Transcript Highlights:

• In 1990, the legislature directed DEP to initiate an ongoing computerized system to modernize its state
• Directed DEP to initiate an ongoing computerized system to modernize its state lands records and documents
• computerized system for state lands records, technology has of course evolved, and DEP continues to modernize
• DEP is also working toward modernizing the agency's electronic document management system, which some

Summary: The Joint Administrative Procedures Committee reviewed several agency rules and objections under Chapter 120. First, the committee revisited prior objections to Agency for Health Care Administration rules containing sunset provisions. AHCA’s general counsel said the agency amended 26 of the objected rules but declined to amend five others, arguing sunset provisions are lawful, are not themselves rules, and were consistent with a 2019 gubernatorial directive. Committee members questioned that position, especially for licensing and certificate-of-need rules, and urged the agency to consider legislative changes; no formal action was taken on that item during the discussion. The committee then considered an objection to Department of Management Services Rule 60G-1.001 defining the Governor’s Mansion grounds. Committee staff argued the rule is vague and improperly refers to future land acquisitions without updating the rule since 1998. DMS defended the rule as a general definition tied to publicly recorded property and a master lease, but said it would not object if the Legislature chose to codify the definition in statute. After discussion, the committee voted to file the objection. Members also received informational updates from the Department of Environmental Protection on the Solaris state lands inventory system, and from the Florida Gaming Control Commission on its response to the Tampa Bay Downs unadopted-rule litigation, in which the commission said it has stopped relying on the prior tax interpretation and will not promulgate a rule on that issue. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation said it would remove an unsupported cigar wholesale dealer permit reference, repeal an obsolete excise-tax deduction rule, and amend penalty guidelines and an affirmation in its alcohol, beverage, and tobacco rules. Finally, the Division of Administrative Hearings’ interim director discussed case-processing times, possible changes to ALJ status, and whether the Florida Rules of Evidence should apply in administrative proceedings, emphasizing the need to weigh costs, independence, and impacts on pro se litigants. The chair noted this was likely the committee’s final meeting of the year.

Transcript Highlights:

• This allows us again to bring things into the more modern times as far as how we're defining disciplinary
• c> the<00:03:59.519> the things into the the things into the the more<00:04:00.519> modern
• 01.439> far<00:04:01.599> as<00:04:01.799> how<00:04:01.920> we're more modern
• times as far as how we're more modern times as far as how we're defining<00:04:02.680> disciplinary

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations met on March 27, 2025, with a quorum present and first took up House Bill 255, relating to physical therapy. The bill sponsor and representatives of the Kentucky Board of Physical Therapy and APTA Kentucky said the measure is mainly a cleanup and modernization bill that updates outdated statutory language, changes PTAs from “certified” to “licensed,” gives the board authority to purchase liability insurance, moves fee and fine caps into regulation without changing current fees, renames temporary permits as provisional licenses, and creates a pathway to more easily recognize some internationally trained physical therapists already practicing in other states. Senators asked whether the bill changed training, scope of practice, Medicaid, or supervised practice standards; witnesses said it did not, and that supervised practice requirements remain in place with out-of-state practice accepted only when equivalent or more stringent. The committee approved HB 255 with favorable expression. The committee then considered House Bill 618, an alcoholic beverages measure with a Senate committee substitute. The bill was described as having three parts: allowing restaurants to buy limited quantities of alcohol from retail outlets to meet customer demand while keeping the three-tier system intact and requiring quarterly reporting; creating a temporary auctioneer license to auction previously retail-sold alcohol in original packaging, such as estate or bourbon collections; and giving quota bar license holders the same opportunity restaurants already have to sell barrel picks by the bottle. Testimony supported the bill as a way to help restaurants, auctioneers, and bars, while a senator raised a question about sales tax on auction sales and another noted that nonprofit or church-related alcohol auctions already require permits under existing law. One senator suggested future guardrails to encourage local purchasing, but no amendment was adopted. The committee passed HB 618 with favorable expression.

