Video & Transcript : 'retiree support' :
Page 264 of 500
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- :12.400><c> File</c><00:05:12.919><c> 3229</c> today to support Senate File 3229 today to support Senate
- We need a union to support our drivers. Please vote yes.
- The Minnesota AFL supports 3229.
- Again, the Minnesota AFL supports 3229.
- </c> AFL supports 3229. Thank you. AFL supports 3229. Thank you.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We heard some folks who supported the bill.
- Send a message of support to a signature industry of Florida.
- So, unfortunately, no, I cannot support this effort. I cannot support decoupling.
- Wave in support. Any further public testimony?
- Up next, we have Jess McCarthy with Miami-Dade, waving in support.
Summary:
The Commerce Committee held its first meeting, took roll, established a quorum, and heard opening remarks from the chair, vice chair, and ranking member emphasizing the committee’s broad scope and focus on Florida’s economy and daily-life issues. The committee then considered several bills, with members and staff noting the agenda included four bills and a PCS.
The first measures dealt with insurance and consumer regulation. CS/HB 367 on home and service warranty associations was explained as allowing financial requirements to be met through one or more contractual liability policies and reducing certain filing requirements; an amendment adding requirements for liability insurance coverage was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. HB 655 on pet insurance and wellness programs created a regulatory framework for pet insurance and also passed favorably. HB 6015, which deleted the word “reusable” from the wine keg statute, had brief support testimony and passed favorably.
The committee spent the most time on CS/HB 105, a strike-all PCS on thoroughbred permit holders and decoupling racing from gaming. The sponsor said the revised bill would decouple racing and gaming while adding protections for the thoroughbred industry, including a notice period before racing could stop, permit transferability, and changes to how breeders’ and owners’ funds are administered. Supporters argued the bill would preserve and strengthen the industry through clearer rules and more direct support, while opponents—horsemen, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and related businesses—warned it would harm a major rural industry, threaten jobs, and favor casino interests. After extensive debate, the strike-all was adopted and the bill was reported favorably on a divided vote.
Finally, HB 11 on municipal water and sewer utility rates was presented as correcting an unintended consequence in surcharge law for utilities owned by one municipality but located in another. Testimony focused on the fairness of the current surcharge structure and the impact on Miami Gardens and North Miami Beach. After debate about negotiation, parity, and local impacts, the bill passed favorably. The committee then adjourned after its first meeting.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Molly Colton with Sierra Club California in support. Thank you.
- Molly Colton with Sierra Club California in support. Thank you.
- And I am not supportive of more public lands when it comes to that.
- I am not supportive of, in addition, and for a couple reasons why.
- No, support? Okay, so we'll take public comment in support, seeing no witnesses in opposition.
Summary:
The committee heard several water, parks, and wildlife bills. AB 764 would expand the list of exotic non-game birds that can be managed in California to better control mute swan populations; the author and California Waterfowl said swans are invasive, aggressive, and rapidly increasing, while no opposition testified. The bill passed to Appropriations. AB 616 would make the State Library Parks Pass program permanent by allowing state parks to transfer annual day-use passes to the State Library free of charge; supporters said it improves equitable access to parks, especially for low-income families, and the bill passed unanimously to Appropriations.
AB 293 would require groundwater sustainability agencies to post board membership and a link to Form 700 filings online. Supporters, including the Community Alliance with Family Farmers, argued it would improve transparency and public trust, while opponents said the requirement was redundant and could discourage service on GSA boards. The bill passed, but with some no votes. AB 639 would narrow the definition of dams so certain weirs used for irrigation would not be subject to dam regulations; the author and technical witnesses said the structures pose no safety risk and are already closely managed, while members urged the bill be narrowed further to the Kings River area. It passed as amended to Appropriations.
