Video & Transcript : 'ABA services' :
Page 357 of 500
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- From the Director of Human Services, State of Hawaii, we have Director Ryan Mane offering comments.
- So if you don’t get this kind of reprieve, then we could have zero out of 23 there to service anybody
- </c><00:10:52.360><c> anybody</c><00:10:52.800><c> in</c><00:10:52.959><c> the</c> 23 there to service
- anybody in the 23 there to service anybody in the criminal<00:10:53.519><c> justice</c><00:10:53.880
- and management has uh sort of services and management has uh sort of ended<00:19:06.919><c> and</c><
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs heard several bills on January 27, 2025. SB 24, relating to identification, would require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to help inmates obtain civil ID cards and other vital documents for reentry. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from DCR, the Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission, DHS, the Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center, health and youth advocates, and others, with comments emphasizing that reentry should begin on day one and that lack of identification is a major barrier to housing and employment. A senator asked about the low number of IDs issued in 2022 and DCR said it already has a satellite ID card machine at Hālawa and plans to procure more for other facilities. The committee recommended passage of SB 24 as is.
SB 474, relating to psychologists, would require DCR clinical psychologists to obtain licensure within 10 years of employment and would sunset in 2035. DCR strongly supported the bill, citing a severe staffing shortage, low exam passage rates, and many vacant positions, while the Hawaiʻi Psychological Association expressed concerns and one testifier argued psychologists serving incarcerated people should be licensed before employment. Committee members questioned whether the 10-year period was too long and discussed alternative solutions such as pay incentives and shortage differentials. The committee ultimately recommended passage with amendments, shortening the licensure period to 5 years, moving the sunset to July 1, 2030, and making other technical changes.
SB 353, relating to emergency management, would clarify emergency authority, bar suspension of public records or vital statistics requests during emergencies, define “severe warning,” and allow the legislature or city councils to terminate a state of emergency. DHS and HMA opposed the bill, arguing it could limit executive flexibility and cut off access to the major disaster fund, while supporters included public-interest and good-government groups. The committee discussed whether legislative termination authority could interfere with ongoing emergency response and recovery, with the bill’s sponsor explaining it was aimed more at situations where emergency conditions have ended, such as prolonged COVID-era proclamations. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including a delayed effective date and committee report notes referencing DHS request data and HMA’s opposition.
The committee also heard SB 259, relating to recordkeeping for secondhand dealers and pawn brokers, and SB 37, relating to recordings of law enforcement activities. SB 259 was set for amendment and deferred decision-making to January 29, 2025, so the committee could seek input from HPD. SB 37 drew support from the Legal Clinic and other advocates, with a clarifying question about civil enforcement actions, and the committee recommended passage with amendments and a delayed effective date. The meeting concluded with the committee adopting its recommendations and adjourning.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Tue Feb 11, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- We would prefer to see no sunset on those services or the reimbursement for those services.
- in our harm reduction services branch.
- We also provide medical case management services to people living with HIV.
- It is about access to facilities that serve patients and provide services.
- It is about access to facilities that serve patients and provide services.
Summary:
The committees heard testimony on several transportation and consumer-related bills. HB 496, relating to mamaki tea labeling, drew support from the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Weights and Measures, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, which said the bill would help protect a culturally important crop and the Hawaii brand. Members questioned Agriculture about staffing and whether the bill was being used to reopen a package-labeling inspection branch; the department said it currently has no Oahu inspectors for that function but has a place for an additional inspector. No opposition was registered on the measure.
HB 978, relating to electric utilities, and HB 1316, relating to DLNR/park reservations, were also heard. HB 1316 received support from State Parks, and members discussed where reservation fees would go and whether the statewide reservation system for three parks would cover its costs; the committee indicated a change would be made so fees go to the special fund. HB 914, relating to water carriers, drew support or comments from the PUC, Department of Agriculture, Department of Transportation, Young Brothers, and the Hawaii Harbor Users Group. The main discussion focused on the proposed automatic rate-adjustment mechanism tied to the GDP price index, with members asking for alternative index ideas and questioning whether the PUC already had authority to adopt such a mechanism. Young Brothers said the measure would provide clarity and help recover inflationary costs, while the chair raised concerns about repeated rate increases and asked for further testimony on possible alternative indices.
