Transcript Highlights:

• transparent free and fair elections here in<00:04:52.600><c> the</c><00:04:52.720><c> granite</c><00
• in 2000 in the gorvy Bush history in 2000 in the gorvy Bush election<00:05:11.639><c> it</c><00:05:11.759
• </c> people in and it would helped Gore in people in and it would helped Gore in 2000<00:08:18.280><c
• </c> to spend more time in our state in order to spend more time in our state in order to<00:17:23.880
• In fairness to Senator Gray, they also oppose the underlying statute that it is amending.

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:34:05.200><c> In</c> distraction problem is in Minnesota.
• In distraction problem is in Minnesota.
• Chair, I would respond in this way because I think that the issue of fairness is one that is entirely
• this in just in their entity alone is in this in just in their entity alone is an<01:02:38.240><c> uninsured
• She was in fact driving when that call came in, that she was not an insured driver, well, in a vehicle

Bills: HF3131 , HF3436 , HF3106 , HF3241 , HF3531

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: cancer, disability, parking certificates, transportation, state law, school bus, schoolchildren, student safety, traffic safety, stop arm, flashing red lights, amber lights, passing a school bus, 20 feet, vehicle stopping distance, driver duties, school transportation, Minnesota traffic law, school bus law, bus stop signal

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:50.880><c> allows</c><00:04:52.240><c> uh</c> in in in somewhere that allows uh in in in somewhere
• in</c><00:56:39.680><c> the</c> section one for inclusion in in the section one for inclusion in in the
• And the cloning thing, uh, I hope that we could treat it in the same manner. I think that's fair.
• We offer this because we believe in fairness and equity in those services that are being offered, and
• place to make sure that there's a in place to make sure that there's a fair<02:59:52.720><c> process

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This means fair wages for working families in California, being a strong champion for all Californians
• This means fair wages for working families in California, being a strong champion for all Californians
• He was involved in serious combat in Vietnam.
• So her legacy is everywhere in the county, and it is in all the buildings and all the services, in the
• Museum in San Jose.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then handled routine procedural matters, including deeming various messages and committee reports read. Senator Arreguín requested removal of SB 239 from the inactive file for second reading. The chamber then took up SJR 9 by Senator Durazo, which was presented as amended and placed on call before later receiving the amendments by a 29-10 vote. The main floor action was on SR 70 by Senator Pérez, commemorating the third anniversary of the Monterey Park mass shooting and honoring the 11 victims. Pérez and Senator Rubio spoke at length about the tragedy, the victims, the community response, and the heroism of Brandon Tsay, who disarmed the shooter. The resolution passed unanimously, 39-0. After adoption, Senator Pérez introduced Monterey Park Mayor Elizabeth Yang as a guest on the floor. The remainder of the session was devoted largely to adjournment-in-memory tributes. Senators honored labor leader Mary Gutierrez Hunter, veteran and political activist Bob Mulholland, former Yolo County Supervisor Betsy Marchand, and Vietnamese American community leader Vu Von Locke, with remarks highlighting their public service, organizing work, and community impact. The Senate also announced that Appropriations would meet after session, and the desk was declared clear before recessing until the next floor session.

Transcript Highlights:

• In this matter, 156 in the affirmative, zero in the negative. The bill is passed to be engrossed.
• I'm going to... ...wage, affirming that workforce investment and fair compensation go hand in hand.
• In 2018, we mandated AEDs in schools.
• have it in a bag in a shed somewhere that you just go run and get in case something happens.
• In this matter, 26 in the affirmative, 130 in the negative. The amendment is not adopted.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In Jacksonville, there was murder. In South Florida, there's murder.
• They pay their fair share. They treat their customers correctly and in compliance with the law.
• the digital, in the cloud, more so than they are in the physical space?
• Your point is equally fair that there are malign actors in every aspect of gaming.
• Fair that there are malign actors in every aspect of gaming, but this is crawl, walk, run.

