Transcript Highlights:

• Or they could be community service, which I can think of many community service groups that go out into
• Or they could be community service, which I can think of many community service groups that go out into
• We have a community cleanup, a beautification community that works in Wildemar.
• Are they walk into any community space?
• And let's ensure that we can do everything we can to invest in community-based solutions through community

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:12:45.680><c> And</c> community about type 1 diabetes. And community about type 1 diabetes.
• And whereas Meg is community awareness.
• </c> ...just there's a lot of technology. It costs a lot of money.
• And whereas during the month community.
• </c> it happen too many times in my community it happen too many times in my community that<01:35:12.560

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Cross said, and live healthier and happier lives together for all of our communities.
• funds in the community.
• Gary Hunter, Association of Florida Community Developers, waves in support.
• So with technology advancing and moving forward, we don't need that step any longer.
• There are communities of color who feel like their vote doesn't matter.

Summary: The committee took up a long agenda of bills, beginning with HB 4087, which authorizes the Highlands County Hospital District to evaluate options to sell, lease, or manage its hospital. An amendment adding fair market value as a consideration was adopted, and the bill then passed unanimously. HB 841, which eliminates the requirement for validation stickers on license plates and moves registration verification to electronic systems, also passed after questions about law enforcement procedures, pretextual stops, and consumer savings; a technical amendment was adopted first. HB 593, dealing with campaign fundraising while on official time, lobbying rules for water management districts, agency secretary travel reimbursement, and settlement conditions involving third parties, passed without opposition. CS for HB 1019, the PFAS-related bill phasing out aqueous film-forming foam and requiring testing of treated effluent and biosolids, passed after an amendment limiting local utility liability until EPA standards are set; speakers emphasized firefighter and water-quality concerns. Several local and administrative measures also advanced. HB 4089 conveyed the Trenton Train Depot to the City of Trenton, HB 6011 updated ethics disclosure procedures for Form 10 filings, and PCS for HB 1051 created a recall process for community development district board members while also addressing synthetic turf deed restrictions and landowner-control timelines. HB 1031 established a pilot callback system for state agency customer service lines, and CS for HB 961 removed a burdensome electronic signature requirement for salvaged titles. HB 1421, which requires land managers to consider cattle grazing on conservation lands, drew substantial debate over state parks, water quality, and land management; an amendment added ecological guardrails and the bill passed 20-3. CS for HB 253 expanded eligibility for the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program and passed unanimously, while HB 4039 required Broward County to study and hold a hearing before enlarging the Monarch Hill landfill landmark and passed despite opposition from the waste industry. CS for HB 755 eased Habitat for Humanity bond requirements in the Florida Keys and extended the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, and HB 1035 promoted nature-based coastal resiliency projects and permitting; both passed unanimously. The committee then considered major foreign influence and election integrity measures. CS for CS for HB 905, the FIRE Act, was substantially revised by strike-all to expand registration and disclosure requirements for foreign agents and foreign-supported political organizations, restrict gifts and contracts tied to foreign countries of concern, terminate sister city agreements with such countries, and strengthen penalties for transnational repression; members debated the treatment of Qatar, linkage institutes, and the broader impact on international students, and the bill passed 24-1. Finally, CS for HB 991 proposed sweeping election changes, including citizenship verification at registration, a citizenship oath, new voter ID rules, paper ballots except for disability accommodations, candidate party-affiliation timing rules, stronger foreign-money restrictions, and other enforcement provisions. Members raised extensive concerns about document submission, data retention, student IDs, seniors, disability access, and the burden of proof for citizenship, and the committee was still in the middle of that discussion when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• electricity, and it keeps to produce new electricity, and it keeps getting cheaper because it's on a technology
• Um, and we've noticed with solar, the policy hasn't kept up with what the technology can provide, what
• Um, and we've noticed with solar, the policy hasn't kept up with what the technology can provide, what
• Um, and we've noticed with solar, the policy hasn't kept up with what the technology can provide, what
• Um, and we've noticed with solar, the policy hasn't kept up with what the technology can provide, what

