Transcript Highlights:

• watched how well the tax call center works now, and the other This technology can capture immediate feedback

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think this is a great bill and a solution-focused bill based on feedback we've received from stakeholders

Bills: S7022, S0178, S0430, S0464, S0538, S0920, S1036, S1136, S1216

Keywords: public records, open government, sunshine law, education assessments, testing materials, exam security, assessment instruments, test items, answer keys, scoring rubrics, item banks, developmental materials, workpapers, student testing, academic dishonesty, cheating, Florida Department of Education, State Board of Education, Board of Governors, Florida College System

Summary: The Education Pre-K through 12 Committee considered and reported favorably several bills. SB 1036 on school counselors was amended to clarify certification exemptions and passed, with support focused on addressing counselor shortages and student mental health needs. SB 1136 on dental screenings for K-12 students was converted by delete-all amendment to place the screening definition in the School Health Services Act and to require written parent notice and exemption procedures; it passed with support from PTA and other advocates. SB 920 on mathematics education passed after discussion of applied algebra courses tied to career pathways, while preserving Algebra I standards, end-of-course testing, graduation requirements, and university admission eligibility. SB 178 on athletics and public K-12 schools also passed after amendment adding a $15,000 annual cap on coach-provided personal support per team and discussion of guardrails to prevent recruiting abuses; members emphasized the role coaches play in supporting students. SB 1216 on public school personnel compensation passed with broad support for giving districts more flexibility on pay, cost-of-living adjustments, and advanced degree compensation. The committee also approved SPB 7022, a public records exemption bill extending protections for examination and assessment instruments to 2031 and clarifying coverage for district and school materials. SB 464 on observance of Veterans Day in K-12 schools passed after debate over whether schools should be closed or use the day for programs, with supporters arguing for statewide consistency and honoring veterans. Finally, SB 538 on physical education passed after a delete-all amendment establishing standardized extracurricular participation rules for public, private, virtual, and home education students, addressing coach compensation at the district level, and clarifying participation limits across schools. The committee recessed briefly for Senator Avila’s arrival, postponed SB 430, and adjourned after recording one additional favorable vote on SB 1036.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the question to you, if you're posed with someone saying to you in the public, what is from feedback

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As always, we are very grateful for your presentation, your thoughts, certainly your feedback on where

Summary: The Senate Committee on Finance and Tax met to hear a presentation from Amy Baker on the state’s ad valorem property tax forecast and how the revenue estimating conference handles property-tax-related impact analyses. Baker explained that the conference process requires unanimous consensus, that the revenue estimating conference produces the state’s official forecast, and that her office recently overhauled the ad valorem model to use a bottom-up, county-by-county approach with separate modeling for county and school rolls, confidential parcels, and detailed categories such as homestead, non-homestead, residential, non-residential, and agricultural property. Baker walked through the current baseline numbers and the main components of taxable value, emphasizing the role of homestead differentials, especially Save Our Homes and portability, and homestead exemptions. She noted that differentials remove a large share of homestead value statewide, with especially large effects in South Florida and along the east coast, while exemptions are concentrated more heavily in northern and fiscally constrained counties. She also explained that many parcels have little or no remaining taxable value, while a smaller number of parcels hold a large share of taxable value, which makes exemption proposals highly uneven in their effects. The committee discussed how impact conferences evaluate proposed constitutional amendments or bills by measuring the change from the baseline forecast, converting taxable-value changes into tax-dollar losses using county millage rates, and then expressing results in cash and recurring terms. Baker stressed that impact analyses do not address broader budgetary effects or local government replacement decisions, and that each proposal is analyzed as a standalone measure rather than in combination with others. Senators asked about seven House property-tax proposals already analyzed, the availability of those reports online, possible interactions if multiple proposals passed, and whether property-tax relief could stimulate the economy enough to offset revenue losses. Baker said the economic effects would be highly proposal- and county-specific and that any budgetary analysis would require separate work beyond the conference process. The committee took no substantive action beyond receiving the presentation and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not aware of any feedback from any of our law enforcement associations regarding any opposition to

