Transcript Highlights:

• Going back to my initial question, there was a fine associated.
• , then they can be fined without going through the Department of Agriculture.
• Feel how you feel about abortion; that's perfectly fine. I'll pause. Ok.
• Why would we want to take out the fine? Why would we remove that piece, sir?
• The governor vetoed it; he didn't like the fine.

Bills: HR1036, HB2975, HB3026, HB3297, HB2981, HB2978, HB4144, HB1322, HB1818, HB3194, HB3767, HB3342, HB3344, HB4170, HB3287, HB3288, HB4454, HB3264, HB3266, HB3268, HB4095, HB4115, HB4316, HB3530, HB3428, HB4272, HB4273, HB4274, HB3405, HB3406, HB3467, HB3469, HB3931

Keywords: poultry waste, nutrient management, environmental regulations, agriculture, water quality, pollution prevention, best management practices, kindergarten, military families, education policy, school districts, international military dependents, age eligibility, towing services, Oklahoma Wrecker and Towing Services Fund, Department of Labor, vehicle storage fees, consumer protection, nonconsensual towing, open meetings

Transcript Highlights:

• the stuff that you treating like fine the stuff that you treating like fine nail<00:14:31.920>
• And again, that's fine with me.
• I just want again, that's fine with me.
• I just told you how I feel about that, so that's fine.
• I just told you how I feel about that, so that's fine.

Bills: SB309, HB192, SB178, SB179, SB237, HB10, HB107, HB189, HB37, HB226, SB309, HB192, SB178, SB179, SB237, HB10, HB107, HB189, HB37, HB226

Keywords: automated driving systems, oversized vehicles, transportation, regulations, permits, HB192, international wire transfer, wire transfer fee, remittance fee, money transmission business, Alabama Securities Commission, Department of Revenue, Education Trust Fund, ELL instructors, English Language Learner, ESL teachers, income tax credit, remittances, international money transfer, migrant families

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Fine. Senator Brodeur. Senator Angolia. Quorum is present. Thank you.
• Senator Fine. Senator Brodeur. Senator Angolia. Vice Chair Pizzo. Chair Bradley. Yes.
• Senator Fine. Senator Brodeur. Senator Angolia. Vice Chair Pizzo. Chair Bradley. Yes.
• Senator Bernard, Senator Boyd, Senator Burgess, Senator Calatayud, Senator Fine, Senator Brodeur, Senator
• Senator Bernard, Senator Boyd, Center Burgess, Senator Claudiud, Center Fine, Senator Gruders, Senator

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum present and took up three measures. First, it considered SB 160 on public accountancy, which would create additional pathways to CPA licensure in Florida without lowering standards. The committee adopted a technical amendment clarifying the licensure application process and effective date, heard a waiver in support from the Florida Institute of CPAs, and then reported the committee substitute favorably by roll call. Next, the committee heard SB 344 on telecommunications access system modernization. The bill updates the Telecommunications Access System Act of 1991 to reflect newer technology, revise outdated terms, broaden eligibility for the advisory committee, and implement recommendations from the Public Service Commission. After adopting a technical amendment, the committee heard supportive testimony from Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc., including comments that the law is outdated, landline use is declining, and the system should accommodate wireless and other modern accessibility options. The committee then reported the committee substitute favorably. Finally, the committee considered SPB 706, a proposed committee bill on public records and meetings exemptions for NG-911 systems. The bill continues exemptions for certain building plans, maps, and related records and meetings involving 911 and public safety communications infrastructure, while updating the language to include next-generation 911 systems and extending the exemption review period to October 2, 2030. After no questions or debate, Senator Calatayud moved to submit the proposal as a committee bill, the motion was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee bill. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• in line with other theft penalties, including a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine
• penalty of up to 20 years in prison and penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a<00:02:07.880> fine
• <00:02:08.160> of<00:02:08.319> up<00:02:08.440> to a fine of up to a fine of
• unit has been able to recover in terms unit has been able to recover in terms of<00:10:25.240> fines
• and restitution you combine of fines and restitution you combine that<00:10:27.760> with<00:10

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Boyd, Senator Burgess, Senator Calatayud, Senator Fine, Senator Brodeur, Senator Angolia.
• Senators Boyd, Burgess, Fine, and Brodeur are excused from today's meeting. Very good.
• Senators Boyd, Burgess, Fine, and Brodeur are excused from today's meeting.
• But the fine was $20,000. Quick question. Just humble suggestion.
• And it's like, okay, you paid a $250 fine, but you made that in five minutes.

