Transcript Highlights:

• that if you include a writer stating, 'We direct the 130, whatever,' it must be placed in a specific section
• There is a section in the Data Practices Act called the Personnel Data Section. It's 1343.
• I know this bill refers to Section 136A.84. Nothing in that section identifies tribal colleges.

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• to provide a uniform and consistent definition of the Texas-Mexico border region across multiple sections
• inconsistency by aligning all references to the Texas-Mexico border region with the definition found in section
• bottom, you've got the resolved resolved area, not it's you got to go down from the whereas it's the B section
• were tasked years ago to make sure that only shrimp that came from certified countries according to Section
• The middle section, the Gulf shrimp vessels with federal SPGM permits.

Committee: House S/C on International Relations

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill adds a section called repromulgation.
• Basically, in that last section there, we're reviewing how many licenses are issued every year by the
• If you look at the repromulgation of rules section there, it gives a great explanation that basically
• No, this rule here has a section in it that we don't believe is pertinent anymore, and so we're going
• Yes, ma'am, and I hope I'm reading this correctly where it says there's a section here that says the

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee met and took up a long agenda of policy bills, local bills, and open government sunset review measures. The committee first heard HB 433 on administrative procedures, as amended by a strike-all that would create a five-year repromulgation process for agency rules, require review of guidance documents, add cost-benefit analysis requirements, and tighten licensing reporting. Members questioned whether the bill duplicated existing JAPC review functions and raised concerns about costs and the scope of agency authority, but the amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably 12-3. The committee then approved HB 699, which increases penalties for certain traffic infractions when they result in a crash; CS/HB 404, a local bill updating the City of Tampa firefighters’ and police officers’ pension plan; HB 711, creating a statewide Spectrum Alert and law-enforcement training for missing children with autism; HB 4023, a local ethics-related charter change for the North Springs Improvement District; HB 583, requiring registration and disclosure for agents and organizations associated with foreign principals and foreign-supported political organizations; HB 251, recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida; and HB 749, extending medical benefits for firefighters who suffer catastrophic injuries during training. Most of these bills drew supportive testimony and were reported favorably by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The committee also considered several OGSR/open-records measures. PCB GOS-25-04 preserved exemptions for public safety communications system infrastructure records, PCB GOS-25-05 aligned cybersecurity-records sunset dates to October 2, 2026, and PCB GOS-25-06 narrowed exemptions for certain records held by the Department of Financial Services as receiver for insolvent insurers, making more information public. All three were reported favorably on 17-0 votes. The meeting adjourned after the final roll call.

Transcript Highlights:

• Furthermore, it is unacceptable that a newborn's first breath born by a C-section is that of surgical
• Let us not forget mothers undergoing C-sections, who are also inhaling surgical smoke, including their
• So they can say you can have video of this section, but not audio.
• There is a section of the bill that outlines that.
• There is a section of the bill that outlines that.

Summary: The subcommittee first heard HB 103, which would require hospitals and surgical centers to adopt policies using surgical smoke evacuation systems during procedures. Representative Woodson and several nurses and health care advocates testified that surgical smoke contains harmful chemicals and pathogens, poses respiratory risks to operating room staff and patients, and that the bill is needed to protect nurses and address workforce shortages. Members from both parties voiced support, and the bill was reported favorably by a 17-0 vote. The committee then took up HB 223, as amended, which would allow residents of nursing home or assisted living rooms to use fixed cameras, with guardrails on consent, non-rotatable placement, and prohibitions on posting footage online. The sponsor said the measure is intended to help families monitor loved ones and deter abuse or neglect, while supporters from AARP and some caregivers described cameras as tools for accountability and peace of mind. Facility and industry representatives raised concerns about privacy, dignity, roommate consent, and the potential impact on personal care conversations and resident autonomy. After questions and debate, members discussed how consent would work, who could access recordings, and how the bill would handle roommate changes and misuse of footage. The sponsor said the bill would continue to be refined in later committees. HB 223 was reported favorably as amended by a 16-2 vote, with Representatives Campbell and Franklin voting no. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• section of this bill.
• is in the back 1582, that section is in the back section<00:34:00.680><c> of</c><00:34:00.800><c> this
• </c> section of this bill. section of this bill.
• Um our bigger concerns are specifically section five, uh or at least it was section five on that first
• Um our bigger concerns are specifically section five, uh or at least it was section five on that first