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The meeting was an announcement and support event for a Minnesota plug-in solar bill led by Rep. Larry Craft and Sen. Rob Coop. Craft described plug-in solar as a way to expand access to affordable solar for renters, people with shaded or unsuitable roofs, and others who cannot install traditional rooftop systems. He said the bill would define plug-in solar devices as up to 1,200 watts, allow storage, require certification to UL 3700 safety standards, and exempt these devices from utility interconnection agreements and submetering requirements. Sen. Coop said he was excited to sign on after hearing from a constituent interested in deck solar and after learning Craft already had a bill. He framed the proposal as both an affordability measure and a way to democratize solar access, especially for lower-income households and apartment residents. Supporters including Bobby King of Solar United Neighbors and Patty O'Keefe of Vote Solar said interest in plug-in solar is statewide, the policy would lower barriers and energy bills, and the systems are simple, safe, and well-suited to small spaces like balconies, decks, patios, and yards. John Gouki, an electrician from Duluth, submitted a statement supporting the bill on safety and resilience grounds, saying 1,200 watts is a safe limit for UL-listed plug-in solar and that the systems can provide backup power while reducing grid consumption. Craft and Coop also pointed to examples from other places, including Utah and Germany, as evidence that the technology is already spreading. The event ended with expressions of support and enthusiasm for moving the bill forward; no vote or formal committee action was taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill also expands identity theft to include AI or technology-based duplication of someone's likeness
• These enhancements are necessary to address advances in technology such as AI that enable individuals
• DCT would serve fewer individuals that cannot be treated by community providers.
• Um, if you're running... unique or technologically unique or technologically uh<03:31:59.320><c> advanced
• </c><03:32:07.280><c> and</c> creative with the today's technology and creative with the today's technology

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:20:18.559><c> park</c> 7 and certain uh Milani technology park 7 and certain uh Milani technology
• </c> business activities right now technology business activities right now technology uh<00:25:12.240
• Uh, we'll move on to Senate Bill 304 relating to Hawaii Technology Development Corporation.
• </c> Technology Development Corporation. Technology Development Corporation.
• Technology Development Corporation.

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard six bills on February 5, 2026, covering timeshare registration, Agribusiness Development Corporation authority, a North Kohala land parcel, business competitiveness, state enterprise zones, and Hawaii Technology Development Corporation. Testimony was largely supportive across the agenda. For SB 2359, DCCA said the bill would streamline annual renewals and plan amendments for timeshares, though it still wanted review time rather than automatic acceptance. For SB 2169 and SB 2170, ADC and Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the measures; members asked about condemnation authority and the intended agricultural use of the North Kohala parcel, with ADC stating it had no current lands it was seeking to condemn without authorization and that the parcel would be suitable for crops such as cucumber, eggplant, and tomato. SB 2263 drew broader discussion about how to measure and improve Hawaii’s business competitiveness. UHERO’s Dr. Steven Bond-Smith supported the bill’s intent but cautioned against relying on a mainland-oriented composite ranking as a benchmark for Hawaii, arguing it could mischaracterize the state’s economy. DBEDT responded that Hawaii must compete within the broader U.S. landscape and that the bill would add accountability and planning around competitiveness goals. On SB 2360, which revises the state enterprise zone program, DBEDT and other supporters said the program helps stimulate business activity and that the bill would better align the program with current business needs; a witness from Min Plastics said the current definition excluded businesses that do substantial custom manufacturing work, and another testifier urged combining enterprise zones with foreign trade zones. Committee questions focused on current zone locations, reporting, and whether technology, aerospace, and creative industries should be included. For SB 304, which concerns the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, HTDC said the bill would expand allowable uses of funds and help support local companies as federal R&D grant opportunities change; it currently awards about 20 grants from roughly 50 applicants each year. After testimony, the committee recessed and then took up decision-making. It recommended passage of SB 2359 with amendments, including extending a review period from 45 to 60 days; SB 2169 with technical amendments; SB 2170 with amendments blanking out the bond appropriation amount; SB 2263 with amendments and a new definition section; SB 2360 with amendments; and SB 3084 with amendments blanking out its appropriation amount. All recommendations were adopted without objections, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• They care deeply about their Perpich community and their home communities.
• </c> community and their home communities. community and their home communities.
• </c><00:14:46.079><c> In</c> community and and many many more. In community and and many many more.
• </c><00:30:11.840><c> to</c> to partner with local communities to to partner with local communities to
• </c> niche, but so do local um communities. niche, but so do local um communities.

