Video & Transcript Research : 'technology security'
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WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 11th, 2026 at 11:25 am
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Engrossed Senate Bill 791, Supplemental Appropriation to the Department of Homeland Security.
- Engrossed Senate Bill 791, Supplemental Appropriation to the Department of Homeland Security.
- Engrossed Senate Bill 816, Supplemental Appropriation to the Department of Homeland Security.
- Security Office of the Secretary. I urge passage. Questions on passage of the bill.
- Engrossed Senate Bill 817, Supplemental Appropriation to the Department of Homeland Security.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and spent much of the day recognizing pages, guests, school groups, and civic organizations visiting the chamber. Several communications from the House and committee reports were received, and a petition on support for new electric transmission lines was referred to the Committee on Energy, Industry, and Mining. Senate Resolution 61, urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse Obergefell, was referred to the Committee on Rules, while other resolutions and bills were held over or referred as required.
The chamber then acted on a large number of measures, including concurrence in House amendments to Senate Bill 137 on parole eligibility for second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter, and a conference committee was appointed on House Bill 4026 regarding integrated resource plans. Numerous House bills were advanced or passed after committee reports, covering topics such as industrial access roads, local airport hangar financing, college campus safety, youth and handicapped hunting, missing persons records, driver’s licenses, adjudicatory alternative dispositions, chronic absenteeism, party-switching deadlines for candidates, teacher/school personnel/state police pay raises, election official trainees, political committee filing notices, security personnel for the State Treasurer, post-secondary financial aid, legal practice rules, overseas voting, public officials’ residential information, homestead exemption, military juvenile jurisdiction, military interpersonal violence, kinship care subsidies, statewide prevention planning, contraband smuggling into federal prisons, forestry equipment taxation, microgrid and data center certification, transcript acceptance for students, emeritus medical licenses, higher education rule authorizations, board and commission reforms, managed care organization taxes, and deputy sheriff vacation carryover. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, and several received title amendments.
The Senate also passed a series of supplemental appropriations, many with immediate-effect motions adopted by the required two-thirds vote. These included funding for the Department of Commerce, Workforce West Virginia, Homeland Security divisions, Health Facilities, Administration, Human Services, the Governor’s Civil Contingent Fund, the Department of Agriculture, and the Bureau of Senior Services. Votes were overwhelmingly in favor, with only a few measures drawing one or more dissenting votes. One bill on tourism appropriations was referred to the Committee on Rules, and several second-reading bills were advanced, including measures on the West Virginia Collaboratory, business-ready sites, volunteer fire companies, religious organization eminent domain restrictions, electric load forecasting, and funeral service licensure.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Military and Veterans Affairs Jul 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The technology is already there.
- But this technology is out there that this can all be coordinated.
- For his social security number.
- I'm pretty sure what we collect is secure.
- of Secure Transport, along with all of our 118 mission partners.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee Apr 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- These schools invest heavily in teachers, facilities, mobile classrooms, technology, but are consistently
- In doing so, AB 1053 will improve the quality of educational technology and ensure that educators...
- for his efforts to improve equity and access to educational technology and support that all students.
- But certainly, not everything needs a technological solution. I'll just say that.
- security measures for CAASPP testing.
Summary:
The Assembly Education Committee heard AB 84, a charter school accountability measure focused on non-classroom-based charter schools and fraud prevention. The author and supporters said the bill was intended to respond to the A3 charter fraud case and related scandals by strengthening audits, transparency, authorizer oversight, and funding determination rules, while ensuring public education dollars are used for public education. Supporters included FCMAT, CSEA, CTA, and CSBA, who argued the bill would improve oversight and protect taxpayers. Opponents, including the California Charter Schools Association, Green Dot, many charter parents, educators, and charter operators, said the bill was too broad, would impose major new costs and bureaucracy on all charter schools, and could reduce options for families, especially those using flexible, homeschool, or special-needs charter programs. After extensive testimony and committee discussion, the bill passed on a 5-1 vote and was sent to Appropriations, with the item left open for additional votes.
The committee then approved a consent calendar of 11 education bills, including AB 542, AB 563, AB 731, AB 753, AB 784, AB 964, AB 988, AB 1034, AB 1233, AB 1255, and AB 1381, all moving to Appropriations. The consent calendar passed unanimously.
