Transcript Highlights:

• This is our chance to do the right thing to clean up our roadways, waterways, and beaches.
• But Texans spent thousands of hours cleaning up our highways, waterways, and beaches.
• This is our chance to do the right thing to clean up our roadways, waterways, and beaches.
• But Texans spent thousands of hours cleaning up our highways, waterways, and beaches.
• We think all of this is going to our beaches.

Bills: HB1730 , HB1823 , HB2048 , HB2266 , HB2440 , HB3333 , HB4086 , HB4271 , HB4413 , HB4839 , HB4841 , HB5151

Committee: House Environmental Regulation

Keywords: PFAS, perfluoroalkyl substances, polyfluoroalkyl substances, forever chemicals, public health study, environmental regulation, drinking water, groundwater, surface water, food packaging, chemical exposure, firefighters, chemical manufacturing workers, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, TCEQ, Railroad Commission of Texas, Department of State Health Services, University of Houston, occupational exposure, contaminants

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a green card in support, but do not wish to speak: Walter Beach.
• Susie LaBray, present and does not wish to speak; Walter Beach, president, does not wish to speak; Michael
• I've got Walter Beach, President, support, do not wish to speak.
• for minors in certain circumstances, permits initials or pseudonyms in custody matters, and allows closure

Bills: HCR11 , HB153 , HB278 , HB424 , HB454 , HB455 , HB687 , HB816 , HB833 , HB942 , HB1053 , HB1097 , HB1147 , HB1148 , HB1190 , SB75 , SB85 , SB197 , SB200 , SB217

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The committee first adopted a three-minute rule for the rest of the meeting by a 9-3 vote. It then took up SB 217, which would reorganize Orleans Parish courts by reducing judgeships in criminal, juvenile, traffic, and municipal courts and, through an adopted amendment, creating one civil district court with 13 judges and allowing hearing officers. Senator Morris argued the changes were based on caseload comparisons and population data; opponents from the Urban League and ACLU said the bill was driven by power rather than efficiency, relied on incomplete or inconsistent data, would strain the courts, and would reduce minority representation on the bench. The committee reported the bill favorably as amended by an 11-4 vote. The committee next considered SB 197, which would reduce the number of judges on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal by two. Senator Morris again cited filings and caseload comparisons, while opponents argued the bill ignored the intensity and complexity of appellate work, could increase backlog and costs, and would disproportionately affect Black women judges. The bill was reported favorably by an 11-4 vote. The committee also adopted HCR 11, expressing support for the Louisiana National Guard at Camp Beauregard and the Youth Challenge Program, and reported favorably SB 85, creating an insurance fund for retired St. Charles Parish sheriff’s employees. Several other measures were advanced with little or no opposition. HB 833 created the Sexual Assault Survivor Empowerment Task Force and was amended to add representatives from the coroners’ association, a survivor appointed by STAR, and a licensed clinical social worker; it was reported favorably. HB 816, with a technical correction, prohibited foreign adversaries from acquiring property near military installations and was reported favorably. HB 1053, dealing with definitions for dealers and retail dealers and allowing certain businesses to serve complimentary alcoholic beverages under agreed-upon floor amendments, was reported favorably. HB 153, as amended, removed the Office of Debt Recovery from the bill and limited it to prohibiting reporting certain criminal fines and fees to credit bureaus; it was reported favorably. SB 75, on cybersecurity reimbursement and baseline standards for local governments after cyber incidents, was reported favorably after testimony from GOSEP and others. SB 200, allowing expropriation of land near military bases owned by foreign adversaries when a court finds a threat to public health and safety, was also reported favorably after extensive testimony and discussion. Finally, HB 454, the Gracie Claire Rushing Act on chain of custody for human remains and internal organs, was converted into a substitute bill, adopted, and then introduced for further discussion, with the sponsor describing it as a transparency and accountability measure for grieving families.