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then you also had concerns about section B? Yeah, yeah.
• </c> about section about section B<00:18:09.679><c> yeah</c><00:18:09.880><c> yeah</c><00:18:10.000><
• Okay, so what your recommendation is to delete section B?
• section section 205-<02:27:54.520><c> 47</c><02:27:55.279><c> that's</c><02:27:55.439><c> the</c><02
• provided in section 195D...' and include that here.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 946 on wastewater management, which would clarify that the ban on discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after 12/31/26 applies to treatment plants. Testimony was in support from the Department of Health, Maui County Council, Mayor Bisson, and individuals, and no one testified in opposition. SB 849 on wildlife conservation would prohibit intentional taking, harming, or killing of the Hawaiian hawk (ʻio) and increase penalties for taking native aquatic life, wildlife, and land plants; DLNR supported the bill, noting the ʻio was delisted federally in 2020 and that the measure also updates penalties and adds a rehabilitation/community service option. No questions were raised, and the bill drew support testimony only. For SB 330 on invasive species prevention, the Attorney General raised a supremacy clause concern with language requiring state enforcement of federal quarantines and recommended reverting to a prior version with a catchall for federal regulation. The Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species supported the bill as a way to close a biosecurity gap, while the Department of Agriculture said it supported the intent but wanted to avoid acting without a cooperative agreement with USDA and suggested deleting the portion allowing action without such an agreement. The committee also heard SB 1393 on public land use, which would require the School Facilities Authority to consult with DOE and other agencies before land conveyances or leases and repeal a requirement that DOE transfer title upon request; both SFA and DOE supported the measure, with DOE emphasizing the need for early communication and consultation, and members asked about possible disagreements or stalemates. The committee then heard SB 321 on private roads and ways, which would deem certain privately owned roads and similar ways transferred to adjacent owners or community associations if conditions are met. The Hawaii Land Title Association said the bill as drafted would create uncertainty and proposed a court process to clarify ownership and create a recordable order; written support came from the Mortgage Bankers Association of Hawaii, Hawaii Financial Services Association, and one individual. SB 66 on housing permitting would require permit decisions within 60 days for certain housing projects and deem permits approved in some circumstances; DLNR’s historic preservation office supported the intent but noted county historic preservation roles, OHA suggested amendments to clarify county duties, and DPP opposed the time limits as risky for health and safety reviews, warning about back-and-forth review cycles and possible mismatches between approved plans and field work. Realtors, NAIOP, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii YIMBY, and the Maui Chamber supported the measure, while Lahaina Strong, Hawaii Good Neighbor, and two individuals opposed it. Finally, the committee heard SB 1170 on expeditious redevelopment of affordable rental housing, which would speed permits for rebuilding permanently affordable multifamily rental housing damaged by natural disasters and exempt certain projects from EIS requirements. HHFDC supported the bill, citing the Front Street Apartments rebuild and the long SMA permit timeline on Maui, and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the intent while suggesting technical placement of amendments. Testimony in support also came from the Maui Chamber of Commerce and Joe Blanco, who described difficulties rebuilding a project originally developed under older statutory requirements and said the bill’s added language addressed those issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, section 29E-34E7 needs to be amended to address a cross reference to section 291E-38J.
• Um,<01:54:49.920><c> section</c><01:54:50.719><c> 29E-34E7</c> Um, section 29E-34E7 Um, section 29E-34E7
• I want to add a new section to provide opt out.
• And then finally, a new section on collection of data.
• </c><02:01:18.719><c> on</c> Uh, and then finally, a new section on Uh, and then finally, a new section

