Transcript Highlights:

• So with that, I think we're going to begin with the Legislative Analyst's Office to kick us off.
• Michael Alferes with the Legislative Analyst's Office. Legislative Analyst's Office.
• Legislative Analyst's Office. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair, members.
• My name is Alexander Bentz, Legislative Analyst's Office.
• My name is Natalie Gonzalez with the Legislative Analyst's Office.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in an effort after meeting with the other stakeholders and to continue discussions outside the legislative
• Unfortunately, the Florida League of Cities does oppose this legislation due to the massive cost shift
• legislation two years ago, you required local technology planning teams.
• The amendment adds a severability clause in the event of a legal challenge to the legislation.
• Your bill analysis says that between 2022 and 2023, there was a 464% increase in deepfake videos.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 703 on utility relocation, as amended by a strike-all. The sponsor said the bill would require government authorities that order communication service providers to move infrastructure to pay the relocation costs, clarify expedited timelines, and align the House bill with the Senate version. Supporters argued the communication services tax should help cover these costs, while cities and counties warned the bill would shift major unfunded costs to local governments and taxpayers, especially in fiscally constrained counties. After public testimony from local government and industry representatives and debate over fairness, coordination, and the tax’s intended use, the committee adopted the strike-all and then passed the bill favorably on a roll call vote. The committee then heard and passed CS/HB 379, a securities package updating Chapter 517. The bill and conforming amendment made several technical and policy changes, including expanding certain exemptions, updating foreign jurisdiction and exchange considerations, revising merger-and-acquisition broker rules, aligning fingerprinting requirements with FBI standards, and adding protections related to financial exploitation of specified adults. Industry and Office of Financial Regulation witnesses supported the measure, and the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably without opposition. Next, the committee passed CS/HB 867 establishing the Coastal Link Commuter Rail Service Act to create a legal framework for commuter rail operations along Florida’s coastal corridor and to help Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties secure insurance and indemnification for service on the Florida East Coast Railway right-of-way. The Florida Chamber supported the bill, and it was reported favorably without debate. The committee also passed CS/HB 1161, which revises Florida’s deepfake law to require covered platforms to remove altered sexual depictions and copies upon request by the victim; the bill drew emotional testimony from a student victim and broad support from members, and a severability amendment was adopted before the bill passed unanimously. The committee then passed CS/HB 453 on pool and spa contractors, which updates Chapter 489 terminology and scope-of-practice rules and, through amendment, limits certain equipment to commercially available products. Finally, the committee passed HB 955 requiring all private employers to use E-Verify for new hires, removing the small-employer exemption. Supporters framed it as workforce integrity and rule-of-law legislation, while opponents warned about labor shortages, burdens on small businesses, and impacts on immigrant workers. After debate, the bill passed 19-3. The committee then began hearing CS/HB 541 on minimum wage requirements, which would allow voluntary waivers of minimum wage for certain internships, pre-apprenticeships, and on-the-job training; the sponsor presented an amendment limiting the duration and clarifying minor waivers, and the committee heard both support from small business groups and opposition from labor, immigrant, and worker advocates before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Your legislative prerogative is not, you're not constrained by the same thing we are.
• As you know, most of the people on this committee are people, legislators who come here.
• Does that take legislation or is that, is that something that we can just do?
• But this is an example of the kind of analysis that we can do in our data shop.
• Legislation that has been filed about creating a pilot.

Transcript Highlights:

• For how legislation has changed the formulas so that we have impact data available, it's just it's not
• No project enters the CMP without, a technical analysis and basis.
• Our prioritization just to give you a few guidelines, our, a technical analysis and basis.
• PSCOC is considered a stakeholder; the task force, legislators legislative staff, and then folks in the
• HB 450, the legislative appropriation that was approved last year.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the majority vote of the legislative and the majority vote of the legislative body.<01:04:48.799
• they did their water and sewer analysis they did their water and sewer analysis statewide,<01:06
• , or legislation related to issues that have come up.
• c> to<01:09:05.359> uh legislation or legislation related to uh legislation or legislation
• to beverage legislation related to beverage manufacturers<01:35:39.679> tastings.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So in the federal needs<00:26:54.080> analysis<00:26:54.640> it<00:26:54.880> says
• With this change, it matches what the federal needs analysis is saying the family contributes.
• With this change, it matches what the federal needs analysis is saying the family contributes.
• education thing and their legislators education thing and their legislators were<00:53:53.119>
• Uh, an analysis has not been question.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If this is a stopgap bill, why not address the original legislation as it is?
• There is ambiguity in the existing legislation.
• It was simply a concept that was allowed legally under the Existing legislation.
• There had been no real financial analysis, no task force, no conversations with our community.
• I did a legal analysis of this as much as I can, not being an attorney.

