Video & Transcript Research : 'docket fee'
Page 227 of 441
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- receiving services through what we call managed care, that's where the state pays a per-member per-month fee
- In our kind of original Medicaid model called fee for service where the state would just pay us. a doctor
- The legislature directed this agency to move away from fee-for-service and into the managed care model
- disabilities and one for children with severe emotional disturbance, those are all delivered in that fee-for-service
- Medicaid was predominantly fee-for-service. things have changed since the 1980s when our statute was
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- economy is strongly reliant on people getting out more, and there is an expectation that users through fees
- and<00:04:15.079>
taxes <00:04:15.439>share <00:04:15.840>the users through fees - and taxes share the users through fees and taxes share the costs<00:04:16.959>
nothing <00:04: - One of those bills does have a fee of $10 for a wheelhouse to be added on, I believe.
- things I wanted to mention in my opening that I didn't mention for those that do track acquisition fee
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary (2-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- religious exercise has been burdened may seek appropriate relief, which shall include costs and attorney’s fees
- :03:51.439>
costs <00:03:51.760>and <00:03:51.959>attorney's <00:03:52.400>fees - <00:03:53.400>
and include costs and attorney's fees and include costs and attorney's fees - Hartman, how many times have you or your organization or people that you represented sought attorney's fees
- Hartman, how many times have you or your organization or people that you represented sought attorney's fees
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Roll Call: 00:00:07
SB 60: 00:00:53
Discussion in Opposition to SB 60: 00:04:41
SB 130: 00:25:36
SB 169: 00:25:44, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 60, a Religious Freedom Restoration Act measure sponsored by Senator Steve Rawlings. Rawlings said the bill would strengthen protections for sincerely held religious exercise by requiring government burdens on religion to be justified by clear and convincing evidence of a compelling interest, expanding remedies including attorney’s fees, and waiving sovereign immunity so individuals could sue the government. A committee substitute was adopted, and the bill drew testimony both in support and opposition.
Supporters, including Greg Baylor of Alliance Defending Freedom, argued the bill would protect a fundamental right and that similar laws have existed federally and in many states without the feared consequences. Opponents, including Chris Hartman of the Fairness Campaign, Sam Markusen of the University of Louisville, and Rabbi Ben Fred, warned the bill was overly broad, could undermine local anti-discrimination laws, and might invite lawsuits or allow religious claims to be used to justify discrimination. Senator Thomas questioned whether the bill could affect vaccine requirements and public accommodations; Baylor said public health or other compelling interests could still prevail in court and that the bill would not predetermine outcomes. The committee then voted on SB 60, with several members explaining their votes, and reported the bill favorably.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 169, sponsored by Senator Danny Carroll, which would expand the Attorney General’s and Kentucky State Police’s administrative subpoena authority in child exploitation investigations to include social networking companies, mobile payment services, and cloud storage services. Attorney General’s office representatives Will Schroer and Matt Heden said the change would modernize investigative tools to help identify online child predators and obtain limited account-holder information such as usernames, IP addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers. Senator Thomas asked about the bill’s use of the term “reasonable cause” instead of probable cause and about the scope of the information obtained; the witnesses said the term is already in statute and that the subpoenas would not authorize searches, only basic identifying information. A motion was made and seconded, and the committee began the roll call vote on SB 169 as the transcript ended.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee BR Sub. on Econ. Dev., Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy (2-19-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- wagering is included in this fund, and that does include the initial as well as the ongoing licensing fees
- initial as well as the<00:10:36.880>
ongoing <00:10:37.440>licensing <00:10:38.200>fees - <00:10:39.200>
those <00:10:39.440>funds the ongoing licensing fees those funds the - ongoing licensing fees those funds support<00:10:40.480>
agencies <00:10:41.160>organizations - That included the initial licensing fees as well as the initial football season to early basketball season
Keywords:
00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call
00:37 KY Horse Racing and Gaming Corp.
