Transcript Highlights:

• Transportation Commission for the state highway projects identified in the Statewide Transportation
• fees for electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and distributing the additional fees to the state
• definition of harm to self and harm to others in the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code
• Creating the physician tax credit pursuant to the Income Tax Act. Senate Bill 12.
• . tax deduction for health care practitioners, and expanding the deduction to include co-insurance.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state has two years to make available the state match funds from the date of disbursement.
• The Secretary of State was included in the second wave of the rollout of the State Controller's Office
• And the tax forms and the tax remittance are pending. That's what we are working on.
• state?
• ODI is new to state government.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you live in the state.
• We have to do that. >> Let's go ahead and move to bar Code 7, 7, 7, 2, 7, 2, >> Okay.
• This bill reflects Florida's trust and tax collectors to deliver critical state motor vehicle services
• And those found in state requirements for education facilities of the Florida building code prohibits
• It's it's really across the state. And I would I would say this.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You can be licensed in one state and drive in another state without the need for additional tests or
• You, you mentioned the tax revenue the state gets from these.
• States.
• states.
• revenue for the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• SO WE WORK THROUGHOUT THE STATE.
• SO WE HAVE TO TAX EXEMPTION, SALES TAX REBATE SO IF YOU'RE USING BUILDING MATERIALS FOR AFFORDABLE TAX
• STATES USE FUNDS TO ADMINISTER STATE AND FEDERAL HOUSING PROGRAMS.
• WE REVIEWED STATE LAWS ENACTED FROM 2019 THROUGH 2023. THE ISSUES ADDRESSED BY STATE LAWS VARY.
• THE SALES TAX REFUND ON BUILDING MATERIALS, THEY ALSO REVISE THE STATES HOUSING STRATEGY TO ALIGN WITH

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to state that some folks look at tax credits a different way.
• The products allowed here are federally reviewed, state regulated, and generate tax revenue.
• And that's where the historic tax credits come in. 38 states have historic tax credit programs.
• revoke our state tax-exempt status.
• revoke our state tax exempt status.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of the state.
• Our general contractors, everything that we build is to code—building code, Florida building code, local
• building code.
• Our general contractors, everything that we build is to code—building code, Florida building code, local
• Our general contractors, everything that we build is to code—building code, Florida building code, local

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum and heard two bills, a confirmation, and two agency presentations. SB 48 by Senator Gates would require local governments to allow voluntary accessory dwelling units, preserve homestead exemption for the owner-occupied portion, limit parking restrictions, require 30-day minimum leases, extend density bonuses for military-family housing, and allow reusable tenant screening reports. The bill drew strong support from the Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals and several others, and it was reported favorably on a unanimous roll call. SB 34 by Senator Sharief would expand the Historic Cemetery Program, particularly to help historic African-American cemeteries preserve and maintain themselves by allowing sale of excess vacant land only if proceeds are used for long-term upkeep; it also passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee also recommended confirmation of Fox Henderson to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors by unanimous vote. In addition, the Department of Commerce presented on the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program and Rebuild Florida, describing more than $4.3 billion in HUD disaster recovery funds since 2017, housing repair and replacement efforts that have completed more than 5,200 homes, and infrastructure and mitigation projects across the state. Members asked about average project costs, contractor oversight, corrective actions for deficient work, and clawbacks from a prior vendor; Commerce said it had ended the earlier vendor relationship, imposed about $3.6 million in financial consequences, and now uses stronger oversight and competitive procurement for contractors. The Division of Emergency Management then presented on Elevate Florida, a federal mitigation program that allows homeowners to apply directly for elevation, reconstruction, acquisition, or wind-mitigation projects, with a 75/25 federal-homeowner cost share and no state funds used. Director Kevin Guthrie said the program is intended to reduce repetitive flood losses, keep homeowners in their communities, and serve as a national model; he reported more than 12,000 applications, about 1,500 prioritized for review, 500 on a wait list, and 305 submitted to FEMA for final approval. Members asked about assistance for seniors who cannot meet the 25% match, the wait-list process, contractor selection, and the mix of project types, and Guthrie said contractors were selected through competitive procurement and that most projects are elevations, though some may become reconstructions or acquisitions depending on inspection results. The committee adjourned after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• That means engaging with our state leaders.
• They're going to be full of QR codes.
• Following that QR code... State: $93 million in total revenues.
• State $93 million in total revenues.
• manage about 90% of the colonies in the state.