Transcript Highlights:

• So at this time, ... ...development and excellence in Daytona Beach. So at this time, Mr.
• It's not just Daytona Beach, and that's something that we're all wrestling with.
• But for some reason, Daytona Beach keeps dragging this out for five years.
• And while the state has had remarkable growth, I also grew up in Daytona Beach. I was born there.
• Permitted funds in Daytona Beach have not increased since 2012.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee first heard a long-running audit finding involving Daytona Beach’s unexpended building permit funds, which have exceeded the statutory limit for several years and were reported at $10.8 million in the most recent audit. Mayor Derek Henry and city staff said the city has analyzed the fund, adopted a corrective action plan, waived more than $5.5 million in permit and inspection fees over several periods, and used some excess funds for a training facility rehabilitation and a proposed City Hall expansion. Committee members repeatedly questioned whether the city was simply trying to spend down the money, raised concerns about the legality and necessity of proposed expenditures, and asked about interest earnings, truck purchases, and the lack of detailed tracking for training-facility use. The city said an Attorney General opinion allows construction of a new building for building-code functions but not purchase of an existing building, and that if the city cannot comply through permissible construction it would have to return the funds. No vote was taken, but members expressed strong frustration and urged the city to resolve the issue quickly and lawfully. The committee then received the Auditor General’s presentation on the Town of Greenville, which found 31 findings and described pervasive control failures, possible fraud, waste, and abuse. The findings covered elections and quorum issues, conflicts of interest, late or missing financial disclosure forms, related-party transactions, poor meeting notices and minutes, council involvement in day-to-day operations, missing ethics training, budget and accounting deficiencies, weak bank reconciliations, improper utility billing and rates, grant compliance problems tied to a grocery store project, personnel and compensation issues involving the town manager, late vendor payments, weak procurement and P-card controls, vehicle-use and property-control problems, public records issues, and IT/fraud-policy weaknesses. The auditor said the review focused mainly on October 2022 through February 2024 but went back further for some grant-related matters. Greenville’s mayor and staff said the audit reflected actions of a previous administration and that the current council and staff have already adopted seven new policies to improve procurement, financial controls, inventory management, grant oversight, and ethics. They said the town has a new manager and clerk, that the former manager was terminated, and that the town referred matters to FDLE, which is investigating. Committee members asked about the manager’s salary increase, severance, P-card use, and whether the town should consider consolidation or dissolution. The mayor said the town is on a better path, that most of the prior leadership has been voted out, and that the town is working with auditors and an outside accounting firm to correct the problems.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's go to tab. 24 and Michael Barnett, who's a new appointee to Palm Beach State college areas.
• But in 2001, Palm Beach State college, back then it was Palm Beach Community College given my second
• We're also leading the tech revolution here in Palm Beach County.
• Palm Beach State College.
• I grew up in rural northwest Pennsylvania and came to Daytona Beach in February for a visit.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many people think that growing older means a retirement with unlimited beach vacations, but many older
• Facilities at risk of closure may receive operating subsidies and/or capital funds for critical repairs
• For CCE preservation, counties are identifying facilities at risk of closure in the communities, executing
• to support facilities with operating shortfalls or to intervene when new facilities are at risk of closure
• , small family-run licensed care facilities that operate on thin margins may face renewed risk of closure