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries heard a presentation from the Florida Gaming Control Commission on illegal gambling in Florida. Executive Director Ross Marchman described the commission’s role, the limited number of legal slot-machine locations in the state, and the prevalence of illegal casinos, including “fish tables” and other machines found in strip malls, gas stations, and back rooms. He said the commission has received thousands of complaints, conducted 88 operations, seized thousands of machines and millions in cash and other property, and is currently storing large amounts of seized evidence at significant cost because the cases and appeals are still pending. Marchman argued that illegal casinos are tied to broader criminal activity, including robberies, drug trafficking, human trafficking, firearms offenses, and even murders, and said the current penalties are too weak because most gaming offenses are second-degree misdemeanors. He and members discussed the need for stronger deterrents, better resources, and possible changes to the law, including whether evidence could be reduced to samples rather than retained in full. Senators also asked about cease-and-desist letters to online gaming operators, the role of manufacturers and landlords, and how the commission distinguishes legal amusement machines from illegal slot machines. Daniel McGinn, speaking as an individual, supported the commission’s concerns and said prior enforcement efforts were limited by the statutory scheme. He referenced the Gator Coin case and explained that operators often use licensing agreements and repeated cash-split arrangements to keep machines in circulation. He urged legislative action, noted a gap in the statute regarding private rights of action, and warned against creating carve-outs that could raise constitutional or compact issues. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now in some cities, if we lay down that roofing material, we could get fined.
• It's these administrative fines.
• The only source of income are the homeowners themselves, and these fines are exorbitant.
• I don't like the fines. We got it. Mr. McLaughlin. Thank you, Chairman and committee members.
• That's the thing that sets out the fine amounts that they can levy for violations.

Bills: SB383, SB1012, SB1181, SB1705, SB2075, SB2221, SB2586, SB2864, SB2994

Keywords: SB 383, ERCOT, Texas Utilities Code, interconnection, wind power facility, offshore wind, coastal wind, nearshore wind, Gulf of America, Texas coast, three marine leagues, electric grid, transmission line, distribution facility, renewable energy, battery storage, energy storage, grid access, power grid, electric service

Summary: The committee took up a long list of pending bills before moving to several bills on the day’s posting. It reported favorably SB 438, SB 512, SB 647, SB 648, SB 715, SB 758, SB 1964, SB 2121, SB 2145, SB 2167, SB 2330, SB 2349, SB 2443, SB 2629, SB 2702, SB 1495, and SB 2268, with several of those adopted from committee substitutes. Some measures were sent to the local and uncontested calendar, while others were reported to the full Senate. Votes on the pending-business bills were generally strong, though SB 715 and SB 2330 drew recorded opposition; SB 647 and SB 648 had one member present not voting because of confusion over the deed-related bills. A major discussion centered on SB 715, which would establish a reliability standard and penalties/incentives for generation resources. Senator Sparks said the committee substitute would avoid unfairly penalizing existing dispatchable generation, allow wind and solar to qualify through storage or backup power, give the PUC flexibility to set standards and phase in the program, and exempt switchable units. Critics raised concerns that it could raise consumer costs and destabilize the market, while supporters argued it would improve reliability. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill was reported out 6-4. The committee also heard testimony on SB 2330, dealing with payroll deduction for association dues, where the author said the bill would end state involvement in dues collection except for first responders covered by meet-and-confer agreements. Members questioned why teachers and other employees were treated differently, and the bill was reported out 6-5. Other notable bills included SB 2864 on building-integrated photovoltaics, SB 1012 on sale of surplus state property, SB 2221 on fraudulent UCC filings, SB 1705 regulating cryptocurrency kiosks with licensing, transaction limits, fee caps, and a 72-hour hold, SB 1181 on combative sports licensing, SB 2586 on HOA transparency, SB 2075 as a TDLR cleanup bill, and SB 383 restricting offshore wind interconnection based on impacts to shipping, wildlife, and coastal interests. Several of these were left pending after testimony, with SB 1705 drawing both law enforcement support and industry concerns over the fee caps and limits.

