Transcript Highlights:

• Griffith, Mr. Griffith. Favor, opposed, bill is reported, 8502, Gianaris.
• In addition to the bill’s reported, 90-Pety Tax law. by Sarah Griffith. Mr.
• Griffith, all in favor and opposed, the bill is reported, 9060, Weber.
• Moved by Senator Gallivan, second by Senator Griffith.
• Move by Senator Griffiths, Stec, all in favor, opposed, the bills reported, 10-227, CUNY.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up a long list of bills and chapter amendments, largely under the Education Law, Insurance Law, General Business Law, Social Services Law, Election Law, Environmental Conservation Law, and related statutes. The transcript reflects repeated motions and seconds, with members generally voting in favor and no recorded opposition on most items. Bills reported included measures sponsored by Senators Prasad, Martinez, Krueger, Serrano, CUNY, Gianaris, Harckham, Fernandez, and others, along with several technical amendments to prior laws and chapter acts. Among the topics referenced were education-related changes, insurance and business regulation, veterans services, housing finance, election law, labor and civil rights matters, mental hygiene and health provisions, retirement and social security, property tax and state finance updates, and amendments to older chapters and laws. The meeting also included reports on bills affecting vehicle and traffic law, military law, environmental conservation, and local or municipal law provisions. The transcript is noisy and repetitive, but the overall pattern is that the committee advanced a broad slate of legislation. No substantive testimony or debate is captured in the transcript beyond the motions, seconds, and the repeated statement that bills were reported, often “in favor” or “all in favor.” The session concluded with the remaining items being reported and “all pieces of business for today being adjourned.”

Transcript Highlights:

• Griffiths? Here. Greco? Here. Griffiths? Here. Placencia? Here. Rosenwald? Here. Sapp? Here. Stark?
• Griffiths? Yes. Nix. Thank you. Yes. Griffiths? Nix. Placencia? Yes. Rosenwald? Yes. Sapp? Excused.
• Griffiths? Yes. Nix? Placencia? Yes. Rosenwald? Yes. Sapp, excused. Stark? Yes. Valdez? Yes. Yes.
• Griffiths? Yes. Nix. Placencia. Rosenwald? Yes. Yes. Rosenwald? Yes. Sapp, excused. Stark? Yes.
• Griffiths? Yes. Nix? Placencia? Rosenwald? Yes. Sapp, excused. Stark? Yes. Beldes? Yes. Weinberger?

Summary: The Government and Operations Committee met and first heard C.S. for HB 4003, relating to the City of Marco Island in Collier County. Representative Benaroch said the bill addresses how city council vacancies are filled: if a vacancy occurs more than one year before a general election, the council must call a special election within 130 days or the governor must do so; if the vacancy occurs within one year of a general election, the council has 60 days to appoint a qualified replacement or the governor must appoint. The bill was reported favorably with a roll-call vote. The committee then considered HB 91 on candidate qualification, sponsored by Representative Tant. The bill requires candidates to swear they have been registered in the relevant party for 365 consecutive days before qualifying, and clarifies who may challenge that oath and where such challenges must be filed. An amendment changing the effective date to upon becoming law was adopted. Representative Tant and others argued the bill would clarify election law and prevent abuse of the challenge process; a county clerk waived in support. HB 91, as a committee substitute, was reported favorably. The committee next took up three proposed committee bills extending public-record exemptions. PCB GOS 26-06 preserves exemptions for certain aquaculture records held by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, with Representative Gentry citing theft concerns involving harvest locations and production records; it was reported favorably. PCB GOS 26-07 preserves exemptions for information received by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles related to potential violations involving title certificates, licenses, and inspection providers; it also passed favorably. PCB GOS 26-08 extends exemptions tied to investigations involving social media platforms and antitrust or speech-restriction issues, with Representative Greco noting the underlying law has been enjoined by the courts; it too was reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Griffiths? Here. Nix? Lucencia, excused. Rosenwald? Here. Sapp? Stark. Beldez.
• Griffiths? Yes. Holcomb? Yes. Nix? Yes. Placencia. Rosenwald? Yes. Sapp? Yes. Stark? Beldez? Yes.
• Griffiths? Yes. Greco? Yes. Griffiths? Yes. Holcomb? Yes. Nix? Yes. Placencia? Yes. Sapp? Yes.
• Griffiths? Yes. Holcomb? Yes. Nix? Yes. Placencia? Yes. Sapp? Stark? Yes. Valdes? Yes. Yes.
• Griffiths? Yes. Polcom? Yes. Nix? Yes. Yes. Placencia. Rosenwald? Yes. Nix? Yes. Placencia.

