Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Gaetz, Vice Chair Bernard, members of the committee, good morning, and thank you for the opportunity
• oversee state practices related to AI and other new advanced technologies. ...including promoting digital

Bills: S1622, S1178

Keywords: financial disclosure, statement of financial interests, ethics, late filing, late-filed disclosure, automatic fine, waiver, Florida Commission on Ethics, public officials, state officers, local officers, state employees, ethics enforcement, government transparency, sunshine law, reporting persons, penalty reduction, first-time offender, election ethics, general revenue fund

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and first took up Senate Bill 1178, the Foreign Interference Restriction and Enforcement Act, sponsored by Senator Garcia. The bill would expand state restrictions on foreign countries of concern and designated foreign terrorist organizations, including creating a state registration framework for foreign agents, banning gifts to public officials from covered foreign entities, requiring ethics training on foreign influence, tightening procurement limits for information technology and critical infrastructure, restricting sister-city/sister-state encouragement, revising linkage institute rules and tuition provisions, and criminalizing certain conduct tied to foreign governments or unauthorized enforcement of foreign law. Members asked extensive questions about how the bill would affect election technology, software development, federal foreign-agent registration, educational exchanges, and the treatment of organizations such as CARE; the sponsor said the bill focused on ownership/control and foreign countries of concern, not specific components or general participation in events. An amendment by Senator Grall was adopted to clarify definitions, align penalties with willful violations, and specify that new ethics training content is additive. The committee then heard supportive testimony from Kelly Curry of State Armor and Rob Pierce of American Global Strategies, both of whom argued the bill would help Florida counter foreign influence, protect data and infrastructure, and improve transparency. CS for SB 1178 was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1622, which provides a one-time waiver of the automatic fine for a late-filed financial disclosure under specified conditions, including that the filer submitted the disclosure before the maximum fine accrued and had not previously received such a waiver. Carrie Stillman of the Commission on Ethics testified in support, saying the bill preserves transparency and compliance goals while making the fine and appeals process more workable. The bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. Finally, the committee took up confirmation hearings for appointments in tabs 3 through 26. No separate votes were requested, no public testimony was offered, and the block of appointees was recommended favorably to the full Senate by roll call vote. The meeting then concluded with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• But two sessions on how to provide a disincentive to add call items for fundraising opportunities.
• civil preference for the 456th District Court in Guadalupe County, and specifies the makeup of the digital

Bills: SB 53, SB 54, HB16, SB 19

Keywords: voter registration, election procedures, provisional ballot, change of address, residence requirements, Texas Election Code, voting rights, judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments, political contributions, special legislative session, election code, transparency, campaign finance, election law

Transcript Highlights:

• bar the door, but two sessions ought to provide a disincentive to add call items for fundraising opportunities
• a civil preference for the 456th district court in Guadalupe County, specifies the makeup of the digital

Bills: SB 53, SB 54, HB16, SB 19

Keywords: voter registration, election procedures, provisional ballot, change of address, residence requirements, Texas Election Code, voting rights, judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments, political contributions, special legislative session, election code, transparency, campaign finance, election law

Transcript Highlights:

• Then also, the 2023 investment return was a negative double-digit number.
• go ahead and speed through to PIP next. speed through to PIP next, and I really appreciate the opportunity

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, before we begin, I'd certainly like to offer the members the opportunity to make any remarks
• The intent of today's hearing is to afford our new members the opportunity to catch up with the Vice
• Please note that as highlighted in the posting for this hearing, you should also send a digital copy
• But at some point, there will be an opportunity for the state to reduce its footprint, but I...
• The morale is impacted, and the opportunity to reduce that level of exhaustion, particularly with the

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ULTIMATELY WE WANT TO MAKE SURE EVERYBODY HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY FLORIDA.
• ESPECIALLY THE OPPORTUNITIES YOU T.V.
• LETTING THEM KNOW WHAT WE DO, WHAT OPPORTUNITIES, GETTING US ON THE RADAR OF PEOPLE SEEKING JOB OPPORTUNITIES
• IF YOU ARE A JOB SEEKER, INTERACT WITH US ON THIS DIGITAL PLATFORM.
• FOR INSTANCE, WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS WE KNOW THERE IS A TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITY.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just really want to thank the author for the opportunity to have a conversation about this bill.
• I just really want to thank the author for the opportunity to have a conversation about this bill.
• And folks who have taken advantage of a power dynamic should not have an opportunity to be in a space
• It's a pleasure to be here, and I want to thank you for the opportunity to present AB 2484 related to
• Thank you for the opportunity to address the committee today, and I respectfully urge an aye vote.

