Transcript Highlights:

• It really does a lot of good for a lot of people. Thank you.
• I'm a small farmer up in The village of Santa Cruz, member of the Aseki Association, and a member of
• Department of Higher Education and the UNM School of Law.
• of Land-Grants as a recognized unit of government.
• My question is more of a matter of clarification.

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Much of this success was due to our view of the human person, created in the image of God with a purpose
• That's a lot of people.
• And the state, not out of lack of care, but just because of the vast numbers, can't see people as individuals
• So this is part of the letter of recommendation that I read.
• As I've sort of answered some of my questions as I read your bill.

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Much of this success was due to our view of the human person, created in the image of God with a purpose
• And the state, not out of lack of care, but just because of the vast numbers, can't see people as individuals
• So this is part of the letter of recommendation that I read.
• I can think of four municipalities off the top of our heads, or off the top of my head, excuse me, that
• As I've sort of answered some of my questions as I read your bill.

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Summary: The Committee on Government Efficiency held a public hearing on House Bill 1817, which would require the Department of Social Services to publish monthly public-assistance data at the municipal level for places with populations of 1,000 or more. The sponsor said the bill was intended to give local nonprofits, churches, and community leaders better information to target aid, measure whether their efforts are reducing dependency, and identify underserved areas, while avoiding identification of individuals in very small communities. Supporters echoed the transparency and planning benefits, saying the data could help nonprofits allocate resources, spot gaps, and coordinate more effectively. Several members questioned whether the bill was necessary, whether the data was already available through public records or existing reports, and whether it would create busy work or divert staff time. Others raised concerns about the 1,000-person threshold as arbitrary, the possibility of discouraging assistance applications, and whether the bill would really improve outcomes or reduce fraud. The sponsor responded that the data is already being collected, that the software had already been funded, and that the bill would simply make the information publicly available in a more useful format. Testimony in opposition was not presented, and the public hearing on HB 1817 was then closed. The committee then moved into executive session and took up House Bill 1641. A House Committee Substitute was offered and adopted after brief discussion. The substitute bill was then voted do pass by a roll call vote of 12 ayes, 1 no, and 4 present. Representative Burton stated a present vote was appropriate because of concerns with some language in the bill, while other members supported the measure’s intent.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge of allegiance to the. flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it
• As a result of a growing backlog in the state civil court system Last year, the legislature enacted AB
• And all of the authors of these incredibly important bills.
• The membership of their board of directors.
• The 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ALL OF THAT.
• AT THE OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLES ON THE ASSIGNMENT OF THE VEHICLES AND THE USE OF THE VEHICLES
• I DON'T NOW THERE ARE MILLIONS AND TENS OF HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PIECES OF EQUIPMENT THAT THE STATE
• I HAVE A BIT OF SOME OF YOU AND I WILL TELL YOU WIDE.
• A LOT OF THE COST OF FLEET MANAGEMENT IS BURIED IN THESE DEPARTMENTS.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bureau of Investigation.
• the other forms of communication outside of that call, that do not-call window.
• One of the concerns...
• This is more of an obligation of the clip.
• I give you a lot of credit.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and heard several insurance- and financial-services-related bills. HB 315 was temporarily postponed. The chair also noted that, following the speaker’s remarks, members should expect additional special meetings as the committee investigates insurance-related issues and seeks transparency and the truth. HB 497, relating to nonprofit agricultural organization health coverage, was presented as a way to give Florida Farm Bureau members—especially farmers, ranchers, and small business owners—more affordable health coverage options. An amendment added statutory placement changes, disclosures that the product is not commercially sold, and annual financial audits. Members discussed ACA-related protections, fraud, and insolvency concerns, and the bill received support from Florida Farm Bureau and was reported favorably 16-0. HB 379, the annual securities package, updated exemptions, foreign jurisdiction rules, the Florida Invest Local Exemption, merger-and-acquisition broker rules, fingerprinting requirements, and technical issues in the Securities Guarantee Fund. Three amendments clarified entity definitions and fingerprint/live-scan requirements; the bill drew support from industry and OFR and passed favorably 17-0. The PCS for HB 147 on consumer debt collection clarified prohibited communications during nighttime hours, with the sponsor and supporters explaining the intent was to allow email while restricting other forms of contact and reduce litigation over passive communications. Members and public witnesses discussed ambiguity in the wording, and the sponsor said further cleanup language may still be needed; the PCS was reported favorably 17-0. HB 655 on pet insurance and wellness programs created a regulatory framework for pet insurance, drew support from industry and humane society representatives, and passed favorably 17-0. HB 367 on home and service warranty association financial requirements allowed financial compliance through multiple contractual liability insurance policies and alternative parent-company documentation; an amendment corrected cross-references and duplicative language, and after questions about consumer protections and insolvency, the bill was reported favorably 17-0. Finally, HB 7003 preserved a public-records exemption for sensitive financial technology sandbox application materials; members discussed the sandbox concept and possible future issues, but no amendments were taken and the bill passed favorably 17-0. The meeting adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN A $300 REPAIR TURNS INTO A $5000 SHOWER PAN AND EVERYTHING ELSE AND YOUR WIFE WANTS
• THIS TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS.
• TENANTS OF THEIR PART OF THE OWNERSHIP OF THE BUILDING?
• REPAIRS IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS OR YEARS.
• IT'S A PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE BUILDING AND MAKING SURE IT IS REPAIRED TO BE SAFE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Number five is the lack of routine maintenance and repair.
• A lot of the dams don't receive routine maintenance and repair for various reasons.
• Many of the dams are getting repaired and rehabilitated; they are in various stages.
• In terms of some of the repair and maintenance items that are going to occur from time to time, and unfortunately
• That's FEMA, that's public assistance, all that sort of stuff for critical infrastructure and repair.