Committee: Senate Regulated Industries

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries heard a presentation from the Florida Gaming Control Commission on illegal gambling in Florida. Executive Director Ross Marchman described the commission’s role, the limited number of legal slot-machine locations in the state, and the prevalence of illegal casinos, including “fish tables” and other machines found in strip malls, gas stations, and back rooms. He said the commission has received thousands of complaints, conducted 88 operations, seized thousands of machines and millions in cash and other property, and is currently storing large amounts of seized evidence at significant cost because the cases and appeals are still pending. Marchman argued that illegal casinos are tied to broader criminal activity, including robberies, drug trafficking, human trafficking, firearms offenses, and even murders, and said the current penalties are too weak because most gaming offenses are second-degree misdemeanors. He and members discussed the need for stronger deterrents, better resources, and possible changes to the law, including whether evidence could be reduced to samples rather than retained in full. Senators also asked about cease-and-desist letters to online gaming operators, the role of manufacturers and landlords, and how the commission distinguishes legal amusement machines from illegal slot machines. Daniel McGinn, speaking as an individual, supported the commission’s concerns and said prior enforcement efforts were limited by the statutory scheme. He referenced the Gator Coin case and explained that operators often use licensing agreements and repeated cash-split arrangements to keep machines in circulation. He urged legislative action, noted a gap in the statute regarding private rights of action, and warned against creating carve-outs that could raise constitutional or compact issues. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• In this matter, 156 in the affirmative, zero in the negative. The bill is passed to be engrossed.
• Wage, affirming that workforce investment and fair compensation go hand in hand.
• On this matter, 153 in the affirmative, none in the negative. 153 in the affirmative, none in the negative
• In 2018, we mandated AEDs in schools.
• In this matter, 26 in the affirmative, 130 in the negative. The amendment is not adopted.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House began with routine procedural business, including adoption of resolutions congratulating Yolanda Kruger on her 100th birthday and two orders extending the Public Health Committee’s reporting deadline on House documents 4984 and 4988. The chamber then moved through a series of local bills and calendar items, passing to engrossment measures including authorization for the town of Hudson to grant an additional wine and malt beverage license, authorization for Cohasset to grant five additional liquor licenses, and an amendment to the Plymouth town charter. It also advanced several other bills on second reading, including a land conveyance for Barnstable County and Bourne, a bill requiring automated external defibrillators at sporting events, and a bill preparing apprentices through training and hiring in Massachusetts. The House took up House 3417, designating June 16 as Domestic Workers’ Rights Day. Representative Sousa spoke in support, describing domestic workers as essential but often invisible workers and arguing that the designation would raise awareness of rights and protections under the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. The bill passed to engrossment by roll call, 156-0. The House also passed House 4992, authorizing Barnstable County and Bourne to convey certain parcels of land, and later passed House 4994, the Paths Act, which would require a phased-in apprentice-hours requirement on large public construction projects, condition bidding on participation in approved apprenticeship programs, and create a commission to study apprenticeship participation. The chamber then debated House 4993, the Preston Settles Every Minute Counts Act, requiring AEDs and trained personnel at sporting facilities and events. Representative Decker urged passage, citing the death of a young athlete and the need to close safety gaps outside schools. Representative Frost offered amendments to create a state fund to help communities pay for AEDs and to allow exemptions for remote fields without permanent power, arguing the bill could otherwise burden municipalities; both amendments were defeated on roll call. The bill itself then passed to engrossment by roll call, 154-1. The House also enacted a bill allowing Hingham to use municipal property for a center for active living, and the session ended with an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I live in Marsing, my kids go to school in Marsing. I live in Marsing.
• So that could be technical college credits, but we also have college credits in English, in math, in
• And then over the last 20, in English, in math, in government, things like that as well.
• in class in my computer science.
• in Salmon.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But what we have proposed in our one-house: adding $138 million in additional funding for clean water
• We've added $20 million in capital for farm weather resiliency grants, $95 million in restored capital
• But specifically, we included $5 million for COWS in capital and $5 million for COWS in operating dollars
• IN TWO OTHER PLACES I WANTED TO Make sure people are aware that in the Economic Development budget, we
• So we provide $200 million in additional funding for the HAVP program; the Governor put in $50 million

