Transcript Highlights:

• Now they can say, okay, 60 seconds ago, that child was at the QT at the corner of cross and don't cross
• don't cross, so they're right there at the McDonald's right downtown or whatever that address is.
• and don't cross so they're right there at the McDonald's right downtown or whatever that address is
• I want to point this out: 185,000 people crossed in front of these cameras in two days.
• Chairman, that would be illegal. That would be illegal. Members, any questions?

Bills: HB2134 , HB2253 , HB2270 , HB2402 , HB2404 , HB2673 , HB2941

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Keywords: critical infrastructure, foreign adversaries, China, communications, security, law enforcement, disciplinary action, administrative appeals, investigative files, due process, retaliation, county seal, law enforcement authority, sheriff's posse, public safety, county governance, ambulance services, certificate of necessity, emergency medical services, state regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• Illegal dumping is not happening in Beverly Hills. Senate Bill 1230.
• Illegal dumping is not happening in Beverly Hills or Brentwood.
• Illegal dumping poses a serious environmental, public health, and fiscal challenge.
• Illegal dumping poses a serious environmental, public health, and fiscal challenge across California.
• Illegal dumping poses a serious environmental, public health, and fiscal challenges across California

Summary: The committee heard a series of Senate bills on environmental, climate, recycling, wildfire, outdoor access, and clean transportation policy. SB 958 would clarify CEQA treatment of impacts tied solely to increased building height, and SB 1230 would increase penalties and create CalRecycle support tools for repeat commercial illegal dumping. SB 1341 would revise how processing fees are calculated for bag-in-a-box wine under California’s recycling program. All three measures received due-pass recommendations to Appropriations, with roll calls showing majority support and the bills left open for absent members. Members then took up SB 1300, which would create a more permanent legislative role in California’s international climate cooperation and establish a climate secretariat at UC; SB 1370, which would codify and streamline wildfire fuel-reduction permitting with added safeguards, geographic and size limits, and pesticide-related amendments; and SB 1260/1268, which would codify the Outdoors for All initiative and the Deputy Secretary for Access position at the Natural Resources Agency. Each drew support from environmental, utility, business, and local-government witnesses, while SB 1370 also drew opposition from environmental and advocacy groups concerned about reduced CEQA review and herbicide use. The committee discussed amendments at length, especially on SB 1370, and all three measures advanced with due-pass recommendations. The committee also heard SB 1213, the Clean Truck Transparency Act, requiring baseline pricing disclosure for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission trucks tied to state incentives and directing agencies to explore alternative financing. Support came from clean-air, business, and environmental groups, and the trucking/manufacturing opposition moved to neutral after amendments; the bill advanced on a due-pass vote. Finally, SB 1075, the Clean Air Promise, sought to strengthen AB 617 implementation and clarify community emission reduction planning, but it generated substantial opposition from air districts, business groups, and others over enforceability, funding, and the distinction between formal SERPs and community L-SERPs. The author described additional pending amendments to narrow L-SERP provisions, and the bill also received a due-pass recommendation to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• General, the military has a longstanding clear doctrine on the duty to disobey manifestly illegal orders
• Including assisting state and local law enforcement and monitoring cross-border activity.
• I guess my question, though, is when we know that we’ve had millions, north of 20 million, illegal aliens
• “Illegal aliens invade this country. Now, not all through Arizona, obviously. That would be silly.
• So knowing that we’ve had millions of illegals invade this country, and knowing that there are many of