AB 679 would streamline land transfers for Big Basin Redwoods, Año Nuevo, and Butano State Parks by exempting those acquisitions from the Public Works Board process. Supporters said it would speed conservation and park rebuilding after the CZU fire, while one member opposed it over cost and broader state land-management concerns; it passed as amended. AB 454 would remove the sunset on the California Migratory Bird Protection Act, making state protections for migratory birds permanent after federal rollback concerns; it passed as amended to Appropriations. The committee also adopted its 2025-26 rules and approved the consent calendar, and the meeting adjourned after add-on votes were taken for absent members.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:19:00.640><c> house</c><00:19:00.919><c> file</c> supports house file supports house file 1312<00
- </c> of the administration's strong support of the administration's strong support for<00:21:13.840><
- c> Senate</c> Max support strong support for Senate Max support strong support for Senate file file file
- So again, we support Senate File 1312. We urge your support.
- </c> support at a time when Federal support support at a time when Federal support and<01:16:28.080><
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Thu Feb 12, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- We stand in strong support of HB 1660 HD1. stand in strong support of HB 1660 HD1. stand in strong support
- </c> Rehabilitation in support. Rehabilitation in support.
- </c> support of HB 1563. support of HB 1563.
- </c> support of House Bill 1563. support of House Bill 1563.
- OPSD in support. Thank you. Thank you. OPSD in support.
Keywords:
cosmetics, returns, refunds, consumer protection, high-pressure sales, transparency, accountability, HB1660, Hawaii, county labor standards, counties, contractors, building permits, permit denial, permit suspension, permit revocation, wage theft, wages, benefits, hours
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 2614, which would require merchants selling cosmetics to accept returns of newer unopened goods within specified time frames and expand signage requirements for return and refund policies. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection strongly supported the bill, citing updated figures of 180 cosmetic complaints from 2020 to 2025, 54 still under investigation, 148 referred to class action litigation, and more than $1.3 million in consumer losses. Members questioned whether the bill was needed given the pending lawsuit and whether bad actors would comply, while the office responded that clearer signage would improve consumer awareness and could reduce complaints without limiting other remedies. No vote was taken.
The committee then heard HB 1660 HD1, which would allow counties to require contractors to disclose wage, benefit, hour, and employment-status information and to deny, revoke, or suspend permits for certain labor-law violations. DLIR, the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters, Operating Engineers Local 3, and Pacific Resource Partnership testified in support, arguing the measure would help deter cheating contractors, protect law-abiding employers, and keep bad actors from undercutting wages and taxes. One member raised concerns about possible delays to affordable housing projects and whether owners should be held responsible for contractors’ misconduct; supporters replied that compliance is a minimum standard, that county action would be discretionary rather than automatic, and that the bill would not bar counties from working with affordable housing developers. No action was reported.
Finally, the committee took up HB 1704, adopting the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact to allow telepsychology and temporary in-person practice across state lines. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the State Health Planning and Development Agency, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans supported the measure, saying it would help fill major staffing gaps, especially for forensic evaluations and services in rural and neighbor-island communities. The Board of Psychology raised concerns about the compact’s scope, the need for a study focused specifically on psychologists, background-check requirements, possible loss of regulatory authority and revenue, and the need to update older statutory provisions. Hawaii Association for Justice opposed the immunity language in the compact, and Shawn Scanlon opposed the bill, arguing it could weaken cultural responsiveness and local control and suggesting the state instead improve temporary licensing and other in-state pathways. The committee also questioned the Department of Corrections about its vacancies and whether telehealth could be filled by local providers; no vote was taken in the excerpt.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Jun 29th, 2026
Budget and Fiscal Review
Transcript Highlights:
- So I want to support that.
- We support AB 181 and the investments in We support AB 181 and the investments in early education and
- Second, we are in strong support. We are in strong support of AB-181.
- This will help support our most vulnerable communities while also supporting our farmers.
- So really appreciate that support.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on California's Mental Health Crisis Dec 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Another pillar is sustainable funding, to continue to support a robust crisis system.
- The remaining are supported by community-based organizations.
- That's how they've supported themselves. They're their comfort.
- By the late 1980s, more than 100 volunteers were supporting our mission.
- Grants will focus on outreach, not operational support.
