Transcript Highlights:

• the study looking at the long-term the study looking at the long-term trajectory<04:18:08.880>
• <04:32:23.680> of all of that right now in terms of all of that right now in terms of doing
• <04:42:26.080> price energy production and long-term price energy production and long-term
• previous bill in that the long-term previous bill in that the long-term effect<05:11:53.200>
• <05:55:13.680> specifically aggressive RPS's in terms specifically aggressive RPS's in terms

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill updates the term, adds a cause of action for those who are injured or harmed by a vaccine or
• It defines the term advertise.
• In terms of the federal acts that are out there, there's the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act that
• In terms of, you know, the preemption, I understand it's difficult when the feds have done something
• Developers of data centers work more closely with utilities and long-term resource planning to ensure

Bills: S0408, S0986, S0678, S0800, S1050, S0484, S1118

Keywords: vaccine advertisement, manufacturer liability, harmful vaccine, healthcare, court action, smoking regulation, public health, vaping, marijuana, public places, Florida Statutes, alcohol distribution, tax deductions, extraordinary losses, warehouse breakage, regulatory compliance, veterinary, prescription, pharmacy, client rights

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries considered several bills and took final action on each. SB 986, by Senator Gruters and presented by Senator Rodriguez, would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in public places and in certain indoor spaces; restaurant and lodging representatives supported adding marijuana and vaping to clean indoor air rules but asked to preserve designated smoking areas on private property, while cannabis advocates warned the bill was overly broad and could affect patients and property rights. The committee voted the bill favorably. SB 678, by Senator Mayfield, would restore statutory authority for DBPR to continue allowing alcohol distributors to deduct unsellable alcohol from monthly excise tax calculations; the committee adopted a strike-all amendment and reported the committee substitute favorably. SB 800, also by Senator Mayfield, increases penalties for repeated unlicensed engineering practice and creates an engineering student loan assistance program for engineers working for state agencies and water management districts; after adopting an amendment clarifying eligibility, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then heard SB 408, by Senator Grall, which would create a Florida cause of action against vaccine manufacturers that advertise in the state, allowing injured individuals to sue in Florida courts. Supporters argued the bill would rebuild public trust and hold manufacturers accountable, while opponents from the Florida Justice Reform Institute, American Tort Reform Association, BIO, the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, and several medical and business groups argued the field is largely preempted by federal law, that existing federal compensation programs already address vaccine injuries, and that the bill raises First Amendment and policy concerns. After debate focused on vaccine injury data, compensation rates, and liability, the committee voted SB 408 favorably. The committee also considered SB 484 and SB 1118, both by Senator Avila, dealing with data centers. SB 484 would preserve local planning authority, bar nondisclosure agreements that prevent disclosure of potential data center development, require the PSC to set large-load tariff requirements so data centers pay their own costs, and limit consumptive use permits for large-scale data centers absent no harm to water resources and compliance with local zoning; supporters emphasized ratepayer protection and economic development, while some witnesses urged flexibility for behind-the-meter projects and confidentiality in negotiations. The bill was reported favorably. SB 1118 would create a time-limited public records exemption for county or municipal information about data center siting and protect proprietary business information; Senator Pizzo raised concerns about how the exemption would affect disclosure of competing projects and local officials’ ability to speak, but the sponsor said he would work on clarifying the language. The committee also passed SB 1050, by Senator Calatayud, which requires veterinarians to provide pet owners with written prescriptions and information about pharmacy choice while preserving veterinary judgment and emergency dispensing authority. The meeting concluded after all bills were reported favorably and members recorded additional votes on prior items.

Transcript Highlights:

• The law does not specify any limits on how long treatment programs can last.
• So the resourcing issue in terms of evaluators, in terms of lawyers, in terms of court resources, creates
• So the governor's budget is showing about a $6 million... ...near term.
• You brought up housing, short-term, long-term, but do you believe that the treatment aspect of collaborative
• So I think there's an overlap in terms of resources there.