08:32 Cabinet for Health and Family Services
35:28 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The subcommittee heard an update from the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation on sports wagering revenue allocations and problem gaming funding. KHRGC reported that in fiscal year 2024, about $34.4 million was deposited to the pension fund and about $931,000 to the problem gaming assistance fund; fiscal year 2025 to date, the totals were about $18.5 million and $556,000, respectively, bringing all-time problem gaming funding to about $1.48 million. Members also discussed wagering volume, with KHRGC stating Kentucky had about $3.5 billion in wagers from September 2023 through December 2024 and about $1.4 billion in fiscal year 2025 to date. KHRGC explained that it tracks the funds sent to CHFS and the self-exclusion list, but does not track the number of people seeking help or the outcomes of those calls.
The Division of Mental Health then described how the problem gambling assistance account is used. Patty Clark and Sarah Cooper said the fund supports education, counseling, public awareness, counselor certification, and treatment-related costs, with $50,000 reserved for administrative expenses. They said the department has spent the last 18 months establishing criteria, funding standards, performance measures, monitoring, and application procedures, and that it issued notices of funding opportunity in October. They reported about 1.49 million in the fund through the end of January, with awards including support for the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling conference, a public awareness campaign by Project Ricochet, and a youth-focused campaign by Shaunie Transformation Youth Coalition.
Testimony also focused on the scope of problem gambling in Kentucky and how the helpline works. The department said fewer than 10 clinicians in Kentucky are specifically certified in problem gambling, though all addiction clinicians can provide services, and estimated about 165,000 adults show problem gambling behaviors, with 47,000 to 64,000 potentially meeting criteria for a gambling disorder. They said helpline calls rose to about 3,240 in 2024, but only about 25% were from people seeking help, with most callers seeking information about online wagering. Members asked about anonymity, follow-up, co-occurring alcohol or drug issues, and whether the fund should reimburse Medicaid or directly cover treatment costs. The presenters said calls are anonymous, outcomes are not tracked unless callers follow up, and the program is currently focused on building provider capacity and targeted outreach rather than direct reimbursement or a statewide campaign.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/24/2026 - House Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair Griffin, members of the committee, right now our two main sources of funding are withdrawal fees
- Chair, members of the committee, we can use credits that we've accrued with groundwater withdrawal fees
- However, we have an obligation for Indian firming, and we need to use those groundwater withdrawal fee
- But we can also use those groundwater withdrawal fee credits for CAP M&I subcontractors.
- portion of that NIA the Hualapai River Indian community receives, we can use groundwater withdrawal fees
Keywords:
underground utilities, utility locating, dig safe, call before you dig, 811, excavation safety, damage prevention, one-call center, locate request, white lining, large project coordination, buried infrastructure, subsurface utilities, utility marking, locator wire, locator strip, interactive positive response system, landlord duties, apartment community, mobile home park
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/17/2026 - House Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Transcript Highlights:
- So you have 2,400 homes, you said, so they all pay their HOA fees, and this would probably be an extra
- financial impact of the tortosa homeowners so you have 2,400 homes you said so they all pay their HOA fees
- Chair and members, Senate Bill 1447 extends the exemption from the groundwater withdrawal fee for water
- The bill additionally extends by four years the groundwater withdrawal fee for groundwater and irrigation
- This continues a fee for pumping groundwater currently on existing agricultural lands.
Keywords:
underground utilities, utility locating, dig safe, call before you dig, 811, excavation safety, damage prevention, one-call center, locate request, white lining, large project coordination, buried infrastructure, subsurface utilities, utility marking, locator wire, locator strip, interactive positive response system, landlord duties, apartment community, mobile home park
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations.(2-4-26)
Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations
Transcript Highlights:
- We have no need to raise any fees at this point. Um, we are financially fine.