Transcript Highlights:

• What this bill does basically is modernize campaign finance laws to allow for the protection of candidates
• 00:03:50.680> does<00:03:51.000> basically<00:03:51.439> is<00:03:51.640> modernize
• bill does basically is modernize bill does basically is modernize campaign<00:03:53.000> Finance

Keywords: Consideration of HB 373 02:30 Consideration of HB 455 10:05, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with opening prayer, pledge, and procedural reminders, then took up two election-related bills. House Bill 373, sponsored by Rep. Wade Williams, would modernize campaign finance law to allow campaign funds to pay for reasonable security measures for state candidates, officeholders, their families, and campaign or office staff. Williams said the bill uses campaign funds only, not state dollars, and is modeled on recently changed federal language. Members discussed whether the coverage included all state officeholders and close family members, and supporters cited increasing threats and harassment toward public officials; one member opposed the bill, warning about possible misuse and fraud. The bill passed with favorable expression. The committee then heard House Bill 455, sponsored by Rep. Patrick Flannery, which creates an Office of Election Investigations and Security within the Attorney General’s office. Flannery said the bill would codify existing practices, establish a complaint and allegation review process, create a voter fraud hotline, and provide for investigations, referrals, and legislative oversight. Members asked about cost and whether the office duplicated existing functions such as the Public Integrity Office; Flannery responded that the bill creates a statutorily defined office and is intended to make the process less dependent on who holds the office. Supporters said the measure could improve transparency and voter trust, while opponents argued it duplicates existing agencies, could increase government size and cost, and might expose people to harassment or retaliation. The bill also passed with favorable expression, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• and address certain gaps and update antiquated technology systems to protect the state's data and modernize
• and address certain gaps and update antiquated technology systems to protect the state's data and modernize
• <01:02:28.920> would to how that that um modernization would to how that that um modernization
• fund that has really modernization fund that has really allowed<01:19:28.560> us<01:19:28.719
• funding that technology modernization funding that technology modernization vehicle<01:20:20.520

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:40.759> this<00:14:40.920> is infrastructure modernization this is infrastructure
• modernization this is kind<00:14:41.320> of<00:14:41.480> a<00:14:41.600> hold<
• And finally, uh, the repeal of the tax filing modernization account.
• We thank Governor Walz for a tax plan that kicks off some important conversations, including modernizing
• We thank Governor Walz for a tax plan that kicks off some important conversations, including modernizing

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently advocating for the modernization of the homestead property tax exclusion for disabled veterans
• Currently advocating for the modernization of the homestead property tax exclusion for disabled veterans
• Currently advocating for the modernization of the homestead property tax exclusion for disabled veterans

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• announced the House amended and passed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 686, Coal Tenancy Modernization
• Senate Bill 686, Coal Tenancy Modernization and Miners' Protection Act. Message will be received.
• Substitute for Senate Bill 153, authorizing the Unemployment Automation and Administration Fund to modernize

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate first considered confirmations from Senate Executive Message No. 4. On a 33-0 vote, it confirmed all nominees except number 54, then separately confirmed nominee 54 on a 30-3 vote. The special order of business was then closed. The chamber then took up a series of House-amended bills and generally concurred in the amendments before passing each bill. These included SB 723 on law enforcement cooperation with bordering states; SB 947 on birth certificate copies for homeless minors; SB 392 on personal income tax reduction; SB 54 on criminal penalties for abuse or neglect of incapacitated adults; SB 228 on technology in child abuse and neglect investigations, including a three-county caseworker aid pilot; SB 231 on value-based payment requirements; SB 402, the Workforce Readiness Opportunity Act, with House removal of tax credits and other provisions while retaining micro-credential programs; SB 553 on transfer of contractor licenses to qualifying immediate family members; SB 575 on refusal review hearings; SB 686, the Coal Tenancy Modernization and Miners' Protection Act; SB 906 on lawful prescription of crystalline polymorph psilocybin under FDA recommendations; and SB 1226 on penalties for disturbing religious worship. Most final passage votes were unanimous or near-unanimous, and several bills were made effective from passage or given a specific effective date. Later, the Senate concurred in House amendments to SB 63, the Creating Sustaining Opportunities for Academics and Rural Schools Act, after discussion noting the House removed county charter school language and changed the effective date. The bill passed 32-2 and was made effective from passage. The Senate also concurred in amendments to SB 502, the Women's Collegiate Sports Protection Act, and SB 153, creating the Unemployment Automation and Administration Fund; SB 502 was set to take effect July 1, 2026, and SB 153 was also made effective July 1, 2026. Finally, the Senate reconsidered and again passed SB 392 by a 32-2 vote. The session ended with several introductions, announcements, and a recess until 5:30.

