Transcript Highlights:

• either they do not have the necessary IT staff to get onboarded into These programs, or they are contracted
• We provide forensic contract services with them and engage the Privacy Council and the forensic firm
• primarily to the Office of Broadband, a $1.6 million finding with approximately $900,000 due to a contract
• But could another Agency perhaps contract with you to supply these so you'd be funded that way.
• And that contract has been very large and is coming to an end shortly at the end of this fiscal year.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, we have a dedicated attorney that all he does is draft, review, and edit contracts.
• We've issued 87 contracts between my office and third parties in the last year.
• And then they contracted with legal aid for those services.
• How much more are we looking at if we had to go hire a bunch of contract court reporters on a daily or
• So, instead of hiring contract court reporters, what we're doing is borrowing from other districts when

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, professional, scientific, and technical services, the one notable contraction at 4.
• So, in FY 2025 PIT contracted by 2.9%, but that included legislative changes.
• But there was also a contraction of the labor market, particularly in the federal workforce, leading
• But we also have the contraction around federal workers that's playing into that.
• Most notably, we have the federal employment sector that is contracting in FY26 and again in FY27.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a program that assists small and medium-sized businesses to secure federal funding through contracts
• So combined, that's $168 million in government contracts that have been awarded to some of our rural
• When you combine capital access, contract support, and local strengths, you start to see real momentum
• That's promised through the PPI America contract to build a manufacturing company here in Iron County
• lot of attempts with identity fraud, certainly in unemployment insurance, but we have stood up a contract

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• on-site school-based kitchen, Central kitchens like APS, which then deliver to multiple sites, or contracted
• Additionally, PED should require contracts between schools and food service companies to include expectations
• For schools that have contracts with food service management companies, the Public Education Department
• And I guess, Madam Chair, just on one of your, on page three, you're asking to require a contract with
• The delay in contracting and the delay in paying profits them.

Transcript Highlights:

• clinic, where she was hired, wanted her to practice only in primary care, and she had to sign a contract
• We're also looking at some contracts with telehealth companies who are really interested in educating
• on the integrated healthcare slide, you had mentioned that there were some folks who were signing contracts
• I know in years past we've had issues with folks signing contracts where there were non-compete clauses
• These contracts are clearly a problem, and so I'm wondering in order to address something like that,

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a contract with the local nonprofit which supports the Rice House, which is a recovery residence
• We contract directly with some tribal partners for them to expand MOUD in their own communities.
• So, in years where maybe there were 54 school-based health centers that had DOH contracts, but maybe
• Some of the operators that DOH contracts with are looking at everything from three-way telehealth when
• They are not incorporated into the OSA numbers because neither of those operators are contracted with

Transcript Highlights:

• And Chair Leeing, I understand it also strikes the provision for contracting with forensic navigators
• train navigators, um, they just would rather have everyone be employed by the board rather than contracted
• And Chair Leeing, I understand it also strikes the provision for contracting with forensic navigators
• train navigators, um, they just would rather have everyone be employed by the board rather than contracted
• contracted. So I'm looking at line 36.5. contracted. So I'm looking at line 36.5.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, most health insurers pay, and providers negotiate contracts at 80 to 120% of Medicare, sometimes
• So with that situation, it conflicts with paragraph E, subsection E, which says evidence of the contract
• health insurance contract between the provider and the insurance company is not only not discoverable
• A lot of times in emergency work, that's not contracted.
• A lot of times in emergency work, that's not contracted.