Summary:
The hearing focused on California’s 988 suicide and crisis lifeline and the broader crisis response system, with members and witnesses emphasizing both the system’s life-saving role and the risks posed by funding gaps, rising demand, and uneven local implementation. Opening remarks highlighted the personal impact of suicide and the need to strengthen crisis response so calls are answered quickly and linked to appropriate care rather than defaulting to 911, emergency rooms, or law enforcement. State officials described the AB 988 five-year implementation plan, which sets goals around public awareness, equitable access, high-quality call/chat/text response, and better integration with ongoing behavioral health services.
State agencies reported progress on infrastructure, coordination, and related behavioral health investments. CalHHS said California has expanded mobile crisis teams, crisis stabilization units, and youth behavioral health supports, and is preparing additional public awareness and grant programs tied to Proposition 1. DHCS explained that 988 is funded through a federal SAMHSA grant and the AB 988 surcharge, while Medi-Cal separately funds mobile crisis services; officials said the mobile crisis benefit is active in 53 counties and that statewide expansion remains a work in progress. Cal OES described the statewide technical buildout, including network infrastructure in all 11 crisis centers, interoperability with 911, and a pilot of next-generation routing and call-handling tools. The 988 California Consortium said call volume continues to rise sharply, missed calls remain a major concern, text/chat capacity is limited, and centers need more stable funding, better reimbursement, and stronger feedback loops with the state.
County and community witnesses stressed that local systems need more flexible, sustained support to match the demand. Lake County described a peer-led rural mobile crisis model that has reduced law enforcement holds and increased housing placements, but said county-run mobile crisis teams still cannot reliably access 988 surcharge dollars and face reimbursement problems from Medi-Cal and commercial plans. Santa Clara County reported strong performance metrics, rapid call answer times, and a broad continuum of mobile crisis services, but said staffing and funding are strained and commercial reimbursement remains slow. The Mental Health Association of San Francisco said the peer-run warm line complements 988 by offering non-emergency support and warm handoffs, but recent budget changes forced cuts to Spanish-language service, federation support, and hours. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the hearing; members mainly asked questions about surcharge levels, budget timing, coordination among agencies, data collection, and how to improve collaboration with frontline crisis centers.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We have Timothy Kitchen waving in support.
- , waving in support.
- We have, I think, Rich Meadows, FCCFA, waving in support. Thank you. FCCFA waving in support.
- Matthew Van Name waving in support. Matthew Van Name waving in support. Any debate on the bill?
- So thank you for your support. Thank you.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/03/2026 - Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- So we support the bill.
- I respectfully ask for your support on this bill.
- I respectfully ask for your support on this bill.
- There are many comments that are in support.
- So I'm happy to support this bill.
Bills:
SB1001, SB1035, SB1056, SB1065, SB1138, SB1161, SB1204, SB1207, SB1248, SB1274, SB1284, SCM1002, SCM1006, SCR1020
Keywords:
appropriation, economic security, blind individuals, older adults, state funding, Arizona Department of Corrections, ADC, corrections, prison, jail, correctional officers, prison guards, staffing, retention, salary increase, pay raise, wage increase, general fund, state budget, private prisons
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Many different states have a similar support system in place.
- By supporting shared recruitment efforts, compliance assistance, and technical support, and helping offset
- By supporting shared recruitment efforts, compliance, assistance, and technical support and helping offset
- Realistically, this bill would support us.
- I represent our statewide membership in support of Senate Bill 1317.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- So we offer something called supported employment to support them in that.
- So making sure they have additional supports as needed.
- This also supports extended foster care youth.
- age 26, those young adults who still need support, and so contracts that we have in supporting them.
- Contracts that we have in supporting them.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- And with that, we urge you to support this bill. Thank you.
- And with us, we urge you to support this bill. Thank you.
- And we urge your support.
- And we urge your support.
- urges your support.
Keywords:
medical malpractice, malpractice reform, patient's compensation fund, PCF, health care liability, tort reform, damage caps, punitive damages, hospital liability, physician liability, nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, outpatient facility, ambulatory surgical center, urgent care, free-standing emergency room, insurance surcharge, superintendent of insurance, New Mexico hospitals, medical review process
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 38, which would require insurance coverage for specialized wheelchairs, activity chairs, and related mobility devices for people with limb loss or other disabilities, with guardrails limiting the number of covered devices over time. The sponsor and supporters, including the Office of Superintendent of Insurance, Disability Rights New Mexico, the Disability Coalition, physical therapists, and disability advocates, said the bill would improve access, inclusion, and physical activity without significant premium impact. Questions focused on the substitute language, the device limits, and how Medicaid would handle coverage separately. The committee ultimately passed the House Health and Human Services Committee substitute for HB 38 on a 10-0 vote.
