Transcript Highlights:

• We have Doug Bell from the business law section of the Florida Bar, waiving in support.
• Mike Jorgensen, elder law section of the Florida Bar, waving in support. Thank you from the bar.
• You know, we struck out the section where it says Medicare at 120% and Medicaid at 170%.
• These changes are recommended by the Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar
• I see bar code number 750357, and Rep. Oliver, you are recognized to explain the amendment.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered a large agenda of bills, mostly in the criminal justice, courts, civil procedure, and family/consumer protection areas. Early measures included CS/HB 1161 on removing altered sexual depictions posted without consent, HB 403 modernizing LLC law to allow protected series LLCs, CS/HB 97 on service of process in protection proceedings for vulnerable adults, and HB 813 as the state courts package addressing duty judges, arbitrator compensation, and notarization by judges. All of those bills were reported favorably, with HB 403 and HB 813 amended. The committee also heard and advanced CS/HB 947 on evidence of medical damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases, which drew substantial opposition from insurers, business groups, and defense-oriented witnesses, while the sponsor argued it would let juries hear all relevant evidence; it passed 19-3. Members also approved CS/CS/HB 615 allowing electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices by email, after an amendment requiring opt-in language and written notice to update an email address; tenant advocates still raised concerns about eviction-related notices and receipt verification. HB 663 increased penalties for using tracking devices or apps to commit dangerous crimes and passed unanimously. CS/HB 385 made technical changes to the Florida Trust Code and passed unanimously after a conforming amendment. CS/HB 255, known as Dexter’s Law, increased penalties for aggravated animal cruelty and was supported by law enforcement and animal welfare groups; it passed unanimously. Later in the meeting, the committee approved HB 513 on electronic transmittal of court orders after the sponsor withdrew an amendment that would have changed the deadline from six hours to six business hours, following concerns that the delay could be too long for urgent orders. CS/HB 1099 gave law enforcement discretion in arrests involving individuals with significant medical conditions in facilities and passed unanimously. HB 653 added aggravating factors for capital felonies involving assassinations or attempted assassinations of heads of state; it drew opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and passed 20-2. CS/HB 59 expanded wrongful incarceration compensation by extending the filing deadline, removing the clean-hands bar, and allowing exonerees to choose between civil suit and the state claims process; it passed unanimously. PCS/HB 777 increased penalties for in-person luring or enticing of children and barred certain age-based defenses, passing unanimously. Finally, CS/HB 437 increased penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring devices; two amendments softened the bill by clarifying juvenile treatment and giving judges limited discretion to avoid automatic revocation of pretrial release, and the bill passed 21-1 before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• subjected nursing home facility records to new provisions in Section 408, 0.8, 3, 3, >> Thank you.
• Do have without objection, we will take up a late filed amendment which is bar code 3, 7, 5, 0, 7, 6,
• late filed amendment which is bar code 3, 7, 5, 0, 7, 6, seeing opposition.
• Madam Chair, the section my second time presenting this bill, even though it is not mine.
• Bar code 3, 7, 1, 9, 6, 2, and it is a delete all. Thank you.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But to give you a little bit of a heads up and an overview, we have some antiquated fire code that is
• The amendment is coded A1.
• The first engrossment as amended. amendment is coded A13. I recognize a amendment is coded A13.
• The amendment is coded A14. I recognize a member from Ramsey, Representative Her. Mr.
• The amendment is coded A12. I recognize a member from Olmsted, Representative Leebing.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• OK, so we are now subject to the procurement code. Is that accurate? Mr.
• Expenditures not subject to the procurement code?
• President, Senator, it's on page 7 under section 788 F.
• I added in there for a new section D, not been convicted of any violation of the Children's Code.
• If they don't violate the Children's Code, they get the amendment. Thank you, Mr. President.

Transcript Highlights:

• We now receive it in the form of vouchers, either Section 8 or MRVP vouchers.
• This requirement is found in Section 32L of Chapter 140, the Massachusetts Manufactured Housing Act.
• Developing the 1215 tiny house building standard with the International Code Council, other builders,
• manufacturers, and code officials.
• You said all state housing — that would be inclusive of Section 8?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing held a hearing on a wide range of housing bills focused on manufactured housing, condominiums, public housing, tiny homes, and protections for elderly and disabled residents. Chairs Haggerty and Cyr opened by emphasizing the importance of these housing types and the need to hear from many speakers. Testimony on manufactured housing was especially extensive and sharply divided. Supporters of bills such as H. 1475, S. 990, and H. 1513 argued that out-of-state corporate owners are buying communities, raising rents and fees, reducing services, and exploiting legal gray areas. Residents and lawmakers from affected communities like Taunton, Middleborough, Attleboro, and Oak Point described steep rent disparities, fear of displacement, and the need for stronger protections, while Representative Hawkins urged an omnibus approach and said the bill would create a local board to ensure compliance with existing law. Opponents, including the Massachusetts Manufactured Housing Association and Hometown America’s counsel, argued that current law already provides protections, that the bills would create uncertainty or unfairly restrict owners, and that H. 1475 was intended to clarify the post-Blake legal landscape. The committee also heard testimony on condominium reform through S. 980, with owners describing lack of transparency, surprise assessments, and limited accountability, and urging updates to Chapter 183A and more owner rights. Public housing bills also drew support from housing authority advocates. MassNAHRO backed S. 955, H. 1517, H. 1512, H. 1550, and H. 1551, saying housing authorities need more flexibility to preserve and expand affordable housing. Witnesses supported tax relief for replacement public housing units and streamlined procurement rules, arguing these changes would help projects move faster and make better use of capital funds. Committee members asked questions about PILOT agreements, tax treatment of new developments, and whether state and federal public housing would be treated similarly. The committee also heard from Senator Lovely and advocates for S. 1007/H. 1525, which would prevent and respond to bullying of elderly and disabled residents in housing. Supporters described the bills as a long-needed response to harassment in senior and public housing, calling for building-level plans, staff training, and AG oversight; Jerry Halberstadt said the measure should be strengthened with enforcement and tenant advocacy support. Pamela and other witnesses described severe personal impacts from bullying and management retaliation. Another major topic was S. 1474/H. 1474 on movable tiny houses as permanent dwellings and accessory dwelling units. Supporters, including Representative DeCoste, Vera Struck, Kaylee DeCrease, and Abundant Housing Massachusetts, said tiny homes are a safe, affordable, sustainable option for seniors, workers, and others facing the housing shortage, and urged the committee to legalize them and align state rules with emerging standards. They also discussed tax classification and the need for a clear building code and DMV category. Finally, H. 1476 on pet-friendly elderly housing drew support from animal welfare groups, who said the bill would restore and modernize a prior pet program, expand access across state-aided housing, limit pet deposits, and reduce pet surrender caused by housing barriers. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and questions on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• YOU CAN TAKE UP AMENDMENT BAR CODE 185632.
• BUT THERE WILL BE A DOMINO EFFECT WITH THE FLORIDA BUILDING CODE.
• DCF CHILD PROTECTION INVESTIGATOR DID NOT PERFORM THIS IN CODE AND HOURS LATER SHE ATTEMPTED TO KILL
• YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO EXPLAIN THE STRIKE ALL AMENDMENT BAR CODE 698194. >> Senator Harrell: AS I SAID
• AND THIS AMENDMENT ESPECIALLY THE SECTION DEALING WITH THE PRECEPTORSHIP.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are just assessment section.
• to update article and section headers. to update article and section headers.
• the first two sections actually of the the first two sections actually of the bill<01:30:43.480> or
• And there's another section as well down in section as well down in and let's see if you look at 1.8
• <02:02:30.320> I'm section. So, sorry, Madam Chair. I'm section. So, sorry, Madam Chair.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then paragraph four, any civil penalty under this section shall be...
• It deals with the Alabama Uniform Trust Code.
• Alabama Uniform Trust Code that probably wrote this thing.
• It deals with the Alabama Uniform Trust<00:54:29.520> Code.
• <00:54:35.520> or the Alabama Uniform Trust Code or the Alabama Uniform Trust Code or lawyers