Bills: HB4, HB54, SB 10, SB 24

Keywords: district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, citizenship, U.S. citizen, non-citizen, public office, advisory board, task force, state government, local government, political subdivision, commission board, appointment eligibility, officeholder qualifications, public service, naturalization, Texas Government Code

Transcript Highlights:

• industry, but please consider that as a possible amendment as you're looking to refine this piece of legislation
• sponsored by Senator Sapulveda, an act directing the Superintendent of Financial Services to conduct an analysis
• sponsored by Senator Sapulveda, an act directing the Superintendent of Financial Services to conduct an analysis

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Banking Committee met with Chair James Sanders Jr. and reviewed a full agenda of banking-related bills. Early action included approval of a bill requiring licensed check cashers to file suspicious activity reports, and a bill on civil penalties for fraud or misrepresentation in financial products or services, though several members objected to removing the intentionality standard and warned it could broaden enforcement too far and discourage lending in New York. The committee also advanced a bill prohibiting fees for periodic paper statements, a bill on asset-based lending transactions, and a bill requiring reporting of suspected financial exploitation. Members spent substantial time on a bill regulating automated lending decision tools. The sponsor and chair said the measure would allow AI use but require a human review or appeal if a borrower is denied, while some senators raised concerns about competitiveness for state-chartered banks and possible overlap with existing human oversight. The bill was reported out and referred to the Internet and Technology Committee for further review. The committee also approved a DFS study bill on the financial stability and licensing of the check-cashing industry, with a suggestion that the study also examine risks of expanding the industry. A major discussion centered on the “Deep Protection Act,” aimed at preventing foreclosures tied to deed theft. The sponsor described cases involving elderly homeowners and fraudulent transfers, while opponents argued the bill was vague, could create unintended consequences or private litigation, and might affect only a small share of mortgages because it applies to state-chartered institutions. The sponsor said the bill would be amended and noted interest in related county clerk reforms. The committee ultimately sent the bill to Judiciary. The final bills addressed mortgage payment schedule fees and unsolicited mail loan checks; both were approved. The meeting ended after the chair emphasized open debate and committee review as part of improving legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And he had a lot of legislation.
• the core of this legislation. the core of this legislation. uh<03:27:31.200> she<03:27:31.520
• And I know one of the differences between this legislation and the body cam legislation is that body
• And I know one of the differences between this legislation and the body cam legislation is the body cam
• And I know one of the differences between this legislation and the body cam legislation is the body cam

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's one hand of the legislation.
• So that's on one hand of the legislation.
• So, you know, different states do their analysis in different ways.
• And then we need this legislation like this.
• And then we need this legislation like this. So it's more tailored and the approach is.

Bills: HCR93, HCR14, HR85

Keywords: image-based sexual abuse, working group, gender-based violence, Hawaii Commission on the Status of Women, prevention efforts, survivor protections, new technologies, legal reform, HCR14, House Concurrent Resolution, perpetual easement, non-exclusive easement, state submerged lands, submerged lands, shoreline easement, drainage outfall, stormwater outfall, lagoon outfall, pipelines, Kahala Hotel & Resort

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to point out that legislation like this supports families. It supports particular families.
• It's the kind of legislation that supports our community's will. Thank you.
• This legislation will only add to those expenses. We are asking the sponsors and the legislature.
• My first question is: has CMS formally reviewed this legislation?
• Analysis that will be conducted by January 1st, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that’s probably not, from my standpoint and my input from a legislative standpoint, going to
• This funding would allow them to get through three years, but also included with that was legislative
• Legislative intent to do kind of a broadening look at the Harbors and Watercraft Fund administered by
• Brian Metzger with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
• So, and this legislative, that was by SB 840, right?

