

Transcript Highlights:

• We can look at data.
• Now, normally, you know, in modeling studies, you have inputs, and the inputs have a lot to do with the
• Now, normally, you know, in modeling studies, you have inputs, and the inputs have a lot to do with the
• Now, normally, you know, in modeling studies, you have inputs, and the inputs have a lot to do with the
• You know, in modeling studies, you have inputs, and the inputs have a lot to do with the output, and

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:30:53.360><c> um</c><00:30:53.600><c> salt</c> also regulate um salt also regulate um salt by
• Um much of their data is accumulated through their collection of data from their motorists as well as
• Before I close this public hearing, the data in this? Because we're trying the data in this?
• </c> first, we don't provide that data first, we don't provide that data specifically<01:37:20.480><c
• Um much of their data is there.

Committee: House Public Works and Highways

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's so much better from your input. Your staff was amazing.
• There's a reason why we regulate this area of housing much more than we regulate single-family homes.
• This is a debate over so many aspects of the regulation of our economy.
• We regulate all sorts of industries that we don't subsidize.
• And I think we all struggle with how much they ought to be regulated given this special place.

Summary: The committee heard several housing-related bills, beginning with SB 1003, which would create pro-housing enhanced infrastructure financing districts to help local governments fund infrastructure needed for housing developments. The author and supporters argued that infrastructure costs often prevent projects from penciling out, while the chair expressed support and said the bill would be taken up later when quorum was available. SB 1014 followed, proposing new disclosure requirements for local jurisdictions to provide good-faith estimates of on-site and off-site improvements within 30 days of application, with supporters saying it would reduce late surprises and opposition from several cities citing implementation concerns with the 30-day timelines. The committee then took up SB 802, a Sacramento-region bill requiring a joint powers authority to coordinate housing and homelessness services. Senator Ashby and former Mayor Darrell Steinberg argued that Sacramento’s fragmented system has failed for years and that a JPA would improve accountability, coordination, and use of state funds. The bill drew broad support from local officials, service providers, business groups, and advocates, while some county and city representatives registered opposition or neutral concerns about state-mandated local governance. Several committee members said they were persuaded by the need for regional coordination, though some raised concerns about local control; the chair noted the bill would be moved when quorum allowed. The committee also heard SB 1092 and SB 1093, both focused on mobile home park residents after disasters or park sales. SB 1092 would give residents a right of first opportunity to match a sale offer for a park, with supporters saying it protects vulnerable seniors and preserves affordable housing, while park owners and their representatives argued it would devalue property and raise constitutional and financing concerns. SB 1093 would require more transparent communication, access to property, and consideration of rebuilding or closure after a disaster; supporters cited the long uncertainty faced by Palisades residents, while opponents warned about liability, safety, and burdensome review requirements. Members split along similar lines, with some emphasizing property rights and market impacts and others stressing the need to protect residents and preserve scarce affordable housing.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 6 is a collaborative, data-driven approach to unlocking California's ability to build more housing
• It's about right-sizing our regulations to the type of housing.
• And one of the things we did there, which you've reminded me, and I appreciate your input right now,
• Both the data and our experience show that the fair housing analysis has not been completed before the
• Finally, both the data and experience show that city staffers find the fair housing analysis requirements