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on Proposition 36 and its implementation, with judicial and budget officials describing it as a major shift from misdemeanor to felony processing for repeat drug possession and certain theft offenses. Witnesses explained that the law creates a treatment-mandated felony process that can lead to dismissal if a defendant completes treatment, but also requires evaluations, court monitoring, and potentially long, open-ended supervision. Judicial representatives said the new law is already generating large numbers of filings, creating workload, staffing, courtroom, and facility pressures, and that access to treatment beds, housing, and evaluation capacity is limiting participation. Several speakers emphasized that collaborative courts are effective but are not a perfect fit for Prop. 36 because those programs are typically probation-based and serve different risk/need populations. Court officials from San Bernardino and Orange counties said the impacts vary by county but are severe, with some counties seeing hundreds or more filings in a short period and others moving more slowly to build treatment infrastructure first. They argued that Prop. 36 is effectively an unfunded mandate unless the state provides more resources for judges, staff, facilities, treatment, housing, and supervision. The Legislative Analyst’s Office noted that Prop. 36 will reduce the Proposition 47 savings that fund mental health and substance use treatment grants, but said the near-term reduction is relatively modest and that the full effect will take time to appear because of the way those savings are calculated. Members of the committee repeatedly raised concerns that the state is underfunding the courts and counties needed to carry out the new law. The committee also reviewed the Governor’s proposed trial court operations budget, including a partial restoration of a prior $97 million cut and additional ongoing funding. Judicial branch officials said the restoration helped avoid furloughs, hiring freezes, and service reductions, and supported cybersecurity, technology, staffing, and records management. The LAO recommended that the Legislature seek more detail on how midyear restorations are handled and consider clarifying language for transferring unspent trial court trust fund monies to the General Fund. Finance said the flexibility in the ongoing funding was intentional and would be taken back for consideration. In a separate item, the committee heard testimony on a $6.3 million increase for Supreme Court and Courts of Appeal appointed counsel programs. Judicial officials and appellate project representatives said the system is facing a crisis because indigent appeals have risen sharply while the number of panel attorneys has fallen, leaving many cases waiting months for counsel. They argued the proposed increase would help but is still below what is needed to recruit and retain attorneys and prevent delays that affect criminal, juvenile, and child welfare cases. The committee also discussed the Tracy courthouse project in San Joaquin County, where local officials said reopening a courthouse closed since 2011 is necessary to serve a growing population and relieve overcrowding elsewhere. The LAO and Finance both noted the project is next in line under the facilities plan, though LAO suggested the Legislature could consider whether other facility priorities should come first.

Transcript Highlights:

• So both of those things are being added just to create more diversity from around the state in terms
• It doesn't limit any geographical size or division.
• That was not my term. I don't like that term.
• So long-term nuclear waste, it's very clear, the storage of that remains an unsolved problem.
• And so then there's no statute of limitations.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is better for storing long term.
• Batteries have a role, but it's definitely for short-term storage and not necessarily for the long-term
• is better for storing long term.
• is better for storing long term.
• is better for storing long term.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this would limit services uh changes.
• limit.
• another governor's proposal to limit another governor's proposal to limit administrative<00:25:39.760
• limited exceptions to the IC moratorum. limited exceptions to the IC moratorum.
• The more we the term more is less.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing opened with chairs explaining that the program integrity omnibus bill is a combined draft assembled from individual member bills and governor proposals, many of which had already been heard in committee. Members emphasized the compressed end-of-session timeline, said the language was not yet ready for enactment, and invited continued revisions as the bill moves next to judiciary and finance. Several speakers stressed the need for bipartisan collaboration, while also warning that the Legislature must act this session on program integrity rather than defer reforms. The fiscal staff then walked through a spreadsheet showing the bill’s overall budget effects and major provisions. The package includes DHS proposals on transforming human services, market- and receipt-based rate reform, enhanced program and payment integrity, uniform service standards, nursing facility rate changes, ICS reforms, and a repeal/redesign of housing stabilization, along with child care assistance integrity and human services redesign items in DCYF. Staff highlighted that the bill combines multiple sources, including governor proposals and member bills, and noted several items that are also in the supplemental human services budget. Committee discussion focused heavily on prepayment review, remote supports, ICS, and provider accountability. Chairs said the bill would codify prepayment review with a 60-day notice requirement after providers were caught off guard by prior rollout, and that remote supports and ICS language were placeholders or under active debate. One member argued the system needs stronger standards but cautioned against harming compliant providers, while another urged the committee to learn from good providers and warned against repeating failed implementations. Staff also reviewed thematic indexes covering billing and service delivery oversight, EVV, administrative reform, licensing and background studies, provider enrollment, sanctions, and child care provider compliance training. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided. The hearing ended with staff beginning the index walkthrough and members indicating that posted amendments would be considered as the bill advances through the remaining committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Senator Dibble and I learned a new term this session here: House graduates. Oh, there.
• <00:43:31.599> on sections nine and 66 set limitations on sections nine and 66 set limitations
• <00:47:42.400> to<00:47:42.640> dealer limitation on plate issuances to dealer limitation
• And then top of page 11 has another Senate-only statutory speed limit designation.
• Senate only statutory speed limit Senate only statutory speed limit designation.<00:52:20.880>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In terms of enterprise operations, you run it like a business.
• But listen today in terms of potential short-term goals and long-term goals.
• But I think there are some short-term goals.
• Think about short-term: should it be statutory? Or long-term?
• And this is a very subjective term as well.