The committee then approved House Bill 165, which expands the C-PACE financing program to businesses using industrial revenue bonds and clarifies that counties and municipalities are not liable for payments. Support came from economic development and business groups, who said the bill would remove a barrier to energy- and water-efficiency upgrades and encourage investment. The bill passed on a 10-0 vote.
House Bill 127 also passed unanimously after discussion of its three parts: a provisional licensure pathway for internationally trained physicians, a telehealth registry for out-of-state providers, and changes to expedited licensure. Supporters said it would help address provider shortages, especially in rural and underserved areas, while the sponsor explained that the amended version includes safeguards such as exam requirements, supervised practice, and a provisional-to-restricted-to-full licensure path. The committee voted 11-0 to advance the bill.
House Bill 72, which would increase penalties for distributing certain controlled substances, including methamphetamine, to minors, drew strong support from law enforcement and the chamber of commerce but significant concern from the Public Defender and several members over strict liability, mandatory sentencing, and the breadth of the penalty. After debate over whether the bill could reach low-level or peer-to-peer conduct and whether the penalty was proportionate, the committee voted to table the bill by a 6-4 vote. The committee then took up House Bill 151, a revised childhood sexual abuse statute of limitations bill. The sponsor presented a committee substitute that changed commission appointments, added reporting and solvency-related provisions, and adjusted procedures for compensation and appeals. Members raised concerns about parity, definitions, administrative costs, and how awards would be determined, but the committee approved the committee substitute on a 7-0 vote.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Jan 16th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- I urge the committee's support. Thank you.
- I'm here today in strong support of House Bill 2351.
- I'm also here in strong support of House Bill 2351.
- We support the underlying goal.
- We support the underlying goal.
Keywords:
economic development, federal funds, state funding, infrastructure, grants, local government, emergency responders, emergency response, disaster response, obstruction of law enforcement, gross misdemeanor, public safety, incident command system, emergency operation zone, emergency management, law enforcement restrictions, warrant requirement, search and seizure, civil liberties, due process
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Mar 17th, 2025
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So when I have to go to a mission that's supporting someone else's borders, that is supporting someone
- Uh, we are in strong support in such strong support for this bill that it's actually part of our platform
- Um, I support this bill and if I could briefly say why my wife Lisa also supports this bill.
- Um, it supports the Constitution.
- It supports our sovereignty federally, I think, by being supportive of the rule of law, but especially
Keywords:
public school finance, property values, homestead exemptions, funding allocation, education policy, HB227, kratom, Mitragyna speciosa, kratom products, kratom processor, kratom retailer, controlled substances, Texas Controlled Substances Act, Health and Safety Code, Penalty Group 1, tianeptine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, mitragynine, synthetic kratom, kratom alkaloids
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PSM, PSM DEFER Public Hearings 02-12-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> I'm a pro uh Second Amendment supporter I'm a pro uh Second Amendment supporter and<00:05:44.039
- Randy Pereira, testifying for Hawaii State AFL-CIO and support. Michael Guch Jr., in support.
- Randy Pereira, testifying for Hawaii State AFL-CIO and support. Michael Guch Jr., in support.
- Randy Pereira, testifying for Hawaii State AFL-CIO and support. Michael Guch Jr., in support.
- The DLE stands in strong support.
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 547 on water conservation, a deferred agenda item that had already been considered by the other joint committees and received no public testimony. The chair recommended adopting Department of Taxation and Department of Health amendments, passing the bill, and adding a defective date of July 1, 2050. The committee voted to adopt the recommendation; the vice chair voted yes, two senators were excused, and the recommendation was adopted.
