Transcript Highlights:

• >> Chair: WE HAVE AN AMENDMENT. CAN YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN THE AMENDMENT?
• TO THE AMENDMENT WE HAVE NO PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON THE AMENDMENT.
• IS THERE DEBATE ON THE AMENDMENT? SEEING NO DEBATE.
• REPRESENTATIVE OVERDORF WE ARE BACK ON THE BILL AS AMENDED.
• AND SHOW THE AMENDMENT ADOPTED WITHOUT OBJECTION. SORRY ABOUT THAT.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, that would take a statutory change.
• that would take a a statutory change. that would take a a statutory change.
• Retired member in the participating employer and position must meet the statutory requirements.
• So, some of the statutory requirements for these positions, and I just want to note for school resource
• Retired member in the participating employer and position must meet the statutory requirements.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:54 Pension System Update 00:03:38, 958, all

Summary: The committee held its first official interim meeting after merging the General Government and Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement committees, establishing a quorum and opening with the pledge and prayer. Members then received a briefing from KPPA representatives Ryan Barrow and Aaron Sarock on the state retirement systems, including KERS, CERS, and SPRS, and on the importance of fully funding the actuarially determined employer contribution, supplemental appropriations, and investment earnings in reducing unfunded liabilities. They said the systems have made progress toward a statutory closed amortization target of 2049 and emphasized that supplemental funding lowers current employer contribution rates but does not change that end date. A major topic was federal and state reemployment-after-retirement rules for retirees who return to work with participating employers. KPPA explained that retirees must have a bona fide separation from service, no prearranged agreement to return, and generally a one-calendar-month break in service for retirees on or after January 1, 2024. If a member fails to comply, retirement benefits can be voided, payments stopped, health coverage ended, and benefits repaid. The presenters also noted that rehired retirees do not earn a second retirement account, and employers rehiring them must pay employer contributions and, in non-exempt cases, reimburse health insurance costs. Members asked about the scale of rehired retirees and the difference between employer contribution and health insurance reimbursement amounts. KPPA said that in fiscal year 2025 there were over 3,500 rehired retirees in CERS and over 5,000 in SPRS, with substantial employer contributions and health reimbursement payments collected. They also explained that some positions are exempt from these chargebacks, including school resource officers and certain law enforcement positions that meet statutory criteria. The committee discussed House Bill 213, which allows cities, sheriffs’ departments, and post-secondary institutions to offer health insurance to rehired officers if authorized by the governing body, effective August 1, 2026, and clarifies the fiscal-year basis for certain exemption limits. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, Senator, I don't know that the board has the statutory authority to be offering anything to be
• The second report also provided responses to the 10 statutory sunset factors.
• Mr. and Madam Co-Chairs, members of the committee, our office does have statutory authority to access
• At that point, the department had a statutory obligation to evaluate whether renewal would serve the
• But I'd like you to provide me the statutory process, Title 37, for addressing the water assets issue