HB 1161, relating to transportation and road usage charges, received support from the Insurance Division, DOT, and the State Energy Office, with comments from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Hawaii Food Industry Association. Members asked whether counties need state authorization to adopt mileage-based charges and why the bill included funding for implementation; DOT said it is helping counties build the data collection and billing system and that Honolulu is handling much of the collection work. A question was also raised about whether plug-in hybrids would be covered, and DOT said vehicles under the federal electric-vehicle definition would be included. HB 1301, relating to transportation network companies, drew opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice, Lyft, and Uber, all arguing that classifying TNCs as common carriers and changing liability rules would raise costs, reduce access, and disrupt the current statewide framework. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (04/22/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- The service agreement allows for assignment of the right to provide service without notice and consent
- </c> that pass it, they call it a service that pass it, they call it a service agreement. agreement.
- </c> practice as opposed to a service? practice as opposed to a service?
- </c> refuse to record an unfair service refuse to record an unfair service agreement.<01:37:30.239><c
- <01:53:06.239><c> or</c> typically those service agreements or typically those service agreements or
Summary:
The committee first held a public hearing on Senate Bill 25, which would allow state-chartered credit unions to compensate board members if the membership approves it. Prime sponsor Senator Dan Innis said the bill is enabling only, intended to help credit unions recruit and retain qualified directors and align New Hampshire with other states that already allow such compensation. Credit union representatives from the Cooperative Credit Union Association and St. Mary’s Bank supported the bill, saying board service has become more complex because of cybersecurity, asset-liability management, and other regulatory demands, and that compensation could be modest and take forms such as meeting fees or educational reimbursement. In response to committee questions, they said compensation would be set by the membership, disclosed in advance, and subject to bylaws and internal policies; they also noted that board members must be credit union members and that voting procedures vary by institution, with some using mailed ballots rather than proxy voting.
Members raised questions about why credit union boards were historically excluded, what kinds of compensation were contemplated, whether there would be a cap, and how voting and confidentiality would work. Testimony explained that the historical rationale was the nonprofit, volunteer mission of credit unions, but witnesses argued that the modern environment and competition for talent justify a change. They also said the bill would not mandate compensation and would not create a salary structure comparable to banks, but would allow members to approve modest compensation or reimbursements. After no further testimony, the chair closed the public hearing on Senate Bill 25.
The committee then opened a public hearing on Senate Bill 26, sponsored by Senator Howard Pearl, concerning the definition of deposits in land sales and escrowed accounts. Pearl said the bill would clarify that buyer funds for upgrades and luxury items in new-home construction are not treated as refundable deposits that must be held in escrow, arguing that the current Attorney General interpretation raises builder costs, increases home prices, and can limit buyer choices. He said the proposal would allow those upgrade funds to be paid directly to builders for construction, with signed disclosures making clear that the buyer requested the items and bears the risk if financing falls through. The hearing on Senate Bill 26 had just begun when the transcript ended.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, March 4, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:13:54.920><c> and</c> enforcement strain public services and enforcement strain public services
- </c> undercut initiatives to improve service undercut initiatives to improve service member<00:30:05.240
- </c> Department of Health and Human Services Department of Health and Human Services that<04:12:31.680
- A bill to codify Internal Revenue Service guidance relating to the treatment of certain services and
- </c> the bill includes 14 specific services the bill includes 14 specific services that<04:23:30.840>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 02/19/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Some boards deliver services directly through city or county staff; others contract out services through
- </c> more intensive individualized services more intensive individualized services to<00:56:11.960><c
- </c><01:02:43.640><c> for</c> Industries rapid employment services for Industries rapid employment services
- organizations by providing increased access to accounting services.