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard House Bill 2095, which would provide supplemental appropriations for the Judiciary for the 2025-2027 biennium. Judiciary Administrative Director Brandon Kimura testified in strong support and outlined a request for about $6.4 million in supplemental operating funds, plus four permanent full-time position conversions. He grouped the request into security, services to court users, and staffing needs, including $3.25 million for supplemental armed private security at judiciary facilities statewide, nearly $200,000 for cybersecurity staffing and support, restoration of funding for substance use treatment purchase-of-service contracts, restoration of funding for the Office of Public Guardian on Kauaʻi, salary commission funding, a Kona court operations position, and two Court-Appointed Special Advocates positions converted from temporary to permanent. He also described five capital improvement requests totaling $55.4 million, led by $30 million for construction of a new South Kohala courthouse, $1.2 million each for air conditioning upgrades in Hilo and Kauaʻi, $15 million for elevator upgrades at Kahumanu Hale, and $8 million in lump-sum bond funds for emerging projects. Several organizations testified in support, including Parents and Children Together and the True Cost Coalition. Supporters emphasized the importance of the purchase-of-service funding for domestic violence and substance use treatment services and said the restoration would return funding to pre-COVID levels and help providers maintain capacity. Kimura explained that the Judiciary often shifts funds among contracts during the year to avoid service interruptions, but that the reduced funding has caused delays and operational problems for providers and probationers. Members asked detailed questions about the capital projects and operating requests. Representative Shimizu asked for more information on the lump-sum bond funds and the elevator project, and Kimura explained that the Kahumanu Hale request covers four remaining elevator shafts after earlier funding addressed the first five elevators. Representative Cochran asked about the absence of Maui County projects, and Kimura said the Judiciary is still planning for its older Maui facilities with DAGS. Chair Tarnas questioned the need for armed private guards and discussed whether court security should be prioritized within the Department of Law Enforcement; Kimura said the Judiciary needs additional personnel now and has not asked DLE to deprioritize other missions, though the chair suggested further coordination between the agencies. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• but this would be previous section but this would be creating<00:27:44.320><c> that</c><00:27:44.480
• Chair, I am through my sections.
• Chair, I am through my sections.
• Chair, I am through my sections.
• Chair, I am through my sections. My sections.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota Statute section 275.66 lists all the special taxing districts that have the authority to levy
• </c> Minnesota statute section Minnesota statute section 27566<00:03:26.599><c> uh</c><00:03:26.760><
• First is through the Constitution, Article 10, Section 1, which specifically lists properties that are
• First is through the Constitution, Article 10, Section 1, which specifically lists properties that are
• In section 273.13 are where all of the property tax classifications are found, all the requirements and

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• are coded also in chapter 126C, but not in that particular section.
• are coded also in chapter 126C, but not in that particular section.
• are coded also in chapter 126C, but not in that particular section.
• </c><01:13:29.639><c> 126</c> going to be coded in uh section 126 going to be coded in uh section 126
• </c><01:44:04.239><c> is</c> 2022 and the purpose of this section is 2022 and the purpose of this section

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If an engineering study is done that supports a 75 mile per hour speed limit on certain sections of the
• Section 3, it's the... I think we do. Yes, sir. Section 3, the piece of RSMO is 304.0101.
• Section 3, on any state road or highway where the speed limit is not set pursuant to a local ordinance
• If we can remove the section regarding the mandate, that would satisfy our concerns.
• If we can remove the section regarding the mandate, that would satisfy our concerns.

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There shall be a rebuttable presumption that any person who violates the provisions of this section is
• Amendment 17 changes the exception that IDIQ contracting under this section may be used for projects
• Amendment 4 provides that, in addition to the requirements contained in subsection A of this section,
• Maybe we could amend them together, but I think they’re probably two different sections.
• Maybe we could amend them together, but I think they’re probably two different sections.