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Joint Natural Resources and House Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committees of Reference heard the Arizona Auditor General’s sunset review of the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board. The audit found the board generally met some licensing requirements, but it did not timely investigate and resolve 49 of 159 complaints in fiscal year 2024, and it did not fully comply with conflict-of-interest disclosure and filing requirements. The Auditor General also identified weaknesses in continuing-education verification and other sunset-factor areas, and the board agreed to implement all 21 recommendations. Board staff said complaint volume has risen sharply since the pandemic, that the board’s process is slower because every case goes through an investigative committee and then the full board, and that it has already corrected some conflict-of-interest issues and is adding tools to improve continuing-education audits. The committee then heard testimony from the board’s executive director and from the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association. The executive director emphasized the board’s public-protection mission, described the shortage of veterinarians and veterinary technicians, and said the board is working to improve efficiency through a new e-licensing system and staff training. Members asked about the shortage of large-animal veterinarians, complaint backlogs, and whether the board could do more to recruit rural practitioners; the board said it lacks direct recruiting authority but supports multiple licensure pathways and loan-assistance efforts. The veterinary association supported the board’s oversight and said it is also working on rural and large-animal workforce issues through partnerships and advocacy. The committee then voted to recommend continuing the board for eight years, until July 1, 2034. The committee next took up the Arizona State Land Department, beginning with the Auditor General’s presentation on the department’s sunset review and prior special audit. The audit found the department had not updated its required five-year disposition plan since 2011, had sold more than 48,000 acres without an active plan, had allowed agricultural rental rates to go unchanged since 2006 despite market increases, and had not consistently inspected mineral-related leases or properly managed reclamation bonds. The Auditor General said these issues created risks of lost revenue, reduced transparency, and public-safety hazards, and recommended 18 corrective actions in the main review plus 34 additional recommendations on other issues; the department agreed to most recommendations but declined to adopt a written policy for commissioner-initiated land sales. Commissioner Robin Sahid said the department is working through audit recommendations, has created a rules team, improved its customer portal, and is pursuing new policies on water use, transportation-basin leases, and disposition planning. Members questioned the department about agricultural leases, groundwater valuation, the Fondomonte leases and reimbursement for improvements, the canceled Coyotes land auction, backlog and processing times, and the use of consultants and administrative funds. The commissioner said the department had over 2,000 applications in queue when she arrived, that it has made progress reducing the backlog, and that it is conducting stakeholder outreach on water-efficiency standards and lease addenda. No final vote on the land department continuation was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I filed Amendment last year to House Bill 11. It closely aligned with this bill.
• All right, seeing no further questions, do I have a motion on Senate Bill 100 as amended by PSS1?
• asking you to do through statutory changes<00:57:52.480> what<00:57:52.760> Physicians
• And, um, so at this time we will not take any action on Senate Bill 88 as amended by PSS 1, and we will
• <01:03:36.799> by action on Senate Bill 88 as amended by action on Senate Bill 88 as amended

Keywords: Call to Order 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:35 SB 22 Discussion 00:01:20 SB 22 Vote 00:11:45 SB 100 Discussion 00:15:07 SB 100 Vote 00:38:53 SB 88 Discussion Only 00:42:11 Adjournment 01:03:52, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations met on February 18, 2025, and first took up Senate Bill 22 by Senator Reginald Thomas, which was presented as a cleanup measure following prior cosmetology reforms and a Legislative Oversight and Investigations report. The bill would allow cosmetologists to retake exams multiple times with a one-month wait, authorize the Board of Cosmetology to immediately close facilities that intentionally use unlicensed workers while preserving due process, give the board flexibility to hire an executive director based on qualifications rather than licensure, and recognize certain out-of-state or territorial cosmetology licenses. Board officials said the changes were intended to improve fairness, equality, and administrative due process. Senators asked about retesting fees and whether partial retests could dilute standards; Thomas clarified that the exam is cumulative and must be retaken in full. The committee approved SB 22 with all favorable votes, and Senator Meredith explained his support as a workforce and fairness issue. The committee then heard Senate Bill 100 by Senator Jimmy Higdon, as substituted, concerning tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product retail licensing and enforcement. Youth advocates from the University of Kentucky testified in support, describing youth nicotine use as a public health crisis and urging stronger enforcement, annual compliance checks, retailer licensing, and tougher penalties for illegal sales to minors. Higdon said the bill would create a Division of Tobacco, Nicotine, and Vapor Products Licensing within ABC, require licenses for retailers, authorize inspections and confiscation of contraband, impose escalating criminal and civil penalties for unlicensed sales and sales to minors, publish a list of licensed retailers, and dedicate fine revenue to enforcement and youth education. He said the measure targeted bad actors rather than responsible retailers. A retailer witness also supported licensing but raised concerns about contradictory product definitions that could sweep in hemp and medical marijuana vapor products, and asked that the bill be delayed until after an expected Supreme Court decision affecting federal vapor-product rules. The transcript ends during discussion of SB 100, before any committee vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 800 amends current law, leading to a public institution of higher education's orientation
• sunset review, the Sunset Commission recommended that with additions to the Coordinating Board's statutory

Bills: SB800, SB1534, SB2055, SB2310, SB2431, SB2786, SB3039, SB1242

Keywords: sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, higher education, student safety, orientation policies, health physics, workforce development, nuclear energy, radiological safety, scholarship, education, Texas Leadership Scholars Program, student funding, transparency, degree requirements, certificate programs, student transfer, foreign language

Transcript Highlights:

• All those in favor of the amendment, please say aye. Aye. Aye. Now the amendment is adopted.
• Madam Chair, there is one amendment.
• The amendment, can you tell us what's going on with the amendment?
• All those in favor of the amendment, please say aye. Aye. The amendment is adopted.
• Please move the bill as amended.