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the impact of H.R. 1 on older Californians and related county administration issues. Chair Jackson and Chair Addis opened by emphasizing California’s rapidly aging population and the need to protect seniors’ access to food, health care, housing, and in-home support services. Testimony from the Department of Social Services, Department of Health Care Services, and Department of Aging described how H.R. 1 would expand work and reporting requirements in CalFresh and Medi-Cal, increase redeterminations, and create new eligibility barriers. Witnesses and advocates warned that these changes could lead to large coverage losses, especially for adults ages 55 to 64, people experiencing homelessness, caregivers, and some immigrant groups, while also increasing administrative burden on counties. The LAO noted that many provisions do not directly apply to Californians 65 and older, but highlighted indirect effects and some direct impacts, including a new home equity limit for certain long-term care recipients and narrower immigration eligibility rules. Committee members pressed the administration and counties on how exemptions would be identified and implemented, whether data systems could automatically protect eligible people, and how outreach would reach older adults, women, LGBTQ seniors, and people with limited digital access. DHCS and CDSS said they are working to use existing data, cross-program information sharing, and human-centered communications to maximize exemptions and reduce churn, including text outreach, print and radio campaigns, and navigator support. Members also raised concerns about the need for legal aid and county eligibility workers to help people navigate complex rules, and requested updated analyses on the number of people likely to lose both Medi-Cal and CalFresh and the broader human and system impacts. No votes were taken. The second major topic was the administration’s proposal to shift some future IHSS costs to counties by establishing a statewide baseline for average authorized hours per case. CDSS said the proposal is intended to improve consistency in assessments and not reduce services, while counties and labor groups strongly opposed it, arguing that rising hours reflect real increases in need, an aging and higher-acuity caseload, and state-mandated assessment tools rather than county error. County representatives said the proposal would strain already limited local revenues, worsen the effects of H.R. 1, and could force cuts to other safety-net services. Committee members questioned the proposal’s timing and impact, but the hearing ended without action, with the chairs asking for continued updates, additional analysis, and more information before May Revision.

Transcript Highlights:

• Long Beach at that time was a manufacturing and military town.
• State, where his name would become synonymous with beach athletics.
• He was consistently a top donor to Long Beach 49ers, Long Beach State 49ers Foundation, and even served
• He was consistently a top donor to Long Beach 49ers, Long Beach State 49ers Foundation, and even served
• Rick Bryson simply set the standard in Long Beach.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, welcomed visiting students from De La Salle High School and a guest for Assembly Member Kalra, and then moved through a lengthy concurrence and third-reading agenda. Early actions included concurrence on ACR 21 honoring fallen Galt Police Officer Herminda Grewal, followed by a series of mostly noncontroversial bills on utilities, reclamation districts, housing, wildfire relief, mobile homes, environmental quality, health care coverage, and local government. Several measures were presented as technical, clarifying, or urgency bills, and many passed with unanimous or near-unanimous votes; notable items included AB 238 (wildfire mortgage forbearance), AB 571 (Southern California Veterans Cemetery permitting/CEQA exemption), AB 574 (health care coverage), AB 696 (lithium-ion battery safety advisory group), AB 1150 (airport car rental facility maintenance), AB 1154 (ADU parking standards), and SB 499 (impact fee deferrals for emergency-related parkland and utility infrastructure). SB 499 drew the most debate, with supporters emphasizing disaster resilience and dual-use parkland and an opponent arguing it would worsen housing-related fee burdens; it ultimately passed after a call was lifted. The chamber also adopted SJR 4 urging restoration of NIH funding, and passed SB 230 expanding workers’ compensation presumptions to additional firefighters, SB 92 tightening density bonus law to curb loopholes, SB 782 creating disaster relief financing districts, SB 40 capping insulin copays at $35 and limiting step therapy, SB 362 strengthening small-business financing disclosures, SB 513 requiring workers access to training records, SB 489 requiring public agencies involved in housing approvals to post requirements online, SB 31 promoting recycled water use, SB 551 introducing normalization and dynamic security concepts in corrections, SB 639 extending flood-protection deadlines for Sacramento/Yuba projects, SB 653 defining environmentally sensitive vegetation management, AB 652 on air pollution, and SB 221 updating stalking law to include threats to pets. Several bills received recorded opposition or split votes, including SB 551, SB 439, SB 782, and SB 499, but most measures passed comfortably. The Assembly also concurred in Senate amendments on AB 516 and AB 1523, and later lifted the call on SB 499 to complete passage. The session included an adjournment in memory of Rick Bryson of Long Beach, with Assembly Member Lowenthal highlighting Bryson’s athletic, business, and civic contributions. The day ended with reminders to secure floor managers for pending bills, a notice of the next day’s 10 a.m. floor session, and adjournment until Thursday, September 4th.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> include</c> the beach might include the beach might include removing<00:38:59.800><c> a</c><00:38
• </c><00:43:23.680><c> and</c> permanent measures including beach and permanent measures including beach
• So, the there isn't a sandy beach.
• </c> those three options would be the beach those three options would be the beach nourishment.<01:05
• So, this is not a pristine beach, right? So, this is not a pristine beach, right?