Later, the committee heard AB 1454, a literacy and reading instruction bill authored by Assembly Members Rubio and Revis. The bill would require the state to create professional development resources for evidence-based literacy instruction, update English language arts and English language development instructional materials, and revise administrator preparation standards to include literacy training. The authors and a broad coalition of supporters, including CTA, EdVoice, Families in Schools, Decoding Dyslexia, school administrators, and parent advocates, described the measure as a compromise aimed at improving reading outcomes and addressing California’s literacy crisis. There was no opposition testimony at the hearing, and members voiced strong support for the bill and its collaborative approach.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 18th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- As I mentioned, with economic changes coming due to AI, quantum computing, and other technologies, we
- I'm very concerned about it, which is, you know, we have a looming entitlement crisis with Social Security
- The actuaries are saying that Social Security is in trouble as of 2022.
- And again, Social Security and Medicare are on the non-discretionary side.
- So what happens if we have another economic shock, and how do we respond if AI and technology causes
Summary:
The committee met to hear consultants Mason Bishop and Cameron Christie discuss Arkansas’s “one door/no wrong door” workforce and social services modernization effort. Bishop argued that the current system is fragmented across multiple agencies, offices, and portals, making it hard for job seekers and employers to access services efficiently. He said the goal is to create a more integrated system that promotes upward mobility, longer labor force attachment, better employer access to talent, greater efficiency, and faster adaptation to changes such as AI and other economic disruptions.
Bishop repeatedly pointed to Utah as a model, describing how that state combined workforce and public assistance functions into a single agency, used statewide cost allocation to blend funding streams, and improved customer service and outcomes after reform. He said Arkansas should consider integrating governance, service delivery, and financing, including possible waivers, a statewide cost allocation plan, and a benefits-cliff pilot. He also said Arkansas’s current local workforce board structure creates duplication and weak coordination, and that Launch is a useful tool but not a full service-delivery system.
Committee members asked how the proposal would work in practice, including whether TANF could be used to cross-train DHS workers, how federal waivers might be obtained, how local boards would be affected, and how disabled clients would be handled. Bishop said TANF should be treated as part of a workforce strategy, that federal pilot authority for workforce reform nearly passed but did not, and that waivers are now the practical path. He also said Arkansas could either merge functions more fully or at minimum co-locate workforce staff in DHS offices statewide. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with plans to continue the discussion in August, including a focus on case management and whether the state is managing programs or people.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Not sure how he got through security. Senator Matt McKee is here. He serves in the Arkansas Senate.
- touch with them as well, in a way that my dad and I weren't always able to, given the state of technology
- So when you're laying your head down on the pillow at night and you're safe and secure in your home and
- These are very large corporations that are using this technology. And so...
- That are using this technology, and so 10% for them, and they're used to being taxed in a higher bracket
Summary:
The Arkansas Boys State House convened with a quorum, heard opening remarks from legislative leaders and guests, and then considered a series of bills focused on rural services, education, taxes, and zoning. House Bill 1001 would have increased rural health care funding through a 10% tax on individuals earning at least $300,000; supporters argued it would improve access and quality in rural areas, while opponents raised concerns about fairness, long-term funding, and whether it would drive away doctors and taxpayers. The bill failed by a vote of 24 yeas, 51 nays, and 1 present. House Bill 1002 would have limited the number of subjects rural teachers could be assigned and offered sign-on bonuses to recruit more teachers; supporters said it would reduce burnout and improve specialization, while opponents questioned funding and whether it would worsen inequities. After immediate consideration, it passed narrowly, 38 yeas, 36 nays, and 2 present.
The House then debated House Bill 1003, which would regulate AI data centers through county zoning authority and a 10% tax on corporations to fund conservation efforts. Supporters said counties should be able to decide whether data centers fit local needs, while opponents warned about lost jobs, higher costs, and federal-state jurisdiction issues. The bill passed 62 yeas, 7 nays, and 3 present. House Bill 1004 would have reduced motor vehicle registration fees to offset high fuel costs, but critics argued it would reduce highway and road funding and strain the state budget; it failed 20 yeas, 46 nays, and 4 present.
