Transcript Highlights:

• those frameworks and partnering with the industries and Internet service providers and getting their feedback

Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Tourism met briefly and first announced that Senate Bill 232 by Senator Rodriguez was temporarily postponed at the sponsor’s request. The main item was a presentation from Leo Garcia of the Office of Broadband on Florida’s broadband programs, current deployment progress, and upcoming funding opportunities. Garcia said the office is administering multiple grant programs that have awarded hundreds of millions of dollars for broadband infrastructure, community facilities, and digital device access, with a focus on rural areas, workforce development, and digital literacy. He also described the state’s strategic plan and partnerships with local governments, ISPs, workforce boards, community colleges, and community action agencies. Garcia explained that Florida has already deployed over 1,100 miles of fiber and enabled about 4,300 connections, and said the remaining unserved and underserved locations should drop significantly by the end of 2026 before the BEAD program addresses the rest. He said BEAD is a fully federal program for Florida, providing $1.16 billion from NTIA, with most of it reserved for infrastructure and additional amounts for workforce training and cybersecurity/digital literacy. He noted that Florida is prioritizing fiber but will also use fixed wireless or satellite where fiber is not cost-effective or feasible. He also said the office is seeking additional spending authority for the Digital Capacity Grant Program. Members asked about county coverage, especially Duval County, and Garcia said Duval and Monroe had not yet received funds because they currently have limited unserved or underserved areas, but they are expected to be addressed through BEAD and related workforce and literacy efforts. Senator Davis raised permitting delays as a major challenge, and Garcia said the office is exploring ways to help local communities process permits more quickly. Senator Wright asked about competition with satellite-based broadband providers, and Garcia said the state is technology-agnostic but prioritizes fiber for reliability. There were no public comments, no votes or formal actions taken, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, we are ready to work with the committee, and I will get final feedback from my members.
• first concerns raised when this bill first came about was that hospitals would use it as just a mechanism
• Two, a thorough stakeholder feedback process that includes input from the ratepayer advocate and other

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• public historically Black college and university, Florida A&M University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical
• We asked for feedback. This has been out there.
• It's been fleshed out, and the feedback has been incorporated.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the pledge, quorum call, and several recognitions, including guests for Education and Sharing Day, law enforcement officer of the day Detective Miata Anderson, and later FAMU Day at the Capitol and other visiting groups. The chamber adopted the special order report and then moved through a series of budget-related bills and conforming measures, with debate focused largely on recurring funding, environmental programs, housing, insurance reserves, and tax policy. Members approved HB 5011/SB 2506, which conform environmental resource funding to the proposed budget by shifting Seminole Gaming Compact-related dollars from recurring to nonrecurring funding; supporters said this preserves annual legislative review, while opponents warned it would reduce funding for the Resilient Florida program, wildlife corridor protection, invasive species removal, and other conservation efforts. The House then passed HB 5013, reducing state-funded property reinsurance reserves by lowering the RAP program and repealing FORA funding, and HB 5501, which redirects documentary stamp tax revenues from housing and transportation trust funds to general revenue; Democrats argued the housing changes would reduce affordable housing support, while Republicans said the move was needed to control recurring spending. The chamber also passed HB 5015 on state group insurance, HB 5201 on Florida PALM accounting conforming changes, HB 5203 on Capitol Center tenancy and utilities control, and HB 5009 creating a Florida Accountability Office and revising audit and budgeting functions. The most extended debate came on HB 7031, which permanently reduces the state sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25% and also lowers several related tax rates. Supporters described it as broad-based, immediate tax relief for Floridians, while opponents said property tax relief would be more targeted and that sales tax cuts also benefit tourists and out-of-state visitors. The bill passed 112-0. The House then took up the main budget bill, HB 501, and subcommittee chairs outlined the proposed $112.9 billion budget, including education, health care, transportation, agriculture and natural resources, higher education, state administration, justice, and IT spending. Members began questioning the pre-K-12 budget on school funding, vouchers, proration, mental health and safety allocations, and inflation, with the discussion continuing beyond the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• prosecutor, and then to provide us assistance as we complete cases or see cases decline to provide feedback
• prosecutor, and then to provide us assistance as we complete cases or see cases decline to provide feedback
• The main federal mechanism of funding is the Crime Victims Fund, which is funded pursuant to the Victims

