Transcript Highlights:

• I don't believe we have any witnesses signed up. OK.
• HB 1057 sends the message that we value industry experience and want these professionals to stay in education

Transcript Highlights:

• the chair will receive a message the chair will receive a message<03:12:46.279> Mr<03:12:46.600
• Speaker, messages from the Senate. Mr.
• But I want to rise today and deal with a positive message, a positive message that compares how Democrats
• <07:36:14.160> a<07:36:14.398> positive<07:36:14.878> message message a positive
• message message a positive message that<07:36:18.040> compares<07:36:18.920> how that

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When California passed Proposition 64, the message from voters was clear: Legalization of cannabis should
• Additionally, Assembly Bill 8, authored by Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry and signed into law last year,
• If we ever bill had been signed, we might not be in the same situation. But we can tackle this.
• If we ever bill had been signed, we might not be in the same situation. But we can tackle this.
• And hopefully this time we can get a bill that's signed.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee heard an audit on the Department of Cannabis Control’s oversight of cannabis packaging and labeling, focused on whether products attractive to children are being kept out of the legal market. The auditor said the department’s rules are often vague or subjective, leading to inconsistent enforcement, and that the state relies heavily on licensees to self-police because there is no upfront review before products reach the market. The audit cited examples involving cartoon-like images, bright colors, flavor references, candy-like imagery, strain names, and beverage packaging, and recommended clearer statutory standards, possible pre-approval of packaging, better enforcement tools, and stronger tracking of repeat violators. Assemblymembers and senators largely agreed that child safety is the priority, but differed on the best policy response. Some members argued for clearer legislative limits and even plain packaging, saying products like root beer, cherry pie, and cereal-like designs are plainly appealing to children. Department officials said they had already begun reforms, including a centralized label-review team, a rubric, improved databases, and more attention to repeat violations, while also emphasizing that the illicit and intoxicating hemp markets are major sources of youth exposure and that resource constraints limit inspections. They said they are open to working with the Legislature on more specific standards and additional funding. Public witnesses split between public health and industry perspectives. A pediatrician and public health advocate urged stronger restrictions, including plain packaging, limits on flavors and potency, and a pre-market review system, arguing that vague rules have failed children. Industry representatives said they support youth protections but want bright-line, objective standards so compliant businesses can know what is allowed; they argued that most youth-targeted packaging is in the illicit market and that the legal market needs clearer rules rather than broader bans. No formal vote or committee action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The message is crystal clear: no regulator and no bank is above the principles of fairness and market
• As Acting Chair Hill characterized them, these and other actions sent the message to banks that it would
• Sign me up.
• Can you tell me who signed that memo that you're looking at right now? This one is signed **Eric T.
• Regulators who respectfully were bureaucrats, and these are people who have never signed the front side

Transcript Highlights:

• But to summarize, Florida's property insurance market is really seeing not only strong signs of recovery
• But we're seeing the energy and the signs we want to see. I think it was very promising.
• We also send targeted text messages to our policyholders.
• We also send targeted text messages to our policyholders.
• Whatever the legislature does and the governor signs into law, we're going to do it.

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:

• It’s good if the judge signs it. It’s good for 14 days before you have a full hearing.
• <00:46:15.440> it it's good if it's if the judge signs it it's good if it's if the judge signs
• an EPO based on on that um signed an EPO based on on that um although<00:49:19.319> under<00:
• should be sent to the entire message should be sent to the entire state<01:12:00.719> that<01
• I think we do need to send a strong message on this issue.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:02 HB 446: 00:01:44 HB 456: 00:07:08 Discussion in Opposition to HB 456: 00:15:20 HB 10: 00:26:18 HB 96: 00:36:54 HB 399: 00:56:31 HB 465: 01:03:04, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 446, as amended by committee substitute, which would expand third-degree assault protections to cover judges and justices of the Court of Justice and public transportation drivers. Supporters said the bill responds to violence and threats against judges and would extend protections already given to other public servants. Members generally supported the bill, though several suggested broadening it further to include circuit clerks or all officers of the court. The committee adopted the substitute and favorably passed HB 446 on an 18-0 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 456, a DUI-related cleanup bill sponsored by Representative Patrick Flanery and presented by County Attorney Joe Ross. The bill would add fentanyl, Flexeril, and clopene to the per se DUI list, treat driving on a suspended license as an aggravating circumstance, revise implied-consent notice language, and make changes to ignition interlock rules, including suspension periods and fees. Representative Scott West of the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified in opposition, warning that some interlock violations and fees could unfairly extend suspensions and discourage participation, while members and the sponsor said the bill would strengthen DUI enforcement and that non-listed substances could still support DUI charges under other provisions. The committee adopted the substitute and favorably passed HB 456 by a 16-0 vote with one pass. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 10, relating to the rights of real property owners, sponsored by Representatives Maryanne Proctor and Emily Callaway, with testimony from a Pacific Legal Foundation representative and a Boone County Sheriff’s Office staff attorney. The sponsors said the bill is intended to address squatting by defining squatters and improving property-owner remedies, and noted support from sheriffs and realtors. The transcript cuts off before the bill’s full presentation or any committee action on HB 10.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the governor's veto message, I believe one of her concerns was that it would increase divisiveness
• Um in the governor's veto message<00:26:45.360> I<00:26:45.520> believe<00:26:45.919>
• > she<00:26:46.240> one<00:26:46.400> of<00:26:46.559> her message I believe
• do you have any uh do you have a message do you have any uh do you have a message for<01:00:29.280
• up in favor of that Association signed up in favor of that bill. bill. bill.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And on the funding mechanism, you know, it's as you sign up, essentially.
• And it's this message.
• But plenty of private schools signed up, including religious schools.
• But I think the message that I would leave with you is, one, anything helps.
• I appreciate you, and you all were prepared and had your message right on. Thank you very much.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened with a quorum, adopted its committee rules, and heard opening remarks from members introducing staff and outlining priorities for the session. Several senators emphasized support for public education, teacher pay and safety, parental choice, and the combined K-16 jurisdiction of the committee. The chair also reviewed hearing procedures, including public testimony registration and time limits. The main item was Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, laid out by Chairman Creighton. He described the bill as an education savings account program intended to expand school choice, with a $200 million universal eligibility pool and an additional $800 million targeted to students with disabilities and lower-income families. He said the bill includes anti-fraud safeguards, criminal background checks for vendors, reporting requirements, data protections, and annual testing for participating students, while not imposing STAAR on private schools or homeschoolers. He also said the bill removes a prior hold-harmless provision for public schools and is separate from public school funding and teacher pay legislation. Members questioned the bill’s income threshold, lottery and priority structure, treatment of homeschoolers, microschools, charter schools, religious freedom protections, citizenship/lawful presence language, cybersecurity, open records, and disability-related issues, including whether 504 students and foster children should be included. Creighton said the bill is designed to prioritize former public school students with disabilities or lower incomes, while also allowing universal eligibility within the program’s first funding tier, and that the Comptroller would oversee vendor screening and cybersecurity rules. He said the bill does not direct curriculum or interfere with religious beliefs and that amendments may be offered later on citizenship and other issues. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, starting with EdChoice representative Robert Inlow, who testified in support of SB 2 and cited national growth in school choice programs and studies he said show positive effects for students and public schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:29:55.920> that this bill sends a clear message that this bill sends a clear message that
• Signed in in support of that. Good that. Signed in in support of that. Good idea. idea. idea.
• That is that the the tape the uh sign.
• red stop sign comes out and the lights red stop sign comes out and the lights are<02:10:34.960> activated
• stop signs or stop bars. stop signs or stop bars.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There is no clear message of how the tariffs were determined, what they're supposed to accomplish, how
• I even went up to the Oval Office during Trump won to have one of my bills signed by the president and
• President Trump signed.
• My hope this hope is this is a sign of thankfulness.
• I carried President Trump's America First message directly to these leaders.

Keywords: tariffs, Trump administration, economy, public testimony, trade policy, market access, export controls

Summary: The meeting focused on various significant topics concerning the recent tariff policies and their wide-ranging implications on the American economy. Members expressed their concerns regarding the negative impact of increased tariffs as proposed by the Trump administration, with specific emphasis on how families might suffer from higher costs and market access issues. The discussion was lively, with members questioning the clarity of the tariff plan and raising concerns about its potential effects on small businesses and American exports.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the reason I say that is the message that this sends to landowners.
• But I think it's so critical that the legislature doesn't take an action that delivers the message to
• to delivering the correct uh message to delivering the correct uh message here.<00:24:24.880>
• They don't just make a decision and then say that's it and sign off on it.
• decision and then say that's it and sign decision and then say that's it and sign off<00:31:13.360

Bills: SF0025, SF0027, SF0043, SF0066

Keywords: landowner licenses, hunting, wildlife management, quota hunt areas, game and fish commission, game management, hunting regulations, black bear, tracking dogs, wildlife conservation, conservation, contracting, supervisor, funding, districts, hunting licenses, donated licenses, life-threatening illness, vision impairment, nonprofit organizations

