Transcript Highlights:

• THE SATURATION THAT WE AS A STATE ENCUMBERED DO TO ALL THE STORMS AND OUR NEIGHBORS TO THE NORTH IN ALABAMA
• AREN'T TRUE ALIGNMENT WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR COUNTY ADMINISTRATORS AND COUNTY LEADERS OR JUST OF MUNICIPALITIES
• THE STATE BIG BEND AND NATURE COAST WE DON'T HAVE AS MANY ESTABLISHED INFRASTRUCTURE BASIS OR MUNICIPALITIES
• BOX AND HAVING THAT ENGAGEMENT WITH NOT JUST ARE ECONOMIC PARTNERS BUT THE CITY AND COUNTY AND MUNICIPALITIES
• HAVE A SUB ORBITAL LAUNCH SITE AND TEST SITE IN WEST TEXAS AND THE ENGINE PRODUCTION FACILITY IN ALABAMA

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, but fortunately, the phonics program in Alabama seemed to help them.
• So I I Alabama seemed to help them.
• But when municipal taxes and municipal spending are added in, New Hampshire is now in the middle of the
• In municipal law, we very commonly have special circumstances.
• ><c> commonly</c><04:09:04.479><c> have</c> municipal law, we very commonly have municipal law, we very

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so I can go from Alabama, pick a “Okay, so I can go from Alabama, picking up a couple of cars,
• They weren’t aware that they were transporting from Tennessee to Mississippi through here, Alabama to
• We are the only state right now that has local municipality permits.
• We are the only state right now that has local municipality permits, other states such as Texas.
• in these local municipalities and the parishes.

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on March 16 and first disposed of several local bills without controversy. House Bills 590, 679, and 873 were voluntarily deferred. HB 503, allowing certain utility terrain vehicles and golf carts in Golden Meadow, was amended and reported. HB 720, clarifying tacit dedication and public access to waterways and related access points, was reported favorably. HB 856, expanding indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracting authority for DOTD and the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction, was amended and reported. HB 487, increasing penalties for drivers who run red lights by using shoulders or turn lanes to pass stopped traffic, was amended and reported. HB 846, prohibiting obscured or covered license plates, was reported favorably. HB 733 and HB 875, both dealing with OMV reinstatement fees and lapses of insurance, were reported with amendments after discussion of audit findings and fee timing. HB 707, moving liquefied petroleum gas commission functions to Agriculture, was amended and reported. HB 693, creating legislator district signs, was amended and then voluntarily deferred. HB 777, requiring a driver's license renewal knowledge exam, was amended and voluntarily deferred for further work with the department. HB 746, concerning oversized trucking permits issued by local governments, was introduced but not advanced, with the author signaling a desire to work on the issue further rather than force a vote. Several bills drew extended debate over safety, enforcement, and government overreach. HB 309, which would have penalized pedestrians for looking at cell phones while crossing crosswalks, was amended from a criminal offense to a $25 civil fine but then voluntarily deferred after members raised concerns about enforceability, tourism, free will, and whether the bill targeted the right party. HB 695, requiring permits and QR-code documentation for consensual non-commercial towing of multiple connected vehicles, was heavily questioned over how it would work in practice, whether it applied to single or multiple vehicles, and how out-of-state travelers would know about the requirement; the committee asked the author to work with OMV and State Police and voluntarily returned the bill to the calendar. HB 868, removing the farm exemption from trailer safety-chain and attachment requirements after a fatal accident involving a trailer separation, was amended and reported despite concerns from members and the Agriculture Commissioner about impacts on older farm equipment and the need to preserve flexibility for agricultural operations. The committee also heard testimony from law enforcement, the auditor’s office, the Department of Transportation and Development, the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, and industry groups. Chiefs of police supported the red-light and license-plate bills as common-sense public safety measures, while the Legislative Auditor explained that the OMV fee bills were intended to align Louisiana’s reinstatement fees and grace periods more closely with other states and with audit recommendations. DOTD and the secretary supported the procurement bill as a tool to speed construction and maintenance work. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain supported the propane commission bill and urged caution on the farm trailer safety bill so that older and specialized equipment would not be unintentionally burdened.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> so of the data that we have in Alabama so of the data that we have in Alabama over<00:18:46.320>
• Alabama was the first state to stand it up.
• </c> of this as well as our municipalities of this as well as our municipalities and<01:20:16.679><c>
• I also serve as the chair of Municipal Resources.
• Okay, at the end of the day, whoever the municipality, the ambulance that's in that municipality is going