Summary: The Select Committee on Property Taxes heard first from city representatives through the Florida League of Cities, who argued that property taxes are a stable local revenue source that funds core services such as police, fire, parks, public works, and stormwater work. Casey Cook emphasized that cities are optional governments with widely different tax bases and service levels, that exemptions shift the burden to fewer taxpayers, and that transparency already exists through TRIM notices, public budgets, and local hearings. Sarah Campbell of Fernandina Beach, T. Michael Stavris of Winter Haven, and Stephen O’Kee of Port St. Lucie described their budget processes, the share of general-fund revenue coming from property taxes, reserve policies, debt and capital planning, and the impact of inflation, minimum wage increases, and personnel costs. They all said local governments need predictable revenue and that any property tax changes would require careful consideration of replacement funding or service reductions. Members questioned the city panel about whether homebuyers are clearly informed about city versus county taxes and services, the role of HOAs, how many lobbyists cities employ, reserve levels, average salaries, and whether utility revenues are used only for utility purposes. The panel said TRIM notices, realtor listings, and city websites provide tax information; HOAs generally do not provide emergency services; lobbyists help local governments track Tallahassee legislation; reserves vary by city and fund; and utility revenues are generally restricted, though some cities use limited transfers. Members also asked about revenue replacement if ad valorem taxes were reduced or eliminated, and the panel said options would likely include user fees, service cuts, or other local revenue shifts. The chair also asked about public safety consolidation, and the response was that such decisions are local and may shift costs rather than create true savings. The committee then heard from county representatives after an overview by the Florida Association of Counties’ Davin Suggs, who framed counties as shared partners with the state and emphasized the gap between rising market values and the shrinking share of taxable value after exemptions and assessment limits. He said counties face a mismatch between revenue based on taxable value and expenses driven by real-world costs, and noted that most counties either held millage steady or lowered it without reaching rollback rates. He also highlighted that property taxes are only one part of county revenue, with charges for services and intergovernmental revenue often larger in some counties, and that public safety at the county level includes more than law enforcement, such as EMS, emergency management, inspections, and corrections. Deborah Manzo of Okeechobee County described a fiscally constrained rural county with limited staff, a county-supported airport, heavy reliance on property taxes for the general fund, and major cost pressures from inflation, insurance, retirement, and state and federal mandates. She said the county lowered millage slightly over recent years but still depends on multiple revenue sources and special assessments, and she flagged Medicaid, medical examiner costs, and possible firefighter workweek changes as significant concerns. Bay County Administrator Mark McQueen said his county’s budget is shaped by Hurricane Michael recovery, non-discretionary obligations, and rapid growth; he described ongoing FEMA reimbursement delays, substantial borrowing to cover disaster costs, and continuing interest expenses while the county waits for reimbursement. The county panel was still in progress when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, ma'am, in terms of the language, is it identical to Blackman's bill? Mr.
• Chair, please, sir, you've used the term Tier 3 a lot.
• What kind of agencies is that limited to, if there is any limitation at all on it?
• ...limited to if there is any limitation at all on it. Mr.
• My question for you is: we've got limited dollars at the state level, you've got limited dollars in your

Bills: SB1161, SB1215, SB1270, SB1400, SB1537, SB1538, SB1580, SB1584, SB1627

Keywords: appropriation, public safety, Yuma County, funding exemption, family advocacy center, firefighters, occupational disease, workers compensation, cancer presumption, police officers, hazardous duty, SB1270, Arizona retirement system, public safety personnel, defined contribution plan, correctional officers, corrections officers, retirement contributions, supplemental contributions, retention incentive

Transcript Highlights:

• IF YOU TRULY CARE ABOUT ELIMINATING WASTE AND BEING RESPONSIBLE WITH TAX DOLLARS, ALL LIMITATIONS IMPOSED
• FOR FAMILIES WHO RELY ON THE LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS, THE CONSEQUENCES WILL BE LONG-TERM IN THE REVERSIBLE
• THERE WAS A CONCERN ABOUT RELAPSING IN THIS FACILITIES IN TERMS OF WE KNOW THEY ARE GOING THERE BECAUSE
• LAW THAT I'M CONCERNED WITH AND IT CAN TURN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AS WE KNOW IT ON ITS HEAD IN TERMS
• THIS IS AN IMPORTANT AND DIFFICULT WITH THE AMENDMENT DOES IS LIMIT THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE IN TERMS OF

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The hearing room will have testimony limited to invited testimony and public testimony.
• Public testimony will be limited to two minutes, and it may be strictly enforced or as directed by the
• Can answer any questions in terms of the process for that application for restitution.
• I think police officers are well-trained in terms of how to use their non-lethal weapons.
• Just in terms of the number of men and women we have today within DPS that are special...