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development heard a long agenda focused mainly on housing production, higher education facilities, homelessness, and permitting reform. Early items included AB 6, which would direct HCD to convene a working group on allowing three- to ten-unit “missing middle” housing to be built under the Residential Code rather than the Building Code; AB 48, a higher education bond proposal that would fund campus repairs, modernization, disaster recovery, and student/employee housing; and AB 76, which would clarify a Chula Vista university innovation district exemption so the project can include academic buildings and housing without conflicting with surplus land rules. Supporters emphasized affordability, cost savings, student housing needs, and access to education, while members raised questions about implementation, affordability requirements, and project scope. The committee later took votes on these items, with AB 6, AB 48, and AB 76 all moving forward on unanimous or near-unanimous votes to Appropriations. Members also heard AB 595, which would create a state homeownership tax credit pilot to support affordable for-sale housing. The author and supporters argued that California’s homeownership rate is at historic lows and that the bill would help close racial wealth gaps by financing homes working families can buy. The committee approved AB 595 and sent it to Appropriations. The consent calendar, including several other housing-related bills, was also approved unanimously. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to AB 1165, the California Housing Justice Act of 2025, which would require ongoing state investment and a financing plan to address homelessness and housing affordability. The author and witnesses described the scale of homelessness, the limits of one-time funding, and the need for sustained, accountable funding streams. After testimony from housing advocates and people with lived experience, the committee passed AB 1165 on a 10-0 vote to Appropriations. Finally, the committee heard AB 609, a CEQA reform bill that would create a simplified exemption for qualifying infill housing projects in already developed areas. Supporters framed it as a targeted way to reduce delays and costs for housing near jobs and transit, while opponents from environmental justice, labor, and tribal groups warned it could reduce public participation, weaken protections for disadvantaged communities, and create consultation concerns for tribal cultural resources. The author said the bill would not change zoning or affordability tools and would continue to work with opponents on amendments. The bill was moved forward after extensive discussion, with members noting ongoing negotiations on tribal consultation and labor concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• coastal protection, emergency management, and environmental cleanup, would proceed without public input
• Our data analysis shows that women spend twice as much time as men taking care of children on an average
• Our data analysis shows that women spend twice as much time as men taking care of children on an average
• Title V facilities are among the most comprehensively regulated stationary sources in the state.
• Title V facilities are among the most comprehensively regulated stationary sources in the state.

Committee: House Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• AND MAKE A DETERMINATION OF WHETHER THEY WOULD KEEP THE RULES AND REGULATIONS.
• WE HAVE OVER 170,000 RULES AND REGULATIONS IN FLORIDA.
• I RAN FOR OFFICE ON A PLATFORM THE LESS REGULATION AND MORE FREE ENTERPRISE.
• THE COMMITTEE RELEASED REGULATIONS TO THE DEPARTMENT ONTO THE LEGISLATURE AT THE END OF 2023.
• WE REGULATE A LOT OF THE VULNERABLE POPULATIONS AND WE BELIEVE IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO.

Transcript Highlights:

• “The rate regulation is looking forward.
• And so we'll analyze that data.
• We'll get the data.
• It's just data reporting. And that's fine.
• SB 1271 provides a practical data-driven solution.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 331 by Sen. Menjivar, which would require large-group health plans to cover hearing aids for children. The author and supporters described the bill as a long-running effort to address a developmental emergency and reduce out-of-pocket costs for families, while opponents were absent. Testimony from parents, advocates, medical experts, and organizations emphasized the importance of early access to hearing aids; committee members voiced strong support, and the bill was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations, with several members requesting to be added as coauthors. The committee then heard SB 608, also by Sen. Menjivar, to expand access to condoms in school-based health centers and related settings and to prevent barriers such as ID checks. Supporters, including students and school health advocates, argued the bill would improve sexual health and reduce stigma, while opponents from family and faith groups argued it would undermine parental authority and normalize early sexual activity. The bill was supported by committee members and moved forward on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. Next, SB 971 by Sen. Choi proposed community-based healthy aging partnerships for older adults, with testimony from the California Senior Legislature and supporters from aging and dementia organizations. The measure was described as voluntary and focused on connection, independence, and local collaboration; there was no opposition, and the committee moved it on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 869 by Sen. Weber Pierson, which would require warning icons and statements on chain restaurant menus for beverages with very high added sugar content. Supporters framed it as a transparency and public health measure, while restaurant and beverage industry representatives opposed it unless amended, citing cost and menu-space concerns; the bill was nevertheless moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations after a roll call vote, with some members voting no and the measure placed on call. The committee also considered SB 950 by Sen. Weber Pierson, aimed at ensuring timely coverage of FDA-approved, medically necessary treatments for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease on commercial plans. Supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association and a patient advocate, said the bill would reduce delays and barriers to care, while health plan representatives opposed it over step therapy and utilization-management concerns. Members discussed the limited treatment window and the need for early access, and the bill was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. In addition, SB 490 by Sen. Umberg would set timelines for DHCS investigations of unlicensed sober living homes and allow counties to assist if the department cannot act in time; supporters from Anaheim and a patient-brokering survivor described serious abuse and oversight gaps, while county behavioral health representatives opposed the county role as an unfunded and potentially liability-creating burden. After discussion, the bill was also moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1037 by Sen. Weber Pierson on health insurance affordability and rate review, with supporters arguing it would tie premium increases more closely to affordability targets and public reporting; the transcript cuts off before the committee completed action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• The data is in.
• We have data on... Over 10,000 PFAS.
• We have data on probably a handful in terms of robust data sets.
• A lot of data in terms of health characterization.
• There have been questions about real-world data.