Summary: The subcommittee considered a long agenda of civil justice and claims measures. HB 1173, relating to the Florida Trust Code, was presented as a clarification of standing in trust litigation after recent case law; after questions about who may sue, an amendment was adopted clarifying that an expressly named charity retains standing, and the bill passed 14-2. HB 1437, on attorney’s fees in motor vehicle PIP disputes, drew testimony from insurers and reform groups opposing a return to fee-driven litigation and from medical groups supporting fee recovery for prevailing parties; it passed 17-0. CS/HB 147, addressing prohibited debt-collection communications during nighttime and early morning hours, was described as a clarification of an outdated statute in light of modern communications, with support from business groups and no opposition in the vote; it passed 18-0. The committee then heard several claims bills against the Department of Children and Families. HB 6511, for relief of L.P., described severe injuries to a child after DCF allegedly failed to act on warning signs; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill passed 18-0. HB 6515, for relief of Michael Barnett, involved DCF’s alleged failure to investigate domestic violence that preceded the killing of three children and injury of a fourth; members asked about the settlement amount and the case’s circumstances, and the bill also passed 18-0. HB 1517, expanding wrongful death law to allow parents of an unborn child to recover for the child’s death, generated the most extensive debate. The sponsor said it aligns civil law with existing criminal definitions and excludes claims against mothers and providers of lawful medical care, including IVF; opponents warned it could be used to target reproductive care, support networks, and domestic violence survivors, while supporters framed it as a justice measure for families. An amendment clarifying damages rules for minors and unborn children was adopted, and the bill passed 13-4. Finally, HB 947, on evidence of medical damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases, sought to allow broader evidence at trial and to change “shall” to “may”; supporters said it would improve fairness and transparency, while opponents argued it would weaken post-2023 tort reforms and reintroduce inflated medical damages. The amendment was adopted and the bill was then taken up with additional opposition testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've delayed refreshes to our IT systems, software licenses, and other support contracts, and we've
• Consulting contracts.
• You said that there were cuts made to the IT contracts to make some of the budget adjustments.
• And also, how the contract elimination doesn't result in potentially other issues?
• I don't know what those contracts were. Sure. Really important question, Mr. Chair.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, it says they shall, which means locals already have the opportunity to contract with animal
• In fact, it says they shall, which means locals already have the opportunity to contract with animal
• In fact, it says they shall, which means locals already have the opportunity to contract with animal
• :11.680> to locals already have the opportunity to locals already have the opportunity to contract
• with animal control and ensure contract with animal control and ensure that<00:14:15.839> all

Keywords: Intro: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:31 Discussion of SB 122: 02:30 Roll Call Vote on SB 122: 26:47, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Agriculture Committee took up Senate Bill 122, a measure dealing with pet stores, breeders, and the scope of local regulation. The chair explained the bill was intended to balance private business rights with local control, and said he wanted to clarify definitions such as qualified breeder, local authority, and where fees and fines would go. He also said he would work on a floor amendment and noted concerns about whether the bill would allow localities to outright ban pet stores or instead only regulate them. The committee first adopted a committee substitute by motion and voice vote. Supporters of the bill, including representatives from Petland and an attorney who had worked on animal-related regulation in Ohio, argued that the bill would create statewide standards, protect responsible pet retailers from what they described as politically motivated local bans, and preserve consumer choice. They said local governments would still be able to inspect, require documentation, and enforce licensing, but not shut businesses down without due process. A senator from Campbell County asked whether the bill would interfere with strong local ordinances; supporters responded that the bill would set standards higher than USDA rules and still allow local regulation, while opposing local bans. Opposition came from the Kentucky League of Cities and representatives of Kentucky animal care and control agencies. KLC said local decisions should remain at the local level and noted that several cities and one county already had ordinances that could be affected; it also said the bill was opposed by its board and might overlap with pending litigation. Animal control representatives said the bill did not clearly define breeder verification or enforcement responsibility, could restrict local authority, and did not address animal care conditions or consumer transparency. After questions and debate, the committee voted on the bill; the roll call ended in a 5-5 tie, and Senate Bill 122 failed to pass out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was providing pathways, if you will, for ease of contracting with utilities.
• That is what we try to do for renewables: allow at least the contracting process to be as smooth and
• We actually have thousands of contracts that we're managing on a daily basis with our 6,000 employees
• And then we just got under contract with Southwest 10th in Fort Lauderdale, which is around $1.2 billion
• Something unique with I-4 that we've done is actually developed a new contracting method called phase

Summary: The committee heard introductory remarks from Chair LaMarca and members, then received presentations on electric utility planning, transportation infrastructure, and broadband deployment. Public Service Commission staff explained how Florida’s utilities plan for reliability and cost through 10-year site plans, demand forecasting, and economic dispatch. The presentation emphasized Florida’s residential-heavy load, growing EV demand, expanding solar and battery storage, continued reliance on natural gas combined-cycle plants, and the role of nuclear power. Members asked about energy efficiency, rates, renewable options beyond solar, cybersecurity, grid resilience, data centers, and small modular nuclear reactors; the witness said efficiency programs are reviewed every five years, utilities must balance reliability and affordability, and large new loads like data centers generally must pay for their own infrastructure needs. Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue described FDOT’s five-year work program, decentralized district structure, and funding mix, noting that the agency is predominantly state-funded and prioritizes maintenance and preservation before expansion. He highlighted record investment levels, major congestion-relief projects, toll-road revenues, seaport and airport partnerships, spaceport investments, workforce and equipment needs, and emerging technology such as advanced air mobility. Members asked about project timing, MPO planning, rail and ferry funding, airport governance, winter storm preparedness, and flooding/sea-level rise; Perdue said faster delivery depends on resources, local governments lead transit operations with FDOT as a capital partner, and coastal and drainage projects are designed around storm surge and resiliency. The Office of Broadband reported on six grant programs supporting infrastructure, community facilities, digital connectivity, and future digital capacity and broadband expansion. Director Leo Garcia said the office has awarded hundreds of millions of dollars across most counties, leveraged significant private investment, and focused heavily on rural areas. He noted that broadband efforts are intended to support telehealth, education, workforce development, and economic growth, and said the state has reduced the number of unserved locations from more than 400,000 to a projected 170,000 after current awards are completed. He also said the office needs additional budget authority for the upcoming digital capacity program and that the larger federal/state broadband deployment program will be used to reach remaining unserved and underserved areas.

