Video & Transcript : 'retiree support' :
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FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- With the continued leadership of Governor DeSantis and the strong support of this legislature, Florida
- The Governor recommends $400,000 to continue supporting the data catalog.
- Most of those were decertified due to a lack of support from the members.
- The third category is pay increases to support recruitment and retention.
- But then I don't think there are additional dollars needed to support it.
Summary:
The committee convened with a quorum, welcomed new member Senator Ralph Massullo, and first took up confirmation of five appointees to water management district and basin board positions. Senator McLean moved favorable confirmation of Ted Everett, Jerome Pate, Michael Romano, Paul Bissfam, John Hall, and Virginia Johns, and the motion passed by roll call.
The main agenda item was the Governor’s Florida First budget presentation for the environmental agencies. Kim Kramer and DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert outlined proposed environmental funding of about $5.8 billion, including more than $1.4 billion for water resources, $810 million for Everglades restoration, $408 million for water quality, $202 million for Resilient Florida, $75 million for beach renourishment, $150 million for Florida Forever, $70 million for state park infrastructure, and $221 million for hazardous waste cleanup. They also highlighted proposed funding for FWC operations, manatee care, python removal, oyster reef restoration, forestry and wildfire equipment, and citrus research and disease response. Members asked about Florida Forever funding, state park wastewater and septic needs, a cut to the Florida Wildlife Research Institute, and how beach renourishment is handled after storms.
The committee then heard the general government budget presentation. Agencies highlighted included DBPR, Gaming Control, the Lottery, DMS, PERC, DFS, OIR, and Revenue. DBPR discussed funding for license processing, an animal abuse hotline, vehicle replacement, and IT recruitment; Gaming Control requested new law enforcement squads and a licensing/enforcement IT system; the Lottery emphasized marketing, retail engagement, IT, and retention funding; DMS proposed building, fleet, telecommunications, cybersecurity, and local government grant investments; PERC described workload growth after SB 256 and requested staffing, operations, and pay increases; OIR sought more staff for consumer protection and market oversight plus building renovations; DFS highlighted My Safe Florida Home funding, fire marshal and first responder support, financial investigations, and gold and silver legal tender implementation; and Revenue requested operational, IT, and fiscally constrained county funding. Members questioned DBPR about unfunded HOA fraud and condo transparency items, DMS about cybersecurity grants, and DFS about My Safe Florida Home funding levels, abandoned grants, and reduced program uptake. No further action was taken, and the committee adjourned without additional votes.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Jan 14th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Within that number is $681 million to support the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, including
- The governor recommends $400,000 to continue supporting the data catalog.
- Most of those were decertified due to a lack of support from the members.
- The third category is pay increases to support recruitment and retention.
- But then I don't think there are additional dollars needed to support it. Okay. All right.
Summary:
The committee first took up confirmation of five water management district appointees: Ted Everett and Jerome Pate to the Northwest Florida Water Management District, Michael Romano to the Big Cypress Basin Board of the South Florida Water Management District, and Paul Bissfam, John Hall, and Virginia Johns to the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Senator McClain moved confirmation, the roll was called, and the committee recommended all appointees favorably.
Members then received the Governor’s Florida First budget presentations for environmental agencies. The environmental package totaled about $5.8 billion and emphasized Everglades restoration, water quality, resilience, land conservation, state parks, hazardous waste cleanup, wildlife management, wildfire response, and citrus support. DEP highlighted more than $1.4 billion for water resources, including $810 million for Everglades restoration, $202 million for Resilient Florida, $150 million for Florida Forever, $70 million for state parks, and $221 million for contamination cleanup. FWC, Agriculture, and Citrus funding priorities were also outlined. Members asked about Florida Forever funding, state park wastewater and septic needs, a reduction at the Florida Wildlife Research Institute, and beach renourishment funding for storm damage.