Summary: The committee first took up HB 133, which would lower the minimum age to purchase a long gun from 21 to 18. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill restores the rights of adults 18 and older, emphasizing constitutional rights, military service, voting, jury duty, and parental responsibility. Opponents, including gun violence prevention advocates and several members, cited Parkland and the recent FSU shooting, argued that people under 21 are still developing and more impulsive, and said the current law helps protect public safety. After extensive debate and public testimony on both sides, the committee voted 11-5 to report HB 133 favorably. The committee then considered PCS for HB 35, which adds driving without a valid license to the offenses that can lead to habitual traffic offender designation and is named Isaiah’s Law in memory of a child killed by an unlicensed driver. Supporters said it addresses repeat dangerous conduct and should help prevent similar tragedies. One member questioned whether it was a knee-jerk response, while others said it was a reasonable accountability measure. The PCS passed unanimously, 16-0, and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard HB 245, which updates Florida law to use more accurate terminology for child sexual abuse material rather than “child pornography,” and includes related technical corrections. The sponsor said the change better reflects the seriousness of the crime and asked whether the bill also covered AI-generated material; the sponsor said the statute already addresses such references. After a technical amendment was adopted, the bill passed unanimously, 16-0, and was reported favorably. The chair also reminded members to maintain respect toward public witnesses and each other before adjourning the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Everybody then gives their feedback and sends it back, and then it has to be recirculated by that group

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So there have been some agencies that maybe they were bad actors or there was a lot of feedback or they

Bills: SB175, SB277, SB374, SB400

Keywords: military, veterans, education, teaching, Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, licensure, certification, public schools, charter schools, school social worker, school counselor, school psychologist, internship, practicum, student support services, mental health, harassment, bullying, power-based violence, school safety

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate your feedback. Thank you for your testimony. Thank you.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the way I read it is that feedback from the insurance department is more of an advisory opinion.

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Similarly, the office has identified through constituency feedback that the social equity criteria had

Bills: HF1646, HF2443

Keywords: medical debt, debt relief, healthcare financing, consumer protection, financial hardship, commerce, cannabis, insurance, housing, ombudsperson, affordability, property, task force, financial institutions

Transcript Highlights:

• After significant feedback from the stakeholders and trying to balance the actual ability to implement

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:

• After significant feedback from the stakeholders and trying to balance the actual ability to implement

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:

• Uh, in January 2025, we offered constructive feedback on the bill.

Bills: HB24

Keywords: groundwater, conservation, water permits, sustainability, resource management

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a very open, bipartisan person who will welcome feedback about where we can work together.

Transcript Highlights:

• And second, have you had any feedback from the education community about the impact of an 8-week substitute

Bills: HB61, HB327, HB253, HB297

Keywords: home school, career and technical education, public schools, K-12 education, enrollment policy, parental leave, state employees, adoption, employee benefits, aircraft tax, aviation tax, sales tax exemption, use tax exemption, lease tax, rental tax, commercial aircraft, air carrier, airline, aircraft parts, maintenance

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, because I think what I'd like to do is I'd like to put into this bill a mechanism to be able to
• So what I want, what I'm thinking about doing on this bill is we're going to stick in a mechanism to
• Okay, because I think what I'd like to do is I'd like to put into this bill a mechanism to be able to
• So what I want, what I'm thinking about doing on this bill is we're going to stick in a mechanism to
• Okay, because I think what I'd like to do is I'd like to put into this bill a mechanism to be able to

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To secure financing, the state must establish this mechanism definitively.
• mechanism mechanism definitively<00:50:58.240><c> if</c><00:50:58.359><c> the</c><00:50:58.480><c> bill
• as a replacement to the compliance reporting mechanism if deemed appropriate.
• </c><01:09:05.159><c> if</c><01:09:05.279><c> deemed</c> reporting mechanism if deemed reporting mechanism
• </c><01:22:50.719><c> and</c> variety of enforcement mechanisms and variety of enforcement mechanisms

