Transcript Highlights:

• So I kind of see that happening through our ability as legislators to appropriate money or not.
• It does say legislative action. We could define that however we want.
• I just am not understanding what legislative action exactly what that entails.
• I just am not understanding what legislative action exactly what that entails.
• You can't go into agreements without legislative oversight. So that's kind of how I see that.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first heard RS 33112, a proposal to prohibit Idaho state government from using logos, mottos, or slogans associated with elected officials on official documents, presentations, and correspondence. Representative Scott said the intent was to keep government communications neutral and avoid promotional slogans such as “Leading Idaho,” but members raised drafting concerns and questioned whether the language could unintentionally affect ordinary state seals or mottos. After discussion, Scott asked that the RS be returned to the sponsor, and the committee voted to do so. The committee then considered RS 33140, which would require civil asset forfeiture reports now filed locally to also be sent to the State Controller’s Office for storage and publication, with the reporting deadline changed from February to April to match existing timelines. Scott said the goal was greater transparency and better legislative oversight, and she explained the reporting would cover forfeiture data, not storage of seized property. Members asked about costs, the reporting form, and whether the bill covered only law enforcement forfeitures; the committee adopted the amendment and voted to introduce the RS. RS 33141 followed, seeking to add penalties for agencies that knowingly fail to report executed MOUs, MOAs, contracts, and related agreements to the State Controller. Members questioned the scope of the penalty, possible liability issues, and whether quasi-government entities were included. After discussion, the committee voted to return RS 33141 to the sponsor for reworking. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 504, a lottery bill aimed at preventing bulk-buying syndicates from purchasing large numbers of tickets and capturing winnings, often through out-of-state groups. Lottery officials said the bill would set a $5,000 per 24-hour purchase limit, allow investigators to deny winnings tied to bulk-purchase violations, and preserve transparency by keeping prize information public. Members asked about enforcement, whether the bill would affect ordinary groups of Idahoans, and whether the same group could evade the limit by using multiple buyers. After no public testimony against the bill, the committee voted to send HB 504 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation creates a new section 1-1626 of Idaho Code.
• Both offices advised they have no concerns with the legislation as written.
• And this legislation doesn't challenge that. Senator Foreman: You have another question, Senator?
• But there are reasons why a number of other states have passed very similar legislation.
• that other legislation says, or please do what the Constitution says.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee first considered the gubernatorial appointment and reappointment of Alan Kavanaugh to the Pardons and Parole Commission, but no vote was taken at this meeting. Kavanaugh, a longtime law enforcement officer, described his approach as conservative on parole, strongly victim-focused, and centered on public safety, fair hearings, and helping people succeed after release. Senators asked about workload, decision-making, and successful outcomes; Kavanaugh highlighted a veteran who used parole to rebuild his life and support other veterans, and he also praised a work-release program in eastern Idaho as a model for reducing recidivism and increasing employment. Members expressed support for the commission’s work and noted the importance of adequate funding, but deferred the appointment vote to the next meeting. Eric Fredrickson, the Idaho State Public Defender, then gave an update on the statewide public defense system. He reviewed the history of public defense reform in Idaho, the creation of the State Public Defender office, and the transition from county-based to state-based operations. Fredrickson said the office faced a difficult rollout in October 2024, including a backlog of more than 1,300 cases and staff departures, but that the system has since stabilized. He reported that increased funding in 2025 allowed salary adjustments, higher contract rates, new institutional offices, and significant hiring, including 34 attorneys, 13 legal assistants, and 11 investigators. Senators asked about the effects of budget holdbacks, backlog recovery, judge relations, and future needs; Fredrickson said holdbacks led to reduced travel, training, and tighter spending on experts and billing, and said the office’s next priorities are an Idaho-specific workload standard, more attorneys, and more social workers. The committee then printed two bills. RS 32880 C1, by Senator Foreman, the “Constitutional Courts Act,” would prohibit Idaho courts from enforcing or applying judgments based on religious or cultural law that do not conform to the U.S. and Idaho Constitutions. Foreman said it was intended to prevent any outside body of law from replacing Idaho’s legal system, while not restricting private religious practice. Senators debated whether the proposal was necessary, whether it conflicted with religious liberty protections, and whether it would treat some religions differently; the motion to print passed. RS 33006 C1, by Senator Nichols, would update Idaho’s Son of Sam law to prevent criminals from profiting from notoriety through modern media and digital monetization while protecting free speech and due process. Nichols said the current statute is outdated and constitutionally vulnerable; the motion to print also passed, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• THAT YOU GRANT THIS THESE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE FLORIDA SENATE THE KNOWLEDGE AND MORAL CLARITY TO LEGISLATE
• JUST QUICKLY AND I'M ASKING THESE QUESTIONS SENATOR SIMON BECAUSE OF LEGISLATION THAT HAS A POSSIBILITY
• BUT THIS PIECE OF LEGISLATION IS SHOWING THEM THAT WE SEE THEM AND WE ARE HERE TO TRY TO HELP THEM AS
• I DO WANT TO RAISE A RED FLAG FOR THIS ENTIRE BODY AS WE PUT FORTH THIS GOOD PIECE OF LEGISLATION, IT'S
• WITHOUT DOING ANYTHING IT WOULD BE LEGISLATIVE MALPRACTICE SO THANK YOU FOR GETTING US TO THIS POINT