The committee also heard the General Government portion of the budget, which totaled about $2.9 billion and covered DBPR, Lottery, Financial Services, Management Services, Revenue, PERC, and the Gaming Control Commission. DBPR requested funds for license processing, an animal abuse hotline, fleet replacement, and IT retention. FGCC sought new enforcement squads and an IT licensing/enforcement system. The Lottery proposed marketing, retail engagement, IT, and retention funding. DMS emphasized building modernization, fleet telematics, 911 and radio upgrades, cybersecurity, a local government cybersecurity grant program, and data interoperability. PERC described a sharp increase in labor cases and elections after SB 256 and requested staffing, election administration, and hearing officer pay increases. DFS highlighted My Safe Florida Home, fire marshal and first responder support, financial investigations, and gold and silver legal tender implementation. Revenue requested operational and IT funding and support for fiscally constrained counties. Questions focused on DBPR’s condo and HOA initiatives, cybersecurity grant reductions, and the My Safe Florida Home program’s abandoned grants and matching requirements. No additional votes were taken, and the committee adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 19, 2025 - 10:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Waves in support, thank you.
- Waves in support. Edward Tennant, HCA Health Care. Waves in support.
- Waves in support. and To speak. Waves in support.
- Waves in support. Stephanie Aiken, Underhill Staffing, also waves in support.
- Waves in support. And Editha Fernand... Waves in support. And Ida Fernandez? Yvonne and Ida.
Summary:
The Health Care Facilities and System Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered five bills. HB 1101 on out-of-network providers drew the most discussion; Rep. Albert said it would require written notice when a patient is referred to an out-of-network provider and would count certain insurer payments toward deductibles. Several members and the Florida College of Emergency Physicians raised concerns about placing the burden on doctors’ offices, possible delays in referrals, and unclear enforcement, but the bill was reported favorably 16-2. Public testimony included support from AARP and concerns from emergency physicians about ER workflow and insurance-network transparency.
The committee then unanimously approved PCS for HB 475, reducing fines for ambulatory surgery centers that violate good-faith estimate requirements from $1,000 to $250 per day, with a lower maximum penalty. The bill sponsor said the change was intended to right-size penalties for smaller facilities; witnesses from surgery centers and HCA supported it. HB 797, which would allow a nonprofit retirement community serving veterans and spouses to create veteran-and-spouse nursing home beds and transfer a certificate of need within 100 miles, also passed unanimously after members discussed whether it could affect access for veterans; the sponsor said it would create additional private beds rather than displace existing ones.
HB 1085 on the Children’s Medical Services Program was amended and reported favorably 14-3. The bill would move managed care plan operations for medically fragile children from the Department of Health to AHCA, keep clinical eligibility at DOH, and shift PPEC services fully into managed care. The adopted amendment changed the waiver provision to require AHCA to develop and present a comprehensive redesign plan for the Medicaid model waiver for children receiving private duty nursing. Several members supported the goal but raised concerns about eliminating family choice and the impact on medically fragile children.
Finally, HB 1353 on home health care services passed unanimously. The bill would remove geographic limits on home health administrators, allow more licensed RNs including contract RNs to perform visits, and revise the home health excellence award program. Supporters said it would address workforce shortages and improve access, while one member warned it could increase costs and competition for nurses. The committee adjourned after reporting all five bills favorably.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- WAIVING IN SUPPORT FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES WAIVING IN SUPPORT STEVE SHALE ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE
- FUND WAIVING IN SUPPORT.
- VOLUNTEER SUPPORT.
- WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT TO INCLUDE THOSE FOLKS TO SEEK THAT PEER SUPPORT.
- SMART JUSTICE WAIVING IN SUPPORT.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, May 14, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's support the reauthorization.
- I urge my colleagues to support safety. I urge my colleagues to support this<02:34:36.560><c> bill.
- > to</c> rhetorical support, but real support to rhetorical support, but real support to police<03:34
- </c> let's see who else uh supports this. let's see who else uh supports this.
- </c> Gupta support it. Gupta support it.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- So how would you support that?
- And so I support this bill. I support options.
- Support our teachers. Support our teachers.
- Support our teachers. Support our teachers. Support our They said, fund public schools properly.
- Support our teachers. Support our students. Where are those bills? I filed some.
Committee:
House House Education Committee of Reference
Summary:
The committee first heard Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horn’s annual State of Education address, which focused on school safety, academic outcomes, school choice, teacher pay, and opposition to DEI/CRT in schools and teacher preparation. Horn said the department has expanded school police officers, promoted Project Momentum and tutoring, supported cell phone restrictions in classrooms, and pushed for more phonics-based reading instruction and stronger university teacher-prep programs. Members questioned him about DEI complaints, cell phone implementation, ESA oversight, school safety funding, reading proficiency, and teacher compensation; Horn said ESA spending is reviewed and recovered when inappropriate, and argued teacher raises should come directly to teachers, not through districts. No formal action was taken on his presentation.