Bills: SB3253 , SB2401 , SB3169 , SB17 , SB3014 , SB3032 , SB1432 , SB2002 , SB2972 , SB3247

Committee: House Water & Land

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard testimony on SB 5253 SD2 relating to conservation and SB 2401 relating to regional shoreline mitigation district, with the chair emphasizing short testimony limits and the need to finish before session. On SB 5253, DLNR said it stood on its written testimony and answered questions about the bill’s proposed nonprofit endangered species sanctuary. Members asked whether existing entities or agreements, such as land trusts, private landowners, and DLNR safe harbor agreements, could accomplish similar conservation goals without creating a new entity. DLNR said similar work already exists, but it was not aware of a comparable sanctuary model in the state. A member also questioned language suggesting for-profit businesses in the sanctuary, and DLNR said the intent appeared to be sales of outreach or similar materials, though it agreed that such activities could be handled by a nonprofit. The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 2401, which would create a regional shoreline adaptation/mitigation framework. The Department of the Attorney General said it had concerns about inconsistent use of the terms “mitigation” and “adaptation,” warning of possible title-subject issues. DLNR said it was neutral on the terminology and more concerned with the substance, and noted that the bill would not waive permits; any plan would still require environmental review and applicable state and county permits. DLNR also supported OHA’s recommendation to consider impacts on Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices during regional planning, and said the bill’s language on temporary shoreline protection measures could help address the gap between emergency permits and longer-term planning while avoiding a hardening-only approach. The Office of Planning supported the regional planning concept but noted it is not a regulatory agency and would need to work with DLNR and the Land Board. OHA supported the bill’s planning-based approach but recommended amendments to require assessment of impacts on Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices during plan development and to clarify that environmental review would still apply at the project level. Testifiers from the Ka‘anapali Steering Committee strongly supported the bill, saying it would provide a regional framework for ongoing erosion problems while preserving full regulatory authority and normal permitting, and they proposed amendments to standardize terminology, create a limited pathway for temporary shoreline protection, and address ownership and maintenance responsibilities. Members discussed the meaning of “mitigation” versus “adaptation,” the scope of shoreline hardening, and whether the bill would help the legislature take a broader, more holistic view of shoreline decisions. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It said, "Chronic beach loss. Infrastructure risks loom as parts of Hawaiʻi sink."
• It said, "Chronic beach loss. Infrastructure risks loom as parts of Hawaiʻi sink."
• It said, "Chronic beach loss. Infrastructure risks loom as parts of Hawaiʻi sink."
• It said, "Chronic beach loss. Infrastructure risks loom as parts of Hawaiʻi sink."
• From Soest, up at uh, he said that one of the beaches there had lost five feet of sand in the last six

Transcript Highlights:

• Today I’m here to present to you the Rehoboth Beach Charter Change Bill.
• This act was brought to us by the city of Rehoboth Beach, and it amends the city’s charter.
• Today I'm here to present to you the Rehoboth Beach Charter Change Bill.
• My name is Francis Kelleher, and I have lived in the city of Rehoboth Beach since 1992.
• It is targeted to one person in Rehoboth Beach, a current candidate.