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee met to consider five proposed committee bills under the Open Government Sunset Review Act, which requires certain public record and public meeting exemptions to be reenacted before automatic repeal. Each bill was briefly explained by its sponsor or a member presenting on behalf of the sponsor, with no amendments or public testimony offered on any of the measures. The subcommittee favorably reported PCB GOS 26-01, preserving the Florida Gaming Control Commission exemption; PCB GOS 26-03, preserving the public emergency shelter address and phone number exemption; PCB GOS 26-04, preserving exemptions for financial information used in small business loan administration; PCB GOS 26-02, preserving the conviction integrity unit reinvestigation information exemption; and PCB GOS 26-05, preserving a Public Service Commission meeting exemption for portions involving proprietary confidential information. During discussion on the Public Service Commission bill, members asked about transparency and utility rate increases, and the sponsor responded that the exemption is narrow, has never been used, does not affect public discussion of rate increases, and does not limit lawsuits or discovery. All five PCBs were reported favorably by roll call vote. The chair then thanked members for their participation, noted that more bills were being referred to the committee, and adjourned the meeting without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Griffiths: Here. LaMarca is excused. Maggard: Here. Here. LaMarca is excused. Maggard: Here.
• Griffiths? LaMarca. Maggard? Yes. Oliver is also excused. Spencer? Yes.
• Griffiths. Thank you, Mr.
• Griffiths, I know that you guys got slammed, too.
• Griffiths? Yes. LaMarca is excused. Maggard? Yes. Oliver is excused. Spencer? Yes.

Summary: The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee met and first took up CS/HB 567, a broad transportation bill by Rep. McFarland. The bill, as explained, covered a range of transportation policy changes including higher speed limits, local regulation of e-bikes and e-scooters, parking accommodations for pregnant women, advance land acquisition for DOT projects, changes to FDOT contracting, elevation of roads in capacity projects, MPO quality metrics, and repeal of the Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council. Two amendments were adopted: one added a prohibition on driving too fast through flooded roads and creating excessive wake, and another updated language to allow for future technology in traffic management systems. The strike-all removed several items from the original bill, including utility-right-of-way language, private-public-use airport funding, and an electric vehicle tax redirect, and added MDX board changes. The bill then passed favorably on a recorded vote. The committee next considered CS/HB 1535, also by Rep. McFarland, a lengthy hurricane recovery and preparedness measure. It requires local governments to post storm-preparedness and recovery information online, expands special needs shelter information, mandates emergency management training, improves debris removal planning, and adds provisions for fiscally constrained counties. It also addresses shelter access, rebuilding rules, permitting timelines and fees after storms, homestead rebuilding limits, and election flexibility after disasters, including a process for supervisors of elections to request emergency changes through the Secretary of State. Members asked several questions about local rebuilding ordinances, election “super sites,” and the request/approval process. The bill drew support from several groups, including disability advocates, builders, waste and recycling interests, crane owners, and restaurant and lodging representatives, and it passed favorably. The committee then heard CS/HB 561 and CS/HB 563 from Rep. Cobb on manufacturing. HB 561 would elevate a chief manufacturing officer within the Department of Commerce, create a voluntary Florida manufacturing promotional campaign, and require biennial reporting on manufacturing efforts; an amendment removed the grant portion of the program, and the bill passed favorably with support from industry groups. HB 563 established an annual fee, capped at $100, for participants in the voluntary manufacturing promotional campaign and also passed favorably. Finally, Rep. Spencer presented HB 827, which directs a statewide study on the impact of automation and artificial intelligence on Florida’s workforce, to be updated every three years and developed with business, academic, and local input; it too passed favorably. The meeting then adjourned with notice that the subcommittee would meet again the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Griffith: Here. Representative Hensley. Representative Lambert.
• Representative Griffith: Yes. Representative Hensley. Representative Lambert.
• Representative Griffith: Can you explain the religious exemption?
• I want to echo what Representative Griffith just said.
• Senator Griffiths. Yes. Mr. Hesley. Lender. Ross Levin.

