Transcript Highlights:

• Leah Missick here with Climate Solutions, in support of this bill.
• So we ask for your support and to keep this moving. Thank you.
• Clear, consistent government policy support, which this bill provides.
• But I urge your support. Fine, fine.
• We're here to voice our strong support of HB 2727.

Bills: HB2588 , HB2722 , HB2727

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: county ferry district, ferry district, passenger-only ferry, passenger ferry, Puget Sound, Vashon, Seattle, Southworth, county transportation, local taxing authority, property tax levy, general obligation bonds, municipal corporation, public transportation benefit area, WTSC, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, ferry terminal, wharf, shuttle service, marine transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• William Smith also is waving in support. Molly Hudson is waving in support.
• Mike Ward is waving in support, Suncoast PBA. John Vasquez is waving in support, Suncoast PBA.
• Okay, Kathy Swigart from Clearwater is in support, waving in support, correct?
• Okay, Barbara Hills also is waving in support. Barbara Hills also is waving in support.
• Katie Bonette also waving in support.

Bills: S0054 , S0156 , S0296 , S0298

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Keywords: cognitive function, psychotropic drugs, violent offenders, autopsy procedures, medical records, school safety, public records, open government, sunshine law, victims of dating violence, domestic violence, address confidentiality program, confidential address, voter registration, voting records, elections, supervisor of elections, Department of State, Attorney General, privacy

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice heard a presentation on the Governor’s fiscal year 2026-2027 public safety budget, which totals $117.4 billion overall and includes $8.2 billion for the public safety silo. Caitlin Dawkins of the Governor’s Office outlined proposed funding and reductions across FDLE, DJJ, DOC, and related justice agencies. Agency heads then presented major budget requests: FDLE sought funding for fentanyl enforcement, a career offender registry unit, a missing persons alert system upgrade, alcohol testing modernization, officer wellness, criminal intelligence, and illegal immigration-related intelligence work; DJJ requested funds for the Florida Scholars Academy, uniforms, residential services, a new Broward detention center, and facility repairs; and DOC requested major increases for officer pay, 500 additional FTE, facility construction and maintenance, communications technology, inmate health care, pharmaceuticals, and food service. Members questioned FDLE about the scope of immigration-related enforcement and public records burdens, and DOC about staffing, inmate health care, substance use treatment, prison capacity, and whether prison beds were being used for immigration detainees. A public commenter also urged attention to basic conditions in prisons, including clothing, food, medical care, and facility maintenance. The committee then considered several bills. CS/SB 156, the Jason Rayner Act, was presented as a response to the killing of Daytona Beach Officer Jason Rayner and would clarify that a person may not use violence against an officer performing official duties, while also increasing penalties related to manslaughter involving law enforcement. An amendment conforming the bill’s language was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably after debate and a roll call vote. CS/SB 54, dealing with substances affecting cognitive function and law enforcement access to certain medical records, also received an amendment clarifying that only records relevant to an investigation of a violent offender may be furnished; the amended bill was then reported favorably. The committee next heard CS/SB 296, the Haven Act, which would direct a study of a secure web-based alert system for domestic violence victims so they can contact 911 without alerting an abuser, and would expand the Address Confidentiality Program to include dating violence victims. Testimony from advocates and survivors strongly supported the measure, and the bill was reported favorably. Its companion, CS/SB 298, a public records exemption for victims of domestic and dating violence in the Address Confidentiality Program, was also reported favorably. The meeting concluded after the committee approved all four bills and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But they also provide support to the SSCCs after the transition.
• I support it now 100% because that's the law of the land.
• We put out some resources to support this effort.
• We encourage your support. I'm happy to answer any questions.
• I support Senate Bill 1398.

Bills: SB596 , SB961 , SB1398 , SB1183 , SB1952

Committee: House Human Services

Keywords: DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child protective services, foster care, child welfare, Family Code, conservatorship, managing conservator, parental child safety placement, authorization agreement, temporary authorization order, child abuse, child neglect, placement reporting, court-ordered removal, investigation, family preservation, transparency, public reporting, data reporting

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, waving in support. Thank you, sir.
• We support this bill.
• So with that, I will be supporting this bill.
• With that, I'd ask for your favorable support today.
• Therefore, I ask you to support this very good bill.

