Transcript Highlights:

• So SpaceX is the world-leading space launch and space services provider.
• This will be launch 19 of the year. Our goal. Our goal is... the space force.
• The rocket that just launched, what did it leave in space? What was that?
• The rocket that just launched, what did it leave in space? What was that?
• So both Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station support every launch and every major

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Summary: The committee met to hear presentations on Florida’s space economy and related infrastructure. SpaceX Vice President Kiko Donchev described the company’s Florida operations, launch cadence, reusable rocket program, Starlink service, and plans for future Starship activity at the Cape. Senators asked about Florida employment, expansion plans, satellite lifetimes, disaster-relief uses of Starlink, and recreational connectivity; members also praised SpaceX’s hurricane response and broader public benefits. Donchev said SpaceX’s Florida workforce has grown to about 1,600 and that the company hopes to add Starship pads and continue expanding in the state. The committee then recognized Commander Dennis Baker for his military service and veteran advocacy, including his leadership of the Florida Veterans Foundation, grant work, the Walk of Honor, and the Gadsden Flag license plate program. Members highlighted that revenue from the plate helps fund veterans’ dental care and noted upcoming dental services for veterans in Volusia County. Baker received a flag flown over the Capitol and a framed gubernatorial proclamation. Newview CEO Clint Grumman presented the company’s commercial satellite LiDAR mapping system, describing its Lake Nona headquarters, Florida ownership, planned jobs, and applications for infrastructure planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster response. He said the company’s satellite data could improve accuracy and lower costs, and noted partnerships including a Department of Defense contract and a European Space Agency moon-mapping effort. Space Florida then outlined its role as the state’s aerospace finance and business development authority, emphasizing its pipeline of projects, spaceport improvement program, workforce academy, and efforts to address infrastructure constraints and seek tax-exempt bond authority for spaceports. NASA’s Kelvin Manning closed with an update on Kennedy Space Center, highlighting Artemis progress, rising launch demand, commercial partnerships, economic impact, and the Florida University Space Research Consortium. No bills were voted on, and the meeting adjourned after comments from members.

Transcript Highlights:

• So SpaceX is the world leading space launch and spacers his provider. At this point.
• And we've got 2 separate launch pads. Want to 39 on the Kennedy Space Center.
• To test the space launch system SLS rocket.
• So both Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Space Force Station support every launch and every major
• We're talking about rockets launching landing back on Earth mapping with lasers from space.

Transcript Highlights:

• NASA's Space Launch System to carry astronauts to the Moon under the Artemis program.
• Speaker, I say to my good friend from Florida's Space Coast district: maybe where the rockets are launched
• Speaker, I say to my good friend from Florida's Space Coast district: maybe where the rockets are launched
• Here we are today, as you look at this graph, last year alone, 155 launches into space, 93 from my home
• AND TONIGHT, WE WILL HAVE YET ANOTHER LAUNCH INTO THE SKY AS As we recognize that space is important

Transcript Highlights:

• shelter space statewide, our trends on sufficient and deficient shelter space over the past decade.
• That inaugural launch is going to help us be certified for the National Security Space Launch, or NSL
• a couple of challenges that we see in space today, including in-space mobility.
• But did we know what the launch window is yet, if that information is public, for the upcoming launch
• Chair, you'll be launching from your launch pad? Yes, from LC-36 down at the Cape. Yes, sir.