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill has a mechanism for local suburban communities to have input. We're not taking that away.
• This<00:47:54.079><c> bill</c><00:47:54.400><c> has</c><00:47:54.560><c> a</c><00:47:54.800><c> mechanism
• </c><00:47:55.440><c> for</c><00:47:55.760><c> local</c> This bill has a mechanism for local This bill
• has a mechanism for local suburban<00:47:58.319><c> communities</c><00:47:58.720><c> to</c><00:47:58.960
• Cities like Plymouth can quickly adjust routes, schedules, and service levels based on feedback from

Bills: HF3676, HF3593, HF3785, HF3774, HF4111, HF3513

Keywords: Safe at Home, address confidentiality, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, victim privacy, survivor protection, confidential address, protected address, secret address, identity protection, residential confidentiality, program participant, nondiscrimination, court disclosure, protective order, service of process, driver's license, state ID

Transcript Highlights:

• He also was one of two mechanics who was trained to fix the pineapple machine.
• was</c><00:27:10.640><c> one</c><00:27:10.799><c> of</c><00:27:11.039><c> two</c><00:27:11.679><c> mechanics
• He also was one of two mechanics who on.
• He also was one of two mechanics who was<00:27:12.640><c> trained</c><00:27:12.880><c> to</c><00:27:13.200
• </c><01:08:28.799><c> will</c><01:08:29.040><c> take</c><01:08:29.759><c> uh</c> We received the feedback

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Governor’s Message 790, the nomination of Karen T. Nakasone to serve as chief judge of the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals for a 10-year term. The chair announced that no vote would be taken that day and that the committee would vote on Thursday. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with the chair reading that there were 103 supporters, zero opposed, and one comment. Supporters included current and retired judges, public defenders, bar association representatives, former elected officials, and community members. They described Nakasone as intelligent, fair, hardworking, well respected, and a strong leader with deep legal experience. Several speakers emphasized her judicial temperament, her work as an advocate and judge, and her community involvement, including leadership in civic and civil rights organizations. One pro se litigant also testified that she had been treated kindly and respectfully by Nakasone in prior interactions. The Hawaii State Bar Association reported that it had conducted an interview and review process and found her qualified for the position. In her own remarks, Nakasone introduced family and colleagues, described her 30-year legal career, and said her first job after law school was as an ICA law clerk. She highlighted the court’s backlog reduction efforts under Acting Chief Judge Katherine Leonard, saying the number of older pending appeals had dropped significantly through team-based reforms, and stated that she would continue that work if confirmed. The hearing ended without questions from the committee and with the nomination held for a later vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• independence by removing regulatory barriers to innovation; allowing for market forces and market-based mechanisms
• /c> allowing for market forces and allowing for market forces and market-based<00:24:29.440><c> mechanisms
• c><00:24:30.000><c> to</c><00:24:30.320><c> drive</c><00:24:30.640><c> prudent</c> market-based mechanisms
• to drive prudent market-based mechanisms to drive prudent use<00:24:31.279><c> of</c><00:24:31.520><
• /c><01:33:41.520><c> amendments</c> Senator Waters suggested amendments, and I will provide some feedback

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that’s helpful, and we have been getting feedback about being more explicit about prior findings
• does that happen is basically my question, and if there is a problem, what then is, you know, the mechanism
• /c><00:23:12.279><c> you</c><00:23:12.400><c> know</c><00:23:12.559><c> the</c><00:23:12.720><c> mechanism
• </c><00:23:13.200><c> or</c><00:23:13.360><c> the</c> then is you know the mechanism or the then is you
• know the mechanism or the system<00:23:14.000><c> that</c><00:23:14.120><c> you</c><00:23:14.240><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So for system access, we audited the access control mechanisms, including how individuals gain access
• So for system access, we audited the access control mechanisms, including how individuals gain access
• The OA audit has provided valuable feedback, and we are committed to taking the necessary steps to address
• Friedland, the lottery has, I would say, two mechanisms for verifying this.
• The lottery has, I would say, two mechanisms for verifying this, and I'm sorry if something has fallen

