Transcript Highlights:

• We live in a society where people really like to hide behind a screen, cowards, and try and tear people
• We live in a society where people really like to hide behind a screen, cowards, and try and tear people

Committee: House Commerce Committee

Summary: The committee first took up HB 703 on utility relocation, as amended by a strike-all. The sponsor said the bill would require government authorities that order communication service providers to move infrastructure to pay the relocation costs, clarify expedited timelines, and align the House bill with the Senate version. Supporters argued the communication services tax should help cover these costs, while cities and counties warned the bill would shift major unfunded costs to local governments and taxpayers, especially in fiscally constrained counties. After public testimony from local government and industry representatives and debate over fairness, coordination, and the tax’s intended use, the committee adopted the strike-all and then passed the bill favorably on a roll call vote. The committee then heard and passed CS/HB 379, a securities package updating Chapter 517. The bill and conforming amendment made several technical and policy changes, including expanding certain exemptions, updating foreign jurisdiction and exchange considerations, revising merger-and-acquisition broker rules, aligning fingerprinting requirements with FBI standards, and adding protections related to financial exploitation of specified adults. Industry and Office of Financial Regulation witnesses supported the measure, and the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably without opposition. Next, the committee passed CS/HB 867 establishing the Coastal Link Commuter Rail Service Act to create a legal framework for commuter rail operations along Florida’s coastal corridor and to help Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties secure insurance and indemnification for service on the Florida East Coast Railway right-of-way. The Florida Chamber supported the bill, and it was reported favorably without debate. The committee also passed CS/HB 1161, which revises Florida’s deepfake law to require covered platforms to remove altered sexual depictions and copies upon request by the victim; the bill drew emotional testimony from a student victim and broad support from members, and a severability amendment was adopted before the bill passed unanimously. The committee then passed CS/HB 453 on pool and spa contractors, which updates Chapter 489 terminology and scope-of-practice rules and, through amendment, limits certain equipment to commercially available products. Finally, the committee passed HB 955 requiring all private employers to use E-Verify for new hires, removing the small-employer exemption. Supporters framed it as workforce integrity and rule-of-law legislation, while opponents warned about labor shortages, burdens on small businesses, and impacts on immigrant workers. After debate, the bill passed 19-3. The committee then began hearing CS/HB 541 on minimum wage requirements, which would allow voluntary waivers of minimum wage for certain internships, pre-apprenticeships, and on-the-job training; the sponsor presented an amendment limiting the duration and clarifying minor waivers, and the committee heard both support from small business groups and opposition from labor, immigrant, and worker advocates before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• The targeting of our immigrant community is not just something happening on our phones and TV screens
• The targeting of our immigrant community is not just something happening on our phones and TV screens

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 46 members present and five excused, deferred reading of the journal, and noted there were no messages from the governor or Senate communications. Members then offered several introductions recognizing guests in the gallery, including LifeSmarts awardees, DCCA and LifeSmarts program officials, former Representative Pono Chong and his children, an intern from District 39, a landback advocate, and staff from the Education Committee office. The chamber also marked the close of Education Week 2025 with applause and recognition of the visiting students and supporters. The main floor presentation was House Resolution 211, which congratulated the first- and second-place teams at the 2025 Havi LifeSmarts State Competition and the 2025 U.S. Senate Youth Program delegate. Representative Tam presented the resolution, praising the Eolani Raiders for winning first place and wishing them well at the upcoming Chicago competition. Representative Hashimoto recognized Kalanianaole High School’s second-place team, and Representative Woodson honored Wilson Chow of Maui High School for his leadership and service. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and the House recessed briefly to allow members to congratulate the honorees. After recess, the House took up a large block of standing committee reports, moving reports 1406 through 1504 with a series of member notations including no votes, reservations, and a few brief explanations. Several members raised concerns about specific measures involving emergency readiness centers, immigration-related legal access, blank votes on ballot questions, electricity costs and Hawaiian Electric, and gambling. Some members spoke in support of measures while noting reservations about cost, process, or policy effects. The full package of reports was ultimately adopted by voice vote. During announcements, Representative Garcia read a statement from Representative Jean Ward announcing her resignation effective at the end of the month due to ongoing health issues, including anemia, sciatica, and pneumonia, after nearly 27 years of service. The House then adjourned by voice vote until 12:00 noon on Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• the people who actually come to vote and um it's also can be confusing when they keep getting the screen
• um as far as election work it goes faster if they don't have to get the screen again and again you're