Summary: The committee met with roll call attendance and took up two bills. First was Senate Bill 315 with Senate Amendment 1, which would allow the Division of Small Business to add state funding to existing federal small business programs, including the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. There was brief public support from one in-person commenter, no virtual comment, and the committee voted to release the bill, though it did not yet have enough signatures for immediate release and was left open for absent members to sign. The second item was Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 319, a women’s health insurance mandate requiring coverage for medically necessary menopause and perimenopause diagnostic and treatment services, including FDA-approved hormone replacement therapy, pelvic floor therapy, and related care. Representative Smith presented the bill as a response to gaps in menopause care and insurance coverage, and Department of Insurance witness Kennedy Cook explained the religious exemption as applying to certain religious employers and blanket health policies. Committee members asked about the scope of that exemption, and some expressed concern about religious carveouts, while others praised the bill as important women’s health legislation. During public comment, one speaker supported the bill but warned that expanding mandatory health benefits can raise insurance costs. The Department of Insurance then testified in support, saying the bill would align Delaware with other states, many insurers already comply, and the department did not expect a meaningful premium impact. The committee voted to release Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 319 from committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have green cards wishing to speak in support from Kevin Preston, Louisiana Downs; Russell Deaver with
• Kevin Preston, Louisiana Downs, president and one of the owners.
• Kevin Preston, Louisiana Downs, president and one of the owners.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have green cards wishing to speak in support from Kevin Preston, Louisiana Downs, Russell Deaver with
• Kevin Preston, Louisiana Downs, president and one of the owners.
• Kevin Preston, Louisiana Downs, president and one of the owners.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary B Committee met on May 27 and first approved the minutes from the May 21 meeting. The committee then took up House Bill 75, as amended, which would increase the promotional play tax deduction for gaming facilities from $5 million to $7 million and apply the change to racetracks and other brick-and-mortar casino properties on a phased-in basis. The bill’s author and gaming industry witnesses said the measure would help Louisiana compete with neighboring states, drive visitation, and support horse racing purses and tourism. The committee adopted the amendments and reported HB 75 favorably. The committee next considered House Bill 623, which creates a three-tier system for vapor products and includes related technical changes, including a provision allowing in-person delivery of vapor, alternative nicotine, or smokeless tobacco products by third-party contractors from licensed Louisiana retailers with age verification. Amendments were adopted to correct language and address an effective-date issue tied to another bill. The committee then reported HB 623 with amendments. House Bill 302, which would prohibit the sale of vapor products near schools, was also amended and heard with testimony from the New Orleans Health Department and the American Lung Association. Both witnesses supported youth protections but urged clarifying language to ensure local governments can keep or adopt stricter rules and to avoid conflicts with existing local ordinances; the health department also noted concerns that the bill focuses only on vapor products while youth nicotine use is broader. After discussion, the committee reported HB 302 with amendments. The meeting ended with thanks to staff and members, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Griffith: Here. Representative Oehlerking: Here. Representative Perkins: Here.
• Representative Griffith: Yes. Representative Oehlerking: Aye. Representative Perkins: Aye.
• Representative Griffith: Yes. Representative Oehlerking: Aye. Representative Perkins: Aye.
• Representative Griffith: Yes. Representative Oehlerking: Aye. Representative Perkins: Aye.
• Representative Griffith: Yes. Representative Oehlerking: Aye. Representative Perkins: Aye.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and moved into executive session. It first considered House Committee Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 973, sponsored by Senator Trent, and voted it do pass by 7-1. It then approved Senate Bill 903, sponsored by Senator Henderson and described as a copper wire-related bill, by a 9-0 vote. Next, the committee took up Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 834, sponsored by Senator Crawford, with the senator present and no substantive questions raised; it passed 9-0. Senate Bill 938, sponsored by Senator Bernskelder and carried on the House side by Representative Haley, also passed 9-0. The final item was House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3304, sponsored by Representative Justice. Members discussed changes to the bill, including removing the “serious emotional injury” language, restoring original language on dog-bite liability, and combining it with animal neglect provisions from another bill. The sponsor explained the goal was to address dangerous dog cases without criminalizing minor incidents. The committee voted the bill do pass 9-0, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Griffiths. Here. Persons Melissinos. Here. Redondo. Here. Skidmore. Here. Smith. Here. Tremont.