Transcript Highlights:

• to the that the data broker is fined to the that the data broker is fined $1,000<00:16:38.960>
• They are fined per day for not registering.
• They are fined per day for not registering.
• And there's no fines currently from the Secretary of State to any of those companies as of now.
• > from<00:41:55.400> the there's no fines currently from the there's no fines currently

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• come to regret it later so it's fine come to regret it later so it's fine we'll<01:11:51.520>
• Okay, so I would be fine if that's appropriate.
• adjustments okay so I I I would be fine adjustments okay so I I I would be fine if<01:14:21.480>
• if that's appropriate I'm would be fine if that's appropriate I'm would be fine to<01:14:23.679>
• fine would been fine first day would be fine would been fine um<01:45:52.639> it's<01:45:53.119

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Representative Sweeney present and defend the budget amendment legalizing video lottery terminals (VLTs) and setting a 30% tax rate, with 65% of the tax going to the state and 35% to charities. He argued the lower rate was needed to encourage operators of historic horse racing (HHR) machines to convert to VLTs, saying the higher 45% rate would discourage adoption. He walked through revenue projections for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, estimating significant increases in state and charity revenue as machines transition over time, and said the amendment was designed to expand charitable gaming revenue overall. Several members questioned the assumptions behind his projections and the basis for his analysis, including why his independent research differed from the governor’s and Lottery Commission’s estimates. Sweeney said his figures were based on research into other states and conversations over many years, and he maintained that a 45% tax would likely result in no VLT adoption. Members also debated whether the transition costs for operators would be quickly recouped and whether the state’s share should be larger. One member emphasized that the committee was effectively choosing between a lower operator share and a higher state share, while Sweeney argued the 30% structure would produce revenue for everyone. The committee then moved to other revenue items on the tracking sheet. It voted 7-0 to accept the Lottery Commission’s revised base revenue estimates. Members also discussed an amendment to repeal the local option requirement for Kino games, which would expand Kino availability and was estimated to generate additional lottery profit in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. That amendment drew opposition from members who said local control was an important part of the original Kino policy and that removing it would override municipal decisions. The committee also noted that the VLT/HHR revenue item had already been adopted and was being revisited only to confirm the associated revenue estimates.

Transcript Highlights:

• The specific graduated fines for a violation of the code of conduct include how those fines are assessed
• They will receive, for a first violation, a $1,000 fine; a second violation, a $2,000 fine; and a third
• violation, a $10,000 fine.
• “Okay, okay, that’s fine.” “I’m sorry, go ahead.” “Good morning.
• I'd be fine with it. Thank you. No, it's six with us. I'd be fine with it. Thank you. Thank you.