Summary: The Senate Committee on Director Nominations held a confirmation hearing for John Connolly, the current Adjutant General and Director of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA). Connolly described his background in the Army, National Guard, and military law, and outlined DEMA’s dual mission of supporting the Arizona National Guard and emergency management. He emphasized readiness, modernization of aging aircraft and facilities, growth in capabilities such as drones and electronic warfare, partnerships to restore helicopter training at Silver Bell, and stewardship of resources. He also discussed DEMA’s border-related missions, including Task Force Safe at Nogales, counter-drug operations, and use of artificial intelligence to monitor drone activity and build a common operating picture for law enforcement. Committee members questioned Connolly about his interview and vetting process, his role in emergency management, disaster response in Gila County, support for rural counties and tribes, and services for Guard members and families through the Integrated Resilience Operations Center. Several members pressed him on military discipline, lawful orders, classified information, and the distinction between war and hostilities. Senator Rogers focused on chain of command, combat readiness, and whether Connolly’s JAG background prepared him to lead a combat-oriented force; Connolly responded that his role is to provide ready forces, follow civilian authority, and ensure troops have training, equipment, and family support. He also said he had experience advising commanders and teaching lawful versus unlawful orders. A major point of contention came when members questioned Connolly about the 2021 COVID-19 vaccination mandate for the Guard and whether he had treated it as unlawful or unconstitutional. Connolly said it was a lawful order at the time and that exemption processes existed under the regulations. The hearing also turned to immigration enforcement, emergency powers, and whether the Guard should support ICE; Connolly said the Guard is a support function and would respond to a direct request through the governor, but he could not identify a specific scenario in the abstract. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the committee appeared to continue its review after testimony and questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's not always that it's something illegal.
• The first way is cross plan EBV data analysis, right?
• Do you get to cross section to the criminal database?
• But we're implementing cross-agency real-time data sharing.
• They go to Texas Children's, they cross the state all the time.

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened to discuss interim charges regarding fraud, waste, and abuse in Texas human services, particularly focusing on Medicaid and childcare programs. The meeting highlighted the importance of preventing misuse of taxpayer funds, with testimony from various stakeholders emphasizing the need for increased oversight and accountability in these programs. Key points included the alarming rise in healthcare fraud in other states, the necessity for Texas to enhance its fraud prevention measures, and the potential financial repercussions of failing to meet federal compliance standards. Several committee members expressed concerns about the impact of fraud on vulnerable populations, particularly those relying on Medicaid services. Testimonies from experts underscored the effectiveness of Texas's Office of Inspector General (OIG) in combating fraud, yet pointed out existing vulnerabilities, such as inconsistent enforcement and the need for better data sharing among agencies. The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by hospice care providers, with a significant increase in the number of hospices in Texas raising concerns about quality and oversight. The committee heard from various witnesses, including representatives from health plans and advocacy organizations, who provided insights into the complexities of managing Medicaid and the importance of maintaining program integrity. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore legislative solutions to enhance oversight and ensure that resources are directed to those in genuine need.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 99 ensures domestic violence survivors are not left unprotected simply because the abuse crosses jurisdictional
• This past July, the FDA issued warning letters to firms for illegally marketing concentrated synthetic
• Additionally, there are no FDA-approved drugs containing 7-OH, and it is illegal to market any drugs
• Additionally, there are no FDA-approved drugs containing 7-OH, and it is illegal to market any drugs
• It doesn't really cross the blood barrier. It's not activating opioid receptors in the brain.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But in particular, if you look at paragraph subdivision 1, paragraph 6, it creates a cross-reference
• But in particular, if you look at paragraph subdivision 1, paragraph 6, it creates a cross-reference
• </c><00:11:56.440><c> 261</c><00:11:57.320><c> and</c> cross reference to uh 67. 261 and cross reference
• In each scenario, the driver is choosing to operate a vehicle illegally and should not be on the road
• The illegal act is the same. The tragic outcomes to the victims are the same.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <font color="aaaaaa">really take it long distance </font> <font color="aaaaaa">because you have to cross
• <font color="aaaaaa">really take it long distance </font> <font color="aaaaaa">because you have to cross
• font color="aaaaaa">going to highways that are not </font> <font color="aaaaaa">because you have to cross
• font color="aaaaaa">they're finding 12, 13 14 </font> <font color="aaaaaa">year-olds driving them illegal
• They have no </font> <font color="aaaaaa">year-olds driving them illegal </font> <font color="aaaaaa"

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• last year, enhanced enforcement efforts in the East Bay have led to the seizure of more than 100 illegal
• On February 19, 27-year-old Raymond Oliveras was crossing the road in front of his newly purchased home
• They often do not realize how fast these devices go or that modifying them is illegal.
• At the San Ysidro border crossing, which is the largest, most transited border crossing in the world,
• roughly 70,000 people cross by foot, and many of them are seeking transit opportunities.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In Illinois, police illegally share data with Texas on a woman seeking abortion care.
• We know that criminals do not have an idea of when they cross a border.
• As for the question about cross-jurisdiction, we have a system called NCIC, which most people are not
• The Supreme Court finally said it’s illegal, okay? And it was illegal.
• While you were sleeping, Senator Finch, we passed a bill, and toll roads are illegal in Arizona.