• Griffiths? Yes. Persons-Mellica? Yes. Redondo? Yes. Skidmore? Yes. Smith? Yes. Tremont? Yes.
• Griffiths? Yes. Persons-Mellico? Yes. Redondo? Yes. Skidmore? Yes. Smith? Yes. Tremont? Yes.
• Griffiths? Yes. Parsons-Mullica? Yes. Redondo? Yes. Skidmore? No. Smith? Yes. Tremont? Yes.
• Next, we're going to have Representative Griffiths for House Bill, PCS for House Bill 1233.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Hayden, Representatives Bush, Presley, Boikin, Keaton, here, Cook, here, Dolan, here, Dahl, Griffith
• Griffith? Harbison? Harusa? Perusa? Kelly? Aye. Lobinger? Aye. Mancer? Peters? Yes.
• Griffith? Harbison? Harusa, aye. Kelly, aye. Lobinger, aye. Mancer, aye. Peters, aye.
• Griffith. Aye. Cook, aye. Dolan, aye. Griffith. Harbison. Hruza, aye. Kelly, aye. Laubinger.
• Griffith. Harbison. Hruza, aye. Kelly, aye. Laubinger. Mansur, aye. Peters, aye. Schmidt, aye. Aye.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Mental Health met in executive session and first took up Senate Bill 878, a pharmacy-related bill by Senator Fitzwater. Members adopted a committee substitute and a committee amendment before voting the bill do pass by a vote of 13 ayes and 2 noes. The substitute added language previously seen in other legislation on pseudoephedrine and 340B, and the amendment aligned the bill with Senate floor language on ivermectin. The committee then considered House Bill 3457, Representative Burns’ medically complex patients bill. Members adopted a substitute that narrowed the definition of “medically complex patient,” changed one provision from “shall” to “may,” and required primary care physician approval of a care plan before it could be entered into the alert system. One member raised concerns about making hydroxychloroquine over-the-counter and about pharmacists prescribing class two devices such as CPAP machines, but the substitute and then the bill itself were both approved unanimously, 15-0. Finally, the committee approved two resolutions sponsored by Representative Hruza. House Resolution 5380, on ALS awareness, was amended to add more encouragement for assistive technology and augmentative and alternative communication, then passed 15-0. House Resolution 4661, on chronic kidney disease, was also voted do pass 15-0. The meeting ended after brief closing remarks and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Preston talk if he has any comments. All I would say is this bill has been a long way in coming.
• Preston talk if if he I'll let um Mr.
• Preston talk if if he has<00:46:11.200> any<00:46:11.440> comments.
• Preston, I know that you're going to be retiring soon.
• that you're going to be Preston, I know that you're going to be retiring<00:51:14.240> soon.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 774, the Cost, Fines, and Fees Reporting Act, which would require data collection and reporting on criminal and traffic-related costs, fines, fees, interest, and late fees in Kentucky. Vice Chair Decker said the bill is intended to improve transparency and accountability, not to change collection policy. A representative from Reason Foundation supported the measure, saying policymakers need reliable data on legal financial obligations. Representative Marzian asked whether the bill would help enforce collection, and Decker replied that it is only a study/data bill. During roll call, some members raised concerns about funding, but Decker said Kentucky Stats already has the staff and systems in place. The bill passed favorably with 18 yes votes, no no votes, and two pass votes. The committee then took up House Bill 542, relating to eminent domain and declared an emergency, and adopted a committee substitute before hearing testimony. The sponsor described the bill as the product of extensive revisions and said it was aimed at improving notice, communication, transparency, and fairness in condemnation proceedings. He said property owners would have to be notified by certified mail or hand delivery, with sworn proof if delivery failed, and that condemning authorities could not make false or misleading statements during negotiations. A guest, Stephanie Barnett, described problems in her own eminent domain experience, including notices going to the wrong address and learning after the fact that people had been on her property. Members generally supported the bill as a fairness measure. It passed the committee substitute unanimously, 20-0. Finally, Representatives Flannery and Whitaker presented House Bill 563, a DUI-related measure intended to reduce deaths and injuries caused by repeat drunk drivers. They said the bill would apply to a fourth DUI offense within 10 years and would place a two-year restriction on alcohol sales, marked on the person’s license or ID, with the goal of both public safety and encouraging treatment. Flannery cited the death of his mother by a repeat drunk driver and shared statistics on fatal crashes and the economic costs of drunk driving. The committee began discussion on the bill, but the transcript cuts off before any vote or final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's our dedication of our Preston home, one of the three new homes.
• Minnesota Veterans Homes are open in Bemidji, Montevideo, and Preston.
• open in Baiji, Monavidio, and Preston. open in Baiji, Monavidio, and Preston.
• eight state veterans homes in Bemidji, Fergus Falls, Hastings, Laverne, Minneapolis, Montevideo, Preston
• , Leverne, Minneapolis, Monovido, Preston, Leverne, Minneapolis, Monovido, Preston, and<00:25:06.480

