Transcript Highlights:

• All witness testimony will be in person; there will be no phone testimony option for the hearing.
• The hearing will be streamed on the Assembly's website, and members of the public can provide testimony
• All witness testimony will be in person. There will be no phone testimony option for this hearing.
• If any member of the public in the room would like to testify, There will be no phone testimony option
• We've actually served as expert witness testimony for particular litigation cases on the government side

Summary: The committee heard several measures focused on economic development, procurement, workforce equity, federal infrastructure funding, and food security. SB 1044 by Senator Reyes would raise and then index to inflation the cap for streamlined state contracts awarded to certified small businesses, microbusinesses, and disabled veteran business enterprises for services and IT work; supporters said the current cap is outdated and limits access, while opponents representing goods suppliers and some small business groups argued the bill could disadvantage goods contractors and should preserve lower thresholds for those contracts. After discussion about the ceiling versus floor effect of the cap and the impact on different types of businesses, the bill was approved as amended and sent to Appropriations. SB 247 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would create a bid preference for projects that hire workers from disadvantaged communities; supporters framed it as a way to connect public infrastructure spending to family-sustaining jobs, while union construction employers opposed it because they said they cannot control worker dispatch through hiring halls and the bill would be difficult to implement. The committee advanced the measure to Appropriations despite those concerns. The committee also approved SJR 6 by Senator Cortese, which urges the federal government to honor commitments under the bipartisan infrastructure law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act, with supporters emphasizing the importance of certainty for California infrastructure, clean energy, and semiconductor investments. SB 1025 by Senator Hurtado would establish an Office of Food Security and Affordability to coordinate food assistance efforts and develop a statewide food security strategy; supporters from a Kern County food bank and the University of California said the state’s response to hunger is fragmented and needs better coordination, while committee members asked about deliverables and timelines. The bill was sent to Appropriations. The committee also took up consent items SB 700 and SB 1340, which were moved on consent to Appropriations, and the hearing ended with the remaining votes recorded and the bills advanced. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly discussed the need for clearer implementation details, data on program impacts, and how to balance equity goals with operational realities for state agencies, contractors, and small businesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in public testimony. We are in debate. Public testimony.
• ,  336 >> Chair McClure: Members, we will go into public testimony.
• [Laughter] We are in public testimony. Met with United Way Miami in support. We are in debate.
• We are back in public testimony as amended. Seeing none, we are in debate.
• We are in public testimony.

Summary: The committee first took up CS/House Bill 981, which would restore the Ocklawaha River and related natural resources. Supporters, including environmental groups, Save the Manatee Club, business owners, and Reunite the Rivers advocates, argued the bill would improve manatee habitat, fish passage, flood protection, tourism, and long-term economic returns while reducing dam maintenance costs. Opponents and skeptics focused on concerns about water quality, nutrient loading in the St. Johns River, loss of the Rodman Reservoir’s habitat and water-supply value, and potential ecological and economic harms. Members in debate largely supported the restoration effort, and the bill was reported favorably on a unanimous vote. The committee then heard HB 697, the PRICE Act, which would use international reference pricing to set a drug cost benchmark, address pharmacy benefit manager practices, and require health plans to keep drug prices stable for the year. The sponsor said the bill would lower costs and improve access, especially for uninsured Floridians. Supporters, including independent pharmacists, argued PBMs are squeezing pharmacies and that the bill could help lower prices. Opponents from BioFlorida and PhRMA warned the proposal could disrupt the national drug supply chain, fail to pass savings to patients, and lead to shortages, reduced access, and less innovation. After debate, the bill passed favorably, with Rep. Chambliss voting no. The committee also considered CS/HB 1081, which was amended to include private colleges and universities with NCA designation in the program. After brief discussion and support from United Way Miami, the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, CS/HB 177 was introduced as a framework for Florida’s regional councils to cross-assign bills among regions; it received supportive testimony and was also reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• SEE NO MORE QUESTIONS WE HAVE SOME PUBLIC TESTIMONY.
• WERE DONE WITH PUBLIC TESTIMONY. WE ARE IN DEBATE. DOES ANYONE HAVE DEBATE?
• SEEING NONE AND NO AMENDMENTS WE DO HAVE PUBLIC TESTIMONY.
• MEMBERS PUBLIC TESTIMONY HAVING CLOSED AND IS THERE DEBATE ON THIS FINE BILL?
• SEEING NO PUBLIC TESTIMONY MEMBERS, WE ARE IN DEBATE. DEBATE ON THIS FINE BILL?

