Transcript Highlights:

• So I think that would be a great addition just to add the EIC in that section. That's all.
• The, the section of the code that we're, um, y'all are amending to put the dates forward.
• And then in the third thing is on section 6 page 4 starting on line 10 is about the central counting
• the 2024 presidential election, I also served as a candidate representative, observing much of the Section
• The Chair offers a committee substitute that removes the definition of force majeure from Section 2 of

Committee: House Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• You have CAs set aside in the statewide section 65 to allow the.
• The statewide section 65 allows the county or that entity to accomplish something. Right?
• I think there's a new section, and we have a few more section and we have a few more questions.
• tell, because we just got the actual substitute this morning as well, is that there are several new sections
• the bill that weren't in the original. the bill that weren't in the original bill because these sections

Bills: SB90 , SB255 , SB268

Committee: House Tourism

Keywords: Green County, racing, pari-mutuel wagering, gaming regulations, commission appointments, historical horse racing, local tax, mixed spirit beverages, alcohol regulation, licensing, excise tax, distribution agreements, retail sales, wholesalers, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a matter that would fall in the jurisdiction, I believe, of your responsibility in the civil section
• During her confirmation hearing, Attorney General Bondi and I had a conversation about FISA section 702
• One section one makes Congress the sole sovereign lawmaking authority within the federal government.
• Article one section seven makes that doubly clear by saying you cannot make a federal law without both
• I will aggressively enforce the False Claims Act and work with the outstanding folks in the fraud section

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Keywords: John Eisenberg, assistant attorney general, national security, China Initiative, Department of Justice, judicial authority, executive actions, nomination hearing

Summary: The committee meeting primarily involved discussions around key nominations and pressing legal issues pertaining to the Department of Justice. Notable discussions included the nomination of John Eisenberg for assistant attorney general for national security, where concerns over the revival of the China Initiative were raised. Senators expressed significant apprehensions regarding previous actions taken under this initiative and its implications for national security. Additionally, there were critiques of the broader implications of executive actions that challenge judicial authority, aligning with ongoing dialogues about the integrity of the judiciary and executive oversight.

Transcript Highlights:

• When we go to line 46, section 3, line 46 of your bill, it specifically line at 47.
• It says, upon petition by current land owners, I've been made to know that this section of the bill is
• In the first section, you notice that a notice has to be recorded in accordance with Section 378, and
• Representative Albert, this first section of the bill falls within Chapter 376.308 related to pollutant
• Water Quality Assurances Act of 1983 and specifically addresses a court decision that interpreted section

Summary: The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee met for its first meeting of session and heard four bills. HB 209, the State Parks Preservation Act, would limit development in state parks and require stronger public notice and participation for land management plan changes. Members discussed protections for cabins and existing lodging, and an amendment aligned the bill with the Senate and clarified conservation-based recreational uses. Support came from Audubon Florida, Nature Conservancy, and others, and the bill was reported favorably with committee substitute after a unanimous roll call. HB 143 would create a Florida Resilient Buildings Tax Credit for new construction and retrofits that meet LEED-based resiliency standards, with a new advisory committee under DBPR to help administer the program. An amendment moved the process under DBPR, added UCF and FIU to the advisory council, and made technical conforming changes. The bill drew supportive testimony from a Boca Raton city council member and was reported favorably with committee substitute, with one no vote. HB 295 would direct DEP to develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan based on its 2020 recycling report, including education, market development, and recommendations for statutory changes. Testimony emphasized that the plan would be voluntary and would not impose costs or mandates on homeowners or businesses. The bill passed without amendments and was reported favorably. HB 585 would let owners of former phosphate mining lands record notice and obtain a Department of Health radiation survey to support a narrow defense against strict liability claims; an amendment clarified the notice content and limited the definition to mined lands, not gyp stacks. The bill drew extensive questions about notice, radiation thresholds, disclosure to buyers, and liability scope, but supporters from Mosaic, the Florida Chamber, and a health physicist argued it would improve transparency and help redevelop lands. It was reported favorably with committee substitute, with one soft yes and one no vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to be deleting section five found on page five, line 15 through page seven, line four, and
• We're going to be deleting section five found on page five, line 15 through page seven, line four, and
• We're going to be deleting section five found on page five, line 15 through page seven, line four, and
• c><00:25:05.520><c> to</c><00:25:05.640><c> be</c><00:25:05.720><c> deleting</c><00:25:06.120><c> section
• </c><00:25:06.600><c> five</c> we're going to be deleting section five we're going to be deleting section