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Joint Conference Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Housing opened budget negotiations for the 2026-2027 enacted budget, with Senate and Assembly leaders outlining their one-house proposals and committee members giving brief remarks. The discussion covered environment, agriculture, housing, parks, and energy, with repeated emphasis on affordability, climate resilience, and support for rural and urban communities. Senate and Assembly chairs described the process and noted the agencies present, while minority members criticized the overall size of the budgets and urged more attention to housing affordability, building stakeholders, and energy costs. On the environment and energy side, the Senate highlighted proposals for $138 million in additional clean water infrastructure funding, a $75 million increase to the Environmental Protection Fund, $95 million in restored parks capital, $200 million for the Energy Affordability Program, and $1 billion for Sustainable Futures 2.0, including a proposed revival of the NY STUN program. The Assembly said it increased the EPF to $500 million, raised clean water infrastructure funding to $800 million, and included targeted amounts for cities, rural housing-related water projects, Cornell Ag Tech, and the Center for Sustainable Materials Management. Democrats argued that high utility bills are driven by natural gas costs rather than clean energy, while Senate and Assembly Republicans said the CLCPA and other energy mandates are increasing costs and should be reconsidered. Agriculture remarks focused on research, farm support, and resilience. Senator Hinchey described funding for Cornell’s COWS program, Farm to School amendments, $7 million for farm worker housing, and a new $20 million Farm Weather Resiliency Grant Program. Chair Lupardo said the Assembly added $16 million over the Governor’s proposal for educational research and outreach, restored support for beginning and disadvantaged farmers, and backed dairy, livestock, hemp fiber, and natural fibers initiatives, while also accepting $30 million in farmer tariff relief if guidelines are set. Minority Assembly Member Tague supported dairy infrastructure funding but criticized the farm labor overtime phase-down and the CLCPA’s impacts on farms. Housing discussion centered on major capital and assistance programs. The Assembly proposed $200 million more for the Housing Access Voucher Program, $100 million for Mitchell-Lama and NYCHA, $50 million for down payment assistance, $4 million for fair housing testing, land banks, and $40 million for the Homeowner Protection Program. The Senate outlined similar priorities, including $500 million for NYCHA, $100 million for Mitchell-Lama preservation, $250 million total for HAVP, and additional funding for mixed-income rental development, vacant rentals, senior housing, and block-by-block infill. Chair Rosenthal said rent stabilization was not being changed in the budget, while Republican members argued that affordability requires lower taxes, lower utility costs, and fewer regulatory burdens. No votes were taken; the meeting was an opening round of budget negotiations and ended with closing remarks from both sides.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2017, I saw a small ad in the Avalanche saying that there was a vacant school board spot in my zone
• I live in Marsing, my kids go to school in Marsing.
• I live in Marsing, my kids go to school in Marsing.
• So first one will be... in English, in math, in government, things like that as well.
• in Salmon.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee began by approving a change to the agenda and then approved the minutes from a prior meeting. It then took up House Joint Memorial 11, which urges Idaho’s congressional delegation to fully fund the federal IDEA commitment for special education. Senator Burtenshaw argued that Congress promised up to 40% of national average per-pupil spending but has never met that threshold, leaving Idaho districts to cover large shortfalls through local funds and levies. A representative from Fruitland School District testified in support, describing a nearly $790,000 local gap and saying the memorial would send a unified message to federal lawmakers. Senator Zito opposed the memorial, saying the federal government has failed to meet its commitment for decades and that Idaho should stop relying on federal promises, though he emphasized his support for special-needs students. The committee voted to send H.J.M. 11 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation, with Senator Zito requesting to be recorded as voting no. The committee next considered RS 33-392, a proposal to create regional service centers so school districts and charter schools can share specialized services that are difficult or costly to provide independently, especially in rural areas. Burtenshaw said the measure would help districts share staff such as speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, school psychologists, and business managers, with no new ongoing funding required beyond a one-time $1 million startup amount already reflected in the governor’s budget. The committee voted to send the proposal forward for a full hearing. The remainder of the meeting was devoted to informational presentations. Jason Sevy, president of the Idaho School Board Association and chair of the Marsing School Board, described Marsing’s community schools model, which partners with nonprofits and service providers to address food insecurity, health needs, mental health, and attendance barriers. He said the model improved student engagement and attendance and asked policymakers to remove funding barriers so districts can use resources more flexibly. The committee then heard from Meridian Technical Charter High School leaders and students, who described the school’s career-and-technical education model, internships, high graduation rates, industry credentials, and student leadership opportunities. Students said the school helped them find career direction and build confidence, and the school leader discussed possible expansion through hybrid models and the need for continued advocacy for school programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, similar to in the past, everything is similar in how it's presented.
• the change in.
• And again, you have this in your packet to read in more detail.
• So this will be a kind of world's fair-like activity happening in Washington, D.C., between June 25th
• So this will be a kind of world's fair-like activity happening in Washington, D.C., between June 25th