Bills: SB268 , SB306 , SB264 , SB312

Committee: House Administration

Summary: The House Administration Committee met to consider a series of resolutions and bills covering arts districts, child care background checks, federal worker relief, health care reform, court transparency, school tax reassessment, municipal charter changes, constitutional amendment procedures, data center nondisclosure agreements, state employee benefits governance, and lieutenant governor vacancies. Members also noted that House Concurrent Resolution 12 had been removed from the agenda and that public comment would be limited to one minute per speaker. The committee released SCR 167 to study arts, culture, and creative districts in Delaware; HB 438 to close a loophole in the child care service letter requirement; SB 268 to provide interest-free loans, free transit, and tax deferrals for federal workers during shutdowns; SS2 for SB 1 to expand and permanently strengthen primary care investment while also addressing hospital cost growth; HCR 147 to request a Court of Chancery report on audio recordings and automated case assignment; SB 322 to replace the current post-reassessment 10% school revenue increase authority with a 2% annual increase option under safeguards; SB 306 to amend the Rehoboth Beach charter; HB 440 to require voter approval for constitutional amendments after legislative approval; SB 312 to bar nondisclosure agreements for large data center projects; SS1 for SB 289 to change State Employee Benefits Committee governance; and SB 264 to require a special election to fill a lieutenant governor vacancy. Testimony was mixed on several measures. Arts, child care, federal worker relief, primary care, court transparency, data center transparency, and the lieutenant governor vacancy bill drew mostly supportive testimony, while SB 322 and SB 306 drew both support and opposition, especially over tax impacts and the proposed spouse/partner restriction in Rehoboth Beach. HB 440 prompted debate over whether 55% voter approval was the right threshold for constitutional amendments, and SB 312 was supported as a transparency measure by residents affected by prior data center NDAs. All of the listed measures were released from committee by roll call vote, with some members voting no on HB 440, SB 306, SB 312, SS1 for SB 289, and SB 264.

Transcript Highlights:

• I live in Delray, which is Palm Beach County.
• I mean, our beaches are wonderful. People come from all over.
• I mean, our beaches are wonderful. People come from all over.
• North Miami Beach Water Department is the second largest in the state.
• of utility payers inside of North Miami Beach.

Committee: House Commerce Committee

Summary: The Commerce Committee held its first meeting, took roll, established a quorum, and heard opening remarks from the chair, vice chair, and ranking member emphasizing the committee’s broad scope and focus on Florida’s economy and daily-life issues. The committee then considered several bills, with members and staff noting the agenda included four bills and a PCS. The first measures dealt with insurance and consumer regulation. CS/HB 367 on home and service warranty associations was explained as allowing financial requirements to be met through one or more contractual liability policies and reducing certain filing requirements; an amendment adding requirements for liability insurance coverage was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. HB 655 on pet insurance and wellness programs created a regulatory framework for pet insurance and also passed favorably. HB 6015, which deleted the word “reusable” from the wine keg statute, had brief support testimony and passed favorably. The committee spent the most time on CS/HB 105, a strike-all PCS on thoroughbred permit holders and decoupling racing from gaming. The sponsor said the revised bill would decouple racing and gaming while adding protections for the thoroughbred industry, including a notice period before racing could stop, permit transferability, and changes to how breeders’ and owners’ funds are administered. Supporters argued the bill would preserve and strengthen the industry through clearer rules and more direct support, while opponents—horsemen, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and related businesses—warned it would harm a major rural industry, threaten jobs, and favor casino interests. After extensive debate, the strike-all was adopted and the bill was reported favorably on a divided vote. Finally, HB 11 on municipal water and sewer utility rates was presented as correcting an unintended consequence in surcharge law for utilities owned by one municipality but located in another. Testimony focused on the fairness of the current surcharge structure and the impact on Miami Gardens and North Miami Beach. After debate about negotiation, parity, and local impacts, the bill passed favorably. The committee then adjourned after its first meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• AT VENTURA, GOLDEN BEACH, NORTH MIAMI BEACH, SUNNY ISLES, FORT LAUDERDALE, HOLLYWOOD BEACH, LAUDERDALE
• BEACH, LIGHTHOUSE POINT, POMPANO BEACH AND WILTON MATTERS AREA I WANTED TO MAKE SURE YOU ALL HAD FULL
• , AS THERE NORTH MIAMI BEACH NEIGHBORS.
• GEORGE ISLAND AND LET THEM SWIM IN A BEACH POLLUTED BY OIL.
• PARTICULARLY IN PARKS OR BEACHES.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fernandina Beach is celebrating its 200th anniversary as a city this year.
• In Fernandina Beach, it's only used for utility purposes.
• We're only outpaced by Marion County here in Florida and Myrtle Beach.
• They brought to Palm Beach County to support those issues.
• Panama City Beach. 1% city sales tax has been in effect for 50 years.