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Summary: The committee held its first meeting of the session, with members introducing themselves and expressing support for veterans, military families, first responders, space industry growth, and domestic security. The first presentation was from the Florida Division of Emergency Management on the 2024 hurricane season and recovery efforts. Officials described response and recovery operations for Hurricanes Debbie, Helene, and Milton, including sheltering, meals, water, tarps, power restoration, flood control, debris removal, and public assistance funding. They emphasized that recovery is ongoing, that mitigation and resiliency investments are critical, and that Florida’s shelter space remains in deficit in many counties, especially for special needs populations. Senators asked about improving logistics capacity, technology for grant processing, HOA/private property debris issues, drainage and culvert maintenance, and ways to expand shelter capacity; the witness said more technology, better local coordination, and county-by-county planning would help, while noting limits on state authority over private property and county emergency manager qualifications. Committee members praised FDEM’s response and asked how the Legislature could help, including whether more logistical hubs, pumps, and flood-control equipment were needed. The witness said technology investments could reduce fatigue and improve grant and recovery processing, but that manpower would still be necessary. The committee also discussed the statewide emergency shelter plan, the use of schools as shelters, and the need to identify vacant commercial space and other facilities for future sheltering and special-needs needs. The witness said FDEM works with counties and commerce partners to identify available space and uses legislative funding for shelter retrofits and new construction when needed. The second presentation was from Blue Origin on its Florida operations. The company outlined its work in New Glenn, New Shepard, Blue Ring, lunar landers, and engine production, highlighting its Space Coast presence, more than 3,600 Florida employees, and over $3 billion invested in facilities. Blue Origin also described partnerships with Space Florida, public school Space Academies, internships, SkillBridge, and STEM outreach through Club for the Future. Members asked about the upcoming New Glenn launch window, which the company said was targeted for later that week, and the committee expressed interest in Blue Origin’s role in Florida’s space economy. The meeting ended with no further business and a motion to adjourn, which was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• They launched at the Spaceport.
• .of orbital launches in the world.
• they have a launch license.
• We want those regular space tourism launches like we always hope for because that's going to bring the
• The space where they're manufacturing drugs in space.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• WE ARE WORKING EVERY DAY TO RADICALLY REDUCE THE COST OF ACCESS TO SPACE AND THIS IS TO HARNESS SPACE
• THE INAUGURAL LAUNCH WILL HELP US BE CERTIFIED FOR THE NATIONAL SECURITY SPACE LAUNCH OR AND S AND L
• WE WERE SO THRILLED LAST YEAR WHEN UNITED LAUNCHED RELIANCE ARE UL A VULCAN VEHICLE LAUNCHED HERE IN
• WE BEGAN CONSTRUCTION THERE IN 20 SEVENTEEN TO MODIFY THE LAUNCH SITE TO SUPPORT OUR NEW GLENN LAUNCH
• MY KIDS RECENTLY CLUB POSTCARD FROM SPACE. >> INCREDIBLE. >> THEY HAVE POSTCARDS THAT WENT TO SPACE.

Transcript Highlights:

• launch sites, or Vandenberg Air Force Base or Vandenberg Space Force Base.
• of space launch because that's where all the infrastructure is. where all the infrastructure is.
• That's where all the launches occur, and believe it or not, Space Force runs those launches.
• Space Force is subsidizing commercial launch at Vandenberg and Cape Canaveral.
• Now, because of the 1984 Space Launch Act and the amendments to that act, they're required to support

Committee: House Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• We have another launch scheduled for December 15th on United Launch Alliance at 3 a.m.
• We have another launch scheduled for December 15th on United Launch Alliance at 3 a.m.
• Southern California, and an orbital launch site and manufacturing plant right on the Space Coast at Cape
• It takes a lot more than launch vehicles to go to space. We also need to have infrastructure there.
• launch.