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill provides a mechanism to do that.
• This bill provides a mechanism to do that.
• This bill provides a mechanism to do that.
• This bill provides a mechanism to do that.
• This bill provides a mechanism to do that.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Chair Scott, and thank you guys for the discussion and the feedback.
• I really appreciate you guys letting me come in and speak with you guys today and appreciate the feedback
• /c><00:19:34.799><c> the</c> you guys today and appreciate the you guys today and appreciate the feedback
• 35.760><c> continue</c><00:19:35.919><c> to</c><00:19:36.080><c> work</c><00:19:36.240><c> on</c> feedback
• and we'll continue to work on feedback and we'll continue to work on this<00:19:36.480><c> and</c><00

Bills: HF3560, HF3295, HF2937, HF3540

Keywords: electronic signatures, estate planning, uniform law, legal documents, Minnesota statutes, open meeting law, transparency, public engagement, social media, government accountability, parenting consultant, parenting time, custody, family court, family law, neutral third party, alternative dispute resolution, child custody, visitation, parenting coordinator

Transcript Highlights:

• What I don't know, and I would need to get feedback from the department, is when it comes to that disproportionality
• Um, thank you for those that submitted feedback. I've included essentially all of it.
• 45:10.719><c> those</c><01:45:10.880><c> that</c><01:45:11.280><c> submitted</c><01:45:11.760><c> feedback
• </c> you for those that submitted feedback. you for those that submitted feedback.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So just wanted to see if they had any feedback or concerns on this language. Sure. So Mr.
• /c><00:34:11.520><c> they</c><00:34:11.760><c> had</c><00:34:11.919><c> any</c><00:34:12.720><c> feedback
• </c> wanted to see if they had any feedback wanted to see if they had any feedback or<00:34:13.440><c
• It incorporates feedback that we got from the department regarding recovery community organizations and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• state university system and approved by the Board of Governors; rather, the chancellor provided feedback
• the state university system and approved by the board of governors, rather the chancellor provided feedback
• Thank you to President Gates for bringing feedback that we're happy to incorporate.
• Thank you to President Gates for bringing feedback that we're happy to incorporate.
• This is on feedback. And if you want to address this, we're happy to work with you.

Summary: The committee first took up CS/SB 1606 on patient access to records. The sponsor explained that the bill, as amended, would align Florida law more closely with HIPAA by defining “designated record set,” requiring providers to furnish requested records within set timeframes, allowing a limited extension with notice, and requiring records to be produced in the requested form if readily producible. Several members asked about patient portals, legal representatives, and whether the bill affected meaningful-use rules or post-mortem access. Multiple witnesses opposed the bill, arguing it could create cybersecurity risks, conflict with existing privacy rules, and burden providers; supporters said it would improve patient access and consistency. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered CS/SB 712 on construction regulations. The bill would direct DEP to establish rules for synthetic turf and limit local governments from banning it if state rules are followed, while also addressing change orders, public works bidding, elevator rails, alarm contractor work, building code updates, spaceport exemptions, permit document limits, and single-trade inspections. Amendments removed the pool and spa contractor provisions and the tall mass timber language. Testimony on the bill centered heavily on the pool industry, with contractors and the Florida Swimming Pool Association opposing expansion of scope to general and building contractors, while some speakers supported other parts of the bill. After adopting the amendments, the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 1288 on parental rights. The bill would allow minors to be tested for STDs without parental consent but require parental consent for treatment, expand parents’ rights to access records and control certain health decisions, and restrict health care services, medical procedures, and biofeedback devices for minors absent consent or an exception. An amendment moved survey and questionnaire provisions into the education code, added an explicit court-order exception, clarified DNA and biofeedback provisions, and added emergency behavioral health exceptions. The committee heard extensive public testimony both for and against the bill, with supporters emphasizing parental authority and opponents warning it could delay STI treatment, mental health care, and other services for vulnerable minors. The transcript ends during public testimony on the bill, before any final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m here today to testify and provide feedback on House File 1378.
• 57:51.119><c> testify</c><00:57:51.760><c> and</c><00:57:51.920><c> provide</c><00:57:52.160><c> feedback
• </c><00:57:52.480><c> on</c><00:57:52.640><c> house</c> uh testify and provide feedback on house uh testify
• and provide feedback on house file file file 1378<00:57:54.720><c> I</c><00:57:54.880><c> really</c>
• Um, we have some, uh, we share some of the feedback that Moo shared around effective dates, um, and can