Summary: The America 250 and Idaho Advisory Council approved the April 20, 2026 minutes and received a financial update showing $68,267.67 unobligated in the commemorative fund, $440,710 spent to date, and $205,852.93 in celebration grants already dispersed, with about $35,000 still to be sent out. The committee also approved a motion to reallocate $10,000 from project coordinator travel expenses to cover the final cost overrun for the Declaration of Independence production. Treasurer Ellsworth gave an extensive update on America 250 activities across Idaho, highlighting ambassador outreach, school and community events, the service challenge, the Liberty Bell quarter-drive fundraising effort, the Liberty Quilt, and the rollout of “Revolutionary Spud” community to-go packs, coloring books, and storybooks. Members praised the strong participation by schools and youth, and discussed how local officials and legislators can help promote events and fundraising. The committee also heard that the signature collection for the declaration display is complete. Secretary McGrane reported that planning for Fourth of July events is accelerating, including the Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance, parade logistics, Capitol decorations, the Foundation and Freedom Tour, and volunteer needs. Director Gallimore updated the committee on state agency efforts such as a new America 250 license plate, oral history collection, the Move 250 campaign, the Initial Point celebration, and upcoming arts and heritage programming. Federal and national updates covered the Congressional Caucus, the Our American Story oral history project, America’s Block Party, the Great American State Fair, and a student art contest. The Idaho Lottery previewed an America 250 scratch ticket going on sale next Monday, and Senate staff reported progress on the Capitol for the Day event. The committee set its next meeting for May 26 in the afternoon and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I guess I want to locate this also in the context of where we are in the world today.
• public schools, in human services, and in higher education.
• in the Senate and in the House and from him.
• in the Senate and in the House and from him.
• in the public.

Summary: House and Senate Democratic leaders, joined by Speaker Laurie Jinkins and House Finance Chair April Berg, introduced a “Millionaire’s Tax” proposal and framed it as a way to reduce Washington’s reliance on sales tax and B&O tax while raising revenue from the state’s highest earners. They said the bill is a starting point and will continue to change through negotiations with the governor, business groups, local governments, and lawmakers. The leaders also said the proposal is intended to support education, health care, public safety, and tax relief measures such as sales tax exemptions on hygiene products, an expanded working families tax credit, a larger small business tax credit, and an early end to the B&O surcharge. The governor had already said he could not support the bill in its current form, which the sponsors said surprised them because they had spoken positively with him the day before. They said the bill will not be the same by the time it reaches his desk and that they expect continued talks to address his concerns, including more money for small business relief and the working families tax credit. They also defended the bill’s structure, saying it mirrors the state capital gains tax, uses Washington’s capital gains definition, and includes credits intended to prevent double taxation for pass-through businesses and others already paying B&O or related taxes. Much of the discussion focused on criticism from Republicans and outside groups that the proposal amounts to a marriage penalty or could drive away high earners and tech businesses. Democratic leaders rejected those concerns, saying the tax applies only to income above $1 million, that the first million is taxed at zero, and that the state would still compare favorably with other income-tax states. They said about 30,000 taxpayers would be affected and estimated the bill would raise roughly $3.5 billion, with about 5% dedicated to county public defense costs. They also said the bill is not subject to cutoff because it affects state revenue, and that the Senate public hearing is scheduled for Friday afternoon in Ways and Means, with the House expected to hear the Senate version later in the process.

Transcript Highlights:

• Most of our workforce is, at this point in time, Most of our workforce is, at this point in time, hybrid
• correction systems, in our health care hospitals, or doing field work, if they work. ...systems, in our
• We're already in it. We started in it really last September.
• As we've said, we start in March and end in September. This occurs on a rolling calendar year.
• start in April or early May to make sure that we get enough bargaining dates in.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Employment Relations