Summary: The committee first heard a work session on cryptocurrency kiosks from the Department of Financial Institutions and Spokane City Councilmember Paul Dillon. DFI described crypto kiosks as licensed money transmission terminals that allow cash purchases of virtual currency, and said the main concern is fraud: scammers often pressure victims, especially older adults, to deposit cash into kiosks and send it to wallets controlled by organized crime. DFI cited a sharp increase in kiosk volume, nationwide fraud complaints and losses, and said Washington currently has licensing and disclosure rules but lacks transaction and fee limits. The department said it is seeking stronger disclosures, a $1,000 daily transaction limit, and a fee cap. Spokane described its unanimous ordinance banning new kiosks and removing existing ones after local scam reports, and members asked about how the machines work, whether the fraud is in the hardware or the transaction, and whether stronger warnings or screening could help. The committee then reviewed home equity sharing agreements, or CHISAs, based on a report by Mariana Amaram and testimony from DFI and industry representatives. The report found that CHISAs provide homeowners a lump sum in exchange for a share of future home value or appreciation, with no monthly payments, but that consumers often struggle to understand the products and settlement calculations. The report said the market has grown quickly in Washington, that costs can be hard to predict, and that early uncapped contracts could produce very high settlement amounts, especially during periods of rising home prices. DFI said it views these products as mortgage loans and is moving forward with rulemaking, including counseling and clearer disclosures, while industry witnesses said the products are equity-based rather than debt-based and asked for tailored regulation. Members discussed the need for better consumer education, clearer payoff schedules, and whether the products should be treated as mortgages or a separate category. The final panel focused on Washington’s space economy, with presentations from Amazon Leo, Blue Origin, Stoke Space, Space Northwest, and Green River College. Speakers highlighted major in-state investments in satellite manufacturing, launch systems, and workforce training, including Amazon Leo’s Redmond and Kirkland facilities, Blue Origin’s Kent headquarters, and Stoke Space’s Kent manufacturing and Moses Lake test site. Space Northwest presented data showing the sector’s growing economic footprint, high-wage jobs, and regional clusters in Kent and Redmond, and urged more workforce programs, incentives, infrastructure support, and a state space commission. The companies emphasized local hiring, apprenticeship and certification programs, and the role of Washington’s aerospace supply chain in supporting the broader space industry. No votes were taken during the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Space Command.
• Space Command and continued investment to advance America's strength in space.
• Well, first off, commercial space launch, to be precise here, we're talking about...
• So you said five to ten years ago, we had roughly equal space launch capacity as China and Russia, but
• launch.

Committees: Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces , Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: military strategy, nuclear triad, deterrence, STRATCOM, SPACECOM, SLICOM, B-21, hypersonic defense, spectrum auction

Summary: The meeting focused on the strategic posture of U.S. military capabilities with an emphasis on deterrence amid growing global threats. General Cotton from STRATCOM and General Whiting from SPACECOM provided insights into the modernization efforts of the nuclear triad. Key discussions involved the importance of maintaining control over specific frequency spectrums critical for military operations and the implications of potential auctioning of these bands. Members expressed concerns regarding the evolving landscape with adversaries like China and Russia, emphasizing that swift action is needed to adapt and preserve U.S. national security. Various proposals and existing programs, including the B-21 bomber and the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile (SLICOM), were debated, alongside the necessity of increasing military investment in hypersonic defense systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've partnered with Space Florida to found the Space Academies and really appreciate the opportunity
• We're launching on the 26th.
• But where Cape Canaveral is is the perfect place on the planet to launch into space. It is a gift.
• So, you know, if you're looking at a space tourism type of vehicle versus a satellite launch vehicle,
• Point B is in space right now, but it's also going to be moving things around space.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard first from Space Florida President and CEO Robert Long, who described the agency’s role as the state’s aerospace finance and business development authority and spaceport authority. He reported a pipeline of about 187 projects, nearly $7 billion in potential private investment, and roughly 8,000 potential jobs, with 161 projects in the fiscal-year pipeline, up about 30% from the prior year. Long said Space Florida is focusing on workforce development through its Space Florida Academy with 23 school districts, and on target markets including advanced air mobility/eVTOL, flight simulation, and satellite manufacturing. Members asked about infrastructure, federal-state coordination, LNG planning, environmental mitigation, workforce, and how the Legislature’s recent $5 million recurring increase is being used; Long said the funds are mainly supporting staffing, contracted services, and IT improvements to handle growth and move projects through faster. The panel then heard from Blue Origin, Leonardo (through LSN Partners), and Lone Star Data Holdings. Blue Origin said its Florida manufacturing and launch operations have grown far beyond initial commitments, with more than $3 billion invested and over 3,000 employees in the state, and emphasized the need for roads, water, wastewater, and other launch-site infrastructure as launch cadence increases. Leonardo highlighted its TH-73A Navy helicopter program in Milton and a new 70,000-square-foot maintenance facility at Whiting Aviation Park, crediting state, local, and federal partners and noting future potential for its AW-609 tiltrotor aircraft. Lone Star Data Holdings described its satellite-based data storage and disaster-recovery business, said Florida was its first customer, and urged the state to use Florida as a pilot project for protecting data and expanding space-based data infrastructure. Members repeatedly focused on what the state should do next, and the panel’s main answer was continued investment in infrastructure and long-term planning. Specific needs mentioned included road widening, traffic signals, fire suppression, water pressure, wastewater capacity, power, transportation links, environmental mitigation, and LNG-related planning at the spaceport. No formal votes or bills were taken up in the meeting, and the session ended after member questions and comments with a motion to rise and adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Private space stations are in development, and orbital launch rates are breaking records.
• Also on page 5 is LEAP Space.
• So when satellites are in space, they're getting bombarded from the sun and from gamma rays from space
• Does Space Force, are they in any?
• Office and Space Force.