Bills: SB1072 , SB1111 , SB1114 , SB1116 , SB1122 , SB1179 , SB1250 , SB1308 , SB1455 , SB1456 , SB1457 , SB1487 , SB1547 , SB1549 , SB1551 , SB1552

Committee: Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology

Keywords: reimbursement rates, intellectual disabilities, community services, economic security, funding appropriations, automated license plate readers, law enforcement, privacy, data access, public records, behavioral health, patient brokering, appropriation, state funds, Maricopa County, claims review, medical necessity, American Indian health program, healthcare regulations, healthcare

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a current gray area as to whether a court would find it illegal under the statute for a health
• There is an African proverb that says the moon moves unhurriedly, but it crosses the entire sky.
• Illegal gaming is bad. And we’re going to fix that. That’s the bill. Are you ready to vote for it?
• Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1580, a bill to be entitled an act relating to illegal gaming.
• Illegal gaming is still bad. Please vote in favor of this bill.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and recognitions, including a resolution honoring Bob Graham and a moment of silence for firefighter Roger Timmy Miley. The chamber then moved through a special-order calendar with multiple bills, many of them paired with House companions and amended before final passage. Early action included adoption of a tax conformity bill tied to federal changes in the Internal Revenue Code, with a 34-0 vote. The most extensive debate centered on CS/CS/SB 1758, a Medicaid and SNAP reform bill. The sponsor described provisions to strengthen fraud enforcement, impose work requirements for able-bodied adults, expand behavioral health services through a waiver, modernize Medicaid drug purchasing, and require a SNAP fraud-reduction plan and photo ID on EBT cards. Democrats offered amendments to delay work requirements until Medicaid expansion and to add protections for SNAP users such as caregivers, seniors, disabled individuals, and domestic violence survivors; both amendments failed. Senators also questioned implementation details, exemptions, and potential effects on vulnerable populations. After debate, the bill was placed on the calendar for third reading. The Senate also passed bills on technology education and AI instruction, a public records exemption and related Parkinson’s Disease Registry measures, designation of the SS American Victory as the state flagship, electronic payments for local governments, repeal of the sunset on legal tender recognition for gold and silver, public records protections for financial and digital-asset custodians, a Florida stablecoin pilot program, local government budget transparency, digital voyeurism, insurance customer representative licensing, and a medical freedom bill with amendments on vaccine-related materials and anti-kickback provisions. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, though the public records bill for gold/silver custodians and the legal tender repeal drew a few dissenting votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• And a person is actually innocent if they did not engage in any illegal conduct alleged in the charging
• The claimant must also set out factual assertions that the claimant did not engage in any illegal conduct
• It's hard enough for victims and survivors to testify and face cross-examination.
• But removing defendants from the act of confrontation itself crosses a constitutional line that puts
• Had the chance to cross-examine numerous survivors for hours and sometimes days at a time.

Bills: SB6087 , SB5934 , SB5520 , SB6017 , SB5890

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Keywords: children's items, donations, charitable donations, nonprofit, religious organization, public health agency, liability shield, gross negligence, intentional misconduct, car seats, child safety seats, baby formula, diapers, strollers, cribs, playpens, high chairs, used goods, donation centers, Washington RCW

Transcript Highlights:

• On staff, they have means by which to make sure that the appropriate lines are crossed and tees are crossed
• </c> oversight, including by illegally oversight, including by illegally blocking<07:31:12.398><c> members
• It's illegal to modernize a rail system.
• It's illegal to modernize a rail system.
• ><c> technology</c> illegal to actually adopt technology illegal to actually adopt technology that<08

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Texans' right to privacy is being violated by individuals illegally recording and taking Senator King
• My loving stepfather, Temple, Texas's lead detective Brandon Matthews, Kaylee Rush: never crossed my
• Nothing in this would ever suggest that that would be illegal. Correct?
• Humans breaking into zoological facilities or crossing barriers into habitats creates a danger for Tim
• Currently, someone crossing barriers, putting the lives and well-being of themselves, others, or Tim