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• They must provide timely and accurate scope of damage and cost of repair.
• What the bill does prohibit is the repair vendor or contractor from standing in the shoes of the property
• Their expertise in repair procedures and how to effectively do the work is of tremendous value to the
• Their expertise in repair procedures and how to effectively do the work is of tremendous value to the
• Forte pointed out, these assignments go beyond just the benefits, the cost of repairs.

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee held public hearings on three Senate bills. SB 5831, the Uniform Mortgage Modification Act, was explained by staff as creating safe harbors so certain mortgage modifications would not alter lien priority or require re-recording; the prime sponsor said it would reduce uncertainty and legal costs. No one testified on the bill. SB 6091, concerning real estate brokers marketing residential properties to exclusive groups, was described as requiring concurrent public marketing when brokers market to limited groups, while allowing private marketing so long as the public also has access; the sponsor and supporters said it would promote fair, open housing markets and reduce pocket listings that can reinforce exclusion. SB 6178, prohibiting post-loss assignment of benefits in property insurance, was presented as protecting homeowners after disasters from signing away policy rights to contractors; the sponsor, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, the National Insurance Crime Bureau, and the Washington State Association for Justice supported the bill, while discussion focused on whether the $50,000 penalty should distinguish between intentional and unintentional violations. For SB 6178, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner said it has seen more complaints about policyholders being pressured to sign documents before contacting insurers and said the bill would help keep homeowners in control of claims. Testifiers emphasized that contractors play an important role in repairs but should not take over first-party insurance claims, and one witness noted the bill would not prevent direct payment arrangements to contractors. Committee members asked about penalties and whether a cooling-off period or other alternatives might address concerns about good-faith contractors. For SB 6091, supporters including Zillow, Washington Realtors, Habitat for Humanity, Windermere, and the Fair Housing Center of Washington argued that exclusive or pocket listings can reduce transparency, limit competition, and worsen housing inequities. They said the bill still allows private marketing and open houses, but requires public availability as well, and does not force owners to allow access to their property. A rental housing representative asked for an amendment to remove a reference to leases, saying the bill should not unintentionally apply to rental providers who are not brokers. The committee closed public hearings on all three bills and ended the meeting with birthday recognition for two members.