The committee then considered HB 2008, which would prohibit public school libraries from using public funds to pay dues to professional library associations. Sponsor Representative Cooper argued the bill would keep school libraries politically neutral and prevent taxpayer money from supporting ideological advocacy, while saying membership itself would still be allowed if paid privately. Opponents, including a former librarian, a school board member, and the ACLU of Arizona, said the bill would undermine professional development, local control, literacy support, and constitutional rights of association and petition. Supporters said associations promote ideological content and that free professional-development alternatives exist. After public testimony and debate, the committee voted to return HB 2008 with a do-pass recommendation.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 14th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And so I want to join our senator here in support of SCR 170.
- Yes, I also rise in support. Senator DeVosso. Yes, I also rise in support of the resolution.
- I rise in support of SCR 174.
- I rise in support of the resolution.
- I rise in support of the resolution. Thank you, Mr. President. I rise in support of the resolution.
Summary:
The Senate met with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on floor privileges and recognitions. Members welcomed a delegation from Catalonia on the 40th anniversary of the California-Catalonia sister-state relationship, Solano Community College’s speech and debate team, and several small business honorees, including Royal Clothiers and Old California Botanicals. The chamber also recognized Tennessee Rep. Justin Jones for his advocacy on democracy and voting rights, with multiple senators speaking in support of his visit.
On business, the Senate confirmed Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Laura Ederton Speed as Executive Director of the State Bar, both by unanimous 35-0 votes. The body adopted SCR 163 designating May as California Tourism Month, highlighting tourism’s economic impact, and SCR 170 declaring Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Week, with extensive testimony from senators about the trauma firefighters and first responders face and the need to reduce stigma and expand support. The Senate also adopted SCR 174 marking the 60th anniversary of California’s pilot regional centers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, emphasizing the system’s role in community-based care.
The Senate adopted SR 111 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia after extended debate focused on LGBTQ rights, hate violence, and the need for allies to speak out; the resolution passed 26-0. The chamber then approved a second-day consent calendar of multiple bills by 34-0, moved SCR 116 to the inactive file, granted reconsideration on SR 111 for a later session, and heard motions to adjourn in memory of Carl Anthony and Lupe Estrella. The Senate announced committee hearings and then adjourned to reconvene Monday, May 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I support the Diaz floor amendment to House Bill 2033.
- I just want to thank my colleagues for your support of my amendment, and I encourage all to support the
- All those in support, please signify with an aye. Thank you.
- I rise in support of the amended RAGE Amendment.
- I'm in total support of this amendment, of total support of this bill.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Labor & Workplace Standards Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We do continue supporting that amendment being in the bill.
- So we urge your support of 5847. Thank you.
- I ask that you would support it. you guys passed last year and so we hope that we can have your support
- We appreciate your support in that. Thank you. Please proceed.
- We are also in support of 6302 as it was amended.
Summary:
The committee heard public testimony on several labor-related bills. On Substitute Senate Bill 5874, staff and Senator McEwen described a proposal to let the Employment Security Department waive penalties for minor quarterly reporting errors by employers, especially inadvertent electronic filing issues involving occupational codes and job titles. No one testified in opposition, and the public hearing was closed.
The committee then heard extensive testimony on Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5847, which would expand injured workers’ access to medical providers, allow medically appropriate departures from L&I treatment rules, prohibit employers from requiring treatment from a specific provider, and set timelines for utilization review. Supporters, including workers’ advocates and union representatives, said the bill would improve access to care and reduce delays, while business groups opposed it as weakening the provider network and raised concerns about costs and claim duration. L&I said it could implement the bill with a technical fix and noted that the fiscal note was still being updated. A previously adopted claims-manager staffing amendment was discussed but not included in the version heard.
On Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5061, the committee heard testimony on requiring public works contracts to update prevailing wage rates annually rather than freezing them at bid time. Labor groups supported the bill as protecting workers from wage erosion on long projects, while contractor groups opposed it unless amended to allow change orders for wage increases above 5 percent, citing unpredictable jumps in prevailing wage rates and added risk for small contractors. L&I requested a delayed effective date to July 1, 2028 because of IT changes. The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 5944, which would make missed or canceled appointment payments bargained economic compensation for language access providers, and on Substitute Senate Bill 5972, which would extend interest arbitration rights to correctional employees in city and county jails regardless of county population. Labor groups supported both bills; counties and a city representative opposed 5972 over cost concerns and asked for fiscal safeguards.