Bills: HB33 , HB45 , HB48 , HB 1261 , HB1465 , HB1778 , HB2596 , HB5238 , SB2969 , HB45 , HB48

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Keywords: HB 48, oilfield theft, organized theft, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, DPS, Department of Public Safety, Texas, Railroad Commission, criminal justice, energy resources, theft prevention, organized crime, border region, El Paso, law enforcement task force, asset recovery, pipeline theft, drilling equipment, equipment theft

Transcript Highlights:

• so the Lord Jesus who died on the cross so the Lord Jesus who died on the cross so that we could have
• ticket traps Brookside had the illegal ticket traps Brookside had the illegal ticket traps dealing with
• and I asked him where was what illegal and I asked him where was what illegal and I asked him where
• alien or whether somebody is an illegal alien or whether somebody is an illegal alien or not how do
• or Not Here illegally yeah I illegally or Not Here illegally yeah I illegally or Not Here illegally

Bills: HCR 21 , HCR 22 , HCR 23 , HCR 24 , HCR 25 , HCR 26 , HCR 27 , HCR 31 , HCR 41 , HCR 42 , HCR 43 , HCR 44 , HCR 45 , HCR 52 , HCR 53 , HCR 66 , HCR 67 , HCR 73 , HR 8 , HR 10 , HR 13 , HR 20 , HR 21 , HR 50 , HR 59 , HR 61 , HR 71 , HR 74 , HR 79 , HR 84 , HR 86 , HR 90 , HR 91 , HR 102 , HR 103 , HR 107 , HR 113 , HR 125 , HR 126 , HR 132 , HR 142 , HR 145 , HR 149 , HR 150 , HR 152 , HR 167 , HR 179 , HR 181 , HR 183 , HR 186 , HR 192 , HR 196 , HR 199 , HR 207 , HR 211 , HR 212 , HR 213 , HR 216 , HR 249 , HR 256 , HR 259 , HR 261 , HR 263 , HR 272 , HR 281 , HR 285 , HR 294 , HR 295 , HR 300 , HR 305 , HR 311 , HR 313 , HR 315 , HR 316 , HR 323 , HR 331 , HR 339 , HR 340 , HR 346 , HR 349 , HR 352 , HR 357 , HR 358 , HR 360 , HR 363 , HR 374 , HR 377 , HCR 20 , HCR 28 , HCR 30 , HCR 32 , HCR 49 , HR 14 , HR 15 , HR 19 , HR 23 , HR 24 , HR 25 , HR 26 , HR 27 , HR 29 , HR 47 , HR 48 , HR 55 , HR 56 , HR 66 , HR 85 , HR 92 , HR 93 , HR 95 , HR 96 , HR 140 , HR 155 , HR 164 , HR 204 , HR 241 , HR 242 , HR 250 , HR 253 , HR 260 , HR 262 , HR 265 , HR 279 , HR 310 , HR 312 , HR 328 , HR 332 , HR 359 , HR 362 , HR 367

Keywords: recognition, award, petroleum industry, leadership, community service, HCR 22, House Concurrent Resolution, Texas Legislature, commendation, honorary resolution, Dr. James Olson, James Olson, University of Texas Permian Basin, UT Permian Basin, psychology professor, 50 years of service, faculty recognition, academic award, Piper Professor Award, Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award

Transcript Highlights:

• Last August, an illegal alien who could not understand road signs or traffic laws and didn't know how
• In a separate case, another semi-truck driver in the country illegally killed three other people and
• Further, the bill provides that if a law enforcement officer encounters... ...an illegal alien operating
• The real villains of the piece here are those who would... ...put an illegal alien behind the wheel and
• remove imminent hazards from our highways, to discourage and penalize those... ...who would use illegals

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Illegal gambling in Florida is a growing crisis.
• These illegal gambling businesses scam patrons with no oversight, rigged machines, and zero consumer
• This bill increases penalties for illegal gambling.
• slot business or possessing more than five machines; and a first-degree felony for trafficking illegal
• I hope we get this to cross the finish line this year.