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture heard two informational presentations before taking up legislation. Tracy Dean of Conservation Florida described the organization’s work protecting wild and working lands, especially ranch and timber lands within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and argued that agricultural conservation easements are essential to preserving habitat, water resources, family farms, and the corridor itself. Senators discussed how conservation easements can help family operations remain viable across generations, and Dean emphasized strong demand for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and Florida Forever funding. Dr. Jamie Ellis of the University of Florida then gave a detailed presentation on honeybees, their role in pollination and Florida agriculture, and major threats such as Varroa mites, queen quality, nutrition issues, hurricanes, and the yellow-legged hornet; senators asked about colony losses, pollination alternatives, and the economic importance of beekeeping in Florida. The committee then considered SB 210 on animal cremation, sponsored by Senator Harrell. The bill was described as a response to a case involving mishandled pet cremation and would require crematories to provide clear disclosures about services, prohibit false or misleading information, and authorize civil penalties enforced by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. Next, the committee took up SJR 318, a joint resolution by Chair Truenow creating a proposed ad valorem tax exemption for tangible personal property used in agricultural production or agritourism on agricultural land and owned by the landowner or leaseholder. Several industry and agency representatives appeared in support, and the resolution was also reported favorably by unanimous vote. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment motioned by Senator Rouson.

Transcript Highlights:

• General, and United States Senator Mark Warner.
• events and setting a state record in one of the relay events.
• What the State Corporation Commission is able to do.
• I've looked in the code.
• This legislation relates to state officers and employees and requires state agencies to establish alternative

Keywords: March 11, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We collect excise taxes.
• So the difference there, the Delta is actually everybody out of state that imports into the state of
• paying excise taxes are doing.
• That just shows over a 10-year period excise taxes amount of taxes collected by the state and that that
• In other states they have. In other states they've done it.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Help us as we administer the taxpayers' money that goes to the state agencies, and help us all be honest
• We are very grateful to live in this blessed state and in this blessed nation.
• purchases that were tax exempt.
• So since it was in California, have we notified any state officials over in California?
• I'm Ranger Chris Medlin, Arkansas State Parks. Thank you, gentlemen.