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee established quorum and first approved several non-appearing gubernatorial appointees and procedural items on unanimous 5-0 votes, including Hampus Eitsiter to the Boating and Waterways Commission, Peter Stern to the California Horse Racing Board, Dean White to the State Mining and Geology Board, references of bills to committees, and floor acknowledgements. The committee then heard testimony on Tyler Sadwith’s appointment as Chief Deputy Director of Healthcare Programs at the Department of Health Care Services. Sadwith emphasized protecting Medi-Cal access and equity, continuing CalAIM and behavioral health transformation, and drawing on personal experience with family members needing care. Senators focused heavily on hospital financial distress, rural access, eligibility redeterminations, fraud oversight, provider reimbursement, dental access, labor and delivery closures, and the impact of federal changes; Sadwith said the department is working on expedited payments, monitoring distressed hospitals, county technical assistance, and strategies to reduce disenrollments and improve program integrity. Public commenters from county, hospital, and care organizations supported his confirmation, and the committee advanced his nomination to the full Senate on a 5-0 vote. The committee next considered Chris Thayer, PhD, for Director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Thayer described OEHHA’s role as providing transparent, scientifically rigorous health assessments and supporting tools such as Prop 65, CalEnviroScreen, and risk communication. Senators pressed him on the use of models versus real-world data, fenceline monitoring, PFAS, wildfire health impacts, and whether OEHHA’s work adequately reflects lived experience and local conditions. Thayer responded that the office often must rely on the best available evidence, including animal, human, and alternative methods, while continuing to improve communication and community engagement; he also discussed EnviroScreen updates, Prop 65 warning reforms, and research gaps. Public testimony in support highlighted OEHHA’s scientific role and the importance of biomonitoring and PFAS work. The committee approved Thayer’s nomination to the full Senate on a 3-1 vote, with Senator Grove voting no and Senator Jones not voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:41:32.000><c> We're</c> submitted our written input. We're submitted our written input.
• I have my data, my little Waikiki data, and it's 73% failure to appear.
• I think it's important that we gather data. I think it's important that we gather data.
• One of the um we gather data.
• </c> collect the data and do the research. collect the data and do the research.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs recessed briefly for a joint hearing, then reconvened and took up House Bill 2494, which would limit warrantless arrests for petty misdemeanors and violations, require officers to document arrest justification, expand citation-in-lieu-of-arrest use, and direct the Judiciary to create a standardized citation form. The chair also outlined hearing procedures and testimony time limits. Committee members later received an overview from the Policing Project about national trends in expanding citation use. Testimony was divided. Supporters, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, the Office of the Public Defender, the ACLU of Hawaii, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and the Policing Project, argued the bill would reduce unnecessary arrests and pretrial detention, lessen jail overcrowding, save law enforcement time, and reduce harms such as job loss, housing instability, family disruption, and recidivism. They also said the bill preserves officer discretion through public-safety and flight-risk exceptions, and several supporters urged the committee to adopt a standardized citation form despite the Judiciary’s request for a delayed implementation date. Opposition came from the Department of the Attorney General, the Judiciary, county prosecutors, Honolulu Police Department, and other individuals. They argued the bill would unduly restrict law enforcement discretion, create administrative and data-processing problems, and make it harder to identify repeat or habitual offenders because of changes to citation information and fingerprinting. The Judiciary requested implementation no earlier than January 1, 2028 and said the citation form would need major changes. Opponents also warned the bill could increase litigation, suppress evidence, and not meaningfully reduce overcrowding because most jail populations are held on felony matters. The chair reported 14 testimonies in support, 21 in opposition, and one with comments; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The enhanced regulation around the revocation...
• data, and other privacy concerns.
• —it's data. Who came in, how long did they come in, where are they looking at? It's data.
• I appreciate the input of the opposition for their feedback.
• And there are so many regulations or process that takes place.