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a non-germane amendment to HB 297 that would create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Insurance Commissioner DJ Beton, joined by department staff, explained that the proposal is intended to help homeowners afford insurance by funding proactive home improvements that reduce risk and improve insurability. He said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 available on a first-come, first-served basis. Beton described the problem as rising homeowners insurance premiums, hard-market underwriting, nonrenewals, and the resulting shift to more expensive surplus lines coverage. He said eligible projects could include roof fortification, exterior improvements, flood-related foundation work, and removal of hazardous trees or limbs. He cited similar programs in other states, especially Alabama, Louisiana, and North Carolina, as evidence the model can work and noted that industry representatives were present in support. He also said the program would use means testing aligned with the Department of Energy’s weatherization program to target lower-income applicants. Members asked about the non-germane process, who would administer the program, and how the bill would prevent misuse of grant funds. The commissioner said the department would administer the program using one repurposed existing position, with Treasury handling fund flow through an MOU. Staff explained that applicants would have to show completed work through a signed contract, itemized work, and a sworn contractor affidavit, with some upfront payment allowed for materials and the remainder paid after completion. The chair and members discussed that the amendment is being attached to a different bill only to move the proposal through committee and on to House Finance for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mobile, Alabama, is the only one.
• We would like to also join two other class 3 municipalities, Huntsville and Montgomery, that already
• </c><00:02:45.920><c> tax</c><00:02:46.319><c> increment</c> two municipalities tax increment two municipalities
• In particular, mine the municipality.
• The only thing that we put in there before was expanding it to match class three municipalities.

Bills: HB308 , HB308

Committee: Senate Mobile County Legislation

Keywords: elections, voter registration, publishing requirements, cost-saving, transparency, property tax exemption, senior citizens, Mobile County, tax legislation, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• Jennifer Wit to the Alabama Commission Jennifer Wit to the Alabama Commission on<00:20:58.720><c> Higher
• The Boys and Girls Club of Alabama, if y'all could please stand. Welcome to the Alabama Senate.
• </c><00:42:32.640><c> that</c> of the Legislature of Alabama that of the Legislature of Alabama that
• Of course, Alabama is growing, right?
• And I just want to tell Alabama.

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then approved the prior journal and allowed bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The chamber received multiple committee reports, including favorable reports on several finance and taxation bills, confirmations, local bills, and a series of resolutions. The Senate also confirmed several appointments to higher education and university boards, including Nicholas J. Balden, Jennifer Wit, Ronnie Stalworth, and Rex Reynolds, using long or previous roll calls as applicable. The Senate adopted a special order calendar that set up floor consideration of several bills, including measures on physician assistants, seafood/aquaculture, motor vehicles, campaign practices, property insurance and energy reduction, child custody, and school bus drivers. During debate on the special order calendar, Senator Smitherman raised concern that no bills on the calendar were sponsored by minority members, noting a prior understanding that minority-sponsored bills should be represented; Senator Wagner responded that the calendar was prepared based on legislation rather than sponsor party, and the exchange ended with an agreement to continue moving forward. The Senate then adopted the special order calendar and began taking up the listed bills. On the special order calendar, the Senate advanced House Bill 156 on physician assistant compacts, House Bill 277 on seafood/aquaculture tastings, and House Bill 42 on motor vehicles, with supporters describing each as consumer-friendly or supportive of industry. The chamber also considered local legislation, including bills for Madison, Tallapoosa, and Shelby counties; House Bill 337 for Madison County was amended and carried over, while House Bills 490, 491, and 493 passed after roll-call votes. Throughout the meeting, the Senate also adopted several commendatory and memorial resolutions, including measures honoring individuals, recognizing organizations and events, and naming a highway, with most adopted by voice vote and no recorded opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not about municipal services.
• All right, so that all those standards on a municipal level already go through that legal review.
• All right, so that all those standards on a municipal level already go through that legal review.
• It'll place a lot of paperwork burden and financial burden on municipalities.
• This previous speaker said, well, hey, these municipalities are imposing requirements that don't even

Bills: SB1176 , SB1186 , SB1235 , SB1286 , SB1446 , SB1458 , SB1515 , SB1616 , SB1641 , SB1668 , SB1670 , SB1678 , SB1747 , SB1787