The chamber then took up Senate bills. Senate Bill 1 proposed incentives tied to SNAP benefits to encourage healthier food purchases and address food insecurity and obesity; supporters framed it as a way to improve access to healthy food, while opponents objected to taxing junk food and burdening SNAP users. It passed 43 yeas and 27 nays. Senate Bill 2 would require reading tests in middle school and state tutoring for students who fail; supporters said it would address literacy problems early, while opponents wanted clearer provisions for older students and implementation. It passed 67 yeas, 6 nays, and 1 present. Senate Bill 3 would cut individual and corporate income taxes to promote economic growth and ease cost-of-living pressures; supporters cited prior tax cuts and business attraction, while opponents said the benefits would mostly go to wealthy corporations and CEOs. It passed 53 yeas, 15 nays, and 16 present. Senate Bill 4 created a mixed-use zoning grant program funded by a 1% hotel tourism tax to encourage affordable housing and downtown redevelopment; it passed 51 yeas, 7 nays, and 13 present. The session ended with a motion to adjourn, which carried.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Sheridan Land Water Supply Corporation was created in the 1960s, and that's it. time the loan was secured
- Streamlining processes, leveraging technology, and reducing costs are win-win scenarios. for all, HB
- Additionally, they could conduct the inspection in person or leverage technology to do so. or other aerial
- imagery, mapping software, The bill creates efficiencies at TCQ and the use of time, technology, and
- However, it would have the ability to issue bonds secured by. district revenue.
Keywords:
coastal protection, environmental management, Gulf Coast, storm risk management, funding, Texas General Land Office, healthcare, insurance reform, patient access, insurance regulation, affordable care, health insurance, consumer rights, coverage transparency, claims process, insurance regulations, aggregate production, environmental impact, financial responsibility, reclamation
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Employment and Retirement Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- individuals are carefully screened, limited to low-level, nonviolent offenders with good behavior and low security
- Our educators deserve the same security.
- eligibility and would be forced to choose between leading in my own community and the retirement security
- Technology is a positive thing, but the boiled-down part of this bill is simply a notification.
- the bill recognizes that public agencies are different in terms of their implementation of any technology
Summary:
The Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard several bills, beginning with AB 2483, which would create a permanent pathway for formerly incarcerated Cal Fire fire crew members to receive certification and pursue firefighting jobs after release. The author and supporters described incarcerated firefighters as highly trained workers who perform dangerous frontline fire suppression work but often leave without credentials or a clear hiring path. The chair strongly supported the bill, and there was no opposition.
The committee then considered AB 1619, which would raise trustee stipend limits for retirement board members from $100 to $320 per meeting for county retirement systems, CalSTRS, and CalPERS, subject to local approval. Supporters argued the current stipend is nearly 40 years old and no longer reflects the complexity and fiduciary responsibility of overseeing large pension systems, and that higher stipends could improve diversity and participation. The bill was passed on a 7-0 vote and sent to Appropriations. The committee also passed its cleanup bill, AB 2780, making technical and conforming changes to retirement laws, and AB 2519, which corrects an unintended consequence of prior CalSTRS legislation so certain charter school employees can remain eligible for CalSTRS membership; both bills advanced unanimously to Appropriations.
AB 2017, the California Eid State Holiday Act, was heard next. The bill would recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in California and provide excused absences for students observing the holidays. Supporters, including Muslim students, educators, and advocacy organizations, said the measure would promote inclusion and help Muslim Californians feel seen and respected. Members spoke in favor, and the bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. Finally, AB 2656 would require public employers to give employee organizations 45 days’ written notice before developing or using generative AI in represented job classifications. Supporters said the bill would ensure transparency and labor input, while county and special district groups raised concerns about scope and implementation but expressed willingness to keep working on the measure. It also passed 7-0 to Appropriations, and the meeting adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House energy panel considers bill to boost green ammonia industry 3/27/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- >
the <00:02:56.560>45V Advances in technology and the 45V Advances in technology and the - A Minnesota-based nonprofit technology A Minnesota-based nonprofit technology organization,<00:03:15.920
- >
an Emergy technology will provide an Emergy technology will provide an auditable<00:03:55.720 - It's an exciting piece of technology and we could be a leader in this area. So, thank you, Mr.
- <00:20:01.840>
and It's an exciting piece of technology and It's an exciting piece of technology
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- welfare data because you are taking everything within the Department of Employment and Economic Security
- Looking also into the technology needs for us to be able to be in compliance.
- Looking also into the technology needs for us to be able to be in compliance.
- Looking also into the technology needs for us to be able to be in compliance.
- Looking also into the technology needs for us to be able to be in compliance.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Labor and Employment Committee Jun 10th, 2026
Labor and Employment
Transcript Highlights:
- Artificial intelligence rapidly Technological Displacement Act.
- And AI is very different than any technology.
- It moves at a speed and And AI is very different than any technology.