Bills: HB2051, HB2324, HB2439, HB2457, HB2686, HB2837, HB2875, HB2953

Keywords: AHCCCS, lactation care, breastfeeding, health services, healthcare access, HB2324, fire code, fire marshal, state fire marshal, municipalities, cities and towns, county-owned buildings, county buildings, intergovernmental agreement, IGA, fire inspection, occupancy certificate, building inventory, local government, county government

Summary: The Committee on Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency approved the March 11, 2026 minutes and then heard several bills. HB 2686, a patient-protection measure for outpatient surgical facilities, would require surgeons to file and update a call-coverage plan for hospital complications; the sponsor said it would improve continuity of care and reduce emergency room confusion, and the committee recommended it do pass. HB 2051 would require AHCCCS contractors, subject to CMS approval, to cover breastfeeding and lactation services in multiple settings; supporters described it as a maternal and infant health measure, AHCCCS was neutral and noted a projected state cost of about $1.8 million, and the bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 6-0 vote with one member not voting. The committee also approved HB 2837, which requires compensation disclosure for testimony or written comments in municipal zoning matters and requires certain municipal board members or hearing officers to disclose and recuse for recent conflicts involving entities they served; the sponsor framed it as a transparency and conflict-of-interest bill, and it passed 6-0 with one not voting. HB 2875, concerning commercial drone delivery systems, was amended to allow local regulation of drone facilities near medium and large hub airports within a 2.5-mile buffer and to require consultation with airports; Zipline and industry groups supported the measure as providing regulatory clarity, and the committee adopted the amendment and recommended the bill do pass. HB 2324 would let cities with their own fire codes, through an intergovernmental agreement, have city fire inspectors enforce those codes on county-owned buildings in city limits when state enforcement is burdensome; county and fire officials said it would resolve jurisdictional confusion, and the bill passed 6-0 with one not voting. HB 2439 would exempt single-user public or semi-public cold plunges from ADEQ spa rules, and an amendment removed ADEQ rulemaking authority; county health representatives said the change would reduce confusion, but one member raised public-health concerns, and the amended bill passed 4-2 with one not voting. HB 2457 would allow utilities to bypass the certificate of environmental compatibility process for new plants co-located with large electricity users after notice and a public comment session; the Sierra Club opposed it as reducing public review, while supporters said it preserved some local input and improved efficiency, and it passed 4-2 with one not voting. Finally, HB 2953 would cap certain nondisciplinary and civil penalties imposed by the Board of Pharmacy at $25,000 and allow lower penalties based on prior activity; a supporter said it matched limits used in other regulatory contexts, and the committee recommended it do pass unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any questions on this amendment? Are there any questions on this amendment?
• So now we're on the amendment, excuse me, the bill as amended. Are there questions on the bill?
• Are there questions on the amendment? Seeing no questions on the amendment.
• Do we have appearance cards on the amendment? No appearance cards on the amendment.
• Is there debate on the amendment? Seeing no debate, is there opposition to the amendment?

