Transcript Highlights:

• So if you're a builder and you want to go build in Trona County from Larry County, you know, the process
• Nick Agopian for the Wyoming County Commissioners Association and also for Teton County Board of County
• And they went to the county attorney, and the county attorney says there's nothing you can do.
• <00:32:05.039> attorney county attorney and the county attorney county attorney and the county
• in northern and southern Lincoln County. in northern and southern Lincoln County.

Bills: HB0002, HB0022

Keywords: building permits, local government, residential construction, permit timelines, code compliance, municipal officers, recall election, petition requirements, local governance, voter participation, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chris Dolan from the Small County Coalition. You're recognized. Thank you, sir.
• I represent the Small County Coalition.
• Jeff Scala, Florida Association of Counties. Come on up. You're recognized.
• Thank you, Chairman, and Jeff Scalph, Florida Association of Counties.
• So I thank all of you for giving those cities and counties a voice.

Summary: The State Administration Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered three bills. HB 1221, the Department of Financial Services agency package, was presented as a streamlining and modernization bill covering the My Safe Florida Home Program, unclaimed property, and the state’s new PALM accounting system. Two amendments were adopted: one restoring the current $15 million cap DFS may retain in the unclaimed property trust fund and another making conforming changes to replace references to FLAIR with PALM. The bill was supported by public witnesses and was reported favorably after a unanimous roll call vote. The committee then heard HB 1291, dealing with the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA). The sponsor explained that the bill was intended to address concerns that NICA could fall below actuarially sound funding in the 2027-2028 fiscal year and that current law lacks clear triggers for funding remedies. An amendment was adopted that removed the bill’s fiscal impact and preserved a $20 million reserve. NICA representatives spoke in support, and the amended bill was reported favorably by unanimous vote. Finally, the committee took up CSHB 1329, which would modernize local government budget transparency by requiring budgets to be posted 14 days before hearings, retained online for five years, and made searchable and accessible, while also requiring a 10% budget-cutting exercise before adoption. Local government groups and the CFO’s office discussed costs and suggested that the EDR portal may be a better centralized way to present the data, especially for smaller jurisdictions. Members generally supported the transparency goal but raised concerns about implementation costs; the sponsor said the bill was still being refined. The bill was reported favorably on a mostly party-line vote, with one member voting no for now. The meeting then adjourned after the chair noted submission of the FY 2026-27 budget recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• James Craig with Jefferson County Public Schools. Thank you, Chairman.
• <00:03:20.080> Public<00:03:20.400> Schools County Public Schools County Public Schools
• There's some hand-wringing in my County.
• And this is an undemocratic County.
• <00:09:10.600> way represents part of Jefferson County way represents part of Jefferson County

Keywords: This meeting failed to stream and a back up recording was uploaded in it's place., 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , one of the greatest counties in Texas as, uh, today, as Parker County today in the Texas Capitol.
• Uh, Parker County was established in 1855.
• of Parker County.
• HB 3718 by Frank Rulings, the jurisdiction of county courts in Wichita County for the Committee of Judiciary
• on County and Regional.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have board of directors in less populous counties and a board of directors in populous counties, and
• Um, there are approximately 50 counties that fall into the populous counties bracket, um, and they all
• Um, also on the right part of this page, the map, the red counties in this map are the counties that
• So staying here in Travis County.
• government because these are now county prisoners.

Transcript Highlights:

• County.
• Santa Fe County has 30%, Otero County 19%, Taos 8%, and Valencia County 2%.
• to Lea County to San Juan County.
• The larger counties and the destination counties do get some funding as well. Thank you for that.
• County, I believe.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the County Judge of Montgomery County.
• I am the county.
• I'm a county commissioner in Johnson County.
• county.
• , Duval, and Webb Counties.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• County line.
• , Columbia County line.
• For example, we have looked at Lafayette County. We have looked at Mayo County.
• We have looked at DeSoto County.
• It allows us to go out and help Brevard County, help Lake County with their flooding.

