Transcript Highlights:

• I will make one final point before I turn it over to Senator King for his opening statement.
• With that, I will ask unanimous consent to include my statement in the record. Without objection.
• And now I'd like to have our opening statements from the panel.
• I have submitted my 2025 Posture Statement for the record.
• I do agree with that statement, Senator.

Keywords: military strategy, nuclear triad, deterrence, STRATCOM, SPACECOM, SLICOM, B-21, hypersonic defense, spectrum auction

Summary: The meeting focused on the strategic posture of U.S. military capabilities with an emphasis on deterrence amid growing global threats. General Cotton from STRATCOM and General Whiting from SPACECOM provided insights into the modernization efforts of the nuclear triad. Key discussions involved the importance of maintaining control over specific frequency spectrums critical for military operations and the implications of potential auctioning of these bands. Members expressed concerns regarding the evolving landscape with adversaries like China and Russia, emphasizing that swift action is needed to adapt and preserve U.S. national security. Various proposals and existing programs, including the B-21 bomber and the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile (SLICOM), were debated, alongside the necessity of increasing military investment in hypersonic defense systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• Does any member wish to make a statement?
• See none, uh, I'm sorry, uh, Representative Wu, you recognized to make a statement. Mr. Chair.
• Let me swoop members, anyone else need to make a statement? The chair is none.
• Emanuel, recognize make a statement.
• Yes, uh, members, any other statements? Sure, there's none.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know if you have a statement or just want to give brief comments or whatever.
• you know we don't it's not statements you know we don't it's not Enterprise<00:56:37.880> funds
• especially for things that we statements especially for things that we might<00:57:48.119> not
• If I could just one more statement, and I'll let others ask questions.
• <01:10:11.880> because agree with your last statement because agree with your last statement

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on the fiscal note process, prompted by concerns raised in a prior hearing about the fiscal note for the Paid Family and Medical Leave law. Chair Marty, Senator Pratt, and Senator Wiklund said the goal was not to revisit the bill itself but to strengthen understanding of fiscal note standards, the role of the Legislative Budget Office (LBO), and communication with agencies. They emphasized bipartisan concern that fiscal notes must be respected and that the process should be clearer going forward. Christian Larison of the LBO explained that the 2024 fiscal note issues stemmed from three main problems: choosing the proper baseline for a program that had not yet started, interpreting the seven-day qualifying event/waiting period, and determining whether DEED could adjust the first-year premium rate. He said the LBO, DEED, MMB, and House fiscal staff ultimately used the October 2023 actuarial analysis as the baseline because it was the most recent and likely most accurate estimate, but that choice meant the fiscal note did not show the difference from the 2023 enacted budget. He also described how DEED later interpreted the seven-day provision as a waiting period and how the premium-rate assumptions affected the fiscal impact. Larison outlined possible responses, including more assertive early communication from the LBO, providing more detailed analysis in unusual cases, and possibly creating a working group through the LBO Oversight Commission to consider new standards for substantial assumption changes, complex new programs, and third-party actuarial work. He also noted the LBO has authority to issue unapproved fiscal notes if standards are not met, though it has not used that authority. In questions, Senator Murphy asked about protecting the credibility of fiscal notes, and Larison said maintaining independence, objectivity, and consistent standards is central to the LBO’s role. No votes or formal actions were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• A statement was made we might add money to catch them up.
• Cuz that statement was made.
• Cuz that statement was made.
• Cuz that statement was made.
• Cuz that statement was made.