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The requirement also included information on the council's website to solicit public feedback from our
• 01:03:03.200><c> to</c><01:03:03.440><c> solicit</c><01:03:03.920><c> public</c><01:03:04.160><c> feedback
• </c><01:03:04.640><c> from</c> website to solicit public feedback from website to solicit public feedback
• called Transit, with what is called the Royale subscription, that allows our users to provide direct feedback

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of committee and hope that we can have some stronger language to address all of the comments and feedback
• We are adjourned, and we just want to thank everyone for all of their honest feedback today to help improve
• c><01:58:46.800><c> honest</c> everyone for all of their honest everyone for all of their honest feedback
• 47.880><c> to</c><01:58:48.040><c> help</c><01:58:48.280><c> improve</c><01:58:48.679><c> this</c> feedback
• today to help improve this feedback today to help improve this measure<01:58:49.560><c> we're</c><01

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So who is the enforcement mechanism?
• So who is the enforcement mechanism?
• Association, and the New Hampshire Consumer Protection Bureau early in the process to get their feedback
• Association, and the New Hampshire Consumer Protection Bureau early in the process to get their feedback

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is because they supplant the federal enforcement mechanism authorized by Congress.
• Our office provided feedback on this bill and worked in collaboration with the Washington State Innocence
• This bill sets into a regulatory mechanism, statutorily, the regulation of travel insurers.

Bills: SB5420, SB5877, SB5868, SB5109, SB5832, SB5922, SB5944, SB5988, SB6065, SB6103, SB6151

Keywords: veterans, military spouses, service members, uniformed services, National Guard, reservists, active duty, qualifying discharge, veterans preference, hiring preference, public employment, state benefits, license renewal, professional licensing, retirement service credit, pension, public retirement system, Washington RCW, military leave, reemployment rights

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't have a list of waiting to see sponsors or feedback from you or others.
• the bill is framed around antipsychotic access for individuals with serious mental illness, the mechanism
• effectively overrides... ...for individuals with serious mental illness, the mechanism effectively overrides

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1630, which would direct AHCCCS to seek federal approval for a home- and community-based services program for adults determined to be seriously mentally ill, with quarterly implementation updates, a stakeholder work group, and a cap on enrollment. The sponsor and advocates from Arizona Mad Moms argued the bill would create a Medicaid-funded long-term care option for the most disabled SMI patients, reduce costly hospital and state-only care, and improve continuity of care. A committee amendment narrowed eligibility to individuals needing a long-term SMI level of care, changed reporting to semiannual, reduced the initial cap to 250 members with possible growth tied to savings, and required AHCCCS to keep pursuing approval if CMS denies it. The amendment was adopted, and SB 1630 as amended passed 10-0. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1131, which originally required every school district and charter school to adopt a cardiac emergency response plan and appropriated $1 million for implementation. A Warner amendment replaced the mandate with a reporting requirement on AED counts, CPR/AED-trained staff, and whether a plan exists, while shifting the appropriation toward AED grants and limiting school spending to purchasing and maintaining AEDs. The American Heart Association supported the amendment as a way to gather baseline data and target resources, while some members questioned the funding split and the rural-school priority. The amendment was adopted, and SB 1131 as amended passed 9-1. Next, the committee took up Senate Bill 1582, dealing with the school safety interoperability fund. The amendment changed the appropriation from ADE to ADOA and allocated funds to specific county sheriff’s offices to continue existing interoperable communication systems linking schools and first responders; supporters said the systems had been used in drills and some real incidents, and were important for school safety. One member raised concerns about the auditor general’s report and whether the program should continue, but sheriffs and school officials described it as a useful communication tool. The amendment was adopted, and SB 1582 as amended passed 6-4. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 1504, which would change retirement rules for Tier 2 and Tier 3 public safety personnel and reduce the waiting period for cost-of-living adjustments. The sponsor, police and fire representatives, and pension consultants argued the bill would improve recruitment and retention and align benefits more closely with what employees were promised, while cities, counties, and taxpayer groups warned it would add substantial unfunded liabilities and undermine the 2016 pension reforms. The committee spent extensive time on actuarial costs, funding status, and the effect of the amendment exempting the bill from statutory pre-funding requirements; the transcript ends during that discussion before a final vote on SB 1504 is shown.