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:

• There's no type of factor tied to the ratio of state support versus locally generated support.
• We just heard how we're supporting... ...a way that we support our agricultural research.
• We did not create a facility, and this facility was supported by legislative support, wonderful support
• Whether we’re supporting our students in the high schools or we’re supporting our adult learners who
• Supporting those students is vital.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first reviewed the 2024-25 tuition waiver report for the North Dakota University System. Staff explained that waivers were reported for degree-seeking students and broken out by residency, institution, and waiver type. Members asked about partial versus full waivers, institutional discretion, athletic waivers, and whether campuses have published guardrails or transparency requirements. Staff said most waivers are set by institutions, with some statutory and board-required categories, and that athletic waivers are a small share of total waiver dollars. The report showed total gross tuition of $354.5 million, tuition waived of $38.9 million, and 11,193 of 42,040 students receiving some waiver. Members also discussed how waivers affect net tuition revenue, housing and food collections, and whether campuses are using waivers strategically compared with scholarships and other funding sources. The committee then heard a presentation on tuition rates by campus and State Board policy. Staff explained the board’s tuition factors for resident, Minnesota reciprocity, contiguous-state/U.S. nonresident, and international students, and noted that campuses often seek exceptions based on program-specific competition and enrollment goals. Members asked whether rates are based on cost or competition, and staff said campuses typically bring forward estimates and market comparisons when requesting special rates. The presentation also reviewed general fund appropriations versus net tuition revenue by campus, and members discussed how local tuition decisions and waivers do not directly affect the state funding formula, though they do affect institutional revenue and reserves. Questions were also raised about the Higher Learning Commission’s financial composite indicator and how it differs from the more intuitive reserve and revenue figures. The committee next received a broad overview of non-higher-education entities affiliated with the State Board of Higher Education, beginning with NDSU agriculture-related units. Dr. Greg Lardy described the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education, the NDSU Extension Service, the Agricultural Experiment Station, and the branch research centers, emphasizing their statewide role in crop and livestock research, extension education, and county-based outreach. He outlined funding mixes for extension, the experiment station, and branch stations, noting that grants and contracts support both research and education, while the agronomy seed farm is self-funded through seed sales. Members asked about the new and vacant FTE pool, R1 research status, matching requirements for grants, and whether state appropriations count toward research expenditures. Dr. Lardy also highlighted major research impacts, including crop varieties, virtual fencing, AI-assisted weed control, and NDAWN weather data. The Northern Crops Institute and the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute also presented. NCI described its role in market development, technical services, and education for regional agriculture, its governance through the Northern Crops Council, and its funding from state appropriations, other states, and earned revenue. Members asked about the source of out-of-state funding, intellectual property, and the institute’s international reach. UGPTI then outlined its transportation research, federal and state funding structure, and work on road and bridge condition assessments, travel demand modeling, and workforce training. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I rise in strong support. I up. So, I rise in strong support.
• </c> support this amendment. support this amendment.
• :26:25.440><c> the</c> behind my colleague supporting in the behind my colleague supporting in the supporting
• </c> supporting my colleague and supporting supporting my colleague and supporting this<01:26:27.520>
• So, I support this amendment. Colorado. So, I support this amendment.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the community and are used to support the community and are used to support students<00:47:36.119
• I support everything else that we've talked about here, but I will not be able to support overriding
• I support everything else that we've talked about here, but I will not be able to support overriding
• </c> these areas so uh we urge your support these areas so uh we urge your support and<01:09:18.640><
• </c><01:35:35.639><c> to</c><01:35:35.800><c> share</c> support our strong support to to share support

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Statewide however we need your support Statewide however we need your support to<00:28:55.640><c
• </c> job creation across our state supporting job creation across our state supporting SE<00:43:18.119
• </c><00:43:45.599><c> for</c> resilient economy we your support for resilient economy we your support
• </c> to highlight the letter of support to highlight the letter of support signed<01:14:56.080><c> um
• </c> creating Financial models to support creating Financial models to support this<01:32:58.159><c>

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Industrial Relations in support. Industrial Relations in support.
• </c> with the testimony in support. with the testimony in support.
• </c> Solutions in support. Solutions in support.
• I’m in support.
• I'm in support. Um, this is apologize. I'm in support.