Committee: House Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• increase that number, because potentially you have a golden opportunity at the point of admission to screen
• increase that number, because potentially you have a golden opportunity at the point of admission to screen

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education heard Senate Bill 101, which would require University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine graduates who paid in-state tuition to serve as physicians in Hawaiʻi for at least two years after residency or fellowship, beginning with the class of 2029. The Deputy Attorney General said the bill addressed a matter of statewide concern. JABSOM Dean Sam Shoemaker testified in opposition, arguing the school already uses scholarships, loan repayment, and other incentives, and that the strongest predictor of where physicians practice is where they complete residency; he said the school is working to expand residency slots, neighbor-island training, and class size. Supporters argued the state faces a severe physician shortage and should do more to ensure publicly subsidized students remain in Hawaiʻi. The committee ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including a statewide concern statement, and deferred the measure to July 31, 2025; the vote was adopted. The committee then heard Senate Bill 19, which creates funds to establish a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program on Maui. University of Hawaiʻi and nursing workforce representatives testified in support, saying there is ample capacity on Maui and strong demand for higher nursing education. Members discussed the broader nursing pathway, including existing associate and bachelor’s programs at UH campuses and the need to improve access for Maui and nearby communities. The measure was moved to decision-making and adopted with amendments and a deferred date. Senate Bill 637, appropriating funds for various University of Hawaiʻi nursing programs, also received support from UH nursing leaders, who said the funding would support the final phase of the West Oʻahu-Manoa collaboration and an online RN-to-BS program. The Hawaiʻi State Center for Nursing said its research showed capacity and demand for these programs. The committee recommended amendments to blank out appropriation amounts for the committee report and deferred the measure, then adopted it. The committee also adopted Senate Bill 741, which establishes an external audit committee within the UH Board of Regents, and deferred or amended several other measures, including a wastewater technology pilot program, a coconut rhinoceros beetle response program, and a climate-resilient development appropriation.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a screening that they were doing as part of their herd plan.
• It was a uh<01:35:20.880><c> screening</c><01:35:21.280><c> that</c><01:35:21.520><c> they</c><01:35:
• I've worked with everybody that's up here and that was on the screen extensively.
• I've worked with everybody that's up here and that was on the screen extensively.
• </c> here and that was on the screen here and that was on the screen extensively. extensively. extensively

Committee: Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not a Zoom screen request in this bill. Just verbal.
• It's not a Zoom screen request in this bill. Just verbal.
• It's not a Zoom screen uh Just audible.
• It's not a Zoom screen uh request<02:40:11.439><c> in</c><02:40:11.680><c> this</c><02:40:11.840><c>
• And I realize a person on a screen.

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So please stick around at the table or on the Teams screen to see if we have any questions.

Bills: H5171 , H5261 , H5294 , H5317 , S3026 , S3033

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Keywords: Holyoke, municipal governance, acting mayor, city council, local government, Oxford, town charter, municipal government, town manager, residency requirement, local approval, charter amendment, home rule, local governance, municipal administration, residence of officials, Worcester County, Worthington, solar, solar photovoltaic

Transcript Highlights:

• working in schools when the legislature is trying to do some... ...positive things on literacy, on screen

Committee: House Legislative Review

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you look, there was a handout that was provided here that has kind of a picture of what the screen

