Transcript Highlights:

• section section two<00:11:00.480><c> uh</c><00:11:00.720><c> Roman</c><00:11:00.960><c> numeral</c><
• And that's what's under section board. And that's what's under section 3-106?
• The bill is self-referential and it does say under section 211, you would be able to, but section 211
• ><c> amended</c> to, but section 211 in the amended to, but section 211 in the amended version<01:54:
• But under the bill section, um, where it talks about what would be verified, it does have a section where

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, March 23, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:18:34.199><c> sales</c> effective date for both sections sales effective date for both sections
• It leads to section two, Representative Davids.
• This bill is two distinct sections.
• </c> putam this bill is two distinct sections putam this bill is two distinct sections um<01:48:43.360
• ><c> about</c><01:48:45.360><c> the</c> um the um first section about the um the um first section about

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 15. in they should be able to continue their cases under chapter 239 section 15 however especially if
• That section overlaps with some of the requirements of this bill.
• That section overlaps with some of the requirements of this bill, but misses out on projects that are
• housing programs such as state-funded public housing the Massachusetts rental voucher program and section
• And when he was in the first term, Trump did try to raise rents from 30% for Section 8 to 35% and 40%

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on a broad slate of housing and homelessness bills. Chairs Rich Haggerty and Julian Cyr opened by noting the committee’s focus on EOHLC programs such as RAFT, MRVP, and HomeBASE, and several members and advocates emphasized the urgency of the state’s homelessness crisis, including rising family homelessness and the need for earlier intervention, more stable subsidies, and stronger long-term housing tools. A major theme was homelessness prevention and rehousing. Multiple witnesses supported bills to codify and strengthen RAFT and HomeBASE, arguing that assistance should be available earlier in a crisis rather than only after a notice to quit or imminent loss of housing. Testimony from legal services, homelessness coalitions, social workers, municipal housing staff, and tenant advocates said the programs help families avoid eviction and shelter, but need more flexibility, higher benefit caps, and permanent statutory protection. Several speakers also urged support for codifying the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), describing it as a critical long-term subsidy for low-income households and older adults, and warning that codification would protect the program from future budget or policy changes. The committee also heard testimony on housing stability for older adults, affordable homes for people with disabilities, supportive housing, housing cooperatives, home sharing, local preference, and reentry housing for returning citizens. Advocates for older adults described a Somerville bridge subsidy pilot that helped stabilize seniors while they waited for permanent housing, and urged statewide expansion. Supporters of supportive housing called for an interagency board to streamline funding and development, while cooperative housing proponents backed creation of a Massachusetts Center for Housing Cooperatives and a dedicated funding reserve. A bill to secure housing for returning citizens drew support from reentry providers and Senator Adam Gomez, who said stable housing is essential to successful reintegration. No votes were taken during the hearing; witnesses generally asked the committee to report the bills favorably, and some members asked follow-up questions on data and program details.

Transcript Highlights:

• On page 17, our section on management control begins.
• Our next section on program operations Our next section on program operations begins on page 27.
• This section consists of five observations.
• The next section starts on page 39. The next section starts on page 39.
• There are three observations in this section.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee opened by approving the May 15 minutes and then recognized Pam Ellis for her long service with the Legislative Budget Assistant’s office and upcoming retirement. The committee adopted the consent calendar with two items removed for separate consideration, then approved transfers for the Administrative Office of the Courts and the Department of Environmental Services after questions about court benefit costs and dam project funding. The Department of Health and Human Services also received approval for a general fund transfer item. A major portion of the meeting focused on the Youth Development Center settlement fund. New administrator Jared Boyle, joined by the Attorney General, described the fund’s remaining caseload, the payment matrix, and the need for additional funding to begin hearings in August. Members raised concerns about administrative costs, attorneys’ fees, payday loans, structured settlements, and the long-term fiscal impact on the state. Boyle requested $55 million, but the committee ultimately approved a reduced appropriation of $20 million, with members noting the possibility of returning for more funding later depending on revenues and the October revenue review. The Department of Corrections then received approval for a smaller shortfall transfer and a larger overtime-related transfer, with officials citing a 52% corrections officer vacancy rate, ongoing recruitment, academy classes, and efforts to use civilian staff in some non-security roles. A late item from the Veterans Home was also approved to cover overtime, holiday pay, and indirect cost shortfalls within its existing budget. The committee then heard an informational presentation on implementation of Senate Bill 134 and the new federal Medicaid work-requirement rule. DHHS said it plans to submit a state plan amendment, seek approval for hardship exceptions, start with one eligibility check cycle, and use existing federal grant funding to make system changes. Finally, the committee received a performance audit of the Doorway opioid treatment program, which found weak written procedures, incomplete data use, reimbursement delays, and problems with the Governor’s Commission on Addiction Treatment and Prevention. Members discussed follow-up reporting, and the next Fiscal Committee meeting was scheduled for August 21 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um but there's more work to do, and we lay that out in a recommendation section.
• Um but there's more work to do, and we lay that out in a recommendation section.
• </c><00:04:24.720><c> of</c><00:04:25.320><c> um</c> a very robust section of um a very robust section
• :04:47.760><c> in</c><00:04:47.840><c> a</c><00:04:47.880><c> recommendation</c><00:04:48.520><c> section
• </c><00:04:49.320><c> So,</c> out in a recommendation section. So, out in a recommendation section.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee Chair Kristen Robbins opened the meeting by explaining that the committee’s majority report had been released after the minority declined to file a minority report, though the minority later issued a statement. She said the report reflects two years of work aimed at exposing fraud, strengthening internal controls, and creating a whistleblower portal, mnfraud.com, which will remain open during the interim to receive and review tips. Robbins and several Republican members described the report as documenting how fraud in Minnesota began with earlier CCAP-related schemes and then expanded into Feeding Our Future and other programs, including housing stabilization, autism services, sober homes, adult day care, assisted living, non-emergency medical transportation, and interpretive services. They argued that fraud was enabled by weak oversight, a culture of inaction, and retaliation against whistleblowers, and said the report includes findings and recommendations for future reforms. Members also highlighted bipartisan bills already passed to strengthen whistleblower protections, internal controls, and fraud reporting. Representative Pam Altendorf and others praised the report and said it exposed widespread misuse of public funds, citing housing stabilization and autism services as examples of programs with rapidly growing costs and weak oversight. Representative Isaac Schultz said the committee had uncovered “industrial-scale” fraud and that the state had failed to hold agencies accountable. He and Robbins said the new Office of Inspector General, created by legislation passed this session and set to begin in January, will have broad authority to investigate public dollars and, later, police powers; they also noted a salary-setting provision for the office would be added to a state government bill. The members said the next governor will need to change the culture of state agencies and enforce accountability.

Transcript Highlights:

• Code, Sections 1760 through 1780, some of which are particularly relevant to our testimony today.
• California Insurance Code Section 1763. filed in the state of California to verify compliance with the
• Code, Section 1760 through 1780, some of which are particularly relevant to our testimony today.
• California Insurance Code Section 1763. Opportunity to cover a risk.
• The SLA is a broker association, and per California Insurance Code Section 1780.52, subdivision (b),