- need<00:13:18.320>
to <00:13:18.560>raise <00:13:18.880>any <00:13:19.200>fees - <00:13:19.600>
at <00:13:19.839>this have no need to raise any fees at this have no - need to raise any fees at this point.<00:13:20.720>
Um, <00:13:21.120>we <00:13:21.440> - Are we raising the fee $5 and there's new monies that's going to go to this, or are you using existing
Keywords:
00:00 Call to Order
00:05 Roll Call
1:00 HB 357 Discussion
4:53 HB 357 Vote
6:40 HB 45 Discussion
8:00 HB 45 Vote
9:29 HB 48 Discussion
15:00 HB 48 Vote
16:25 HB 212 Discussion
20:17 HB 212 Vote
21:50 HB 49 Discussion
25:55 HB 49 Vote
27:16 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations Committee met with a quorum and took up several bills, beginning with House Bill 387. The bill was presented as a measure to ensure veterinarians are not subject to controlled-substance reporting requirements through regulation or other means, while also revising the controlled substance council to remove an emergency medicine physician and an acute care nurse and add two veterinarians. Supporters said the change was needed because veterinary reporting would be overly complicated, especially in rural Kentucky and for large-animal practices. The committee adopted the committee substitute, approved a committee amendment, and passed the bill unanimously, including the title amendment and emergency clause.
The committee then heard House Bill 45, which would modernize Kentucky CPA licensure. The sponsor and the State Board of Accountancy said the bill updates outdated rules, supports workforce mobility and remote practice, reduces barriers to interstate commerce, and adds a new licensing option to address time and cost concerns for candidates. The committee passed the bill unanimously. House Bill 48 followed, a long-updated physical therapy practice act revision. Testimony said it would clarify and streamline the statute, add definitions for physical therapist assistants, change certification language to licensure, allow expungement of minor non-patient-harm violations, clarify sexual misconduct language, adjust disciplinary and fee-setting provisions, and ease requirements for some internationally trained practitioners. The committee again passed the bill unanimously.
House Bill 212 was next and would allow licensed veterinary technicians, under direct veterinarian supervision, to administer rabies vaccinations to dogs, cats, and ferrets. The sponsor and Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association said the change would help shelters, humane societies, and mass vaccination clinics, improve recordkeeping, and address rising rabies concerns in Kentucky. The committee approved the bill unanimously. Finally, House Bill 49 was presented by Representative Matt Cook and the Board of Licensure for Engineers and Surveyors as a scholarship program funded by $5 from each annual license renewal plus fines and penalties, aimed at encouraging Kentucky students to enter engineering and surveying and remain in the state for six years after graduation/licensure. Members asked about the service commitment and funding source; the sponsor said the program would use existing funds and not raise renewal rates. The committee passed the bill unanimously, with the chair noting it as a positive example of board modernization.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 15th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- direct services and outreach to victims and survivors of human trafficking and all of the fines and fees
- And 41% of adults have healthcare debt, often foregoing food, basic necessity. fees, and spending down
- Bill 1142 updates the maximum entry fees allowed for small public horse events that have not been updated
- This will allow smaller shows to charge the fees required to continue supporting themselves.
- Providers consistently face barriers like restrictive zoning, site limitations, and costly permitting fees
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 23rd, 2025
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- She calls up David Fee. We show you registered as David Fee on behalf of the Pension Review Board.
- I'm David Fee, the senior actuary for the Pension Review Board, and I'm here to answer any questions.
- have access to for the care and maintenance is generally not sufficient to, to cover their annual fees
- If they opt to, um, to, to participate in the 8%, then they would incur fees from there.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- drafting error and provides clarification that a PBM may recoup the cost... ...of the drug and dispensing fee
- It also states that a PBM may only recoup a dispensing fee if a pharmacist made a clerical error that
- The committee substitute also deleted language prohibiting PBMs from assessing fees related to re-credentialing
- Right now, the only protections in place are for the professional dispensing fee, and these protections
- Correct, and that's not including any kind of dispensing fee. That's say I buy a box of...