- This is the adoption of this technology as a management tool moving rapidly.
- And the technology is developing rapidly, but it's not perfect.
Summary:
The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard several bills focused on worker protections, enforcement, and technology in the workplace. SB 909 would strengthen enforcement of public works prevailing wage laws by raising contractor registration fees and penalties and directing part of penalty revenue back to enforcement; labor groups supported it as a way to deter wage theft, while contractor groups opposed the fee and penalty increases as burdensome and potentially costly for public projects. The committee members generally expressed support for stronger enforcement but also concern about the state’s backlog and capacity to enforce the law. SB 909 passed on a due pass vote and was re-referred to Appropriations.
The committee also considered multiple bills addressing AI and workplace rights. SB 951 would require 60-day notice when technology displaces 25 or more workers and would require reporting on AI-related job impacts; labor and education groups supported it, while business, public sector, and industry groups argued it was premature and overbroad. SB 947 would require human review of automated discipline, termination, or deactivation decisions and prohibit predictive behavior analysis; supporters said it would prevent algorithmic abuse, while opponents raised concerns about independent contractors, private rights of action, and forum shopping. Both bills advanced on party-line style votes to the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection.
The committee also approved SB 1149, which would expand bereavement leave to cover a “designated person” equivalent to family, with emotional testimony from a witness describing the loss of a long-term partner. Supporters said the bill reflects modern family structures, especially for LGBTQ and older Californians; there was no opposition. SB 1185, applying skilled-and-trained workforce standards to pharmaceutical facility construction, also passed despite opposition from contractors and business groups who said there was no demonstrated safety problem and warned of higher costs and fewer bidders. In addition, the committee approved consent-calendar bills SB 1316, SB 1046, and SB 1059, and left rolls open for absent members before adjourning.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- The technology exists, the infrastructure exists.
- by the Department of Homeland Security by the Department of Homeland Security who<00:47:32.720><
- I mean, some are more sophisticated than others until the moment someone uses the technology.
- <00:52:33.520>
they moment someone uses the technology they moment someone uses the technology - This is an ongoing wrongful death lawsuit against Character Technologies right now.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 02/05/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- We have the technology to provide clean base-load electricity, and we're thumbing our nose at it and
- to provide clean have the technology to provide clean base<00:48:52.359>
load base load base - We have the technology to provide you penny-cheap electricity on a baseload basis.
- I have an insurance client who does testing technology on nuclear facilities all around the country.
- Technology on nuclear facilities all around the country.
Summary:
The Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate Committee heard Senate File 486, as amended by the A2 delete-everything amendment, which would create a supplemental, year-round energy assistance program administered by the Department of Commerce alongside LIHEAP. Senator Dibble said the bill is intended to help low-income households pay utility bills throughout the year, including summer months, by providing crisis grants, ongoing monthly assistance, emergency heating system repair or replacement help, outreach funding, and reporting requirements. The committee adopted the A2 amendment before hearing testimony on the bill as amended.
Supportive testimony came from Annie Levenson-Faulk of the Citizens Utility Board, Jenny Glumac of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association, Amanda Mackey of Minnesota Valley Action Council, Ron Elwood of Legal Aid, Jamie Fitz of CenterPoint Energy, George Shardlow of the Energy CENTS Coalition, and Kent Sulum of the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association. Witnesses said energy burdens are especially high in rural Minnesota, utility arrears and shutoffs have increased, and most shutoffs occur in summer when LIHEAP is unavailable. They argued that year-round assistance would help vulnerable households, reduce shutoffs, improve health and housing stability, and create administrative efficiencies by using existing LIHEAP infrastructure.
Several witnesses cited data on the need for assistance, including high energy burdens in rural areas, more than 91,000 Minnesota households disconnected for non-payment in 2024, and the large share of LIHEAP recipients who are seniors, people with disabilities, children, or veterans. Amanda Mackey described a client story illustrating how energy assistance can stabilize a household and lead to broader benefits. Senator Mathews offered comments supporting help for households in need but said the bill is a stopgap and tied the need for expanded assistance to prior legislative actions that increased energy costs. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion of the transcript provided, and members indicated they would return to questions after testimony.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/03/2026 - House Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Transcript Highlights:
- Those are the technologies that we will count on into the future.
- Those are the technologies that we will count on into the future.
- Those are the technologies that we will count on into the future.
- Those are the technologies that we will count on into the future.
- issue and it is about phones and all the technology we use today.