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to begin with section three of it, the third item down.
• /c><00:04:42.960> begin<00:04:43.199> with<00:04:43.840> uh<00:04:44.800> section
• <00:04:45.280> three<00:04:45.600> of like to begin with uh section three of like to
• begin with uh section three of it.<00:04:46.479> The<00:04:46.720> third<00:04:47.120>
• , why they're coded.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Legislative Performance Audit and Oversight Committee approved the November 7 minutes with three abstentions and then received status updates on several ongoing audits. Audit staff reported that the special education oversight audit was in report-writing, with 34 of 71 observations completed and a draft expected in the second quarter and a final report in the summer. The education freedom accounts audit had 22 of 41 observations completed, with a draft also expected in the second quarter and a final report in the summer. The Doorway program audit had 5 of 13 observations completed, with a draft expected by the end of February and a final report by April or May. The committee then discussed possible new oversight topics, prompted by concerns about fraud in other states and the need to ensure New Hampshire programs are not vulnerable. Members suggested hearing from DHS officials, contract administrators, and possibly the Department of Justice Medicaid fraud unit about SNAP and other programs, as well as reviewing staffing levels in HHS contract management. There was also discussion of whether to revisit the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services, though members noted that prior work on that area had been suspended because of litigation. A representative from HHS, Teresa Narrow, briefed the committee on the Bureau of Developmental Services. She said the state had been in compliance with CMS since July 1, 2023 after resolving issues tied to a system redesign and billing changes, and that provider-side billing problems had also been fixed. She also described three existing bodies involved in developmental disability housing oversight, including the Council on Housing Stability, the ABLE Housing Task Force, and a legislative study committee created by HB 168 in 2024. Committee members asked for her notes to be shared. The committee spent substantial time debating whether to pursue a new special education audit at the school-district level. Members discussed the need to examine why some districts have much higher special education rates and costs than others, and whether a statistically selected sample of schools could be used. Audit staff said no new audits could begin until about May or June and that only a couple of auditors would then be available. Members also noted that a legislative study committee is already working on special education and may issue a report later this year, and the committee appeared to leave the school-level audit idea as a potential future item rather than taking immediate action.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 310, an act to amend Title 30 of the Delaware Code relating to business tax credits and deductions
• Currently, Delaware Code only references child-serving facilities like schools and daycares, and what
• An act to amend Title 4 and Title 16 of the Delaware Code relating to alcohol and marijuana.
• Senator Pinkney: Yes. the Delaware Code relating to the Interstate Compact for Athletic Trainers.
• relating to the Veterinar Code relating to the Veterinar Code, relating to the Veterinarian and Mandatory

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not require Public Utilities Code Section 851.
• Labor Code Sections 1226 through 1228 provide that same protection for employees of any company where
• Labor Code Sections 1226 through 1228 provide that same protection for employees of any company where
• Public Utility Code sections that prevent a cost shift from happening.
• And then there are a number of Public Utility Code sections that support that.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And Madam Chair and members, Section 2, which relates to nitrous oxide, will be named for Meg Caldwell
• , And members, Section 2, which relates to nitrous oxide, will be named for Meg Caldwell, one of our
• Senator Gates, I see you have a delete-all amendment by code 961-542.
• The bill also increases the severity ranking under the Florida Criminal Punishment Code, making animal
• We have Alex Anderson from the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar waving in support.

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and considered a large agenda of bills, most of which were reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations, limited public testimony, and roll-call votes. Early actions included CSSB 1062 creating Florida Speech and Debate Week and the Florida Debate Initiative with a recurring $2.4 million appropriation, and CS for SB 196 establishing the Uterine Fibroid Research Database. The committee also approved the companion public-records bill, CS for SB 864, to keep sensitive fibroid database information confidential. Other health and public-safety measures reported favorably included CS for SB 432, which was amended to address xylazine and restrict recreational nitrous oxide sales by tobacco-permit retailers; CS for SB 646, narrowing drug-paraphernalia testing equipment exemptions to fentanyl, its analogs, and xylazine; and CS for SB 1684 and CS for SB 1686, creating and exempting records for a Parkinson’s Disease Registry at the University of South Florida. The committee also advanced several workforce, regulatory, and local-governance bills. SB 1112 on the Florida Labor Pool Act passed with testimony emphasizing removal of placement fees, annual labor-pool registration, and stronger enforcement to help workers, including returning citizens. CS for SB 524 updated Department of Law Enforcement duties and medical examiner procedures; CS for SB 530 revised lottery operations and security rules; CS for SB 676 expanded animal-cruelty penalties and the public abuser database; CS for SB 1180 created a recall framework for community development district supervisors and updated CDD rules; and CS for SB 800 increased penalties for unlicensed engineering practice after removing a student-loan assistance provision to align with the House version. CS for SB 1404 created a memory-care specialty license for assisted living facilities, with amendments extending rulemaking deadlines and clarifying advertising and resident-choice provisions. SB 1072 created an anti-Semitism task force in the Attorney General’s office, and CS for SB 1630 modernized aging and disability services, guardianship oversight, and dementia-related policy. Two memorialization bills generated the most extended debate and public comment. SB 194 would designate October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance, and SB 174 would name a portion of State Road 985 in Miami-Dade County as Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue. Both drew strong support from some speakers who framed them as recognition of civic engagement and free expression, and strong opposition from others who criticized Kirk’s rhetoric and argued the state should instead honor broader civic values or other figures. A late-file amendment to SB 194 that would have converted it into a general day of remembrance for victims of political violence was withdrawn. Despite the controversy, both bills were reported favorably. The committee adjourned after members requested to be recorded on various bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Access to the power of one's voice should never depend on a zip code.
• Access to the power of one's voice should never depend on a zip code.
• It’s section five of the bill, lines 204 through 218.
• It’s section five of the bill. It’s lines 204 through 218.
• It’s section five of the bill. It’s lines 204 through 218.