Transcript Highlights:

• At PACE, we have cooperative purchasing for statewide, so our board approves those contracts that the
• At PACE, we have a cooperative purchasing for statewide, so our board approves those contracts that the
• It's an approved alternative to the DMS contracts.
• "We're using foreign teachers through companies that are contracting and bringing them in.
• If you sign a contract with Florida State, you need to play at Florida State. Well, the same thing.

Summary: The Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee met to discuss the needs of rural school districts and the role of Florida’s three regional education consortia: the Panhandle Area Education Consortium, Northeast Florida Educational Consortium, and Heartland Educational Consortium. Executive directors and several rural superintendents described the consortia as member-led organizations that provide shared services, professional learning, leadership development, grant support, cooperative purchasing, risk management, IT/cybersecurity help, and back-office assistance that small districts could not afford to provide on their own. They emphasized that rural districts are often very small, have limited staff, and must still meet the same state reporting and compliance requirements as large urban systems. Testimony focused heavily on teacher recruitment and retention, alternative certification, and the difficulty of staffing specialized roles such as CFOs, MIS directors, IT staff, and content-area teachers. Superintendents said many new hires are career changers or alternatively certified teachers who need consortium-supported training, and several argued for more flexibility in funding so districts can raise salaries and compete with neighboring districts and nearby states. Members also asked about the impact of declining enrollment, homeschooling, and voucher-related school choice; superintendents said those trends are reducing FTE and creating budget instability, while also requiring districts to right-size staff and programs. Several speakers described the financial strain on rural districts, including rising insurance costs, transportation costs, and the challenge of forecasting budgets when enrollment changes after the school year begins. One superintendent recounted major hurricane damage and said consortium risk-management support was essential to recovery. Others said the consortia help districts pool resources for property and health insurance, payroll, student data systems, and procurement, and that this shared approach saves money and improves services. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have a contract with... ...devices, transportation.
• We also have a contract with rehab engineers who assist with identifying potential home modifications
• Centers for Independent Living: We contract with the 16 Centers for Independent Living across the state
• baccalaureate degrees; any institution that offers only vocational programs, exam prep programs, contract
• Any institution that offers only vocational programs, exam prep programs, contract training, continuing