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met as a subcommittee until quorum was established, then heard a series of election- and public-trust-related bills. Early items included AB 2592, which would move lobbyist training from legislative ethics committees to the FPPC starting in 2029 and make it available online on demand; it drew support from the FPPC and an oppose-unless-amended request to make the training public and ensure lobbyists pay fees. AB 2573 would refine California’s confidential voter registration protections for candidates and elected officials, with support from the Secretary of State and county election officials after amendments narrowed some family-member coverage. AB 2753 would bar registered sex offenders from running for or holding local or state office; it prompted extended debate about public trust, second chances, and where to draw the line, but was ultimately advanced on a 5-0 vote with one member not voting. AB 2691 similarly would expand disqualifying felony convictions to include sexual assault and human trafficking, and it also passed 5-0 after testimony from victim advocates and discussion about survivors, restorative justice, and the power dynamics involved in public office. The committee also advanced AB 2413, which would prohibit public funds from being used for large-format ads featuring elected officials, and AB 2281, which would direct the Office of Election Cybersecurity to assess replacement resources after federal cybersecurity support cuts and allow consultation with academic researchers. AB 1664 would require local election officials to notify the Secretary of State and Attorney General within one business day of warrants, subpoenas, or investigations involving election records or voting systems; supporters said it would help the state respond quickly to improper seizure of election materials, and it passed 5-0. AB 2484, concerning San Diego MTS, would let voters authorize a local sales tax initiative for transit funding and exempt it from an existing cap; it drew support from transit leaders and labor, opposition from the Realtors, and a lengthy exchange over Prop. 13, Prop. 218, and whether the measure created a special deal, before passing 6-1. The committee then heard AB 2230, which would create buffer zones around voting centers and child care facilities to keep immigration enforcement away from those locations. The author said the bill was meant to reduce fear and intimidation for voters and families, while the opposition argued it was unenforceable, lacked evidence of a problem, and would interfere with federal officers doing their jobs. Members supporting the bill cited reported ICE profiling and intimidation in California communities, while others raised jurisdictional and practical concerns. The transcript ends during this debate, with no final vote shown for AB 2230.

Transcript Highlights:

• It repeals the statutory authorization for digital driver's license and ID cards.
• When it becomes time for public testimony, two minutes will not be your opportunity.
• Good morning to you and I appreciate the opportunity to present this legislation today. Mr.
• This is to make this available to adults, should they choose to avail themselves of that opportunity,
• What I believe and what I am presenting to you today for consideration is the opportunity related to

Bills: S0118, S0896, S1690, S1756

Keywords: recreational vehicle parks, special assessments, property tax, occupancy rates, commercial assessment, school safety, guardian program, firearms, crimes near schools, security assessments, public postsecondary education, medical freedom, vaccination, ivermectin, healthcare practitioner liability, immunization exemptions

Summary: The committee first took up CS for SB 896, a school safety bill expanding the Guardian program to public postsecondary institutions. The bill requires active assailant response plans, security risk assessments, threat-management protocols, use of the suspicious activity reporting tool, and allows voluntary participation in Guardian for colleges and universities. A late-file amendment by Senator Polsky was adopted to clarify that students who are also employees or faculty are not eligible for Guardian. Members debated campus carry concerns, storage of firearms, and whether the bill could lead to broader gun access on campuses. Several faculty and gun-safety advocates testified against the bill, while supporters argued trained guardians can deter violence. The committee reported the bill favorably by roll call vote. The committee then approved CS for CS for CS for SB 1690 on child care and early learning services. The bill updates child care laws, clarifies regulations, and reduces overregulation of before- and after-school programs. An amendment expanded authority for the Florida Education Foundation to fundraise for early learning from birth to VPK. Testimony was largely supportive, emphasizing affordability, access to quality child care, and relief for working families, though one speaker opposed the bill as an expansion of government. The bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee passed CS for CS for SB 118, which clarifies how non-ad valorem special assessments are applied to recreational vehicle parks and limits the square footage used for assessment purposes to the maximum size of an RV space. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 1220, the Department of Transportation package, which addresses seaport and airport planning, personal delivery devices, autonomous vehicles, advanced air mobility, toll programming, and other transportation-related changes. Amendments modified provisions on personal delivery devices, utility permits, autonomous vehicle penalties, and law-enforcement cruiser lights. Both bills were reported favorably. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1756, the medical freedom bill, which proposes new vaccine information requirements, conscience-based school immunization exemptions, limits on compelled vaccination during public health emergencies, and behind-the-counter access to ivermectin for adults. The sponsor and supporters framed the bill as strengthening informed consent and parental rights, while opponents and some senators raised concerns about vaccine hesitancy, herd immunity, and the inclusion of ivermectin. Public testimony was extensive and sharply divided. The transcript ends during continued testimony and debate on SB 1756, before a final vote is taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, I can't pass up the opportunity to speak briefly about my own experience. with President Carter
• Opportunity to highlight the need for greater empathy and support for Texans experiencing mental health
• Thank you for the opportunity to present this meaningful piece of legislation.
• And so what this bill does is it gives them that opportunity and...
• Chairman, an opportunity to appeal a denial? Yeah, I guess I would characterize it that way, yeah.