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:

• There's a striking amendment number 33 by Senator Saldaña, which adds a findings and intent section related
• It removes Section 6, which was related to timelines for certifying electricity from renewable resources
• It removes Section 6, which was related to timelines for certifying electricity from renewable resources
• Amendment No. 63, offered by Senator Gildon, which removes the section that allows county legislative
• There are two amendments Amendment number 63 offered by Senator Gieldo, which removes the section that

Bills: HB2675 , HB2249 , HB2120 , HB1069 , HB1983 , HB2431 , SB6006 , SB6297 , SB6351 , SB6353 , HB2521 , HB2091 , HB2104 , SB6355 , HB2254 , HB2385 , SB5808 , HB1796 , HB1376 , SB6260 , HB2353

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: accounts, finance, business regulation, transparency, audits, HB 2249, Washington Technology Solutions, WaTech, civil service, classified service, exempt employees, state employment, state personnel, network security, cybersecurity, information technology, IT contracting, data center, systems integration, network engineering

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> should have uh an analog to section should have uh an analog to section 1983,<00:31:17.600><c> which
• Um, but so Representative Long, I've always kind of wondered why we don't have a state analog to Section
• Unconstitutional laws that were passed that were challenged under Section 1983.
• Um, but so Representative Long, I've always kind of wondered why we don't have a state analog to Section
• Um, but so Representative Long, I've always kind of wondered why we don't have a state analog to Section

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So that section, you agree, is not changing any application of law?
• Chair, if you look at section A2, it says 'to the purchaser's location in this state.'
• So look at section A2.
• And we're in a different section of tax, but regardless, they're only taxing it to you from that one
• They went into this section of law and said you can file at your location if you're regularly operating

Bills: HB2143 , HB2273 , HB2290 , HB2373 , HB2784 , HB2794 , HB4037

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: public safety, retirement system, investments, trust fund, board of trustees, financial report, income tax rebate, Pinal County, taxpayer eligibility, state revenue, financial assistance, transaction privilege tax, business location, tangible personal property, shared vehicle, sourcing, income tax, veterans, donations, tax refunds