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think... ...speaking to the drafter up here, section 160.405, that is about charter schools.
• The other section at the back of your bill, section 2502, that... ...at the back of your bill, section
• things that House Bill 2396 does, though, is the fiscal note analysis contemplates 169, 596, the core section
• His legislation specifically says, except for under that section, and it's a new section.
• says except for under that section, and it's a new section.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In summary, the department supports sections 1, 2, and 4, and is in opposition to section 3, which amends
• 1, 2, and 4, and is in supports sections 1, 2, and 4, and is in opposition<00:20:04.559><c> to</c><00
• :20:04.799><c> section</c><00:20:05.280><c> 3,</c><00:20:06.160><c> which</c><00:20:06.400><c> amends
• </c><00:20:07.280><c> uh</c> opposition to section 3, which amends uh opposition to section 3, which
• </c> concerns about that section of the bill? concerns about that section of the bill?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several public safety and emergency-related measures. SB 3192, on emergency healthcare license waivers, drew support from nursing and healthcare advocates who said automatic emergency licensure during a governor-declared emergency would help avoid delays in bringing qualified clinicians to disaster areas, citing the Lahaina wildfire response. The committee reported 13 supportive testimonies, none in opposition, and one comment. It later recommended passage of SB 3192 with technical non-substantive amendments and a defective effective date, and the recommendation was adopted by vote. SB 2121, requiring ASL interpretation and visible picture-in-picture display during official emergency announcements, received supportive testimony from the Disability and Communications Access Board and the Hawaii Association of Broadcasters. DAP demonstrated why captions alone are not sufficient and why an interpreter on screen improves effective communication. Broadcasters supported the bill’s intent but raised practical concerns about implementation and staffing, suggesting amendments. SB 3239, which would appropriate funds to HMA for bilingual resources and services for residents with limited English proficiency, was supported by legal aid and immigrant-rights advocates who emphasized the need for language access during disasters and noted the large LEP population in Hawaii. After discussion, the chair proposed folding the sign-language and multilingual access concepts into SB 21109, a broader emergency preparedness communications bill, and the committee deferred SB 2121 and SB 3239. The committee also heard SB 2645 on fire prevention and the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The fire marshal supported the bill’s provisions to modernize the office, create cross-certified assistant fire marshals, shift inspections to a risk-based schedule, establish the state fire code as the baseline, and create a special fund, but DLNR opposed the section changing the marshal selection process from a council-based appointment to gubernatorial appointment. The chair ultimately recommended passage of the proposed SD2 with blank appropriation amounts and committee-report concerns, and the recommendation was adopted. The committee then passed SB 21109 with amendments, incorporating the deferred sign-language and language-access ideas into the broader emergency communications framework. It also later took up measures from the prior day’s agenda, passing SB 2882, SB 3191, and SB 2339 with amendments, including changes to the state buildings, water safety/drowning prevention, and building code council measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then on pages 12 and 13, we removed this section about residency requirements.
• This bill is only to change Section 13, Article I, Section 13 of the Constitution, which would, about
• This bill is only to change Section 13, Article 1, Section 13, the Constitution, which would, about the
• I'm the Chief Counsel of the Public Protection Section at the Attorney General's office.
• Section 2261 and 2265, and 28 C.F.R. Section 26.22.2.2.2.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This included mainly renumbering previous section 33-2-34L to section 33-2-34N.
• I would just recommend that after Section 1, maybe because it does clearly state the person,...
• Or Section 1, maybe because it does clearly state the person shall be clearly visible and audible to
• Are you talking about under Section C, or I guess I'm not understanding, Madam Chair?
• under Article 2, Section 18.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's in a previous section. We moved it to a previous section.
• It's in Section C, which is on page 21, where any commissioner or hearing examiner who is receiving or
• I should say university and special schools that are in Section 12 of the Constitution.
• It's probably not good language: Section 2, at the next general election or at any...
• It's Section 2: approval or rejection at the next general election.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're also asking for some flexibility in Section 2 sub-F. Projects are coming forward.
• tests in Section 2, subsection 1, subsection K; and finally, the hold harmless provisions found in Section
• However, Section 2 gives us some pause because, as currently drafted, it would allow Sound Transit to
• However, Section 2 gives us some pause because, as currently drafted, it would allow sound transit to
• So we are asking for a very simple amendment to Section 1, which we have provided the sponsor.

Bills: HB2313, HB2451, HB2298, HB2566, HB2517

Keywords: grocery stores, public ownership, food accessibility, community services, economic development, tax increment financing, local government, municipal finance, public infrastructure, property title protection, land record fraud, county auditors, voluntary program, real estate, procurement, contracting, transparency, financial oversight, municipal permitting, transit projects

Transcript Highlights:

• We're also asking for some flexibility in Section 2, subsection F— ...projects are coming forward.
• found in section five, subsection one, subsection A.
• However, Section 2 gives us some pause because, as currently drafted, it would allow Sound Transit to
• However, Section 2 gives us some pause because, as currently drafted, it would allow sound transit to
• So we are asking for a very simple amendment to Section 1, which we have provided the sponsor.

