Transcript Highlights:

• more people into parole as well as into, you know, other forms of rehabilitation in a much more accelerated
• more people into parole as well as into, you know, other forms of rehabilitation in a much more accelerated
• Because this really seems like an area that we should be accelerating, you know, in many respects, because
• Because this really seems like an area that we should be accelerating, you know, in many respects, because
• Because this really seems like an area that we should be accelerating, you know, in many respects, because

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 3040, which would create an Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Supporters, including Moms Demand Action and a crime-victim advocate, argued the office would improve data collection, research, and coordination to help reduce gun violence. Opponents, including several gun-rights advocates, said the proposal was duplicative, lacked oversight, and would exclude the firearms community. The chair noted 41 testimonies in support and 77 in opposition, but no vote was taken on the bill in the portion provided. The committee then moved through a series of decision-making items and adopted the chair’s recommendations on several measures. SB 17 on wildfire mitigation passed with amendments from multiple agencies and a report date shifted to the 2028 session. SB 2730 on criminal justice reform passed with a defective effective date amendment, SB 2749 on sentencing passed with a defective effective date, SB 2688 on compassionate release passed with amendments narrowing eligibility and adding notification and funding language, and SB 2798 on law enforcement passed with a defective effective date to make the agricultural enforcement pilot program permanent. SB 2645, a short-form bill, was amended to insert substantive provisions and recommitted to the committee. SB 2383, which would have provided a $15,000 retention bonus for sworn law enforcement officers, was reconsidered and held in committee because it was identified as a duplicate. The committee also passed SB 2575, relating to firearms, with amendments adopting a proposed SD1 that would establish minimum mandatory prison terms for certain class A firearm felonies and add clarifying language. SB 2720, which would create a Hawaii firearm injury restitution fund funded by firearm manufacturer licenses, also passed with amendments clarifying the fund’s scope and eligible injuries. Later, the committee began hearing SB 3107 on parole eligibility. The Office of the Public Defender and the Hawaii Paroling Authority supported language allowing the parole board to waive certain program requirements, while the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission opposed the bill, warning it could keep people incarcerated longer if program access remains limited. The Department of Corrections said it is working on classification changes and a pilot project to move inmates through the system faster.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do have a concern about the accelerator.
• ” “...I just think it’s contrary to how we handle any other form of personal property to put an accelerator
• So if it was me, it would either be $2,500 or $3,000 with no accelerator.
• I’m not comfortable with the accelerator.
• “Not comfortable with the accelerator, but I think this is a lot of progress in a much needed.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Utilities Committee met to discuss a possible House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2762, focused on regulating commercial solar development in Missouri. The chair said the goal was to provide clearer statewide standards after years of unresolved debate, and Representative Banderman walked through the draft, noting that it omits water-related provisions, wind-tower light mitigation, and county acreage caps. The substitute would set a commercial solar nameplate-capacity tax at $3,000 per megawatt with a 2% annual increase, classify only the land under panels or within the fenced facility as commercial property, grandfather existing projects, establish setback rules, and create a registration/bonding and decommissioning process exempting Chapter 100 projects. Members largely supported the need for a bill but raised concerns about specific terms. Several representatives argued the tax should start higher or increase more, while others questioned the 2% escalator as inconsistent with depreciation and inflation. The biggest debate centered on setbacks: the draft used a 500-foot setback from occupied dwellings, reduced to 300 feet if screened, with the possibility of negotiated reductions by adjacent landowners. Some members said those distances were too short and should also include property-line or farmstead setbacks, while others said the proposal balanced landowner rights, site selection needs, and economic development. Questions also came up about what counts as an occupied dwelling, whether RVs or mobile homes could be used to trigger setbacks, and whether local governments could impose additional acreage limits. Testimony also addressed safety, decommissioning, and property rights. One member raised fire-safety concerns, saying solar sites could complicate firefighting and increase risk near barns and storage areas. Another asked how bonding would work for LLCs that develop projects and later transfer them, and the sponsor said the process still needed clarification. The committee also briefly discussed whether wind-tower light mitigation should be added back into the bill, with the sponsor of that prior amendment urging inclusion. The chair concluded that the committee would revisit bonding and setbacks and return with a revised substitute after spring break, with no vote taken at this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• on their resume and, in a short period of time, and they can take that resume and maybe have an accelerated
• It would accelerate them in that career.
• This will specifically open that up for year of college, it would accelerate them in that career.
• gain the experience, I'm going to be able to go work or apply or go down a path, and this will accelerate
• would be about rather than me taking a course I'd rather go work for a company, and that could accelerate

