Transcript Highlights:

• I enjoyed working with you and learning what is important to you.
• Water access. Senate Bill 1162 by Senator Leak. Water access facilities.
• ... ...populations with excellent access to care.
• But the challenge is most of our population in underserved areas does not have access to care that's
• And that led me on a journey to learn about toxicity and about health.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard a presentation on its 2025-2026 budget recommendations and adopted the proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The chair highlighted major funding items including more than $1.2 billion for water quality and Everglades work, citrus recovery, food bank and pantry grants, wastewater and drinking water loans, beach restoration, flood and sea level rise projects, rural land protection, disaster loans, state facilities repairs, SLERS, accounting system replacement, and continued funding for My Safe Florida Home. Staff were authorized to make technical adjustments, and members were told final proviso project lists would be printed later in the week. The committee then considered several bills and reported them favorably, including SB 796 on DEP general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems to help local governments address failing septic-related water quality problems; SB 1162 expanding boating improvement and water access facilities programs; SB 466 implementing the Florida Museum of Black History task force’s selection of West Augustine as the museum site; SB 178 creating a FAMU agronomic study on viable crops for land taken out of production; CS/SB 678 allowing pawnbroker transaction forms to be printed or digital; and CS/SB 736 updating the Brownfields program, with a technical amendment adopted. Testimony on these bills was generally supportive, with speakers from affected industries, local governments, and advocacy groups. The committee also took up CS/CS/SB 700, the comprehensive Florida Farm Bill, which included technical agency changes and major policy provisions such as restrictions on additives to public water supplies, labeling requirements for meat, milk, poultry, and eggs, drone-related protections for farmland, disaster recovery loan updates, an honest services registry for charities, FFA scholarship and school infrastructure provisions, and a mechanism for state purchase of former solar-converted agricultural land. The water-additive provisions drew extensive debate and testimony from supporters and opponents, including dental professionals, public health advocates, and groups arguing for medical freedom and local control. Despite the controversy and a no vote from Senator Arrington, the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1226 creating a regulatory framework for pet insurance was also reported favorably, and the committee adjourned after members recorded additional votes on several bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have learned a whole lot. I think I've learned to be a better citizen.
• I've learned to be a better citizen. I've A whole lot. I think I've learned to be a better citizen.
• I've learned to be concise when I make a little prayer.
• to quality food disparities, access to open space, access to quality jobs.
• They just fly higher with different wings.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:05:37.480> to have Ted Affiliates support access to have Ted Affiliates support access
• families need to understand and access families need to understand and access these<01:09:58.560
• Challenges continue to be higher interest rates, lack of inventory, and higher home prices.
• number of people who don't have access number of people who don't have access to<01:21:25.199>
• It gives accessibility in housing.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. >> You know, I'm learning, too. Okay. So, I... >> You know, I'm learning, too. Okay.
• It would be higher if you required..."
• Hungry kids don't learn.
• And we want to make sure that they're ready to learn when they hit the classroom. ...to learn when they
• I think it should probably be a little bit higher. ...little bit higher. And that's all I have.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They were at the high higher, I think.
• <00:20:04.480> than bit higher than bit higher than um um um than than than um um um than<
• :30.040> is<00:37:30.160> not learn quickly that waiting is not learn quickly that waiting
• We have to focus on getting access to care.
• We have to focus on getting access to care.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum to consider the Senate Committee Substitute for House Bill 2, a major Medicaid bill. Members first adopted the substitute and then adopted Amendment 9770. The bill was described as a lengthy rewrite aimed at aligning Kentucky Medicaid policy with federal requirements under HR 1, while also preserving program integrity and addressing due process concerns. Senators and staff repeatedly emphasized that the measure was the product of extensive meetings with providers, associations, and work groups. The sponsor’s section-by-section summary highlighted several key changes: delaying and reducing cost-sharing requirements; pushing eligibility redetermination deadlines to the federal date; restoring some flexibility for hardship waivers; allowing self-attestation as a last resort; modifying MCO audit provisions; clarifying non-emergency medical transport GPS costs; expanding waiver attestation authority to nurse practitioners and licensed psychologists; adding qualified aliens to waiver eligibility to comply with federal law; requiring Medicaid data sharing with the oversight board; limiting changes to Medicaid benefits without General Assembly authorization; narrowing the prescription drug exclusion to drugs prescribed primarily for weight loss; and delaying the dental ASO transition until 2029. The substitute also deleted a proposed auditor review requirement and retained an emergency clause. Committee discussion focused heavily on the policy and fiscal implications of the cost-sharing and recertification provisions. Senators raised concerns about whether the co-pays would be effective or simply shift costs to providers, whether the recertification process would burden the Cabinet and cause eligible people to lose coverage, and how the bill would affect people transitioning from Medicaid into work. Supporters said the lower cost-sharing amounts were intended to encourage appropriate use of care, protect providers, and comply with federal law, and they noted that the Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board would help shape future changes. A public witness, Maggie Chisholm, gave emotional testimony about her daughter’s experience with a Medicaid waiver and argued that policy delays and administrative disconnects can harm vulnerable families. No final vote on the bill itself was recorded in the excerpt, but the substitute and amendment were adopted and testimony continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• As I've learned, the rule in paleontology is "he who excavates keeps."
• I think we learned a lot in the first round.
• I think we learned our lesson the hard way.
• And, matter of fact, we own that other company at a higher rate.
• If they go any higher, I don't know how we're going to handle those.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kids with dyslexia and learning differences are so important.
• I, I learned a different way than the other kids.
• Kids that had severe, I mean severe learning disabilities.
• This session, I've learned about the disability penalty.
• learn how to read with confidence and success.

