Transcript Highlights:

• licensed in the state regardless of discipline, which means types of license: civil engineers, environmental

Committee: House Professional Registration and Licensing

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the amount that the board must distribute annually for natural resource conservation district environmental

Summary: The caucus meeting began with introductions from pages and interns, followed by a procedural reminder from Rhonda about caucus consent and third-read consent calendars. She explained that bills coming out of rules can be placed on consent if they are not amended, and that pulling a bill from consent means members should be prepared to speak to it on the floor. The meeting then moved through a long Minority Caucus calendar of bills, with staff giving brief descriptions and members frequently noting bills for no further comment, pulling several from consent, or stating opposition. The bills discussed covered a wide range of topics, including appropriations and federal monies (HB 2148), a Buffalo Soldiers memorial (HB 2062), school library funding restrictions (HB 2008), prayer at public school governing body meetings (HB 2110), school safety administration (HB 2142), parental rights and social transitioning notifications (HB 2249), insurer assessments (HB 2091), agricultural property classification and inspection rules (HB 2104 and HB 2105), firefighters’ workers’ compensation status (HB 2138), truth-in-taxation bond notices (HB 2289), tax filing penalties (HB 2016), engineer and architect reciprocity (HB 2122), felony murder involving an unborn child (HB 2043), body concealment and related felony classifications (HB 2044), domestic violence order-of-protection service rules (HB 2048), mandatory reporting for partial-birth abortions (HB 2074), unlawful flight sentencing enhancements (HB 2108), weapons trafficking penalties (HB 2131), fentanyl sentencing thresholds (HB 2132), drive-by shooting definitions and forfeiture (HB 2045), probation review notices for sex offender hearings (HB 2046), venue changes in superior court when judicial employees are parties (HB 2126), and child support for pre-born children (HB 2144). Water-related bills included snowpack augmentation funding (HB 2024), WIFA grant disclosures (HB 2029), removing water conservation education as an eligible use (HB 2030), stormwater recharge mapping with an appropriation (HB 253), cesspool remediation assistance (HB 2096), groundwater pumping limits in INAs (HB 2097), Colorado River litigation funding (HB 2116), and natural resource board changes and education funding (HB 2117). Election-related measures included moving the primary date and adjusting cure periods and observer rules (HB 2022), and a proposed constitutional amendment on citizenship, ID, foreign contributions, early voting, and mail voting (HCR 2001). The committee also heard two memorials urging federal terrorist designations for the Muslim Brotherhood and CARE (HCM 2001 and HCM 2002). Members and staff offered substantive objections to many bills, often arguing they were anti-student, anti-abortion, overly punitive, unfunded mandates, or unfair tax policy. Several bills were pulled from consent for further discussion, including HB 2008, HB 2110, HB 2142, HB 2249, HB 2043, HB 2074, HB 2108, and HB 2144. Supportive remarks were also made for some measures, such as the cesspool remediation bill, which was noted as having unanimous support, while other bills were flagged for stakeholder meetings or future amendments. The meeting ended with announcements recognizing members’ birthdays and noting Muslim Day at the Capitol, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Johns River, water use and environmental restoration program is lots of work they do out there.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our program focuses on garden-based learning, nutrition education, agriculture, environmental science

Committee: House Special Committee on Rural Issues

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These shooting ranges require significant work, including environmental assessments, engineering, and

Committee: House A&B Select Agencies Subcommittee

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're hoping to get the environmental impact statement completed through that phase and also begin preliminary

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• has launched new programs in areas like engineering, public health, supply chain management, and environmental

Committee: House Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the people who are leading California in meeting the moment in reaching our nation's leading environmental

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes environmental assessments, historical preservation, site reuse planning, and potential

Bills: HF3220

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: school safety, school security, emergency access, law enforcement access, master key box, secure key box, entry device, school grants, education finance, Department of Education, charter schools, school districts, cooperative units, appropriation cancellation, one-time appropriation, school safety plan, emergency preparedness, public safety, school building security

Transcript Highlights:

• THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AS THE PRIMARY ROLE OF REGULATING PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS IN

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to</c><00:21:44.799><c> are</c> We support this measure as access to are both an economic and environmental