Committee: House Public Safety

Summary: The committee heard several public safety bills, beginning with SB 701 by Senator Wahab, which would create a state-law tool to address a serious criminal offense that supporters said local prosecutors currently cannot punish effectively. Support came from the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, the California Police Chiefs Association, League of California Cities, and the California State Sheriffs’ Association. The ACLU and others opposed the bill as unnecessary duplication of existing law, though some opponents said they may move to neutral after amendments. Because quorum was not yet established, the bill was held open without a vote at that time. The committee then heard SB 834 by Senator Dodd, a technical cleanup bill on automatic record clearance. The author and sponsor said it would fix implementation problems in existing record-clearing laws by preventing outdated “pending” charges from blocking relief, requiring local court records to match DOJ updates, and creating a way for people to obtain written proof of relief. Support was broad and no opposition was registered. The chair recommended an aye vote, and the bill was held open until later action. Senator Rubio presented SB 248, requiring DOJ to send new gun purchasers educational materials during the waiting period about safe storage, suicide prevention, domestic violence resources, and gun violence restraining orders. Supporters said the bill is a common-sense education measure; one opponent argued the information is already provided at gun stores and in manuals. After quorum was established, the committee voted the bill out on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, with one member not voting and the measure placed on call. The committee also took up SB 19, another Senator Rubio bill, to create a new crime for credible threats against schools and places of worship even when no specific individual is named. Supporters, including law enforcement and Jewish community organizations, said current law leaves a dangerous gap and that the bill would help address swatting, bomb threats, and generalized threats. Opponents, including the ACLU and youth justice advocates, warned it would expand the school-to-prison pipeline and criminalize students. After extensive debate, the committee approved the bill on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, with the measure also held on call. Later, SB 759 by Senator Archuleta, which would require court hearings after repeated post-release supervision violations or new offenses, passed on a due-pass vote despite opposition from public defenders and justice advocates who said it would reduce discretion and increase incarceration. Finally, SB 6 by Senator Ashby, which would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance, passed after supporters argued it would curb diversion and save lives, while opponents said criminalization would not reduce overdose deaths and would hinder research; the committee chair and several members emphasized the need for tools to address the drug supply while also expanding treatment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some input from a varied group of stakeholders...
• Mississippi by creating a connected data-driven network of emergency, clinical, and community-based..
• and everything else, to go about the state and have public hearings and ask for input.
• Those are the two things that I know that have involved public or involved any input.
• Somebody somewhere, I think, made the decision that we're not going to have any public input into the

Committee: Joint Public Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:17:57.360><c> publicized</c> But if the data being publicized But if the data being publicized
• </c><00:30:50.320><c> You</c> room likes a lot of regulation. You room likes a lot of regulation.
• </c><00:30:52.080><c> from</c> know, heavy top- down regulation from know, heavy top- down regulation
• That's the way that our federal regulations work.
• </c> file f following the highly regulated file f following the highly regulated service<01:31:53.199

Bills: HF3423 , HF2354 , HF3634

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: healthcare, provider enrollment, medical assistance, legislation, state funds, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, service verification, Medicaid, human services, electronic documentation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the data. the data.
• So, what about um data we have.
• </c> &gt;&gt; So that data exists. &gt;&gt; So that data exists.
• with that data.
• </c> data. They also do um local assessments. data. They also do um local assessments.