Transcript Highlights:

• interesting thing with this also is, in digging into the potential capabilities of this system, it's modernized
• interesting thing with this also is in digging into the potential capabilities of this system is its modernized
• data. capabilities of this system is it's modernized data collection for not just financial but there

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 1540, an education savings account bill. Senator Wobbema presented Amendment 040-003, describing mostly clarifying and reorganizing changes, including eligibility language, administrator duties, school participation standards, assessment provisions, and a correction removing a requirement that the department pay for state assessment materials if a parent selected that option. The committee adopted the amendment 4-2, then advanced HB 1540 as amended on a 4-2 vote and sent it to Appropriations, with Senator Wobbema designated as carrier. One senator opposed the bill, arguing it would divert resources from public schools and conflict with the state’s obligation to provide a free appropriate education while districts still face funding needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• I hear about the need to update our laws to reflect what rural communities can look like in modern Florida
• I hear about the need to update our laws to reflect what rural communities can look like in modern Florida
• Regarding roadways and rural areas, modernization and safety upgrades are absolutely important, but we

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and first considered CS/SB 7012 on child welfare, presented by Senator Graal. The bill addressed three areas: child welfare workforce shortages, higher-acuity children in out-of-home care, and services/data for commercially sexually exploited children. It would create a CPI and case manager recruitment program aimed at former public safety and service workers, convene a workforce work group, establish a four-year treatment foster care pilot in two judicial circuits identified by DCF based on removal and placement data, and require more detailed, extractable child-level data on commercially sexually exploited children along with a bed capacity study and service gap analysis. Two amendments were adopted: one clarified record retention for redacted assessments, and another attached the appropriation. The committee then heard CS/SB 110 on rural communities from Senator Simon. The bill proposed a broad rural development package, including a state office of rural prosperity, a Renaissance grant program for counties with declining populations, increased housing support, major rural road funding, school consortium funding, and additional health care resources for rural facilities and training. A delete-all amendment was adopted that expanded and refined several provisions, including local sales tax trust fund distributions, county connectivity projects, agritourism marketing support, disaster-impacted rural infrastructure eligibility, insurance and provider eligibility changes, and increased funding for critical access hospitals and rural medical education reimbursement. Both bills drew broad support from local government, education, health care, housing, and rural advocacy representatives. Supporters said the rural bill was especially comprehensive and would help small counties, schools, roads, housing, and health care, while one witness cautioned that road expansion should be balanced with protection of agricultural and natural lands. Senator Bradley and Senator Simon emphasized local control and the importance of strengthening rural Florida without imposing mandates. CS/SB 7012 and CS/SB 110 were both reported favorably, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• ASCE works to raise awareness of the need to maintain and modernize the nation's infrastructure using
• Outdated sewer lines, designed before a modern... of more extreme participation events have resulted
• Third, we must continue reviewing and modernizing engineering standards that incorporate innovation,

Keywords: Texas, Infrastructure Report Card, ASCE, population growth, climate change, investment, public safety, engineering standards

Summary: The meeting focused on the release of the 2025 Texas Infrastructure Report Card, highlighting key findings and recommendations for improving infrastructure across various sectors in the state. Julie Jones, Vice President of ASCE Texas, opened the session by introducing key speakers, including Dr. Art Wood and committee co-chairs Griselda Gonzalez and Austin Mazzarelli. Throughout the discussion, the report's grades were revealed, showing the state's infrastructure received an overall grade of 'C'—adequate but requiring significant attention and investment. Emphasis was placed on the rising challenges posed by climate change and increased population growth, underscoring the need for strategic investments in infrastructure to support Texas' economic growth and public safety.