Committee: House Culture & Arts

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Culture and the Arts heard testimony on HB 547 HD1, which would create a spay-neuter special fund to reduce pet overpopulation and support spay/neuter services, funded in part through a tax return check-off and other sources. The Department of Taxation said it could implement the check-off; the Attorney General and Budget and Finance raised drafting and placement concerns about which department should house the fund; and the Hawaii Humane Society strongly supported the bill, emphasizing statewide need and the importance of distributing funds to areas of greatest need, including neighbor islands. The Tax Foundation opposed the measure on special-fund grounds, arguing there was no sufficient nexus between the bill’s purpose and the proposed revenue source. The committee later recommended HB 547 HD1 with technical amendments and sent it to Finance, with members voting aye and no objections noted. The committee also heard HB 925 HD1, relating to arts funding, which would impose a 1% fee on ticket sales from concerts at state venues and direct the proceeds to a dedicated arts fund. The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts supported the measure, while the Attorney General suggested defining “concerts” for clarity and Budget and Finance was available with comments. In discussion, the committee chair asked about how other states fund arts programs, and Director Ewald said many states use dedicated funding sources such as concert fees, bond funding, cultural trusts, and hotel lodging taxes. The committee recommended HB 925 HD1 with amendments, including a preamble, a new Performing Arts special fund, a definition of “concerts,” and a defective date, and the recommendation was adopted. Finally, the committee considered HB 1378, also related to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. Based on the Attorney General’s testimony, the committee proposed deleting a section of the bill, creating a Performing Arts special fund, specifying revenue sources such as legislative appropriations, foundation charges, grants, gifts, and interest, and using the fund for coordination, planning, promotion, marketing, and execution of performing arts events. The amendments also added a definition of Performing Arts, granting standards, and a defective date, while blanking out the appropriation amount for the committee report. The committee voted to adopt the recommendation on HB 1378 with amendments, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The merits of the bill are expressed very well in section one and in the written testimony you have received
• We're going to be removing section two.
• So the amendment will read: Chapter 8, Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to
• ><00:26:04.440><c> to</c><00:26:04.720><c> be</c><00:26:04.919><c> appropriately</c> adding a new section
• to be appropriately adding a new section to be appropriately designated<00:26:06.080><c> and</c><00:

Committee: House Culture & Arts

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several measures related to cultural recognition and arts policy. HB 531 would authorize special license plates recognizing the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, and HB 458 would designate Brother Joseph Dutton Day; both received support testimony, including from the Department of Accounting and General Services and the Joseph Dutton Guild, and both were advanced. HB 345 would establish ʻōpae ula as the state shrimp to help protect alkaline pool systems, with support from DLNR and multiple community and environmental groups, and it was also advanced. HB 194, relating to Maritime Day, received limited testimony and was moved forward with amendments to align the observance with National Maritime Day on May 22. The committee also heard HB 554, which originally would have established Lunar New Year as a state holiday. Testimony in support emphasized cultural recognition and community benefits, but the chair explained that creating a new state holiday would cost about $9 million, so the bill was amended to make Lunar New Year a day of recognition rather than a state holiday. The committee noted several supporters, including youth testimony, and advanced the measure with amendments. HB 957, relating to Lāʻau Day, similarly drew broad written support; the committee amended it to designate the first Friday of May rather than May 1 and advanced it. In each case, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations without opposition or reservations. The hearing concluded with HB 925, a short-form bill that would allow the state to levy a 1% tax on concert ticket sales to support arts access statewide; the committee recommended passing the bill with amendments and recommitting it for future public hearings, and that recommendation was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Page three, section G. Could you briefly kind of talk about...
• Actually, it's page... so this section is under charter school operating budgets.
• Does this section also apply to public schools? Mr.
• Chairman, Representative Baca, this section only dictates how charter schools generate funding in the
• This particular section is existing language. It's not new language for the bill.