Summary: The committee took up four bills before moving to a broader discussion of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Trust Fund. SB 434, which would prohibit counties from increasing a home’s assessed value because the owner installed wind mitigation measures, was presented as a homeowner protection measure and reported favorably. CS/SB 110, clarifying that certain 98-year-or-longer residential leaseholders remain eligible for the homestead exemption even if the lease ends at death, was also reported favorably without opposition. SB 856, requiring online real estate listing platforms to display estimated ad valorem taxes using prescribed calculation methods and not the current owner’s tax bill, drew supportive testimony from property appraisers, Zillow, and local government groups; members emphasized transparency for buyers, especially first-time homebuyers, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then spent most of the meeting on SPB 7040, which would recreate and extend the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund through December 31, 2027. Supporters, including the Division of Emergency Management, argued the fund is needed for hurricanes, flooding, other disasters, and rapid response operations, and said the extension preserves legislative oversight that would otherwise lapse. Opponents from advocacy and policy groups argued the fund has been used too broadly, especially for immigration-related detention and enforcement activities, and criticized the lack of tighter guardrails and transparency. They cited deaths in detention facilities, the use of emergency dollars for non-disaster purposes, and concerns about political favoritism and public accountability. Director Kevin Guthrie testified at length in support of the extension, explaining that the fund is used for natural, man-made, and technological emergencies, that reimbursements from federal and other sources are returned to the fund, and that the state has used it for hurricanes, flooding, civil unrest, international evacuations, and immigration-related operations under Operation Vigilant Sentry. He said the division has sought federal reimbursement for some expenses and that the fund helps the state respond quickly when emergencies arise. Members questioned the size of the fund, the amount spent on immigration-related activities, the status of federal reimbursements, and whether lawmakers should have more oversight or unannounced access to detention facilities. The bill discussion remained ongoing in the portion provided, with no final vote on SPB 7040 shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• by the Huntsville Madison County Chamber of Commerce.
• And now, the chairman of the Madison County Commission... ...the Madison County Commission.
• One could go purchase land in Bibb County and be in Shelby County and... ...county and be in Shelby County
• So can you tell me if it's already in the county that wouldn't even... already in the county, that wouldn't
• So it has specifically happened in Shelby County.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is Henderson, Anderson County.
• Then we have counties that don't even have GCDs, like... County and Liberty County, for instance.
• , Robertson County.
• It's three different counties, but only two counties in this groundwater conservation district.
• One doesn't have a GCD; that would be Houston County.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I think what's important with this is that the Hennepin County and Ramsey County are included right
• ' responsibilities to fulfill what Hennepin County and Ramsey County are doing to fulfill the requirements
• And that's one of the obstacles that our counties are working through.
• So, I'm going to be a no today, even though my county is one of the counties outside of the seven-county
• I am a Hennepin County legislator, so my county is one of the two counties that are being impacted by

Bills: HF2436

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras

Transcript Highlights:

• First workgroup, statewide workgroup meeting, which includes county members from across the state, county
• I have the only three centers in Norman County.
• I'm Lori Halverson, Dakota County Commissioner.
• I'm here on behalf of the Association of Minnesota Counties and the Minnesota County and Minnesota Intercounty
• The Association of Counties represents all 87 counties, and we at the counties are your partners in getting

Bills: HF2436

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras

Transcript Highlights:

• Lucie County or Project Lift in Martin County?
• We have in Taylor County, you know, we're currently in a state of transition.
• We have in Taylor County, you know, here in the past few years.
• He is a dual-enrolled student at Taylor County High School.
• They are choosing not to stay in Taylor County.