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, Andrew Engel, Seventh Legislative District, which is northeast and north central Washington.
• Zach Hall, good to be here with you all, representing the Fifth Legislative District, Issaquah, down
• All right, Representative Janice Zahn, serving the 41st Legislative District.
• Representative Deborah Entenman from the 47th Legislative District, Kent, Covington, and Auburn, parts
• Adison Richards, I have the privilege of representing the 26th Legislative District from Gig Harbor to

Summary: The Transportation Committee met for an organizational session and received a presentation from Washington State Department of Transportation and Washington State Ferries staff on recovery from the December atmospheric river storms. Committee members were introduced, and staff outlined a new process for submitting proviso and project requests through an online app, with members directed to work through their caucus policy staff. The chair also announced caucus meetings and noted staff changes for the session. WSDOT and WSF described emergency response operations, including statewide activations, damage assessment, and the use of emergency declarations to speed repairs. Staff explained how they pursue federal reimbursement through FHWA Emergency Relief and, separately, FEMA for debris removal, while noting that permanent repairs still require environmental clearances. They reported more than 50 emergency work orders, 16 emergency contracts, about 107 road sites closed at one point, and an initial damage estimate of roughly $30 million. Examples of storm damage and recovery included US 2 near Skykomish and Tumwater Canyon, US 12 near Naches, Highway 410, Highway 42 near Mount Baker, I-90 shoulder damage, and a major US 101 slope failure near Forks that will require longer-term geotechnical work. Members asked about environmental permitting, bridge impacts, flood coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers, and whether emergency declarations allow broader actions; staff said the declaration mainly speeds stabilization and contracting, does not change tolling authority, and does not waive environmental requirements. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• pieces of legislation that repeals an existing chapter and then creates a new chapter that's intended
• I think Alice is right that it's a big, it's a bit of a challenge when there's a piece of legislation
• or even multiple pieces of legislation that reputees. legislation or even multiple pieces of legislation
• The legislative policy is different.
• Each legislative project ends up differently here. And do you have comments?