The main hearing focused on SB 1030, which would define election fraud intimidation to include carrying any firearm or weapon at or near a voter service center, place of deposit, or polling place. Testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers arguing the bill duplicated existing sensitive-places law, raised Second Amendment concerns, and could create confusion for lawful concealed carry holders using ballot drop boxes. A smaller number of supporters, including gun violence prevention advocates and labor representatives, argued the measure would improve voter safety. The committee heard more than 1,560 total testimonies for the hearing overall, and for SB 1030 staff noted over 10 in support and over 80 in opposition; no vote on SB 1030 was taken in the portion provided.
The committee then heard SB 38, which would extend Hawaii’s ban on high-capacity magazines from pistols to any firearm with a detachable magazine over 10 rounds. Supporters, including the Department of Law Enforcement, Moms Demand Action, Everytown, Brady, and other gun violence prevention advocates, said the bill would close a loophole, improve consistency in the law, and reduce the harm caused by mass shootings. Opponents, including gun owners, veterans, and Second Amendment advocates, argued the bill would criminalize lawful owners, be difficult to enforce, and would not reduce crime. The committee reported receiving over 40 testimonies in support and over 400 in opposition.
Finally, the committee began SB 401, which would add rifles capable of firing .50 caliber or higher ammunition to the list of prohibited weapons, excluding antiques and muzzle loaders. HPD and Everytown testified in support, describing the weapons as military-grade and dangerous, while Jerry Yuan and others opposed the bill, saying it was overbroad and would sweep in firearms and ammunition types that are not used in crime. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 401, before any committee action or vote on that measure.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Mar 25, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So we support this bill.
- testified in support of the bill.
- testified in support of the bill.
- testified in support of the bill.
- testified in support of the bill.
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard Senate Bill 1322, SD2, HD1, a comprehensive measure revising Hawaii’s mental health code. The bill would clarify emergency transportation, examination, and hospitalization procedures for people who may be mentally ill or suffering from substance abuse and deemed imminently dangerous, expand notice requirements, allow certain information-sharing for assisted community treatment petitions, and add liability protections for emergency responders and providers. The Department of the Attorney General supported the bill as a collaborative update to the law, while the Department of Health asked for a copy of provider-generated emergency transport documentation within five days for data and planning purposes.
Testimony was sharply divided. Queen’s Health System, Hawaiʻi Pacific Health, HHSC, and the Institute for Human Services supported the measure or parts of it but requested amendments, including clarifying whether a second psychiatric exam is required, restoring a 72-hour rather than 48-hour stabilization window, and adjusting where patients are taken when an MEO cannot be reached. The ACLU of Hawaiʻi strongly opposed the bill, arguing it weakens due process and civil liberties, especially around involuntary commitment, assisted community treatment, emergency transport by police, and reduced procedural safeguards; it urged the committee to hold the bill and consider an interim working group. Louie E.K. of the Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center also opposed the bill, focusing on immunity from negligence, the use of police for transport, and the reduction of a three-provider review to one in state-hospital treatment orders.
Other testimony included support from an individual who said the bill could improve mental health care delivery amid provider shortages, and a comment from Hawaiʻi Health and Harm Reduction Center warning that the substance use portion of the bill lacks evidence of effectiveness and could be misused. In response to committee questions, the Attorney General’s office said the measure was developed with input from multiple stakeholders, including state agencies, hospitals, the ACLU, HHSC, and IHS, and that it aims to make assisted community treatment more accessible and effective by streamlining the legal process and improving consequences for noncompliance. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> much for your time and support. much for your time and support.
- In support.
- We're supporting all support this bill.
- </c> support from the governor. support from the governor.
- </c> University of Hawaii in support. University of Hawaii in support.
Keywords:
accessible parking, disability, kupuna, public accommodations, small business exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, parking permit, blind, deaf, accessibility, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, emergency services, commercial driver's license, first responders, public safety, authorized emergency vehicle
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 1871, establishing a maternal health monitoring pilot program, drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaii State Commission on Status of Women, and the Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives, with testimony urging provider-neutral language so midwives and other qualified providers would not be excluded. HB 1977, requiring a maternal and infant health information mobile app, received support from ACNM and Philips, which said similar apps in other states improved awareness of services and helped families navigate care; a member asked the Department of Health about implementation time. HB 1858, relating to certificates of fetal deaths, was supported by the Department of Health and clinicians, who said the current statute is outdated and inconsistent with CDC guidance; the department and a physician testified that the bill should shift documentation responsibilities to physicians and APRNs, and members discussed optional versus mandatory issuance language and whether the bill would improve data on home births and transfers.