Bills: HB1946 , HB1515 , HB1514 , HB1648 , HB1644 , HB1619 , HB1571 , HB1810 , HB2475 , HB1645 , HB2301 , HB1889 , HB1840

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: time shares, registration, renewal, real estate, Hawaii, Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, workers' compensation, functional capacity examination, occupational therapy, physical therapy, employer responsibilities, injured workers, medical stabilization, vocational rehabilitation, injury recovery, employment services, return to work, nonprescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, healthcare providers

Summary: The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on February 26, 2026, and heard several bills, mostly in the areas of workers’ compensation and consumer protection. HB 1946 HD1 on timeshare registration renewal drew support from DCCA’s timeshare program and major industry groups including Hilton Grand Vacations, the American Resort Development Association, and Marriott Vacations Worldwide, with no opposition noted. HB 1515 HD1, which would allow an attending physician to request a functional capacity examination without employer permission, was supported by DLIR and the Department of Human Resources Development and had no other in-person testimony; the bill was then moved on without questions. The committee spent substantial time on HB 1514 HD1, which would streamline workers’ compensation vocational rehabilitation by clarifying provider selection and requiring vocational plans within 90 days. DLIR supported the intent but asked for amendments, saying the 90-day deadline was too rigid given case-by-case complexity, limited staffing, and the need for coordination among injured workers, employers, and counselors; members discussed possible extensions and whether a 120-day timeline or other flexibility would be better. Testimony on the bill included one individual in support and seven in opposition. HB 1648 HD1, concerning workers’ compensation and physician dispensing of non-prescription drugs, drew support from DHRD and comments from DLIR and industry witnesses. DLIR said the bill should be narrowed so it does not restrict medically necessary over-the-counter medications or oral guidance from providers, while Aloha Billing Company and Solera Integrated Medical Solutions urged tighter limits on physician dispensing and raised concerns about pricing abuse through average wholesale price. Members discussed clarifying the bill’s language so it targets written prescriptions rather than oral advice. HB 1644 HD1, requiring a standardized disclosure form for residential solar contracts, received support from the Hawaii Solar Energy Association and Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative, while DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection supported the consumer-protection goal but proposed stronger remedies, including a three-day cancellation right, voidability for missing disclosures, and possible lender liability; members questioned how those remedies should apply to lenders, and no vote was taken on the measures in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• to testify in support of SF 4486.
• Building stronger and support.
• </c> support vulnerable families. support vulnerable families.
• . support. support.
• </c> support applications. support applications.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in strong support of the $350 million for CalNew.
• We also support rejecting the definition for students at risk of becoming long-term English learners
• We are also in strong support of the governance proposal, funding for dream resource centers, teacher
• We also strongly support the approval of the paid pregnancy leave proposal, the rejection...
• While many of the proposals seem supportable on the surface, I have concerns that I have...

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to provide support for a few items that were listed here today.
• We really appreciate the recommendation to support that funding moving forward.
• And third, we want to provide support for the redistribution of the Proposition 1 funding.
• Greatly supported.
• And we hope that you will support the funding asked by the state building trades. Thank you.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection, and Energy met for a vote-only hearing on the Senate budget plan, with the chair noting a difficult budget year and the need for continued negotiations with the Assembly and administration. Public comment focused on several budget items, including support for $25 million for the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program, rejection of special fund position cuts at CDFW and the State Water Board, redistribution of Proposition 1 funds, support for local conservation corps and job projects, funding for offshore wind, and opposition to the Governor’s proposed Sustainable Aviation Fuel tax credit/incentive on the grounds that it would be costly and could raise fuel prices or benefit out-of-state refineries. There was also support for the safer consumer products program and for preserving vacant staff positions at CDFW. The committee then took multiple roll-call votes on grouped budget issues. It approved staff recommendations for a first large set of items by a 4-0 vote, a second set by 3-1, and a third set by 3-0. The committee also approved Part B items in three grouped motions, including a 4-0 vote on one group, and additional groups approved by 3-0 votes. During discussion of Part B, the chair expressed concern about proposed changes to the cap-and-invest program and said the budget plan withholds Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund appropriations, including continuous appropriations, until specified conditions are met, citing the need to protect legislative priorities such as transit, affordable housing, air quality, and safe drinking water. The hearing concluded with thanks to public witnesses, the LAO, and the Department of Finance, and the chair invited additional written comments for the record before adjourning the subcommittee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there witnesses in support in the hearing room? Good afternoon, Chair and members.
• Hello, Bibi Hamida Hashmat, UC Davis student, and I support this bill.
• I'm a graduate of UC Santa Barbara and UC Berkeley, and I support the bill. Thank you.
• My name is Minor Garcia, a UC Riverside alumnus, and I strongly support this bill.
• What a symbolic day to be part of this committee and support this bill.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee met for a hearing with one item on the agenda, ACA 18, a constitutional amendment to expand student representation on the University of California Board of Regents. The authors, Assemblymembers Celeste Rodriguez and Anamarie Farías, said the measure would double the number of student seats on the board and ensure both an undergraduate and a graduate student voice, arguing that students are the primary stakeholders and should have more meaningful input on decisions affecting tuition, housing, basic needs, and other campus issues. The authors accepted committee amendments that cleaned up language and the appointment process for student regents and their nonvoting designates. Supporters included UC student leaders, alumni, and advocacy groups. Testimony emphasized that the UC system has far more students than the current single voting student regent can represent, that student input has helped shape policies on housing, basic needs, campus policing, and tuition, and that the UC should align with the CSU and community college systems, which already have two student voting members. No opposition testimony was presented. Committee members voiced support, with several noting the importance of student voice and representation. The committee then voted to pass ACA 18 as amended and re-refer it to the Committee on Appropriations. The roll call ultimately finished at 9-0 in favor, and the measure was reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you have any primary witnesses in support?
• Do you have any primary witnesses in support?
• Any additional folks in the room wish to express support?
• Thank you for the opportunity for me to speak in support of AB 2233.
• I urge your support. Thank you. Any additional folks in the room wish to express support?