Summary: The committee met with prayer and approved the January minutes, then heard a series of Arkansas Legislative Audit reports. Reports with findings were presented for the Department of Human Services, Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Department of Corrections, and Department of Veterans Affairs, along with a special report on law enforcement racial profiling policy compliance. Several reports without findings were also filed without objection. For DHS, auditors reported apparent thefts involving false benefit claims in disaster nutrition assistance and Medicaid, a nearly $610,000 altered warrant cashed by a California auto body shop, and multiple asset-control issues, including missing equipment, inventory discrepancies, and improper sales tax paid on exempt vehicle purchases. Members questioned DHS about the warrant fraud and whether other agencies or California officials had been notified. For Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, auditors cited missing museum receipts and problems with change funds at Daisy State Park and War Memorial Stadium; department officials said they are considering cashless payment options and provided an update on the museum loss investigation. For Corrections, auditors reported unauthorized personal fuel-card purchases totaling about $4,500 and a delayed disaster recovery test for critical IT systems. Department officials said staffing has been increased for fuel-card oversight and that a full production disaster recovery test is scheduled soon. For Veterans Affairs, auditors found improper pay for employees who were not working, duplicate vendor payment, and numerous overtime approvals that were not properly authorized; the department said it has tightened overtime approval procedures. The special report said only 203 of 383 law enforcement agencies had responded regarding racial profiling policies, and the Attorney General had notified the remaining agencies that they were not in compliance. The committee requested a list of nonresponding agencies and adjourned, with the next meeting scheduled for March 12.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, target increases are provided for state law enforcement and state firefighters.
• only 10% out-of-state students?
• The state attorney...
• and zoning code and building code and all those challenges.
• and zoning code and building code and all those challenges.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2025-2026 budget, SPB 25-200, totaling $117.4 billion. Chair Hooper and committee chairs highlighted major spending priorities including a 4% raise for state employees, continued health insurance contributions, investments in water quality, transportation, education infrastructure, and workforce development, along with reductions tied to long-vacant positions. Education funding was a major focus, with increases for K-12 public schools and scholarships, higher education workforce programs, nursing initiatives, tutoring, and university performance funding. Health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/economic development, and agriculture/environment budgets were also outlined, including Medicaid, mental health, corrections staffing, affordable housing, beach restoration, citrus recovery, and water projects. Members then questioned several budget choices, especially K-12 funding. Senators Polsky and Smith raised concerns that the Senate’s AP and dual enrollment funding changes could disadvantage public schools, while Burgess argued the budget preserves the money in the FEFP and gives districts more flexibility rather than reducing support. Questions also addressed voucher availability, school stabilization funding, and the My Safe Florida Home program. The committee adopted 171 consent amendments and three late-file amendments, then approved SPB 2500 as a committee bill. It also favorably reported implementing and conforming bills for state employees, retirement, natural resources, judgeships, K-12 education, higher education, and health and human services, along with SB 7022 on Florida Retirement System contribution rates and elected-officer DROP options, CS/SB 1320 on the Resilient Florida Trust Fund, SB 7014 ending the Mediation and Arbitration Trust Fund, SB 7028 on cancer research, CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing home quality and oversight, CS/SB 168 on mental health diversion and behavioral health data, SB 114 creating an insurance and risk management research center at FSU, and SB 180 on emergency preparedness and post-storm recovery. Most bills were reported favorably with little or no opposition, though SB 180 drew discussion about local-government authority after storms and the need to balance recovery speed with local safety and planning concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• And when we have illegal activity happening where taxes are not being paid to the state, it is an unfair
• ; STATE IT IS AN UNFAIR PLAYING FIELD.
• There is no state-level statutory enforcement of Florida law at all.
• Nix, you are recognized to explain amendment bar code 483685. Rep.
• is the compelling state interest to name a street on a Florida university, state-funded university,