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:22 Overview/Impact of Executive Order 47:02 General Funds in Road Plan 50:37 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met for its first meeting and received an overview from Transportation Cabinet officials on the governor’s executive order responding to high gas prices. Deputy Secretary Mike Hancock and budget director Shawn McKiernan explained that the order declared a state of emergency, reduced the state motor fuels tax by 10 cents per gallon, froze the tax rate for FY27, and urged Congress to suspend the federal gas tax. They said the emergency regulation would remain in effect until the war in Iran ends or Kentucky gas prices fall below $3 per gallon, and that any transportation budget shortfalls could be covered by the state budget reserve trust fund if requested later by the governor. McKiernan estimated the 10-cent reduction would reduce the road fund by about $26.8 million per month, with roughly 44% flowing to county road aid, rural secondary, and municipal road aid. He said the immediate impact to counties and cities would be about $11.8 million for one month, while the cabinet would see about $15 million per month less available for its own use. He also said the freeze on the FY27 motor fuels tax rate would prevent a scheduled increase and, compared with the budget assumption, would produce about $42 million in net additional revenue, split between local governments and the cabinet. He added that if the reduction lasted through December, the major transportation programs could be down about 16.9% from budgeted levels. Members focused on the effect on local governments, the road fund, and the cabinet’s cash management process. Several senators and representatives criticized the executive order as short-sighted or political, while others emphasized the need for a long-term solution to transportation funding. Questions were raised about how make-whole payments to counties and cities would be handled, how the cabinet manages cash flow, and whether the state should continue relying on general fund transfers to support the road plan. Cabinet officials said they would work with lawmakers, explained that project authorizations are managed based on cash flow and seasonal spending patterns, and noted that construction and maintenance costs have risen sharply, making revenue adequacy a continuing concern.

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion carried, and I will go ahead and take that statement.
• And I will take that floor statement. Let's move on to AB 556. than that has remained in this.
• And I will take that floor statement. Let's move on to AB5. Opposition.
• Motion carries, and I will take that floor statement. Let's move on to AB 556, Ms. Cooper.
• Motion carries, and I will assign that floor statement to Senator Titus.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. that we have quorum that we can start, so we'll give our opening statements and if Senator
• And I now recognize Senator Whitehouse for his opening statement.
• Fox, and I recognize you for your opening statement.
• Waddell for his opening statement.
• Gomez for your opening statement.

Keywords: presidential nominations, EPA, environmental policy, Fish and Wildlife, committee meeting

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the presidential nominations of Brigadier General Brian Nesvick as Director of Fish and Wildlife and Jess Kramer and Sean Donahue as assistant administrators at the EPA. Each nominee presented their qualifications and experiences in their respective fields, with an emphasis on their commitment to uphold the laws passed by Congress. The discussion highlighted the nominees' dedication to addressing environmental issues and their proactive stances on regulatory matters. After deliberation, votes were held to report the nominations favorably, despite some members voicing concerns regarding their qualifications and potential conflicts with environmental interests.

Transcript Highlights:

• to those statements, yeah, even before Daniel took on the role of acting CEO.
• to those statements, yeah, even before Daniel took on the role of acting CEO.
• to those statements, yeah, even before Daniel took on the role of acting CEO.
• to those statements, yeah, even before Daniel took on the role of acting CEO.
• to those statements, yeah, even before Daniel took on the role of acting CEO.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on April 1 to consider GM 510, the confirmation of Todd Aio to the board of directors of the Hawaiʻi Convention Center Authority. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from HTA representatives and numerous individuals. Supporters described Aio as a strong leader with experience in tourism, development, nonprofit work, and public service, including his time on the city council and work with Disney’s Aulani, Ward Village, and the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation. In his remarks, Aio said he would bring legal, development, and corporate governance experience to the board. He emphasized the need for the authority to better define its role, oversee contractors, and help guide the relationship between destination management and branding/marketing contractors. He also said community engagement and cultural considerations should be central to tourism planning, and that the board should work to stabilize the agency during its transition. Members questioned him about board conflicts, the lack of a permanent HTA CEO, and how to measure the success of cultural and branding campaigns such as mālama and kuleana messaging. Aio said conflicts are inevitable when board members come from industry backgrounds, but they must separate their “work hats” from their board duties. He supported replacing the interim leadership with a permanent CEO once compensation legislation is finalized, and said success should be measured through better data, including possible exit surveys and other technology-based tools. He also said he would oppose replacing Hawaiian protocol with another cultural protocol, while supporting inclusion of other cultures alongside a Hawaiian sense of place.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I know that victim impact statement is considered.
• /c><00:43:48.079> is uh victim impact statement is uh victim impact statement is considered.<00
• But in this case, um, there's no victim impact statement required.
• And as we impact statement required.
• , but that whole section is littered with, I mean, it is a policy statement.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um, I just want to follow up on the statements you just made.
• So, um, I just want to follow up on the statements you just made.
• I just want to follow up on the statements you just made.
• I just want to follow up on the statements you just made.
• They put together a statement which I'd like to read.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• what we do is, with our staff, we'll go through both documents and we'll put together a surplus statement
• So I'll quickly go through the surplus statement.
• or any other matter questions from committee members on this designated surplus statement.
• It includes surplus statements. You present that to the entire House next Tuesday.
• It includes surplus statements. You present that to the entire House next Tuesday.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee met for final approval of HB 1 and HB 2, with legislative budget staff Michael Kain reviewing the final amendment documents and surplus statements. Kain explained that HB 1474H and HB 1484H incorporated the committee’s prior votes and the Governor’s recommended sections, and he walked through the budget math for the general fund, education trust fund, Highway Fund, and Fish and Game Fund. He said the committee’s proposal remained balanced overall, though the current-year general fund showed a projected deficit that HB 2 would address by allowing a possible rainy day fund transfer if needed. He also noted that the committee’s revenue estimates were below the Governor’s, requiring reductions and adjustments to appropriations and lapse assumptions. Members discussed the rainy day fund provisions, including a section in HB 2 that suspends existing restrictions so a transfer can be made if the deficit materializes. Kain said the committee’s approach differed from the Governor’s because the state was not below the overall revenue plan, and the fiscal committee would retain a role in determining any transfer. He also summarized that the Highway Fund would end with about a $13 million balance and Fish and Game with about $3 million, both without additional general fund support. The committee then adopted two amendments to HB 2 unanimously: Amendment 1473H, a technical cleanup to the Group 2 retirement seven-year rule, and Amendment 1482H, a technical correction to the recreational services language. Amendment 1484H, which incorporated those changes into HB 2, was adopted on a 14-1 vote after minority members objected to the bill’s broader cuts and policy changes, including reductions to state agencies, health and human services, and education-related provisions. The committee also adopted Amendment 1474H to HB 1A on a 14-1 vote after similar debate over budget reductions, vacancies, university funding, and school spending limits. Finally, the committee voted 14-1 to report HB 1A and HB 2 as amended as ought to pass, with the minority voting no and the committee planning a full House presentation the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyway, I'd like to say one statement.
• The department issued a statement on The department issued a statement on this bill this week in an effort
• Chris, since you brought this statement up, you know, you and I have been good friends.
• I just... one more statement. I could not have been doing this for a living since I started.
• It's a statement. I think that's incorrect. Testing has not been found in all 50 states.

Bills: HB509

Keywords: HB509, game breeder, game breeder license, cervid, deer breeder, whitetail deer, elk, fallow deer, deer farm, captive deer, cervidae, wildlife disease, disease testing, antemortem testing, state veterinarian, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, property rights, private property, animal transfer, breeding stock

Transcript Highlights:

• support this if it was just a statement support this if it was just a statement but<01:01:47.680
• <01:02:31.760> that think it's an important statement that think it's an important statement
• would like to make a public statement would like to make a public statement about<01:02:47.880><
• ><01:09:20.759> our statement as a statement to our statement as a statement to our constituents
• <01:10:19.760> from might argue that it's a statement from might argue that it's a statement