Committee: Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency

Keywords: stormwater, water storage, replenishment credits, groundwater, aquifer, Arizona Revised Statutes, disclosure, state contracts, procurement records, donations, transparency, EMS, reciprocity, interstate compact, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, licensure, public safety, military personnel, veterinary telemedicine

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> &gt;&gt; Gentleman from Alabama reserves. &gt;&gt; Gentleman from Alabama reserves.
• Gentleman from Alabama. Alabama. Alabama.
• </c> Gentleman from Alabama is recognized. Gentleman from Alabama is recognized.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Gentleman from Alabama reserves. &gt;&gt; Gentleman from Alabama reserves.
• Gentleman from Alabama. Alabama. Alabama.

Bills: HB3187 , SB284 , HB2400 , HR1098 , HB3872 , HB3176 , HB3620 , HB2815 , SB2878 , HR1045 , HR972 , HB2876 , HB3962 , HB4183 , SB216 , HR923 , HB5457 , HB5810 , SB222

Keywords: Perry County Arkansas, Perryville, Forest Service land, federal land conveyance, quitclaim deed, public purpose, education, youth development, land transfer, property disposal, reversion clause, CERCLA, environmental liability, historic preservation, National Historic Preservation Act, USDA, federal property, county government, public use, surplus land

Transcript Highlights:

• He's a retired fire captain with 20 years of service with the Montgomery, Alabama Fire and Rescue Squad
• any objection to adopt amendments the objection members adopted back on the bill to close Senate to Alabama
• public roadways, to provide for the term of tacit dedication of a roadway maintained by parish or municipality
• public roadways, to provide for the term of tacit dedication of a roadway maintained by parish or municipality
• Local and Municipal will meet in Room F upon adjournment.

Bills: SB525 , SR112 , SR109 , SCR61 , SCR62 , SCR12 , HB175 , HB276 , HB437 , HB456 , HB457 , HB459 , HB488 , HB579 , HB656 , HB804 , HB818 , HB841 , HB981 , HB1052 , HB1089 , HB1101 , HB1154 , HB1166 , HB1193 , HB1194 , HB1203 , HB1209 , HB1244 , HB1249 , HB221 , HCR69 , HCR58 , SB57 , SB405 , SB414 , HB62 , HB193 , HB203 , HB205 , HB210 , HB220 , HB222 , HB228 , HB246 , HB420 , HB475 , HB486 , HB574 , HB584 , HB750 , HB799 , HB813 , HB815 , HB826 , HB870 , HB949 , HB953 , HB1045 , HB1092 , HB1151 , HB1162 , HB1176 , HB1177 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1236 , HB1241 , SB106 , SB206 , SB248 , SB441 , SR86 , SCR30 , SB83 , SB135 , SB143 , SB155 , SB157 , SB202 , SB237 , SB276 , SB295 , SB388 , SB450 , SB465 , SB35 , SB65 , SB215 , SB246 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB484 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , SB501 , SB513 , HCR31 , HB301 , HB358 , HB359 , HB384 , HB413 , HB428 , HB450 , HB462 , HB547 , HB613 , HB631 , HB657 , HB669 , HB675 , HB680 , HB691 , HB712 , HB716 , HB720 , HB723 , HB727 , HB728 , HB735 , HB747 , HB759 , HB825 , HB845 , HB846 , HB903 , HB904 , HB907 , HB923 , HB929 , HB941 , HB962 , HB965 , HB1036 , HB287 , HB370 , HB515 , HB521 , HB570 , HB1200 , HB29 , HB39 , HB58 , HB67 , HB73 , HB76 , HB77 , HB82 , HB112 , HB121 , HB125 , HB132 , HB134 , HB151 , HB154 , HB155 , HB161 , HB166 , HB187 , HB191 , HB207 , HB211 , HB224 , HB238 , HB241 , HB242 , HB250 , HB260 , HB265 , HB275 , HB300 , HB320 , HB338 , HB339 , HB349 , HB379 , HB399 , HB427 , HB463 , HB464 , HB468 , HB545 , HB550 , HB551 , HB565 , HB588 , HB639 , HB725 , HB782 , HB805 , HB808 , HB834 , HB847 , HB853 , HB858 , HB861 , HB883 , HB916 , HB937 , HB977 , HB1012 , HB1027 , HB1044 , HB1054 , HB1091 , HB1117 , HB90 , HB127 , HB138 , HB150 , HB201 , HB268 , HB273 , HB285 , HB315 , HB354 , HB355 , HB360 , HB376 , HB445 , HB506 , HB606 , HB649 , HB665 , HB681 , HB721 , HB746 , HB757 , HB781 , HB835 , HB844 , HB857 , HB872 , HB886 , HB889 , HB892 , HB972 , HB982 , HB987 , HB1037 , HB1068 , HB1072 , HB1078 , HB1085 , HB1132 , HB1137 , HB1167 , HB1174 , HB1232 , HB1238 , HB23 , HB136 , HB36 , HB119 , HB126 , HB129 , HB245 , HB271 , HB280 , HB337 , HB351 , HB677 , HB726 , HB789 , HB850 , HB956 , HB966 , SB149 , SB382