Committee: House House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Section one of the implementation guidelines provides definitions.
• Section one of the 20 years.
• Section<00:05:53.360><c> two</c><00:05:53.680><c> provides</c><00:05:54.080><c> the</c><00:05:54.240>
• <c> critical</c> Section two provides the critical Section two provides the critical elements<00:05:55.120
• Lawrence and then our culture section Lawrence and then our culture section brings<00:50:22.800><c> trucks

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Tribal Relations

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:44.480><c> 171-53</c> of sections 171-53 of sections 171-53 and<00:10:47.279><c> 171-60.
• Um, Senator, I don't have that section.
• It's also not in the section of HRS 205A that pertains to the shoreline.
• It's in the section that pertains to the broader special management area.
• ><c> that</c><01:03:02.799><c> we're</c> the amended section that we're the amended section that we're

Bills: SB2982 , SB2367 , SB2818 , SB2944 , SB2022 , SB2240 , SB2986 , SB2547 , SB2401 , SB3031 , SB3035 , SB3032

Committee: Senate Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Keywords: foreign influence, campaign finance, contributions, state elections, transparency, election integrity, Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, Ala Wai Harbor, DLNR, BLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Board of Land and Natural Resources, state boating facility, small boat harbor, public-private partnership, PPP, marina management, harbor lease, fast lands, submerged lands

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 2982 on campaign finance, which would prohibit foreign entities and foreign-influence businesses from making contributions and expenditures. The Attorney General’s office testified first, followed by the Campaign Spending Commission, which supported the bill but asked for clarification on constitutional review authority and additional implementation time for certifications, forms, and procedures. Common Cause also supported the measure, arguing it would help protect elections from dark money and foreign influence. No vote was taken. The committee then took up SB 2367 on a state boating facilities lease program for the Ala Wai small boat harbor. DLNR supported the bill, while UPW opposed it, warning about privatization of a public asset and possible job displacement. Several members of the public supported the concept but urged amendments to protect public access, affordability, youth ocean programs, and state employee jobs. Committee members questioned DLNR about the scope of the lease, the role of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and whether public access and existing concessions would remain protected. DLNR said current leases would remain, the board would retain approval authority, and employees would not necessarily be displaced, but members indicated more discussion and possible amendments were needed. For SB 2818 on boating penalties, DLNR testified in support and there was no opposition testimony. The committee also heard SB 2944 on conservation, which would require wildlife viewing guidelines that substantially conform to NOAA guidance and reporting requirements; DLNR said it stood on its written testimony. SB 2022 on water code penalties drew support from DLNR’s Commission on Water Resource Management, which said the bill’s two-tiered penalty structure would preserve deterrence while keeping the current $5,000 penalty for first-time or non-harmful violations. The Board of Water Supply submitted comments, and Ulupono Initiative supported the measure as a needed enforcement tool. Committee members discussed whether the higher penalty ceiling should be phased in and asked for stakeholder input on the amount of the penalties. Finally, the committee began SB 2240 on land use, which would require water availability certification from the Commission on Water Resource Management before a district boundary amendment proceeds to the Land Use Commission. DLNR supported the bill and said it often reviews project documents that lack sufficient information on water needs and availability, so the measure would allow earlier review and comment. The committee also indicated it would seek amendments and further feedback on the water penalty bill before it moved to the next committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's no section for an appropriation, so I don't know if it's just establish the special fund and
• There's this section here.
• Then Hawaii Food Policy Plus made one recommendation to update section 148 under collaboration.
• </c> the language in the Preamble in section the language in the Preamble in section one<01:53:04.000
• </c> recommendation to CH uh update section recommendation to CH uh update section 148<01:54:33.840><