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate hearing focused primarily on SB 1201, a wildfire measure that would create a wildfire recovery fund and allow securitization for electric utilities. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the bill, saying it would help protect customers, property owners, insurers, and the broader economy from future catastrophic wildfire liability while improving the utility’s credit profile and lowering financing costs. Support also came from DCCA Consumer Advocacy, the Attorney General’s office on written comments, Ulupono Initiative, Clearway Energy Group, IBEW Local 1260, Par Hawaii, KIUC, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, Plus Power, and numerous organizations and individuals. Opponents or commenters raised concerns about the liability cap, victim compensation process, and fund structure, including the Hawaiʻi Association for Justice, the Hawaiʻi Regional Council of Carpenters, and the Hawaiʻi Insurance Council; Henry Curtis of Life of the Land supported the concept of a fund but questioned the catastrophe threshold and whether the fund would be empty without a prudency finding. Much of the discussion centered on whether the proposed fund would actually help restore Hawaiian Electric to investment grade, with senators comparing the proposal to California’s wildfire fund. Hawaiian Electric said the bill was only one part of a broader process, alongside physical risk reduction and settlement finalization, and argued that without the bill the utility would not regain investment grade. Senators also questioned the proposed $1 billion fund size, the fairness of ratepayer contributions versus shareholder contributions, and whether customers should pay for consulting and administrative costs; Hawaiian Electric said its proposed amendment would remove those consulting-related charges. The company also said the fund would accrue interest and, if unused, could be returned to customers, and that there would be replenishment and supplemental contribution mechanisms if the fund were exhausted. The Attorney General’s office said it still had further amendments to discuss, and the departments had not yet resolved where the fund should reside administratively, though Hawaiian Electric said it believed DCCA was the appropriate place but was open to alternatives. KIUC requested two amendments. No vote or final committee action was taken during the hearing, and the measure remained under discussion with questions and proposed amendments still outstanding.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I think we've got an obligation to try to figure out the mechanics that have to work.
• I think we all know that, and if we don't put proper mechanics, then it's not going to work.
• But I want to get this mechanics idea... ...figured out, and I think if we put that latest sheet we got
• And again, we wouldn't have gone deep diving in this, but again, the mechanics have to work if we're

Bills: HB1329

Keywords: government spending database, public expenditure transparency, open data, government transparency, school district spending, state spending, local government finance, education finance, budget database, expenditure reporting, salary transparency, benefits data, public records, Legislative Management study, North Dakota, school board training, superintendent, principal, business manager, higher education spending

Summary: The division first discussed Senate Bill 1540 and related amendments involving implementation mechanics, procurement exemptions, and an emergency clause. Bank of North Dakota representatives explained that, based on a timeline review with DPI, the project would be very difficult to implement for the 2026-27 school year without exemptions from state purchasing and IT oversight rules and without an emergency clause; they said the normal procurement process could take about 240 days and that a 15-month implementation window would likely push the start to 2027-28 if those changes were not adopted. Members also raised a separate policy question about a criminal penalty placeholder in the bill, and the committee agreed that the sentence was unnecessary and should be removed. The committee deferred means-testing questions and fiscal-note issues to the next morning, with the understanding that the bill would be drafted in a way that made it workable if it advanced. The committee then turned to the water budget bill and reviewed the latest amended version, which included changes to the Water Topics process, Southwest Pipeline line of credit provisions, Red River supply funding, Mouse River project amounts, general water funding, studies on Missouri River intakes and water governance/finance, and a carryover/transfer adjustment. Chris Cattermas of the Department of Water Resources said most of the carryover funds were already obligated, with the largest unobligated amount in flood control. After review, Senator Thomas moved a do-pass recommendation on the bill as amended, the motion was seconded, and the committee approved it unanimously. The chair noted that other bills would be taken up the next morning, including 1013, 1014, and 1540.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would that be like diesel mechanics, welders, plumbers? Sure. I want to elaborate on that.
• energy and the mechanical energy and the steam into the mechanical energy in the turbine, starting that
• Now you're transferring that mechanical energy. that gets everything spinning.
• energy and the mechanical energy and the steam into the mechanical energy and the turbine, starting
• And there's a couple of mechanisms that it currently flows through.