The committee also heard HB 1591, expanding definitions for preceptor and volunteer-based clinical training to improve income tax credits. The Department of Health supported the measure but preferred a similar, broader bill; Taxation suggested clarifying terms; the University of Hawaii and the State Center for Nursing supported it. ACNM asked that midwifery preceptors and Hawaii-based students enrolled in mainland programs be included, while the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported expansion of the program as a workforce solution. HB 1574, on the health care education loan repayment program, also drew broad support, including from the governor, SHPDA, OHA, and health organizations, but ACNM raised concerns that the bill’s 30% Medicaid-client threshold could exclude many providers and limit participation.
For HB 1575, creating a feasibility committee on Parkinson’s patient air transport, the Department of Health supported the intent but said transportation is more likely an insurance or benefit issue and suggested redirecting funds to Parkinson’s research; the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Hawaii Parkinson Association supported the bill, citing inter-island travel barriers and high costs for patients and caregivers. HB 1854, establishing certification of community behavioral health clinics, was supported by the Department of Health and DHS, which said certification would help clinics qualify for enhanced Medicaid reimbursement and expand access; the Attorney General’s office raised a legal concern about the special fund language and recommended a purpose section, and the committee discussed whether the fund would be self-sustaining and noted a possible amendment to change membership language and reduce the board size if the amendment moved forward.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It would also include peer support services and then the additional supporting programs beyond that,
- unit or Extra mental health support unit or supports programs.
- For the ACT and the peer support aspect, or for the 4% to 4%?
- Peer support is critical to that model.
- back whatever they could to help bring back the peer support program.
Summary:
The committee first considered trailer appropriations for House Bill 684 and Senate Bill 1226. HB 684 would allow sheriffs to seek reimbursement for costs of collecting absconded prisoners, probationers, or parolees from out of state, with a fiscal impact estimated at up to $200,000; the committee approved a FY 2027 addition of $200,000 ongoing to the Department of Correction and recommended a due-pass. SB 1226 would add sexual battery and domestic violence misdemeanors to crimes requiring DNA samples and thumbprints, with an estimated annual cost of $63,000; the committee approved a FY 2027 addition of $63,000 ongoing to the Idaho State Police and also recommended due-pass.
The committee then revisited the Secretary of State budget after House Bill 909 failed on the floor. The analyst reviewed the requested voter pamphlet funding, overtime transfer, and ITS replacement items. The committee adopted a revised FY 2027 motion adding $235,800 from the General Fund, including a one-time $350,000 voter pamphlet appropriation, a $20,000 transfer to personnel, and a 2% base reduction, and sent the budget forward with a due-pass recommendation.
A major portion of the meeting focused on restoring behavioral health programs using a mix of Millennium Income Fund, opioid settlement funds, and federal matching dollars. Members debated options to restore ACT, peer support, skills training, transportation, partial hospitalization, and early serious mental illness programs. A broader restoration motion failed in the House committee, but a narrower FY 2027 motion for ACT and peer support services passed, as did a separate $250,000 opioid-settlement appropriation for peer support services in mental health courts. The committee also adopted language directing the Department of Health and Welfare to identify savings for future continuation of the restored programs and approved a FY 2026 supplemental of $200,000 for a legislative consultant to support oversight of the Medicaid managed care transition under HCR 30, despite objections that it duplicated department efforts. The committee adjourned after noting it would likely meet again Wednesday to handle remaining trailers, transfers, and supplemental items.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 4th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- Jonathan Weber, also SPLC, is waiving in support.
- Jonathan Weber, also SPLC, is waiving in support.
- Barney Bishop, Florida Smart Justice Alliance, is waving in support, and also waving in support from
- Barney Bishop, Florida Smart Justice's Alliance is waving in support, and also waiving in support.