Committee: Senate Regulated Industries

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries heard and advanced several bills, with the most extensive discussion centered on condominium issues, gambling enforcement, and public safety. CS/SB 592 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program was amended to clarify the three-story eligibility threshold and to add sliding glass door wind-driven rain mitigation devices as an eligible improvement. A late-filed amendment to appropriate $500 million for the program failed on a 3-4 roll call vote, and the bill was then reported favorably. Members also took up CS/SB 1742, a broad condominium and cooperative association reform bill, which would give associations more flexibility on reserves after milestone inspections, require substitute budgets over certain spending increases, improve disclosure and conflict-of-interest rules, expand data collection, and extend some disclosure rescission periods; the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 622 on pari-mutuel permit leasing, as amended to allow leasing to same-class permit holders or Hialeah permit holders and to make related wagering licenses discretionary rather than automatic. SB 1404 on illegal gambling was reported favorably after amendments allowing veterans organizations to seek declaratory rulings on machine compliance and adding ethics/revolving-door restrictions for Gaming Commission personnel; a late amendment concerning a Miami casino property was withdrawn. Testimony on that bill came from prosecutors, the Gaming Control Commission, veterans groups, and amusement machine operators, with supporters emphasizing organized crime enforcement and opponents seeking clearer definitions and compliance guidance. On public safety and infrastructure, SB 1682 to include 911 dispatchers in the definition of first responder was reported favorably with strong support from dispatchers and committee members. SB 818 on utility relocation and SB 1228 on spring restoration were also reported favorably, with counties opposing the utility bill as a taxpayer cost shift. SB 948 on flood disclosures for rental properties and condominium sales/rentals was reported favorably after support from environmental and flood advocacy groups. The committee also heard SB 604 on residential pool safety requirements, but the chair temporarily postponed it after concerns were raised about how the inspection requirement would work in cash transactions and whether it would require permits or delay closings.

Transcript Highlights:

• And when we went down that road, of course, trying to get that bill crossed over just because not all
• And when we went down that road, of course, trying to get that bill crossed over just because not all
• But the biggest thing is, if you flip it over... ...which is the e-moto cross bike or the e-moto bike
• He crossed over into a lane of travel in front of a vehicle.
• He crossed over into a lane of travel in front of a vehicle and was struck by that vehicle, with no time

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The committee held a panel discussion on micro-mobility device regulation and enforcement, focusing on e-bikes and e-scooters. Sheriff Robert Hardwick and Chief Jamie Cruz described serious injuries involving children, including crashes at high speeds, and argued that current law is outdated because it folds e-bikes into the bicycle statute. They urged a separate statewide framework with clearer age limits, licensing or training requirements, helmet rules, and penalties for modifying devices to go faster. Both also emphasized that parents should bear responsibility and that enforcement should include education, progressive discipline, and, if needed, civil citations. FDOT District 6 Secretary Daniel Iglesias and DHSMV representative Lonnie Groner said their agencies are prioritizing education, outreach, and better data collection. They noted that micromobility devices are increasingly common, create safety and accessibility issues on sidewalks and shared-use paths, and are difficult to track because crash reports often do not identify them consistently. Members discussed whether motorized devices should be barred from sidewalks, whether riders should be licensed and insured, and how enforcement could be made uniform statewide. The panel also said manufacturers have not been meaningfully engaged and that local approaches vary widely. The committee then heard 2026 legislative priorities from FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue and DHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. Perdue outlined FDOT’s large five-year work program, ongoing congestion-relief projects, investments in ports, airports, rail, workforce, heavy equipment, facilities, and cybersecurity, and the need to do more with flat revenues. Kerner summarized DHSMV’s agency bill priorities, including requiring a Florida address and proof of residence for vehicle registration, updating identification requirements, aligning tank vehicle and motor carrier rules with federal standards, improving IFTA administration, raising the crash-report damage threshold, and allowing electronic notices. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• No, they were illegal before.
• But also most new homes Are in buildings that would have been illegal under the prior code, but also
• businesses, new opportunities for an affordable life, pop up in locations where right now they are illegal
• Think about that: how are we going to get out of our housing crisis if it is largely illegal to build
• Oh, that was person most crossed off. We're going to continue.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Housing