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Article 7, Section 9 of the Hawaii Constitution gives the power of the purse to the House, so, you know
• The section is 14-10.1, Territorial Monuments; reservation of land; relinquishment of private claims.
• The section is 14-10.1, Territorial Monuments; reservation of land; relinquishment of private claims.
• The section is 14-10.1, Territorial Monuments; reservation of land; relinquishment of private claims.
• you know they made a very section you know they made a very passionate<01:43:02.360><c> plea</c><01:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 707, which would create a state income tax deduction for contributions to Hawaii 529 college savings accounts and conform state law to federal changes allowing 529 funds to be used for K-12 expenses. The Department of Taxation said it could administer the bill as written. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the measure but asked that ABLE accounts be included and that the program title be changed; the Department of Taxation indicated the title issue could be a problem because the bill’s expanded purpose may not fit the current program name. No vote was taken. The committee then heard House Bill 617, which would fund a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges. UH Community Colleges supported the bill, and Maui nursing staff testified that faculty recruitment is challenging but manageable, clinical placements are available, and the campus already has a statewide RN-to-BSN pathway; they said the new program would create two tracks, including a four-year BSN option. Members also heard support from several organizations, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, nursing groups, and health care associations. No action was taken. Next were several UH-related measures. HB 718 would fund faculty and staff positions at the John A. Burns School of Medicine; the dean and other supporters testified in favor. HB 1279 would create a medical education liaison position tied to Project ECHO; the Attorney General raised constitutional concerns about statewide concern and grant standards, while an individual witness supported the concept but suggested the bill should focus on liaison/support functions rather than program administration. HB 1169 would consolidate conference center revolving funds, and HB 1168 would authorize up to $800 million in UH revenue bonds; UH’s CFO said both were procedural/housekeeping measures and supported them. On HB 1168, members questioned debt service, possible uses, and whether deferred maintenance would be included; the CFO estimated annual debt service could be about $33 million to $41 million at current rates, said likely uses could include student housing and research facilities, and said deferred maintenance was not the current strategy. The CFO also explained that revenue bonds require both legislative authorization and a Board of Regents resolution approving the project and amount. Finally, the committee heard HB 548, which would authorize revenue bonds and appropriations to acquire the St. Francis School campus for UH Mānoa. UH supported the bill but noted the property is privately owned and not known to be for sale. A supporter described the site as a unique 11-acre parcel contiguous to the main campus and urged the committee to seize the opportunity for future generations. No vote or final action was taken on the bills in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• so if you look at in terms of C-section so if you look at those<01:38:42.840><c> outcomes</c><01:38:
• 7 of the Haw state article 12 section 7 of the Haw state constitution<01:41:49.760><c> practice</c><
• D of both sections to give the department more flexibility to implement those requirements.
• I'd like to add a purpose section at the very top of the bill.
• we will delete we'll delete sections we will delete sections<03:03:43.920><c> on</c><03:03:44.439><c

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House Committee on Health and Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard two midwifery bills, with testimony focused primarily on HB 1194. Committee chairs opened the hearing with rules for Zoom testimony and noted the bills relate to midwives. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs said it supported the intent of HB 1194 and offered comments. Supporters of the bill, including the Midwives Alliance of Hawaii, argued that midwifery should remain subject to mandatory licensure to protect consumer safety, citing the state’s regulatory licensing standards and a 2025 state auditor sunset analysis. They said the bill would strengthen educational standards and public protection, and some offered clarifying amendments. Opponents argued HB 1194 would restrict access to care and fail to protect traditional, cultural, and community-based birth practices. Testifiers from the Hawaii Home Birth Task Force, the Hawaii Home Birth Collective, the Libertarian Party of Hawaii, the Center for Reproductive Rights, Pacific Birth Collective, and Papa Ola Lōkahi said the bill would limit licensure pathways, reduce access in rural and underserved areas, and burden Native Hawaiian and traditional practitioners. Several speakers said the measure could worsen Hawaii’s maternal health shortages, especially on Maui, and urged lawmakers to defer HB 1194 or instead advance HB 1328, which they said better protects practitioner access and cultural practices. The Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives said it opposed HB 1194 because it did not align with national or state standards for certified midwives and could create conflicts with Medicaid reimbursement and prescriptive authority. The ACLU also opposed the measure, emphasizing reproductive rights, privacy, and the need to preserve apprenticeship pathways to licensure. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I was more taken aback by what the act had to state, particularly in Section 9.
• Section 9 of the act speaks to the minimum flow to be released from Monponset and Furnace Pond after
• And while this particular section does not mention the pond, it's critical that... Thank you, Mr.
• This argument is bolstered by language in section nine of the act, which allows cities and towns with
• sponsored by Representative Beals, an act dedicating certain park and field space in the South Boston section