Summary: The Select Committee on Property Taxes heard first from city representatives through the Florida League of Cities, who argued that property taxes are a stable local revenue source that funds core services such as police, fire, parks, public works, and stormwater work. Casey Cook emphasized that cities are optional governments with widely different tax bases and service levels, that exemptions shift the burden to fewer taxpayers, and that transparency already exists through TRIM notices, public budgets, and local hearings. Sarah Campbell of Fernandina Beach, T. Michael Stavris of Winter Haven, and Stephen O’Kee of Port St. Lucie described their budget processes, the share of general-fund revenue coming from property taxes, reserve policies, debt and capital planning, and the impact of inflation, minimum wage increases, and personnel costs. They all said local governments need predictable revenue and that any property tax changes would require careful consideration of replacement funding or service reductions. Members questioned the city panel about whether homebuyers are clearly informed about city versus county taxes and services, the role of HOAs, how many lobbyists cities employ, reserve levels, average salaries, and whether utility revenues are used only for utility purposes. The panel said TRIM notices, realtor listings, and city websites provide tax information; HOAs generally do not provide emergency services; lobbyists help local governments track Tallahassee legislation; reserves vary by city and fund; and utility revenues are generally restricted, though some cities use limited transfers. Members also asked about revenue replacement if ad valorem taxes were reduced or eliminated, and the panel said options would likely include user fees, service cuts, or other local revenue shifts. The chair also asked about public safety consolidation, and the response was that such decisions are local and may shift costs rather than create true savings. The committee then heard from county representatives after an overview by the Florida Association of Counties’ Davin Suggs, who framed counties as shared partners with the state and emphasized the gap between rising market values and the shrinking share of taxable value after exemptions and assessment limits. He said counties face a mismatch between revenue based on taxable value and expenses driven by real-world costs, and noted that most counties either held millage steady or lowered it without reaching rollback rates. He also highlighted that property taxes are only one part of county revenue, with charges for services and intergovernmental revenue often larger in some counties, and that public safety at the county level includes more than law enforcement, such as EMS, emergency management, inspections, and corrections. Deborah Manzo of Okeechobee County described a fiscally constrained rural county with limited staff, a county-supported airport, heavy reliance on property taxes for the general fund, and major cost pressures from inflation, insurance, retirement, and state and federal mandates. She said the county lowered millage slightly over recent years but still depends on multiple revenue sources and special assessments, and she flagged Medicaid, medical examiner costs, and possible firefighter workweek changes as significant concerns. Bay County Administrator Mark McQueen said his county’s budget is shaped by Hurricane Michael recovery, non-discretionary obligations, and rapid growth; he described ongoing FEMA reimbursement delays, substantial borrowing to cover disaster costs, and continuing interest expenses while the county waits for reimbursement. The county panel was still in progress when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nearly 600,000 jobs rely on clean beaches and a healthy ocean.
• the bottom of my feet and on all of our beach blankets, and everything.
• They will continue to focus on traffic improvements and parking near the beach.
• parking can’t be taken out, and that parking near the beach is protected.
• We received support letters from the mayor of San Diego, mayor of Long Beach, L.A.

Committee: House Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• And then now I've got a lot of projects going on in Long Beach where a lot of multi-unit projects are
• another shuttered neighborhood restaurant, and this bill is a real, tangible step toward making fewer closures
• another shuttered neighborhood restaurant, and this bill is a real, tangible step toward making fewer closures