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met for an introductory overview of the higher education programs under its jurisdiction. After roll call and member introductions, Chair Busatta outlined that the subcommittee oversees programs in the Department of Education and the State University System, including vocational rehabilitation, blind services, private postsecondary licensure, student financial aid, career and adult education, the Florida College System, and the Board of Governors. The chair and staff also noted that these areas represent roughly $9 billion in current-year funding. Officials from the Department of Education presented on several programs. Vocational Rehabilitation Director Kelly Rogers described services for adults and youth with disabilities, including pre-employment transition services, job coaching, assistive technology, and employer support; she said the program served more than 55,000 people last year, has no wait list, and reported a return of $7.61 to the economy for every $1 invested. Division of Blind Services Director Robert Doyle explained services from birth through older adulthood, including early intervention, school-age support, vocational rehabilitation, independent living, the Business Enterprise Program for blind vendors, and the Braille and Talking Book Library; he said the division serves about 12,000 people annually and also has no wait list, though some community rehab providers may have one. Tiffany Hurst of the Commission for Independent Education described licensure and consumer protection for independent postsecondary institutions, reporting oversight of about 1,100 institutions and 721 non-degree schools, along with enforcement actions against unlicensed operators. Sean Haskin of Student Financial Assistance reviewed 22 scholarship and grant programs totaling about $1 billion for more than 200,000 students, including Bright Futures, Benacquisto, need-based grants, EASE, EASE Plus, veterans’ scholarships, dual enrollment reimbursement, first responder scholarships, and the Ocoee and Rosewood scholarships. Members asked about surplus funds, marketing, Bright Futures eligibility requirements, and whether EASE awards had changed; Haskin said any unused funds are reverted to the Legislature, that the department markets through schools and the Florida Lottery, and that EASE remained at $3,500 per FTE for the last two fiscal years. Several members raised concerns that students and parents may not learn about aid programs early enough, especially in economically disadvantaged communities. Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell then presented on Career and Adult Education, highlighting record participation in career and technical education, adult education, and apprenticeship. He said about 800,000 secondary students and 480,000 postsecondary students are in CTE, adult education serves about 183,000 learners, and apprenticeship/pre-apprenticeship programs include more than 22,000 participants. He also described the workforce development fund, Perkins, WIOA Title II, the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant, workforce capitalization grants, CAPE performance funding, and the Pipeline nursing initiative, noting strong NCLEX outcomes and expanded outreach through the Get There, Your Way, Future of Work Florida, and Zello platforms. Kathy Hebda began the Florida College System presentation by emphasizing open access, workforce preparation, statewide reach, and strong enrollment and completion growth, including more than 672,000 students, over 131,000 degrees and certificates, and significant dual enrollment savings for students and families.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the first one is, are there HRM contracts that would have to be broken?
• He says it's a contract and we can't find out.
• He says it's a contract and we can't find out.
• break contract break contract confidentiality<04:22:30.880> no<04:22:31.399> probably<
• that and they can look at any contract that and they can look at any contract they<04:29:15.279>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The public hearing opened on HB 728-FN, which would authorize video lottery terminals at charity gaming facilities and repeal historic horse racing licensing. Representative Om explained that the bill would convert the current historic horse racing terminals into true video lottery terminals/slot machines and change the revenue split, reducing the operator share from 75% to 70% while increasing the state share from 25% to 30%. He also noted the bill would increase the amount going to charities and other state beneficiaries. Former State Rep. Pat Brammy, who had served on the Charitable Gaming Study Commission, testified in support of the bill’s basic structure. He said a consultant’s report found historic racing machines cost facilities 12% to 18% more to operate because of totalizer and track-related fees, and that slot machines would be cheaper because there are more manufacturers and more competition. He argued that although the operator share drops by 5%, facilities could still benefit from lower operating costs, and he said the commission concluded that moving to slot machines would increase revenues to facilities, charities, and the state. He also said the bill would create a more stable stream of funding for problem gambling, since the current HHR “breakage” funding mechanism is limited and dependent on a single vendor. Brammy also discussed the commission’s concerns about market concentration in HHR machines, saying the commission found the market was dominated by only a few manufacturers and recommended legislation to address that issue under Article 83 of the state constitution. He interpreted the bill as allowing a phase-in of slot machines upon passage, with the remaining HHR provisions phasing out by January 1, 2028, and said facilities would likely transition as leases expire. Committee members asked about HHR contracts, machine programming, testing, and whether removing HHR would reduce competition; Brammy said he believed leases were likely short-term, machines are tested by a lab, and the legislature could decide whether the change is appropriate. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• people who already have contracts people who already have contracts ongoing<00:22:39.200> with
• When those guys are talking to the attorney general, they might raise existing contracts.
• One of the, you know, labor contract-type cases and so on.
• that work out at the rate we contract it out for.
• that work out at the rate we contract it out for.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met to continue work on House Bill 2, with the chair saying the goal was to finish the bill as given by the governor, though additional amendments were expected. Members first discussed the bail section and agreed to hold it for later because a separate House bail bill was expected on Thursday and could have significant county cost impacts. They also generally accepted the proposed reorganization of positions between Fish and Game, DNCR, and the Department of Environmental Services, but noted the need to review effective dates and funding details, including a possible double appropriation of $275,000 for a scientist position already funded in HB 1. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on environmental review and native plant-related sections moving functions from DNCR to DES. Members discussed changing the rulemaking timeline from 180 days to 90 days, and clarifying that “begin” means the public hearing stage. They also reviewed how fee revenue would shift between agencies in HB 1 so the budget impact would be net zero. The committee indicated it would prepare amendments reflecting these changes and revisit them at a later vote. The longest discussion concerned the boathouse provisions. Members debated whether the new definitions and construction standards were appropriate in a budget bill, with one member arguing they should be in a separate bill, while others said the provisions were urgent because of a lawsuit and the lack of clear guardrails. Concerns included the February 20, 2025 effective date, which some thought might be retroactive, the detailed limits on what may be stored in a boathouse, and a fee increase that some felt could discourage homeowners from seeking permits. The committee also questioned whether the fee structure should be tiered for smaller projects and whether permit-by-notification projects should be exempted. No final votes were taken on these sections during the discussion; instead, members agreed to seek legal and policy answers and to return with amendments and public hearing input before voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• In October of this last year, the Department of Human Services entered into a contract with Optum to
• During the first phase of the contract with Optum, they did a four-year claim audit of the 14 high-risk
• Per the contract, Optum was sent an initial report back to DHS at the end of December.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1085 by Adams of the House and Coleman of the Senate, an act relating to contracts.
• House Bill 1085 by Adams of the House and Coleman of the Senate, an act relating to contracts. ...Coleman
• of the Senate, and an act relating to contracts.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The contract for this scholarship will include expeditious licensing following graduation, as well as
• The contract for this scholarship will include pursue an engineering career.
• The contract for this scholarship will include expeditious licensing following graduation, as well as