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee met in work session on several bills, beginning with HB 153, which would require two or more law enforcement officers in each county to receive animal cruelty training. Members said the bill had been sent to the Animal Protection and Licensing Subcommittee, where Representative Kuttab is expected to schedule a meeting soon to consider possible amendments based on testimony and other ideas. The committee later returned to HB 153 and confirmed a work session was planned for February 14, with discussion also including whether to explore a task force concept raised in testimony. The committee also discussed HB 215 and HB 566, both related to landfill permitting and leachate or harm/benefit reporting. Representative Gerana said he had met with the DES director and was working on amendments that would add a preliminary screening phase for determining net public benefit and expand the list of benefits beyond capacity need to include items such as economic and infrastructure benefits. HB 566 was said to be in the same posture as HB 215, and both were slated for subcommittee review the following Tuesday morning. HB 171 was also added for subcommittee discussion, with members saying the changes would be technical rather than substantive. HB 240, which removes forfeiture penalties for non-payment of dog licenses, drew support for a simple amendment changing a statutory “shall” to “may” so municipal officials would have discretion about issuing a warrant. Representative Bixby said OLS advised that this was the cleanest way to provide flexibility, and he reported that the sponsor was agreeable to the change. The committee also discussed HB 179, concerning hazardous waste accident fees, where the sponsor proposed a revised amendment imposing a $1,000-per-day penalty after 90 days of non-payment. Members raised concerns about homeowners, hobby farmers, and whether the bill could unfairly burden people who were not negligent or whose insurance claims were delayed. The sponsor and others said the intent was to recover costs from responsible parties, especially businesses, and to protect local taxpayers and fire departments from bearing the cost of damaged hazardous materials equipment. No votes were taken; the bills were left for further subcommittee work and amendment drafting.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> No, it was just a statement. >> No, it was just a statement.
• You're making accusatory statements. You made an accusatory statement. Your testimony is done.
• <03:44:32.080> Your made an accusatory statement. Your made an accusatory statement.
• If I took your statement, I imply that from that statement it's the end of '26.
• If I took your statement, I imply that from that statement it's the end of '26.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't have the exact statement.
• I don't have the exact statement.
• That was the statement I was making. At a grade-point level that allows them to pass that test.
• Goodwill's mission statement is changing lives through education, training, and employment.
• The Our mission statement is changing lives through education, training, and employment.

Summary: The House and Senate Education Committee first approved minutes from February 2 and 3, then heard an interim study proposal on Arkansas adult education and the Excel Center model, presented by Goodwill Industries of Arkansas and the University of Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities. Witnesses argued that about 300,000 Arkansas adults lack a high school diploma or GED and described the Excel Center as a diploma-granting public charter option for adults 19 and older, with wraparound supports such as child care, transportation, tutoring, life coaching, and career services. They said the Arkansas campuses are not state-funded, highlighted growth in enrollment and graduation outcomes, and cited research showing improved employment, earnings, and reduced criminal justice involvement for graduates. Committee members discussed the role of Goodwill’s nonprofit mission, the need for multiple adult education pathways, and the relationship between adult education challenges and broader state efforts such as LEARNS and ACCESS. The committee then debated the interim study proposal procedure, including whether questions should have been taken before the vote. The motion to adopt the ISP passed, and members noted that the study would broadly examine adult education, GED testing, high school diplomas, charter schools, in-person adult education, and funding allocation. Several members asked for follow-up information on current adult education funding, the availability of Excel Centers, and the criminal justice study results. After that, staff from the Bureau of Legislative Research gave a detailed adequacy funding overview for Arkansas K-12 education. They reviewed national funding principles and then explained Arkansas’s revenue streams and distribution system, including general revenue, the Educational Excellence Trust Fund, the Educational Adequacy Fund, local property-tax revenues, and facilities partnership funding. They also walked through the state’s foundation formula, categorical aid, supplemental aid, and additional funding, including the per-student matrix amount of $7,771 for 2025 and how funds are allocated to districts and charters. Members asked about student support staff, special education high-cost occurrences, ALE funding, teacher salary equalization, and the Excel Center’s treatment in funding totals; staff said some of those questions would be addressed in a later spending presentation. The meeting ended after the committee was told the department was present mainly to answer questions and no further business remained.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think we'll start with the opening statements, and then we'll go to the introductions.
• So to our nominees, given some of your past statements, I hope you'll take this hearing as an opportunity
• I'd like to submit my entire statement for the record. It will be concluded. Thank you.
• Statements have said, well, we'll get there in 20, 30, 32...
• You pointed out in your opening statement, or maybe it was response to a question, that democracy and

Keywords: U.S. foreign policy, Mexico relations, Japan relations, border security, trade agreements, drug trafficking, ambassadorial nominations, intergovernmental communication

Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on critical discussions concerning U.S. foreign policy, particularly relationships with Mexico and Japan. Notable attention was given to border security, trade agreements, and implications of drug trafficking. Ambassadorial nominees discussed their strategies to strengthen ties with these nations, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in addressing mutual challenges, particularly concerning security and trade. The committee engaged in extensive dialogue, highlighting the urgency of improving intergovernmental communications to deter drug trafficking and support democratic governance.