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They want to control the vision for their community.
• Land and so many of our folks from our ag community here.
• because the community says it's important.
• And when I think about community safety, do you feel? Community.
• I spent my career protecting my community.

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are implications to our communities, especially in minority communities.
• Some communities are not able to do that, especially rural communities.
• Working-class communities, for example—my community, and I have to be even cutting it short because I've
• , especially Native American and Latino communities.
• , especially Native America and Latino communities.

Bills: SB1018 , SB1037 , SB1568 , SB1687 , SB1825 , SCR1001

Committee: House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections

Keywords: foreign law, Sharia law, cultural practices, women's rights, marriage laws, domestic violence, honor killings, Arizona legislation, elections, voting systems, vote tabulation, election security, internet connectivity, offline voting, chain of custody, polling place equipment, counting center, central counting center, election management system, EMS gateway

Transcript Highlights:

• So in your community, they didn't want to see that.
• And no child care in that community, that part of the community.
• kids are in our community and what's a reasonable amount of child care we need in our community to address
• as a community is changing.
• If we can think of the things that are working in my community and in all of your communities, let's

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the technology these days is advancing so quickly.
• At the Kansas City Art Institute, it's graphic communication.
• Again, not graphic communication everywhere, At the Kansas City Art Institute, it's graphic communication
• I’m the President of the Missouri Community College Association.
• So I do believe that there could be a potential impact... ...those communities.

Committee: House Higher Education and Workforce Development

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development heard two bills. House Bill 3221, sponsored by Rep. Castile, would bar state funds from supporting higher education degree programs that the federal government designates as low-earning, with the Coordinating Board for Higher Education reviewing the federal list and reporting impacts. The sponsor framed it as taxpayer accountability and return on investment, while many committee members and witnesses argued it was premature, lacked data, and could harm essential but lower-paid fields such as education, social work, early childhood education, counseling, and the arts. Supporters said the bill would mirror federal policy and affect only a small number of programs; opponents warned it could discourage universities from offering needed programs and would not account for long-term career outcomes or transferable skills. No vote was taken, and the sponsor said the bill was still a work in progress. Testimony in support of HB 3221 came from a lobbyist for FGA Action and others who said federal law is already moving in this direction and cited a small number of affected programs. Opposition came from representatives of independent colleges, community colleges, and other witnesses who said the federal rules are still being developed, the earnings test is based on a limited snapshot, and some low-wage programs serve important workforce needs or lead to later advancement. Several members asked for more information on the federal list, the number and demographics of affected students, and possible unintended consequences for rural schools and workforce development. The committee then heard House Bill 3416, sponsored by Rep. Bosley, which would create the Strengthening HBCUs Fund and direct a portion of gaming and classroom trust revenues to Lincoln University and Harris-Stowe State University for capital improvements and related support. The sponsor said the bill is intended to address historic underfunding of HBCUs and align Missouri with similar efforts in other states and at the federal level. Lincoln University President John Mosley testified in support, describing recent growth, major campus projects, and the need for additional infrastructure funding without increasing debt. Committee members asked about the funding amounts, whether Lincoln receives any special state support, and how the money would be distributed. No opposition testimony was heard, and the committee adjourned after the HB 3416 hearing without taking a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there messages from the governor and other executive communications? None on the desk, Mr.
• Existing law doesn't force any community to have fluoride in its water.
• Instead, Existing law doesn't force any community to have fluoride in its water.
• Instead, we leave the choice up to local communities to determine what's best for them.
• We've seen what happens when communities remove fluoride.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several gallery introductions, including family members, university guests, local officials, and student groups. The chamber then moved to special order bills, beginning with two Open Government Sunset Review measures: SB 7010, preserving a public records exemption for certain Department of Financial Services receiver information, and SB 7008, preserving confidentiality for financial technology sandbox application records. Both bills passed unanimously after brief explanations and no amendments. The Senate also passed SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings for terrorism victims, SB 910 on veterans benefits assistance, SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands, SB 796 on general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems, and SB 700, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill. SB 832 drew debate over a possible lawsuit and created a narrow strict-liability defense for landowners who survey and record notice of former phosphate property. SB 700 generated the most extended debate, especially over a provision removing fluoride from public water systems and related amendments on public health, local control, and study requirements; several fluoride-related amendments failed, while a technical amendment passed. The bill also included provisions on agricultural regulation, labeling, drones, lending, charities, housing for agricultural workers, and youth programs. The Senate then approved several claims bills, including relief for Darlene Angerville and J.R., Eric Miles Jr. and Jennifer Miles, and Marcus Button, all involving catastrophic injuries and settlements paid by the relevant public entities. SB 994 on driver’s license education requirements passed after an amendment that increased penalties for texting while driving and added a distracted-driving education component. SB 1718, preserving a public records exemption for minors seeking an abortion without parental consent or notification, also passed unanimously. Several other bills were temporarily postponed. At the end of the session, the Rules Chair moved to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, retain postponed bills on the special order calendar, and move CS for SB 7016 back to second reading; all motions were adopted. The Senate then adjourned until Wednesday, April 16, at 2:00 p.m. or upon the call of the President.