Bills: HB1520, HB1545, HJR110, HJR203, HB245, HB1465, HB1482, HB294, HB793, HB809, HB3928, HB334, HB2037, HB1973, HB285, HB4341, HB4264, HB 1043, HB837, HB 1234, HB 1193, HB 1194, HB1646, HB1729, HB2498, HB1314, HB2295, HB1353, HB1531, HB1988, HB5398, HB3960, HB3923, HB1407, HB1764, HB2221, HB2214, HB2517, HB2518, HB2213, HB5008, HB5092, HB3421, HB3663, HB3748, HB3800, HB3756, HB2613, HB3782, HB5246, HB4344, HB4044, HB4066, HB2702, HB2807, HB2869, HB2898, HB3181, HB3250, HB4153, HB2091, HB2115, HB2542, HB2768, HB3349, HB3352, HB4406, HB1593, HB1899, HB3133, HB4432, HB4960, HB3214, HB3915, HB3508, HB2145, SB304, SB608, SB2312, SB494, SB530, HB45, HB2520, HB35, HB47, HB318, HB349, HB554, HB1359, HB1373, HB2254, HB2259, HB2853, HB3073, HB3088, HB353, HB355, HB786, HB762, HB705, HB932, HB849, HB 1119, HB3041, HB713, HB3104, HB3970, HB4042, HB4490, HB1731, HB2607, HB3689, HB1788, HB1612, HB138, HB15, HB1971, HB1338, HB2989, HB267, HB 1201, HB2954, HB5265, HB1804, HB5061, HB1520, HB1545, HJR110, HJR203, HB1887, HB1914, HB2402, HB2306, HB1809, HB2350, HB3000, HB3237, HB3326, HB3211, HB 1056, HB2081, HB2187, HB3092, HB3308, HB3526, HB3750, HB3527, HB4219, HB4230, HB4290, HB5238, HB4804, HB4749, HB245, HB1465, HB1482, HB294, HB793, HB809, HB3928, HB334, HB2037, HB1973, HB285, HB4341, HB4264, HB 1043, HB837, HB 1234, HB 1193, HB 1194, HB1646, HB1729, HB2498, HB1314, HB2295, HB1353, HB1531, HB1988, HB5398, HB3960, HB3923, HB1407, HB1764, HB2221, HB2214, HB2517, HB2518, HB2213, HB5008, HB5092, HB3421, HB3663, HB3748, HB3800, HB3756, HB2613, HB3782, HB5246, HB4344, HB4044, HB4066, HB2702, HB2807, HB2869, HB2898, HB3181, HB3250, HB4153, HB2091, HB2115, HB2542, HB2768, HB3349, HB3352, HB4406, HB1593, HB1899, HB3133, HB4432, HB4960, HB3214, HB3915, HB3508, HB2145, HCR6, HCR12, HCR34, HCR50, HCR55, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR74, HCR75, HCR78, HCR80, HCR93, HCR100, HCR107, HCR116, HCR117, HCR90

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Transcript Highlights:

• You should also send a digital copy of your testimony to the clerk at the courthouse.
• Chairman Byrd, thank you for the opportunity to testify today. My name is James Henderson.
• Last year I had the opportunity, I say opportunity, but I was appointed by the Speaker of the House..

Bills: HB1237, HB2663, HB3071, HB4384

Keywords: occupational licenses, renewal, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, registration, license expiration, HB 2663, inactive well, plugging extension, Railroad Commission of Texas, RRC, oil and gas, orphan wells, well cleanup, well plugging, abandoned wells, surface equipment removal, electric service termination, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, Section 89.029

Transcript Highlights:

• shape, but, uh, to be faithful to my, my colleagues on the, on the diocese, you know, give them an opportunity
• You should also send a digital copy of your testimony to the clerk of the committee.
• Um, This is the Railroad Commission's opportunity.
• there, but I don't know for sure without having the documents in front of me, but that might be one opportunity

Bills: HB16

Keywords: judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments

Transcript Highlights:

• Every kind of acrobatics and backflip was done to make sure that it bypassed every opportunity for the
• Every kind of acrobatics and backflip was done to make sure that it bypassed every opportunity for the
• to weigh in in the committee, in the Germain committee where the people impacted would have an opportunity
• radiator cap like this, again, after the date we were originally supposed to signy die with no opportunity
• . conducted their negotiations with last-minute switcheroos and bypassing any opportunity for public