Summary: The committee began without a quorum and operated briefly as a subcommittee while the chair outlined public comment procedures and the consent calendar. The first major item was AB 1751, a townhome/homeownership measure by Assembly Members Quirk-Silva and Wicks. The author accepted amendments to strike the bill’s wage provision and to limit unit size and project size, but declined other proposed amendments on downzoning, demolition protections, and site restrictions. Supporters, including the New California Coalition and California Conference of Carpenters, argued the bill would expand attainable homeownership and create more townhome sites; opponents and “opposed unless amended” witnesses raised concerns about renter protections, demolition/displacement, density impacts, and local control. Several labor groups and local government representatives were neutral or supportive of the amended bill, while the committee members discussed the tension between housing production and worker protections. The committee ultimately passed AB 1751 as amended to the Senate Committee on Local Government on a roll call vote, with the bill held on call for absent members. The committee then heard AB 750, which expands HCD’s Portfolio Reinvestment Program to more at-risk affordable housing developments needing rehabilitation. The author and supporters from the California Housing Consortium and California Housing Partnership said the bill would help preserve deed-restricted housing facing expiring affordability restrictions and disrepair, especially when paired with anticipated bond funding. Members asked about the program’s prior funding and how it works to keep units affordable through rehabilitation rather than state takeover; the author emphasized the goal was preservation of existing affordable housing stock. AB 750 passed to the Senate Appropriations Committee on a roll call vote and was held on call for absent senators. The consent calendar was also approved on call. Next, the committee heard AB 306, which would create a more workable statewide appeals and code-interpretation process at the California Building Standards Commission for local building code decisions. The author and supporters from AIA California and the Housing Action Coalition said the bill would reduce inconsistent interpretations across 540 jurisdictions, improve transparency, and support housing innovation while preserving local authority over local matters. Members discussed how the bill would interact with local amendments and alternative methods and means, and the committee moved the bill to the Senate Committee on Local Government on a roll call vote. AB 2612, directing HCD and the Building Standards Commission to develop standards for plug-in photovoltaic systems in new construction, also advanced to Appropriations after supportive testimony and brief questions about safety standards and stakeholder consultation. AB 1070, which orders a study on allowing 3- to 10-unit missing-middle housing under the Residential Code and requires a one-time report on code-related cost pressures, passed to Appropriations after building officials removed opposition. Later, AB 2181, a narrow bill concerning hotel and motel valuation and density bonus potential, passed to Local Government after testimony from Unite Here and others about protecting hospitality jobs and preventing speculative appraisals. Finally, AB 1237, clarifying safety rules for private in-unit pools in hotels and condominiums, passed to Health after the author described added safety measures such as pool covers, alarms, emergency devices, certified operators, and AEDs.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then now I've got a lot of projects going on in Long Beach where, you know, a lot of multi-unit projects
• another shuttered neighborhood restaurant, and this bill is a real, tangible step toward making fewer closures
• another shuttered neighborhood restaurant, and this bill is a real, tangible step toward making fewer closures

Committee: Senate Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• Patrick Kennedy, Palm Beach Fire Department, a proponent. Chair: You are recognized.
• Sarah Malory, Lake Worth Beach, Florida, wishing to speak as a proponent.
• Amy May, Lake Worth Beach, Florida, a proponent.
• Matt Forrest, City of Palm Beach Gardens, is waiving in opposition.
• Gossett Seidman: in Palm Beach County as I moved around.

Transcript Highlights:

• A little bit about me: I'm a business owner in Palm Beach County.
• what do you thank for those appointments and for Palm Beach State College.
• what do you thank for those appointments and for Palm Beach State College.
• what do you thank for those appointments and for Palm Beach State College.
• Beach County.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Boulevard in Palm Beach County to be designated as the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office Motorman Highway.
• Boulevard in Palm Beach County to be designated as the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office Motorman Highway,
• In Palm Beach County, on November 24th, three motorcycle deputies were killed after being struck by a
• The other question: We also have Mario Diaz from North Miami Beach waving in opposition.
• It facilitates Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Florida's coastal corridor.