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll be limiting public testimony to three minutes today.
• The Chair calls Roger Arriaga to provide testimony.
• ...Okay, thank you for your testimony. Thank you, Chairman.
• Proceed with testimony, please.
• Thank you for your testimony. Testimony for or against the measure?

Bills: HB293, HB 1173, HB3753, HB4999, HB5696, SB2145, HB5689, HB5690, HB5694, HB5698, HB293

Keywords: HB 293, Texas housing tax credits, low-income housing, affordable housing, private activity bonds, PAB, qualified allocation plan, TDHCA, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, state representative objection, housing development approval, municipal notice, county commissioners court, extraterritorial jurisdiction, LIHTC, bond-financed housing, homelessness, housing services, Texas Department of Housing, municipal programs

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your testimony. Members' questions for this witness. Thank you for your time.
• If not, we'll proceed to testimony and reserve your right to close.
• Thank you for your testimony, members questions.
• Now, we'll proceed to witness testimony. Thank you. Thank you so much. Chair calls up Paul Nagy.
• Thank you for your testimony. OK, uh, members' questions, Plaza.

Bills: HJR40

Keywords: Medicaid, healthcare access, Affordable Care Act, federal funding, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your testimony.
• Thank you so much for all your testimony as now we'll bring it back to the dais for any questions or
• What is your response to the testimony that Sol and Amika offered?
• The testimony you provided was very moving. It was very moving to me.
• And they know that, so they're coming forth with their testimonies. Thank you.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair: Seeing none, we'll proceed to testimony. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• If there are no questions, we'll proceed to Vice Chair Plasa: Testimony.
• If there are no further questions, we'll Vice Chair Plasa: Proceed to testimony. OK.
• Oh, wait, there's no testimony. OK.
• If there are no further questions, we'll proceed to testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, public testimony will be limited to 3 minutes per speaker.
• Thank you for your testimony.
• All right, thank you for your testimony here today. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. You bet.
• Appreciate your testimony. All right.
• Thank you for your testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have public testimony. First is Edda Fernandez, AARP. Would you like to speak?
• Do we have public testimony on the bill? We have Dan Davis.
• Moving into public testimony, we have...
• Moving into public testimony, we have...
• That concludes public testimony. Members, is there any debate on the bill?

Summary: The Health Care Facilities and System Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered five bills. HB 1101 on out-of-network providers drew the most discussion; Rep. Albert said it would require written notice when a patient is referred to an out-of-network provider and would count certain insurer payments toward deductibles. Several members and the Florida College of Emergency Physicians raised concerns about placing the burden on doctors’ offices, possible delays in referrals, and unclear enforcement, but the bill was reported favorably 16-2. Public testimony included support from AARP and concerns from emergency physicians about ER workflow and insurance-network transparency. The committee then unanimously approved PCS for HB 475, reducing fines for ambulatory surgery centers that violate good-faith estimate requirements from $1,000 to $250 per day, with a lower maximum penalty. The bill sponsor said the change was intended to right-size penalties for smaller facilities; witnesses from surgery centers and HCA supported it. HB 797, which would allow a nonprofit retirement community serving veterans and spouses to create veteran-and-spouse nursing home beds and transfer a certificate of need within 100 miles, also passed unanimously after members discussed whether it could affect access for veterans; the sponsor said it would create additional private beds rather than displace existing ones. HB 1085 on the Children’s Medical Services Program was amended and reported favorably 14-3. The bill would move managed care plan operations for medically fragile children from the Department of Health to AHCA, keep clinical eligibility at DOH, and shift PPEC services fully into managed care. The adopted amendment changed the waiver provision to require AHCA to develop and present a comprehensive redesign plan for the Medicaid model waiver for children receiving private duty nursing. Several members supported the goal but raised concerns about eliminating family choice and the impact on medically fragile children. Finally, HB 1353 on home health care services passed unanimously. The bill would remove geographic limits on home health administrators, allow more licensed RNs including contract RNs to perform visits, and revise the home health excellence award program. Supporters said it would address workforce shortages and improve access, while one member warned it could increase costs and competition for nurses. The committee adjourned after reporting all five bills favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any other Public testimony. All right, let's move to debate.
• Being no questions, we'll go to public testimony.
• Is there public testimony on the amendment? I think there's one. Chris Claiborne waves in support.
• Any further public testimony on the amendment? On the bill as amended.
• Seeing none, is there any testimony on the bill as amended?