Keywords:
prescription drugs, drug pricing, pharmacy benefits, health insurance, health benefit plan, insurer, HMO, self-insured employer, public employer, school district, county, municipality, university system, higher education, retirees, dependent coverage, stop-loss coverage, bulk purchasing, group purchasing, purchasing pool
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- individuals who are found immune from liability under this statute can recover reasonable attorney fees
- otherwise. otherwise justified in their act of self-defense, is stuck paying out-of-pocket attorney's fees
- case. case, we believe particularly this section of the bill that adds in the provision for attorneys fees
- , but inside of this it took three years of my life, it cost me a half a million dollars. in legal fees
- courts, then there is a percentage. of the court security fund that's collected through the court fees
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider an original bill entitled, "GENIUS Act of 2025", and S.875, to curtail the political weaponization of Federal banking agencies by eliminating reputational risk as a component of the supervision of depository institutions. Mar 13th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- trying to redeem their stablecoins would have basic protections in place without a bunch of delays or fees
- institutions which have more than half their net income from overdraft and or non-sufficient funds fees
- banks and credit unions generate more than half their profits. from overdraft or non-sufficient fund fees
- heard from witnesses who urged Congress and banking regulators to scrutinize banks where overdraft fees
- My amendment urges regulators to examine and report institutions whose main business is overdraft fees
Bills:
SB875
Keywords:
banking regulation, federal agencies, reputational risk, financial services, supervision, FIRM Act, bank supervision, depository institutions, federal banking agencies, FDIC, OCC, Federal Reserve, NCUA, CFPB, credit unions, Operation Choke Point, financial discrimination, safety and soundness, supervisory guidance, examination manual
Summary:
This meeting focused on the markup of the Genius Act and the FIRM Act, two significant pieces of legislation addressing stablecoin regulation and the financial industry's regulatory framework. The Chairman noted the importance of providing clarity to the digital asset community and protecting American consumers, while also promoting innovation and competition within the financial sector. Members of both parties expressed varying viewpoints, with some highlighting concerns related to national security and the potential risks associated with stablecoins.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Banking & Insurance (2-11-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- years is unscrupulous contractors and public adjusters charging unnecessary, exorbitant, or fraudulent fees
- years is unscrupulous contractors and public adjusters charging unnecessary, exorbitant, or fraudulent fees
- c> charging unnecessary absorbant or charging unnecessary absorbant or fraudulent<00:04:07.439>
fees - /c><00:04:08.159>
inflate <00:04:08.560>an <00:04:08.760>insurance fraudulent fees - to inflate an insurance fraudulent fees to inflate an insurance claim<00:04:10.400>
I <00:04:10.480
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00
Roll Call: 00:06
SB24 Discussion: 01:08
SB24 Vote: 13:22
SB18 Discussion: 14:40
SB18 Vote: 21:54, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first took up Senate Bill 24, a measure aimed at combating property and casualty insurance fraud. Senator Girdler and witnesses from the Insurance Institute of Kentucky and the National Insurance Crime Bureau said the bill would expand the definition of a fraudulent insurance act to cover statements that misrepresent the scope of property damage or repair costs, with the goal of addressing inflated storm-damage claims and out-of-state bad actors. Members discussed whether existing prosecutors were already handling these cases, the role of Commonwealth’s attorneys versus the Attorney General, and the need to keep the bill narrowly tailored to criminal intent rather than negligence or ordinary disputes over value. The committee substitute was adopted, the bill received favorable expression, and a title amendment was also adopted.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 18, which would address a shortage of insurance options for automobile dealers by allowing nonadmitted carriers to provide garage liability coverage in Kentucky. Testimony from an insurance agent and a legislative agent for Big I Kentucky described a shrinking market in which some small dealers cannot find coverage at all, risking closure. Members asked about the meaning of garage liability, consumer protections, solvency concerns, and whether more competition could lower prices; witnesses said surplus lines carriers already operate in Kentucky, agents play an important vetting role, and errors-and-omissions coverage would apply to the agent. The bill was supported as a way to preserve dealer businesses and expand coverage options, and it passed the committee with favorable expression after roll call.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Higher Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- This fall, we launched the Fitchburg Promise, guaranteeing tuition- and fee-free admission for every
- They often stem from parking fines, library fees, room and board charges, or graduation costs, like a
- $200 graduation fee that was once assessed at UMass Amherst.