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House first approved the journal and received several enrolled measures from the Senate and governor’s office, including bills and resolutions that were signed or referred for delivery. The chamber then took up House Bill 516, a bill involving education-related labor/representation language that had returned from the Senate with amendments. Supporters argued the Senate changes restored the bill to its original intent, while opponents criticized both the substance and the process, saying it bypassed the Education Committee and public input. After extended debate, the House concurred in the Senate amendments by roll call vote, 41-23 with 6 abstentions, and the bill was sent to engrossing. A later motion to send HB 516 to the Education Committee failed, 20-45, leaving the concurrence in place. The House also received Senate Bill 1254, which would allow chiropractors with clinical nutrition certification to acquire certain vitamins, minerals, fluids, epinephrine, and oxygen for office use; supporters said it would reduce barriers and costs, while opponents said it expanded scope and weakened patient-safety standards. SB 1254 passed the House 43-22 and was transmitted to the Senate. The House then suspended rules and considered Senate Bill 1247, a 287(g)/immigration enforcement measure requiring local law enforcement agencies to apply for participation in the federal program or explain why they could not. Supporters framed it as a cooperative federalism tool that would help with immigration enforcement and bring federal reimbursement, while opponents argued it would impose mandates, create costs, and override local control; several sheriffs’ views were cited on both sides. After debate, the House passed SB 1247 47-13 with 4 abstentions and sent it back to the Senate. The chamber also suspended rules to take up House Bill 621, a firearms/preemption bill affecting county buildings and courthouses. Supporters said it protected constitutional carry rights and corrected local violations of state preemption law, while opponents warned it would create significant county costs for security upgrades and staffing and could reduce safety in courthouses and adjacent areas such as lobbies and offices. Debate was ongoing in the portion provided, with members split between constitutional-rights arguments and fiscal/safety concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• The narrowing and removal of public comment opportunities also demonstrates an agency culture that views
• This proposal, I think, opens a lot of great opportunities and things to discuss.
• The narrowing and removal of public comment opportunities also demonstrates an agency culture that views
• This proposal, I think, opens a lot of great opportunities and things to discuss.
• I think the bill could use some more work and would appreciate that opportunity, but we'll be voting

Bills: SB6290, SB6282, SB5379, SB6197, SB6158, SB6302, SB5882, SB6303, SB6180, SB6195, SB6196, SB6204, SB6287

Keywords: liquor regulation, cannabis board, reorganization, state agency, governance, apprenticeship, behavioral health, construction trades, workforce training, wellness, interest arbitration, parks and recreation, public employees, labor relations, employee rights, SB 6197, plumbing contractor, plumber, contractor licensing, licensing enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• First up, we have House Bill 472, House Draft 1, Senate Draft 2, relating to digital identification.
• draft<02:04:14.400><c> 2</c><02:04:14.639><c> relating</c><02:04:14.960><c> to</c><02:04:15.119><c> digital
• </c> draft 2 relating to digital draft 2 relating to digital identification.<02:04:17.440><c> On</c><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First up, we have House Bill 472, House Draft 1, Senate Draft 2, relating to digital identification.
• House draft 1, Senate draft 2, relating House draft 1, Senate draft 2, relating to<02:25:23.040><c> digital
• </c> to digital to digital identification.<02:25:25.280><c> On</c><02:25:25.439><c> behalf</c><02:25:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I really appreciate the opportunity to share with you today some information about our state's reinsurance
• </c><00:02:30.599><c> rate</c> commerce was seen double digit rate commerce was seen double digit rate
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify today in support of Senate File 333.
• Chairs, members, thank you for the opportunity to testify.
• </c><01:20:56.480><c> to</c> it it gave our counties opportunities to it it gave our counties opportunities

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been hearing from constituents in my area that they've had double-digit increases back to back.
• I've been hearing from constituents in my area that they've had double-digit increases back to back.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They have online, digital-formatted metabolomics data.
• But that kind of... like online digital formatted metabolomics data.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• opportunities opportunities and<00:25:05.679><c> not</c><00:25:06.080><c> dismental</c><00:25:07.520
• , opportunity, opportunity, and<00:51:00.800><c> broadens</c><00:51:01.359><c> the</c><00:51:01.680><
• </c> honors our shared values of opportunity honors our shared values of opportunity and<00:51:38.319
• I'm Rob opportunity to uh testify.
• </c><02:53:39.359><c> Great</c> opportunity for an appeal? Great opportunity for an appeal?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> live, they consider job opportunities, live, they consider job opportunities, where<00:52:43.200
• </c> for giving me an opportunity to speak. for giving me an opportunity to speak.
• Um, first I opportunity to speak.
• </c> students and educational opportunities students and educational opportunities that<01:24:05.840>
• ,</c><01:25:31.520><c> creation,</c> learning opportunities, creation, learning opportunities, creation

Keywords: 1191, senate, all