Summary: The Joint Committee on Employment Relations met on May 8, 2026, to review goals and objectives for the 2027–2029 master collective bargaining cycle and to hear updates on higher education and Washington Management Service bargaining. OFM’s Jenny Sheehan outlined the state workforce, noting that most employees are represented, the workforce remains heavily governed by civil service rules and CBAs, and the state is entering bargaining under a constrained hiring and budget environment. She described the bargaining timeline, the role of the June revenue forecasts in determining whether targeted compensation increases can be funded, and the state’s goals of affordability, maintaining labor relations, supporting equity, and addressing non-economic issues such as AI use, leave, immigration-related workplace concerns, and union access in a hybrid work environment. Sheehan also reviewed the 2025–2027 bargaining cycle, including the prior WPEA ratification issue and the requirement that tentative agreements be submitted by October 1 for financial feasibility review and possible legislative funding. She said the 2025–27 agreements cost about $1.2 billion in general funds and $1.7 billion total, excluding the later-funded WPEA agreements. In response to a question, she explained that paid family and medical leave is not bargained over directly because it is governed by statute and ESD rules. She then presented on Washington Management Service bargaining, explaining that only certain WMS employees are eligible to bargain, that representation remains small, and that current WMS contracts are handled through addenda to existing agreements. She also described interest arbitration for certain groups, including ferries and public safety-related employees, and said arbitration awards still must be financially feasible and submitted by October 1. The committee also heard from Western Washington University and the University of Washington on higher education bargaining. Western described its locally bargained contracts, the importance of local bargaining for workload, tenure, grievance, and safety issues, and the impact of the state fund split on budget planning. Western said it has no state funding for student compensation and has requested inclusion of student employees in the wage base. UW outlined its large workforce and the different bargaining frameworks under RCW 41.56 and 41.80, emphasizing that state funding and tuition make up only a portion of its budget and that the fund split and health care cost increases significantly affect compensation planning. UW also highlighted its request for state funding for academic student employee compensation, saying rising costs are reducing the number of positions and affecting class sizes and the academic pipeline. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after members discussed the upcoming bargaining and arbitration timelines.

Transcript Highlights:

• Further in debate. Further in debate.
• During my time as chair of the Commerce Committee in the House and, frankly, in my entire time in that
• a case in December.
• Is that a fair statement?
• Further in debate? Further in debate?

Committee: Senate Ethics and Elections

Summary: The Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and first considered SB 1416, which would move municipal elections to coincide with the general election and extend incumbent terms until the new schedule takes effect. Senators discussed whether the bill would affect runoff elections, with the sponsor explaining that runoff timing would shift to the August primary/general election framework. The Florida League of Cities and Florida Association of Counties were noted as opposed, while members cited potential taxpayer savings and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 766, as amended by strike-all, which would require agents of certain “countries of concern” to register with the Division of Elections when engaging in political activity. The amendment narrowed the bill’s focus and aligned terminology with existing state law. After no opposition or debate on the amendment, the committee adopted it and then reported the bill favorably. Members next heard the reappointment of Mike LaRosa to the Public Service Commission. Questioning focused heavily on PSC transparency, the sufficiency of commission orders, Supreme Court criticism of PSC decisions, storm protection plans, utility rate cases, and how the commission evaluates evidence and consumer impacts. LaRosa said the commission had changed its procedures to produce more detailed orders and more robust discussion, and he described ongoing work on rate cases, public engagement, and emerging energy issues such as small modular reactors. Despite concerns raised, the nomination was reported favorably to the full Senate. The committee then approved a block of additional appointments in tabs 4 through 27, also reporting them favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Further in debate, further in debate.
• a case in December.
• me in.
• Is that a fair statement?”
• Further in debate? Further in debate?

Summary: The Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and Senator Polsky excused. The committee first heard Senate Bill 1416 by Senator DeSigley, which would move municipal elections to coincide with the general election and extend incumbent terms until the new election schedule takes effect. Members asked about runoff elections, with the sponsor saying runoffs would likely shift to the August primary and that he was open to further discussion, including possibly eliminating runoffs. The bill drew support from a senator citing potential taxpayer savings, while the Florida League of Cities and Florida Association of Counties were noted as opposed. SB 1416 was reported favorably. The committee then considered Senate Bill 766 by Senator Burgess, as amended by a strike-all that refocused the bill on agents of “countries of concern” and narrowed disclosure requirements. The sponsor said the measure was intended to increase transparency around foreign-backed political activity and align with federal Foreign Agents Registration Act concepts. The amendment was adopted, and the bill as amended was reported favorably. Members next heard the reappointment of Mike LaRosa to the Public Service Commission. LaRosa described the PSC’s role regulating investor-owned utilities and emphasized transparency, consumer protection, workforce development, and adapting to new energy technologies such as small modular reactors. Senators questioned him closely about recent Florida Supreme Court criticism of PSC orders as insufficiently reasoned and overly reliant on utility assertions. LaRosa acknowledged the criticism, said PSC procedures and orders had become more detailed, and committed to continued improvement. Despite concerns, his nomination was advanced favorably to the full Senate. The committee then approved a block of nominations in tabs 4 through 27 without objection and without separate hearings. At the end of the meeting, Senator Grall asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on SB 1416 and SB 766, and the committee rose.

