Transcript Highlights:

• Your position will be included and the committee meeting records. Let's take up Tab one.
• excuse me. 30 56 crease of Florida issue for pediatric rare diseases at Florida State University to position
• And I know for fact, based on the Carnegie classification of institutions of higher education, UF is
• And so it's our position that really effective statewide approach on this topic must include all systems
• Every step of the way on this bill, we had amended it to try to get to a position where we have addressed

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We cannot hold our elected officials accountable, including those in such important positions as the
• This bill simply changes the classification that says that certain data cannot be hidden when it does
• This bill simply changes the classification that says that certain data cannot be hidden when it does
• <00:16:05.720> the this uh Bill simply changes the this uh Bill simply changes the classification
• that says that certain uh classification that says that certain uh data<00:16:09.959> cannot<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But if we would have had a carbon-neutral classification at the time, where maybe things could have changed
• But if it would have been a carbon-neutral classification for our biomass products and chips, would that
• But if we would have had a carbon-neutral classification at the time, where maybe things could have changed
• 00:15:03.199> me<00:15:03.480> about But if it would have been a carbon-neutral classification
• for our biomass products classification for our biomass products and<00:15:35.519> chips<00:15

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the position.
• That's the position.
• Um, and it really benefits our position.
• Uh, we have someone in a position now, as you heard Mr. Munata talk about.
• Uh, we have someone in a position now, as you heard Mr. Munata talk about.

Bills: HB1602, HB2246, HB1707, HB2216, HB2594, HB2595, HB2155, HB2113, HB2207, HB1832, HB2015, HB2152, HB2548

Keywords: agriculture, grant specialist, financial support, farmers, Hawaii, federal grants, grant administration, revolving fund, department of agriculture and biosecurity, grant compliance, transportation, reimbursement, food security, local production, sustainability, agricultural loans, financing, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii agriculture, loan portfolio

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members, HB 2104, Agriculture Property Classification Inspection, outlines the reasons a
• Nicole, did you make the positions of the Association of Counties for the assessors?
• Israel, is law enforcement signed in with a position?
• Madam Chair, Representative Volk, law enforcement does not have a position on this bill officially, but

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members, HB 2104, Agriculture Property Classification Inspection, outlines the reasons a
• Nicole, did you make the positions of the Association of Counties for the assessors?
• Israel, is law enforcement signed in with a position?
• Madam Chair, Representative Volk, law enforcement does not have a position on this bill officially, but