Transcript Highlights:

• mentoring programs, and utilizing smartphone and other technology to better serve the community and
• mentoring programs, and utilizing smartphone and other technology to better serve the community and
• mentoring programs, and utilizing smartphone and other technology to better serve the community and
• mentoring programs, and utilizing smartphone and other technology to better serve the community and
• mentoring programs, and utilizing smartphone and other technology to better serve the community and

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• encourages innovation and community encourages innovation and community engagement.<00:07:17.039><c>
• Some community power programs are generating modest revenues, and those communities want to use those
• </c> voluntary rate that a member community voluntary rate that a member community could<00:15:02.560
• </c><00:16:50.720><c> It</c> to the community power framework. It to the community power framework.
• community.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's been a trying time for our community, our law enforcement community, as well as the family.
• And it's been a trying time for our community, our law enforcement community, as well as the family.
• Black Florida USA, is a dedicated advocate for youth mentorship and community empowerment.
• These are people you see every day in your community. I urge you all to vote no on this bill.
• Unions are not just about workers; they are about thriving communities.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a quorum call, approval of the journal, and adoption of the special order calendar. The chamber then took up several Senate bills on special order, with members offering questions and debate before final votes. The first major measure, CS/SB 156, the Officer Jason Rayner Act, would reclassify certain offenses against law enforcement officers and add manslaughter of an officer to the life-sentence reclassification statute. Supporters said it honored Officer Rayner and clarified that resistance to officers with violence is unlawful; opponents argued it reduced judicial discretion and could sweep in unintended cases. The bill passed 100-8. The House next passed CS/SB 688 on naturopathic medicine, which creates a regulatory framework and licensure standards for naturopathic physicians, defines scope limits, and establishes a board under the Department of Health. Supporters framed it as a consumer protection and medical freedom bill, while opponents called it an expansion of scope and criticized the low penalty for unlicensed practice. It passed 85-22. The chamber also passed CS/CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate education, creating a Florida Speech and Debate Hall of Fame, a Speech and Debate Week, and a statewide debate initiative, by a unanimous 112-0 vote. Members then approved CS/CS/SB 1220, a broad transportation bill covering FDOT authority, airports and seaports, drone and delivery devices, autonomous vehicle crimes, tolls, and other transportation issues; an amendment added provisions on Space Florida, golf carts, automated license plate recognition, and related matters while removing digital driver’s license repeal language. The bill passed 87-23. SB 962 on affordable housing, which clarifies that Live Local Act zoning preemption does not unintentionally capture working farms and farm operations, passed 109-2. Finally, CS/CS/SB 1580 on aiding illegal gaming was introduced and discussed; it would strengthen penalties for illegal slot machines and unregulated gaming arcades, clarify reporting and enforcement, and preempt local regulation, with questions focused on VFWs, sweepstakes, fantasy sports, and online betting. The transcript then shifted into lengthy farewell remarks and recognitions, including tributes from members leaving the House and acknowledgments of guests in the galleries.