Summary: The Statute Law Committee met on December 10, 2025, approved the June 10, 2025 minutes, and received a publications update noting that the 2025 RCW volumes and session laws are available, with sales continuing a gradual decline but generally tracking prior years. The committee also heard that the office remains fully staffed and financially stable, with projected year-end funds remaining and a healthy publications fund balance. A major discussion centered on a proposal from retired Judge Ann Levinson to make the code more reader-friendly when chapters are repealed and recodified, especially after the civil protection orders reform in E2 SHB 1320, which consolidated multiple protection order laws into new chapter 7.105 RCW. Levinson argued that current disposition-table language such as “repealed by” can be confusing to the public and may appear to signal legislative disapproval, and suggested adding a simple pointer to the new chapter. Code revisers explained their current practice, the limits of their editorial discretion, and the technical and policy concerns involved, while expressing support for some form of “see also” guidance and noting that hyperlinking session-law citations in disposition tables may also help readers find the new law. The committee also discussed office operations, including a planned move from the modular offices back into the rebuilt Pritchard building, expected in late 2026, with improved space, storage, and enclosed offices. Staff proposed changing regular Monday-through-Thursday office hours from 8 a.m.–8 p.m. to 8 a.m.–7 p.m., with exceptions for active work, client requests, and floor action; the proposal was supported by a chart showing that many evenings have no work after 7 p.m., though late nights would still occur during busy periods. The meeting ended with acknowledgments of retiring staff, including editor Barb Sage after 37 years of service, and a farewell to Vice Chair Sam Thompson, whose successor had just been selected.

Transcript Highlights:

• Huffman for her leadership and support of this important legislation.
• I'd like to start off by thanking Senator Perry for laying out this legislation and those co-authors
• My name is Rick Thompson, legislative director with the County Judges and Commissioners Association.
• This legislation will greatly help our... Texans and rural communities.
• The TAA is looking forward to working with the legislators and help advance Senate Bill 1377.

Bills: SB868, SB1337, SB1371, SB1377, SB1426, SB1620, SB2064, SB2065, SJR4, SJR 4

Keywords: SB 868, rural volunteer fire department assistance program, volunteer fire department assistance fund, Texas Government Code, wildfire, wildland fire, high-risk wildfire area, fire suppression, rural fire departments, volunteer firefighters, emergency response, public safety, grant allocation, appropriations, disaster preparedness, tax penalties, interest calculation, overpayment, tax law, refund process

Transcript Highlights:

• this conversation brings to the table, and we can incorporate that into an even better piece of legislation
• And transparency is one of the ways the public, one of the ways legislators, can look and review and
• That is an alarming statement for me as a legislator to hear the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice of
• or filed legislation related to this question.
• or filed legislation related to this question.

Summary: The Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and Senator Polsky excused. The committee first heard Senate Bill 1416 by Senator DeSigley, which would move municipal elections to coincide with the general election and extend incumbent terms until the new election schedule takes effect. Members asked about runoff elections, with the sponsor saying runoffs would likely shift to the August primary and that he was open to further discussion, including possibly eliminating runoffs. The bill drew support from a senator citing potential taxpayer savings, while the Florida League of Cities and Florida Association of Counties were noted as opposed. SB 1416 was reported favorably. The committee then considered Senate Bill 766 by Senator Burgess, as amended by a strike-all that refocused the bill on agents of “countries of concern” and narrowed disclosure requirements. The sponsor said the measure was intended to increase transparency around foreign-backed political activity and align with federal Foreign Agents Registration Act concepts. The amendment was adopted, and the bill as amended was reported favorably. Members next heard the reappointment of Mike LaRosa to the Public Service Commission. LaRosa described the PSC’s role regulating investor-owned utilities and emphasized transparency, consumer protection, workforce development, and adapting to new energy technologies such as small modular reactors. Senators questioned him closely about recent Florida Supreme Court criticism of PSC orders as insufficiently reasoned and overly reliant on utility assertions. LaRosa acknowledged the criticism, said PSC procedures and orders had become more detailed, and committed to continued improvement. Despite concerns, his nomination was advanced favorably to the full Senate. The committee then approved a block of nominations in tabs 4 through 27 without objection and without separate hearings. At the end of the meeting, Senator Grall asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on SB 1416 and SB 766, and the committee rose.