Transcript Highlights:

• On child care and early learning providers by Senator Burton.
• CS for SB 1624 on higher education by Senator Claudioun.
• CS for SB 1624 on higher education by Senator Claudioun.
• It should be access. It should be low income.
• Because that door of access has now been changed for that person.

Summary: The committee first heard CS for CS for SB 344, which would modernize the Telecommunications Access System Act of 1991 based on Public Service Commission recommendations. The bill drew no opposition and was reported favorably. Members then took up several Senator Burton measures: CS for SB 714 on non-opioid advanced directives, which was amended to create a Department of Health website access point for a voluntary form allowing patients to notify providers they do not want opioid medications; CS for SB 738 on child care and early learning providers, which streamlines and updates child care regulation and was supported by industry and business groups; CS for SB 756 on health insurance coverage for individuals with developmental disabilities, which removes the age-8 diagnosis limit and age cap for mandated autism-related coverage; and CS for CS for SB 1356, creating a Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU and a newborn genetic testing pilot, later amended to add FIU and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital to the board and remove specific appropriations. All of these bills were reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 1624 on higher education, a broad bill affecting tuition policies, workforce programs, institutional governance, and naming changes. The bill generated extended discussion over replacing references to “minority” with “underrepresented,” with the sponsor explaining the intent was to focus on low-income access and student support, while members raised concerns about impacts on majority-minority institutions and preeminence pathways. An amendment added guardrails for private religious postsecondary institutions by requiring public review of affidavits of compliance and giving the Commission for Independent Education enforcement authority. After debate, the bill was reported favorably. The committee then passed CS for SB 1626 on child welfare, which addresses military-family investigations, emergency shelter certification, children’s services council appointments, criminal-background exemptions, group-home rates, licensing extensions, small residential group homes, missing-children procedures, and psychotropic medication refills; it was amended to adjust council board composition and then reported favorably. Additional bills approved included SB 178, directing Florida A&M University to conduct an agronomic study on emerging crops for land taken out of production; SB 1162, expanding boating improvement funding for trailer parking and offering lease incentives for clean marine manufacturers; CS for CS for SB 958, creating a type 1 diabetes early detection information program for parents and schools; CS for CS for CS for SB 1070, requiring ECGs for student athletes with phased implementation and exemptions, after extensive testimony from parents and advocates about sudden cardiac arrest; CS for SB 774, requiring electronic transmission of certain court orders to sheriffs within six hours; SB 1516, creating an International Aerospace Innovation Fund administered by Space Florida; SB 994, revising driver education requirements and prompting a commitment to add distracted-driving instruction; and CS for CS for SB 1402, expanding eligibility for dropout retrieval programs. The committee also took up SB 810 on stormwater management systems, amending it to focus annual inspections on vulnerable MS4 infrastructure. That bill drew significant opposition from the Florida League of Cities, counties, and stormwater groups, who argued the mandate would duplicate existing permit requirements and impose major costs, but supporters said it was a basic flood-prevention measure. The transcript ends during debate on SB 810, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Access non-public school certification status.
• Unfortunately, we recently learned that access is not consistent throughout the state.
• Nonetheless, all students need access.