Bills: S1062, S1718, S7038

Keywords: speech education, debate, high school, Florida Debate Initiative, civics, competitive teams, student participation, educational advancement, educator preparation, certification, professional development, temporary certificate, military service, collaboration, teaching effectiveness, education, Florida College System, tuition waivers, vocational rehabilitation, state universities

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met to consider several education bills and the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 Department of Education budget. The committee first took up CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate, which would formalize Florida’s Speech and Debate Week, strengthen the partnership between the Department of Education and the Florida Debate Initiative, require annual public reporting, and support statewide speech and debate programming. The bill drew extensive supportive testimony from students, alumni, and advocates who said debate improved civic engagement, literacy, confidence, and school performance, while also noting the need for equitable access and funding for travel and competition. The committee adopted a delete-everything amendment and then reported the bill favorably as amended by a unanimous vote of members present. The committee then heard SB 1718 on educator preparation and certification, which expands access to educator preparation coursework, broadens eligibility for temporary certification for some formerly certified professionals, and allows prior subject-area exam results to satisfy requirements. Public testimony largely supported easing barriers for experienced educators while emphasizing that certification changes are only a partial solution to teacher shortages and should be paired with better pay, retention, and professional respect. The bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered SB 7038 on education, which included a wide range of higher education and workforce-related changes, including a tuition waiver for Florida State Guard members, residency clarifications, oversight changes for blind services and vocational rehabilitation providers, licensure updates for private colleges, dual enrollment and assessment revisions, scholarship and funding changes, and reserve-fund requirements. An amendment restored the Classical Learning Test as a qualifying option for a grandparent tuition waiver, adjusted a Pell Grant performance metric, changed accreditation timing, and made other technical revisions. A dental education stakeholder raised concerns that one provision could disrupt long-standing exemptions for dental assisting programs, and the Florida Dental Association said it was working with the sponsor to avoid unintended impacts. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as amended. The final major item was a high-level review of the proposed pre-K-12 budget, totaling $34.9 billion with local funds. Highlights included $30 billion for public schools and K-12 scholarships, a $50 increase in the base student allocation, a 1.64% increase in total funds per FTE, $4.5 billion for family empowerment scholarships as a separate FEFP categorical, $25 million for districts facing future enrollment declines, $65.3 million to help districts with current-year enrollment losses, $432.8 million for VPK, and $30.4 million for regional education consortia. Senators asked about reductions or flat funding in some allocations, teacher pay, declining enrollment support, Schools of Hope funding, and support for non-teaching school staff. Public testimony on the budget focused heavily on concerns about charter and voucher funding, especially the $6 million for Schools of Hope, with speakers urging more investment in traditional public schools, teacher compensation, and school infrastructure. The committee concluded the meeting by adjournment after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 64.009 of the election code governs curbside voting.
• In accordance with that section, the Mr.
• House Bill 4171 amends the election code so that Mr.
• in compliance with Section 85007.
• I'm not concerned about the section that's about public notices.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Doug Bell business law section of the Florida Bar is a proponent. Thank you, sir.
• real Property Probate and Trust Law section of the Florida bar.
• We do have public testimony serco in business law section of the Florida bar's up on it.
• So bar Code 8, 8, 1, 9, 3, 7, You're recognized. >> Thank you, Mr.
• the section where all other exemptions listed in Section 5.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the beginning of this bill, in section one, it's in the section that's in the statute that oversees
• That is a little concerning to me, Madam Chair and Representative, because every jurisdiction zoning code
• So that means that this electric fence can go up to 10 feet higher than what's allowed in the code, and
• confusion because the City of Albuquerque is currently in the process of redoing their entire zoning code
• is that in one fencing, for example, might have one height requirement, but in another part of the code