Summary: The caucus reviewed several bills on its calendar, mostly focused on Senate amendments and whether sponsors intended to concur. HB 2114 would alter Motorcycle Safety Fund distributions and motorcycle registration rules, including a Senate change requiring at least one registered owner to be licensed in Arizona; the sponsor intended to concur. HB 2729 would continue several boards and agencies, including the Board of Nursing, Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners, Board of Physician Assistance, Department of Economic Security, and Board of Pharmacy; the sponsor also intended to concur. Members discussed two agriculture property inspection bills, HB 2104 and HB 2105. HB 2104 would change rules for agricultural property classification and inspections, while HB 2105 would add notice and reporting requirements for inspections; both had Senate amendments that changed inspection timing and exemptions. Some members raised concerns about county assessors’ workload, opposition from county organizations, and possible inequities and insurance or disaster-related consequences for agricultural property owners. HB 2477, the Arizona Education Savings Plan bill, drew the most discussion. The Senate amendment combined the 529-related provisions with several treasurer-related restrictions and investment rules, and members questioned the policy implications of allowing 529 funds to roll into Roth IRAs. HB 4117 would create or expand criminal penalties for interfering with religious worship, and some members expressed concern about civil liberties and equality issues, while the sponsor intended to concur. HB 2311 would require AI service disclosures to minors and, after substantial Senate amendments, to all account holders in some cases; members asked about effects on schools and government systems, and some noted concerns about the expanded scope and AG enforcement limits. The caucus also heard SCR 1004, which would prohibit photo enforcement traffic programs after December 31 subject to voter approval, though existing programs could continue under certain conditions; law enforcement concerns were noted. SB 1110 would establish a home confinement and electronic monitoring program in the Department of Corrections. SB 1618 would revise the Military Affairs Commission’s membership and duties, but one member objected to adding defense-industry representation and warned about military-industrial-complex influence. The meeting ended with the chair noting that only the bills that had gone through rules were on the agenda and adjourned the caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• both I mean that's several positions both I mean that's several positions that<01:09:04.040>
• have tried to, you know, get support for those positions because the technical positions to operate
• have tried to, you know, get support for those positions because the technical positions to operate
• have tried to, you know, get support for those positions because the technical positions to operate
• And your position is funded out of funds to those positions?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• them at one of our minimum security prisons or medium security prisons that qualify for that classification
• them at one of our minimum security prisons or medium security prisons that qualify for that classification
• them at one of our minimum security prisons or medium security prisons that qualify for that classification
• :14.320> in<00:24:14.559> short,<00:24:14.880> I<00:24:15.039> am classification
• So in short, I am classification level.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard three resolutions first. STR 32/SR 18 asked the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to work with the Department of Transportation to use inmate work furlough programs for state roadway and highway maintenance. Testimony was generally supportive of the intent, but the Correctional System Oversight Commission raised concerns about using work furlough for maintenance and emphasized that participants should be paid at least minimum wage, be able to meet restitution and support obligations, and not have their release timing affected. The measures were later recommended and adopted by both committees with no amendments in the joint portion. STR 199/SR 179 concerned increased caution regarding foreign infrastructure. There was no public testimony. In decision-making, the committees split the measures: STR 199 was deferred because of a similar measure, while SR 179 was passed with amendments. The amendments were described as clarifying Hawaii’s goals of self-sufficiency, local self-reliance, and self-determination, and encouraging scrutiny by departments and agencies to reduce dependence on imports. STR 231/SR 207, which would direct DOT to install electronic equipment at state airports and harbors to scan for illegal fireworks, drew mixed testimony, including support from the Oahu Filipino Community Council and comments from Matson Navigation. DOT said it supported the intent. The committees adopted amendments to address Matson’s concerns by moving inspections to a place outside the immediate loading and unloading area, and both committees passed the measures as amended. The Public Safety and Military Affairs committee then took up additional resolutions. STR 113/SR 94, designating Hawaii as a Purple Heart state on August 7, 2025, received no testimony and was not discussed further. STR 204/SR 164, asking the Department of Law Enforcement for information on disposal, detonation, and destruction of explosive fireworks and similar hazardous materials, also drew no testimony in the excerpt. STR 107/SR 88, urging military branches in Hawaii to provide hurricane-resistant shelters for active and retired personnel and families, likewise received no testimony. STR 148/SR 119, supporting construction of a floating dry dock at Pearl Harbor, drew broad support from industry, military, and state economic development representatives. STR 149/SR 120, creating a vegetation management working group to address wildfire risk, received extensive testimony in support and comments, with speakers from DCCA, PUC, Hawaiian Electric, IBW 1260, Hawaiʻi Telecom, and Kamehameha Schools discussing wildfire hazards, responsibility for vegetation near utility infrastructure, and the need to include workers and landowners in the process. STR 126/SR 105, calling for an incremental reduction in the number of inmates housed in private out-of-state facilities, prompted a lengthy discussion with DCR. The director said Hawaii’s out-of-state incarceration is driven by overcrowding and security needs, not a quota, described the per-person-per-day cost of CoreCivic housing, noted that Hawaii pays about $96 per inmate per day out of state versus about $37 in-state, and said the department is working on a master plan and future facility needs. The committee also discussed the need for a new prison and possibly a new jail. The excerpt ends with the committee still in discussion, without showing a final vote on STR 126/SR 105.