- </c> increased access to accounting services increased access to accounting services this<01:46:09.320
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- we lost last week: the gentleman from Lowell, Senator Ed Kennedy, who dedicated his life to public service
- Paul was the embodiment of compassion, dedication, and service.
- He was a big-hearted firefighter who gave... ...dedication and service.
- His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy of service and love will live on in all of us.
- Pike, an employee of the Department of Developmental Services.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for former Senator Ed Kennedy. Members then adopted an order to recess the joint session until Thursday, October 9, 2025, and approved a congratulatory resolution for People Incorporated’s new early education center. The chamber also took up two local bills, ordering both to a third reading and then passing them to be engrossed: House 2320, establishing an appointed treasurer-collector in Berkeley, and House 4136, further regulating stabilization funds in Leicester.
The Senate later held an adjournment in memory of Paul Holloway, with remarks honoring his service as a firefighter and educator in Holland and Palmer, followed by a moment of silence. The chamber also considered several matters on final passage, including bills related to the Gloucester Fisheries Commission and an additional liquor license in Maynard, and it advanced a House bill establishing a sick leave bank for Candy J. Pike of the Department of Developmental Services by ordering it to a third reading.
The Senate suspended Joint Rule 12 and referred a House petition to establish a sick leave bank for David A. Russell of the Department of Correction to the Committee on Public Service. Near the close, the Senate recognized National Faith in Blue Week and thanked law enforcement and faith-based communities. Members adopted an order to meet again the following Thursday at 11 a.m., dispense with printing a calendar, and then adjourned in memory of Paul Holloway.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Up next, we're going to listen to some rules from the Idaho Division of Veterans Services.
- I'm Mark Chappelle, the chief administrator for the Idaho Division of Veterans Services, and I am pleased
- rules governing our domiciliary care, which we no longer provide due to the discontinuation of that service
- Those services are no longer being provided by the veteran services.
- reflects adjustments to certain funding limits to better account for increased costs of goods and services
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from Wednesday, February 11, by voice vote. It then heard House Bill 543 from Representative Ben Furman, which would update Percy Choice language to comply with the federal SECURE Act 2.0 by allowing after-tax Roth contributions in the 401(k)-type plan. The bill was described as a conformity update, and the committee moved it to the floor with a due pass recommendation by voice vote.
Next, the Idaho Division of Veterans Services presented a pending rule docket removing obsolete rules related to domiciliary care, which the agency no longer provides. The administrator explained that assisted-living-type care is available elsewhere, but not through the division. The committee approved the rule docket by voice vote.
Finally, the Department of Commerce presented its grant program rules under the governor’s zero-based regulation initiative, describing the rewrite as non-substantive housekeeping to remove redundant or outdated language, align with statute, and clarify definitions and funding limits. Members asked about a change allowing the department to require matching funds, and staff explained that the language gives flexibility to reduce or waive match requirements in hardship or disaster situations, or potentially require more in some cases. The committee approved the docket by voice vote.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- existing facilities and organizations that already help veterans, to help reduce costs through shared services
- and standardizes. state law to ensure that these students, who are actively preparing for military service
- This bill supports readiness, honors service-oriented students, and strengthens the leadership foundations
- HB 290 supports these service members and emphasizes their right to higher education with the extension
- Texas is home to more veterans than any other state, with 28,000 transitioning service members choosing
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Jefferson County Legislation Committee Mar 5th, 2025
Jefferson County Legislation
Transcript Highlights:
- There are two types of memberships in the civil service system, and I'll get back to the civil service
- This means the current soft Civil Service employee, also known as a merit system employee, under...
- Approximately 99% of all Jefferson County employees are part of the civil service system, which makes
- We've seen in recent years legislation to try to allow counties to opt out of the civil service system
- Especially with regards to services, you all have always been really good with informing us about those
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency Jun 30th, 2026
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- been working with the North Dakota Information Technology Department to try to help provide these services
- who continue to have issues with ransomware, security, and we just want to be able to provide this service
- But you also want to know from a consumer point of view, was the service satisfactory?