Summary: The committee first took up HB 455, a local bill for the City of Lake Wales that would allow open containers in a downtown arts district. The sponsor said the city had invested heavily in the area and wanted to support business growth. An amendment clarified that the allowance was intended for cups, not bottles taken from restaurants, and the bill was then adopted favorably without opposition. Members then heard HB 1049 on building permit requirements, which would remove permits for certain work under $7,500 and for battery or backup power systems, while also preempting local governments from adding extra permitting rules. Two amendments were adopted: one clarifying modular homes on RV lots, and another addressing contractor “splitting” of projects to avoid the threshold and requiring five years of record retention. County and local-government groups raised concerns about inspections and permitting, while several business and advocacy groups supported the bill. It passed favorably. HB 1175, dealing with safety design standards for office surgery suites, was presented as a measure directing the Florida Building Commission and State Fire Marshal to establish new standards to improve safety and efficiency. There was no amendment or public testimony, and it passed favorably. The committee then spent extensive time on HB 221, which would let workers waive the state minimum wage for certain work-based learning, internship, or pre-apprenticeship positions for up to nine months, later narrowed by amendment to 252 days, or 126 days for minors with parental consent, and defining the program as structured learning. Supporters framed it as a way to expand apprenticeships and help small businesses offer training opportunities; opponents argued it would create free or subminimum labor, invite abuse and coercion, and raise constitutional concerns. Despite strong opposition testimony from labor, civil rights, and policy groups, the bill passed favorably after debate. The committee also heard HB 4035, a Palm Beach County local bill requiring applicants for a certificate of competency to pass the licensing exam before applying to the Construction Industry Licensing Board. The sponsor said it would streamline and modernize the process, and members discussed it briefly in support. The transcript ends before the final action on that bill is fully shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• program to made in acceleration program to made in Minnesota<00:12:33.279><c> program</c><00:12:33.760
• So this small business the thing that's currently called the small business growth acceleration program
• currently called the small business currently called the small business growth<00:16:23.759><c> acceleration
• c> program</c><00:16:24.639><c> is</c><00:16:25.600><c> run</c><00:16:25.839><c> by</c> growth acceleration
• program is run by growth acceleration program is run by Enterprise<00:16:26.480><c> Minnesota.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The climate bond allocates $1.2 billion for protecting biodiversity and accelerating nature-based solutions
• The climate bond allocates $1.2 billion for protecting biodiversity and accelerating nature-based solutions
• from $20 million to $25 million out of the $80 million, so not change the $80 million, but just accelerate
• That's a fast acceleration of spending at the Salton Sea.
• What kind of assurances can you give us that this rapid acceleration in terms of Salton Sea expenditure

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But let's look at the things that are in our control and let's accelerate that effort that initiative
• So in September 2025, to accelerate the deployment of the B tall.
• So as the secretary mentioned, we've been since 2021, we believe in a statewide efforts to accelerate
• We've coordinated early advocacy at the federal level to accelerate regulatory fame frameworks.

Transcript Highlights:

• These purifiers are able to remove 99.97% of microscopic particles floating in the air, hence why they're