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Memorial 54, which would create a stakeholder working group to study utility-service problems in manufactured and mobile home parks and recommend solutions. The sponsor described repeated water and utility outages in large parks, said current law places maintenance responsibility on park owners, and argued that the state needs clearer standards and alternatives to costly attorney general lawsuits. Supporters from PNM and the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty backed the memorial as a step toward better oversight and protections for residents. The committee asked about existing landlord obligations and whether rent withholding is available; the sponsor said current law does not clearly provide that remedy. HM 54 was reported out with a due pass. The committee then considered House Bill 166, which would create a statewide permitting framework for battery-charged electric fences used by commercial businesses while preserving local zoning authority. The sponsor and an industry witness said businesses face inconsistent local permitting, delays, and added costs, and that the bill would provide uniform standards and security options. Several members raised concerns that the bill appeared to favor a specific product type, could override local code differences, and might not address mixed-use areas, historic districts, or homeowners associations. After debate, the bill passed on a 4-3 vote, with one member explaining support but urging further work with local government experts before floor consideration. House Bill 20, a bipartisan measure, would allow Native American applicants to request a voluntary Native American designation on state driver’s licenses and ID cards, without naming a specific tribe, and with documentation requirements tied to tribal cards, certificates of Indian blood, or affidavits of birth. Supporters said it would recognize tribal political status, help with law enforcement and Turquoise Alert verification, and assist with education, health, and child welfare matters; tribal representatives and State Police testified in favor. Several members expressed concern about racial profiling, privacy, and possible unintended consequences of marking IDs, while others noted the designation is optional and tied to political status rather than race. Members also flagged drafting language that appeared to require multiple documents, and the sponsor agreed to clarify it. The bill ultimately passed, with some members explaining their votes and asking for continued discussion with tribes. The committee also approved Senate Joint Resolution 1, which would amend the state constitution to allow school bond and mill levy questions to appear on the general election ballot rather than being limited to separate school elections. Sponsors said the change would reduce special-election costs, increase turnout, and remove outdated language dating to 1910; school board and education groups supported it. Members asked about ballot crowding and local election timing, and sponsors emphasized that the measure gives school districts a choice rather than a mandate. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 295, which would create an Office of Accessibility to centralize reporting, provide technical assistance, and produce annual reports on accessibility of state buildings and websites. Disability advocates largely supported the bill as a way to improve compliance and consistency, while one webcast commenter opposed it, arguing that without enforcement authority it would not produce meaningful change. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 295, before final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those items are covered by the state's building and energy codes, which are currently under discussion
• <00:25:06.559> of<00:25:06.720> house sections two and sections three of house sections
• This demonstrates that Eagan's zoning code is not restricting residential development.
• This demonstrates that Eagan's zoning code is not restricting residential development.
• I want to read the next section too because it's also about public infrastructure.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• it's in the optional sections. Okay. it's in the optional sections. Okay.
• A few lower at section E.
• Uh this includes a number of sections of Uh this includes a number of sections of of<01:19:16.159>
• I've been involved with code making a panel that's a committee that's involved in going over the code
• I've been involved with code making a panel that's a committee that's involved in going over the code

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Even NASCAR couldn't contain him, and he was regularly penalized for speeding off of pit road.
• Good luck to you all in the CIF Southern Section Regional Playoffs. I will be rooting for you. Mr.
• CIF Southern Section Regional Playoffs. CIF Southern Section Regional Playoffs.
• Providing for consideration of the bill H.R. 8464 to amend title 31, United States Code, to authorize
• Section 2, clause 1 C of rule recommmit.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a more fair and more stable uh tax code a more fair and more stable uh tax code so<00:02:43.360>
• Senator Johnson Stewart, our practice here is to go through section by section, asking you to explain
• your bill, not just a summary, but section by section.
• practice here is to go through section practice here is to go through section by<00:54:27.400>
• Senator Klein, Madam Chair, thank you for hearing us through the bill section by section.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee met to hear a presentation from the Commissioner of Revenue on Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan’s tax proposal, with members told no public testimony would be taken because bill language was not yet available. The commissioner said the proposal would lower the statewide sales tax rate by 0.75 percentage points while expanding sales tax to selected professional services such as legal, brokerage, banking, and accounting, with several carve-outs. He emphasized that the plan would not add business-to-business sales taxes, arguing that taxing business inputs leads to tax pyramiding and higher hidden consumer costs. The commissioner said the rate cut would be the first sales tax rate cut in state history and estimated it at about $95 million annually, while the service expansions would raise about $203 million to $205 million annually, for a net increase of roughly $110 million per year. He said the proposal is part of the governor’s broader budget, which he described as addressing long-term structural deficits and funding other priorities such as an R&D credit, an expanded sustainable aviation fuel credit, fraud prevention, and service-member retention bonuses. He also said the carve-outs and exemptions would be reflected in the revenue estimate. Members questioned whether the proposal was truly a tax cut or instead a tax increase, and several asked for a revenue-neutral rate if all or more services were taxed. One member raised concerns about how pro bono legal work with a fee would be treated, and another asked about possible streamlining issues and whether fees are treated as taxes in statute. The commissioner said a fee would be taxable depending on the arrangement and that the department would review the language carefully once drafted. He also said the department would provide more detailed estimates later, including what the rate would be if the tax were made revenue neutral. No votes or formal actions were taken.