Summary: The House Natural Resources Committee met on April 29, 2026, with a quorum present and took up several bills related to property rights, expropriation, renewable energy recycling, and local permitting. Representative Domangue first presented HCR 80 on private property rights, using it to highlight the 2025 landman code of conduct and the need for stronger guardrails in expropriation negotiations. She then deferred the resolution in order to allow Chairman Geymann to present HB 841, which was described as establishing a code of conduct for landmen and expropriation-related negotiations. The committee heard testimony and watched video examples from landowners describing intimidation, inadequate compensation offers, and the need for fair treatment. Amendments were adopted to broaden the bill to all certificate holders, prohibit threats about court costs and attorney fees, shorten response times, and add graduated fines and public posting for violations. HB 841 was reported favorably as amended, with no opposition cards recorded. The committee then considered HB 621 by Representative Coates, which would require recycling of decommissioned renewable energy infrastructure to the extent practical. After discussion with DEQ, the bill was amended to clarify that existing universal waste rules apply and to remove language that would have required the renewable facility owner to pay decommissioning costs in that section; the effective date was set for January 1, 2027. Testimony from renewable energy industry representatives supported the measure and explained that solar panels and related components can be recycled at high rates, with established markets for recovered materials. The committee adopted the amendments and reported HB 621 favorably. Next, Representative Jacob Landry presented HB 595, aimed at preventing local governments from unreasonably delaying or impeding energy projects through permit requirements, especially road permits affecting Haynesville Shale operations. After amendment, the bill required timely action on local road permits and deemed them approved if not acted on within 30 days. Supporters emphasized the economic importance of the Haynesville and the need for predictable permitting, while opponents argued the bill could further erode local authority, particularly regarding carbon capture and sequestration. The committee reported HB 595 favorably. Landry then presented HB 1191, creating a certificate of compliance process for oilfield and exploration and production sites to provide a cleaner path for cleanup, finality, and future investment. The bill drew technical and substantive amendments, including changes to definitions, confidentiality, and the role of DEQ; discussion continued over whether the bill should be deferred to allow more time to work through the remaining issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• You do it days, and you get a $750 fine.
• So, I would $200 fine for uh speeding.
• This lessens the penalty to a violation with a fine.
• Um it does not violation with a fine.
• it changes it from a felony to a fine. it changes it from a felony to a fine.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Whether that be for a fine, whether that be for documents that the H.O.A. statutorily has to comply with
• The problem is you get a fine that fabricate a fine and you can't pay your dues until you've paid the
• The fine has legal fees attached to it. It becomes 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, $10,000.
• So we've got 25% Legion yacht show in $2000 fine on it's a revenue-generating stream.
• That's fine. But the real problem in Florida are the H.O.A. Ys.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE OTHER ISSUE I HAVE WITH IT IS THE SIZE OF THE FINE.
• I KNOW DOCTORS ARE NOT'S A PATHETIC CHARACTERS WHEN IT COMES TO FINES HOWEVER, A 10,000 DOLLAR FINE FOR
• IF I GET FINE FOR ONE PAGE, 110,000 DOLLAR FINE I HAD TO DO SEVEN HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENTS AND FOLLOW
• THAT PERSON FOR THREE MONTHS TO PAY THIS ONE FINE.
• GET OUT QUICK ENOUGH, 10,000 DOLLAR FINE OF THE GET IT OUT TO QUICK.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , introduces steep penalties, large fines, introduces steep penalties, large fines, and<01:24:50.719
• Nobody wants to charge fines.
• And I would urge a yes vote on L62. escalating fine exposure escalating fine exposure and<01:38:48.560
• The agency decides the fine ranges.
• The agency decides the fine violations.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and received a series of messages on bills that had been correctly printed, engrossed, re-engrossed, revised, or transmitted from the House and Revisor. The chamber also introduced and laid over several resolutions, including SJR 22 on Plastic Pollution Awareness Week, SJR 23 recognizing Young Americans Bank and the Young Americans Center for Financial Education, and SR 006 for National Donate Life Month. The Senate then paused for personal privilege remarks recognizing military families and public safety telecommunicators, including a gubernatorial proclamation designating April 12–18, 2026, as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. On the consent calendar, the Senate passed SB 20, concerning child care provider licensing and related regulatory changes, with four no votes, and SB 137, concerning administrative burden reduction, unanimously. The chamber also passed SB 140, exempting certain drugs from affordability reviews, by a 20-15 vote; SB 141, concerning optional wildlife-related motor vehicle registration fees and wildlife crossings, by a 28-7 vote; SB 143, updating the name of the Colorado Youth Advisory Council Review Committee, by a 23-12 vote; HB 1332, concerning the legislative department cash fund, unanimously; HB 1333, concerning payment of legislative department expenses, unanimously; and SB 80, creating the cradle-to-career grant program, by a 31-4 vote. SB 90 was laid over until April 14. The Senate also adopted a third-reading amendment to HB 1331, reducing the appropriation further, and then passed HB 1331 on third reading by a 33-2 vote. In general orders, the Senate laid over HB 1071, SB 134, and HB 1084 to later dates. The committee then took up HB 1126, dealing with firearms dealer requirements, where the sponsor described new security, reporting, recordkeeping, and enforcement provisions; opponents argued it would burden small businesses and drive dealers out of state. Amendment L58, which would have required a small business impact analysis, failed, and the transcript cuts off amid debate on amendment L59, which would require a public stakeholder meeting before finalizing the rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• not for people struggling to pay fines not for people struggling to pay fines on<04:31:13.119>
• qualif who may qualify for reduced fines qualif who may qualify for reduced fines but<04:31:48.640
• to ple Guilty by mail and pay the fine to ple Guilty by mail and pay the fine the<04:32:13.920><
• Is it, you get a fine and that fine is to punish you for your behavior?
• Is it, you get a fine and that fine is to punish you for your behavior?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That would be probation, paying all their fines and fees.
• He paid his fines, but yet he still cannot vote.
• It's the administration's position that these fine things...
• Again, remember, this is not a waiver of all fines and fees.
• You're fine to speak. I can hear you. Thank you. All right. Thank you.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Fine is excused from today's meeting. Let's please silence all electronic devices.
• Senator Fine is excused from today's meeting. Let's please silence all electronic devices.
• Senator Fine? Senator Gruders? Yes. Senator Angolia? Vice Chair Pizzo? Yes.
• So I'm fine, I'm actually fine with the preemption, but when a storm is named and bearing down, who from
• No, you're fine. I don't know the answers.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several bills, reporting each favorably after hearing sponsor presentations, public testimony, and member questions. SB 578 would allow wine to be sold in recyclable containers, aligning wine with beer container rules; it received support from Americans for Prosperity and passed without debate. SB 606 clarified when guests in public lodging or food service establishments may be removed for nonpayment, updated notice and checkout provisions, and removed a mandatory arrest requirement, with support from hotel and restaurant industry groups; it also passed favorably. Members then heard SB 202, which addresses a municipal water utility surcharge issue affecting Miami Gardens and North Miami Beach by requiring the utility to charge residents where the plant sits the same rate it charges its own residents. The sponsor and supporters described it as a fairness issue, while North Miami Beach argued it would shift costs and threaten utility finances; the bill was reported favorably. SB 570 modernized and clarified the scope of work for swimming pool and spa contractors, and SB 928, as amended, regulated non-approved disposable nicotine devices by restricting advertising and display, increasing inspections and penalties, and adding a school-buffer provision; both were reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 346, which repeals state preemption over local regulation of hoisting equipment and cranes, prompted by concerns after Hurricane Milton and a crane collapse in St. Petersburg. Supporters said local governments need authority to address storm-related crane safety, while industry representatives warned against patchwork regulation and said local oversight already exists in some areas. Finally, the committee took up SB 652, creating Veterinary Professional Associates to perform certain tasks, including limited surgeries under veterinarian supervision; animal welfare groups supported it as a way to expand access, while some veterinarians opposed the surgery provisions. The bill was reported favorably after amendment. The committee then began SB 354, a major overhaul of Public Service Commission oversight, including expanding the commission, adding financial expertise, tightening rate-setting and storm-hardening review, and increasing transparency for nonprofit water and wastewater utilities; the substitute amendment was adopted and public testimony was heard from consumer advocates and utility-related groups, but the transcript ends before final action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• That bill was based on a FCMAT report that Mike Fine created and produced.
• That bill was based off of a FICMAT report that Mike Fine created and produced.
• Mike is joined today by his wife, Kevin Fine, his daughter, Amanda Fine, son-in-law Matt Vander Creek
• , his sons Brandon Fine and Leah Fine, and his five-month-old granddaughter, Peyton Fine.
• Also... ...and his five-month-old granddaughter, Peyton Fine.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, could you walk me through the thousand-dollar fine structure for noncompliance?
• Can you walk me through the fine scheme, how it currently works, and the change that will occur with
• structure for non-compliance can you walk me through the fine scheme how it currently works and the
• change that will occur with the passage of this bill The fine scheme, how it currently works, and the
• After that there are fines, but they can also appeal.

Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Tourism considered a series of bills affecting tax policy, workforce development, business regulation, consumer protection, rural development, and artificial intelligence. SB 1076 would raise Florida’s research and development tax credit cap from $9 million to $50 million beginning with the 2027 allocation, and it was reported favorably. CS/SB 1266 would create a cybersecurity experiential internship and clearance-readiness program with the Department of Commerce and Cyber Florida; an amendment removed an appropriation from the bill, and the committee reported it favorably. SB 554, a broad update to Florida’s not-for-profit corporation law, was also reported favorably after supportive testimony from Florida Bar representatives. SB 1004, aimed at protecting buyers of dogs and cats from deceptive sales and predatory financing practices, received strong support from animal welfare advocates and was reported favorably. SB 1074, which provides rounding rules for cash transactions if pennies are unavailable, was likewise reported favorably. SB 214, expanding the rural community definition to include special districts in rural counties for economic development purposes, was reported favorably. SPB 7030, a public records exemption tied to Department of Legal Affairs investigations, was adopted as a committee bill and favorably reported. The committee also heard extensive discussion on SB 998, the Department of Commerce package. The bill would modernize the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program, clarify rural community eligibility for certain unincorporated areas, exempt military entities from a reverter clause on land conveyances, and revise E-Verify enforcement procedures. Members questioned the E-Verify provisions, including penalties, protections for workers incorrectly flagged, and the treatment of gig workers. Senator Smith opposed the bill, arguing it creates unequal treatment between employers and immigrant workers, while Senator Wright supported the military-related provisions. Despite the debate, SB 998 was reported favorably, with Senators Bracy Davis, Smith, and Errington voting no. The committee also took up SB 482, an “Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights” that would create consumer protections for companion chatbots, require parental consent and access for minors, mandate periodic disclosures that users are interacting with AI, restrict certain uses of personal data and likenesses, and give the Attorney General enforcement authority. The bill drew both support and criticism: supporters emphasized child safety, transparency, and consumer protection, while opponents raised concerns about privacy, broad definitions, lack of audit mechanisms, and the absence of a private right of action for adults. Senators Smith and Davis urged clearer definitions and stronger accountability, but both said the bill was a starting point. The committee reported SB 482 favorably. The meeting ended with recorded affirmative votes requested by Senators Yarbrough, Wright, and Davis on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So could you walk me through the fine scheme for noncompliance?
• structure for non-compliance can you walk me through the fine scheme how it currently works and the
• change that will occur with the passage of this bill The fine scheme, how it currently works, and the
• If Florida Commerce fines or is notified by a specified entity that an employer has knowingly employed
• After that, there are fines, but they can also appeal.