Summary: The Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee heard Senate Bill 1353, which would allow twin homes and duplexes in areas where detached single-family homes are permitted, while prohibiting local rules that would effectively block them through minimum lot sizes, parking requirements above one space per unit, or higher impact/utility fees than single-family homes. The bill was revised to remove impacts on HOAs and counties, and the sponsor said it is intended to expand housing options and homeownership. The Association of Idaho Cities said it was still finalizing a formal position but was likely to be neutral or supportive after working with the sponsor on amendments; a representative from Pacific Legal Foundation supported the bill as a way to reduce exclusionary zoning. Some senators raised concerns about local control, rental use, and whether demand exists, while others supported the idea as a way to add more affordable and multigenerational housing. The committee voted to send SB 1353 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1345, a State Tax Commission proposal to allow taxpayers to opt in to secure electronic communication instead of receiving certain notices by certified mail or first-class mail. The Tax Commission said the bill would improve efficiency, reduce postage and printing costs, and preserve taxpayer choice by making electronic notice optional and revocable through the Taxpayer Access Point system. Members asked about protections for older taxpayers, what happens if an email is missed or deleted, and how notice would be tracked; the sponsor said the system would remain opt-in and the agency could monitor delivery and follow up if needed. The committee voted to send SB 1345 to the floor with a due pass recommendation and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The new Superman movie was out, and there was a 10:00 a.m. screening.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, I looked at the map for probably 20 minutes today. pulling it up on the screen and just overlaying

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do screenings for our police and fire departments.

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• nonexistent in the field and just for the benefit of everybody in the committee, the whole blood is still screened

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article II

Transcript Highlights:

• And just for the benefit of everybody in the committee that the whole blood is still screened for...

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article II

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• sources, If you wanted to consider tax policy, if you look at all these five sources that are on the screen

Committee: Senate Finance and Tax

Summary: The Senate Committee on Finance and Tax convened with a quorum present, heard an introductory presentation of committee staff, and then received a staff briefing from Azar Khan on Florida’s state tax structure and revenue outlook. The presentation covered fiscal year 2023-2024 revenues, noting more than $127 billion in total state revenue, with general revenue exceeding $48 billion and sales and use tax making up the largest share. It also compared Florida’s tax burden to other states, highlighted Florida’s low per-capita revenue ranking and strong business formation numbers, and reviewed major and minor revenue sources, tax rates, and the revenue estimating conference process. Members asked about what drives revenue growth, including population, tourism, construction, and auto sales, and about Florida’s regressivity, corporate income tax participation, and investment earnings on state balances. Khan said the state’s revenue picture remains positive and stable, but that future growth is slower than during the COVID-era spike; he also explained that some negative forecast changes were tied to legislative actions such as the insurance premium tax credit, while others reflected lower tobacco consumption and severance activity. He noted that revenue and spending forecasts are separate and that budget-side growth is driving concerns raised in other state economic projections. The committee also discussed possible tax package ideas for the upcoming session, including tax holidays and homeowner relief, but no specific proposals were acted on. The chair announced the committee would not meet the following week and that the next meeting would be in week three of February. The meeting concluded with no objections to a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• One thing I also wanted to highlight is a screening plant that the district was able to purchase.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> So how are we going to assess it? We don't have a taxing system.
• &gt;&gt; how are we going to how are we going to &gt;&gt; how are we going to how are we going to assess
• 07.280><c> don't</c><00:23:07.360><c> have</c><00:23:07.440><c> a</c><00:23:07.600><c> taxing</c> assess
• We don't have a taxing assess it?
• the fine to the uh we will assess the fine to the greatest<04:37:23.840><c> degree</c><04:37:24.080>

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• final report from the public consulting group regarding the child-centered benefits management assessment
• fiscal side of the house, the fore side of the house, accounts payable, that are all involved in screening
• that are all accounts payable, um that are all involved<01:49:09.199><c> in</c><01:49:09.440><c> screening
• ,</c><01:49:09.760><c> reviewing,</c> involved in screening, reviewing, involved in screening, reviewing