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on zoning, Chapter 40B, and related housing bills. Much of the testimony focused on the “Yes in My Backyard” bill (H. 1572/S. 962), which would expand by-right development of missing middle housing, reduce barriers such as minimum lot sizes and parking mandates, and support duplexes, triplexes, and other small-scale housing. Supporters included housing advocates, developers, local officials, and municipal leaders from places like Cambridge, Salem, and Braintree, who argued that state action is needed because local zoning often blocks needed housing and that the bill would help create more affordable, neighborhood-compatible homes. Several witnesses also backed a companion “Yes in God’s Backyard” bill (H. 2347), which would allow faith-based institutions to build housing on their property by right, with testimony emphasizing the potential for new units, added municipal tax revenue, and partnerships between religious organizations and housing developers. The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 1021 to modernize Chapter 40R incentives. Senator Pavel Payano and others said the program’s payments have not kept pace with inflation since 2004 and should be increased to better encourage smart-growth zoning near transit and town centers. Another major topic was H. 2298 on site plan review, which would codify and standardize the process in state law. Rep. Kristin Kassner and witnesses from MAPC and NAIOP said current site plan review practices vary widely across the state, creating confusion, delays, and litigation, while a uniform framework would give municipalities clearer tools to review by-right projects without undermining local oversight. The hearing also included testimony on Chapter 40B reform, including S. 1005 and H. 1537. One witness supported further review of 40B and stronger regional planning, while another backed a proposal to allow certain pre-2010 40B condominium owners to sell at market value under a framework that would recapture some of the subsidy benefits. Committee members asked several questions about local zoning changes, housing goals by county, and how the proposed bills would affect communities. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chairs indicated that written testimony would be welcomed for technical details and additional comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, um, House Bill 111 strengthens water enforcement, makes clear that New Mexico takes illegal water
• modern penalty structure that really reflects the real value of water and the real harm caused by illegal
• This bill also cracks down on the sale of illegally diverted water.
• But that water payback doesn't really do anything to stop the illegal diversions by those with no water
• But we are seeing people; there's a lot of money to be made by illegally drilling wells or selling water

Committee: House House Judiciary

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Despite UTVs not being permitted for street use within Florida, many individuals are still using them illegally
• or without... ...many individuals are still using them illegally or without the use of out-of-state
• pulled one of these people over, they would more than likely give them a ticket for operating an illegal
• Rover strongly opposes ROV use on public roads except to cross at a 90-degree angle when necessary to
• I've seen lots of them, people driving them illegally on the road. I've seen the little truck.

Summary: The Transportation Committee heard SB 356 by Senator Wright, which would create an opt-in framework allowing counties and municipalities to designate certain roads for utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs) under local conditions, including driver licensing, insurance, and speed-limit restrictions below 55 mph. Senator Wright said the bill would give law enforcement clearer authority and mirror the local-option approach used for golf carts. Supporters included a retired Volusia County sheriff and county commissioner, who argued UTVs are safer than golf carts and are already being used on roads, while opponents from the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association and Honda warned that UTVs are designed for off-road use, lack federal safety standards, and pose crash and tire-blowout risks on public roads. Several senators raised safety concerns, especially about speed and crash severity, but the committee ultimately voted to report SB 356 favorably. The committee then held a lengthy discussion on seaport infrastructure and funding, beginning with a moment of silence for JaxPort COO and former FDOT employee James Bennett. FDOT presented data showing Florida’s 16 deepwater seaports generate major cargo volume, jobs, and economic impact, and described state funding programs such as FSTED, SPI, and the construction aggregate grant program. Port representatives from Port Everglades, PortMiami, Port Tampa Bay, and the Port of Palm Beach described record cargo and cruise activity, major capital projects, and the need for continued state and federal support for dredging, bulkheads, cranes, rail, and terminal expansion. Senators asked about ROI, trade shifts, intermodal connections, fuel and LNG availability, leverage and reserves, and operational risks such as flooding, sea level rise, and channel depth; port officials emphasized resiliency, private partnerships, and long-term master planning. The committee also confirmed appointees to the Tampa Hillsborough County Expressway Authority and the Tampa Port Authority in one vote, with no objection. Finally, FDOT presented the statewide mapping programs work group report required by SB 1662, explaining that coordinated statewide use of LiDAR and aerial imagery could reduce duplication, improve emergency management and planning, and support insurance and storm-damage assessment. FDOT recommended a formal statewide coordination program, shared procurement and cost-sharing agreements, dedicated staffing, and statutory updates to Chapter 334 to support interagency agreements and recurring funding.