Finally, the committee heard Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6302, which would require L&I to investigate possible misclassification when three or more independent contractors are used for the same type of finishing work on a public works project. Labor and contractor groups both supported the amended version, saying it targets misclassification without banning legitimate independent contractors. The hearing ended after testimony, with no votes or final committee actions taken during the meeting.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Waving in support... All right.
- We also have Yvonne Fernandez waving in support. AARP waving in support. Thank you.
- I actually support this legislation.
- And Yvonne Fernandez, also waving in support. AARP, waving in support. Thank you so much.
- And Yvonne Fernandez, also waiving in support. AARP, waiving in support. also waiving in support.
Committee:
Senate Fiscal Policy
Summary:
The Committee on Fiscal Policy heard and advanced a series of bills covering transportation, unemployment benefits, public records, education, law enforcement, and health. Senator Massullo’s SB 488, the DHSMV agency package, would update fuel tax and motor carrier definitions, raise the crash-reporting damage threshold from $500 to $2,000, expand email use for certain DHSMV transactions, and align tank vehicle definitions with federal rules; SB 490 would create a related public records exemption for certain email records. Both bills were reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 892, revising enhanced sentencing procedures for repeat offenders, and SB 124, which cleans up and clarifies Florida Virtual School statutes without changing day-to-day operations.
The most debated measure was SB 216, which would tighten reemployment assistance eligibility by adding work-search and interview requirements, requiring more frequent identity and eligibility verification, and expanding fraud reporting and information sharing. Supporters said the bill targets fraud and improves program integrity; opponents, including labor advocates and several senators, argued it would create burdens for legitimate claimants, especially rural residents, seniors, and workers facing layoffs, and could sharply reduce access to benefits. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 382 on e-bike safety, requiring riders to yield to pedestrians, sound an audible signal before passing, and limit speed near pedestrians, while creating a task force to study broader regulation. Testimony from a parent who lost her son in an e-scooter crash prompted discussion about whether scooters should be included in the bill.
Additional bills advanced included SB 584, strengthening oversight of commercial driving schools and giving DHSMV and county tax collectors more enforcement tools; CS/SB 656, formally codifying the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force within FDLE and renaming the related grant program; and SB 816, establishing the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute to support research, treatment, education, and outreach. All were reported favorably with support from law enforcement, advocacy groups, and institutional representatives. At the end of the meeting, senators requested to be recorded on specific bills, and the committee adjourned without further business.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We support the smart development of passenger rail and freight. And we do support House Bill 4662.
- My name is Greg Sims, and I am in support of the bill.
- . in August, and she received support from Representative Hefner.
- I do submit this statement in support of House Bill 3080.
- So, I do support House Bill 3080.
Bills:
HB1589 , HB2208 , HB2297 , HB2560 , HB2725 , HB3080 , HB4417 , HB4473 , HB4520 , HB4662 , HB4888 , HB4905 , HB4906
Committee:
House S/C on Transportation Funding
Keywords:
HB 1589, toll road, toll project, toll project entity, voter approval, local control, county election, commissioners court, Transportation Code, Chapter 372, road construction, highway funding, infrastructure, public referendum, ballot measure, transportation policy, Texas toll roads, regional mobility, toll collection, vehicle registration
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I encourage your support. It's a very, very minor increase. Thank you. I encourage your support.
- I obviously support teachers. This is not an anti-teacher bill. I obviously support teachers.
- Senators, I will be supporting this bill. I do. Senators, I will be supporting this bill.
- "And so that's why I'm going to support this, because I support them.
- I support both of them.
Summary:
The Senate convened with 31 members present, approved the March 31 journal, and moved through committee reports, gubernatorial messages, and House messages before taking up several bills on final reading. Among the measures considered were House Bill 930 on campaign finance, House Bill 949 on consolidating the STEM Action Center with the Workforce Development Council, House Bill 950 providing a one-time appropriation for a consultant to support Medicaid review work, House Bill 952 revising the Secretary of State’s budget, Senate Bill 1444 for public school support, House Bill 940 revising Idaho Digital Learning Academy policy, Senate Bill 1438 funding the IDLA budget, House Bill 516 on parental rights and education, and House Bill 897 on the Idaho information technology equipment sales tax exemption. The chamber also received and referred additional bills, including House Bill 968 and several appropriations and committee reports.