Summary: The Committee on Health Policy met with a quorum and considered three bills. Senate Bill 526 on nursing education programs, sponsored by Senator Harrell, would tighten oversight of nursing schools by requiring admission criteria, exit exams, remediation plans, annual reporting, on-site inspections, and stronger action against programs with poor NCLEX results or adverse actions in other jurisdictions. After testimony from the sponsor and several committee questions, a late-filed amendment restored a two-year probation period instead of one year, and the bill was reported favorably. Senate Bill 714, also by Senator Harrell, would create a voluntary non-opioid advance directive allowing patients to document a wish not to receive opioids, including when incapacitated, with the form developed by the Department of Health and potentially included in electronic medical records. The sponsor said it would not prevent treatment discussions and would provide liability protection for providers who lack actual knowledge of the directive in emergencies. The bill drew no opposition in the meeting and was reported favorably. Senate Bill 170, sponsored by Senator Burton, would add nursing home quality and transparency measures, including consumer satisfaction surveys, patient safety culture surveys, electronic health record requirements, reporting to the Florida Health Information Exchange, a $10,000 fine for failure to submit required financial data, and reporting on Medicaid quality payments. An amendment clarified the fine’s application to both facilities and home offices. Testimony from AARP and the Florida Health Care Association supported the bill, and it was reported favorably after discussion about implementation and costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:36:38.480> proposed you adopt uh the uh Amendment proposed you adopt uh the uh Amendment
• Senator rest offers the the A4 Amendment Senator rest offers the A4<00:53:19.880> Amendment<00
• <00:54:19.359> treats the uh the Second Amendment treats the uh the Second Amendment treats
• <01:45:18.679> be sorry Senate file 447 is amended be sorry Senate file 447 is amended be
• ensure we stay within our statutory ensure we stay within our statutory Authority<01:50:32.040><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Bills: SR44, HCR1027, SJR50, SJR52, SJR53, HB1185, HB1937, HB2035, HB2137, HB2166, HB3148, HB3323, HB3466, HB3498, HB3661, HB3678, HB3710, HB3977, HB3986, HB4104, HB4108, HB4142, HB4191, HB4274, HB4275, HB4322, HB4336, HB4484, HB3880, HB1687, HB3673, HB1170, HB2959, HB3718, HB3021, HB3443, HB3501, HB4143, HB4326, HB2992, HB3660, SB171, SB1325, SB1980, SB2045, HB4422, HB4423

Keywords: Medicaid, federal funding, state law, healthcare, low-income adults, Oklahoma Constitution, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, OHCA, health care rules, administrative rules, major rule, Title 75, Title 317, Oklahoma Administrative Code, OAC 317:30, health policy, state health programs, provider regulations, benefits administration, rule approval

Transcript Highlights:

• And then finally, on lines 150 and 152, these are statutory appropriation and revenue for a provision
• Section nine amends the cross reference.
• <00:14:18.560> the broker's license for and it amends the broker's license for and it amends
• <00:24:43.360> the Senate only provisions which amend the Senate only provisions which amend
• <00:25:47.279> rules commissioner of commerce to amend rules commissioner of commerce to amend

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• this as an informational item, and then once we have the discussion, we'll go back and draft an amendment
• The Senate ran out the clock on that side, but before that happened, we did work with the Senate to amend
• I also want to note an amendment yesterday in Senate Finance Committee that is to this section six of
• So, what the bill, as now amended, includes is a Requirement that starting in 2027, on the first day
• But We'll see how all of that goes and what amendments come to it throughout the whole time.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As amended, AB 379 is a much stronger, more comprehensive bill.
• With the amendments before you today, AB 379 makes the following changes, and I would like to go over
• With regards to sentencing, AB 379 as amended authorizes felony punishment for solicitation of a minor
• I will also note that the three-year age differential is consistent with how we handle statutory rape
• And last but not least, AB 379, as amended, creates a new vertical prosecution grant program for human