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, Senator, do you have a specific section?
• Madam Chair, Senator, do you have a specific section you were looking at?
• So it looks like it's the latter part of the section.
• Madam Chair, Senator, in Section 4, the revision to the earnings cap for disability members.
• So really no changes, just cleanup with the survivor section.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 130, which would require heart calcium scans for people over 50, allow pharmacists to manage related screening and medication, and eliminate cost-sharing barriers for the testing and treatment. The sponsor argued the bill could prevent coronary artery disease deaths and reduce long-term health costs, while an industry lobbyist questioned whether it would actually save patients money and raised concerns about the substitute language. After questions about costs, rural access, pharmacist training, liability, and the effect of treatment, the committee adopted a due pass recommendation on the committee substitute by a 6-4 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 31, the EMS personnel licensure interstate compact. Supporters from the Chamber of Commerce, Think New Mexico, the Health Care Authority, and an autism advocacy group said the compact would help address EMS shortages, improve emergency response, and support rural health workforce needs. One opponent warned about out-of-state personnel practicing under unfamiliar standards and possible retention problems. The committee adopted an immunity-related amendment and then gave the bill a 9-0 do pass recommendation. House Bill 33, the psychology inter-jurisdictional compact, was also heard and amended with a similar immunity change. Supporters said it would expand telehealth and behavioral health access, while some members questioned data on workforce shortages, standards, and how the compact would affect New Mexico’s oversight. The committee approved the amended bill 8-0. House Bill 43, a cleanup bill for PERA disability and survivor pension provisions, was presented as a technical measure to clarify statutes, update the disability earnings cap to match Social Security, and reduce ambiguity without changing benefits or liabilities. Members asked about double-dipping, survivor provisions, and fiscal impact, and the bill received a 9-0 do pass recommendation. The committee also heard Senate Memorial 22, which asks the Legislative Finance Committee to study how CYFD-administered state and federal funds support domestic violence services. Sponsors and advocates said funding has been flat or reduced despite rising need, and that providers need clearer, more transparent data; committee members expressed concern that the state lacks a clear accounting of where the money goes. The memorial passed on a 9-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• I called to your attention specific sections in Senate Bill 246. Thank you.
• Specific sections in Senate Bill 246.
• Section 8 describes that authority to include criminal liability.
• And it concerns raised with the Ethics Commission in Section 7 gives a...
• And it concerns raised with the Ethics Commission in Section 7.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 246, which would require licensure and inspections for massage therapy establishments. The sponsor and Regulation and Licensing Department said the bill is intended to close a gap in oversight, improve sanitation and public safety, and help address human trafficking and prostitution concerns. Supporters from the massage therapy profession and industry groups said establishment licensing would create accountability and protect legitimate practitioners, while AMTA took a neutral position but supported the rulemaking process. Several senators raised concerns about privacy, home-based businesses, and whether mobile or traveling therapists would be affected; the department said the bill would apply to establishments, not individual therapists, and that home inspections would be governed by rules. The committee voted 8-0 to give SB 246 a do pass recommendation. The committee then took up Senate Bill 300, an appropriation for CYFD computer hardware and software to improve compatibility with the national child welfare management system. The sponsor said the goal was to reduce delays and improve data sharing, especially in child welfare and ICWA-related cases. Members asked about the current system and how the funding would help, and the sponsor said the bill was aimed at better interoperability. The committee voted 8-0 to send SB 300 forward with a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 146, which would amend the New Mexico Civil Rights Act. The bill and committee substitute would align the legal standard more closely with federal deliberate indifference language, reduce damages caps, shorten the statute of limitations, require 90 days’ notice, and bar double recovery under both the Civil Rights Act and Tort Claims Act. Supporters, including county and city representatives, law enforcement, AFSCME, and risk management officials, argued the changes were needed to control rapidly rising claims costs and protect public budgets. Opponents from the ACLU, civil rights, poverty, immigrant, and LGBTQ advocacy groups said the bill would weaken accountability, reintroduce qualified immunity-like protections, and make it harder for people harmed by government actors to seek justice. After a failed motion to table and a 5-5 vote on the committee substitute, the bill remained in committee and did not advance.

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment was in the originally filed version of the bill, but Section 2 was inadvertently removed
• A lot of ground covered in 93 sections of the bill.
• Most significantly, S.J.R. 68 creates a new constitutional provision under Article 15, Section 7, which
• S.J.R. 68 reaffirms Article 4, Section 16 of the state constitution, that the lieutenant governor will
• Members, under Section 665.029 of the bill, it currently states that if both the Chief Justice of the