Transcript Highlights:

• Transparency is one of the ways that the public, one of the ways that legislators can look and review
• That is an alarming statement for me as a legislator to hear the Chief Justice of our Florida Supreme
• That is an alarming statement for me as a legislator to hear the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice of
• or filed legislation related to this question.
• or filed legislation related to this question.

Summary: The Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and first considered SB 1416, which would move municipal elections to coincide with the general election and extend incumbent terms until the new schedule takes effect. Senators discussed whether the bill would affect runoff elections, with the sponsor explaining that runoff timing would shift to the August primary/general election framework. The Florida League of Cities and Florida Association of Counties were noted as opposed, while members cited potential taxpayer savings and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 766, as amended by strike-all, which would require agents of certain “countries of concern” to register with the Division of Elections when engaging in political activity. The amendment narrowed the bill’s focus and aligned terminology with existing state law. After no opposition or debate on the amendment, the committee adopted it and then reported the bill favorably. Members next heard the reappointment of Mike LaRosa to the Public Service Commission. Questioning focused heavily on PSC transparency, the sufficiency of commission orders, Supreme Court criticism of PSC decisions, storm protection plans, utility rate cases, and how the commission evaluates evidence and consumer impacts. LaRosa said the commission had changed its procedures to produce more detailed orders and more robust discussion, and he described ongoing work on rate cases, public engagement, and emerging energy issues such as small modular reactors. Despite concerns raised, the nomination was reported favorably to the full Senate. The committee then approved a block of additional appointments in tabs 4 through 27, also reporting them favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
• When sudden cardiac events take place, timely intervention is That is why the legislation unanimously
• On behalf of the California Asian American Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus.
• Thank you, and on behalf of the AAPI Legislative Caucus, I ask for your aye vote on HR 23.
• Moving to announcements, this is a reminder for all legislative staff.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:22.960><c> affairs</c><00:04:23.520><c> and</c> as their head of legislative affairs and as
• their head of legislative affairs and he<00:04:23.960><c> also</c><00:04:24.360><c> back</c><00:04:24.479
• Mahalo to each of you for your leadership and for being here to engage in the legislative process.
• These young leaders seek the opportunity this afternoon to attend hearings and meetings with legislators
• to learn how they can with legislators to learn how they can make<00:14:57.800><c> a</c><00:14:58.000