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 7, 2025, considering a large number of bills, with several measures heard in detail before the committee moved through consent and suspense items. Early in the hearing, AB 876 by Assemblymember Flora was heard on CRNA scope of practice and anesthesia access. Supporters said it would clarify that certified registered nurse anesthetists may provide anesthesia services independently, while opponents from physician and medical groups argued that anesthesiologists and CRNAs are not interchangeable and that physician-led care is needed for patient safety. The bill was ultimately voted out, with a later vote change recorded for Mr. Tangipa from not voting to aye. The committee also heard AB 379, a major human trafficking and child exploitation bill, which would expand penalties for solicitation of a minor, create a misdemeanor for loitering with intent to purchase commercial sex, increase fines on businesses that fail to post trafficking notices or knowingly allow trafficking, create a survivor support grant program, and establish a vertical prosecution grant program. The bill drew strong support from the author and some members who emphasized tougher enforcement and victim services, but also significant opposition from sex worker and civil liberties advocates who argued the bill would worsen criminalization, disproportionately harm Black and Brown communities, and fail to address housing and other root causes. After extensive discussion, the committee voted the bill out, with one member later changing from not voting to aye. Other bills heard included AB 435 on child passenger safety, which would adopt a five-step test and update booster-seat and front-seat rules; AB 1415, which would give the Office of Health Care Affordability more access to information from health systems and private equity-related entities; AB 539, the Timely Care Act, which would extend the duration of approved prior authorizations for treatment; AB 1466, relating to groundwater adjudication and sustainability disputes; AB 127, which would tie the cap-and-trade price ceiling to the social cost of carbon; and AB 672, which would require public employers to notify PERB of certain court actions and allow intervention to protect labor rights. The committee also approved a large consent calendar and then deemed the suspense calendar approved, sending many bills onward. The hearing concluded with several bills reported out, some on call, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• FOLLOWING ENACTMENT THEY AMENDED ALL INVESTMENT AGREEMENTS WITH ALL EXISTING FUND MANAGERS TO INCORPORATE
• SPECIAL SESSION IN 2023 FOLLOWING OCTOBER TERRORIST ATTACKS THE IRAN TERRORISM SECTOR STATUTE WAS AMENDED
• ADDITIONALLY IN 2023 THE LEGISLATURE AMENDED SECTIONS PICK SPECIFICALLY ON THE DEFINITION WHICH IS ADDED
• ON PUBLIC EMPLOYEES OF FIRST AMENDMENT PROTECTIONS.
• THIS DOESN'T AFFECT ANY AMENDMENT RIGHTS ANYWHERE EXCEPT GOVERNMENT BUILDING OR SHOULD ALL SHOULD BE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are three or four statutory barriers or metrics you meet before you do a transfer, so to speak.
• In March, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission amended rules governing the authorization of take of
• Projects located more than three miles seaward of the Texas coast have statutory exemptions for water
• But those are a couple of things that we think are worth consideration from a statutory standpoint, and
• We actually already have an amendment process to these zones in place if someone has already collected

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment, uh, the bill also amends a couple of other areas within the leasing statute um to align
• The amendment, uh, the bill also amends a couple of other areas within the leasing statute um to align
• The amendment, uh, the bill also amends a couple of other areas within the leasing statute um to align
• dependent in the through this amendment. dependent in the through this amendment.
• >> And there so there is an amendment that >> And there so there is an amendment that will

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I'm uh I we can discuss the amendment. The amendment is a good amendment.
• Uh question is on the one committee<00:13:00.720> amendment committee amendment committee amendment
• >> on the amendment. >> on the amendment.
• . amendment. amendment.
• > good the the amend the amendment is a good the the amend the amendment is a good amendment.<