Transcript Highlights:

• My bank statement, my credit card statement, is probably six pages long.
• But that's what the merchant statements are like, and you can't understand them.
• But that's what the bill, the merchant statements are like, and you can't understand them.
• But that's what the bill, the merchant statements are like, and you can't understand them.
• Oh, I’m actually responding to all of some of the statements, so bear with me a second. Okay.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission met for its second hearing to study the future of credit card payments and sales transactions and their impacts on small businesses. Members heard extensive testimony from credit unions, retailers, restaurants, and payment-industry representatives on interchange fees, processing fees, fraud, chargebacks, rewards programs, and the ability of businesses to pass fees on to customers. Several witnesses argued that swipe fees have risen sharply, are especially burdensome for restaurants and other small businesses, and are charged on taxes and tips that are merely pass-through amounts. They urged state action to prohibit fees on tax and tip portions, improve transparency, and allow surcharging or convenience fees, while opponents warned that state regulation could reduce fraud protections, increase compliance costs, and threaten consumer rewards programs. Business owners and trade groups described thin margins, rising costs, and the difficulty of understanding merchant statements or negotiating with processors. Restaurant witnesses said card-not-present and online transactions create the greatest fraud and chargeback risk, with money often removed immediately from merchants’ accounts and disputes rarely resolved in their favor. Retail witnesses gave examples of rising effective rates, higher fees on rewards cards, and the burden of processing fees on low-value transactions. A representative from the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and others said restaurants are effectively paying fees on meals tax and gratuities, which they argued should not be subject to interchange charges. On the other side, the Cooperative Credit Union Association said interchange revenue helps credit unions fund fraud prevention, rapid card replacement, and member protections, and warned that state limits on interchange could weaken those safeguards and lead to higher consumer costs or reduced services. Airlines for America testified that airline credit card rewards are popular, support travel and jobs in Massachusetts, and could be harmed by interchange reform. The National Restaurant Association and a payments-policy attorney countered that interchange fees are set by card networks rather than competitive markets, that banks remain highly profitable even with rewards, and that states can act after recent court decisions. No votes were taken; the hearing consisted of testimony and questions from commissioners.

Transcript Highlights:

• WHAT WE SEE IN THIS LANGUAGE IS A VALUE STATEMENT.
• BUT THIS IS A VALUE STATEMENT IN THE PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM.
• IF THE FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT IS NOT PRODUCED AND THE ESTIMATING CONFERENCE DOES NOT MEET WITH IN
• THE SPONSOR OF COURSE HAS THE RIGHT TO GO TO CERTAIN COURT WITH FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENTS.
• SO YOU ANSWERED THE QUESTION BUT YOU GAVE ME A STATEMENT THAT REALLY WASN'T ANSWERING THE QUESTION SO

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First, we'll have a five- to ten-minute opening statement from the nominee.
• Thank you very much for that opening statement.
• So, as I stated in my opening statement, I have been with the state for quite a while.
• And as I shared my opening statement, tourism marketing yields So. marketing perspective.
• And in turn, I previously stated in my opening statement, we've actually been able to support over 50