Bills: SB552, SB1099, SB1124, SB1208, SB1372, SB1506, SB1667, SB1804, SB1806, SB1870, SB1936, SB1937, SB2180, SB2405, SB2569, SB2570, SB1646

Keywords: community supervision, criminal justice, illegal alien, deferred adjudication, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, SB 1099, undocumented immigrant, unauthorized immigrant, immigration status, felony sentencing enhancement, criminal penalty increase, Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, affirmative finding, judgment finding, deportation, public safety, immigration enforcement, sentencing reform, felony offense

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:07.440> protection cited to ensure the long-term protection cited to ensure the long-term
• are we limiting or expanding? are we limiting or expanding?
• So there's no limitation on the type of venue.
• So that's the limitation on it is less.
• It's not limited to that, though. This could be anyone.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The preferred term seems to be evidence-based literacy instruction.
• And I'm going to borrow the term "North Star."
• We also recommend limiting the grant eligibility to elementary schools.
• In terms of their placement. I don't know directly right now.
• So in terms of the university...

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The law does not specify any limits on how long treatment programs can last.
• more defendants with substance use disorder into treatment and long-term recovery.
• So the resourcing issue in terms of evaluators, in terms of lawyers, in terms of court resources, create
• So what do you think you brought up housing short-term long-term but do you believe that that the treatment
• So I think there's an overlap in terms of resources there.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, at some point a community will hit its limit. Southern New Hampshire's at its limit.
• <00:20:18.039> in that a community will hit its limit in that a community will hit its limit
• Southern New Hampshire's at its limit Southern New Hampshire's at its limit that's<00:20:20.200>
• I'm a Derry town counselor, finishing up my sixth term.
• <01:06:13.799> environmental are addressing long-term environmental are addressing long-term

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ability to get to fuel was very limited. ability to get to fuel was very limited.
• We're limited in what we can pay through the rules of the state personnel board.
• <00:08:18.800> If limited in what they can pay people.
• If limited in what they can pay people.
• We're limited in what we can pay like.

Keywords: Highways and Transportation - Room 216, 18 February, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard from Brad White, head of the Mississippi Department of Transportation, as part of his confirmation process. White said the department has improved staffing and funding over the last four years, citing support from the legislature, supplemental appropriations, ARPA funds, and fuel tax adjustments. He emphasized that MDOT is still rebuilding its engineering and maintenance workforce and needs continued salary flexibility to remain competitive and respond to disasters. A major portion of the discussion focused on MDOT’s response to the recent severe ice storm. Several senators questioned whether the response was adequate and whether district lines, coordination with local governments, and emergency task-force planning should be changed. White said the storm was unusually severe, with freezing rain, flash-freeze conditions, widespread power outages, and more than 15,000 miles of highway impacted. He said MDOT crews were spread thin, but still logged more than 26,000 man-hours, worked with law enforcement and rescue units, and were aided by about 400 employees in the affected area plus 500 others from other regions. He said the department is reviewing lessons learned and expects winter-storm response to change going forward. Senators also asked about comparisons with Tennessee and whether the storm response was a funding issue. White said it was not primarily a money problem, but that Mississippi’s budget and weather patterns differ from neighboring states, making stockpiling materials less practical. He said cities and counties could help in emergencies if coordinated with MDOT, and he supported properly funding agencies such as MDOT, MEMA, the National Guard, and public safety. Another senator raised long-delayed road projects, including Highway 61 and the Port Gibson bypass, and White said the capacity program remains active and that emergency response had not stopped project work. The committee then considered several appointments to the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission and related boards. Kenneth Jeffrey Smith of Pontotoc, William J. Van Deender, and Ranatada Tracy McGawan of Jackson were each introduced, praised, and recommended by motion. The committee voted unanimously to advise and consent on each nomination, with no opposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• for small government, limited for small government, limited government,<00:31:51.200> and
• c> funds<00:44:53.040> available Existing law limits the funds available Existing law limits
• > cap<00:44:58.560> of those limited funds, a cap of those limited funds, a cap of 5%<00
• , That is a power that should be limited, That is a power that should be limited, carefully<01:56
• Now, let me put this on real terms. terms. terms.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It limits these boards' discretion.
• It limits these boards' discretion.
• It limits these boards' discretion.
• You are using a paramedic term, an EMT term. They were triaging every day.
• using a paramedic term, an EMT term. using a paramedic term, an EMT term.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Whatever we do in terms of meeting CCBHC benchmarks or the quality standards, if it does not translate
• So if we have a critical medication that is time-limited, or a critical medication that if the patient
• So if we have a critical medication that is time-limited, or a critical medication that if the patient
• in health care in nature, whereas the statute is very expressed in being limited to carrying out the
• the providers to the prescribers and dispensers is limiting for how a certified community behavioral

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• About that holistically in terms of what's there.
• I think that is a thing that's happening in terms of their success and in terms of their spread across
• And it really limits their ability to influence state decision making.
• But I think they were probably the furthest ahead in terms of a model.
• This database has its limits but adds to that information.