House Bill 930 passed after debate centered on campaign finance transparency, separate campaign accounts, limits on investments, and requiring self-loans over $1,000 to be deposited into campaign accounts. Supporters said it would improve accountability; opponents questioned enforcement and warned against weaponizing campaign reporting. House Bill 949 passed with discussion of consolidating STEM and workforce functions, shifting funds and staff, and reducing administrative costs. House Bill 950 passed as a one-time $200,000 appropriation for a consultant to assist the legislature’s Medicaid review panel. House Bill 952 passed with a small reduction to the Secretary of State’s ongoing general fund budget. Senate Bill 1444 passed despite objections that the school budget underfunds district health insurance and shifts costs to local districts; supporters emphasized federal fund authority and other budget adjustments. House Bill 940 passed after extensive debate on narrowing IDLA’s mission, ending state support for certain uses, limiting elementary and online participation, and reducing enrollments and costs.
Senate Bill 1438, the companion IDLA appropriation bill, also passed after debate over the size of the cut, the use of the Public Education Stabilization Fund, and whether the budget should include a cap on enrollments; supporters said it matched the policy changes in House Bill 940, while opponents argued it was too restrictive and could harm students’ access to courses. House Bill 516, dealing with parental rights and education and teacher-union-related payroll and activity restrictions, passed after a lengthy and sharply divided debate over whether it protected taxpayer dollars or unfairly targeted educators and unions. House Bill 897, as amended, was then taken up for final consideration on the Idaho information technology equipment sales tax exemption, with the sponsor explaining that the bill narrows the exemption to internal server equipment and limits it to 20 years in response to changing data-center trends and water-use concerns.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Thirty Four - Monday, March 9
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So I support this bill, and I urge the rest of the House to support this bill.
- I give my full support to this amendment. I hope my colleagues will support it. Mr.
- Speaker, I give my full support to this amendment. I hope my colleagues will support it.
- I give my full support to this amendment. I hope my colleagues will support it. Mr.
- I appreciate the bill sponsor's support and the overwhelming support on this amendment.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, March 31, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1234.
- I rise in strong support of my bill, the I.R.S. Math Act.
- I urge my colleagues to support the legislation and I yield back.
- I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back.
- Shame on those who continue to support this legislation.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 2/19/25
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:04:02.280><c> of</c> for a CO Coalition that is in support of for a CO Coalition that is in support
- </c><00:07:49.000><c> of</c> opportunity to testify in support of opportunity to testify in support of
- </c><00:08:52.519><c> by</c> and services previously supported by and services previously supported by
- </c><00:13:38.240><c> of</c><00:13:38.519><c> HF</c> to testify in support of HF to testify in support
- So I support this bill.
Committee:
House Housing Finance and Policy
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/9/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- , honorable members of the Education Committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify today in support
- Also passing support for H.599, S.336, an act relative to LGBTQ inclusive curriculum.
- I'm here today to support H. 534 and S. 362.
- Please support HB 518. Thank you.
- I'm here to speak in support of the Lowell Mason Arts Education Equity Act, 4297.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Education
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education heard testimony on a wide range of bills, with the largest portions focused on the Healthy Youth Act (S.340/H.656), comprehensive and inclusive curriculum bills (H.655/S.371 and related measures), climate literacy education (H.560/S.391), computer science coursework (H.534/S.362), arts education funding and STEM-to-STEAM proposals (H.561 and H.4297), and a homeschooling reporting bill (H.518). Supporters of the Healthy Youth Act argued it would preserve local control while requiring medically accurate, age-appropriate, LGBTQ-inclusive sex education and regular updates to state health frameworks; opponents raised parental rights, age-appropriateness, and opt-out concerns, with some calling for fetal development content. Supporters of inclusive curriculum bills said they would improve representation, belonging, and civic understanding, while opponents argued they could undermine parental authority or promote ideological content. Climate, computer science, and arts advocates emphasized workforce readiness, student engagement, and the need for state support and funding to expand access and teacher training.