Transcript Highlights:

• So when you take that away, you take away the negotiating position of those that are trying to move the
• <00:45:55.200> to<00:45:55.359> a changes the negotiation position to a changes the
• negotiation position to a large<00:45:55.760> degree<00:45:56.480> and<00:45:56.800>
• you take away the negotiating position you take away the negotiating position of<00:46:15.839>
• <02:19:07.679> Um classifications between the two. Um classifications between the two.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 439 requires that sellers provide clear written disclosures regarding the vehicle's legal classification
• HB 439 requires that sellers provide clear written disclosures regarding the vehicle's legal classification
• Under 233, it's considered a positive factor in deciding whether or not to grant an ESA at the Public
• hydrogen hub and other energy manufacturing and infrastructure investments that would have an enormous positive
• doing different things, well, then they’re not going to fit within the North American Industry Classification

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on energy, public safety, and environmental cleanup. House Bill 455 would create a historic preservation license plate to raise funds and awareness for Delaware preservation efforts, and House Bill 471 would tighten rules and penalties for off-highway vehicles on shared private roads, with golf carts excluded. House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 439, the Truth in E-Bike Marketing Act, would require clearer disclosures when selling electric mopeds and electric motorcycles so consumers understand classification, power, and licensing/insurance requirements. House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 407, related to the Hazardous Substance Cleanup Act and brownfields, would shift funding for brownfield cleanup from the original realty transfer tax approach to a dedicated share of the hazardous substance cleanup fund and raise civil penalties for fraudulent acts. The committee also approved the June 18, 2026 minutes once quorum was reached. Most of the meeting centered on House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 233, as amended, a large-load/data center bill intended to protect ratepayers from costs tied to massive new electricity users. The sponsor and Public Advocate said PJM’s warnings about a coming reliability backstop auction made it urgent to establish a Delaware framework now, requiring large energy users to sign utility agreements, cover their share of transmission, distribution, and capacity costs, and comply with curtailment and other protections. Supporters from environmental groups and some labor and business voices said the bill was needed to prevent cost shifts to households and small businesses, while opponents argued it was being rushed, could deter investment, and might unintentionally affect other industries; several asked for more time and clearer definitions. No vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee also took up House Bill 470, which would authorize Delmarva Power, with PSC approval, to build and operate utility-owned battery storage and spread costs across the customer base. The sponsor and Delmarva said the bill would improve reliability quickly and help avoid outages, while the chair expressed concern that the state had not yet fully studied whether utility-owned or competitively procured storage is the best model, noting a recent SEU storage study and broader policy questions. Supporters said utility storage could be deployed faster and help with peak shaving, while others urged a competitive process; the transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 470.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:17:05.679> to is necessarily in the best position to is necessarily in the best position
• I don't know that the department has a position on whether it's fair or not.
• <04:12:57.199> I<04:12:57.520> don't<04:12:57.680> know position.
• I don't know position. Um, I don't know.
• analysis, the answer is classification analysis, the answer is probably<04:58:33.200> yes.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began with procedural announcements about report turnaround, amendment submission methods during split operations, a possible January 29 session, the governor’s State of the State on February 5, parking, cafeteria opening, and the plan to finish work by February 10. It then moved into executive session on HB 1123, which would require certain companies to post salary ranges on public job listings. Representative Granger moved ITL, arguing the bill would interfere with negotiations, especially for higher-level jobs, and raise compelled-speech concerns. Supporters, including Representatives Schultz, Sullivan, Cahill, Staub, and others, said salary ranges help applicants avoid wasted time and travel, improve transparency, and are already a common workplace disclosure. The committee voted 10-9 to ITL HB 1123. The committee next took up HB 177, concerning a definition of remote work in labor law. Representative Murphy moved ITL, saying the bill could burden employers, create vague obligations, duplicate existing protections, and potentially require intrusive compliance measures. Representative Sullivan described a proposed amendment that would narrow the bill to a definition of remote work and remove broader requirements, but the committee ultimately voted 11-9 to ITL HB 177. Members also noted that the amendment had not been fully circulated in time and that the issue might merit further review. Finally, the committee opened HB 1352, a workers’ compensation bill focused on repricing and payment practices. The sponsor withdrew an initial ITL motion and moved OTP after amendment review. Members discussed concerns raised at the hearing about delayed payments, third-party administrators, and the need for better accountability. Representative McKenzie’s amendment would define good faith, create a voluntary three-year dispute-resolution pilot, restore fines to prior levels, and add reporting/accountability requirements for carriers that miss the 30-day payment deadline. Several members supported the amendment as a way to help small businesses and providers, while others said repricing needed broader study through the workers’ compensation advisory council. The Department of Labor explained that the amendment would require carriers and related payers to report missed determinations to the department and would increase oversight of payment timeliness.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it would be my position that, irrespective of the dates involved, we not approve this amendment, and
• attached to the bill or to the proposal that's obviously designed to signal something to the voters positive
• Well, my position would be that I think any existing ordinances that don't apply it are already misapplying
• So 137-016 would change the classification.
• I guess before I go any further, the certificate of needs committee is in a bit of a strange position