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard a long agenda of health bills focused on access to preventive care, behavioral health, hospital services, and patient safety. Early items included AB 554, which would expand and protect access to HIV prevention drugs like PrEP, including injectable forms and coverage protections; supporters said it would shore up access amid federal threats, while insurers opposed it as a costly benefit mandate. AB 577 would limit insurer and PBM practices that steer medications away from physician offices and require more transparency and patient consent; doctors and patient advocates supported it, while health plans and insurers warned it could raise drug costs and disrupt specialty pharmacy networks. AB 546 would require coverage for portable HEPA purifiers for vulnerable enrollees during declared emergencies, especially wildfire smoke events, with support from air quality and public health groups and opposition from insurers concerned about benefit expansion and cost. The committee also heard AB 224, which would codify California’s updated essential health benefits benchmark plan after a public review process, adding infertility treatment, hearing aids, and durable medical equipment if approved by CMS for the 2027 plan year. DMHC said the state had completed the review and needed legislation to meet federal timing, and the measure drew broad support. AB 1032 would require plans and insurers to reimburse up to 12 additional behavioral health visits for enrollees in wildfire-affected counties for a limited period after an emergency; supporters argued it would fill gaps in trauma care after disasters, while insurers said existing parity and continuity-of-care rules already address the issue and that the bill could create inequities. AB 849 would require trained chaperones for sensitive ultrasound exams and training on how to observe and intervene; it was backed by a survivor and patient advocates, with hospitals and health districts raising staffing concerns. Later, AB 1196 would direct the Department of Public Health to update outdated rules requiring three surgeons for certain heart surgeries using cardiopulmonary bypass; supporters said the rule no longer reflects modern practice and strains staffing, while cardiology representatives had no formal opposition but wanted to review amendments. AB 1113 would codify a right to wear a mask for health reasons in public spaces, with support from disability and public health groups. AB 1386 sought to add perinatal care to the list of basic hospital services, prompting testimony about maternity ward closures, workforce shortages, and rural access; the author said the bill would be amended further and that the committee would need to revisit timelines and implementation details. The committee also heard AB 1429, which would address Kaiser’s repeated mental health parity violations and improve access to behavioral health care, though the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill is shown. Several bills were moved with motions and seconds, but many were held for quorum; AB 1196, AB 1113, and AB 1386 were among the measures advanced to a roll call or held on call, and the committee repeatedly noted that final votes would occur when quorum was available.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're trying to accelerate these programs and create those.
• So we're trying to accelerate these programs and create those.
• So we're trying to accelerate these programs and create those.
• So we're trying to accelerate these programs and create those.
• </c> time 247 so we're trying to accelerate time 247 so we're trying to accelerate these<00:10:49.320

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We accelerated cloud planning and migration across executive branch agencies and have moved well over
• Through cloud ramp-enabled acceleration, we positioned state systems to capture future cost savings,
• ><c> and</c> We accelerated cloud planning and We accelerated cloud planning and migration<00:31:14.680
• c> Through cloud ramp-enabled acceleration, Through cloud ramp-enabled acceleration, we<00:31:50.520>
• </c> accelerate the adoption of this service. accelerate the adoption of this service.

Bills: HF1338

Keywords: Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General, state oversight, government accountability, fraud, waste, abuse, audit, investigation, subpoena, whistleblower, public integrity, transparency, state agencies, executive branch, public funds, taxpayer funds, law enforcement oversight, public safety programs, advisory council

Transcript Highlights:

• Access to Acceleration Scholarship Program.
• So we're calling it the Access to Acceleration Scholarship.
• K-12 in high school specifically have higher ed opportunities, accelerated opportunities.
• Access to Acceleration Scholarship Program. So this was primarily a result of the access this.
• So we're calling it the access to an acceleration scholarship.