Transcript Highlights:

• action, to support survivors, speak up to educate others, and push for change needed to end this modern-day
• The discovery of 72 more workers who were working behind barbed wire fence, that really led to the modern
• movement to eradicate modern-day slavery.

Transcript Highlights:

• modern courts require. modern courts require.
• A modern combined public safety facility will shorten response times. They'll improve patient care.
• A modern combined public undersized.
• A modern combined public safety<01:06:24.800> facility<01:06:25.200> will<01:06:25.320>
• equity facilities required for modern equity facilities required for modern public<01:39:23.160>

Bills: HF4094, HF3390, HF3813, HF3583, HF3751, HF4324, HF4789, HF3596, HF4033, HF4424, HF4053

Keywords: Crosby, local sales tax, bonding authority, community projects, voter approval, Owatonna, use tax, special law, community center, municipal finance, capital project, sales and use tax, local option tax, city tax, public facility, general election, bond referendum, debt limit, levy limit, Minnesota local government

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, we ask you to modernize the disabled veteran homestead property tax exclusion.
• <00:54:11.200> the Second, we ask you to modernize the Second, we ask you to modernize the
• practices by moderniz and by modernizing practices by moderniz and by modernizing uh<01:02:34.400
• In addition to modernizing this year.
• In addition to modernizing the<01:05:19.280> disabled<01:05:19.839> veterans<01:05:20.240

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting of the session with member introductions and a statement from the chair that veterans issues would remain distinct and receive separate attention. The first item was an update on the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley from Executive Director Randall Dietrich. He said the museum has operated for nearly 50 years, has outgrown its current space, and is building a new 40,000-square-foot facility with $32 million in state support plus several million more in private funding. He described construction progress, planned exhibits including restored military artifacts and the USS Ward gun, and said the museum is scheduled to open on September 12. In response to Senator Kunish, Dietrich said the museum is actively incorporating stories and flags representing women, tribal nations, and other underrepresented groups, including 11 tribal flags at the entrance, and is working to integrate those stories throughout the galleries rather than isolating them. The committee then received an update from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs on the veterans suicide prevention plan from Rachel Johnson, Veterans Committee Health Director, with John Kelly later answering questions on department impacts. Johnson said the plan is a coordinated statewide framework built with legislative support, expanding regional coordinators, veteran health navigators, data analytics, and community partnerships, including a suicide mortality review pilot in Hennepin County. She said Minnesota loses about 100 veterans a year to suicide, that firearms remain the primary mechanism, and that prevention must address community connection, economic stability, and access to care, not just clinical treatment. She also said the plan aligns with state and federal strategies and is intended as a living roadmap. In response to questions, Johnson said the department is exploring data-sharing policy issues, has not seen a direct financial impact from federal VA staffing changes, and is tracking federal proposals affecting VA advisory groups. She also said 988 data is available in general but more Minnesota-specific data on the veteran option is still being gathered. Members asked follow-up questions about trends in veteran suicide, the role of families in identifying warning signs, and the Hennepin County mortality review pilot. Johnson said the annual number has remained around 100 for about 15 years, with a dip in 2024 and a return to that level in 2025, and that the Hennepin County pilot was chosen because it offers a manageable geography and existing coalition work, with an initial review expected by May or June. The final item began a presentation from the Minnesota Association of County Veteran Service Officers. Legislative chair Larry Fonder said the group’s priorities are protecting veterans from fraud and modernizing the property tax benefit for disabled veterans, but the presentation would focus on educating the committee about the role, training, certification, and accountability of county veteran service officers. President Tom Anderson, the Winona County VSO and a Navy veteran, began describing his background and office staffing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I would defer to my testifier on what the longevity might be for modern equipment.
• Hawkins, thank you for modern equipment. Hawkins, thank you for the<00:16:04.079> question.
• One, it promotes modern-day division that does not naturally exist.
• Representative Hudson continued: One, it promotes modern-day division that does not naturally exist.
• And yet, one of these modern wind turbines standing next to it dwarfs it in size.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• our statutes with respect to modernize our statutes with respect to fentanyl<00:16:15.600> while<
• Our modern immigration laws started in 1952, and it was an effort to go away from where we had gone in
• Our modern immigration laws started in 1952, and it was an effort to go away from where we had gone in
• Our modern immigration laws started in 1952, and it was an effort to go away from where we had gone in
• twist they're using AI but with a modern twist they're using AI to<00:52:36.079> monitor<00:52