Summary: The Education Postsecondary Committee met to hear an overview of Florida career and technical education (CTE) from Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell and presentations from Big Bend Technical College and Santa Fe College. O’Farrell described Florida’s CTE structure, including career clusters, postsecondary program types, enrollment and completion growth, apprenticeship expansion, and the state’s credentials review process. He said postsecondary CTE enrollment is near 480,000 students and completions reached a record 76,806, with strong growth in nursing, law enforcement, EMT, and other public-safety credentials. He also discussed the CTE audit, which uses retention/success, employment or continued education, and labor-market demand metrics; programs not meeting thresholds would eventually require phase-out plans beginning in 2026. He highlighted the workforce development capitalization grant as a major driver of program expansion and facility renovation, and answered questions about business outreach, construction trades, apprenticeships, and space-industry training. Shelby McCall of Big Bend Technical College described how the college responded to hurricanes, mill closures, and regional economic disruption by expanding rural workforce training. She highlighted aluminum welding, millwright, welding technology, health sciences, and a new advanced manufacturing facility funded by state grants and local partnerships, along with a new LPN-to-RN bridge program. She said the college has strong placement and certification results and is working with employers such as Lippert, NAMO, and others to align training with local demand. Senator Simon praised the college’s role in Taylor County’s recovery and workforce development. Dr. Paul Brody of Santa Fe College said state workforce grants have helped the college expand nursing, skilled trades, apprenticeship, automotive, diesel, and manufacturing programs, including partnerships with Bradford County Technical College, UF Health, Habitat for Humanity, and local employers. He reported growth in CTE enrollment, nursing credentials, apprenticeship enrollment, and job placement rates, and described new efforts in semiconductor training, CDL training, and a charter school model that combines high school, an AS degree, and industry credentials. The committee took no formal action beyond hearing the presentations and adjourned after Senator Berman moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Johns County Day at the Capitol.
• Johns County Day at the Capitol.
• Johns County, established in 1821.
• Johns County, and before there was Florida, there was Manatee County.
• John's County, and before there was Florida, there was Manatee County.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Doctors of the Day. Members then offered several gallery introductions and Capitol Day recognitions, including St. Johns County Day, Florida Space Day, Florida State Parks Day, AMIkids Day, Manatee County Days, New College of Florida Day, and Florida Keys Day. The chamber received and adopted a committee report on 65 executive appointments. Debate focused on the confirmation of Tina Vidal-Douart, with one senator opposing her appointment over concerns about contracts tied to detention facilities and political contributions, while another senator spoke in support based on her assistance during COVID testing efforts. The report was adopted by a vote of 37 yeas and 0 nays. On the special order calendar, the Senate passed Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 48 on housing, which requires local governments to allow accessory dwelling units under specified conditions and extends certain density bonus incentives for military families. The Senate also passed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 578, creating a statewide Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Initiative through the Department of Elder Affairs. Both bills passed 38-0. Appropriations Chair Hooper gave a budget update, saying the Senate budget rollout would move to February 12 in committee and February 18 in full appropriations. The Senate then waived rules to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, and adjourned until Wednesday, February 11, for committee meetings and other business.

Transcript Highlights:

• County.
• Proposal provides targeted support for underserved counties, as Mr. Gordon referenced.
• Good evening, Breonna Browns with the California County Superintendents.
• In Sacramento County alone, over 4,000 children are waiting for childcare.
• Based owner in the city of Ventura, Ventura County.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I also have support from Montgomery County, Grimes County, Washington County, and Madison County; those
• We show you registered as Jarvis Parsons, Brazos County, on behalf of the Brazos County District Attorney's
• I have worked for the Brazos County Sheriff's Office for 30 years.
• The Chair calls Calder Lively, Chief Deputy Constable, Brazos County District Attorney.
• I'm representing the Harris County District Attorney's Office. Thank you.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some counties more than one per county.
• County.
• By the way, I'm your county County.
• to<02:49:49.840> bring County and Sheridan County to bring County and Sheridan County to bring
• <03:00:19.279> are county and other counties that are county and other counties that are asking

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a result, this amendment narrows the bill's application to Dade and Broward County.
• Sorry, Jess McCarthy, Miami-Dade County waives in opposition. Wishes to speak? Yes, sir.
• I'm trying to understand coming from the county context.
• sued the county and Waste Management over this issue because the county unilaterally kind of decided
• We had one before the Broward County Commission, the Broward County Planning Council, and the Broward

Transcript Highlights:

• Transportation uh and then in Ko County Transportation uh and then in Ko County uh<00:53:44.839>
• time times where States and counties time times where States and counties might<01:01:28.240>
• <01:06:50.279> of or is it from the City and County of or is it from the City and County of
• like our take for the counties to do like our take for the counties to do what<01:15:27.280> maybe
• counties when disaster Stakes the county counties when disaster Stakes the county they're<01:20:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: At the joint hearing on SB 951 SD2, the committees heard testimony on a child protection measure requiring mandatory child abuse and neglect reports to include military status and to improve communication between DHS and the Department of Defense. The U.S. Department of Defense testified in support and described its coordinated community response process for abuse reports, saying the bill would help ensure child safety and better coordination with DHS. DHS was initially absent, later appeared, and said it supported the measure but was still working with DOD on implementation details and staff training. Members asked about how DHS becomes involved and whether there were gaps in the current process. The chair recommended passage with technical amendments, including changing the effective date to 7/1/25 and conforming related language, and both committees adopted the recommendation by vote. The Public Safety committee then heard SB 1377 SD2, which would create a Veterans Cemeteries Board within the Office of Veterans Services in the Department of Defense to provide guidance, education, and technical assistance to state veteran cemeteries. DOD supported the bill and explained that county-run cemeteries must meet National Cemetery Administration standards to remain eligible for federal reimbursements and grants; witnesses described past compliance problems at several cemeteries, including one still not compliant in Hilo, and said the board would help counties prepare for future site visits and improve oversight without taking over operations. Members asked about costs, reimbursement amounts, and whether the state would assume cemetery operations; DOD said the current reimbursement process runs through the state to the counties and that direct takeover would be costly. The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the bill with amendments. The committee also heard SB 1382, which would make intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury to a National Guard member performing duty a class C felony. The Hawaii National Guard and HPD supported the bill, citing incidents during the Maui response where Guard members encountered noncompliant and sometimes physically confrontational individuals while assisting police and protecting impacted areas. Testimony emphasized that Guard members are often unarmed and should receive protections similar to first responders. One witness opposed the bill, but the committee moved forward and adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments. Finally, the committee took up SB 1379 SD2 on emergency preparedness and Community Readiness Centers. Hawaii Emergency Management supported the bill, and supporters said it would create a statewide framework for resilience hubs that can provide supplies, action plans, and refuge during disasters. Testimony highlighted recent hurricanes, wildfires, and other hazards, and argued the measure would complement existing county efforts rather than replace them. County of Hawaii testimony opposed the bill, raising concerns about overlap and cost, while members asked about estimated expenses and implementation. The discussion ended with questions about planning and whether the bill would enhance existing programs; no final vote was captured in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, some people who may be aware of what Wolfe County and Owsley County are like will know that when
• > are<00:15:00.080> like, Wolfe County and Owsley County are like, Wolfe County and Owsley
• , are in cities, they are in counties, are in cities, they are in counties, they<00:16:10.160>
• <00:17:53.800> I similarly situated as counties. I similarly situated as counties.
• Aye. swinging bridges in my Pike County roots swinging bridges in my Pike County roots and<00:18:38.720

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:10 Attendance Roll Call: 00:15 SB 133 Discussion: 00:52 SB 133 Vote: 05:01 SB 226 Discussion: 06:10 SB 226 Vote: 09:36 SJR 62 Discussion: 10:22 SJR 62 Vote: 12:55 SB 261 Discussion: 13:42 SB 261 Vote: 18:19 SB 262 Discussion: 19:10 SB 262 Vote: 26:36 Adjournment: 28:02, 958, all

Summary: The Senate State and Local Government Committee met and first considered Senate Bill 133, which would raise audit and reporting thresholds for certain special purpose governmental entities and allow entities with two consecutive clean audits to move to a less frequent audit cycle. Sponsor Matt Nunn said the bill was intended to reduce audit burdens and costs without reducing transparency, and the committee substitute was adopted. The bill passed the committee 8-0 with favorable expression. The committee then took up Senate Bill 226, sponsored by Senator Greg Elkins, which would allow funeral directors to take up to a 15% administrative fee once a pre-need funeral contract is fully funded. Elkins and a representative of the Funeral Directors Association explained that the bill applies to trust-funded pre-need burial contracts and does not affect insurance-funded arrangements. The bill passed 8-0 with favorable expression. Senate Joint Resolution 62 was next, a resolution by Senator Mayden asking the Division of Water to provide clearer guidance to local governments on cleaning out creeks and waterways, especially in light of flooding and debris concerns in Eastern Kentucky. The resolution passed with favorable expression, 8-0. The committee also approved Senate Bill 261, sponsored by President Stivers, which addresses ownership, responsibility, and maintenance authority for swinging bridges in Eastern Kentucky and would allow cities and counties to spend money on their upkeep; the committee substitute was adopted and the bill passed 9-0. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 262, also sponsored by President Stivers, which would allow constitutional amendments to be presented on the ballot by question rather than full text. Stivers argued this would make amendments more understandable and noted prior Kentucky constitutional changes had been made by ballot question. One senator explained a no vote, saying the bill did not clearly define who would determine a fair and accurate summary. The bill passed 7-1 with favorable expression and the committee adjourned.