Transcript Highlights:

• Commissioner, thank you for your testimony.
• Thank you, Commissioner, for your testimony today.
• But what her testimony...
• But what her testimony really speaks to, or their testimony speaks to, is that the resources really don't
• Testimony of Director Aguilera earlier.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was a FY27 budget session on Health and Human Services held in Mattapan, hosted by the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Opening remarks from Senator Lydia Edwards, Representative Brandy Fluker-Reed, Representative Russell Holmes, and Boston Public Library President David Leonard emphasized the significance of holding the first Ways and Means hearing in Mattapan, the importance of community access, and the role of libraries as human services institutions. Committee members and attendees introduced themselves before agency testimony began. MassAbility testified first, describing its mission to support people with disabilities through employment, independent living, and disability determination services. The agency highlighted federal funding uncertainty, a modest FY27 budget reduction, and a proposed reworking of its home care program, which it said is outdated and should better target those most in need. Members questioned the home care cut, staffing reductions, and federal coordination. MassAbility also shared a participant story about recovery and community support to illustrate the impact of its services. The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing then presented its FY27 request, focusing on interpreter and captioning access, workforce development, emergency communication, aging-related hearing loss, and transition services for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth. Members asked about interpreter shortages, after-hours emergency coverage, ASL education, and community training; the commission said it is expanding mentorship and referral systems but still faces staffing and vendor challenges. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind followed with a $30.8 million request, describing services for nearly 9,000 consumers, peer support groups, vocational rehabilitation, and Turning 22 services, while noting federal funding uncertainty and a 7% budget cut. Members raised concerns about maintaining services with fewer resources, and the commissioner said the agency had trimmed overhead and could manage the proposal. The Office for Refugees and Immigrants closed the segment, outlining expanded legal, housing, workforce, citizenship, and financial literacy supports for immigrants and refugees, including Know Your Rights trainings, legal defense initiatives, and the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative. Members discussed the effects of federal policy changes, the loss of refugee resettlement funding, and the need for state support to fill gaps. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the hearing consisted of agency presentations and committee questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, with that, I conclude my testimony.
• that, I conclude my testimony questions. that, I conclude my testimony questions.
• prior testimony prior testimony stated<00:24:10.720> that<00:24:11.200> this<00:24
• And so he presented neutral testimony. I'm respecting that.
• >> thank you so we did um hear testimony >> thank you so we did um hear testimony that

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
• Hunter Chaffy, public works testimony.
• Do we have Thank you for your testimony.
• Please state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
• Do we have Thank you for your testimony.

Bills: HF2418, HF1666, HF232, HF344, HF402, HF431, HF468, HF547, HF583, HF1476, HF1711, HF2787, HF2788, HF3207

Keywords: capital investment, political subdivisions, state assistance, funding, project grants, child care, Slayton, state bonds, economic development, extended time revenue, school funding, state aid, career and technical education, CTE, STEM, secondary credit, after-school programs, summer school, learning year program, extended day

Transcript Highlights:

• We welcome your testimony. testimony. testimony.
• Thank you very much for your testimony.
• Good morning, to have your testimony.
• We are pleased to have your testimony.
• are pleased to have your testimony. are pleased to have your testimony.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, my hearing my testimony.
• I agree with the testimony Association.
• <00:47:56.720> that um, haven't we heard testimony that um, haven't we heard testimony that
• Uh did not get uh testimony to it. Okay.
• Nobody testimony that says we need it.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Testimony and member discussions must adhere to the contents of the bill.
• Please begin your testimony. Thank you, Mr. Chair. It's so good to be back here.
• Chair, uh, Kelsey, thank you for your testimony.
• I think I, first of all, thank you for your testimony.
• Caroline Palmer: Oh, I'm actually not offering testimony.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Testimony and debate is conducted on the pending amendments.
• Is there any public testimony? We don't have any? Okay.
• Vice Chair, please conduct the public testimony portion on this bill as amended.
• That concludes public testimony on the amendment. We are in debate.
• That concludes public testimony. Is there a debate on the bill? Any debate?