Transcript Highlights:

• So if anyone signed in just for the Senate bill, I'd ask if you could sign in for the House bill as well
• If she signs this, this will be the fastest we've ever had conformity signed, so she'd have that distinction
• So that sent a message.
• I hope, I pray that the governor signs this bill.
• The best answer is easy: the governor needs to sign this bill.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The joint House Ways and Means and Senate Finance committees met to hear identical conformity bills, HB 2153 and SB 1106, which would align Arizona tax law with the federal Internal Revenue Code as of Jan. 1, 2026, including some retroactive provisions for tax year 2025. Staff explained that the bills would exclude three federal provisions: the higher federal SALT deduction, the new senior deduction as written in H.R. 1, and the deduction for interest on new car loans. They would instead include a $6,000 retirement-income deduction for taxpayers age 60 and older, a $6,000 Roth IRA contribution deduction, a higher dependent tax credit, and a deduction for child and dependent care expenses above the federal credit. JLBC estimated the package would reduce general fund income tax revenue by about $441.3 million in FY 2026. Members also discussed that the Department of Revenue’s forms had been issued assuming full conformity, and staff and supporters argued the bills were needed quickly to avoid confusion and amended returns during filing season. Committee members and sponsors largely framed the bills as tax relief and a way to provide certainty for taxpayers and preparers. Supporters said the package would help families, seniors, and workers, and noted that the Arizona version was negotiated to keep the overall tax relief roughly comparable to full conformity while shifting benefits away from the SALT deduction and toward child credits, retirement income, and child care. The sponsors also criticized the governor’s executive action and urged prompt passage so taxpayers would know how to file. Opponents argued the bills would reduce state revenue, worsen the budget outlook, and disproportionately benefit higher-income taxpayers and corporations. Several witnesses and members also raised concerns about the child care deduction, the retirement-income deduction, and the business expensing provisions, while supporters responded that the bill was designed to help working families and encourage saving and investment. Public testimony was mixed. The Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Arizona Free Enterprise Club supported the bills, emphasizing early conformity, filing certainty, and reduced confusion for taxpayers and software providers. Opponents included Save Our Schools Arizona, the Arizona Center for Economic Progress, Opportunity Arizona, and several individuals, who argued the package would deepen budget problems and favor the wealthy. One witness objected to a federal school-choice-related provision she said was being tied to the bill, though committee members said the measure before them was a tax conformity bill and not a school finance bill. The hearing included extended debate over the fiscal impact, the governor’s prior requests for some of the same tax changes, and whether taxpayers would need to file amended returns if the legislature later changed course. The transcript ends during testimony from NFIB, with no final committee vote or action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The urgency to send this message that we, as a body, value the critical lifeline that unemployment insurance
• Speaker, it's my understanding that a signed spreadsheet...
• night on the higher education bill and that all of the Democrats on the conference committee have signed

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:30:47.760> whether make the form so that you sign whether make the form so that you sign
• And so that is the messaging that is going out across the state right now.
• Emily Lawrence: I didn't sign in to support.
• And is there someone signed up to introduce the bill?
• signed up to introduce<03:08:59.040> the<03:08:59.560> bill?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, one time is really bad because you already signed a document saying you wouldn't do it.
• I didn't remind sign, Donna explained it right? Representative Romero? Yes. Excuse me.
• This is a message for the governor: Please call a special session. Please call a special session.
• I applaud the bill sponsors for continually trying to do something that is going to send a message to
• habitual enhancement, you're going to be seeing a bill probably in front of you that's received a message

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll just say AB 476 sends a clear message that California will not tolerate the sabotage of its public
• By voting yesterday, we send a clear message that California. stands united.
• that are eager to return to California and fill that need and that shortage as soon as it would be signed
• So hopefully that sends the right message. Ask for your aye vote. Thank you. Love it.
• That's not a sign of a healthy market, but a government failure demanding immediate action.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ultimately that's the key is connecting those two to make sure that we're cohesively getting a unified message
• And so that's why it really comes down to tailoring our messaging as a state, I think, to helping consumers
• And I message that as much as possible.
• Because HB 1029, which we passed in April of last year—I know, signed into law in April of last year,
• In 2023, Senator Martin here filed and passed, signed into law, SB 594 back in 2023.