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2517, which would give regional transit authorities, especially Sound Transit, more flexible permitting tools for high-capacity transit projects. Staff and the bill sponsor said the goal is to let permit applications and technical reviews proceed concurrently with property acquisition and land use decisions, reducing delay and uncertainty for large transit projects. Sound Transit testified that the bill could save as much as nine months, while a city representative from Bothell asked for an amendment requiring notice to property owners before permits are advanced on land not yet owned or controlled by the agency. The committee then took testimony on HB 2313, concerning publicly owned grocery stores in underserved areas. The bill would let cities acquire land, build or rehabilitate stores, seek capital grants, and create tax increment financing areas for grocery access projects, with annual reporting requirements. Supporters, including the sponsor, Food Lifeline, and Northwest Harvest, argued that grocery closures and food deserts are real problems and that local governments need tools to fill gaps when private grocers leave. Opponents, including grocery industry groups and several students, warned that public stores could undercut private grocers, burden taxpayers, and create operational and property-rights concerns; some testimony also questioned the need for government ownership and the use of tax increment financing. A proposed substitute removed eminent domain and tax increment financing provisions and narrowed the bill to grant-funded stores in underserved areas. Next, the committee heard HB 2451, a major rewrite of local tax increment financing rules. The bill would tighten notice, consultation, reporting, and mitigation requirements for TIF areas, strengthen the “but-for” test, limit where increment areas can be located, and protect existing taxing districts by excluding certain levies and requiring negotiation, mediation, or arbitration when impacts are significant. Cities, ports, counties, libraries, fire chiefs, and hospital districts largely described the bill as a negotiated compromise that improves transparency and addresses unintended impacts, though some local governments said they still wanted more flexibility or protections for existing projects. One city testified against the bill, arguing the new restrictions would make TIF much less useful for large redevelopment efforts. The committee then heard HB 2298, which would authorize county auditors to create voluntary property title protection programs to help prevent land-record fraud by allowing owners to record a protection instrument that delays recording of a title transfer for up to five business days unless identity verification is provided. Auditors, treasurers, and county officials strongly supported the bill as a practical response to rising deed fraud, while title and foreclosure industry representatives said the proposal was too limited, could interfere with foreclosures or other transfers, and would only delay—not prevent—fraud. The final bill heard was HB 2566 on local government procurement, which would raise certain small-purchase and small-public-works thresholds for counties, remove some differences between larger and smaller counties, and give counties more options when no bids are received. County representatives supported the bill as a needed update to procurement rules and a way to reduce bureaucracy and keep pace with inflation.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a proposal around Section 5, and hopefully that clarifies what we're attempting to do there.
• The piece about being stamped by a licensed professional is applied in the bill to the section around
• completeness review, but the three reviews and deem complete is applied to the section that's about
• Additionally, in regards to Section 4, that would be 3670B-1404A, we'd request some clarity provided
• to that section.

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several housing-related bills. On SB 6054, Senator Hunt’s bill to prohibit common-interest community rules from blocking wildfire home-hardening materials, staff explained that HOA and condominium governing documents could still impose reasonable aesthetic rules, but not ones that make fire-resistant materials infeasible or more than 10% costlier. The sponsor described the bill as a response to HOA requirements for less fire-resistant roofs. Testifiers generally supported the goal but objected to the 10% cost cap, saying it could limit community-specific design choices and create unintended conflicts with aesthetic standards. The committee also heard SB 601 on scissor stairs in the building code. The sponsor and supporters from Futurewise, architects, and housing advocates said scissor stairs could make mid-rise and high-rise housing more efficient, reduce corridor space, and improve unit layouts without sacrificing life safety. They noted the design is used in places like Vancouver, B.C. and in some Washington venues, and argued the bill would help lower costs and increase housing supply. No opposition was presented during the hearing. For SB 6015 on permit-ready residential plans, staff said L&I would create a process for publishing approved plans for factory-built housing and certain small residential types, with local governments required to approve applications using those plans on qualifying lots starting in 2027. Supporters from builders, architects, Habitat for Humanity, and Sightline said statewide standard plans could reduce duplication, speed permitting, and help scale factory-built and potentially site-built housing. Counties and L&I were supportive in concept but raised concerns about mandating local adoption of model ordinances and about whether the bill should include site-built plans as well. The committee also heard SB 5470 on detached ADUs outside urban growth areas, with supporters saying it would help rural homeowners and intergenerational living, while Futurewise opposed the bill as written and sought tighter density, lot-size, and metering limits. Finally, the committee heard SB 5729, a permit-streamlining bill that would deem completeness for applications prepared by licensed professionals and limit local governments to three review cycles. Builders and business groups supported it as a way to reduce delays and costs, while counties, cities, and Futurewise argued it could lead to more denials, less communication, and unintended liability concerns. In executive session, the committee adopted the proposed substitute for SB 5884 and moved it forward with a do-pass recommendation to Ways and Means.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in section, I believe it's one sub-2B... Rep. Dye: Section 1, sub-2B, I believe.
• Isn't it clear in that section that there is an obligation? Rep.
• Dye: Isn't it clear in that section that there is an obligation to the non-qualified persons to provide
• For Nicholas, the question about the language in Section 1 that says sufficient to meet the need, does
• The richer people live over in the Lake Roosevelt Vista area, and then we have the middle section of