Transcript Highlights:

• By way of background, the maximum estimated cost of repairs or renovations that can be done by state
• The maximum estimated cost of repairs or renovations that can be done by state forces when a delay in
• By way of background, the maximum estimated cost of repairs or renovations that can be done by state
• The maximum estimated cost of repairs or renovations that can be done by state forces when a delay in
• Under this bill, the maximum amount of estimated cost of repairs or renovations to be done by state forces

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As part of the report, Florida State Parks conducted an analysis of repair and maintenance and upgrades
• These projects encompass a broad range of needs, including building and structural repairs, modernization
• We also see a reduction in our camping revenue because, a lot of times, we're making repairs to campsites
• So the ask as part of the legislation was to take a look at our repair and maintenance needs as well
• So once funds are appropriated… We most likely will start with our repair and maintenance side of things

Transcript Highlights:

• of.
• ><c> of</c> and a lot of the ultimate symptoms of and a lot of the ultimate symptoms of what<02:19:55.439
• fixing, of hardening, of great need of fixing, of hardening, of resiliency,<02:26:23.760><c> of</c><
• look like, independent of the politics, of the legislature, of the utility, of the PUC, of the energy
• > utility,</c><02:30:30.720><c> of</c> of the legislature, of the utility, of of the legislature, of

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:10:09.920><c> state-owned</c> one of is one of our state-owned one of is one of our state-owned
• Some of these have been repaired and replaced in past projects, but we do have the need for a pool to
• Some of these have been repaired<00:23:53.360><c> um</c><00:23:53.600><c> and</c><00:23:53.840><c> and
• The center is now 30 years old, and because of its age, minor repairs are no longer sufficient.
• </c> the age of the internet, why many of the age of the internet, why many of these<00:40:24.079><c>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Capital Planning Advisory Board met for its first meeting of the year, confirmed a quorum, approved the prior year’s minutes, and welcomed new co-chairs and members. The board reviewed the capital planning timeline and a list of agencies that submitted plans but would not testify. Members were reminded to keep presentations brief because of a packed agenda. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services presented first, outlining priorities centered on public safety, infrastructure preservation, and preventive maintenance. Its requests included a $21 million maintenance pool, phase two funding for a new state public health laboratory, construction of an 18-bed children’s psychiatric hospital, and several projects at Western State Hospital and Western State Nursing Facility, including HVAC work, cooling tower repair or replacement, and chiller plant repiping. Additional projects covered elevator upgrades at Hazlewood and phased cottage renovations at Oakwood. Board members asked about vacant buildings, the cost per bed for the youth psychiatric facility, and the relationship between the CHFS youth facility and a separate DJJ facility; CHFS said the youth facility would serve DCBS-involved youth and be separate from the DJJ project. The Kentucky Department of Education then described its state-operated facilities, including the Kentucky School for the Deaf, the Kentucky School for the Blind, and the FFA leadership training center. Its priorities included additional funding for the FFA classroom and activity building, a rewrite of the SEEK education finance application system, renovation and repair of the FFA swimming pool, electrical upgrades, campus education enhancements, safety and security work, door and window replacements, and HVAC maintenance. Members asked about student outcomes, the size and cost of the swimming pool project, and construction cost assumptions; KDE said it tracks student outcomes through special education staff and that current estimates reflect higher post-COVID construction costs. The Education and Labor Cabinet began its presentation with 12 priority projects, including a state labor exchange system, renovation of the McDow Vocational Rehabilitation Center, and a new adult education and family literacy management information system. The cabinet said the labor exchange would connect job seekers and employers at no cost, while the McDow renovation was needed because the 30-year-old facility faces safety and code concerns. The cabinet planned to continue through the remaining priorities and answer questions at the end of its presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:23:24.520><c> of</c> Board of Regents of the University of Board of Regents of the University