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, the master plan shows how we could do vertical launches for the vertical launch area and
• Space, which is on the horizon but far, far away.
• So, 700 people need many, many years to get to space.
• It's a dirt road all the way down to the vertical launch.
• launch.

Committee: House New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• , whether any individual launch is permissible and then the safety requirements around those launches
• We're seeing commercial space launches.
• We all agree with this because we voted for the Space Commission, we voted for the Space Consortium,
• It was suggested that, well, if it's okay with the city, then these space launches should continue.
• There were only 20 space launches.

Bills: HCR158 , HCR159 , HCR160 , HCR161 , HCR162 , HCR163 , HCR164 , HR174 , HR427 , HR790 , HR810 , HR857 , HR866 , HR882 , HR883 , HR962 , HR966 , HR1001 , HR1045 , HR1085 , HR1097 , HR1127 , HR1138 , HR1141 , HR1150 , HR1152 , HR1292 , HR1296 , HR1304 , HR1305 , HR1306 , HR1308 , HR1309 , HR1310 , HR1311 , HR1312 , HR1313 , HR1315 , HR1317 , HR1318 , HR1320 , HR1321 , HR1322 , HR1323 , HR1324 , HR1325 , HR1327 , HR1328 , HR1329 , HR1330 , HR1331 , HR1332 , HR1333 , HR1334 , HR1335 , HR1338 , HR1340 , HR1341 , HR1342 , HR1343 , HR1344 , HR1345 , HR1346 , HR1347 , HR1348 , HR1349 , HR1352 , HR1353 , HR1354 , HR1355 , HR1358 , HR1359 , HR1360 , HR1361 , HR1362 , HR1363 , HR1364 , HR1365 , HR1366 , HR1368 , HR1369 , HR1370 , HR1380 , HR1383 , HR1384 , HR1385 , HR1386 , HR1387 , HR1388 , HR1389 , HR1390 , HR1392 , HR1393 , HR1396 , HR1397 , HR1398 , HR1399 , HR1400 , HR1402 , HR1403 , HR1404 , HR1405 , HR1406 , HR1407 , HR1408 , HR1409 , HR1410 , HR1411 , HR1412 , HR1413 , HR1414 , HR1415 , HR1417 , HR1418 , HR1419 , HR1420 , HR1421 , HR1422 , HR1424 , HR1425 , HR1426 , HR1427 , HR1428 , HR1429 , HR1430 , HR1431 , HR1432 , HR1433 , HR1434 , HR1435 , HR1436 , HR1437 , HR1438 , HR1440 , HR1441 , HR1442 , HR1443 , HR1444 , HR1445 , HR1447 , HR1448 , HR1449 , HR1450 , HR1452 , HR1453 , HR1454 , HR1455 , HR1456 , HR1458 , HR1459 , HR1460 , HR1461 , HR1462 , HR1463 , HR1464 , HR1465 , HR1466 , HR1467 , HR1469 , HR1470 , HR1471 , HR1472 , HR1473 , HR1475 , HR1477 , HCR132 , HCR154 , HR17 , HR49 , HR170 , HR275 , HR355 , HR356 , HR364 , HR369 , HR672 , HR690 , HR755 , HR756 , HR759 , HR762 , HR763 , HR781 , HR785 , HR848 , HR1240 , HR1265 , HR1303 , HR1307 , HR1314 , HR1316 , HR1319 , HR1326 , HR1336 , HR1337 , HR1350 , HR1351 , HR1367 , HR1371 , HR1372 , HR1373 , HR1374 , HR1375 , HR1376 , HR1377 , HR1378 , HR1379 , HR1382 , HR1391 , HR1395 , HR1451 , HR1457 , HR1468 , HR1474 , HR1476 , SB1637 , SB2878 , HB2885 , HB2017 , HB5246 , SB8 , SB2308 , SB1405 , HB 119 , SB3059 , SB15 , SB568 , SB2900 , HB3642 , HB3909 , SB268 , HB493 , SB2217 , HB2516 , SB650 , HB2963 , SB1610 , HB705 , SB2972 , SB1540 , HB40 , SB2753 , SB1660 , SB2024 , HB1545 , HB46