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Facilities modernization: this is $3.2 million in base trunk highway funding for MnDOT truck stations
• <00:56:28.920> this<00:56:29.039> is<00:56:29.319> 3.2 facilities modernization
• this is 3.2 facilities modernization this is 3.2 million<00:56:30.520> in<00:56:30.680> base
• of um the infrastructure modernization of um the infrastructure modernization credit<00:57:47.440
• under one roof will allow synergy and collaboration for leadership of the State Patrol and for a modern

Bills: HF5

Keywords: tax modification, transportation funding, electric vehicle tax, Social Security subtraction, retail delivery fee, motor vehicle registration, state budget, transportation policy, 1183, house

Summary: The committee began with member and staff introductions, then heard an overview of the governor’s transportation budget recommendations from fiscal staff Andy Lee. He explained that the spreadsheet showed only proposed changes, not base spending, and highlighted General Fund and trunk highway adjustments for MnDOT and the Department of Public Safety, including operating changes, extensions of prior appropriations, increased state road construction and Blatnik Bridge authority tied to anticipated federal funds, State Patrol hiring and a metro headquarters item, aeronautics changes, and revenue adjustments in the Driver and Vehicle Services special revenue account. The main testimony came from Metropolitan Council Chair Charlie Zelle, who outlined three budget-related items: advancing funds to MnDOT to help coordinate a highway reconstruction with a transitway project, making Metro Mobility riders eligible for free fixed-route transit, and reducing the Metro Transit general fund appropriation by $32.454 million annually. He said the advance would speed delivery and reduce disruption, the free-fare pilot had been successful and could save money if even a small share of Metro Mobility trips shifted to fixed-route service, and the general fund reduction was manageable in the near term because of new revenue streams but could constrain future expansion and capital maintenance. Members questioned the long-term effects of the proposed reduction, possible impacts on safety, service expansion, and capital maintenance, and whether federal funding uncertainty could affect operations and bus procurement. Zelle said the cuts would not affect immediate operations but could limit future BRT, microtransit, and transitway expansion, while also noting that capital maintenance needs include platform rebuilds, track work, rolling stock, and station repairs. He also said the 2023 funding package had accelerated projects and that the council was opening three transit lines this year. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• placed in unique public positions of trust, and this bill ensures that we maintain that trust by modernizing
• This includes modernizing Medicaid payment methodologies, evaluating global budgets and other value-based
• Reduce educator administrative burden, and prepare students for the modern workforce.
• The legislation modernizes Chapter 57 of Title 15, which governs how election results are canvassed and
• This resolution asks Delaware to explore a more balanced, modern approach that still maintains federal

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The business analyst is needed because we have a tax system modernization program, which is basically
• The business analyst is needed because we have a tax system modernization program, which is basically
• familiar we have a tax system modern modernization<00:20:01.960> program<00:20:02.960> and
• <00:20:03.080> so<00:20:03.440> that's modernization program and so that's modernization
• This measure will support our UI modernization while improving services. right these three positions

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 5052 as amended in the governor, it is a great effort in moving forward in trying to modernize
• effort in moving forward in<00:30:49.600> trying<00:30:49.960> to<00:30:50.080> modernize
• our<00:30:51.600> tax<00:30:52.120> code<00:30:52.920> to in trying to modernize
• our tax code to in trying to modernize our tax code to the<00:30:53.160> new<00:30:53.480>
• so, I think that these changes that you have in the bill related to special ag homestead really modernize

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is to modernize Macalester's energy consumption.
• The project, um, stimulates R&D of renewable electric energy technologies, encourages grid modernization
• The exact demand-side modernization the statute envisions.
• c> technology<00:53:25.480> that<00:53:25.640> we<00:53:25.760> have the modern
• uh technology that we have the modern uh technology that we have today. today. today.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all