Summary: The subcommittee began by announcing a change in the agenda order, moving item 6 ahead of item 1 and then item 7, and noting there would be no votes taken on any items that day. Item 6 covered a proposed operational efficiencies control section for the Natural Resources Agency that would let multiple departments jointly fund landscape-scale or multi-jurisdictional projects and allow Finance to transfer climate bond funds to a lead state entity. The LAO said the proposal was reasonable but suggested the Legislature consider requiring summary notification on how it is used; Finance said it would consider that request. Item 7 focused on the 2026-27 biodiversity and nature-based solutions spending plan. Finance and the Wildlife Conservation Board described the climate bond funding for habitat restoration, wildlife crossings, public access, tribal nature-based solutions, and related work, including $111 million proposed for WCB and $30 million for Salton Sea habitat and public access projects. The LAO supported the overall approach but flagged the San Andreas Corridor Program as an area where the Legislature may want to specify geographic priorities. Members discussed the pace of Salton Sea work and whether the proposed projects would count toward disadvantaged community goals. Item 8 addressed Cal Fire’s aviation contract and staffing needs for wildfire response. Cal Fire said year-round fire activity, a larger and more complex aircraft fleet, and labor market pressures justified the proposed contract increase, including more mechanics, pilots, and maintenance support. The LAO recommended approval, saying the proposal addressed health and safety concerns. Members asked about contractor staffing, competition in the bidding process, and future technology for early fire detection and suppression. The committee then took up item 1 on golden mussel containment. Fish and Wildlife described the invasive species’ spread in the Delta, the task force and response framework, and a request for eight new positions funded by Prop. 4 to support control plans, outreach, monitoring, research, and coordination with partners and law enforcement. Members pressed the department on whether the state should fund more direct decontamination infrastructure and grants to local water managers, and on the realistic goal of containing the mussel. The chair and several members emphasized the urgency of the threat and requested an itemized breakdown of the $20 million request. The hearing then moved to a broader LAO overview of wildfire prevention and response funding, where the LAO summarized the state’s funding mix and warned that ongoing wildfire resilience funding will likely decline as one-time bond and GGRF funds are exhausted, prompting discussion of long-term funding options and the balance between prevention, suppression, and community hardening.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:38:34.760> which installation in 2023 our analysis which installation in 2023 our analysis
• So at a basic level I don't understand the need for this legislation at this time.
• So at a basic level I don't understand the need for this legislation at this time.
• <00:51:52.480> at<00:51:52.720> this for this legislation at this for this legislation
• <00:54:03.960> and with this piece of legislation and with this piece of legislation and ultimately

Bills: HF47, HF434, HF1503, HF1702

Keywords: telecommunications, installation, certification, safety, underground utilities, HF434, cervidae, deer, elk, moose, chronic wasting disease, CWD, wildlife importation, animal health, biosecurity, zoo, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA, USDA exhibitor, species survival plan

Transcript Highlights:

• we will not permit conduct that disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of legislative
• I would like to introduce my first witness, Yvonne Fernandez, legislative advocate for the California
• Without legislation like this, there is no real recourse for the American public.
• It's really just a three-part analysis. The U.S. Supreme Court in the Moody v.
• I think the analysis included some examples of some things that now, I guess, are allowed on Meta.

Summary: The committee hearing covered several bills related to privacy, consumer protection, and online harms. SB 259 by Senator Wahab would prohibit surveillance pricing based on device data such as geolocation or battery level; supporters argued it would curb discriminatory and predatory pricing, while opponents raised concerns about geolocation definitions, legitimate location-based pricing, and impacts on discounts and loyalty programs. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to the Judiciary Committee and passed 8-1, with members noting amendments and ongoing discussions with stakeholders. SB 22 by Senator Laird would raise the amount of gift cards that can be redeemed for cash, with the author saying the goal is to update the long-standing $10 threshold for inflation and preserve consumer value. Consumer advocates supported the bill, while retailers, restaurants, grocers, and chambers of commerce opposed or opposed unless amended, citing fraud concerns, safety issues, and the need for clarification on donated or returned gift cards. The committee voted the bill out on a 6-1 vote and kept it on call. SB 576 by Senator Umberg would apply broadcast-style loudness rules to streaming advertisements. The author said the bill is intended to prevent ads from being much louder than programming, especially for children, while the opposition argued that streaming ad insertion is technically different and that existing industry standards and FCC oversight already address the issue. The bill passed 8-0. SB 683 by Senator Cortese would clarify that people can seek injunctive relief, including a TRO, for unauthorized use of name, image, or likeness; supporters said it strengthens privacy protections, while opponents warned about prior restraint and First Amendment concerns. The bill was moved out on a due pass motion and kept on call. The final bill discussed, SB 771 by Senator Stern, would clarify that existing civil rights and hate-related laws apply to social media platforms and their algorithms, with higher penalties for intentional or reckless violations. Supporters, including the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Islamic Networks Group, described online hate as fueling real-world violence and urged stronger accountability; opponents argued the bill could conflict with Section 230, chill lawful speech, and create vague standards. Members raised questions about constitutionality, definitions, and whether the bill would be workable, but several expressed support for the author’s goals.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rachel Ehlers with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
• To establish a baseline for SB 54's source reduction, CalRecycle conducted an analysis of the amount
• LAO, Frank Jimenez with the Legislative Analysts.
• Frank Jimenez with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
• So, we've had multiple studies on soil analysis multiple times now.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Troxlers don't have legislation that would.
• That's based on our analysis of the controller's exemptions and incidents report.
• And so it's really the same analysis across all taxing units. Thank you.
• And the goal, of course, is to make sure the taxpayers exit this legislative session better than when
• You know, legislative decision back then was to cut education and not cut property taxes.