- Furthermore, it’s important to note that these fees can be owed to a school for as little as $25 and
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Higher Education heard testimony on a wide range of bills touching student access, campus safety, and institutional support. Early testimony focused on H. 4544, which would create a state Hispanic-serving institution designation to replace a lost federal designation and potentially allow future funding. Representative Kushmerek and Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge described Fitchburg’s growing Latino student population, the university’s local commitments such as the Fitchburg Promise, and argued the bill would help the institution better serve its community. Committee members asked about how the tuition-free local program is financed, and the bill was described as having no immediate funding request but allowing for future appropriations.
The committee also heard support for H. 1421, a proposed John F. Kennedy Service Scholarship Program for Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and Commonwealth Corps alumni, with Representative Arena DeRosa arguing that student debt discourages service and that the program would help make citizen service more accessible to lower- and moderate-income students. Members raised questions about cost, take-up, and whether the program should be capped. H. 1449, dealing with transcript withholding, drew support from Representative LeBoeuf and USPyre’s Demi Stoltz, who said withholding transcripts over small balances or non-academic fees traps students and harms workforce participation; members discussed how schools could still collect debts without blocking transcripts. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to improve study-abroad safety reporting, with Carrie Pascarello urging a centralized data system after multiple student deaths and serious incidents abroad, and members asking about how other states handle similar transparency measures.
Another major topic was H. 4113 on higher education sexual misconduct. Laura G. and Ashley Freeman supported a proposal aimed at preventing “passing the harasser” by requiring disclosure of substantiated findings or departures during open investigations in hiring processes. They said the bill would improve transparency and campus safety while preserving due process, and noted Washington State has a similar law. Members discussed whether the bill should be expanded to K-12 settings and asked about the Washington model’s effectiveness. The committee also heard from Mike Canavan of AFT Massachusetts in support of a bill to create a grant program for librarians to earn a master’s in library science, noting the credential is required for the profession but is not offered by any public institution in Massachusetts. No votes were taken, and the hearing concluded after all scheduled witnesses testified.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Military and Veterans Affairs
CT
Connecticut 2026 Regular Session
Medical Assistance Program Oversight Council Women and Children's Health Committee May 11th Meeting May 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We had our obstetrics pay-for-performance, and we did fee-for-service payments.
- However, in 2021, And we did fee-for-service payments.
- So in terms of the bundle, the program supports transition from fee-for-service, where we were trying
- the case rates, and it's just very limited updates, and this is just so we can accommodate the recent fee
Summary:
The meeting focused on maternal health and behavioral health services for pregnant and postpartum people in Connecticut. Dr. Fatmata Williams of DSS gave an update on the Husky maternity payment bundle, explaining that it was created in response to worsening maternal and neonatal outcomes and racial disparities. She said the bundle, launched in 2025, shifts payment away from fee-for-service toward prospective case rates, quality measures, and shared savings, while covering services such as doulas and maintaining access to behavioral health and other non-pregnancy-related care outside the bundle. She noted 26 maternity practices are participating, quarterly quality reports have been distributed, reconciliation is planned for 2026, and DSS is considering refinements such as adding newborns, revisiting shared losses, and possibly expanding to FQHCs after further stakeholder review.
Shelly Nolan of DMHAS then described the state’s women’s services and recovery continuum, including pregnant and parenting treatment programs, women’s recovery support programs, community transition support with rent subsidies, the Proud program, REACH navigation, recovery houses, and outpatient services. She emphasized that many programs are under capacity and that DMHAS uses a no-wrong-door approach, real-time bed availability, technical assistance, and training to improve access. She also reviewed initiatives tied to substance-exposed pregnancies and safe sleep, secure storage, naloxone distribution, reproductive health integration, breastfeeding support, and upcoming conferences and trainings. She said the department works closely with DCF and community partners to reduce stigma and improve family-centered care.