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources opened its first hearing with introductory remarks, instructions on three-minute testimony limits, and notice that written testimony would be accepted. The committee then heard testimony on several local bills, beginning with H. 984, which would change water management for Silver Lake, Furnace Pond, Monponset Pond, and the Jones River system. Supporters said the 1964 water arrangement has harmed water levels, water quality, and habitat, and argued the bill would add needed environmental oversight without cutting Brockton off from water. Testimony emphasized impacts on alewife, freshwater mussels, drought conditions, and the need for more balanced management; no vote was taken during the hearing. The committee also heard H. 1069, a proposal to raise the parking surcharge at Douglas State Forest from $1 to $5 to help Douglas cover emergency response costs at the DCR park. Supporters said the town bears the burden for rescues, brush fires, and other incidents and has used the current surcharge for equipment like drones and ATVs. Another bill, H. 994, would let Orleans regulate fertilizer use locally; the town argued that nutrient pollution has worsened water quality in Cape Cod ponds and coastal waters, while opponents from the lawn care and landscape industries said Massachusetts already has a strong statewide nutrient-management system and warned against a patchwork of local rules. The committee also took testimony on H. 1073 concerning wastewater treatment and disposal options at Joint Base Cape Cod for the town of Sandwich. Supporters said the base could help meet Sandwich’s immediate and long-term wastewater needs and that the region has already invested in planning. In addition, Senator Driscoll testified in support of S. 575, to add transparency to the Blue Hills Reservation Trust Fund, and S. 574, to establish memorial markers honoring law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. He also supported related park-naming legislation, including a bill to rename Farragut Park and dedicate athletic fields there. Finally, a marine trades representative supported a bill to expand pleasure boat access to Boston Harbor, arguing that boating supports the local economy and that boaters are strong environmental stewards. The hearing concluded after all registered testimony was heard, with no committee action reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• Reading, to whom was referred the engrossed bill relative to vital statistics, see House No. 4249, in section
• The question is: Shall this section stand, notwithstanding the actions of Her Excellency the Governor
• Therefore, the section stands notwithstanding the actions of Her Excellency, the Governor.
• Shall this section stand notwithstanding the actions of Her Excellency the Governor?
• Those in favor of the section will vote yes. Those in favor of the Governor's veto will vote no.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first took up several procedural orders extending reporting deadlines for the Committees on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity; Health Care Financing; and Public Health. All three orders were adopted after suspension of the rules. The chamber also concurred in Senate petitions referred under Joint Rule 12, including proposals on cosmetology license reciprocity, judicial and clerical matters, retirement pension notarizations, and automated curb enforcement. The House then suspended Joint Rule 12 for additional petitions on Medicaid coverage for autism treatment and assistive technologies and on a gubernatorial proclamation for Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day. The House passed to be enacted two local bills: House 2320, establishing an appointed treasurer-collector in Berkeley, and House 4136, further regulating stabilization funds in Leicester. It also ordered several bills to a third reading, including measures on employment discrimination based on legal cannabis use, the role of the governor’s council on the ballot, absentee voting, ballot uniformity and election ballots, changing Chicopee’s mayoral term from two years to four, and regulating employer use of credit reports. Later, the House accepted and adopted a gubernatorial amendment to the FY2026 appropriations bill related to vital statistics. The bulk of the session focused on FY2026 budget veto overrides. The House considered and approved multiple Ways and Means recommendations to let appropriations stand notwithstanding the Governor’s vetoes, including items for administrative staff in the trial courts, state parks and recreation, nursing facility rate add-ons, community services for the blind, substance addiction services, early intervention services, Korea Technical Institutes, the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, shelter workforce assistance, housing services and counseling, regional economic development grants, charter school reimbursement, and the Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine program. Roll call votes on these items generally passed by wide margins. The House also observed moments of silence for Bolton Police Chief Amos Luke Hamburger and former Senator Edward J. Kennedy Jr., and then adopted an order to adjourn to meet the next day at 11 a.m. before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if we start on Amendment 3, Section 1361, after the...
• Section 1361, after deleting all the language, it removes the provisions that abolish the state plumbing
• If we go to page 2, line 21, Section 1368, issuance of journeymen, that's where we...
• Section 1368, issuance of journeymen, that's where we get into the hours, and it replaces the residential
• Under Section 1377 definitions, it removes the definition of residential limited plumber and amends the