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2022, I had led an effort for investment in this space.
• space.
• As mentioned, we were the first center of excellence to launch, but quickly after we launched, probably
• six to eight different centers globally launched within the same year.
• And we also launch an almond milk that has a higher protein content.

Summary: The hearing of the Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation was held at UC Davis and focused on how alternative proteins can support California agriculture, the bioeconomy, and farmers. Opening remarks from UC Davis leaders and committee members emphasized the university’s food science, fermentation, and sustainability strengths, and the state’s prior investments of $5 million for UC alternative protein research and an additional $1 million for ICAMP. Members framed the topic as a way to grow new markets, keep more value in-state, and address climate, food security, and commercialization challenges. The first panel featured Sana Beg of the Plant-Based Foods Institute, who argued that California agriculture and alternative proteins are complementary, not competing, and stressed that farmers are essential to the sector. She highlighted the need for ingredient processing capacity, technical assistance for growers, and predictable demand through public procurement, including schools, hospitals, and state facilities. Committee members asked about financing and market development, and Beg said guaranteed loans, grants, and state- and USDA-backed support could help de-risk investment and build the supply chain. The second panel focused on research and development. Beam Circular described the circular bioeconomy in the San Joaquin Valley, including efforts to turn agricultural residues into higher-value products, build shared infrastructure, and expand workforce training. ICAMP and UC ANR described UC Davis-centered research, pilot facilities, and a proposed plant innovation center to bridge lab-scale work to commercial manufacturing. USDA researchers discussed using byproducts such as brewer’s spent grain, tomato pomace, lima beans, and chickpeas for new food ingredients. Members repeatedly emphasized the importance of public R&D funding, consumer acceptance, and food-grade scale-up facilities. The final panel highlighted company perspectives from Optimized Foods and Blue Diamond Growers. Optimized Foods described using fungi fermentation to convert almond hulls, cocoa waste, and tomato pomace into protein-rich ingredients and stabilized nutrients. Blue Diamond outlined its grower cooperative model, sustainability practices, almond ingredient portfolio, and the Sacramento almond innovation center. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with discussion centered on research, commercialization, infrastructure, and market-building for California-grown alternative protein products.

Transcript Highlights:

• Another big space that we've entered without putting a lot of money into it is India.
• </c> um partner for us another big uh space um partner for us another big uh space that<00:07:03.479>
• New in fiscal year 25, as we kind of enter into a new space, we have a couple of new programs.
• Their retail space, Can Lakes, is the oldest continuously operating candy store in Minnesota.
• Their retail space, Can Lakes, is the oldest continuously operating candy store in Minnesota.