Summary: The committee first took up PCS for HB 1137, which would codify a long-standing DBPR rule allowing alcohol distributors to deduct excise tax for broken or spoiled products. The sponsor said the rule had been nullified for lack of statutory authority, and industry representatives waved in support. The bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. Members then approved PCS for HB 797 on nonprofit corporations, described as a broad update to the nonprofit statute that tracks prior for-profit corporation changes and model act language. A technical amendment was adopted, and testimony from the Florida Nonprofit Alliance and a Bar business law section representative was supportive. The bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee also passed CS for HB 679 on trademark registration, which updates the state trademark system to align with federal classifications and create an online application; an amendment extending the implementation date was adopted before the bill passed. The committee next heard several bills related to licensing and regulation. CS for HB 1433 would create an optional high school financial literacy course focused on property and casualty insurance and allow graduates to satisfy pre-licensure requirements for an entry-level license; it passed with support from insurance and free-market groups. HB 929 clarified local permitting for tiki huts, including electrical and plumbing permits, decks, fasteners, and setbacks, and passed without opposition. HB 99 exempted certain underwriting managers handling limited reinsurance business from reinsurance intermediary manager licensing requirements and also passed. A major portion of the meeting focused on gambling enforcement in the strike-all for CS for CS HB 155, which would strengthen penalties for illegal gambling operations, expand oversight of the Florida Gaming Control Commission, clarify fantasy sports and internet sports wagering language, and allow destruction of seized slot machines. Supporters argued the bill would help shut down repeat illegal internet cafés and related criminal activity; one homeowner group opposed it. The committee adopted the strike-all and the bill passed, with several members speaking in favor and a few voting no. The committee also passed HB 1307 on unauthorized aliens after adopting a strike-all that clarified provisions affecting licensing, housing assistance, workers’ compensation, employment enforcement, and related financial services; the bill drew substantial opposition testimony about language barriers and immigrant families, but also support from proponents citing public safety and victim stories. Later, the committee approved DS for HB 387, which would restrict the use of ADS-B aviation data for automatic billing at airports while preserving landing fees and safety functions. It passed after supportive testimony from a private pilot. HB 865, as amended, would require professional management for community associations above a higher budget threshold, add timeshare-specific language, and impose additional licensing and insurance requirements for managers; supporters cited fraud and lack of enforcement in large associations, while one member opposed it as government overreach. The bill passed with one recorded no vote. Finally, the committee passed PCS for HB 885, a transportation facility designation bill naming several roads and bridges, and began debate on CS for HB 33, which would designate a portion of SR 895 near FIU as Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue and also codify a Donald Trump boulevard designation. That bill prompted sharp debate, with supporters praising Kirk’s influence and opponents objecting to honoring a non-Floridian and to his public statements; the transcript ends during that debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator Westlin. trust code and I do have um Lauren Baron trust code and I do have um Lauren
• The idea of this is also to make our state more competitive with other states that are doing the same
• <00:03:40.840> that chapters of the Minnesota code that chapters of the Minnesota code that
• on trust jurisdiction to other states on trust jurisdiction to other states who<00:04:19.040>
• <00:08:30.159> have state laws and what other states have state laws and what other states

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But for us in the city, our tax rate is one of the highest in the state and, in fact, one of the highest
• Our tax rate is one of the highest in the state and, in fact, one of the highest in the country.
• It's certainly not the property tax reform that we all know is needed throughout the state, but it allows
• Not the property tax reform that we all know is needed throughout the state, but it allows local legislative
• It's certainly not the property tax reform that we all know is needed throughout the state, but it allows