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Sornson, who's here with us Preston Sornson, who's here with us today<00:07:25.360> by<00:07:
• During the year that my daughter<00:10:47.920> and<00:10:48.160> Preston<00:10:48.480><
• c> were<00:10:48.720> being<00:10:48.880> stalked, daughter and Preston were being
• I am from Converse County, and I'm here for my son, Preston Sorenson, who is with us today.
• Sorenson who is with us son who Preston Sorenson who is with us today.<00:36:44.640> Um<00:36

Bills: HB0008, HB0009

Keywords: stalking, minors, felony, protection orders, criminal penalties, grooming, sexual offenses, child protection, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And as you can see, the picture up there was from our Preston Veterans Home dedication in June. event
• Minnesota's veterans homes are open in Baiji, Monovido, and Preston.
• <00:30:12.960> Our Baiji, Monovido, and Preston. Our Baiji, Monovido, and Preston.
• Monovido has 49 vacancies still, and Preston has 39 vacancies still. Things are improving.
• ,<00:36:01.599> and Minneapolis, Monivido, Preston, and Minneapolis, Monivido, Preston, and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Vice Chair Griffith. Here. Democratic Ranking Member Daley. Here. Representatives Black. Here.
• Well, thank you, Chair Griffiths, and Ranking Member Daley.
• Vice Chair Griffiths. Yes. Thank you. Fifteen yays. Zero nays. Thank you.
• Vice Chair Griffith. Yes. Thank you. Fifteen yays. Zero nays. Thank you.
• Vice Chair Griffiths. Yes. Thank you. Thank you. By your vote, this bill is recorded favorably.

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee met with a quorum present and considered two local bills. Rep. Trabulsy presented HB 4011, which would expand the St. Lucie County Mosquito Control District service boundary by 326 square miles, subject to a referendum. The bill received supportive public testimony from Ken Pruitt on behalf of St. Lucie County, drew no amendments or opposition, and was approved favorably by a 15-0 vote. Rep. Botana presented HB 4005 concerning the City of Naples Airport in Collier County. The bill would shift appointment authority from the City Council to a voter-approved structure with three members from Naples and two from the county. Joseph Salzberg, representing the City of Naples, testified that the city was respectfully opposed while it continued reviewing possible unintended consequences, though he said discussions with the sponsor were ongoing. There was no further public testimony or debate, and the committee passed the bill favorably by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Alicia Preston is here and would like to speak. Good morning.
• As noted, Alicia Preston, I represent the New Hampshire Vapor Association.
• c><00:49:46.400> is<00:49:46.640> here<00:49:47.319> and introduction Alicia Preston
• is here and introduction Alicia Preston is here and would<00:49:47.680> like<00:49:47.839>
• <00:49:57.720> I pleasure uh as noted Alicia Preston I pleasure uh as noted Alicia Preston

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Krista Griffith. Yes. Okay. Representative Ron Gray? Present.
• Representative Krista Griffith? Yes. Representative Deb Heffernan here.
• Griffith? Renaricus? Rep. Griffith was the second? Barry. And I'm going to call the roll.
• Representative Krista Griffith. Yes. Chair Deborah Heffernan, yes. Chair Deborah Heffernan, yes.
• Representative Griffith was going to make... Yes, thank you, Representative Chair Heffernan.