- Representative Weisz worked in human services along with Senator Hogan for years.
- I think it's leadership if it's Human Services.
Summary:
The task force first approved the March 25, 2026 minutes as amended, including a correction removing language that suggested the auditor’s office would contract with a security vendor. Members then moved to a bill draft on concessions (LC 27.0161.00000), which would raise the competitive solicitation threshold from $25,000 to $50,000, allow requests for proposals in addition to bids, clarify that proceeds go to the entity’s operating fund or general fund, and make other technical updates. OMB explained the draft and answered questions about scope, fragmentation, vendor restrictions, school districts, and whether concession proceeds could be directed to nonprofits; OMB said the draft could be refined further, including clarifying covered entities and contract length. No vote was taken on the draft during the discussion.
OMB also reported on other survey items. It said a proposal to broadly allow agencies to create pre-qualified architect/engineering/land surveying vendor pools would not move forward, because the existing authority is working well for the agencies that already have it. On legal notices, OMB said it has been working with the North Dakota Newspaper Association on modernization, including an ADA-compliant online notice system and possible statutory updates to reflect changing technology and notice definitions. On click-through agreements for routine IT purchases, OMB and the Attorney General’s office said policy clarification—not statutory change—was enough, and the $20,000 threshold was intended to distinguish low-dollar adhesive contracts from purchases where terms can be negotiated.
The committee also heard that OMB and the Center for Distance Education had resolved questions about alternate procurements and food/beverage expenditures through existing policy, so no statutory changes were needed there. North Dakota University System representatives gave a brief update on ongoing collaboration with OMB on statutory efficiency ideas, including concessions and surplus property. Finally, the task force discussed a draft on requirements for new or expanded spending programs, which would require agencies to identify purpose, expected benefits, alternatives, success measures, and full implementation costs, and would require reporting on outcomes over time. Members debated whether OMB or Legislative Council should collect and report the information, how to use the new program evaluators, whether real-time dashboards should be used, and how to choose which programs to evaluate; staff from Legislative Council said they would work with OMB and the auditor’s office to revise the draft and process.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming
Transcript Highlights:
- Since January, as well as along the Mass Pike, other park-and-ride and service plazas.
- or the refreshing of service plazas along the pike and perhaps a couple on 128 or I-952.
- And so I think the service plazas are somewhat unique.
- So we have the service plazas on the Mass Pike, which a lot of folks are familiar with.
- So almost, I think it's 18 or 19 service plazas. And we are bundling that contract.
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on the impact of the Trump administration’s federal climate policy changes on Massachusetts, with a focus on threatened grants, regulatory rollbacks, and state options to continue climate work. Chair Creem and other senators emphasized that Massachusetts still has a 2050 net-zero mandate and needs contingency plans for clean energy, transportation electrification, offshore wind, resilience, and financing if federal support is reduced or withdrawn.
Executive branch witnesses said Massachusetts has already experienced disruptions to more than $1 billion in climate-related federal funds, though many suspended grants were restored after litigation by the Attorney General’s office. EEA reported continued uncertainty around a $389 million Grid Innovation Program award and a FEMA dam-safety reimbursement, while MassDOT said its NEVI fast-charging program remains on track with about $50 million obligated, but a $14.4 million competitive charging grant is on hold and future unobligated NEVI funds remain uncertain. Senators also discussed EV rebates, charging infrastructure, the role of the Community Climate Bank, and whether the state can expand independent financing and support for municipalities, higher education, and nonprofits.