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee met on May 6, 2026, with five members present and approved the prior meeting minutes. The committee first heard HB 750, a “click-to-cancel” consumer protection bill requiring subscription cancellations to be as easy as sign-up and to be available through the same method used to subscribe. An amendment was adopted, testimony included support from labor and consumer advocates and opposition from some business groups, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then took up SB 414, which was narrowed to cap interest on medical debt at 3%. After reconsidering and replacing prior amendments, the committee adopted the new amendment set and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 799, concerning inspection licensing for elevators, escalators, and boilers, was presented by the State Fire Marshal and reported favorably with little discussion. The longest discussion centered on HB 953, a major plumbing workforce and licensing reform bill. The bill was amended substantially: the original proposal to move plumbing oversight to the Contractors Board was removed, the plumbing board remained in place, apprenticeship and journeyman/master plumber hour requirements were revised, penalties and reporting requirements were added, and language was included to support workforce development and reentry training. The committee heard both support and opposition, including clarification from the State Plumbing Board that it already has an appeals process through the courts, and HB 953 was reported favorably as amended. Finally, HB 220, the “PROTECT Act,” was heard to require covered online platforms to maintain a clear and usable mechanism for reporting child sexual abuse material and exploitation. An amendment was adopted to account for platforms that require registration to access content, testimony was supportive, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 952 was deferred, and HB 827, a related plumbing workforce bill, was amended to align more closely with HB 953 but then failed a motion to defer by roll call vote, allowing it to remain pending. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's on the bottom of page one into the first section of page two.
• It's on the bottom of page one into the first section of page two. Any additional discussion?
• The sub says it’s section 537.1250, like sub letter B, right? Yes. Okay, that’s it. That’s it.
• in drafting, We had a situation where, I think, in drafting, there wasn't the complete number of sections
• If you remove the limiting language under Section 351, has people thought it through on higher pay grades

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that we can get everybody that has an interest in any given topic, but we want to identify a cross-section
• that we can get everybody that has an interest in any given topic but we want to identify a cross-section
• are the recommendations in Idaho Code: simply shifting the Soil and Water Conservation Commission section
• these are the recommendations in Idaho Code, simply shifting the Soilwater Conservation Commission section
• The other bill is House Bill 503, which amends Idaho Code 22-27-18, Section 1, to change that formal

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment is technical and simply moves the audit language to the appropriate section of statute
• This amendment is technical and simply moves the audit language to the appropriate section of statute
• It does move it to the right section of statute. Additional questions?
• Yes. to the right section of statute? Additional questions? Seeing none? No public testimony?
• This bill also adds cybersecurity event exemptions for money service businesses and renumbers some sections