Keywords: unclaimed property, abandoned property, escheat, state treasurer, administrator, claimant, purchase agreement, assignment, property recovery, owner verification, documentation requirements, fraud prevention, bankruptcy, bankruptcy court, court order, Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, Louisiana Revised Statutes, R.S. 9:167.1, Chennault International Airport, 40th anniversary

Transcript Highlights:

• If, let's just say, Jefferson County were to pass legislation to allow counties or municipalities to
• Counties or municipalities may opt out.
• 125, any individual elected or appointed to a county that is created by act to the constitution of Alabama

Bills: HB343 , HB345

Committee: House Jefferson County Legislation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:28:39.120><c> or</c> Hampshire than it is in Alabama or Hampshire than it is in Alabama or Louisiana
• </c> of this as well as our municipalities of this as well as our municipalities and<01:20:16.679><c>
• municipality is going to get billed.
• municipality is going to get billed.
• municipality is going to get billed.

Summary: The committee took up HB 297 with a non-germane amendment proposed by the Insurance Department to create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Commissioner DJ Beton explained that the program is intended to help homeowners reduce rising insurance premiums and avoid surplus lines coverage by funding proactive home and property improvements such as roof fortification, exterior and foundation work, flood protection, and tree removal. He said the proposal was developed after leadership asked for more statutory detail and for the idea to be vetted through policy committees rather than handled only in the budget process. Beton said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. He described the program as modeled on similar efforts in other states, with means testing tied to the Department of Energy’s weatherization/home heating assistance criteria. He also said the department would administer the program using one existing staff position, with coordination through Treasury, and that unspent funds would roll over for several years before reverting to the general fund. Members asked about the unusual use of a non-germane amendment and how the bill would be handled procedurally, since the underlying bill and the new insurance proposal were unrelated. The chair explained that the amendment was being used as a vehicle to move the department’s proposal through the committee process and that the committee could later accept one part, both parts, or neither. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting shown; the discussion ended with questions about administration, staffing, and the relationship between the underlying bill and the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• PG&E pays over a billion dollars in property taxes and other taxes to municipal entities in the state
• That means less revenues for the municipalities.
• That means less revenues for the municipalities.
• That means less revenues for the municipalities.
• and Louisiana. ...from, I think it's Alabama and Louisiana.