Bills: SB9

Keywords: wetlands protection, nontidal wetlands, Delaware, environmental sustainability, climate change, carbon sink, permitting process

Summary: The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met and first considered SB 321 with Senate Amendment 1, the community solar utility billing bill. The sponsor explained that it would consolidate the two-bill system for community solar subscribers into one utility bill, with the utility forwarding the subscriber fee to the solar facility through an escrow mechanism so costs are not shifted to other ratepayers. Testimony from the solar industry, the Public Advocate, and environmental advocates supported the measure, emphasizing easier enrollment, fewer barriers for low-income customers, and guaranteed savings. The committee initially lacked enough members present to release the bill, but after a roll call vote it was released from committee. The committee then heard SB 9 with Senate Amendment 1, a wetlands protection bill creating a state non-tidal freshwater wetlands permitting program. The sponsor and DNREC described a framework of exemptions, general permits, and individual permits based on wetland type and value, with an advisory committee to develop regulations. Witnesses explained that “exceptional value” wetlands would include unique wetland communities and high-functioning wetlands, and that the bill was intended to preserve important habitat while allowing farming, drainage, and other exempt activities to continue. Some members raised concerns about flooding, land classification, and the balance of the advisory committee, while supporters said the bill was the product of broad stakeholder consensus and would protect wetlands without unduly harming agriculture or development. Public comment on SB 9 was strongly supportive from environmental groups, the Delaware Native Species Commission, the Home Builders Association, the Farm Bureau, The Nature Conservancy, and affordable housing advocates, who said the bill balanced conservation with practical land use concerns. After remote testimony, the committee took a roll call vote and SB 9 was released from committee. The meeting concluded with remarks thanking the chair for her service and instructions for members to sign the backers before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Griffith. Harvison. Perusa. Kelly. Lawbanger. Perusa? Here. Here. Lawbanger? Here. Manser? Here.
• Griffith. Harbison. Perusa. Kelly: Aye. Lawbinger: Aye. Manser: Aye. Aye. Lawbinger. Manser: Aye.
• Griffith. Harbison. Harousa. Kelly: Aye. Lovinger. Mancer: Aye. Peters: Aye.
• Griffith? Harbison? Haruza? Aye. Kelly? Aye. Laubinger? Mansur? Aye. Peters? Schmidt? Aye. Haley?
• Griffith. Harbison. Harbousa. Aye. Kelly: Aye. Laubinger. Mansur: Aye. Peters: Aye. Schmidt: Aye.

Summary: The Committee on Health and Mental Health met in executive session and considered several measures. On Senate Bill 878, a pharmacy-related bill, the committee adopted a substitute and an amendment that added language related to pseudoephedrine, 340B, and ivermectin, then voted the House Committee substitute do pass by a vote of 13-2. One member raised concerns about making hydroxychloroquine available over the counter and about allowing pharmacists to prescribe certain class II devices such as CPAP machines without a direct doctor-patient relationship. The committee then took up House Bill 3457, the medically complex patients bill. Members adopted a substitute that narrowed the definition of “medically complex patient,” changed one provision from “shall” to “may,” and required primary care physician approval of care plans before they are entered into an alert system. The committee voted the House Committee substitute do pass unanimously, 15-0. Two resolutions were also approved. House Resolution 538, an ALS Awareness resolution, was amended to add encouragement for assistive technology and augmentative/alternative communication, then passed 15-0. House Resolution 4661, a resolution on chronic kidney disease, also passed unanimously 15-0. The meeting ended with brief closing remarks and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Griffiths. Here. LaMarca. Here. Oliver. Here. Here. LaMarca? Here. Here. We have a quorum, Mr.
• Griffiths? Yes. LaMarca? Yes. Oliver? Yes. Owen? Yes. Spencer? No. All right. Thank you.
• Griffiths? Yes. LaMarca? Yes. Oliver? Yes. Owen? Yes. Spencer? Yes. All right, very good.
• Griffiths? Yes. Oliver? Yes. Owen? Yes. Spencer? Yes. Yes. Vice Chair Stark? Yes.
• Griffiths? Yes. LaMarca? Yes. Oliver? Yes. All right, congratulations.