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, legislation can always be better. Okay, Chris.
• I am in favor, and NJPP is in favor of this legislation.
• Thank you. ...on this piece of legislation. Thank you.
• We believe this legislation, however, is the wrong tool for the job.
• The legislation aims to address.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is one of the committee's major hearings of the legislative session, and we're very appreciative
• I'm really grateful to our friends at LIS, the Legislative Information Services Team, and our committee
• U.S. legislators have little control over it.
• I'm also their duly registered legislative agent, their lobbyist.
• We don't believe in legislating building codes, so we appreciate the approach.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing opened a hybrid hearing focused on housing production bills, with Chairs Julian Cyr and Rich Haggerty emphasizing Massachusetts’ housing shortage and the need to produce more than 200,000 units over the next decade. The committee then heard testimony on a wide range of proposals, including social housing, starter homes and the “missing middle,” accessory dwelling units (ADUs), single-stair residential buildings, permanent affordability homeownership, and housing for people with disabilities. Several witnesses framed the bills as tools to expand supply, lower costs, and address racial and generational wealth gaps. Representative Connolly testified for H. 1478 on the Massachusetts Social Housing Program, describing publicly owned, mixed-income housing financed through a revolving loan fund. Senator Feeney testified for S. 989 on missing middle starter homes, arguing for zoning changes, incentives, and affordability tools to support smaller starter homes and duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes. Multiple witnesses, including housing advocates, real estate representatives, and local officials, supported the ADU trust fund bill and the single-stair study bill, saying they would reduce barriers, support homeowners, and enable more family-sized and infill housing. Some witnesses opposed bills they said would weaken ADU reforms or add new restrictions, while others urged broader deregulation to speed production. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 1576/S. 1010, the Homes for Lasting Affordability bill, which would create a permanent affordability homeownership program for low- and moderate-income buyers and support small developments with long-term affordability restrictions. Testimony from community land trust leaders, legislators, and housing advocates emphasized that permanent affordability can preserve public investment, stabilize neighborhoods, and help families build wealth over generations. Senator Miranda and Representative Worrell tied the bill to closing the racial wealth gap and expanding access to homeownership for Black and Latino residents. The committee also heard testimony on S. 971, which would reform the Housing Development and Incentive Program to require more affordability in Gateway City projects. The committee additionally heard from Senator Kennedy and disability advocates on S. 1004, which would strengthen the Alternative Housing Voucher Program for people with disabilities by codifying project-based vouchers and aligning the program more closely with other voucher systems. Witnesses described long waitlists and the lack of accessible, affordable units as major barriers that can lead to homelessness or unnecessary institutionalization. No votes were taken during the hearing; the session was devoted to testimony and questions from committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will take legislators out of order because there are a lot of hearings and meetings today that they
• I just want to recognize my good friend from Lowell, a distinguished former legislator.
• I'm just curious to your—I know you said you can't legislate morality.
• As a legislator in the state of West Virginia in 2019, I helped lead iGaming expansion.
• This ban within the legislation and the regulated market would take care of that.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, chaired by Rep. Carole Fiola and Sen. Barry Finegold, held a lengthy hearing on a range of gambling-related bills. Testimony first focused on H. 496 to allow the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to authorize Plain Ridge Park Casino to add table games and more slot machines. Supporters, including Rep. Jeffrey Roy, Sen. Finegold, Rep. Barry R. Finegold, Rep. Brian Vaughn, and Plainville officials, argued the change was needed to keep Massachusetts gaming dollars from flowing to Rhode Island, protect jobs, and preserve local tax revenue. They described Plain Ridge as a strong community partner and cited host-community benefits such as municipal infrastructure projects and local aid. Opponents or skeptical witnesses later argued that expanded gambling, especially online, would increase harm and cannibalize existing casinos and local economies. The committee also heard testimony on bills related to sports betting restrictions and online gambling. Sen. John Keenan presented a “Better Health Act” proposal to ban prop bets and in-play bets, require affordability checks, prohibit hosts, raise the sports betting excise tax, expand funding for problem-gambling services, and increase research and data sharing. He and supporters framed the bill as a public-health response to addiction, suicide, bankruptcy, and other harms. Rep. David Nangle, speaking from personal experience with gambling addiction, strongly opposed internet gaming, warning that it would intensify addiction and expose children and families to 24/7 gambling on phones. In contrast, Rep. David Moradian and industry witnesses supported H. 4431 to legalize and regulate internet gaming, arguing it would bring illegal activity into a regulated market, generate new revenue, and include consumer protections such as age verification, deposit limits, self-exclusion, and responsible-gaming tools. The committee also took testimony on H. 4238, which would expand fundraising options for fraternal organizations, especially the Elks. Rep. Bruce Ayers and Elks representatives said the bill would help lodges raise money for scholarships, veterans’ services, and community programs after COVID-related losses and declining membership. On H. 480, Rep. Kathleen LaNatra, Rep. Badger, and representatives of veterans organizations and gaming-machine operators urged allowing qualified veterans groups to participate in certain video gaming activity, saying it would provide a sustainable revenue source to keep posts open and support veterans’ services. Dr. Rachel Volberg testified that expanding gambling, especially online gambling and slot machines at veterans organizations, would likely increase gambling harm, and she urged stronger harm-prevention measures, data reporting, and research funding. Other witnesses, including anti-gambling advocates and industry representatives, sharply disagreed over whether legalization would reduce illegal gambling or worsen addiction and social costs. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's happened for carrying this legislation. I'm Supervisor Jackie Speier.
• We are in support of the payment in full and a legislative fix.
• We are in support of payment in full and a legislative fix.
• Natalie Gonzalez with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
• We routinely review legislation and provide input to authors who have pending legislation that they want