Bills: HB8, HB9, HJR1, HB 22

Keywords: HB 8, Texas public school accountability, school accountability, public school transparency, STAAR, state assessments, instructionally supportive assessment program, Student Success Tool, Texas Education Agency, TEA, accountability ratings, A-F ratings, through-year assessment, benchmark testing, norm-referenced assessment, college career military readiness, CCMR, local accountability plan, school district performance, campus turnaround

Transcript Highlights:

• Citizens is a legislatively created governmental entity.
• That was built into the actuarial analysis. That was the expected amount of cost.
• So when we do an analysis for our rate filing, and I have my chief actuary, Brian Donovan, if we need
• Whether it's in the market or legislation, what is needed moving forward for, you know,...
• I do want to recognize our newest member working with our policy staff is a legislative fellow, Jacob

Summary: The Insurance and Banking Subcommittee received a lengthy presentation from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation CEO Tim Serio, with Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworski also answering questions. Serio reviewed Citizens’ role as Florida’s insurer of last resort, its statutory funding structure, eligibility rules, depopulation program, reinsurance obligations, and the surcharge/emergency assessment mechanisms that can be used if Citizens runs a deficit. He emphasized that recent legislative reforms, combined with lower litigation and improved market conditions, have helped the private market recover and reduced Citizens’ policy count from a peak of about 1.41 million in 2023 to 936,182 at the end of 2024, with a projected drop to about 771,000 by the end of 2025. He also said the reforms reduced Citizens’ rate need and helped avoid an emergency assessment after the 2024 storms. Members asked about Citizens’ rate increases, why Citizens still seeks higher rates despite lower litigation, how the 20% eligibility threshold works, whether Citizens should be wind-only, and whether the state or federal government could help with deficits. Serio explained that Citizens is still charging below actuarially sound rates in most areas, that rate filings reflect reduced litigation and lower reinsurance exposure, and that assessments on all Florida property policyholders are the reason Citizens tries to build surplus and depopulate. He said the depopulation program is working better than in the past, with less than 2% of takeout policies returning to Citizens, and that the Office of Insurance Regulation has been vetting takeout companies more carefully. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on claims handling after Debby, Helene, and Milton, including flood-versus-wind disputes and Citizens’ use of the Division of Administrative Hearings for some claim disputes. Serio said Citizens had received 76,625 claims from the three storms and had paid nearly $823 million in indemnity and expenses as of January 7, 2025. He said many closed-without-payment claims were either below deductible, withdrawn, duplicate, or flood-only, and that Citizens had asked its internal audit function to independently review the claims data and denials. He also described Citizens’ storm outreach, catastrophe response centers, managed-repair program, and claim review process, and said the corporation remains focused on paying valid claims while minimizing the risk of assessments on the broader Florida market.

Transcript Highlights:

• A constitutional amendment or legislation that goes beyond heroes' recognition would provide long-term
• As a legislator from a very urban area, I've learned more about California, particularly in this role
• Have you begun to do an analysis on your economies of scale and where that makes a difference?
• Has the system done an analysis to try to better understand student applicants, where they're applying
• But I want to, I guess, request now ahead of time, whatever is provided, that analysis is done on all