Summary: The Administrative Rules Subcommittee met to review a long agenda of agency rule changes, beginning with housekeeping on the order of business and then taking up rules from multiple state agencies. Early items included Department of Energy and Environment rules on landfill post-closure trust fund spending thresholds and liquefied petroleum gas standards, DFA’s odometer disclosure rule allowing electronic signatures and disclosures, and several Department of Health rules covering ionizing radiation, mobile home and recreational parks, lead-based paint, counseling licensure, hearing instrument dispensers, athletic training, dental specialties and compacts, nursing, pharmacy, physician assistants, medical compacts, speech-language pathology and audiology, radiologic technology, massage therapy, community health workers, doula certification, and cosmetology/body art. Most of these were described as technical updates, conformity with recent acts, federal standards, or compact participation, and nearly all were approved without objection after brief questions and, in many cases, no public comment. The committee also reviewed Department of Labor and Licensing rules on minimum wage/independent contractor standards, boiler rules, motor vehicle commission requirements for ATV/LSV dealers, professional wrestling regulation, appraiser qualifications, and military recruiting and retention programs. Testimony generally emphasized that the rules implemented recent legislation, updated fees or licensing standards, or streamlined existing processes. Members asked a few questions about fee structures, the rationale for regulating professional wrestling, and how the National Guard’s public-private partnership and incentive programs would work; the department said the recruiting incentives would be funded from existing appropriations and were intended to improve retention and force strength. These rules were also approved without objection. The most extensive discussion came on the Department of Education’s Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom Account Program rule. The department said the revisions, based on Act 920 of 2025, were intended to add guardrails, clarify allowable expenses, and speed approval of core educational purchases. Changes included defining core educational expenses, limiting certain sports-related spending, adding an intentional misuse standard, restricting phone purchases except for disability-related needs, setting a $1,000 threshold for additional review of technology purchases, capping carryover funds at $8,500, and creating a reconsideration process for denied expenses. Members raised concerns about safeguards, appeals, sports equipment, provider credentialing, rural vendor access, and whether the department would be flexible or overly restrictive. The department said it would review every request, provide written explanations for denials, allow appeals up to the State Board, and refer suspected fraud to prosecutors if necessary. After hearing from 13 members of the public, the committee continued to discuss the rule, but the transcript ends before any final vote on the EFA rule is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I noticed you have $2 million for accelerator and small business training programs.
• small businesses and accelerators to really help startups and get them additional capital funds.
• small businesses and accelerators to really help startups and get them additional capital funds.
• small businesses and accelerators to really help startups and get them additional capital funds.
• small businesses and accelerators to really help startups and get them additional capital funds.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard testimony on several bills, with much of the discussion focused on Enterprise Zones and related economic development measures. On SB 125, the committee heard support from DBEDT, the Department of Taxation, the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, and the Farmers Union. Members questioned how the bill would affect job-creation requirements and learned that existing companies and new companies are treated differently under the program, with existing companies generally subject to a 15% annual employment increase and new companies to a 10% increase, while the bill would extend the program period from seven to nine years. DBEDT also said the program has been effective, citing 1,162 jobs created or maintained at a cost of about $1.2 million, and noted that agriculture, manufacturing, and wholesaling are the main sectors involved. The committee then took up SB 729, also relating to Enterprise Zones, which would expand eligibility to better accommodate local manufacturers and value-added businesses that sell directly to retail rather than only wholesale. Testifiers from the Holua Collaborative and Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau supported the measure, saying it would help small manufacturers and agricultural producers add value and adapt to internet-era sales patterns. A committee discussion clarified that the bill would add value-added processing as an allowable activity within the zones, and DBEDT explained that the current rules were written for a wholesale-dominated market. The Attorney General’s office also testified, raising a supremacy clause concern and recommending language changes to avoid conflict with federal law. On SB 129, relating to labeling requirements for fish, the Attorney General and the Department of Agriculture both raised concerns about federal preemption and enforcement. The AG explained that federal law governs fish labeling but includes an exception for processed fish, and recommended narrowing the bill to processed fish and defining that term to fit the federal carve-out. The Hawaii Longline Association supported the bill but suggested excluding canned tuna while including products such as poke, sashimi, and sushi. The Department of Agriculture said it does not currently enforce this kind of labeling requirement and would need to determine whether another agency should handle enforcement. The committee also heard SB 581, which would establish an aerospace and aeronautics development program within DBEDT. Testimony was generally supportive, but members pressed for a fiscal estimate, and the bill’s sponsor said a prior version of the office had operated on about $400,000 annually with a small staff. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The middle is accelerate.
• To any extent that the outcomes and the activity of the working group can be accelerated, I think it's
• The working group can be accelerated. I think it's timely.
• So we need to keep our eye on that ball, in fact, accelerate our efforts to make sure we have a trained
• Director Myers talked a lot about the BET and Accelerate sectors.