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• chaplain is Deacon Kevin Carnellie of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, who serves as legislative
• So, there are three instances covered by the 2025 legislation that require clarification.
• legislation that require clarification. clarification. clarification.
• I think it will happen over successive legislative sessions.
• You know, I think that piece of legislation is a bit of a sleeper, but it's important.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tom Coseill, who is one of my legislative aides. Can you stand, Tom? We have Ms.
• This legislative session, she has also served as an intern in our office.
• Thank you so much for all that you've done for us this legislative session.
• This legislation is needed because without concurrent legislative jurisdiction, juvenile misconduct is
• We pass a lot of great legislation in Florida benefits.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of recognitions for interns, staff, and guests. Members also honored retiring Senate staffer Susan Miller and recognized a veteran injured in combat. After routine announcements, the chamber moved to returning messages from the House and began taking up bills and amendments. The Senate concurred in House amendments and passed SB 118 on RV park assessments and SB 572 on ethics for public officers and employees, both by 38-0 votes. It then took up the elections bill, CS/CS/HB 991, which drew extensive debate. Supporters said it would strengthen election integrity by tightening citizenship verification and ID rules; opponents argued it would burden eligible voters, especially students, seniors, disabled voters, and others without the newly required documents. The bill passed 27-12. The chamber also passed the education package SB 182 after adopting a Senate amendment to the House amendment, and approved SB 474 on military affairs, SB 425 on historic cemeteries, HB 929 on local regulation of chickees, and HB 35/SB 1370 on habitual traffic offender designation, all with unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The Senate then considered SB 902/ HB 733, the Department of Health package. Members adopted an amendment and amendment-to-amendment that preserved most Senate provisions while modifying or removing several House additions, including some early steps and medical marijuana-related changes, and the bill passed 37-0. The chamber also began work on HB 905, the foreign influence bill, with a strike-all amendment offered to expand restrictions on foreign influence, sister-city agreements, linkage institutes, and related activities, but the debate on that measure was still underway when the transcript ended. Several other returning messages and bills were temporarily postponed, and the Senate recessed briefly before resuming business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tom Coseill, who is one of my legislative aides. Can you stand, Tom? We have Ms.
• Nizia Smith, who's been on the journey for the whole four years as my other legislative aide.
• This legislative session, she has also served as an intern in our office.
• I want to recognize UCF legislative scholar Chase Thompson. He's in the West Gallery.
• This legislation is needed because, without concurrent legislative jurisdiction, juvenile misconduct