Summary: The Banking and Insurance Committee heard a series of presentations focused on mitigation, flood and wind resilience, and insurance discounts. Kevin Guthrie of the Florida Division of Emergency Management outlined several funding streams for mitigation, including federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program dollars, BRIC grants, flood mitigation assistance, and the state hurricane loss mitigation program. He emphasized the new Elevate Florida initiative, which will use about $400 million initially to elevate or reconstruct flood-prone homes, starting with National Flood Insurance Program properties and severe repetitive-loss homes, with no current per-home cap. Guthrie said the state will contract directly with licensed vendors and aims to reduce future flood losses, lower insurance costs, and keep properties on the tax rolls rather than relying on buyouts. Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworski described Florida’s windstorm mitigation discount program, explaining that the 1802 inspection form is used to assess a home’s overall “envelope” and determine statutory discounts. He said the office is updating the program based on a new wind loss study, with likely changes including greater recognition of roof types such as metal roofs and possible territorial risk adjustments. He also said the Legislature now requires the office to revisit the study every five years. Stephen Fielder of the Department of Financial Services reported on My Safe Florida Home, noting that the program offers inspections and grants for roof and opening protections, has completed more than 100,000 inspections, and has reimbursed hundreds of millions of dollars. He said the department has validated its discount calculations with insurers and that the program is intended to help homeowners reduce premiums through verified mitigation work. Michael Newman of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety said Florida’s building code is nationally leading and that post-Ian surveys found no wind-driven structural damage in buildings built after adoption of the code. He argued that mitigation should be treated as a system, not isolated upgrades, and suggested adding Fortified designation to the state’s mitigation form to better document verified resilience improvements. Bill Truex, a county commissioner and builder, stressed the need to educate homeowners about floodproofing and roof choices, citing examples where flood panels prevented damage and noting that asphalt shingles often do not last as long in Florida as their marketing suggests. In panel discussion, senators asked about program eligibility, outreach to elderly and digitally challenged residents, contractor vetting, roof-life disclosures, and whether flood insurance should be more broadly required. Officials said outreach will include call centers and in-person assistance, and several participants urged better consumer disclosure and more data-driven guidance on roof and mitigation choices.

Transcript Highlights:

• they were going to do anything, it would probably more likely be to talk to a friend, you know, text message
• Some parents have asked for, you know, is a text message possible too? So we do have...
• Some parents have asked for, you know, is it a text message possible, too?
• It includes the signs.
• parents both virtually and face-to-face through our parent academy, where we also talk to them about signs

Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met to review Florida’s cell phone and social media literacy law, with Representative Brad Yeager describing the 2023 policy as aimed at removing classroom distractions and teaching students how to use social media responsibly. He said the law was intended to keep phones out of classrooms unless used for instruction, require social media literacy education, and limit access to certain sites on school Wi-Fi and government devices. Yeager said feedback since passage has been mixed: many teachers support it and some have adopted inexpensive shoe-organizer or pouch systems, but implementation varies by school and administrator enforcement. He said he is not currently pursuing a broader statewide mandate. Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez and Timber Creek High School Principal Mr. Wasco described Orange County’s approach as bell-to-bell phone restrictions, while Pasco County’s Dr. Zetchy described a similar policy with some flexibility during lunch or passing periods at the high school level. Both districts said the policy was implemented with parent communication, town halls, surveys, and transition periods, and that concerns about emergencies were addressed by allowing phones to be returned at the end of the day and by establishing procedures for parent contact. They reported few theft problems and said discipline issues related to phones have generally been manageable, though some teachers still struggle with enforcement or with students trying to evade the rules. A major portion of the discussion focused on social media literacy instruction. Orange County said it uses counselor-led programs, Canvas courses, resiliency days, and curriculum materials to teach students about cyberbullying, human trafficking, privacy, and the permanence of online posts, with progress tracked through the learning platform. Pasco said it has some resiliency modules but lacks a fully built-out, pre-made social media curriculum and would welcome more guidance from DOE, especially for high school classrooms where instructional time is limited. Members also asked about student anxiety, 504/IEP accommodations, caregiver students, and parent education; the districts said exceptions are handled through school committees and that parent academies and district resources are being used to help families set boundaries and understand the risks and benefits of phones and social media. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I would move that the Senate suspend its rules in order to message H.790 to the House forthwith.
• The senator from Chittenden Central has moved that the rules be suspended and that H.790 be messaged
• The ayes have it, and we will message our actions on H.790 to the House forthwith.
• going to recognize the four-year anniversary as well because the U.S., Great Britain, and Russia all signed

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Alvarez: We have a big open sign, and people moved to our state. I'm an economic development freak.
• Alvarez: And if they were busy, they'd leave you a message and call you back. We shouldn't do that.
• So they are articulating our message because they feel like the local government is not receptive of
• encourage those here opposed or in favor to use your sphere of influence and articulate the same message