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Director Nominations met to consider Alex Scalpsa Ridgeway’s nomination to serve as Director of the Arizona Office of Tourism. In her opening statement, Ridgeway emphasized her Arizona roots, prior service in state government, and her view that tourism is a major economic driver for the state. She highlighted record 2024 visitation and spending, argued that tourism marketing produces strong returns for taxpayers, and said her priorities include improving data use, expanding social media and digital outreach, supporting rural communities, and strengthening international tourism and direct air service. Committee members questioned Ridgeway about the state of tourism, responsible visitor messaging, marketing the Grand Canyon and other parts of Arizona, rural tourism, budget priorities, use of public funds, and how she would respond to unlawful or poor policy directives. She said the office uses an activity-based marketing strategy focused on visitor personas such as family travel, outdoor recreation, culinary, wellness, and luxury, and that it partners with rural destinations and event organizers to spread visitor spending statewide. She also said she would follow the law, would raise concerns about bad policy, and described steps taken to improve transparency and conflict-of-interest practices after questions about a prior logo contract and a costly state branding project. Public testimony was strongly supportive. Representatives from the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association, the Cactus League Baseball Association, and Experience Scottsdale praised Ridgeway’s experience, collaboration with industry partners, and understanding of tourism’s economic impact, especially for rural areas and major visitor destinations. After discussion, the committee voted unanimously to recommend her confirmation, with a 5-0 vote, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I'd like to give two examples of why this professor's statement was so true.
• And to conclude my testimony, why did that professor make that statement?
• Is that a fair statement? We're still in that one-world government kind of conversation.
• Is that a fair statement, sir? It's very tenant-oriented.
• Is that a fair statement? It is. Yes, sir. Mr.

Bills: HB43, HB519, HB1275, HB1592, HB2842, HB3088, HB3479, HB4163, SB823, HB609

Keywords: agriculture, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, honey production, beekeeping, food safety, local regulation, bovine producers, dairy farms, permits, bovine tuberculosis, public health, wildlife management, disease prevention, alert system, Texas A&M, white-tailed deer, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• What we see in this language is, one, I think, a value statement.
• So... ...language is one, I think, a value statement.
• If the financial impact statement is not produced, if the estimating conference does not meet within
• The full text of the amendment, not a summary, the full text, including the financial impact statement
• So you answered the question, but you gave me a statement that really wasn't answering the question.

Summary: The committee first took up CS for CS for CS for SB 462 on transportation, adopting a substitute amendment that would require counties receiving transportation surtax proceeds to report how the money is used, prohibit certain airport fees tied to collegiate flight training, create a Sarasota-Manatee Airport Authority pilot program, and fund a traffic signal modernization program with $10 million annually from the State Transportation Trust Fund. The amendment also removed several provisions from the bill, including a sales tax transfer to the trust fund, a bid protest-related contracting requirement, and repeal of the Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council. A late-filed amendment was tabled, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard CS for CS for SB 628, “Lucy's Law,” on boating safety, which would strengthen penalties for leaving the scene of a vessel accident and reckless vessel operation. Lucy’s parents gave emotional testimony in support, describing the fatal 2022 boating crash and urging stronger accountability. The sponsor withdrew pending amendments, and the bill was reported favorably. CS for CS for SB 700, the Florida Farm Bill, was next; the strike-all amendment covered a broad range of agriculture-related changes, including water fluoridation restrictions, labeling rules, drone restrictions over farmland, disaster recovery programs, an honest services registry, FFA-related provisions, and agricultural land preservation. Testimony included support from agricultural and gun-rights groups, opposition from banking, dental, and local-government advocates, and a lengthy public debate over fluoridation and financial discrimination. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 796 on general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems was reported favorably with little debate. The committee then took up CS for SB 1618 on K-12 education, adopting a delete-all amendment that combined a wide range of education provisions, including VPK flexibility, agriculture education, financial literacy, reading intervention requirements, teacher assignment reporting, restrictions on spending public funds on political or social activism, postsecondary and workforce-related changes, and other school and college system updates. Several speakers opposed the activism-related funding restriction, while the sponsor said the bill was intended to keep publicly funded schools focused on education; the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered SB 7016 on initiative petitions, adopting a strike-all amendment that would sharply tighten petition circulation rules and increase penalties. The proposal would require circulators to be Florida residents and U.S. citizens, impose training and registration requirements, shorten petition submission deadlines, require more identifying information on petition forms, limit sponsors to one amendment per election cycle, and create new enforcement and investigation triggers, including a 25% invalid-signature threshold. Sponsors argued the changes were needed to address fraud and protect the integrity of constitutional amendment petitions, while senators raised concerns about due process, public-records issues, burdens on volunteers, and the impact on voters and sponsors. The bill was not reported in the portion provided, and the discussion remained ongoing at the end of the transcript.