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2022, I had led an effort for investment in this space.
• space.
• As mentioned, we were the first center of excellence to launch, but quickly after we launched, probably
• And then recently, we launched a new line of almond milk products.
• And we also launch an almond milk that has a higher protein content.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've worked in that space for years.
• If we were a country, we would lead the world in total number of space launches.
• This year we're on track to have over 100 launches from our Space Coast.
• So we have a space entity here in Florida known as Space Florida.
• We launched a B program.

Summary: The committee heard introductory remarks from Chair LaMarca and members, then received presentations on electric utility planning, transportation infrastructure, and broadband deployment. Public Service Commission staff explained how Florida’s utilities plan for reliability and cost through 10-year site plans, demand forecasting, and economic dispatch. The presentation emphasized Florida’s residential-heavy load, growing EV demand, expanding solar and battery storage, continued reliance on natural gas combined-cycle plants, and the role of nuclear power. Members asked about energy efficiency, rates, renewable options beyond solar, cybersecurity, grid resilience, data centers, and small modular nuclear reactors; the witness said efficiency programs are reviewed every five years, utilities must balance reliability and affordability, and large new loads like data centers generally must pay for their own infrastructure needs. Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue described FDOT’s five-year work program, decentralized district structure, and funding mix, noting that the agency is predominantly state-funded and prioritizes maintenance and preservation before expansion. He highlighted record investment levels, major congestion-relief projects, toll-road revenues, seaport and airport partnerships, spaceport investments, workforce and equipment needs, and emerging technology such as advanced air mobility. Members asked about project timing, MPO planning, rail and ferry funding, airport governance, winter storm preparedness, and flooding/sea-level rise; Perdue said faster delivery depends on resources, local governments lead transit operations with FDOT as a capital partner, and coastal and drainage projects are designed around storm surge and resiliency. The Office of Broadband reported on six grant programs supporting infrastructure, community facilities, digital connectivity, and future digital capacity and broadband expansion. Director Leo Garcia said the office has awarded hundreds of millions of dollars across most counties, leveraged significant private investment, and focused heavily on rural areas. He noted that broadband efforts are intended to support telehealth, education, workforce development, and economic growth, and said the state has reduced the number of unserved locations from more than 400,000 to a projected 170,000 after current awards are completed. He also said the office needs additional budget authority for the upcoming digital capacity program and that the larger federal/state broadband deployment program will be used to reach remaining unserved and underserved areas.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill strengthens safety and efficiency for space launches in South Texas, where 3,500 of my constituents
• Texas leads in commercial space flight. But as launches ramp up, we've hit a snag.
• The FAA requires clear zones around launch sites for public safety.
• have the federal government owning all the property around the launch complex.
• To the launch site, correct? Well, the beach itself is like the front edge.

Bills: HB1320 , HB2012 , HB2293 , HB2655 , HB3174 , HB4108 , HB4661 , HB4799 , HB5534 , HB5580

Committee: House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:

• We've launched a number of direct communication strategies.
• Finally, we've done a lot of work in the grant-making space.
• Finally, we've done a lot of work in the grant-making space.
• the market and once the market launch the market and once the market launches<01:39:37.679><c> we'll
• </c> the next few months to launch the next few months to launch successfully<01:40:12.400><c> um</c>

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• So, if you have a boat launch somewhere else, you could still launch your boat or kayak, whatever that
• That is the only boat launch that we're... So when... ...the boat launch that we're...
• So when the boat launch was open and active, did voters have to pay a fee to use that launch?
• on any will feed and said we will monitor the launch. ...feed and said we will monitor the launch for
• I have launched a boat there for many, many years in the woods. It was a makeshift boat launch...

Bills: HB471 , HB473

Committee: House Boards, Agencies and Commissions

Keywords: water authority, sewer management, fire protection, local governance, board of directors, local officers, water recreation, public access, water bodies, recreational use, water commissions