Bills: HB2426, HB2373, HB2416

Keywords: pollution control, efficiency, appeals process, environmental regulation, hearing board, electric utility, energy assistance, low-income households, monthly bill assistance, energy equity, waste management, energy, climate action, environmental regulations, fair treatment, renewable energy, sustainability, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also wanted to propose a modification or clarification in Section 14.
• We also wanted to propose a modification or clarification in Section 14.
• And the other piece that we would suggest a clarifying amendment is in the definition section of the
• sections, and that is this.
• The last section of the bill is equally as important as the first two sections, and that is this: if

Bills: HB1228, HB1239, HB2310, HB2464

Keywords: DUI, driving under the influence, impaired driving, toxicology, forensic toxicology, breath test, blood test, THC, marijuana, cannabis, alcohol concentration, state toxicologist, implied consent, evidence admissibility, venous blood draw, forensic phlebotomist, certified laboratory, accredited laboratory, law enforcement, DWI

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 3901, 3902, and 3903 primarily update statutory language to be person-first.
• Section 3904 addresses planning requirements for each community action agency.
• Section 3905 clarifies how these agencies are governed.
• This section also addresses board structure and term limits.
• Section two adds the same language to the section of existing statute for recording an audio-only telephone

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I want to ask you about section two, subsection two of your legislation. It's on page two.
• It would be different in Section 3 when we're talking about the 90-day period within that form.
• It would be different is Section 3 when we're talking about the 90-day period within that form.
• And if you don't have the specific ADA-compliant section in there, this little link you can click on,
• Section 2, Subsection 2. Line 39. Yeah. Yeah. Line 39 through 46. Oh, 3? Is that? Subsection 3.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So yeah, I don't want to reference one particular section of the statute.
• So yeah, I don't want to reference one particular section of the statute.
• So yeah, I don't want to reference one particular section of the statute.
• So yeah, I don't want to reference one particular section of the statute.
• I don't want to reference one particular section of the statute.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill has two sections.
• The first section makes it a violation of Section 112, the Florida Code of Ethics, for anyone who's a
• Section 2 of the bill deals with fines imposed by the Commission on Ethics for any violation of the Code
• , and then after that section of the bill, it talks about the department arranging for an independent
• , I felt a little sorry for you. ...like there were a hundred different sections.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions recognizing FSU Day at the Capitol, the Red Mass, visiting students, school board members, veterans, and other guests. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and took up a series of bills, with several measures temporarily postponed before and during the day’s proceedings. Committee and executive reports were largely absent, and the Senate proceeded directly to floor action on the listed bills. The Senate passed a number of mostly unanimous bills, including SB 36, SB 38, SB 40, and SB 42 on Florida Statutes revision; CS/SB 50 on nature-based coastal resilience, amended to strengthen the Florida Flood Hub and related research; CS/SB 116 on veterans, expanding benefits coordination, mental health training, adult day health care, and other veterans services; SB 126 on mailing prescription hearing aids to adults; SB 150 on abandoning restrained dogs during natural disasters, amended to conform to the House; SB 294 limiting collaborative pharmacy practice for certain serious cardiac conditions; SB 322 creating a nonjudicial process for removing unauthorized persons from commercial property; SB 348 on ethics, including false military rank claims and collection of delinquent ethics fines; and CS/SB 7012 on child welfare workforce recruitment, treatment foster care pilots, and data collection for commercially sexually exploited children. Senate Memorial 314 urging Congress to increase Florida National Guard force structure was also adopted by voice vote. Two bills drew more extended debate. SB 118 on presidential libraries passed 36-3 after questions about local zoning, traffic, and whether the bill’s express preemption would limit county and municipal authority; supporters argued it would prevent local obstruction and help Florida attract a presidential library, while one senator said she would vote no because of concerns about local safety and planning issues. CS/SB 160 on public accountancy passed 39-0 after an amendment clarifying contracted services; supporters said it would broaden pathways into the CPA profession and address workforce shortages. CS/SB 108 on administrative procedures and CS/SB 110 on rural communities were temporarily postponed, then later taken up and passed after extensive debate, with SB 110 amended to prioritize certain rural transportation projects, expand housing, health care, broadband, and economic development support, and draw strong bipartisan praise for its focus on rural Florida. At the end of the session, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, observed a moment of silence for former Surfside Chief John Healy, and made several closing announcements and recognitions.