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any members of the public here wishing to state a record of support?
• Are there any witnesses in support? Thank you. Support. Thank you.
• I just would appreciate your support. Thank you, Madam Secretary.
• Are there any witnesses in support of the bill today?
• So I not only appreciate it, but support it.

Committee: House Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• After we have the support witnesses testify, I invite other supporters to state their name, their affiliation
• San Jose and the County of Sacramento, in support. Thank you.
• Anyone else in support? Please approach the microphone.
• And I understand the intent and wholeheartedly support it.
• Others in support of as Thank you very much. Perfect timing.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They just approved a support position in support. Thank you.
• They just approved a support position in support, thank you.
• All right, was there anybody else in support, or is that good?
• With me to testify in support is Mr.
• I'm prepared to support it today, as I told you.

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your support for AB 801. Is there opposition testimony?
• Rami Ibrahim with the Green Lighting Institute, very strong support.
• For that reason, we have a support, if amended, position.
• We 100% support the objective of the bill.
• Motion for the California Chamber of Commerce in support.

Committee: House Banking and Finance

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the support of our staff. Thank you, Mr. the support of our staff. Thank you, Mr.
• And I encourage your support of the bill. staff. I do plan on supporting the bill. staff.
• We secure a housing support...
• So members, please support rulemaking. So members, please support the<01:07:24.400><c> A7.
• support supporter of direct support professionals<03:01:33.359><c> and</c><03:01:33.760><c> mental</

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Sher Mano in support. William Anderson in support.
• Sher Mano in support. William Anderson in support.
• So, Elizabeth Ignashio in support. Johnny May Perry in support. Mike Nent in support.
• </c> in support. Johnny May Perry in support. in support. Johnny May Perry in support.
• Tiffany Yajima in support. Kelly Kyle also in support. Johnny May Perry in support.

Bills: SB2003

Committee: Senate Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Keywords: Mauna Kea, land management, University of Hawaii, astronomical observatories, leasable lands, natural resource management, stewardship authority, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts and Education heard testimony and discussed SB 20003, which would require the auditor’s report under Act 255 to include a recommendation on whether the Monarch Stewardship and Oversight Authority is fit to continue managing Monaca lands. Testimony focused on the bill’s reversion language, the role of the auditor, and whether the measure gave the auditor too much discretion without clear criteria. The Office of the Auditor’s position, read into the record, was that it had strong reservations because the bill did not provide standards for assessing fitness and asked that the requirement be held or amended. Other testimony suggested a work group with relevant agencies and Hawaiian practitioners to manage the transition and reduce conflict. Committee members debated whether the bill should simply restore the original reversion language or also require an audit-based fitness determination. Several members questioned the need for a 2031 audit when Act 255 already provides for a performance and financial audit in 2031 and noted that the bill could shift authority away from the legislature. In response, the committee chair explained that the measure was intended to restore language removed during conference and to address the transition back to the University of Hawaii if the authority was not meeting the act’s purpose. The committees ultimately recommended SB 20003 be passed with amendments. The amendments would strike the auditor/audit section, add language addressing timelines by providing a 10-year lease extension and sublease extension, and make technical changes including a defective date. The committees voted to adopt the amended measure and send it forward as an SD1. The transcript also included a separate Education Committee hearing on SB 3286, which would require the University of Hawaii to develop a facilities and student housing master plan and report to the legislature. University of Hawaii testimony said the system supports the intent but that the bill’s requirements are a heavy lift across 10 campuses and should follow development of a broader academic strategy. Members raised concerns about deferred maintenance, shifting priorities, and the lack of a systemwide plan, while the university said it already has a six-year capital improvement plan but acknowledged it does not fully incorporate the broader academic and housing strategy the bill contemplates.