• Is there any thought that some of this money would go toward that huge deferred maintenance backlog?
• > could</c><00:26:30.720><c> be</c> order of magnitude of that could be order of magnitude of that could
• </c><00:29:23.760><c> course</c> debt of the University we of course debt of the University we of course
• of the creation of the state of anomaly of the creation of the state of Hawaii<01:08:40.159><c> and<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 707, which would create a state income tax deduction for contributions to Hawaii 529 college savings accounts and conform state law to federal changes allowing 529 funds to be used for K-12 expenses. The Department of Taxation said it could administer the bill as written. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the measure but asked that ABLE accounts be included and that the program title be changed; the Department of Taxation indicated the title issue could be a problem because the bill’s expanded purpose may not fit the current program name. No vote was taken. The committee then heard House Bill 617, which would fund a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges. UH Community Colleges supported the bill, and Maui nursing staff testified that faculty recruitment is challenging but manageable, clinical placements are available, and the campus already has a statewide RN-to-BSN pathway; they said the new program would create two tracks, including a four-year BSN option. Members also heard support from several organizations, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, nursing groups, and health care associations. No action was taken. Next were several UH-related measures. HB 718 would fund faculty and staff positions at the John A. Burns School of Medicine; the dean and other supporters testified in favor. HB 1279 would create a medical education liaison position tied to Project ECHO; the Attorney General raised constitutional concerns about statewide concern and grant standards, while an individual witness supported the concept but suggested the bill should focus on liaison/support functions rather than program administration. HB 1169 would consolidate conference center revolving funds, and HB 1168 would authorize up to $800 million in UH revenue bonds; UH’s CFO said both were procedural/housekeeping measures and supported them. On HB 1168, members questioned debt service, possible uses, and whether deferred maintenance would be included; the CFO estimated annual debt service could be about $33 million to $41 million at current rates, said likely uses could include student housing and research facilities, and said deferred maintenance was not the current strategy. The CFO also explained that revenue bonds require both legislative authorization and a Board of Regents resolution approving the project and amount. Finally, the committee heard HB 548, which would authorize revenue bonds and appropriations to acquire the St. Francis School campus for UH Mānoa. UH supported the bill but noted the property is privately owned and not known to be for sale. A supporter described the site as a unique 11-acre parcel contiguous to the main campus and urged the committee to seize the opportunity for future generations. No vote or final action was taken on the bills in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the point of of the granite state test. the point of of the granite state test.
• And the capital backlog of the public housing portfolio in the country is in the tens of billions, and
• </c><00:48:40.559><c> of</c><00:48:40.720><c> the</c> needed. and the capital backlog of the needed.
• and the capital backlog of the public<00:48:41.200><c> housing</c><00:48:41.599><c> portfolio</c><00:
• </c> of out of the house. of out of the house.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just a matter of fact due to the obligations of the budgets and also, of course, the revenues of
• </c> funding of certain areas and things of funding of certain areas and things of that<00:19:11.200>
• </c><01:03:55.599><c> of</c> legislature can be very proud of of legislature can be very proud of of
• I don't need to belabor the point, but they have a backlog, as they describe, of students that are trying
• </c> have a backlog uh as they describe of have a backlog uh as they describe of students<01:10:30.400