• This is a life-saving medication that all students should have access to.
• certain funding and our students are unable to access certain programs as a result.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee met without a quorum for much of the hearing and heard several bills out of order. SB 249 by Senator Umberg would move county board of education elections from the primary to the statewide general election. Supporters, including the League of Women Voters and many educators, argued the change would increase turnout and make the electorate more representative. The Orange County Board of Education opposed the bill, saying it would increase costs, reduce local control, and bury education races on crowded general-election ballots. The chair and members discussed turnout, cost, and representation, but the bill was held pending a quorum. Senator Grove presented SB 373, which adds safeguards for California students placed in out-of-state non-public schools through IEPs. The bill would require more robust LEA and CDE oversight, including annual site visits, student interviews, quarterly contact, stronger certification standards, and restrictions on prone, supine, and mechanical restraints. Testimony from a survivor of an out-of-state placement and from advocates emphasized abuse, neglect, and the need for stronger monitoring. There was broad support and no opposition testimony, but the measure was also held pending a quorum. Senator Ashby presented SB 568, the epinephrine in schools modernization act, to clarify and expand requirements for stocked epinephrine so they clearly apply to all public schools, including preschool programs. School nurses and medical experts said the bill would close gaps created by universal preschool and ensure life-saving treatment is available for anaphylaxis. The committee discussed dosing and implementation, and the bill was supported without opposition testimony. The committee also heard SB 414, the Charter School Accountability Act, which would strengthen fiscal oversight, audit standards, and transparency for charter schools and authorizers. Supporters said it responds to fraud and audit findings while preserving charter flexibility; opponents, including school employees and teachers, said it did not go far enough on authorizer accountability and small-district oversight. After discussion, the committee voted 7-0 to pass SB 414 as amended to Appropriations. The committee also briefly heard SB 743 by Senator Cortese, which would create an equalization reserve account to provide additional funding to underfunded school districts and reduce funding inequities tied to ZIP code. The author said the bill would support student achievement and teacher retention over time. The transcript cuts off before testimony or action on SB 743 was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• that brought together K12 higher that brought together K12 higher education<00:07:46.639> out
• of school learning education out of school learning Partners<00:07:48.639> industry<00:07:49.400
• <00:18:31.440> can programs that support stem learning can programs that support stem learning
• <00:18:39.960> and of that may support stem learning and of that may support stem learning
• like how to calm them down or to learn like how to calm them down or just<00:48:02.559> learn

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• higher numbers we're also seeing higher recipient<00:16:25.680> growth<00:16:25.959> on
• We're seeing higher than expected fee-for-service payments and a higher level of acuity in managed care
• when the costs are exponentially higher when the costs are exponentially higher the<01:10:59.000
• higher levels of readmission.
• resources and ways a person can learn resources and ways a person can learn how<01:40:26.239>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I look forward to reading and learning about the proposal set forward by the Secretary of Agriculture
• We are the... the most diverse agricultural state in the country with regular access to water.
• I admire that and believe you could learn a lesson from our friends.
• New equipment is 30 to 40 percent higher. Many parts and repairs have doubled or tripled.
• We must seek new market access so we don't continue to slip behind our competitors.