Bills:
HB2014, HB2113, HB2145, HB2331, HB2340, HB2389, HB2400, HB2401, HB2428, HB2494, HB2696, HB2756, HB2795, HB2955, HCM2008
Keywords:
air emissions, fuel blends, environmental quality, feasibility study, Arizona Department of Agriculture, utility consumer, rate intervention, public service corporation, Arizona Revised Statutes, residential rates, consumer protection, fuel reformulation, gasoline standards, environmental regulations, ethanol supply, Air Quality, energy reliability, electric service providers, reliable resources, public power entity
Summary:
The committee heard several energy and transportation bills, with testimony largely split between sponsors, industry groups, local governments, and environmental advocates. HB 2428, dealing with county and ADEQ authority to issue voluntary permits certifying emission reduction credits for mobile and non-road sources, drew neutral support from ADEQ and support from Maricopa County; it was amended and passed 10-0 with a due pass recommendation. HB 2145, which expands who may petition on gasoline supplier alternative standards, also passed, 5-4, with no amendment.
A lengthy debate followed on HB 2331, as amended, which would require electric utilities to ensure 85% of generating capacity serving retail load comes from “reliable resources” by 2030. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill was needed to preserve affordable, dependable power and prevent overreliance on intermittent renewables, while opponents from the Sierra Club and Rural Arizona Action said it would effectively favor fossil fuels, raise costs, and limit cleaner energy options. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and the sponsor’s amendment, then passed the bill 6-4. HB 2795, which limits county zoning authority over small modular reactors once federal permitting and certification steps are met, drew strong support from nuclear and business advocates and opposition from county, city, and environmental representatives concerned about local control, safety, waste, and preemption; it passed 6-4 after amendment-related discussion.
The committee also passed HB 2340, which allows the power plant and transmission line siting committee to evaluate the plant itself when reviewing transmission line applications, by a 5-4 vote. Finally, HB 2400, an emergency measure to suspend the motor vehicle fuel tax in Areas A and C during summer months and replace the lost revenue with state highway funds, prompted testimony about gas prices, boutique fuel requirements, and transportation funding needs; cities and counties opposed the diversion of highway funds, while the sponsor argued it would help consumers facing higher fuel costs. The Griffin amendment was adopted, and the bill passed with a due pass recommendation after debate on affordability versus road funding.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Task Force on Child Protection - 01/08/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:26:37.600>
so testify by way of uh our technology so testify by way of uh our technology - The word safety might invoke one thing to some people: physical security or a sense of protection.
- The word safety might invoke one thing to some people: physical security or a sense of protection.
- The word safety might invoke one thing to some people: physical security or a sense of protection.
- she'll certainly be a tech technological she'll certainly be a tech technological person<02:26:30.240
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- President, Senator, I can hear and appreciate your passion and your excitement for this technology, this
- Under federal or state bankruptcy law, you have secured creditors and others who are going to stand in
- The creditors, secured creditors, or priority creditors would get paid before the state.
- This is monthly, or it could go up to a year because technology takes a lot.
- An act relating to utilities, providing for the inclusion of advanced grid technology plans by public
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Community Affairs Mar 31st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Pizzo: WHEN YOU ARE GOING TO SECURE DEBT FOR CAPITOL IMPROVEMENT, ARE THEY USING THE CREDIT RATING OR
- THE SECURITY, WE HAVE JACKSON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL NORTH, IN NORTH MIAMI BEACH.
- THE SECURITY IN THE BUILDING IS PAID FOR BY NORTH MIAMI BEACH. THAT'S PAID FOR BY US.
- CITIZENS ARE BEING HARASSED BY PRIVATE SECURITY GUARDS.
- WASTE ENERGY TECHNOLOGY IS PROVEN, SAFE, RELIABLE TECHNOLOGY.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/09/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:02:30.239>
When iterations of this technology. When iterations of this technology. - rights of citizens and the technology rights of citizens and the technology technologies<00:03:08.720
- Criminals increasingly rely on technology. Offenders have used technology to their advantage.
- Criminals increasingly rely on technology. Offenders have used technology to their advantage.
- This is not anti-technology legislation, and SAVE is not against technology.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Apr 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Loyaltery, on behalf of Economic Security California Action, proud co-sponsor, strong support.
- , is based. by multinational corporations by big pharma, by technology, is based on intellectual property
- Loyaltery on behalf of Economic Security, California Action, proud co-sponsor, strong support.