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Should you choose to waive your speaking time, your position will be included in the committee meeting
• Were they successful in positively impacting health care outcomes?
• the creation of a sovereign wealth fund to ensure the nation's economic and physical policies are positioned
• the creation of a sovereign wealth fund to ensure the nation's economic and physical policies are positioned
• The changing in the language regarding an independent contractor, the classification, that is a really

Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Tourism took up several measures, beginning with SB 1666, which would adopt Florida’s version of UCC Article 12 to address commercial transactions involving digital assets such as cryptocurrency, smart contracts, blockchain, and NFTs. The committee adopted a technical amendment and then reported the bill favorably. It also approved CS/SB 480, a proposal to create affordable health coverage options for farmers and ranchers through a nonprofit agricultural organization model; the bill drew significant questions about preexisting conditions, ACA coverage, costs, and whether the plans would function like insurance, but it was ultimately reported favorably despite opposition from some members and outside groups. The committee then unanimously advanced CS/SB 1172, which expands business development incentives for veterans and military spouses, including procurement preferences, fee waivers, tax exemptions, and an entrepreneurship program; an amendment added military-spouse hiring preferences and protections for private employers that adopt them voluntarily. The committee also approved CS/SB 1400, a bill aimed at non-consensual AI-generated sexual deepfakes. The measure requires covered platforms to provide a removal process, post clear notice of that process, and remove identified content within 24 to 48 hours, with liability under the Florida Unfair Trade and Deceptive Practices Act for noncompliance; an amendment carved out internet service providers from liability. Members raised concerns about repeat uploads and the meaning of “reasonable efforts,” but the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adopted SM 1488, a memorial urging Congress to create a sovereign wealth fund, despite testimony opposing it as unnecessary and constitutionally questionable. It also passed SB 1252, which would create a centralized statewide system for sharing pawn and secondhand dealer data among law enforcement agencies; the sponsor said the first step would be a $250,000 feasibility study, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered SB 922, which revises Florida’s restrictive covenant laws by creating a streamlined process for certain non-compete and garden leave agreements involving employees with access to sensitive information and higher wages. The bill drew extensive debate over worker mobility, global scope, and whether it would strengthen employer leverage too much; after a technical amendment, it was reported favorably. The last major item was SB 1776, a Florida Whistleblowers Act revision that adds a notice-to-cure requirement, narrows retaliation and employer definitions, and limits claims where another statutory remedy exists. Members and public speakers raised concerns that it could make whistleblower claims harder to bring and give employers time to destroy evidence, but the bill was amended and then reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the position that the Trump administration is in right now.
• Negative rhetoric affects us, but your positive statements uplift us.
• One hasn't been done. affects us, but your positive statements uplift us.
• There's no response because of the Attorney General's position, though, that is not enforceable?
• Is that what our position has been?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held an informational hearing on “Protecting Equity in Higher Education” and emphasized that no bills were being heard. Members and witnesses focused on the effects of recent federal actions on DEI, admissions, financial aid, student loans, international students, and campus equity efforts in Massachusetts. Opening remarks from the co-chairs and the chair of Higher Education highlighted Massachusetts’ investments in free community college, expanded financial aid, and early college programs, while warning that federal policy changes could undermine those gains. Testimony from BU law professor Jonathan Feingold argued that many DEI practices remain legally defensible after Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, and that the decision did not end all race-conscious or equity-oriented efforts. He said the Trump administration’s anti-DEI actions and funding threats were legally suspect and had created confusion and a chilling effect. Bahar Akman-in-Boden of the Hildreth Institute testified that proposed federal cuts to TRIO, Gear Up, Pell Grants, SEOG, work-study, and student loan programs would disproportionately harm low-income, first-generation, Black, Latino, and other underserved students, and urged the state to prepare hold-harmless and advising supports using Fair Share revenue. Commissioner Noe Ortega described Massachusetts’ long history of equity in higher education and said the state has expanded aid, success programs, and early college, but still has work to do on attainment and completion. He said the state responded to SFFA by creating ACARE and continuing to defend equity practices, while also warning that federal disruptions and “dear colleague” letters have created uncertainty. In the second panel, state university leaders and campus officials said federal threats to Pell, DEI grants, Medicaid, and international student policies could affect access, campus operations, and the economy; they stressed that most state university graduates stay in Massachusetts and that institutions are continuing their equity practices despite federal pressure. Roxbury Community College’s president said RCC remains committed to open access and inclusion, noted enrollment growth, and said executive orders do not change existing law or the college’s obligations.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a list of all of our positions that make up that 90.
• The classification process is pretty well thought out, and so we place them in the unit that we feel