Testimony on the climate literacy bill described increasing climate impacts in Massachusetts and argued that interdisciplinary instruction would prepare students for science, policy, and green careers; witnesses said the bill was not a mandate but a support and funding measure. Computer science supporters said access remains uneven, especially for girls, students of color, and students with disabilities, and urged stronger statewide requirements and AI-related standards. Arts advocates backed both the STEM-to-STEAM bill and the Lowell Mason arts funding proposal, citing research on student achievement, attendance, creativity, and the economic importance of the arts sector. The homeschool bill was supported by a homeschool advocacy group as a modernization of reporting requirements.
The committee closed testimony on numerous bills where no one remained signed up or testimony had concluded, including several education, curriculum, and commission proposals. No votes were taken during the hearing itself. At the end of the session, the committee closed out the remaining testimony and adjourned after a motion and second.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works May 14th, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Public Works
Transcript Highlights:
- Got some green cards in support: Joe Maid.
- Have a card in support. Thank you. The board is clear. I have a card in support.
- Have a card in support. Thank you. All right. The board is clear. I have a card in support.
- Those green cards in support. You got Susan Boucheroy, Secretary, L.A.D.
- instead of just... ...communication and support instead of judgment.
Bills:
SCR58 , SB309 , SB514 , HCR63 , HCR69 , HB401 , HB487 , HB722 , HB730 , HB745 , HB988 , HB989 , HB1001 , HB1024 , HB1032 , HB1050 , HB1081 , HB1086 , HB1108 , HB1172 , HB1173 , HB1175 , HB1192 , HB1218 , HB1244
Keywords:
SCR 58, Senate Concurrent Resolution, DOTD, Department of Transportation and Development, public-private partnership, P3, public-private partnership contracting, Belle Chasse Toll Bridge, Belle Chasse Bridge, toll bridge, tolling, tolls, transportation infrastructure, roads and highways, Plaquemines Parish, bridge project, toll fees, unauthorized charges, contract oversight, procurement
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Feb 3rd, 2026
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Alex is waving in support.
- And next, we have Roxanne Gruver, waving in support. Thank you for being here.
- So I ask you for favorable support.
- Campbell the second, waiving in support. Thank you so much for being here today.
- We strongly support the safe and responsible stewardship of our products incident.
Committee:
Senate Environment and Natural Resources
Summary:
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met and first took up CS/SB 1422, as amended, which focused on coral reef protection and surface waters. The strike-all amendment redesignated coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure, emphasized their role in disaster mitigation and climate resilience, and was described as helping streamline permitting and access to federal restoration funding. Audubon Florida waived in support, and the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably.
The committee then considered SPB 7034, a rule ratification related to DEP’s minimum flows and levels recovery strategy for the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers and Priority Springs. Senators questioned the rule’s effects on consumptive use, funding, and whether utilities or taxpayers would bear costs. Several speakers from the Florida Springs Council and local river advocates opposed the rule, arguing it delays restoration and relies too heavily on a single long-term wastewater reuse project, while DEP and utility representatives supported it. The committee approved the bill as a committee bill and reported it favorably, with Senator Smith voting no.
Next, the committee heard CS/SB 1510, which made changes to DEP-related programs including springs basin management action plans, septic system requirements, resilience cost-share eligibility, permitting procedures, and land acquisition governance. A late-filed strike-all removed biosolids provisions and other items, and the main public concern centered on a 60-day delay before B-MAP changes take effect, which opponents said could delay springs restoration and allow conventional septic systems to be installed before new restrictions apply. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed CS/SB 1196, which restricts new ash-producing incinerators and waste-to-energy facilities within two miles of certain federally authorized water impoundment areas, after debate over impacts on local waste disposal options and environmental protections; and CS/SB 912, the Safe Battery Collection and Recovery Act, which creates a producer stewardship framework for battery collection and recycling, with support from industry and recycling groups citing battery fires and growing waste-stream concerns. Finally, the committee recommended confirmation of Gary Jennings to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and then adjourned.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- The Act also directly supports the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution by supporting the mandate that
- I would support the prohibition on supporting one religion over another because that would violate the
- body of law that is endemic to supporting the American Our existing body of law that is endemic to supporting
- I do support the legislation. I appreciate the class. I do support the legislation.
- So I will be supporting the bill. Other comments? Senator Rodney. I do support the legislation.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Rules