- Robert Coulson, Sacramento, part of Doppel, with Disparly Rights Oregon and Human Security, Sacramento
- Sarah Bridges, on behalf of the California Manufacturers and Technology Association, in opposition.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard several bills dealing with tax policy, local revenue authority, consumer protections, and incentives for development. AB 1726 would create catastrophe savings accounts for homeowners to save pre-tax dollars for disaster mitigation and recovery costs; it drew support from the Department of Insurance and the California Bankers Association, while the California Teachers Association opposed it because of the General Fund and Prop. 98 impact. The bill was referred to suspense. AB 1768 would authorize Los Angeles and Contra Costa counties to ask voters to approve local transaction and use taxes to offset projected federal funding cuts affecting health care and safety-net services; it received broad support from health providers and county representatives, opposition from one member and a resident, and passed the committee 5-2 to the Assembly Local Government Committee.
The committee also considered AB 1790, which would repeal the Waters Edge corporate tax election and require worldwide combined reporting for multinational corporations. The author and supporters argued it would close a loophole, raise several billion dollars annually, and help fund schools, Medi-Cal, and other programs; opponents warned of double taxation, compliance burdens, retaliation from foreign governments, and job losses. After extensive testimony and member debate, the bill was referred to suspense. AB 2020 would provide a full property tax exemption for the primary residence of 100% disabled veterans and surviving spouses, and AB 2069 would create a targeted sales and use tax exemption to spur development projects at fairgrounds; both measures had support from sponsors and related organizations, no opposition, and were referred to suspense.
Finally, AB 2705 would regulate third-party “asset finders” who help claim excess proceeds from tax sales by requiring written agreements, disclosure that claims can be filed free with the county, and a cap on fees at 10%. County officials and local government groups supported the bill as a consumer protection measure, while recovery companies and related firms opposed it, arguing the work is complex and the cap would reduce access to services. The committee moved AB 2705 to the Assembly floor on a 4-0 vote.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Rules Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- provide affordable health coverage options for Florida farmers and ranchers who face challenges securing
- The order provides an opportunity to take steps toward long-term economic and strategic security for
- It company specializing in atmospheric water generation awg a sustainable technology that produces clean
- This technology reduces the burden on our aquifers.
- That's another technology that perhaps should be regulated differently.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Mar 17th, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Not only is the technology safe, reliable, and proven, it operates at the scale local governments need
- Because waste-to-energy is a proven, safe, and reliable technology.
- Any new plant would be built with the most modern technologies and safety guardrails.
- These waters are secured by the U.S.
- Coast Guard with their respective security zones in place and enforces these said zones.
Summary:
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met with a quorum present and considered a series of environmental, water, waste, boating, and land-use bills. SB 834 on recreational fishing vessel licenses was briefly explained as aligning licensure rules for freshwater and saltwater captains and was reported favorably. SB 1208 on service lateral assessment and rehabilitation would require periodic CCTV inspections, a seven-year assessment cycle, and a long-term public database for sewer laterals; county representatives opposed it over private-property and cost concerns, but the bill was reported favorably. SB 978 on advanced wastewater treatments, as amended, would require DEP reports and a long-term prioritization plan for upgrading large wastewater facilities to advanced treatment; the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably.
The committee then took up SB 1822 on auxiliary containers, which would preempt local regulation of certain packaging and define the term in statute. The sponsor argued it would reduce a patchwork of local rules and help businesses, while opponents from environmental groups, local advocates, and some local governments warned it would weaken plastic and foam restrictions, including in parks and coastal communities. Despite substantial opposition and several senators expressing concern, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 384 on notice for annexation of state-owned lands, after a technical amendment requiring written or email notice to legislative delegations, and reported it favorably.
SB 1008 on waste incineration would bar new ash-producing incinerators or waste-to-energy facilities within a half-mile of residential, commercial, or school property. The sponsor said the bill was aimed at preventing another fire-related incident like the Doral plant and clarified it was intended to apply only to new facilities, not existing ones; waste-to-energy and county representatives opposed it as too restrictive, while several senators sought clarifying changes. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also adopted a substitute amendment to CS for SB 594 on port channel and turning basin buffer zones, reducing the proposed anchoring setback from 5,000 feet to 2,500 feet and allowing ports to create buffer zones after public hearings and rulemaking; the bill was then reported favorably. Finally, SB 830 on lost or abandoned property, aimed at streamlining removal of migrant vessels that pose navigational and environmental hazards, was reported favorably after brief support testimony.