Transcript Highlights:

• SHOULD YOU SELECT A WAGER SPEAKING TIME, YOUR POSITION WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE COMMITTEE MEETING RECORDS
• IN TERMS OF AGRICULTURE CLASSIFICATION, AFTER STORMS MATTHEW AND HELENE THE LEGISLATURE PROVIDED A FIVE-YEAR

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What we're trying to do is limit those videos that they still retain their data classification under
• > 13<00:04:32.639> or<00:04:32.840> Minnesota It's very clear that the data classification

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 1354, which was moved with a DE1 amendment. The amendment was adopted without opposition. The bill, as explained by the author and BCA Superintendent Drew Evans, would narrow the BCA’s website-posting requirement for officer-involved death investigations so that the agency must post the video of the incident showing the events leading up to, during, and shortly after the incident, rather than all body-camera footage. Other materials would still be available through normal data requests, and the change was described as intended to reduce the burden of redacting and posting large amounts of extraneous video while preserving transparency. Evans said the BCA supports public access and transparency but is struggling to meet the current 30-day posting deadline because of the volume of video and the time required to redact private information. He noted that the BCA has nine full-time staff working on data practices requests and that the Senate amendment clarifies what must be posted while preserving Chapter 13 and the Minnesota Data Practices Act. A public testifier, Rich Newmeister, thanked the bill authors and said the amendment helps ensure data remains available to the public and supports transparency following George Floyd’s death. Members offered supportive comments, including appreciation for the BCA’s cooperation and willingness to work on the issue. No opposition was recorded. The committee then approved the motion to re-refer House File 1354, as amended, to the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Should you select to waive your speaking time, your position will be included in the committee meeting
• me, 1356, creates a Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at Florida State University to position
• Yet here we still are in a position. And I think we've got to get this under control.
• Yet here we still are in a position. ...and associations that have reached out.
• Yet here we still are in a position where we've come from inspect literally everything.