Beth Garrigan presented on the Access Mental Health and Substance Use for Moms program, a statewide consultation service for providers serving pregnant and postpartum individuals up to 12 months after delivery. She said the program offers real-time psychiatric consultation, referral support, and one-time face-to-face assessments, and has provided more than 4,300 consultations and resource/referral support to over 700 individuals since 2022. Members and legislators praised the service and discussed how it helps providers connect patients to care, follow up on referrals, and address barriers such as fit, stigma, and workflow. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with plans for the next meeting on June 8 and a request for Dr. Williams’ slides to be posted online.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- advocates, general crime advocates, child abuse centers, mainly comes from federal dollars from fines and fees
- > comes from federal dollars from fines comes from federal dollars from fines and<00:05:21.680>
fees - 22.160>
and <00:05:22.320>those <00:05:22.560>have <00:05:22.800>been and fees - , and those have been and fees, and those have been decreasing.<00:05:24.320>
It's <00:05:24.720
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Environment and Natural Resources Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It also removes the provisions of adjusting existing fees on on-site sewage treatment and disposal systems
- It adjusts the payment for Title V air permitting fees, resulting in an estimated administrative cost
- savings of $500,000 for the department while maintaining the current fee structure for the regulatory
- It prohibits a producer, retailer, or BSO from charging a point-of-sale fee to consumers to cover the
Summary:
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met with a quorum present and took up several environmental bills and one confirmation. First, the committee considered SB 1422 on surface waters, which was amended with a strike-all focused on coral reef protection and designation of coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure. Senator Garcia described the amendment as a way to support restoration, disaster resilience, and access to federal funding; Audubon Florida waived in support. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS for SB 1422 favorably.
The committee next considered SPB 7034, a DEP rule ratification concerning the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee River minimum flows and levels and recovery strategy. Senator Rodriguez explained the rule would replace prior MFLs and allow longer permits, while opponents from the Florida Springs Council and local river advocates argued the plan relies too heavily on one future wastewater reuse project, delays restoration, and lacks a clear funding source. DEP and JEA waived in support. After debate, the committee approved the motion to submit the proposal as a committee bill; the measure was favorably reported, with Senator Smith voting no.
The committee then heard SB 1510 on DEP-related matters, as amended. The strike-all addressed Outstanding Florida Springs B-MAP mediation plans, septic system upgrades where sewer is unavailable, rural cost-share eligibility, notice to property owners, rulemaking procedures, and land acquisition governance, while removing biosolids and fee provisions. Florida Springs Council opposed the 60-day delay for B-MAP effectiveness, saying it could slow restoration and allow more conventional septic systems to be installed before stricter requirements take effect. DEP and others supported the bill. The committee reported CS for SB 1510 favorably. It also heard SB 1196 on waste facilities, which would prohibit new ash-producing incinerators and waste-to-energy facilities within two miles of certain federally authorized water impoundment areas, with an amendment narrowing the bill to Miami-Dade and Broward County. Supporters, including the City of Miramar, said it would protect water resources and Everglades restoration; opponents from the Florida Waste-to-Energy Coalition warned it would limit local solid waste options and could force more landfilling. The committee adopted the amendment and reported CS for SB 1196 favorably.