Summary: The committee met at the Coteau Freedom Mine in Mercer County, approved the June 2 minutes, and heard an overview of the mine from Coteau Properties president Andrew Hawbaker. He described the Freedom Mine’s production history, customer mix, safety record, reclamation practices, workforce, community involvement, and economic impact. Members asked about how long land stays in production before reclamation, how quickly it returns to agriculture, labor shortages, groundwater impacts, and which skilled trades are hardest to fill. Hawbaker said the mine typically disturbs land for three to five years, reclamation returns much of the land to agricultural use, and the biggest hiring challenges are electricians, welders, mechanics, operators, engineers, and accountants. The committee then heard from Public Service Commission Chairman Randy Christman on coal mining reclamation. He reviewed the history of North Dakota and federal reclamation laws, the PSC’s permitting and inspection authority, bonding requirements, contemporaneous reclamation standards, and how the state handles topsoil, subsoil, drainage, and revegetation. He emphasized that North Dakota’s program is well regarded, with frequent inspections and no corrective-action issues in recent federal reviews. Christman also discussed problems caused by federal coal ownership that can delay mine plans, and he answered questions about reclamation timing, wildlife easements, wind and pipeline reclamation, and whether similar bonding concepts could apply to data centers. In the afternoon, the committee received an update from Lignite Energy Council President and CEO Jonathan Fortner on the lignite industry. He highlighted the industry’s long-term role in providing reliable electricity, jobs, and tax revenue, along with North Dakota’s low electricity rates and strong grid reliability. Fortner discussed severance and conversion tax revenues, federal regulatory changes, litigation over EPA rules, carbon capture, critical minerals, and the potential for large-load customers such as data centers to support new coal generation. He said the industry sees a window of opportunity for growth and expressed support for new large-load development, while noting that diversified energy companies are also pursuing natural gas and other resources. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and adjourning for the tour.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any funding mechanism the state can support for these types of projects would be a great benefit for
• will greatly improve the mechanism will greatly improve the state's<00:26:34.520><c> ability</c><00:
• </c><00:42:06.520><c> to</c><00:42:06.720><c> fund</c> different funding mechanisms to fund different
• Or do you need to establish a district and then implement one of those mechanisms for whatever purpose
• Or do you need to establish a district and then implement one of those mechanisms for whatever purpose

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several transportation and arts-related measures. HB 307 on special member plates drew written support from Protect Ohana, and HB 531 on a University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center specialty plate received strong support from the Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society, both emphasizing cancer research, patient care, outreach, and public awareness. HB 706 would require skateboard users under 16 to wear helmets, and HB 1231 would expand red light photo enforcement; both drew support from transportation and safety advocates, while the Judiciary raised concerns about citation volume, staffing, manual processing, and the need for consultation and a phased rollout. The committee also discussed HB 54, which increases penalties for repeated excessive speeding offenses; the Attorney General’s office supported the enforcement rationale and fingerprinting language, while the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing it adds harsh penalties and jail time despite broader efforts to reduce excessive punishment. For the camera-enforcement bills, the Department of Transportation said the red-light and speed-camera programs would be expanded gradually, with existing intersections converted first and additional locations added over time, and noted that the system would require about $2 million and significant automation for the Judiciary. The Judiciary repeatedly asked for more time, public input on camera locations, and effective dates that would allow staffing and system changes. On HB 1166, which funds the automated speed enforcement program, DOT proposed technical amendments to make the citations non-moving violations and to align the statute with the red-light program; the Judiciary again said it had no position on the policy but needed time and consultation to absorb the workload. HB 235, a North Shore red-light imaging bill, drew similar Judiciary concerns and support from a testifier who said enforcement would improve compliance and reduce crashes. The committee also heard HB 1159 on commercial harbor evacuations, with Hawaii Emergency Management Agency supporting the bill as a way to give harbor masters enforceable authority to order vessels out during emergencies. The discussion focused on whether the measure would affect all commercial harbor users, including smaller fishing vessels, and whether it would conflict with Coast Guard authority; the bill’s proponents said it would let the state enforce orders already issued by the captain of the port and protect cargo lanes during crises. Finally, HB 17 on the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority was described by HCDA as a housekeeping and structural bill that would update its purposes, allow it to assist other agencies, and replace multiple county boards with a single program reporting to the 17-member board. DHHL supported the bill because of potential transit and infrastructure benefits for Kapolei and nearby homestead developments, and committee members discussed future financing tools such as improvement districts, TIF, and other mechanisms to fund infrastructure early in the development process.