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session opened with routine announcements, including new and absent members, a tribute to former chair Rep. Jess Edwards, and an explanation that Division 3 is advisory and will make recommendations to full Finance. Chair Mooney also distributed a self-created index to the budget binder and reviewed the committee’s options under House Rule 45. Members discussed scheduling a future visit to the Veterans Home in Tilton, with several October dates unavailable, and the chair said she would circulate possible dates. The committee also reviewed the second-year budget context and sources of funding, including surplus monies, existing and new revenue streams, grants, reappropriations, and the rainy day fund. The committee then took up several retained bills and repeatedly heard that their substance had already been addressed in the budget. House Bill 519, funding the Waypoint Youth and Young Adult Shelter, was moved ITL and passed 10-0. House Bill 547, county reimbursement funds, was also moved ITL and passed 10-0 after members noted the reimbursement had been included in HB 2. House Bill 570, repealing the prescription drug affordability board, was moved ITL and passed 10-0, with minority members saying they still believed the board had value but acknowledging the repeal had already occurred in HB 2. House Bill 704, concerning caregiver respite and senior volunteer programs, received the most discussion. Mr. Ripple explained that most items were already funded or suspended in the budget, leaving only the senior volunteer grant program unfunded. Chair Mooney offered amendment 2963H to fund the RSVP program at $180,000 for one year, contingent on surplus funds, and DHHS witnesses explained that RSVP is a federally funded AmeriCorps program that would be added to existing state licensing structures. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill was reported ought to pass as amended on a 10-0 vote. The committee then heard House Bill 751, which would require licensure of outpatient substance use disorder treatment facilities and create an ombudsman-related complaint process. DHHS witnesses said the bill had been narrowed substantially from an earlier certification model with multiple positions and IT costs to a licensing model using existing department infrastructure, reducing the fiscal note to $211,000 for one position. They also said the ombudsman section was no longer needed because licensed facilities would fall under existing oversight. Members questioned how many facilities exist and whether licensing fees would cover costs; DHHS said it did not know the full provider landscape and that licensing revenue across the board does not cover the department’s costs. Rep. Daniels then proposed amendment 2964H to form a study committee because of the remaining questions and lack of a clear revenue stream, and the committee was still discussing that amendment when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, when my one-and-a-half-year-old watches our proceedings online at home, and the screen cuts
• away from us into this red and green screen, she is online at home, and the screen cuts away from us
• into this red and green screen.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several guest introductions and proclamations, including recognition of Dr. Victoria Tannenbaum as Doctor of the Day, Lutheran Day at the Legislature, a veterans treatment court judge, and Adrian Ace Stubbs Day. Attendance was recorded at 56 present, one absent, and three excused. The chamber then moved through communications, committee reports, and first/second readings before beginning a long third-reading calendar. Members considered and voted on a wide range of bills covering tax administration, groundwater and water rights, licensing timeframes, homicide, school employee transparency, mining, retirement system cleanup, utility regulation, AI and digital privacy, sexual extortion, adult protective services, salvage vehicles, veterinary board changes, geological survey reorganization, court fees, real estate licensing, probation, and several education-related appropriations and policy measures. Many bills passed on largely party-line votes, while others passed overwhelmingly or unanimously. Several members explained votes on issues such as superintendent contract transparency, ESA administration funding, mining reclamation, water supply and drought policy, motorcycle safety, AI and adult-content verification, and abortion-pill coercion. The House also passed multiple concurrent resolutions and memorials, including measures on election administration, Judea and Samaria, Route 66, and a memorial to rename State Route 69. Election-related debate was especially pointed, with supporters arguing for precinct-based voting and opponents warning of cost, reduced access, and logistical burdens. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to begin consideration of measures on Calendar No. 1, starting with HB 2174 and related amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're getting the closed captioning at the bottom of the screen, but, ma'am, we could not hear you this
• the closed captioning at the bottom of the closed captioning at the bottom of the<01:22:15.840><c> screen
• 16.880><c> ma'am,</c><01:22:17.199><c> we</c><01:22:17.440><c> could</c><01:22:17.760><c> not</c> the screen
• , but uh ma'am, we could not the screen, but uh ma'am, we could not hear<01:22:18.320><c> you</c><01:

Bills: SF0025 , SF0027 , SF0043 , SF0066

Committee: Senate Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources

Keywords: landowner licenses, hunting, wildlife management, quota hunt areas, game and fish commission, game management, hunting regulations, black bear, tracking dogs, wildlife conservation, conservation, contracting, supervisor, funding, districts, hunting licenses, donated licenses, life-threatening illness, vision impairment, nonprofit organizations