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Summary: The committee first heard AB 13, which would restructure the Public Utilities Commission by adding legislative liaisons, requiring more frequent and detailed reporting on rate decisions, and changing commissioner representation to increase geographic diversity and accountability. The author and supporters argued the CPUC is too insulated from public pressure and that Californians need more transparency and oversight on utility rate hikes. Support came from former CPUC Commissioner Loretta Lynch, Jeff Shields, wildfire survivor Will Abrams, TURN, and San Diego Gas & Electric in a support-if-amended position; there was no opposition testimony. Members generally praised the transparency goals, and the bill passed 10-0 to Appropriations, with the roll left open for absent members. The committee then adopted the 2025-2026 committee rules and approved three consent items: AB 61, AB 365, and AB 406. Those measures were moved on consent without substantive debate and passed unanimously. The committee also held AB 99, which would limit investor-owned utility rate increases above inflation except for specified costs such as safety, modernization, and fuel or commodity expenses. The author and supporters, including the California Senior Legislature, said the bill was needed to protect seniors and other ratepayers from repeated utility hikes, while opponents argued it was overly simplistic, could harm labor and reliability, and failed to account for major cost drivers like wildfire mitigation and mandated programs. Despite broad concerns from utilities, labor, business, and environmental groups, the bill advanced 11-0 to Appropriations, with several members noting they supported continued work on the measure. After the bill votes, the committee opened an informational hearing on strategies to reduce California transmission costs, the second part of its energy affordability series. Public Advocates Office staff presented data showing a large and growing backlog of approved-but-unbuilt transmission projects, rising transmission access charges, and long project timelines driven mostly by utility pre-application and construction phases. Panelists from D.H. Infrastructure, Net Zero California, IBank, and PG&E discussed alternative financing models, including public-private partnerships, public ownership, tax-exempt debt, loan guarantees, and grants, arguing these tools could lower capital costs and speed development. Members focused on whether the CPUC is the right venue, how to shorten permitting and pre-application delays, and how public financing could be structured to reduce costs without shifting burdens elsewhere.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not going to tolerate Alabama.
• </c> Alabama Fereral Hog Control Council. Alabama Fereral Hog Control Council.
• > the Alabama Conservation Enforcement the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers<01:00:58.319><c>
• </c> feral hogs here in the state of Alabama. feral hogs here in the state of Alabama.
• That included the Alabama Wildlife Federation, Alpha, Alabama Soil and Water Conservation, I think the

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• And right now, with our municipal agencies having hiring problems, they're stepping away from the HIDTA
• drugs across our borders is ravaging communities around our country, including in my home state of Alabama
• An annual report of the Alabama Opioid Overdose and Addiction Council discussed the alarming increase
• in fentanyl-related overdose deaths and poisonings in Alabama between 2018 and 2019 and 2022.
• fentanyl, which is equivalent to 8.3 million doses. doses, enough to kill everyone in the state of Alabama

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Counties in Arizona, Alabama, New York, Tennessee, and right here in Minnesota and Nobles County have
• ><c> New</c><00:10:02.000><c> York,</c> Counties in Arizona, Alabama, New York, Counties in Arizona,
• The potential for lawsuits is higher than we've ever seen for municipalities that work with ICE.
• </c> than we've ever seen for municipalities than we've ever seen for municipalities that<00:51:50.480
• </c><01:02:56.040><c> entity</c> between uh some kind of municipal entity between uh some kind of municipal

Transcript Highlights:

• the Municipal Police Employees Retirement System.
• , police departments, and the municipal police retirement system.
• I'm Richard Williams, the interim director of the Louisiana Municipal Association.
• We're doing away with partial dissolution with municipal police.
• Again, Richard Williams with the Municipal Association.

Committee: Senate Retirement

Summary: The Senate Committee on Retirement met on May 5 with four members present. HB 41 was deferred until the following week, and the committee approved the April 20, 2026 minutes. The committee then took up several retirement-system bills, many of them negotiated measures involving municipal police, firefighters, teachers, district attorneys, and judges. HB 45, by Rep. Bacallat, was amended and reported favorably. It makes changes to the Municipal Police Employees Retirement System, including retention bonuses, recognition of out-of-state police service, benefits for three officers killed in the line of duty before full enrollment, a DROP fix, and more competitive accrual rates. Testimony from the Louisiana Municipal Association, MEPERS, police representatives, and Mayor Helena Marino was strongly supportive, emphasizing that the bill resolves longstanding disputes and litigation. HB 1237, also by Rep. Bacallat, was reported favorably after testimony that it eliminates partial dissolution penalties for municipal police and adjusts related firefighter provisions; witnesses said it was a negotiated fix supported by municipal and fire stakeholders. HB 42, concerning phased retirement in the Teacher Retirement System, was reported favorably as a permissive framework allowing universities to offer phased retirement options. HB 17, by the District Attorneys’ Retirement System director, was reported favorably to add the Louisiana District Attorneys Association to the definition of employer and require annual reporting on the rehire statute. HB 21, a cleanup bill for the Municipal Employees Retirement System, was also reported favorably. HB 1134, creating a backdrop retirement option for certain judges whose positions are abolished, was amended and reported favorably after LASERS raised questions about early retirement eligibility and the need to bar future judicial candidacy. HB 24, by Rep. Owen, drew the most discussion. It would allow retired or certified teachers to return to work through contracts with school systems, with a three-year sunset. The sponsor argued it would help keep qualified teachers in classrooms and avoid midyear departures, while TRSL, the Louisiana School Board Association, and committee members raised concerns about fiscal impact, contractor status, workers’ compensation, leave rules, and overlap with a separate bill being worked on by the chairman. After an amendment clarifying the independent-contractor definition was adopted, the committee chose to hold the bill in committee for further work rather than advance it immediately. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• and Municipal Police Employees Retirement System.
• , police departments, and the municipal police retirement system.
• I'm the interim director of the Louisiana Municipal Association.
• We're doing away with partial dissolution with municipal police.
• Again, Richard Williams with the Municipal Association.