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are neglected properties that pose environmental hazards, and they hinder economic growth.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on March 27, 2025 and first considered HJR 1257 and its implementing bill, HB 1259, which would create two $25,000 property tax exemptions and an assessment cap for long-term rental properties owned by Floridians who also have a homestead in the state. Supporters argued the measure would increase long-term rental supply and help Florida residents, while opponents from counties and cities warned of a large revenue loss, potential tax shifts to businesses, and weak guardrails against abuse. Members raised concerns about wealthy owners holding many condos, possible family-member workarounds, and whether savings would actually reach tenants. The committee adopted an amendment to the implementing bill, then reported both measures favorably after party-line-leaning debate and recorded votes. The committee then unanimously reported HB 761, which limits deferred ad valorem and non-ad valorem tax relief to properties with a just value of $1 million or less and raises the minimum tax certificate sale amount from $250 to $500. Members also unanimously approved CS/HB 733 on brownfields, which expands and clarifies the state brownfields program, and two Osceola/Sunbridge local bills, CS/HB 4043 and HB 4059, dealing with special district infrastructure and district boundary expansion subject to voter approval. HB 995 on Areas of Critical State Concern, focused largely on the Florida Keys, was amended to remove the ad valorem tax exemption portion and to adjust the growth cap from 500 to 825 units, then was reported favorably. Later, the committee approved HB 6021, which repeals sales tax on all bullion purchases of gold, silver, and platinum, with supporters calling it a sound-money measure and critics asking about future revenue effects if related legal-tender legislation passes. Finally, the committee passed HB 1339, which excludes wind-damage mitigation improvements from assessed value for property tax purposes, after adopting a clarifying amendment about secondary water barriers. Throughout the meeting, most bills were reported favorably, often after brief debate and with little or no public testimony beyond support or opposition from affected local-government and industry groups.

Transcript Highlights:

• GROUP PROJECTS AT LOXAHATCHEE, SOMEONE, ENVIRONMENTAL EXPENDITURES AS WELL.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But what has happened is that we have a contractual agreement and maybe that's not working.
• :12:46.239><c> have</c><01:12:46.480><c> a</c><01:12:46.880><c> contractual</c><01:12:47.920><c> agreement
• </c><01:12:49.199><c> and</c><01:12:49.679><c> uh</c> we have a contractual agreement and uh we have
• a contractual agreement and uh and<01:12:50.239><c> maybe</c><01:12:50.480><c> that's</c><01:12:50.800
• > What are the executive director's credentials in terms of being the ED for the Department of Environmental

Keywords: MS House Floor - 5 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , prior to the passage of last year's act, the current repricing process, there would need to be agreement
• protocol, but we're doing it because of the economic hardship or the long-term health impacts or environmental
• If we're desired to work on other state lands, then we would need the authority or work out agreements
• If we're desired to work on other state lands, then we would need the authority or work out agreements
• </c><02:23:32.520><c> with</c> Authority or work out agreements with Authority or work out agreements

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee held its first hearing of the 2025 session and began with housekeeping on testimony deadlines, hybrid participation rules, time management, and expectations for civility. The chair said testimony posted at least 24 hours in advance would be available to members and the public at the same time, late testimony would still be processed, and decision-making would generally be deferred to later in the day so morning hearings could adjourn before the noon floor session. The first bill heard was HB 673 on emergency management. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency administrator James Barros testified in opposition, saying the bill could undermine the executive’s unity of command during emergencies and objecting to provisions allowing the legislature to terminate a state of emergency by a two-thirds vote. Members asked about the difference between an emergency order and a state of emergency, whether other states use legislative checks and balances, and whether long-running emergencies such as COVID-19 or homelessness should have clearer end conditions. Barros said the agency, along with the Attorney General’s office and the governor’s office, would review the language and that the issue is setting conditions for when an emergency ends. The committee then heard HB 596, also on emergency management, which would clarify types of events that count as dangers and emergencies. Barros opposed the bill, saying the current list covers known hazards but should remain open-ended for future threats; he cited COVID-19 as an example of an unforeseen event and said the bill could limit flexibility. Members asked whether the list could be expanded, and Barros said the agency would look at that possibility. Testimony included support from the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii and concerns from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii about the bill’s special fund provisions; the committee also corrected testimony that had been submitted for the wrong bill. The final measure discussed was HB 1060 on emergency preparedness and the Community Readiness Center Program. Barros explained the proposal as part of HEMA’s effort to build local readiness centers and community hubs, with an initial target of 10 communities through a federal grant and a longer-term concept of roughly 100 statewide. The Climate Advisory Team supported the bill’s intent but urged that centers be developed with strong community and nonprofit involvement through the HARRP program. The Department of Taxation offered comments on the special fund, and members raised questions about cost, size, use of existing school facilities, public messaging, and equity across communities. Barros said the centers would provide backup communications, power, water, and food for a community group, would not function as general shelters, and would be designed to help communities hunker down and recover after a disaster.