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met for Budget Day and heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2025-2026 budget, SPB 25-200, totaling $117.4 billion. Chair Hooper said the plan reduces overall spending from the prior year, keeps strong reserves, includes a 4% pay raise for state employees, maintains employee health care contributions, and makes major investments in water quality, transportation, and education infrastructure. Committee chairs then summarized their budget silos, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and agriculture/environment/general government. Members asked questions mainly about school funding, AP and dual enrollment support, voucher and scholarship impacts, and the My Safe Florida Home program. The committee adopted a large consent package of amendments and then approved three late-file amendments: funding virtual college tours for high school students, funding the FSU Sunshine Genetics program, and providing money for the Port of Fernandina customs facility. The committee then voted to report SPB 2500, the General Appropriations Bill, as a committee bill. It also favorably reported SPB 2502 (implementing bill), SPB 2504 (state employees placeholder), SB 7022 (Florida Retirement System contribution rates and DROP changes), CS/SB 1320 (recreating the Resilient Florida Trust Fund), SPB 2506 (gaming compact revenue distributions, including water projects and rural lands), SPB 2508 (29 new judgeships), SB 7014 (ending the court mediation and arbitration trust fund), SPB 2510 (K-12 conforming bill), SPB 2512 (higher education conforming bill), and SPB 2514 (health and human services conforming bill). The committee also took up several policy bills. It approved SB 7028 on cancer research, creating grant parameters, reporting requirements, a five-year pediatric cancer research incubator, and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute VisionGen Initiative. It approved CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing home quality, adding resident satisfaction surveys, medical director standards, safety culture reviews, electronic health record requirements, financial reporting penalties, and a study of best practices. It approved CS/CS/SB 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, which expands mental health diversion options, adds Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, expands grant uses, and creates a behavioral health data repository. It also approved SB 114 creating the Florida Center for Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management at FSU and moving the public hurricane loss model there. The committee then began considering SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response, including a late-file amendment, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, testimony is closed.
• Seeing none, testimony is closed.
• Seeing none, testimony is closed. Seeing none, testimony is closed.
• move on to inperson testimony. move on to inperson testimony.
• With no other testimony, the testimony section is now closed.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, I hereby close the public hearing. for your testimony so anyone Reon to for your testimony
• It's in the written testimony.
• past I don't need to read that testimony past I don't need to read that testimony but<03:55:07.720
• remember the last time but his testimony remember the last time but his testimony went<05:42:26.440
• like that. testimony for you and I also have some testimony for you and I also have some some<05:58:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So thank you all for being here today, and we're going to start off with testimony from our Kai...
• Today we're going to start off with testimony from our Kai Kloepfer, founder and CEO of Biofire, Biofire
• Again, thank you for your testimony.
• So that's the first portion of my testimony dealing with bias.
• And I appreciate the testimony from the representative from the ACLU.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission met for its fourth hearing on emerging firearm technology, focused on personalized firearms and related privacy issues. Co-chairs noted the commission’s charge to study personalized firearm incentives, risks from digital manufacturing codes and AI, and the costs of requiring personalized firearm and microstamp technologies, and said the report deadline is being extended to July 31. They also announced the next public hearing for April 17 at 11:00 a.m., limited to Massachusetts residents. The first witness, Kai Kloepfer of Biofire, described the company’s personalized 9mm smart gun and argued it is designed to prevent unauthorized use through biometric authentication, local encrypted data storage, no wireless connectivity, and automatic disarming when released. He said Biofire opposes any mandate requiring personalized firearms, calling such mandates a de facto gun ban that would stifle innovation, limit consumer choice, and burden a still-developing market. He said the company has a patent portfolio, has received thousands of pre-orders, is shipping in all 50 states, and is approved for sale in Massachusetts; he also said the gun costs about $1,500, is currently sold online, and is intended mainly for home defense. Members questioned him about sales, manufacturing, battery life, repairability, transfer of ownership, possible expansion to other firearms, and whether microstamping could be incorporated. A Massachusetts firearms roster official, Michaela Dunn, explained the state’s testing and approval process for handguns and confirmed that the Biofire firearm is now on the Massachusetts roster and commercially available for retail sale in the state. Kate Crockford of the ACLU of Massachusetts testified only on facial recognition, warning that commercially available systems show significant demographic bias and that Massachusetts lacks comprehensive biometric privacy protections. She urged passage of pending data privacy and biometric privacy bills, including the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act and related measures, before any broader use of biometric verification in firearm laws. Commissioners discussed privacy concerns, and Biofire said its system is zero-knowledge and would likely comply with stronger biometric privacy laws. No votes were taken and no formal action was reported beyond the scheduling announcement and the extension effort.