Bills: HB17 , HB21 , HB24 , HB41 , HB42 , HB45 , HB1134 , HB1237

Committee: Senate Retirement

Keywords: HB 17, District Attorneys' Retirement System, retirement system, reemployed retiree, reemployment, supplemental retirement benefit, service credit, benefit suspension, public retirement, district attorney, assistant district attorney, Louisiana District Attorneys' Association, employer reporting, annual report, retirement benefits, state employees, local funds, state funds, Municipal Employees' Retirement System, part-time retirees

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Alabama, Ms. Sewell, for five minutes. Mr.
• McFillips Jr., the people's lawyer of Alabama, who passed away on April 12, 2025, at the age of 78.
• Julian was born in Birmingham and raised in Coleman, Alabama.
• </c> surely be the Barbara Jordan of Alabama. surely be the Barbara Jordan of Alabama.
• </c><04:51:29.760><c> legislature</c> quote, "A municipal legislature quote, "A municipal legislature

Bills: HR492 , HR499 , HB2056 , SB331

Keywords: immigration, sanctuary jurisdiction, federal compliance, District of Columbia, law enforcement, fentanyl, controlled substances, drug trafficking, public health, research regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows for counties and municipalities to charge up to three times higher than what they would normally
• Senators, the amendment adds municipalities and defines actual cost plus 15% for the cleanup of an accident
• Why the term must rather than may for the municipalities in establishing this? Thank you, Mr.
• hands-free driving law, which would be consistent with 30 other states, including neighboring states Alabama
• hands-free driving law which would be consistent with 30 other states including states neighboring us Alabama

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Transportation Committee met and considered a series of bills, beginning with SB 266, which would exempt sales and use tax on electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft sold from manufacturers to operators. Senator Harold said the measure is intended to help Florida attract an advanced air mobility industry and create jobs. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying the definition of EVTOL aircraft and excluding drones, then reported the bill favorably. SB 350, by Senator DeSigley, was also reported favorably after a minor amendment; it allows local governments to permit vehicles to travel slowly on flooded streets without being treated as unlawfully impeding traffic. Supporters from the Florida PBA and Florida League of Cities waived in support. The committee next approved SB 706, designating part of U.S. 92/Gandy Boulevard as the Senator James A. Sebesta Memorial Highway. SB 628, Lucy’s Law, was heard with extensive emotional testimony from Lucy Fernandez’s parents and others. The bill strengthens boating safety by increasing penalties for reckless boating, requiring boating safety education after certain violations, and aligning some boating penalties more closely with motor vehicle laws. A substitute amendment was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 872, dealing with county and municipal price controls for the removal and storage of electric vehicles, was also amended and reported favorably after testimony from towing industry representatives about the added costs and storage constraints posed by damaged EVs; the Florida Insurance Council spoke in opposition. The committee then approved SB 650, which expands hazardous walking condition criteria for elementary school students to include walkways along freeways, ramps, and interchanges, regardless of speed limit. SB 1318, the hands-free driving bill, generated substantial testimony from safety advocates and families affected by distracted driving; it would rename Florida’s texting law as a hands-free driving law and prohibit handheld use of wireless devices while driving. The committee also passed SB 994, increasing driver education requirements for standard and learner’s licenses, and SB 662, designating a portion of West Beaver Street in Duval County as Harry Frisch Street. Several senators recorded affirmative votes on bills after the roll calls, and the meeting adjourned after all listed measures were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our bill most closely aligns with Alabama, which we've seen some very positive results with what they've
• Our bill most closely aligns with Alabama, which we've seen some very positive results with what they've
• </c><00:19:37.919><c> So</c><00:19:38.320><c> that's</c> Alabama in regards to this.
• So that's Alabama in regards to this.
• </c> municipality of 15,000 in them. municipality of 15,000 in them.

Committee: Joint Education