The Attorney General’s office described successful multi-state litigation that won a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against the federal funding freeze, restoring access to many EPA, DOE, USDA, and Interior funds, while noting continued enforcement actions over FEMA manual reviews and other barriers. The office said it is also preparing to defend the endangerment finding, California vehicle-emissions waivers, offshore wind permits, and other federal climate protections. Outside advocates warned that federal tax-credit rollbacks, tariffs, and possible repeal of IRA and infrastructure funding could slow EV adoption and raise costs, while offshore wind testimony said federal permitting pauses and legal challenges are delaying projects and could leave Massachusetts far short of its 2030 offshore wind goals. Nonprofit witnesses also described canceled or delayed grants for wetland restoration and urban heat mitigation, and urged the Legislature to increase state funding, including for the environmental bond bill and municipal vulnerability preparedness work.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- food service establishment, and to provide for related matters.
- You would already be credentialed as your licensed ambulance service.
- I know some ambulance services operate helicopters.
- There was a higher calling, so I joined the service.
- So we just can't thank you all enough for your service. Thank you.
Summary:
The House Committee on Health and Welfare met on April 28 with a quorum and took up several Senate bills, beginning with SB 113 on the local health care provider participation program in Calcasieu Parish. The committee adopted a technical amendment and heard that the bill would shift the local sponsor from the parish to the city if needed by a June 1 deadline. After brief discussion and no opposition, SB 113 was reported favorably with amendments.
The committee then approved SB 23, which exempts certain assisted living facilities licensed by LDH from the definition of food service establishment, and SB 150, which would allow LDH to scan and electronically store vital records supporting documents and return originals to citizens. SB 221 also advanced after testimony that it would allow EMS providers to be reimbursed by Medicaid for emergency responses where treatment is provided on scene but the patient is not transported. Members discussed that the bill could reduce unnecessary ER use and likely would require some rulemaking, but it was reported favorably.
A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 404, a broad vision benefit plan reform bill. Supporters, including optometrists, said the measure would improve transparency, patient choice, and access to eye care by limiting restrictive plan practices; opponents from the vision care plan industry argued it was an unprecedented, provider-driven overhaul that could raise costs and reduce flexibility. After extensive testimony and an agreed amendment clarifying network participation, the committee reported SB 404 favorably with amendments. The committee also reported SB 32 favorably with amendments after emotional testimony from parents and advocates about perinatal bereavement care, cooling devices, and training for hospitals to give grieving families more time and dignity after infant loss.
Finally, the committee heard SB 43, which would create a psychedelic-assisted therapy initiative within LDH for clinical research and treatment involving ibogaine and psilocybin, with testimony from veterans, researchers, and advocates describing potential benefits for PTSD, substance use, and traumatic brain injury. The bill was reported favorably with amendments and set to pass a courtesy sheet. The committee then began SB 253, a bill regulating peptides and compounding pharmacies, adopted technical amendments clarifying provider liability, and continued discussion as the transcript ended.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 14th, 2026 at 05:55 pm
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And thank you for your service. Thank you, Mr. President. Senator from Wetzel. Thank you, Mr.
- And I would also appreciate your service.
- Thank you for your service, and most importantly, thank you. Your picture would be there.
- God bless you, and thank you for your service. Thank you, Mr. President.
- The thing is, though, the low point in my Senate service was the loss of Wanda.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- opportunity for people coming from industry who have substantive experience from coming into state service
- a cooling-off period to say if you worked on that contract, for example, and you come into state service
- c><00:02:02.799><c> state</c> experience from coming into state experience from coming into state service
- So, it really tries to target service.
- , we want to have come into state service, we want to have a<00:02:18.319><c> cooling</c><00:02:18.640
Summary:
The Senate Labor and Technology Committee heard testimony on several measures. SB 2245 would tighten revolving-door restrictions for state employees by barring new employees from acting on matters they worked on before state service and imposing a 12-month post-employment restriction for certain former Governor and Lieutenant Governor staff; the Ethics Commission and League of Women Voters supported it, and the committee later passed it as is. SB 99 would allow certain retirees to return to work as school resource officers or investigators without losing retirement benefits; the Attorney General supported the investigator portion, ERS and other agencies offered comments and suggested amendments, and the committee passed the bill with amendments, including changes from the Attorney General, ERS, and the Department of Law Enforcement, plus a far-future effective date. SB 2304, which would expand identity theft law to cover AI/deepfake or materially deceptive media impersonation, drew opposition from the Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor over prosecution burdens and First Amendment concerns, while some prosecutors and others supported it; the committee deferred the bill. SB 2115, dealing with collective bargaining impasse procedures for repricing public employee classes, drew opposition from human resources officials who said arbitrators lack the technical expertise needed, while unions and HGA supported the measure; the committee deferred decision-making to a later hearing.