Keywords: agriculture, avian flu, bipartisan farm bill, economic challenges, poultry, dairy, specialty crops

Summary: The committee meeting focused on crucial discussions surrounding the challenges faced by the agriculture sector, particularly concerning avian flu and its impact on poultry and dairy producers. Members provided insights into the economic struggles within the industry, emphasizing the need for a new bipartisan farm bill that addresses the diverse needs of specialty crop and livestock producers. Witnesses from various agricultural sectors spoke about their experiences, illustrating the high costs, regulatory burdens, and emerging diseases that threaten their operations. The meeting underscored a commitment to exploring solutions that will help maintain market stability and ensure food security.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:15:18.079> clinical into consideration the higher clinical into consideration the higher
• people might currently have um, access people might currently have um, access to<00:37:28.119>
• smartphones, laptops or internet access. smartphones, laptops or internet access.
• managers uh support people to access managers uh support people to access medical<00:59:29.200><
• accessible accessible place.<01:10:11.360> For<01:10:11.679> me,<01:10:12.480> one<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and higher cost sharing.
• and higher cost sharing.
• and higher cost sharing.
• and higher cost sharing.
• and higher cost sharing.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• access in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. access in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
• We're talking about learning colors, learning numbers, learning how to make sounds and rhyme, and learn
• :19:16.480> learning talking about learning colors, learning talking about learning colors, learning
• preschool access in their district. preschool access in their district.
• This uh budget preschool access.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee met without a quorum and first heard from Kentucky Department of Education officials on career and technical education funding. KDE explained that House Bill 499 created a CTE funding formula using 60% weighted full-time equivalent enrollment and 40% incentives, but House Bill 6’s budget language excluded area technology centers (ATCs) from that supplemental funding. KDE requested approval of an additional budget request of $14,789,352 in each fiscal year 2027 and 2028 to include ATCs in the formula and hold local districts harmless. Officials said ATCs serve students from 117 of Kentucky’s 171 districts and argued the change would reduce funding disparities and better reflect the return on investment from CTE programs, citing growth in dual credit and work-based learning participation. Members asked whether the issue would need to be revisited each budget cycle. KDE responded that the problem could be fixed by removing the notwithstanding language from the budget bill, which they said would allow ATCs to be included under the existing statute. Representative Klein supported the request, saying the current clause could lead to stagnation and that the committee should help the program continue to grow. No vote was taken on the CTE item during the portion of the meeting provided. The committee then heard a presentation from PreK for All on expanding preschool access in Kentucky. Advocates said the state’s preschool program has been funded since 1990 and currently serves about 14,200 children at roughly $84 million per year, but that many working families still fall into a coverage gap. They proposed expanding eligibility to 250% of the federal poverty line, which they said would add about 9,600 children at a cost of $40 million in year two, after a planning year. The proposal also included regulatory flexibility for classrooms and partnerships with private child care providers and nonprofits, with speakers emphasizing child care deserts in some counties and citing research that early learning improves kindergarten readiness and later outcomes. No action or vote was taken on the preschool proposal in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• T with the healthcare access fund target T with the healthcare access fund target here.<00:02:01.840>
• reduction of the healthcare access fund. reduction of the healthcare access fund.
• <00:05:32.720> It access to audio only teleaalth. It access to audio only teleaalth.
• <00:41:34.400> This access to audio only teleaalth. This access to audio only teleaalth.
• access. Okay, there we go. access.

Bills: HF2435

Keywords: healthcare, dementia services, public health funding, opioid prevention, women's health, community health boards, mental health, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I have certainly learned a lot through this conversation. There is a lot to learn.
• This is the time for us to continue to learn. I've learned a lot in the last 48 hours, okay?
• But also, just over the past year and even prior to that, I've learned so much.
• This is the time for us to continue to learn. I've learned a lot in the last 48 hours, okay?
• It is now higher than for the fossil fuels we displace.