Summary: The joint Assembly Higher Education and Budget Subcommittee hearing focused on the future of the California State University system, with opening remarks emphasizing CSU’s major role in California’s economy, workforce, and degree production. Chairs and members said the hearing was intended to inform 2026 budget decisions and to examine three main issues: declining enrollment at some campuses, cost controls and possible consolidation, and oversight of recent state investments at campuses such as Humboldt and Sonoma. The meeting was briefly delayed by microphone and sound problems before reconvening. The first panel featured CSU Academic Senate Chair Dr. Elizabeth Boyd and Cal State Student Association Vice President Katie Karam. Boyd urged the Legislature to protect academic freedom, strengthen faculty governance, provide stable ongoing funding, end unfunded mandates, support student food and housing security, fund flexible course schedules, improve transfer systems such as ASSIST, avoid over-centralizing academic programs, protect immigrant students, and expand intersegmental collaboration. Karam said students are feeling the effects of budget shortfalls through fewer course sections, reduced advising and services, longer time to degree, and tuition pressure, and she called for transparency, meaningful student involvement in budget decisions, and sustained state investment rather than cuts that harm the student experience. The second panel covered enrollment management and included CSU Chancellor’s Office and campus administrators from Chico State, Cal State L.A., and San Diego State. Dr. Delcy Perez said CSU Forward and the new systemwide enrollment plan are aimed at expanding access, aligning programs with workforce needs, and increasing resident enrollment; she reported systemwide enrollment gains and strong application numbers, including a direct-admissions pilot that expanded from Riverside to more campuses. Campus representatives described local recruitment and retention strategies, including early outreach to high school students, community college partnerships, guaranteed admission programs, and expanded advising and student support. San Diego State highlighted record enrollment and high demand, while Cal State L.A. described efforts to recover from impaction and rebuild enrollment. Members pressed CSU officials on the accuracy of enrollment data, the gap between funded targets and actual enrollment, and the system’s reallocation formula. CSU staff explained that campuses below target will see a 5% ongoing reallocation beginning in 2026-27, with one-time reserve funding also being directed to campuses that can grow, and that fiscal health reviews have been completed for 21 of 22 campuses. Legislators also asked about turnaround plans required by the budget act; CSU said those plans are being developed and will be shared in the spring after campus consultation. No formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we'll have to follow up with our research economic analysis division on the economic impacts for
• So, we'll ask our economic analysis division to pull together that. Okay. Thank you.
• division to pull our economic analysis division to pull together<00:12:15.360> that.
• And we also passed out DBEDT's analysis as to why we should fund an increase in tourism.
• as to why we should uh fund an analysis as to why we should uh fund an increase<00:20:43.280> in<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony and then took up House Bill 1369, which would repeal several tax credits and exemptions, including the renewable fuels production tax credit. Testimony was overwhelmingly opposed: Hawaii Gas, the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, and the Tax Foundation all raised concerns, with opponents arguing the renewable fuels credit has supported major local investment, cleaner fuel production, and energy resilience, while Hawaii Gas warned repeal would raise costs for customers. The Department of Taxation said it did not take a position but provided revenue estimates, saying the bill would increase revenues by about $33.8 million in FY 2026 and $121.7 million in FY 2027; DBEDT said it would follow up on broader economic impacts. The chair proposed a series of amendments that removed some repeals, added five-year sunsets to certain exemptions, narrowed or conditioned others, and tied the renewable fuels exemption to a dollar-for-dollar match for renewable fuel production certified by the state energy officer. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and the motion was adopted with multiple members voting with reservations. The committee then moved through a series of other measures. HB 159, HB 244, HB 280, HB 316, HB 716, HB 1298, and HB 1295 were recommended for passage, with HB 1295 amended to change a date to 2050. HB 455 was amended to remove the Hawaii Startup Business Loan Program language and instead fund DBEDT contracting for startup financing and support, excluding businesses already eligible for the community-based economic development loan program. HB 504 was amended to add non-recurring appropriations for the Hawaii Tourism Authority, conditioned on formal commitments to purchase local products under the HRS 27-8 timeline; members discussed the cruise passenger tax and where the revenue would go, and the bill was passed with amendments. HB 606 was amended to recognize DHHL authority over mercantile projects licenses, remove some reporting requirements, and replace the appropriation with $25 million for mercantile projects and $25 million for repair and maintenance. HB 1378 was amended to allow the foundation to enter public-private partnerships, adjust appropriation language, and cap a proposed limit at $15 million, with the committee noting the changes addressed concerns raised in testimony from BNF and the attorney general. HB 974 was deferred indefinitely because the House had already passed SB 1501. Finally, HB 1007 was amended to rename the transit-oriented development infrastructure district program as the transit-oriented community improvement program, consolidate the boards into one, expand board membership, add conflict-of-interest provisions, and allow legislative designation of areas; after discussion about HCDA’s role and the stadium district, the measure was adopted with one reservation.

Transcript Highlights:

• We go back to bills in previous legislation and make them stricter.
• I just respectfully disagree with his legal analysis.
• And that has and will continue to impair the proper functioning of this legislative body.
• I did a couple years ago, I did a comparative analysis.
• I'd also like to recognize Senator Jackson as a co-sponsor of this piece of legislation.

Keywords: 977, all