- Justice's Alliance is waiving in support, and also waiving in support from Florida Department of Juvenile
Keywords:
voting rights, felony conviction, database, Florida Commission on Offender Review, restoration of rights, autism spectrum disorder, law enforcement, communication, training, blue envelope, blue card, drug paraphernalia, narcotic testing, fentanyl, controlled substances, civil forfeiture, juvenile justice, detention, Medal of Heroism, probation officers
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum and took up several bills. SB 646, relating to drug paraphernalia, was presented by President Gates as a narrow measure to allow drug testing tools such as fentanyl test strips and reagent kits to detect dangerous adulterants and help prevent overdose deaths. Senator Osgood spoke in strong support, describing the bill as important for people in recovery. The bill had one support appearance and was reported favorably by unanimous roll call.
The committee then heard SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Senator Jones explained that the bill requires autism awareness and communication/de-escalation training for officers and creates a voluntary Blue Envelope Program for drivers with ASD. Multiple advocates, including Disability Rights Florida, an Autism Society representative, parents, and a retired federal officer, testified in support, emphasizing safety, communication, and the need to avoid tragic misunderstandings during police encounters. Senators also discussed whether broader disability training should be considered in the future. SB 418 was reported favorably unanimously.
Next, the committee considered SB 132 on restoration of voting rights, which would require the Florida Commission on Offender Review to create and maintain a public database to help people determine whether they have completed sentence requirements for rights restoration and to publish clearer instructions for eligible individuals. An amendment was adopted to make the database subject to legislative appropriation. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1734, which recognizes juvenile probation and detention officers as officers under state law and extends training, certification, and certain benefits, and CS/SB 820, which strengthens reporting requirements for problem-solving courts and sets annual reporting deadlines. Both bills were reported favorably after brief discussion and support appearances.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Is it waiving in support? Waiving in support. Thank you. Is there any debate?
- Is it waiving in support? Waving in support. Thank you. Is there any debate?
- Is it waiving in support? Waving in support? Thank you. Is there any debate on the amendment?
- Gerrit Madee waving in support. Jared Medea, waving in support. Thank you, sir.
- Chantel Smith, Florida PTA, waiving in support. James McFadden, Autism Speaks, waiving in support.
Summary:
The committee heard and acted on six bills. SB 480, by Senator DeSigley, would allow a narrowly tailored nonprofit agricultural organization to offer health coverage to its members, especially farmers and ranchers, outside the Florida Insurance Code; supporters said it would improve affordable access in rural areas, while the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network warned the plans would not have to cover preexisting conditions or comply with ACA protections. An amendment aligning the bill with the statute for nonprofit religious organizations was adopted, and the bill passed as amended. SB 1226, also by Senator DeSigley, would create a regulatory framework for pet insurance and wellness programs; it drew no opposition and was reported favorably. SB 988, by Senator Truenow, would revise securities exemption and filing requirements under Florida’s Invest Local exemption law; a strike-all amendment clarifying terms, fingerprinting, and related compliance provisions was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably with the committee substitute.
SB 944, by Senator Davis, would correct an omission in the law governing insurance overpayment claims so the 12-month limit applies to psychologists and HMO claims, with an effective date tied to January 1, 2026; the Florida Psychological Association supported the measure, and it was reported favorably with committee substitute after an amendment. SB 756, by Senator Burton, would remove the age-8 diagnosis cutoff and age cap for mandated insurance coverage for autism services, update the autism definition to the current DSM, and also repeal age caps for Down syndrome diagnosis; disability advocates and provider groups supported the bill, and it passed as amended. SB 1078, introduced on behalf of Senator McLean, would streamline permitting and inspection procedures for certain fire alarm and sprinkler projects, set deadlines for local agencies, limit extra documentation demands, and restrict enforcement of local ordinances not properly submitted; fire industry representatives supported the compromise amendment, some senators questioned local flexibility and permitting delays, and the bill was reported favorably after the amendment was adopted. The committee also approved a motion allowing staff to make technical and conforming changes and then adjourned.