Summary: The hearing focused on the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (Go-Biz) and several related budget proposals. Director D.D. Myers described the California Jobs First economic blueprint, regional planning efforts across 13 regions, and the state’s strategy to target sectors such as ag tech, space, life sciences, semiconductors, and emerging technologies. She also discussed the California brand campaign, export promotion, film tax credits, and the California Civic Media Fund, emphasizing job creation, regional equity, and business attraction/retention. Members raised questions about support for journalism, arts and creative industries, AI’s impact on jobs, foreign direct investment, manufacturing, tariffs, and how the Jobs First framework is being implemented across regions. Go-Biz then presented trailer bill language to extend the encumbrance deadline for remaining Jobs First administrative funds and to codify the Office of Regional Economic Development Initiatives. The department said $95 million of the $100 million Jobs First appropriation had already been deployed to grants for counties and tribes, and members asked for more information on regional outcomes, including Orange County and the North State. Public comment supported Jobs First and the Small Business Development Centers’ role in helping businesses access capital and create jobs. The committee also heard a request for ongoing CalExport funding to replace uncertain federal STEP support; the LAO noted the Legislature may want to weigh whether to backfill federal reductions, while Go-Biz argued the state program is needed because federal support appears unlikely to continue and demand exceeds available funding. The committee next heard the film and television tax credit staffing request. Go-Biz asked for funding for three permanent positions to manage the expanded program, and the LAO recommended approval given the increased workload. The Film Commission reported a sharp rise in applications after AB 1138 and the program expansion, with productions taking place both inside and outside the Los Angeles 30-mile zone and activity spread across the state. Finally, Go-Biz presented a request for one permanent position and one graduate student assistant to support innovation and emerging technologies, including quantum and fusion. Members asked about the use of the state’s quantum funding, and staff explained it would support microgrants, state capacity-building, and workforce education. No formal votes were taken in the portions provided, and the chair indicated some items would be moved and heard later in the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• leaders to allow us to use what right now is an unavailable source of revenue, and that is the June accelerated
• Um, Senator Putnam, the statement reads, “We request the ability to use June accelerated sales tax options
• :01:00.559><c> June</c> "We request the ability to use June "We request the ability to use June accelerated
• :01.920><c> tax</c><00:01:02.239><c> options</c><00:01:03.120><c> as</c><00:01:03.359><c> a</c> accelerated
• sales tax options as a accelerated sales tax options as a revenue<00:01:03.920><c> source</c><00:01:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So you're accelerating a student's time to completion, as well as saving them money as that articulation
• the more that you can get secondary students engaged in some of that post-secondary exposure, it accelerates
• the more that you can get secondary students engaged in some of that post-secondary exposure, it accelerates
• industry-recognized credential, we have the instructional materials and equipment that's necessary to really accelerate
• We have the instructional materials and equipment that's necessary to really accelerate individuals entering

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:

• uh we've got Senator Chairman Sparks here uh to offer an explanation of that bill as it affects Accelerate
• </c> of that bill as it affects uh Accelerate of that bill as it affects uh Accelerate Mississippi.
• So technically, Accelerate Mississippi, they operate under MDES and then also have to go to the SWIB
• So technically, Accelerate Mississippi, they operate under MDES and then also have to go to the SWIB
• So technically, Accelerate Mississippi, they operate under MDES and then also have to go to the SWIB

Keywords: Accountability, Efficiency, Transparency - Room 210; 28 January, 2026: 10:30 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we are still waiting for response from the leaders group on whether we are permitted to use June accelerated
• And if they allow June accelerated, then the Senate has a job to do to work that out regarding our proposal
• as a revenue source um or accelerated as a revenue source um or whether<00:01:28.080><c> we</c><00:01
• 00:01:44.000><c> they</c><00:01:44.320><c> allow</c><00:01:45.040><c> June</c><00:01:45.520><c> accelerated
• ,</c> um if um they allow June accelerated, um if um they allow June accelerated, then<00:01:46.399><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh demand is accelerating.<01:10:42.480><c> uh</c><01:10:42.640><c> dispatchable</c><01:10:43.280><c>
• generation</c> accelerating. uh dispatchable generation accelerating. uh dispatchable generation is<
• </c> has driven up um those uh accelerated has driven up um those uh accelerated those<01:15:54.320><
• Uh first is demand's<01:28:27.679><c> accelerating</c><01:28:28.239><c> at</c><01:28:28.480><c> a</c>
• <01:28:28.639><c> pace</c><01:28:28.960><c> that</c><01:28:29.199><c> we</c> demand's accelerating at

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Implementing these actions would further accelerate its decline, keeping the types of ecotourism anticipated
• Implementing these actions would further accelerate its decline, keeping the types of ecotourism anticipated
• Implementing these actions would further accelerate its decline, keeping the types of ecotourism anticipated
• &nbsp; 141 IMPLEMENTING THESE ACTIONS WOULD&nbsp; FURTHER ACCELERATE ITS DECLINE.