The committee also heard SB 1036, a net neutrality bill that would bar broadband providers from blocking, prioritizing, or zero-rating traffic. Supporters argued Hawaii needs stronger consumer protections, while the Hawaii Broadband Office said it saw no current problem in Hawaii and warned the bill could affect federal BEAD funding unless exempted; the committee deferred the measure. SB 1163 would prohibit the sale of geolocation and browser data and data collected through microphone-based background apps; Consumer Protection supported the intent but urged a broader privacy framework, and the Honolulu Prosecutor sought an exemption for lawful law-enforcement investigations, which the committee later accepted along with Hawaiian Telecom’s proposed amendments before passing the bill with amendments. SB 2076 would update publicity-rights law to address AI/deepfake uses of a person’s likeness; testimony supported the goal and amendments from the Recording Industry Association of America, and the committee passed the bill with amendments, including replacing references to AI/deepfake with “digital replica.”
After hearing testimony, the committee recessed briefly to obtain quorum and then reconvened for decision-making. It adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass SB 2245 as is, passed SB 99 with amendments, deferred SB 2304, deferred SB 2115 to a later hearing, deferred SB 1036, passed SB 1163 with amendments, and passed SB 2076 with amendments. The meeting then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Jan 21st, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Decker, I just wanted to say thank you for your service. You’re most welcome.
- Thank you for your service, definitely. And my husband was a Vietnam vet, so I know.
- I am Janice Gilly, and I have committed 33 years to public service.
- And thank you for your dedication and service, especially for your service in Polk County Sheriff's Office
- I appreciate your service for the university, though. Thank you very much.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education. (1-21-26)
Primary and Secondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Just to follow up a little bit on that too, you're right about the outside services.
- . services. services.
- </c><00:24:08.640><c> because</c> offer some of these services because offer some of these services because
- </c><00:25:09.279><c> he</c> education services for basic reading. he education services for basic reading
- </c> to get services. to get services.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- are performing, not the revenue source, but the service are performing is necessary?
- But I can't speak to the merits of any one individual service that's being performed just because I'm
- But I can't speak to the merits of any one individual service that's being performed just because I'm
- tax and the municipal utility service tax.
- What service did I get?
Summary:
The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum present and first took up SB 122, which would repeal Chapter 205 governing local business taxes while allowing municipalities that already levy a gross-receipts-based business tax to continue doing so, with limits on changing the tax rate. The sponsor’s proxy and committee members discussed whether local business taxes fund identifiable services, with supporters saying the bill would reduce burdens on businesses and opponents arguing it would remove a capped home-rule revenue source used for general services, economic development, inspections, fire and police support, and business regulation. The Florida Association of Counties and the Florida League of Cities opposed the bill, citing a statewide revenue loss and concern that costs would shift to residential taxpayers, while one member noted the bill should be considered in the context of broader property tax changes. SB 122 was reported favorably by a roll call vote, with Senators Leek, Passidomo, Pizzo, Trumbull, and Chair McClain voting yes and Senator Sharief voting no.