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of the needs of the strategic balancing of the needs of the state<00:28:55.360><c> for</c><00:28:55.600
• > came uh through a void of the op of the came uh through a void of the op of the voting<00:42:40.960
• But— Wasn't there a backlog of cases or something we were trying to address?
• </c> &gt;&gt; wasn't Wasn't there a backload of &gt;&gt; wasn't Wasn't there a backload of backlog<01
• c><01:10:12.159><c> we</c><01:10:12.400><c> were</c> backlog of cases or something we were backlog of

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 13 January, 2026; 1:45 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• borrowing or providing lines of credit to meet that necessary funding, particularly if the repairs are
• water damage, a lot of termite damage, and required an extensive amount of repairs.
• , But, you know, you have to be able to encapsulate the repair, restore the integrity of the structure
• And what a lot of people wind up doing is just basically capping over the repair, minimizing, charging
• age to experience some sort of requirement for repair.

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on condominiums, focusing on recent statutory changes, building safety, reserve studies, inspections, insurance, and related enforcement issues. Pete Dunbar, speaking for the Florida Bar’s Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section, reviewed the evolution of Florida’s condominium law and recommended several refinements, including allowing boards to levy special assessments and borrow for post-inspection repairs, easing termination when repair costs exceed value, clarifying treatment of nonresidential condominiums, strengthening recall procedures, clarifying reserve and inspection standards, addressing conflicts of interest, improving electronic participation, and cleaning up notice and disclosure requirements. He also suggested revising insurance provisions so a third coverage option could be used more effectively. Ron Liseca and engineer Mr. Noguera explained the milestone inspection and Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SERS) process, emphasizing that milestone inspections assess structural deterioration while SERS estimates long-term repair and reserve funding needs. They described the 25- and 30-year inspection timelines, the lack of a central statewide database, and the practical challenges of finding qualified professionals and educating associations. Secretary Melanie Griffin said DBPR oversees 27,750 condominium associations, has increased outreach and complaint resolution, and has seen a 39% increase in complaints this fiscal year. She reported that about 11,270 associations self-reported buildings three stories or higher, and that as of early February DBPR had received 4,096 SERS completion submissions after follow-up outreach, with a median reported SERS cost of $6,000, though she cautioned that much of the optional data is unreliable. Emilio Rodriguez, a contractor, stressed the cost and capacity challenges facing associations and contractors, warning that some projects are delayed by board disputes, legal challenges, and a shortage of qualified labor, which can lead to higher assessments and repeated repairs. Members asked about enforcement, insurance availability, coastal deterioration, sinking and foundation issues, and private provider conflicts of interest. Witnesses generally supported more uniform standards, better local and state coordination, and possible tighter oversight of private providers, while cautioning against frequent statutory changes that could add confusion. In closing discussion, members highlighted the burden on older residents and fixed-income owners, the need to keep communities habitable, and the importance of clearer allocation of assessments and stronger board accountability.

Transcript Highlights:

• part of the foundation of agriculture.
• As part of this report, Florida Park Service conducted an analysis of repair, maintenance, and upgrades
• These projects encompassed a broad range of needs, including buildings and structural repairs, modernization
• As part of this report, Florida Park Service conducted an analysis of repair, maintenance, and upgrades
• These projects encompassed a broad range of needs including buildings and structural repairs, modernization

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard and approved several bills. SB 636 by Sen. Leek would create additional pathways for counties and municipalities to obtain critically eroded beach or area of critical state concern designations, with the sponsor and supporters describing it as a forward-looking beach management approach that could improve access to state and federal funding. Questions focused on whether the bill imposed an unfunded mandate and how it would affect existing designations; the sponsor said it was voluntary and not retroactive. Pepper Uchino of the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association supported the proactive concept but stressed that funding remains the central issue. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered CS/SB 544 by Sen. Truenow, which transfers the Golf Course Best Management Practices Certification Program from DEP to FDACS. The sponsor said the move would improve continuity and encourage more golf courses to enroll in BMPs, while maintaining existing environmental requirements and enforcement through DEP if problems arise. Senator Smith and an opponent from the Florida Springs Council questioned whether golf courses are truly agricultural and raised concerns about water quality protections and possible tax or land-use implications; supporters from the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association said the bill does not change taxation or existing nutrient reporting requirements. After a technical amendment, the bill was reported favorably, with Senator Smith voting no. CS/SB 848 by Sen. Truenow, dealing with stormwater treatment and water quality enhancement areas, was also amended and reported favorably. The sponsor said the bill clarifies the difference between permanent, secured water quality credits and stormwater allocations, and the amendment would allow WQEAs to address new stormwater rule requirements until rulemaking is complete and make public-land reviews forward-looking only. A representative of Resource Environmental Solutions supported the measure and said it would help create a reliable market for water quality credits. The committee then approved CS/SB 546 by Vice Chair Mayfield, which strengthens public notice requirements for the sale or exchange of state conservation lands and extends similar notice requirements to water management districts; conservation groups and Sen. Smith supported the bill as a transparency measure. Finally, DEP presented its State Park Amenities Report, estimating nearly $759 million in repair and maintenance needs over 10 years and $1.39 billion in contemplated new construction and development across the state park system. The committee took no further action and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• as a member of the House of Representatives of the State of Hawaii to the best of my ability.
• backlog of work, it would be quite difficult for them to insert this unexpected occurrence and complete
• backlog of work, it would be quite difficult for them to insert this unexpected occurrence and complete
• backlog of work, it would be quite difficult for them to insert this unexpected occurrence and complete
• </c><05:13:59.360><c> of</c> is in support of this kind of kind of is in support of this kind of kind

Keywords: 910, house, all