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard and reported favorably several bills. CS/SB 800 would increase penalties for repeated unlicensed engineering practice and create an engineering student loan assistance program funded by licensure fees and fines; Senator Sharif asked about restitution for victims, and the sponsor said the bill does not create a reimbursement mechanism. CS/SB 576 would create a local government cybersecurity protection program administered by Florida Digital Service, with state purchasing support, grant access, and data-sharing requirements; local government and cybersecurity groups waived in support. CS/SB 1078 would establish transition procedures between gubernatorial administrations, including liaisons, briefing books, office space, IT access, and access to agency records under a signed confidentiality agreement. The committee also reported favorably CS/SB 314 on payment stablecoin issuers, CS/SB 530 updating lottery operations and security rules, CS/SB 1614 giving JAC/LAC-related audit findings more enforcement effect for local governments seeking state funds, SB 990 authorizing protective cell captive insurance companies, SB 1588 beginning implementation of the prior gold-and-silver legal tender law, CS/SB 1440 adding cybersecurity-related exemptions and reporting provisions for financial institutions, and CS/SB 1568 creating a stablecoin pilot program for DFS fee payments. Several bills had support testimony from state agencies and industry groups, and some included technical or guardrail amendments that were adopted without objection. The committee also received a budget overview highlighting major funding items, including more than $350 million for Florida Forever, $738 million for Everglades restoration, more than $500 million for water quality projects outside the Everglades, $60 million for Farmers Feeding Florida, and more than $250 million for citrus recovery. Members asked questions about school lunch funding, state park improvements, land acquisition, water quality funding, gaming enforcement offices, and staffing for PERC. After the bills and budget discussion, members recorded a few affirmative votes on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 1, subsections A and G shall not apply.
• Section 1, subsections A and G shall not apply.
• Last line: Subsection 5, 2020, chapter 152, section 11, uncodified.
• And the changes that are made to match other sections of the law should have been made in the reverse
• Committed as defined in this section. There are no amendments.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, offered the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer, approved the prior day’s minutes, recognized visitors from the Colville Tribal Business Council, and then caucused briefly before taking up bills. The chamber also received a Senate message announcing passage of Substitute Senate Bill 5000. Members advanced and passed several bills. House Bill 1269, raising pawnbroker interest rates and fees modestly, passed 83-14 after supporters said it would help small businesses serving unbanked customers and maintain operations amid inflation. Substitute House Bill 2123, changing foreign national campaign contribution reporting rules, passed 68-29 amid debate over whether it appropriately reduced burdens on candidate campaigns while still protecting initiative campaigns. Substitute House Bill 2178, a technical court-rules and procedure cleanup bill, passed 89-8; House Bill 2120, which removes two duplicative JLARC reports to free staff for higher-value audits, passed unanimously 97-0; House Bill 2309, eliminating postgraduate degree requirements for certain state jobs to reduce employment barriers, passed 97-0; and Substitute House Bill 2158, allowing electronic remote notarization of physical documents, passed 96-0. The House also passed Substitute House Bill 2411, expanding shared leave eligibility to include absences related to hate crimes and immigration enforcement actions, by a vote of 60-36 after supporters framed it as support for public employees and opponents raised cost and policy concerns. House Joint Memorial 4004, a nonbinding request to Congress concerning sea lion management to protect salmon and treaty fishing rights, passed 80-16 after debate focused on salmon restoration and tribal rights. Finally, Substitute House Joint Memorial 4001, honoring Russell Blount by naming the future East 34th Street overpass over I-5, passed 96-0. The House then adjourned until the next scheduled session.

Transcript Highlights:

• With respect to the provisions in Section 1, with respect to the Public Advocates Office's authority,
• The amendments delete the new Section 748.4.
• Section 2, the bill is consistent again with the bill that we just passed last year.
• Section 2, the bill is consistent again with the bill that we just passed last year, replaced the proposed
• amendments to newly chaptered Public Utilities Code Section 748.3 from AB 1167, to explicitly include

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Keywords: 987, senate, all