The committee then held an extended informational panel on Florida’s housing shortage and affordability challenges. Dr. Samuel Staley said Florida is in a housing crisis driven primarily by insufficient supply, arguing that the state needs far more units each year, that local comprehensive plans and zoning often fail to prioritize housing, and that the state should focus more on measurable impacts, density, accessory dwelling units, smaller lot sizes, and other ways to let the market respond. Ann Ray of the Shimberg Center presented data showing increased single-family and multifamily construction but limited condo growth, highly concentrated new development in a handful of counties, and continued high cost burdens for renters, especially lower-income and older households. Leslie Deutsch of John Burns Research and Consulting said the national housing market is slow, Florida prices are easing but remain well above pre-pandemic levels, and affordability problems are being driven by land, construction, financing, and insurance costs; she urged more product diversity, including build-to-rent, townhomes, manufactured housing, and higher-density redevelopment tailored to local demographics.
Members questioned the panel about density, vertical development, impact fees, construction costs, and incentives for local governments. Several senators said local governments need clearer direction or incentives to approve more housing, while others emphasized preserving local character and avoiding overdevelopment. The panel generally agreed that no single policy will solve the problem, but that Florida needs more housing types, more density in appropriate places, updated zoning and building codes, and a more market-responsive regulatory framework. After the presentations and discussion, the committee adjourned with no further business.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 30th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And they do it with such grace and commitment to public. service that they make all of us proud every
- Allocates $3.3 million for statewide collective bargaining for in-home supportive service providers.
- These are costs in the year in which we get the benefit of the service of the employee.
- Sites managed by the National Park Service and deeply cherished by our community.
- Police Department in 2001, totaling 45 years of service to the community.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We deal with their Division of Consumer Services and their Division of Licensing.
- Veterans Metal Services is a wide... ...of the National Association of Manufacturers.
- Dole currently has a weekly service from Guatemala and Honduras.
- Sea Trade has a weekly service from Costa Rica.
- And lastly, this shows the container services and the connections.
Summary:
The Commerce and Tourism Committee met to hear an overview of its jurisdiction and then focused primarily on Florida manufacturing. Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly described manufacturing as central to a more resilient, diversified economy, citing the 2023 Florida Manufacturing Report and noting strong growth in manufacturing businesses, jobs, exports, and workforce programs. He emphasized that most Florida manufacturers are small businesses, that the sector is increasingly STEM- and technology-driven, and that the state’s main challenge is workforce aging and the need to retain trained talent. Members also discussed how to better expose students and parents to manufacturing careers, improve startup access to capital, and strengthen regional manufacturing corridors and transportation links.
Kevin Carr of FloridaMakes said Florida is on track to become a top-five manufacturing state, but warned that productivity, technology adoption, and workforce shortages remain key issues. He said a proposed manufacturing bill would create a chief manufacturing officer and help address workforce, technology, and market-visibility challenges. Bain Beecher of PGT Innovations described the company’s growth and community role, but highlighted obstacles such as affordable housing, insurance costs, permitting delays, supply-chain disruptions, and limited awareness of manufacturing careers among students and parents. Andrew Kosowski of Veterans Metal focused on small- and medium-sized manufacturers, citing labor shortages, the cost of adopting new technology, regulatory burdens, and cybersecurity compliance as major pressures, and urged support for the draft manufacturing bill.
Brian Giuliani of the Port of Tampa Bay outlined the port’s cargo mix, infrastructure investments, and role in moving fuel, construction materials, and manufactured goods, saying the port’s expansion and transloading plans could better connect Florida manufacturers to suppliers and markets. Committee members repeatedly stressed the need to promote manufacturing careers earlier in school, improve public perception of the industry, and reduce barriers to investment. No formal vote was taken during the discussion, but the panelists broadly supported the draft manufacturing legislation and the committee’s focus on manufacturing policy.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I’m going to talk about four broad areas: delivering critical services, enhancing access to justice,
- </c><00:32:32.399><c> providers</c> community's Legal Services providers community's Legal Services providers
- </c><00:34:41.720><c> established</c><00:34:42.240><c> a</c> pro bono Service established a pro bono
- Service established a partnership<00:34:42.960><c> with</c><00:34:43.119><c> the</c><00:34:43.240><c>
- </c><00:51:40.480><c> Hawaii</c> Hawaii Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii Hawaii Volunteer Legal Services