Summary: The hearing was a select committee discussion on the transportation costs and impacts of California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), with opening remarks from the co-chairs and members emphasizing affordability, climate goals, and the need to explain the program’s benefits to the public. The first panel from CARB and the California Energy Commission described how LCFS works as a market-based, declining carbon-intensity program that rewards lower-carbon fuels, supports zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, and is intended to reduce greenhouse gases and local air pollution. They argued the program has driven billions in private investment, increased alternative fuel use, and that LCFS credit prices are not the main driver of retail gasoline prices, which they said are dominated by crude oil, refining, and distribution costs. Members questioned the panel on the gap between the regulatory target and actual carbon-intensity performance, the role of credit banking, which fuels are generating the most credits, how the 2025 amendments affected the program, and whether LCFS credits are truly additional. CARB explained that banking helps cost-effectiveness and investment certainty, that ethanol, renewable diesel, and biodiesel currently provide the largest volumes while electricity is expected to grow, and that the updated targets were informed by the state’s 2045 carbon-neutrality goals and the 2030 scoping plan. The Energy Commission said its data show environmental programs add some cost to gasoline but do not drive price volatility, which is mainly tied to crude oil and refinery margins. The second panel, featuring academic and research experts, focused on program design, out-of-state credit generation, and broader economic effects. Speakers said LCFS is successful because it ties incentives to emissions benefit, uses life-cycle analysis, and allows flexible compliance that lowers costs compared with more direct regulation. They also said the program’s benefits generally outweigh costs, that it can reduce air pollution disparities and support equity, but that some issues—especially indirect land use change, additionality, and older program assumptions—need more research and may warrant future rulemaking. One researcher noted that while LCFS likely raises gasoline prices somewhat, the effect is uncertain by design and usually smaller than normal market fluctuations, and another warned that limiting credit generation too narrowly could create legal and efficiency problems.

Transcript Highlights:

• Allows him to earn more or learn more so they can earn more. Yes, sir.
• I learned a lot and matured at Covenant House.
• We learned a lot from with the COVID dollars.
• I am the Director of Early Learning Policy at Texans Care for Children.
• This is much higher than the national average.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm just doing a little math test here, making sure that you learned that.
• We should have learned that maybe in the second grade, probably.
• I saw my first suicide, or learned about my first suicide, in prison in 2009.
• I've learned. I wanted to thank you all for the panels. You've moved me. I've learned quite a bit.
• Folks in my hometown of Lexington were surprised to learn that Dr.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held a hybrid hearing covering public construction, business regulations, and honorary designations, with most of the discussion focused on two matters: a five-year moratorium on new jail and prison construction (S. 2114/H. 3422) and a bill designating June 7 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day (S. 2152/H. 3305). The chair emphasized that the hearing was public, testimony would be recorded, and speakers should generally keep remarks to three minutes. Senator Comerford introduced the prison moratorium bill, saying it would pause new construction while allowing renovations, and Senator Friedman introduced the Tourette awareness bill and a separate Tuskegee Airmen commemoration measure, asking for favorable action on both honorary designations. A large portion of the hearing featured remote testimony from incarcerated people at MCI Framingham and MCI Shirley in support of the prison moratorium. Witnesses repeatedly argued that Massachusetts does not need a new women’s prison, that the incarcerated population is declining, and that funds would be better spent on mental health care, addiction treatment, vocational training, pre-release programming, housing, and repairs to existing facilities. Several speakers described poor conditions, limited programming, and the need to address trauma, domestic violence, and substance use as root causes of incarceration. One committee member responded to testimony by noting that incarceration numbers are going down, that the state is working on housing and workforce opportunities for people returning home, and that the committee wants to expand pathways to employment and reentry. The Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day bill drew testimony from the bill’s young sponsor, Owen Rosenthal, his parents, medical professionals, and advocates. They described Tourette syndrome as a misunderstood neurodevelopmental condition, said awareness would reduce stigma and improve diagnosis and support, and cited the need for education in schools, workplaces, and the medical community. The Tourette Association of America supported the bill, noting underdiagnosis, co-occurring conditions, pain, and mental health risks associated with Tourette syndrome. Committee members praised the youth advocates and asked that written testimony be submitted electronically. The hearing ended without any recorded votes or final committee action in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And they supported us as we learned and as we grew. We owe them a great deal of gratitude.
• Students and instilled in them a love of learning. Would you please stand and be recognized?
• regarding the use of gender pronouns, also for the Committee on Higher Education.
• education for the Committee on Higher Education.
• System, referred to the Committee on Higher Education.

Keywords: 1184, house, all