Summary: The committee first took up CS/House Bill 981, which would restore the Ocklawaha River and related natural resources. Supporters, including environmental groups, Save the Manatee Club, business owners, and Reunite the Rivers advocates, argued the bill would improve manatee habitat, fish passage, flood protection, tourism, and long-term economic returns while reducing dam maintenance costs. Opponents and skeptics focused on concerns about water quality, nutrient loading in the St. Johns River, loss of the Rodman Reservoir’s habitat and water-supply value, and potential ecological and economic harms. Members in debate largely supported the restoration effort, and the bill was reported favorably on a unanimous vote. The committee then heard HB 697, the PRICE Act, which would use international reference pricing to set a drug cost benchmark, address pharmacy benefit manager practices, and require health plans to keep drug prices stable for the year. The sponsor said the bill would lower costs and improve access, especially for uninsured Floridians. Supporters, including independent pharmacists, argued PBMs are squeezing pharmacies and that the bill could help lower prices. Opponents from BioFlorida and PhRMA warned the proposal could disrupt the national drug supply chain, fail to pass savings to patients, and lead to shortages, reduced access, and less innovation. After debate, the bill passed favorably, with Rep. Chambliss voting no. The committee also considered CS/HB 1081, which was amended to include private colleges and universities with NCA designation in the program. After brief discussion and support from United Way Miami, the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, CS/HB 177 was introduced as a framework for Florida’s regional councils to cross-assign bills among regions; it received supportive testimony and was also reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we will be looking at the Department of Employment Security, LIS Accelerate Mississippi, and the
• Employment looking at the Department of Employment Security,<00:18:02.559><c> Lis</c><00:18:03.360><c> Accelerate
• ,</c><00:18:03.919><c> Mississippi,</c> Security, Lis Accelerate, Mississippi, Security, Lis Accelerate

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 14 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We hear a lot of interest in that, but also accelerating site approvals for biomanufacturing through
• especially in these high-value sectors, and anything that we can do to continue to invest in and accelerate
• And I went through their accelerator program, where I met other investors and other mentors.
• One example that is working is local partnerships like our procurement accelerator, which helped increase
• One example that is working is local partnerships like procurement, our procurement accelerator, which

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact held an informational hearing in San Diego focused on “Making Sense of California’s Economy: Real Cost Pressures and Household Impacts Facing San Diego.” Chair Salas and Assemblymember Darshana Patel opened by emphasizing affordability, housing, and the importance of bringing state policy discussions into the community. The first panel featured leaders from Cal State San Marcos and the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, who described the region’s innovation ecosystem, the university’s role in social mobility and workforce development, and the importance of partnerships with K-12 schools, community colleges, military installations, and industry. They also highlighted regional strengths in life sciences, aerospace and defense, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and venture-backed innovation, while warning that housing costs, federal research cuts, permitting delays, and small-business fragility threaten growth and talent retention. Committee members asked about collaboration among higher education institutions and what state policy changes could help. Panelists said the region’s universities are complementary rather than competitive and stressed the value of public-private partnerships, social innovation, and aligning academic programs with employer needs. On policy, they urged faster permitting, possible regulatory sandboxes, stronger research investment, support for cross-border trade and manufacturing, and more housing affordability to keep workers in the region. The second panel centered on small business and entrepreneurship, with testimony from Hydrostasis founder Dr. Debbie Chen, Amai co-founder Sven Davison, and Asian Business Association San Diego CEO Jason Pagal. Chen described building a hydration-monitoring wearable, the barriers women founders face in accessing capital, and the importance of SBDC, Stella Foundation, and university internship support. Davison described Amai’s edible cup business and how tariffs, supply-chain costs, and financing constraints forced the company to pivot manufacturing plans. Pagal presented survey data showing high relocation intent, difficulty hiring, and low confidence among businesses, and recommended expanded technical assistance, regional cost-of-living adjustments, and small-business affordability zones. During questioning, members discussed targeted procurement and local incentive models, the role of SBDC and other support networks, and how to better tailor state programs to local conditions. Public comment came from the California Southern Small Business Development Corporation, which stressed that access to affordable capital remains a major challenge and noted the volume of loan guarantee requests coming from San Diego. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded with closing remarks from both members underscoring the need to use local testimony to shape future state policy and support California’s economy, families, and small businesses.