Finally, the committee considered SB 912 on battery collection and recovery, establishing a battery stewardship program and requiring producers and retailers to join a stewardship organization by 2028. Supporters from the battery industry and recycling sector said the bill would reduce fires and keep batteries out of the waste stream. The committee adopted the amendment and reported CS for SB 912 favorably. The committee also recommended confirmation of Gary Jennings to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Feb 3rd, 2026
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- It also removes the provisions of adjusting existing fees on on-site sewage treatment and disposal systems
- It adjusts the payment for Title V air permitting fees, resulting in an estimated administrative cost
- savings of $500,000 for the department while maintaining the current fee structure for the regulated
- It prohibits a producer, retailer, or BSO from charging a point-of-sale fee to consumers to cover the
Keywords:
battery collection, battery stewardship, environment, recycling, hazardous waste, waste management, regulation, environmental protection, facilities, hazardous materials, coral reefs, natural resource, climate change, coastal flooding, solar facilities, wastewater treatment, nutrient reduction, land conservation, water conservation, Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Summary:
The Environment and Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and took up several environmental bills and one appointment. SB 1422, as amended by a strike-all focused on coral reef protection and designating coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure, was reported favorably after support from Audubon Florida was noted. The committee then considered SPB 7034, a DEP rule ratification related to minimum flows and levels for the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers and associated recovery strategy; witnesses from the Florida Springs Council and local river advocates criticized the plan as too delayed and too dependent on a single future water project, while committee members raised questions about funding and utility responsibility. Despite concerns, the committee approved the bill as a committee bill, with Senator Smith voting no.
The committee next heard SB 1510, as amended, which made technical changes to DEP-related provisions including B-MAP notice and timing, septic system requirements in Florida Springs areas, biosolids, fees, land acquisition, and rulemaking procedures. The main public testimony came from the Florida Springs Council, which opposed the 60-day delay for B-MAP effectiveness as harmful to spring restoration, while DEP and others supported the measure. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered SB 1196, a targeted siting bill restricting new ash-producing incinerators or waste-to-energy facilities within two miles of large federally authorized water impoundment areas, with an amendment narrowing the practical effect to Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Supporters, including the City of Miramar, argued it would protect water resources and communities; opponents from the Florida Waste-to-Energy Coalition argued it would limit local waste-disposal options and could force more landfilling. The bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee heard SB 912, the Safe Battery Collection and Recovery Act, which would require battery stewardship organizations and related recycling plans to keep batteries out of the waste stream. Industry and recycling representatives supported the bill, citing growing battery volumes and fire risks at recycling facilities. The committee also recommended confirmation of Gary Jennings to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. All measures were approved favorably except that Senator Smith voted against SPB 7034; the meeting then adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- For this, we pay the scholarship funding organizations a 3% administrative fee on over $4 billion.
- The bill reduces SFO administrative fees so that more money can be actually spent on scholarships.
- stabilization fund is for our public schools who might be under-enrolled to ensure that they can pay those fees
- And you're moving the administrative fee that they received from 3% to 2%. Thank you.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, including recognition of Alpha Kappa Alpha Founders’ Day and a visiting debate student. The chamber then took up a committee report on 52 executive appointments. After explanation by Ethics and Elections Chair Don Gates, the Senate adopted the report and confirmed the appointments by a vote of 39-0.
The first major bill was SB 250 on rural communities. Senator Simon described it as a broad rural development package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance Grant Program for counties losing population, housing and transportation investments, additional funding for rural education, and rural health care measures. Two amendments were adopted to remove overlapping health provisions in light of a new federal rural health grant and to update hospital funding estimates. Senators from both parties spoke in support, while also asking about eligibility and access to grant funds. The bill passed 39-0.
The Senate then considered CS/SB 318 on educational scholarship programs. Senator Gates said the bill responds to Auditor General concerns by separating scholarship funding from public school funding, requiring student identification and enrollment verification, reducing administrative fees for scholarship funding organizations, requiring annual audits, and directing the Department of Education to develop a competitive selection and performance plan for those organizations. Three amendments were adopted, including removal of a declining-enrollment provision for later conforming legislation and changes to enrollment documentation and withdrawal procedures. Senators from both parties supported the bill while raising concerns about accountability, student oversight, and school quality. The bill passed 38-0.
Afterward, the Senate waived rules so SB 250 and CS/SB 318 could be immediately certified to the House. The session ended with announcements, including Palm Beach County Day at the Capitol and a reminder about the chamber group photograph, followed by adjournment until the next scheduled meeting.