Summary: The Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection met with a quorum, adopted the June 17 minutes, and took testimony on several bills. Senate Bill 1053, sponsored by Chair Kavanaugh, would raise the acreage cap for neighborhood enterprise zones from 15% to 20% for certain zones. Supporters from Invest Detroit and the City of Detroit said the change would help make housing and redevelopment projects viable, especially in high-tax areas like Detroit, and the bill was reported to the floor on a 6-2 vote. The committee also heard Senate Bill 988, sponsored by Senator Santana, which would extend from 30 to 35 days the deadline to appeal a denied poverty exemption to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. The sponsor and Detroit’s property assessment director described it as a technical alignment with the Tax Tribunal Act and a correction to conflicting timelines; the bill drew support from the Michigan Poverty Law Program, the Michigan Chamber, and the Tax Tribunal, and was reported unanimously. The committee then adopted S-1 substitutes for Senate Bills 1041, 1042, and 1043, the price-gouging package sponsored by Senators Moss, Chang, and Kavanaugh. Sponsors of the price-gouging bills said the package would strengthen Michigan’s emergency price-gouging protections by defining excessive increases during declared emergencies, covering lodging, essential goods and services, and energy products, and giving the Attorney General clearer enforcement tools. Supporters included the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association and the Attorney General’s office, while the Michigan Chamber, Mackinac Center, and NFIB opposed the package. Despite the opposition, all three bills were reported to the floor on 5-3 votes. The meeting adjourned after all reported bills were approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was from a state matter.
• What normally check pay taxes, correct. They're getting land in our city tax free.
• We don't operate on a state.
• code, right?
• the building code.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I think it's going to be more up to the municipalities the way they write it into their tax code.
• So, municipalities can't write their own tax code and they can't change the definition of veteran or
• The study on line five, section eight, makes the reference to the tax code here.
• The study on line five, section eight, makes the reference to the tax code here.
• The study on line five, section eight, makes the reference to the tax code here.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• tax code benefits those who have more money versus those who have less money.
• <00:16:46.480> code<00:16:46.720> benefits know, as per usual the tax code benefits
• know, as per usual the tax code benefits those<00:16:47.400> who<00:16:47.520> have<00
• tax code benefits those who have more money versus those who have less money.
• tax code benefits those who have more money versus those who have less money.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard presentation on HF 495, a bill intended to help families with rising child care costs by allowing a subtraction from taxable income for licensed child care expenses. The author said the measure would provide immediate relief to families while broader child care supply and affordability problems are addressed, citing a revenue analysis estimating about 81,700 returns affected and an average tax decrease of $639. The bill was described as applying only to licensed child care centers, family child care, or group family child care under chapter 142B. A virtual testifier, Annel Velasco of St. Paul, opposed the bill. She said child care is indeed expensive but argued the proposal is only a small patch that does not address structural problems such as provider closures, low teacher pay, and lack of available slots. She also said the subtraction would disproportionately benefit higher-income families and would not help providers or teachers. Members debated whether the bill should be more targeted. Representative Smith and Representative Lee argued the proposal is uncapped, expensive, and structured as a subtraction rather than a refundable credit, meaning it would mainly help higher-income households and could divert resources from other credits such as the working family tax credit or child tax credit. Representative Swedzinski supported the bill as allowing families to keep their own money and said child care costs are high across income levels. Chair Gomez and others emphasized that the child care system has broader structural failures, including low pay and lack of slots, and said this bill would address only one part of the problem. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment is coded A9. our state. We secure a housing support our state.
• The amendment is coded A16. amended. The amendment is coded A16.
• will be the one that's double taxed, because the state will need to pay the nursing home businesses
• As the tax chair, I would never add a tax provision to a bill that was not a tax bill.
• <02:16:23.199> our<02:16:23.440> tax matters how we spend our tax our tax matters how

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, when the state pays the bill for ISD taxes, the school districts don't have to pay the bill.
• Over-65 tax bills never go up on school taxes anymore.
• And is this state prepared to backfill that property-tax hit?
• That is going to come, and is this state prepared to backfill that property-tax hit?
• the member state.

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation and then took up several conference committee matters and resolutions. It granted the House request for a conference committee on House Bill 46 and adopted a conference report on Senate Bill 37, which was described as higher education governance reform, including stronger board authority, changes to faculty senates, general education requirements, and a new ombudsman office. Senators also adopted a large package of resolutions and HCRs by voice vote. A major focus was Senate Bill 12, the “Parental Bill of Rights,” whose conference report was adopted after extended questioning. The bill was described as giving parents more access to school materials and grievance procedures, requiring parental consent for student clubs, and restricting school district employees from assisting with social transitioning or related gender-identity instruction. Senators raised concerns about effects on students already socially transitioned and on parental rights in medical or psychological decisions; the author said the House language was retained in key areas and that districts would need policies and parent notification. The report passed 20-11. The Senate then adopted a resolution allowing the conference committee on Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-2027, to go outside the bounds, and later adopted the budget conference report. Senators highlighted major funding for public education, property tax relief, public safety, health and human services, child care, water and transportation infrastructure, and the Texas Energy Fund. The budget discussion also covered higher education, mental health facilities, community attendant wages, rural hospitals, DFPS case management, child care assistance, and a study rider on TRS. The report passed unanimously, 30-0. Finally, the Senate suspended rules to take up Senate Bill 8 and adopted its conference report. The bill requires counties with jails or jail contracts to participate in the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program, with sheriffs choosing among available models and counties receiving tiered grants to help cover costs. Supporters framed it as a public safety measure targeting criminal illegal aliens, while opponents questioned whether it would divert local resources and increase fear in immigrant communities. The report was adopted after debate.