Transcript Highlights:

• She is getting her master’s in environmental engineering, and he said this does not affect environmental
• Representative Howard thanked him as a co-sponsor on HB 210 and said he is in complete agreement with
• 42.920><c> complete</c> co-sponsor on HB 210 I am in complete co-sponsor on HB 210 I am in complete agreement
• <04:01:44.080><c> with</c><04:01:44.239><c> Representatives</c><04:01:44.800><c> Pearson</c> agreement
• with Representatives Pearson agreement with Representatives Pearson and<04:01:45.319><c> tibo</c><04

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing opened on House Bill 192, which concerns the Joint Committee on Employee Classification process for state employee positions. Representative Peter Schmidt explained that the bill is a procedural step to send already-reviewed classifications to Korn Ferry and then into statute and the budget. Department of Corrections staff and Commissioner Helen Hanks testified that one Deputy Director of Medical Services position had been omitted from the bill by mistake even though it had already gone through the JCEC process, and they asked for an amendment to add it. Hanks clarified that the position is an existing classified job being converted to unclassified status, not a new position. The committee discussed how the amendment would work and the quorum requirements for the JCEC, then closed the hearing on HB 192 after no further testimony. The committee then heard House Bill 435, sponsored by Representative Don McFarland, which would clarify professional engineering licensure law. McFarland said the bill is intended to make clear that work in IT security, electronics, digital systems, computing, and software is not the practice of engineering requiring a professional engineer license, while preserving licensure requirements for fields such as civil, structural, and building-related engineering. He said he had consulted with the American Council of Engineering Companies and that the bill is meant to remove ambiguity and legal risk, not deregulate engineering. Several members with engineering backgrounds spoke in support, describing the distinction between licensed PE work and other technical fields, and one member noted that software development and regulated software work typically do not require a PE license. The committee voted ought to pass on HB 435 by a roll call of 16-0 and placed it on consent. Finally, the committee opened House Bill 210, which would create a commission to study the New Hampshire state flag. Representative Tom Corman argued that the current flag is a generic “state seal on a blue bedsheet” and does not meet common vexillological design principles such as simplicity, meaningful symbolism, limited colors, and distinctiveness. He said the proposed commission would include legislative members plus representatives of the New Hampshire Historical Society and the New England Vexillological Association, and would review the flag’s history and recommend whether to redesign it and how to do so. He also indicated he intended to add language to avoid costs, but the bill discussion was not completed in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• together, that you're forced to compromise, that you are forced to work together and come to an agreement
• together, that you're forced to compromise, that you are forced to work together and come to an agreement
• They have an ongoing environmental crisis. People don't even have running water and working sewage.
• 02:58:50.560><c> have</c><02:58:50.800><c> an</c><02:58:51.200><c> ongoing</c><02:58:52.240><c> environmental
• </c> They have an ongoing environmental They have an ongoing environmental crisis.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 35 senators. The journal was adopted without objection, absent senators were excused, and there were no house messages, committee reports, motions, or resolutions before the first bill was called. The main item of business was House Bill 1, described as a conditional measure to set a process for electing U.S. House candidates in Alabama’s congressional districts 1, 2, 6, and 7 if a federal court order lifts current injunctions. The sponsor said the bill would only take effect if the court order is issued and would allow quick compliance with federal rulings. Debate centered on whether the bill was truly responsive to the court or instead an attempt at mid-decade redistricting; opponents argued it would violate Alabama’s constitutional limits on elections and ignore the court’s redistricting orders, while supporters said they were trying to comply with the court and that the issue was partisan rather than personal. Much of the discussion focused on Allen v. Milligan, the Voting Rights Act, and the meaning of the court’s injunctions. One senator argued the bill would dilute Black voting strength and was being driven by national Republican politics, while the sponsor and others insisted the legislature was acting only conditionally and that the court had not ordered the specific action being debated. The exchange became lengthy and contentious, but no final vote or other action on HB1 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So when we define burnout, we really also look at it as an environmental impact, not just at the individual
• at</c><00:48:24.360><c> it</c><00:48:24.640><c> as</c><00:48:24.800><c> an</c><00:48:24.920><c> environmental
• </c> look at it as an environmental look at it as an environmental impact<00:48:27.440><c> not</c><00

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I certainly see farmers as being the solution to environmental problems, not the sole cause.
• the Uh I certainly see farmers as being the solution<00:29:38.559><c> to</c><00:29:38.880><c> environmental
• </c><00:29:39.440><c> problems,</c><00:29:40.000><c> not</c> solution to environmental problems, not
• solution to environmental problems, not the<00:29:41.520><c> sole</c><00:29:41.919><c> cause.

Bills: HF3718

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, animal care, licensing, client consent, continuing education, emergency services, teletriage, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, an example of this would be the Environmental Trust Fund, which is managed by the State Board of
• So, an example of this would<00:23:45.039><c> be</c><00:23:45.200><c> the</c><00:23:45.520><c> environmental
• </c><00:23:46.080><c> trust</c><00:23:46.400><c> fund</c> would be the environmental trust fund would
• be the environmental trust fund which<00:23:46.799><c> is</c><00:23:46.880><c> managed</c><00:23:47.200

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all