Summary: The Transportation Economic Development Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and took up four member bills. The first, CS/HB 1387 by Rep. Overdorf, would create the Taxpayer Dollars Protect Workers Act and require secret-ballot union recognition for companies receiving state economic development funds. Questions focused on whether the bill was pro- or anti-union and on its fiscal impact; the sponsor said it was neutral and expected no fiscal impact. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with several speakers arguing it would interfere with private-sector labor relations and discourage companies with existing labor agreements from investing in Florida, while a few supporters backed the measure. The bill was reported favorably on a party-line style vote, with several members voting no. The committee then unanimously reported favorably CS/HB 1211 by Rep. Albert, which streamlines senior management service governance in the Department of Military Affairs, updates military leave benefits for state employees serving in the Florida National Guard, expands emergency financial assistance eligibility for guardsmen, and repeals an unfunded statutory program. An amendment aligning senior management positions under state statute was adopted without objection. The committee also unanimously reported favorably CS/HB 741 by Rep. Owen, a Department of Commerce bill updating outdated statutes, including provisions on military installation revertor clauses, rural community definitions, community development block grant language, and E-Verify/unauthorized employment provisions; the sponsor said there would be little or no fiscal impact. Finally, CS/CS/HB 1093 by Rep. Spencer, dealing with advanced air mobility, was amended to focus on infrastructure and funding for vertiports and charging systems and to remove liability, siding, and preemption provisions. Support came from industry and legal groups, and the bill was reported favorably unanimously. Before adjournment, the chair noted that budget recommendations for fiscal year 2026-27 had been submitted to the appropriations chair. The ranking member offered closing remarks, saying it was his last year in the House and thanking members for their collegiality. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Griffith. Harbison. Perusa. Kelly. Lawbanger. Perusa? Here. Lawbanger? Here. Mansur? Here.
• Griffith. Harbison. Perusa. Kelly: Aye. Lawbinger: Aye. Mancer: Aye. Aye. Lawbinger. Mansur: Aye.
• Griffith. Harbison. Harusa. Kelly: Aye. Laubinger. Mansur: Aye. Peters: Aye.
• Griffith? Harbison? Harbusa? Aye. Kelly? Aye. Laubinger? Mansur? Aye. Peters? Schmidt? Aye. Whaley?
• Griffith. Harbison. Hruza. Aye. Kelly? Aye. Laubinger. Mansur? Aye. Peters? Aye. Schmidt? Aye.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Mental Health met in executive session with a quorum present and considered several measures. Senate Bill 878, Senator Fitzwater’s pharmacy-related bill, was amended with a committee substitute that incorporated language previously seen on pseudoephedrine and 340B issues, along with Senate floor language on ivermectin. One member expressed concern about making hydroxychloroquine available over the counter and about pharmacists effectively prescribing Class II devices such as CPAP machines, but the committee adopted the substitute and then voted the bill do pass by 13 ayes and 2 noes. The committee next took up House Bill 3457, Representative Burns’s medically complex patients bill. A substitute was adopted that narrowed the definition of “medically complex patient,” changed one provision from “shall” to “may,” and required primary care physician approval of a care plan before it could be entered into the alert system. The substitute and the bill both received unanimous approval, 15 ayes and 0 noes. The committee also approved two resolutions. House Resolution 538, Representative Harbison’s ALS Awareness resolution, was amended to add encouragement for assistive technology and augmentative/alternative communication, then passed 15-0. House Resolution 4661, also by Representative Harbison and focused on chronic kidney disease, was then voted do pass unanimously, 15-0. After brief closing remarks, the committee adjourned.