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 04:29 Report of Committees 05:19 Orders of the Day/HB 470 06:54 HB 49 13:46 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 16:47 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 28:04 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 29:37 ConC/Rules Report 33:49 Floor Amendments 35:16 Adjournment 37:07, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, approved the prior journal, and received favorable committee reports on several bills, including measures on background checks, proactive post-secondary admission, public post-secondary employment, tuition waivers, vehicle wheels, choking prevention in schools, state parks, veterans’ benefits, and a resolution on a VA accreditation pathway for private veterans’ benefits assistance companies. The chamber then considered and passed House Bill 470, relating to peer support specialists and declared an emergency. Members adopted a committee substitute and a floor amendment that extended the registration deadline for alcohol and drug peer support specialists to January 1, 2028, clarified employer and work group provisions, removed the temporary peer designation, and created a work group to modernize oversight of peer support specialists. The bill passed 97-0. House Bill 49, creating a scholarship program for professional engineering and land surveying students funded by board fees and fines in exchange for post-graduation service in Kentucky, also passed 97-0. During announcements, members recognized visiting groups, upcoming committee meetings, and events, including a Kentucky Justice Association reception, a magistrates and commissioners breakfast, Jewish Advocacy Day, and a Lewis Ridge pump storage project meeting. The House also adopted a citation honoring the Hopkins County Central High School High Voltage Dance Team for winning two national titles. New bills and resolutions were introduced, the Committee on Committees and Rules referred bills to committees and posted several measures for the next day’s calendar, and the House adjourned until 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• One more recent project is a pilot program with QM and Versa to manage the python removal contract program
• FWC staff have typically managed up to 50 individual contracts for this program, and this consolidated
• allow the commercialization of those hides coming out, which is incredibly important for the Inversa contract

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government convened with a quorum present and excused Senators Arrington and Pizzo. The committee first took up confirmation hearings for appointments on tabs 1 through 4, and Senator DiCeglie moved to recommend confirmation of all appointees together. The motion passed unanimously, and the appointees were favorably recommended. The main presentation was from FWC Chief Conservation Officer George Wharton on invasive species management in Florida. He described the scale of the problem, including more than 500 non-native species reported in the state, and outlined FWC’s prevention, containment, removal, outreach, and research efforts. He highlighted risk screenings, the conditional/prohibited species framework, enforcement actions against illegal wildlife trafficking, and public programs such as the Florida Python Challenge, lionfish outreach, the Exotic Pet Amnesty Program, and the “I’ve Got One” reporting app. He also noted ongoing removal efforts for pythons, tegus, lionfish, and iguanas, and discussed new technologies and partnerships aimed at improving control efforts. Members asked follow-up questions about FWC issues beyond invasive species, including the status of special activity licenses for threatened species and giant manta rays, the upcoming bear hunt, and whether the committee could help reduce barriers to invasive species removal on federal lands. Wharton said all SAL permits for threatened species are currently suspended pending Commission review, that Florida is on track for a bear hunt this December with 172 permits issued across four subpopulations, and that bear management is based on scientific data while urban bear conflicts still require separate management. He also said federal partners are increasingly cooperative on python control, including commercialization of hides, and that drones, sentinel snakes, robotic lures, and AI-based traps may improve future invasive species removal. Senator Sharief and Senator Burton later requested to be recorded as voting affirmatively on tabs 1 through 4, and the committee then adjourned.