Transcript Highlights:

• THEY LIVE AND WORK IN THEIR COMMUNITIES THAT THEY SERVE.
• SMALL BUSINESSES PAINT THE CAMPUSES OF OUR COMMUNITY.
• AND YOU CAN SEE IN SECURED ABOUT 5 PERCENT OF THE CAPITAL NUMBER IN THESE COMMUNITIES WITH JUST OF 4
• MANY OF YOU HAVE SEEN THIS IN YOUR OWN COMMUNITIES.
• WHAT WE REALLY NEED IN RURAL COMMUNITIES ARE JOBS. WE PAY A DECENT WAGE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have e-file technology. Texas, Research Texas, and now Court Analytics Texas.
• So for the most part, if they haven't provided information, it's because of technology reasons. 10 quarts
• I understand what other states do in terms of empowering the inmates to communicate with the.
• I know you're not affiliated, but what type of communication and coordination goes on? Absolutely.
• We communicate frequently with Harris County Law Library, Travis County Law Library, El Paso Law Library

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• "I'm going to do XYZ," especially in the age of technology. You know, they take...
• In the age of technology, you know, they take pictures and everything.
• Call it AI, and we have a situation where we have the internet and all these other places to communicate
• In the cases I've seen, most of the time they have the text messages or emails or some form of communication
• That's the point—it's the number one thing we've got to do: get control of our community, get control

Bills: SB76 , SB35 , SB116 , SB119 , SB118 , SB129 , SB32 , SB31 , SB115 , SB75 , HB27 , HB40

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: jury duty, nursing mothers, exemption, legal rights, parental responsibilities, sexual extortion, criminal law, felony, threat, blackmail, SB116, machine gun conversion devices, switches, pistol conversion device, auto sear, firearm accessories, machine gun, automatic weapon, semiautomatic pistol, gun control

Transcript Highlights:

• Our graduate scholars are the lifeblood of our future thinkers, problem solvers, community service providers
• and members of the higher education department, this would also include individuals who come from communities
• that aren't typically represented, rural communities in particular, which I think is important.
• So in addition to the groups that Senator Pope mentioned, I believe that rural communities that don't
• After this meeting, I'm headed back to UNM to meet with the Science, Technology, and Research Committee

Committee: House House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the deputy chief information officer with the Commonwealth Office of Technology.
• executive director of the Office of Architecture and Governance with the Commonwealth Office of Technology
• 00:01:45.759><c> of</c> officer with Commonwealth Office of officer with Commonwealth Office of Technology
• Technology. Technology.
• </c><00:09:47.279><c> can</c> those efficiencies that technology can those efficiencies that technology

Keywords: 0:20 Rollcall 2:28 Definition of Legacy system and demands of modern workplaces 10:48 Discussion of funding and planned expenditures 22:26 Contingency funding 23:16 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Personnel, Public Retirement, and Finance heard a presentation from the Commonwealth Office of Technology on legacy IT modernization funds and how they are used to address outdated, unsupported, or unsustainable systems. David Carter and Carrie Welch explained the state’s definition of a legacy system under KRS 7A.180, emphasizing not only vendor support issues but also changing business needs, regulatory compliance, and the loss of institutional knowledge for older systems. They described the office’s review process for determining whether a project qualifies, including assessing business risk, comparing options such as upgrades, replacements, shared solutions across agencies, or commercial products, and then matching the project to available funding. The presenters said COT reports twice a year to the Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue on progress with legacy modernization projects. They reported 30 projects funded to date, with 18 completed, and said remaining projects are still moving forward while agencies continue to identify modernization needs. They highlighted examples of completed work, including modernized security cameras, replacement of unsupported systems, migration of documents to the Commonwealth Enterprise Content Management Platform, restoration of vendor support, a digital policy acknowledgement portal, replacement of the State Police dispatch system, and digitization of paper records for faster retrieval and better disaster resilience. Members asked for more detail on how the $10 million request would be allocated, including system-by-system spending, the split between software, hardware, vendor contracts, and staff time, and how the office determines when a system needs replacement. COT said it did not have a system-by-system or cost-category breakdown at the hearing but could provide one later, and explained that the funds are intended for development and first-time acquisition costs rather than ongoing maintenance. They also said the $5 million annual request was based on prior years’ experience and that agencies often contribute some funding themselves, so the program could still operate if appropriated less than the full amount. The committee then approved the minutes and adjourned.