Summary: The committee met to hear from the New Hampshire Association of School Principals as part of its review of a proposal involving statewide administrative consolidation and changes to school governance. Members first discussed how school board witnesses would be selected, with the chair saying the committee would seek a mix of district sizes and structures and would also accept emailed input. The principals’ association said it represents more than 550 principals and assistant principals and urged caution about any mandatory consolidation, arguing that successful consolidations are gradual and voluntary. Association leaders and principals testified that principals already handle a wide range of responsibilities, including instructional leadership, student discipline, safety, staff supervision and evaluation, family and community engagement, and day-to-day crisis response. They argued that shifting more legal, budgetary, and administrative duties onto principals would reduce time for coaching teachers and supporting students, increase burnout and turnover, and create legal and training risks, especially in areas such as special education, privacy, and labor issues. They also said the roles of superintendents, principals, and school board members are distinct and require different training and expertise. Members asked detailed questions about how responsibilities are divided between principals and SAUs, whether principals recruit and evaluate staff, and how much time principals work. One principal said she works about 60 to 70 hours a week and that additional duties would be difficult to absorb. Another principal described his school’s structure, the importance of community building, and the need to preserve district-wide alignment if consolidation moves forward. No votes were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The data is in.
• We have data on...” “Over 10,000 PFAS.
• We have data on probably a handful in terms of robust data sets.
• A lot of data in terms of health characterization.
• There have been questions about real-world data.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met to consider several governor’s appointees and routine committee actions. Members approved, by unanimous 5-0 votes, three not-required-to-appear appointments: Hampus Eitsiter to the Boating and Waterways Commission, Peter Stern to the California Horse Racing Board, and Dean White to the State Mining and Geology Board. The committee also approved references of bills to committees and floor acknowledgements, each by 5-0 vote. The committee then heard testimony on Tyler Sadwith’s appointment as Chief Deputy Director of Healthcare Programs at the Department of Health Care Services. Sadwith emphasized protecting Medi-Cal access for 14 million Californians, navigating federal changes, and continuing CalAIM and behavioral health reforms. Senators focused heavily on hospital financial distress, rural access, Medi-Cal redeterminations, work requirements, provider reimbursement, fraud oversight, dental access, labor and delivery closures, and the effectiveness of CalAIM and community supports. Public commenters from county, hospital, and provider groups largely supported the nomination, citing his experience and collaborative approach. The committee voted 5-0 to send his appointment to the full Senate. The committee also considered Chris Thayer’s appointment as director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Thayer described OEHHA’s role as providing transparent, science-based health assessments, improving risk communication, and supporting tools such as CalEnviroScreen and Prop 65 guidance. Senators raised concerns about reliance on models versus real-world data, PFAS, environmental justice, wildfire and battery-fire impacts, and whether CalEnviroScreen and Prop 65 are working as intended. Public testimony from environmental and health organizations supported the nomination and highlighted OEHHA’s scientific role. The committee approved Thayer’s appointment 3-1, with one senator not voting, and forwarded it to the Senate floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, for power that's needed for key items, like data centers, data centers have to be up 99.999%
• To make sure that those data centers can stay available.
• And all the regulations that have been put in place now, nuclear energy is the most heavily regulated
• Regulators to clean it up for us.
• Thank you. ...for more than just data centers.