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee met with a quorum present and considered five bills. The first, PCS for HB 987, was an honorary transportation facility designation bill naming several roads and an overpass for fallen officers, a military service member, and first responders. An amendment added the Sheriff Gary S. Borders Memorial Highway designation in Lake County. Members offered supportive remarks, and the bill passed 17-0. The committee then heard HB 703, which would require authorities such as FDOT or local governments to pay the costs when they require telecom providers to relocate infrastructure from public rights-of-way. Support came from Charter Communications, Associated Industries of Florida, and Florida Internet and Television, with discussion focused on the communication services tax and the cost burden of relocations. The bill passed unanimously 18-0. HB 1523 followed, addressing municipal utilities serving customers outside their boundaries by requiring public meetings, annual reporting, limits on transfers to general revenue, and reduced or eliminated surcharges for outside-boundary customers. Municipal utility representatives opposed parts of the bill, citing rural impacts, debt obligations, and the need for a glide path, while supporters argued for transparency and fairness to ratepayers outside municipal boundaries. An amendment changed a reporting date to January 31, 2026, and the bill passed 14-4. HB 867 established a legal framework for commuter rail operations along Florida’s coastal corridor, including insurance and indemnification arrangements for Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties using the Florida East Coast Railway right-of-way. An amendment clarified that Florida East Coast Railway and Brightline are not state entities and do not have sovereign immunity unless expressly provided by law. The bill passed 18-0. Finally, HB 1137 clarified a prior energy preemption law by adding boards, agencies, commissions, and authorities of counties and municipal corporations to the entities covered, aimed at preventing discriminatory energy-source practices by an appointed board. Public testimony included support from the Florida Natural Gas Association and the Florida Home Builders Association and opposition from Florida Student Power. Members noted the bill was a cleanup measure, and it passed favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• The City of Newport Beach supports AB 1691.
• The City of Newport Beach supports AB 1691 in the efforts of Assembly Member Dixon and her staff, and
• The City of Newport Beach supports AB 1691, and we respectfully request your support this afternoon.
• I liken this to when you go to the grocery store because you’re on your way to the beach and you grab
• Beach and you grab a bottle of sunscreen off the shelf and it’s your intention to have sunscreen that

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a native of Palm Beach County.
• From there, I went to Palm Beach State College.
• Then it was Palm Beach Junior College.
• Was born and raised in Daytona Beach.
• Was born and raised in Daytona Beach.

Bills: S1694

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met with a quorum present and first took up CS for SB 1694, which would require technology-integrated postsecondary general education core courses to include digital literacy and competency instruction, including use of artificial intelligence tools, and encourage high school computer science courses with AI content to teach how AI systems use data, their benefits and limitations, and responsible use in academic and personal contexts. The bill drew support from several speakers who emphasized the need for students to understand AI’s capabilities, limitations, ethics, and risks, while one speaker raised concerns about overreliance on AI and the loss of skills. Senator Davis said the bill was a good step toward preparing the future workforce and suggested earlier instruction might be worth considering later. The bill was reported favorably, and Senator Leek asked to be recorded in the affirmative. The committee then heard a long series of confirmation presentations for trustees at multiple Florida colleges and universities, including Tallahassee State College, USF, UNF, Palm Beach State College, the College of the Florida Keys, Hillsborough College, Miami-Dade College, Florida A&M University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Florida Polytechnic University, and the University of Florida. The appointees generally emphasized student success, workforce alignment, fiscal responsibility, access and affordability, and institutional growth; several members and senators offered supportive comments, with some asking about specific issues such as Tallahassee State’s NCLEX passage rates and the need for continued improvement. One appointee’s attendance was delayed or skipped for later consideration, but the committee ultimately took a block vote and reported the confirmations favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee. Finally, Chair Harrell gave a brief overview of the higher education budget, describing a total of $11.9 billion and highlighting increases for workforce education, Florida College System operating funds, workforce development capitalization, the Rural Incentive for Professional Educators program, the USF Center for Nursing, preeminent research universities, UCF’s community school grant program, UF’s Lassinger Center on Learning, the Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, and campus security through a postsecondary guardian program. Senator Davis asked about a transfer related to the workforce development capitalization and incentive grant fund, and the chair explained it was a transfer of an existing program with new funds being added. There was no public comment on the budget, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Leek requested to be recorded in the affirmative on SB 1694.