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate met on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with a quorum present. The session opened with an invocation by Chaplain David Stadler, followed by journalization of his remarks and several introductions recognizing guests in the chamber, including dentists, an intern, a former legislative staffer, and representatives from the University System of Maryland and other groups. Senators also noted upcoming committee meetings and a Legislative Black Caucus photo the next day. The main floor action centered on a resolution honoring Maryland Career and Technical Student Organizations for Career and Technical Student Organization Week. The sponsor described the role of CTSOs in serving more than 12,000 students statewide and in building leadership, professional, and career skills. The resolution was read in full and adopted unanimously, with the Senate expressing congratulations and appreciation for the organizations’ work with young people. The Senate then took up layover items and calendar bills. Senate Bill 56, concerning Maryland Longitudinal Data Center external data sharing for multi-state reporting, was special ordered for one day after members raised privacy-related questions. Senate Bill 99, the Open Meetings Act/Local Board of Education Transparency Act measure, was also special ordered for one day after discussion of its committee amendment. The chamber also received administrative corrections from the Governor and referred them to the Executive Nominations Committee, and the majority leader later moved adjournment until February 19 at 10:00 a.m., which was adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is introduced that it would not amend 189:11; rather, it would amend RSA 189:11, the entire section
• 18911 rather it would um amend RSA 189 18911 rather it would um amend RSA 189 the<00:54:55.000><
• <01:04:25.520> okay Amendment okay Amendment okay okay<01:04:27.400> I<01:04:27.520>
• <03:44:24.159> by amended by amended by 0839<03:44:27.600> thank<03:44:27.760> you
• the problem with the bill as the amend the problem with the bill as the amend the<03:49:48.960><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 749, which would require high schools to provide at least one hour of instruction on the nature and history of communism. The prime sponsor said the bill was prompted by concerns that students lack basic historical knowledge about communism and its effects, and argued that a short, flexible requirement could be embedded in an existing course without creating a new full class. He described communism as a totalitarian ideology and cited historical examples including the Soviet Union, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Cold War, and current events involving Russia, Ukraine, and Taiwan as reasons students should understand the topic. Members asked whether the subject is already covered in current social studies standards, whether one hour is enough, and whether the bill would apply to public, private, parochial, and charter schools. The sponsor said he did not believe communism is specifically required in current standards, that he would prefer a full course but was proposing a minimal requirement, and that he intended the bill to apply broadly to schools under the Department of Education’s umbrella, though he acknowledged the wording may need clarification for charter schools. He also said the proposal was both reactive and proactive, based on anecdotal concerns and his teaching experience. A second supporter testified that he was born in the Soviet Union and favored the bill, but suggested the instruction should emphasize critical thinking and explain both why communism can appeal to some people and why it can have harmful consequences. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• an amendment >> 0477s >> 0477s >> 0477s >> 0477s I think the amendment is to
• Move the bill and then the amendment. Well, the bill and the amendment.
• And I'll move amendment 20260477S. I'll second that. Any further discussion on the amendment?
• <00:15:35.360> All So, ought to pass as amendment. All So, ought to pass as amendment.
• look for an an amendment on that. look for an an amendment on that.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• WE DO HAVE APPEARANCE FORMS NOT ON THE AMENDEMENT. ANY DEBATE ON THE AMENDMENT?
• SHOW THAT AMENDMENT ADOPTED, QUESTIONS ON THE BILL AS AMENDED?
• THE AMENDMENT.
• ANY QUESTIONS ON THE AMENDMENT? ANY APPEARANCE FORMS? IS THERE DEBATE ON THE AMENDMENT?
• THE AMENDMENT IS ADOPTED, BACK ON THE BILL AS AMENDED, QUESTIONS ON THE BILL AS AMENDED.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All of us, as senators and House members, have the statutory authority to make unannounced visits to
• All of us, as senators and House members, have the statutory authority to make unannounced visits to
• And yes, we could constrain the bill, but the bill doesn't have that amendment.
• And yes, we could constrain the bill, but the bill doesn't have that amendment.
• And yes, we could constrain the bill, but the bill doesn't have that amendment.

Bills: S7040, S0110, S0434, S0856

Keywords: property assessment, wind damage, home improvements, real estate, tax exemption, Florida statutes, ad valorem taxes, property listings, tax estimation, disclosure, Florida, residential property

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and took up three property-tax related bills before turning to a broader discussion of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund. SB 434, which would prohibit counties from increasing a residential property’s assessed value because the owner installed wind mitigation measures, was presented by Senator Lee and reported favorably. CS for SB 110, which clarifies that holders of 98-year-or-longer residential leases remain eligible for the homestead exemption even if the lease ends at death, was also reported favorably. SB 856, requiring online residential listing platforms to display estimated property taxes using prescribed calculation methods and not the current owner’s tax bill, drew support from property appraisers, Zillow representatives, and others and was reported favorably after questions about transparency and realtor obligations. The committee then considered SPB 7040, which would recreate and extend the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund through December 31, 2027. Senator DiCeglie and Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie argued the fund is needed for hurricane response, other natural and man-made emergencies, and reimbursement-based spending; they said the extension preserves legislative oversight that would otherwise lapse. Several senators questioned the use of the fund for immigration-related operations, detention facilities, and other non-disaster activities, as well as the lack of additional guardrails, reimbursement timing, and transparency. Guthrie said the division has used the fund for hurricanes, flooding, civil unrest, security operations, and other incidents, and that some reimbursements are still pending from the federal government. Public testimony on SPB 7040 was largely opposed. Speakers from the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, the Southern Poverty Law Center, Florida for All, and others argued the fund has been repurposed for immigration enforcement and detention-related spending rather than true emergencies, and raised concerns about deaths in detention and the absence of competitive bidding and oversight. Guthrie answered extensive questions about the South Florida and North Florida detention facilities, Operation Vigilant Sentry, State Guard support, reimbursement requests, equipment purchases, and legislative access to facilities. The committee did not take a final vote on SPB 7040 within the portion of the transcript provided.