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of introductions recognizing interns, staff, visitors, and a military veteran. After routine announcements, the chamber took up several House-returned bills and special-order measures, with most motions to concur or refuse to concur adopted without objection. Early actions included unanimous concurrence in House amendments to SB 118 on RV park special assessments and SB 572 on ethics rules for public officers and employees, both passing 38-0. The Senate then debated and passed CS/CS/HB 991 on election integrity by a 27-12 vote after extensive opposition focused on voter registration documentation, student IDs, provisional ballots, and potential disenfranchisement; the sponsor defended the bill as a citizenship-verification and election-security measure. The chamber also passed CS/CS/SB 182, an education package combining several related provisions, by 37-0, and later approved SB 474 on military affairs by 39-0 after a technical amendment restoring certain retirement eligibility positions. The Senate refused to concur in the House amendment to CS/CS/CS/SB 1014 on municipal utility service, and refused to concur in the House strike-all amendment to SB 598 after the House had added composting language to the cremation definition. Several other messages were temporarily postponed. On the special-order calendar, the Senate passed CS/CS/HB 425 on historic cemeteries by 39-0, allowing historic Black cemetery boards to sell surplus property not used for burial to fund maintenance. It also passed HB 929 on chickee regulation by 39-0, limiting local restrictions on chickee construction and setting spacing, fire-safety, and permitting rules. SB 1370 on habitual traffic offender designation was substituted with identical CS/HB 35 and passed 39-0, expanding habitual offender treatment to repeated driving without a valid license. The chamber then returned to CS/CS/CS/SB 902, the Department of Health package, which was substituted with CS/HB 733 and amended to retain the Senate’s medical marijuana location limits, adjust NICU nutrition language, modify the dental student loan repayment program, and require a pediatric trauma center designation for certain specialty children’s hospitals; it passed 37-0. The Senate also moved CS/CS/CS/HB 905 on foreign influence to the special-order calendar and began debate on a strike-all amendment defining foreign terrorist organizations and foreign countries of concern, restricting gifts and business ties, tightening sister-city affiliations, and adding ethics training and reporting requirements, but the transcript ends before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tom Coseill, who is one of my legislative aides. Can you stand, Tom? We have Ms.
• And during this legislative session, we had a special edition. and watching online.
• This legislative session, she has also served as an intern in our office.
• Thank you so much for all that you've done for us this legislative session.
• This legislation is needed because without concurrent legislative jurisdiction, juvenile misconduct is

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's been 40 years since legislation was enacted on Water's Edge election, and that was a generation
• I'd like to call up our first panel from the Legislative Analyst's Office, Rowan Isaacs.
• I'm Jennifer Barton, the Legislative Services Director for the Franchise Tax Board.
• Legislators The first year they started collecting this data.
• I don't envy the legislators. You have a hard task ahead of you.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I submit a legislative funding request every year.
• We had what felt like the longest legislative session ever.
• And they decided to wait until after our 105-day legislative session to tell us.
• You know, legislators, to be good, cannot be linear thinkers.
• You know, legislators, to be good, cannot be linear thinkers.

Bills: S7040, S0110, S0434, S0856

Keywords: property assessment, wind damage, home improvements, real estate, tax exemption, Florida statutes, ad valorem taxes, property listings, tax estimation, disclosure, Florida, residential property

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and took up three property-tax related bills before turning to a broader discussion of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund. SB 434, which would prohibit counties from increasing a residential property’s assessed value because the owner installed wind mitigation measures, was presented by Senator Lee and reported favorably. CS for SB 110, which clarifies that holders of 98-year-or-longer residential leases remain eligible for the homestead exemption even if the lease ends at death, was also reported favorably. SB 856, requiring online residential listing platforms to display estimated property taxes using prescribed calculation methods and not the current owner’s tax bill, drew support from property appraisers, Zillow representatives, and others and was reported favorably after questions about transparency and realtor obligations. The committee then considered SPB 7040, which would recreate and extend the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund through December 31, 2027. Senator DiCeglie and Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie argued the fund is needed for hurricane response, other natural and man-made emergencies, and reimbursement-based spending; they said the extension preserves legislative oversight that would otherwise lapse. Several senators questioned the use of the fund for immigration-related operations, detention facilities, and other non-disaster activities, as well as the lack of additional guardrails, reimbursement timing, and transparency. Guthrie said the division has used the fund for hurricanes, flooding, civil unrest, security operations, and other incidents, and that some reimbursements are still pending from the federal government. Public testimony on SPB 7040 was largely opposed. Speakers from the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, the Southern Poverty Law Center, Florida for All, and others argued the fund has been repurposed for immigration enforcement and detention-related spending rather than true emergencies, and raised concerns about deaths in detention and the absence of competitive bidding and oversight. Guthrie answered extensive questions about the South Florida and North Florida detention facilities, Operation Vigilant Sentry, State Guard support, reimbursement requests, equipment purchases, and legislative access to facilities. The committee did not take a final vote on SPB 7040 within the portion of the transcript provided.