Bills: SB78 , SB235 , SB22 , SB310

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 78, which would classify nuclear energy as renewable energy. Senator Thornton and supporters argued that New Mexico needs dispatchable, baseload power and that nuclear should be added to the state’s renewable portfolio standard because wind and solar are intermittent and require extensive land, mining, and battery storage. Supporters also emphasized nuclear’s zero-carbon profile, the safety record of U.S. Navy reactors, the possibility of small modular reactors, and the fact that New Mexico already uses nuclear-generated electricity from out of state. Opponents, including Senator O’Malley and Senator Charlie, argued nuclear is not renewable because it relies on finite uranium and creates long-lived radioactive waste, and they raised concerns about uranium mining impacts, waste storage, and the bill’s lack of a limiting principle. The committee voted 5-4 to do not pass the bill, with Senators Cervantes, Hamblen, O’Malley, Lopez, and Charlie voting yes on the do-not-pass motion and Senators Ezell, Scott, and Thornton voting no; the chair then explained that the vote reflected disagreement over whether nuclear should be labeled renewable, not opposition to nuclear power itself. The committee then heard Senate Bill 235, the Microgrid Oversight Act, with a committee substitute. Sponsor Senator Steinborn said the substitute would restore existing renewable benchmarks for microgrids, require large microgrids to meet zero-carbon targets by 2045, add reporting and PRC oversight, and close a loophole that could let utilities buy microgrid power and shift costs to ratepayers. Supporters, including environmental groups and community advocates, said the bill was needed to regulate large data-center microgrids such as Project Jupiter in Doña Ana County, which they said could drive major emissions, ozone, and nitrogen oxide pollution, strain water supplies, and undermine state climate goals. They also argued the bill would protect ratepayers and ensure transparency and community benefits. Opponents, including Americans for Prosperity, the Chamber of Commerce, oil and gas associations, Xcel Energy, PNM, Consumer Energy Alliance, and economic development groups, argued the bill would impose unnecessary regulation on private microgrids, slow investment, raise costs, and reduce flexibility for reliability projects and industrial development. They said microgrids are already regulated for safety and interconnection, and that the bill could discourage projects in New Mexico. In response, Steinborn said the bill was necessary because current law leaves a loophole for large polluting microgrids and because several major projects are already planned or underway. The committee heard extensive public testimony on both sides, but the transcript ends before a final vote on SB 235 is taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have well-established case law on which types of regulations constitute a...
• They would be treated on zoning regulations like any other residential use.
• They would be treated on zoning regulations like any other residential use.
• ,</c><05:42:36.400><c> ordinance</c> mean uh you know a regulation, ordinance mean uh you know a regulation
• </c><05:42:41.360><c> like</c> treated on zon zoning regulations like treated on zon zoning regulations

Committee: House Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't have fundamental data or the ability to track that data in our system across case management
• Our department gets a monthly download of that data into our data warehouse, and we continue to struggle
• Multiple hands, data quality, and data consistency across regional centers are all problems.
• And so right behind some other data elements, contact information is on the data cleanup list for that
• Ask for hard data.

Transcript Highlights:

• the federal independent dispute resolution process for emergency out-of-network claims under state-regulated
• It reduces... ...for emergency out-of-network claims under state-regulated commercial plans.
• with basic market data, such as policies issued, claims paid, and claims denials.
• [00:37:30.000] We have Ash Mason, waving in support, Office of Financial Regulation. Thank you.
• , waving in support, Office of Financial Regulation.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and heard a full agenda of bills, most of which were reported favorably. Early in the meeting, SB 1000 on trust fund interest for attorney trust accounts was explained as setting a floor and ceiling tied to the Wall Street Journal prime rate and passed without objection after supportive testimony from banking and credit union groups. The committee then took up CS/SB 1082 on a statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program; the sponsor described it as a way to move emergency out-of-network payment disputes away from costly litigation and into an independent dispute resolution process modeled on the federal No Surprises Act. A proposed amendment drew significant questions from senators and concerns from the Florida Insurance Council about confusion over state versus federal eligibility and possible effects on contracted rates, and the sponsor ultimately withdrew the amendment. The underlying bill was then supported by health care and insurance stakeholders and reported favorably. SB 684 on electronic signatures for total loss vehicles and vessels also passed, with Progressive Insurance waiving in support. The committee next approved CS/SB 158 on pet insurance, which requires continuing education for agents, clearer consumer disclosures, and annual reporting to OIR; the amendment was technical and adopted. SB 1494 on breast cancer screening coverage was presented as expanding required coverage for mammograms and supplemental screenings for certain insurance products, and it passed with support from cancer and radiology groups. CS/SB 314 on digital asset issuers was amended to create a Florida framework for payment stablecoin issuers consistent with the federal GENIUS Act, allowing state-level regulation as an alternative to federal supervision, and was reported favorably. SB 1500 on uncontested probate proceedings, including higher small-estate thresholds and clearer authority for personal representatives, also passed after a banking-related amendment requiring letters of administration for safe deposit box access was adopted. Later, the committee approved CS/SB 618 on workers’ compensation insurance, which raises the consent-to-rate cap for workers’ comp policies from 10% to 20% and adjusts the Florida Workers’ Compensation Guarantee Association board membership; a carrier representative testified that the change would help keep more high-risk accounts in the voluntary market. CS/SB 1568 on a Florida Stable Coin Pilot Program was amended to remove authority for DFS to create a Florida coin, limit the pilot to existing stablecoins with at least $1 billion market capitalization, and require qualified public deposit handling; it then passed. CS/SB 838 on electronic payments for retail installment contracts clarified that convenience fees for electronic payments are permissible while preserving a fee-free option, and it was reported favorably after questions about consumer access to free payment methods. SB 1452, the Department of Financial Services agency bill, made a wide range of administrative changes affecting My Safe Florida Home, unclaimed property, licensing, bail bonds, and other DFS functions; a late-filed amendment on title insurer appointments was adopted, and the bill passed. The committee also approved SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, targeting condo hardening assistance to owner-occupied units meeting income and occupancy criteria, and SB 990 on protected cell captive insurance companies, which the sponsor and industry witnesses said would modernize Florida law and promote insurance competition and economic activity. The meeting ended with all bills on the agenda reported favorably and the committee adjourning without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• public health, transparency, and collaboration, and ensuring that policies are grounded in science, data
• public health, transparency, and collaboration, and ensuring that policies are grounded in science, data
• An act relating to the Department of Labor and Industries' authority to enact rules related to regulating
• Future changes would still go through the existing rulemaking process, with input from workers, employers
• There is no indication that the federal government is going to change any of their regulations in regard

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, the pledge, prayer, and recognition of guests from the Sikh Coalition and Kalsa Gramath Center. Members then approved the journal and moved through committee reports and resolutions, including Senate Resolution 8678 honoring the Chimicum High School Marching Band for being selected to represent Washington in the 2026 National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. The resolution was adopted unanimously, and the band and its supporters were recognized in the gallery. The chamber then confirmed two gubernatorial appointments to major health agencies. Ryan Moran was confirmed as Director of the Health Care Authority by a 49-0 vote, with supporters citing his Medicaid and health system experience and ability to provide stable leadership. Dennis Worsham was also confirmed as Secretary of Health by a 49-0 vote, with senators highlighting his long public health career, statewide outreach, and work on HIV/AIDS and community health. On legislation, the Senate passed Senate Bill 6011, expanding Court of Appeals bailiff authority to conduct threat assessments, and Senate Bill 5831, creating the Uniform Mortgage Modification Act. Senate Bill 6188, which expands Labor and Industries’ authority to update asbestos training and certification rules, passed 38-19 after an amendment to limit the bill to federal standards was rejected. Substitute Senate Bill 5917, concerning access to abortion medications through the Department of Corrections pharmacy, passed 32-17 after several Republican amendments were defeated. The Senate also passed In Gross Senate Bill 6024 on developmental disability services confidentiality and Substitute Senate Bill 6091 on prohibiting real estate brokers from marketing residential properties in exclusive private listings. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5840, adjusting campaign finance expenditure reporting deadlines, passed 46-3. After completing the day’s business, the Senate recessed for caucus and lunch until 1:15 p.m.