Summary: The committee took up a series of bills and amendments, reporting several measures favorably. Early in the meeting, CS for CS for SB 344 modernizing the Telecommunications Access System Act was approved without opposition. The committee then adopted amendments and passed CS for SB 714 on non-opioid advanced directives, CS for SB 738 updating child care and early learning provider regulation, CS for SB 756 revising health insurance coverage for individuals with developmental disabilities, and CS for CS for SB 1356 creating a Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU and a newborn genetic testing pilot. Later, the committee also approved CS for SB 1624 on higher education, CS for SB 1626 on child welfare, SB 178 on an agronomic study for emerging crops, SB 1162 on water access facilities and boat ramp parking, CS for CS for SB 958 creating a type 1 diabetes early detection program, CS for CS for SB 1402 expanding dropout retrieval eligibility, SB 774 requiring electronic transmission of certain court orders, SB 1516 creating an international aerospace innovation fund, and SB 994 revising driver education requirements. Most of these bills were reported favorably by roll call votes after brief explanations and, in several cases, amendments. Several measures drew substantive discussion and public testimony. CS for CS for SB 1624 prompted questions about replacing “minority” with “underrepresented,” the role of the Florida Department of Education’s Commission for Independent Education in overseeing private religious postsecondary institutions, and whether the changes could affect access for students at institutions such as FAMU and FIU. CS for CS for SB 1070 on ECGs for student athletes received extensive emotional testimony from parents and advocates describing children lost to sudden cardiac arrest and urging mandatory screenings; the sponsor said the bill would be cost-neutral for districts by encouraging partnerships with screening groups. SB 994 on driver education was discussed as a vehicle to add distracted driving instruction, and the sponsor agreed to work on that issue. SB 774 was presented as a response to a fatal delay in transmitting an ex parte order, with support from clerks and sheriffs. The most extended debate centered on SB 810 on stormwater management systems. The sponsor said the bill, as amended, would narrow annual inspections to infrastructure identified as vulnerable by MS4 entities, but the Florida League of Cities, Florida Association of Counties, and Florida Stormwater Association warned the proposal could impose major costs and duplicate existing MS4 permit requirements. Committee members questioned the fiscal impact, whether the bill would apply to FDOT or other entities, and whether annual inspections were feasible for large and small jurisdictions alike. Despite those concerns, the sponsor and several members emphasized flood prevention and public safety, and the bill remained under discussion with the sponsor indicating continued willingness to work with stakeholders.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had 159 open positions in 2026. We're not going to fill all of those positions.
• Slide is a snapshot of our financial position over the last four or five years.
• As you said, you have 159 positions that are not filled.
• That's about 16% of your staff positions that are not filled. How long has it been that way?
• I mean, people pursue other positions.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for those reasonable, you know, annual salary increases to keep our and we've gone through the classification
• through<00:26:55.120> the our and we've gone through the our and we've gone through the classification
• <00:26:56.000> surveys<00:26:56.320> that<00:26:56.480> the classification surveys
• that the classification surveys that the personnel<00:26:57.039> cabinet<00:26:57.520> did
• may have said you don't have this information, but what I was wanting to know is how many surveyor positions

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Human Services met to review budget items carved out in the prior session budget, including long-term care surveyor contracts, funding for local health departments, and expansion of the central laboratory. The committee approved the June 4 minutes and then heard an update from the Office of Inspector General’s Division of Health Care on long-term care certification surveys and complaint investigations. Officials said the $1 million annual appropriation for contracted survey work, along with salary increases and other resources, helped the state reduce its backlog. They reported that Kentucky completed 101 long-term care certification surveys in fiscal year 2024, up from 28 in fiscal year 2023, and had completed 186 surveys by July 7, 2025, with a goal of 40 to 50 more before the end of fiscal year 2025. Outstanding complaints fell from 1,565 at the end of fiscal year 2024 to 695 by July 7, 2025, and outstanding priority-one or immediate-jeopardy complaints were reduced to zero. Members asked about the definition of priority-one cases, survey timing, the number of facilities still overdue, vacancy rates, federal funding reliance, and the use of contract surveyors. Officials said priority-one cases involve serious harm or high risk of harm, that surveys are required within a 12- to 15.7-month window, and that the agency now has 40 contract surveyors and an outside team option. Several members praised the progress but warned that delays in surveys can endanger residents and urged continued funding and monitoring. The committee then began hearing from Mike Tuggle of the Department of Public Health on the Public Health Transformation Initiative, with Tuggle noting the legislation’s importance to public health financing. The transcript cuts off as he began his remarks.