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Pastor Jim Harris of Tilden Baptist Church, followed by remarks from Senator Zaffirini recognizing his service and retirement as an agricultural teacher. The chamber also received a message from the governor on appointments to the Coastal Water Authority Board of Directors. Senators then adopted SR 434 honoring Goodwill Industries of San Antonio’s 80th anniversary, with Senators Gutierrez, Menendez, and Zaffirini praising its workforce training and second-chance employment mission; SR 435 recognizing Dr. Christine Ramos Camacho as Doctor of the Day; and a group of additional resolutions adopted by voice vote. Senator Zaffirini also introduced the McMullen County Day delegation, and Senator Gutierrez introduced the Doctor of the Day. The Senate then took up and passed several bills. SB 1951 addressed penalties for late property rendition filings and removed a financial incentive for appraisal districts; SB 1261 related to financing water supply projects in the state water plan; SB 1620 created a Texas Forensic Analyst Apprenticeship Pilot Program; SB 530 updated higher-education accreditation rules; SB 2183 standardized fireworks sales periods statewide; SB 2368 strengthened the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act and added foreign-affiliation safeguards for electricity market participants; SB 1398 limited children without placement (CWOP) practices and added community-based care transparency; and SB 1960 established digital replication rights for voice and visual likenesses. Each of these bills advanced through suspension of the regular order, passage to engrossment, suspension of the three-day rule, and final passage, with recorded votes generally showing strong support and some opposition on a few measures. The chamber also debated SB 825, which would require an annual study of the economic, environmental, and financial impacts of illegal immigration. Senators Middleton, Hinojosa, Gutierrez, and Eckhardt debated whether the study should include positive as well as negative impacts; an amendment to require that broader analysis failed, and the bill was left pending after passage to engrossment. Other measures passed included SB 2010, prohibiting political subdivisions from operating guaranteed income programs; SB 546, requiring reporting and continued implementation of school bus seat belts; SB 586, establishing the Historical Texas Cemetery designation program; SB 1150, requiring inactive oil and gas wells to be plugged or returned to production under a compliance plan; SB 1184, lowering the minimum age of wine eligible for sale by wine collection sellers; SB 2185, clarifying bilingual education allotment funding; SB 1923, making child support follow the child in certain temporary placements; SB 2252, expanding early literacy and numeracy supports and screening tools; SB 1870, barring local decriminalization of drugs; and SB 2405, the major TDCJ sunset bill, which included facility planning, parole and rehabilitation reforms, and an amendment protecting parole board discretion. Most of these bills were adopted after floor amendments and passed with recorded votes, often along party-line or near-party-line divisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• 201.15, which is your dock stamp statute, or Section 380.095, which is your gaming statute, shall be
• of $400 million per fiscal year, which were distributed to the trust fund pursuant to Section 201.15,
• We do have remaining concerns with respect to the provisions in Section 18, lines 997 through 1050.
• And relating to Section 18, absolutely, I'm looking forward to continuing that conversation.
• My goal with this bill is very simple: whether it's Section 18 or the permitting process, my goal is

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Summary: The Appropriations Committee heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2025-2026 budget, SPB 25-200, totaling $117.4 billion. Chair Hooper and committee chairs highlighted major spending priorities including a 4% raise for state employees, continued health insurance contributions, investments in water quality, transportation, education infrastructure, and workforce development, along with reductions tied to long-vacant positions. Education funding was a major focus, with increases for K-12 public schools and scholarships, higher education workforce programs, nursing initiatives, tutoring, and university performance funding. Health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/economic development, and agriculture/environment budgets were also outlined, including Medicaid, mental health, corrections staffing, affordable housing, beach restoration, citrus recovery, and water projects. Members then questioned several budget choices, especially K-12 funding. Senators Polsky and Smith raised concerns that the Senate’s AP and dual enrollment funding changes could disadvantage public schools, while Burgess argued the budget preserves the money in the FEFP and gives districts more flexibility rather than reducing support. Questions also addressed voucher availability, school stabilization funding, and the My Safe Florida Home program. The committee adopted 171 consent amendments and three late-file amendments, then approved SPB 2500 as a committee bill. It also favorably reported implementing and conforming bills for state employees, retirement, natural resources, judgeships, K-12 education, higher education, and health and human services, along with SB 7022 on Florida Retirement System contribution rates and elected-officer DROP options, CS/SB 1320 on the Resilient Florida Trust Fund, SB 7014 ending the Mediation and Arbitration Trust Fund, SB 7028 on cancer research, CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing home quality and oversight, CS/SB 168 on mental health diversion and behavioral health data, SB 114 creating an insurance and risk management research center at FSU, and SB 180 on emergency preparedness and post-storm recovery. Most bills were reported favorably with little or no opposition, though SB 180 drew discussion about local-government authority after storms and the need to balance recovery speed with local safety and planning concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. will be covered in the next section, but other funding recommendations outlined on this page
• Items A through D will be covered in the next section, but other funding recommendations outline. land
• Recommendations also include deleting Writer 4. or as all provisions are covered in Article 9, Section
• be discussed in more detail in Section 3. is turn to page five, beginning with section three, item one
• We presented this topic last week so I'll keep this section to a relatively high level today.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Keywords: 1184, house, all