Bills: S0214, S0482, S7030, S0554, S0994, S0998, S1004, S1074, S1076, S1266

Keywords: special districts, funding, financial assistance, rural community, state agency, economic development, artificial intelligence, personal data protection, consumer rights, chatbot, deceptive practices, government contracts, public records, consumer protection, data privacy, investigations, proprietary information, chatbots, Florida statutes, nonprofit

Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Tourism heard and advanced several bills focused on economic development, consumer protection, workforce issues, and technology. SB 1076 would raise Florida’s research and development tax credit cap from $9 million to $50 million beginning with the 2027 allocation, and it was reported favorably. SB 1266, as amended, creates a cybersecurity experiential internship and clearance-readiness program with Cyber Florida and was also reported favorably. SB 554, a Florida Bar-backed update to the not-for-profit corporations statute, was approved without opposition. SB 1004, aimed at protecting buyers of dogs and cats from deceptive sales practices and predatory financing at retail pet stores, received supportive testimony from animal welfare advocates and was reported favorably. SB 1074, which sets rounding rules for cash transactions if pennies are unavailable, also passed favorably. The committee also considered SB 998, the Department of Commerce package, which combines updates to the Small Cities CDBG program, clarification of rural community eligibility, an exemption from a reverter clause for military-related land conveyances, and revisions to E-Verify enforcement. The E-Verify portion drew the most debate, with questions about employer cure periods, treatment of current investigations, and whether the bill creates a loophole for independent contractors. Senator Smith opposed the bill, arguing it creates unequal enforcement between employers and immigrant workers, while Senator Wright supported the military-related provisions. SB 998 was reported favorably on a divided vote. SB 214, which expands the rural community definition to include special districts in rural counties, was reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 482, an artificial intelligence consumer-protection bill that creates an “AI bill of rights” covering companion chatbots, parental controls for minors, data privacy, de-identified data, unauthorized use of likeness, and enforcement by the Attorney General, with a limited private cause of action for minors. The bill drew extensive testimony both in support and in opposition, including concerns about privacy, age verification, and enforcement, but it was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved SPB 7030, a public-records exemption tied to Department of Legal Affairs investigations under the AI bill, and adjourned after members requested to be recorded on certain votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> VICE CHAIR SENATOR FINE >> HERE. >> SENATOR JONES.
• VICE CHAIR FINE. SENATOR MCCLAIN. >> YES. BY YOUR VOTE SB 20 IS REPORTED FAVORABLY.
• THE SAME THING IS BASICALLY THE 10 COMMANDMENTS, ANYTHING WITH RELIGION WOULD BE FINE. >> WOULD BE FINE
• SENATOR FINE, WITH ALL DUE RESPECT THIS IS NOT CHANGING NO ONE'S LIFE.
• LET'S GO. >> GOOD AFTERNOON CHAIRMAN MCCLAIN AND VICE CHAIRMAN FINE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all