Transcript Highlights:

• in one year.
• are appropriately in place.
• But I got to tell you, you guys represent, in 25 years that I've been in Florida, I've been in business
• It's the little hole in the wall.
• I do believe in, you know, having your own business and, you know, live in the American dream.

Summary: The State Administration Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and took up one bill, House Bill 499, which would allow malt beverage manufacturers producing less than 31,000 gallons annually to sell and deliver directly to vendors. The sponsor and several craft brewery owners and industry advocates testified in support, arguing the measure would help small breweries reach local restaurants, improve quality control, create jobs, and serve as a bridge into the three-tier system for businesses too small to attract distributors. Opponents, including the Florida Beer Wholesalers Association, argued the bill would undermine the three-tier system, weaken accountability and tax collection, and create risks for consumer protection and market fairness. During debate, several members said they supported the bill as a small-business measure while noting they remained protective of the three-tier system. Some members raised concerns about tax tracking and long-term distributor contracts, but others said the bill appeared limited enough to preserve the existing system while giving small breweries a chance to grow. The committee then voted on the bill and it passed, with one recorded no vote. After the bill vote, the subcommittee revisited prior questions about Department of Lottery Secretary Davis’s travel reimbursements. Members reviewed updated documents showing more than $50,000 in travel reimbursements from January 2021 through November 2024, including about $27,840 tied to Orlando destinations, and expressed concern that some reimbursements may have covered commuting between Tallahassee and Orlando. The chair said the information would be sent to Secretary Davis for an explanation, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• We ask our guests and visitors in the rear of the chamber and in the gallery to please stand.
• But now, we're in the seat where we have won three World Series in five years.
• Those of us who were elected in 2022 and those elected in 2014, four, join me in acknowledging our current
• As a person that grew up in Delano, and service on my weekends in the clinics in Delano as last.
• Moving on to the adjournments in memory, the quorum call is still in place.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2008, the citizens of Lake County elected him in a landslide victory to remain serving in his capacity
• In 2008, the citizens of Lake County elected him in a landslide victory to remain serving in his capacity
• Sheriff Borders retired in 2017 and remained a Howey-in-the-Hills resident in Florida until his passing
• This is a very common practice in Central Florida, and particularly in Seminole County, in my district
• , and— In Central Florida, and then particularly in Seminole County, in my district, and not my municipality

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee met with a quorum present and considered five bills. The first, PCS for HB 987, was an honorary transportation facility designation bill naming several roads and an overpass for fallen officers, a military service member, and first responders. An amendment added the Sheriff Gary S. Borders Memorial Highway designation in Lake County. Members offered supportive remarks, and the bill passed 17-0. The committee then heard HB 703, which would require authorities such as FDOT or local governments to pay the costs when they require telecom providers to relocate infrastructure from public rights-of-way. Support came from Charter Communications, Associated Industries of Florida, and Florida Internet and Television, with discussion focused on the communication services tax and the cost burden of relocations. The bill passed unanimously 18-0. HB 1523 followed, addressing municipal utilities serving customers outside their boundaries by requiring public meetings, annual reporting, limits on transfers to general revenue, and reduced or eliminated surcharges for outside-boundary customers. Municipal utility representatives opposed parts of the bill, citing rural impacts, debt obligations, and the need for a glide path, while supporters argued for transparency and fairness to ratepayers outside municipal boundaries. An amendment changed a reporting date to January 31, 2026, and the bill passed 14-4. HB 867 established a legal framework for commuter rail operations along Florida’s coastal corridor, including insurance and indemnification arrangements for Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties using the Florida East Coast Railway right-of-way. An amendment clarified that Florida East Coast Railway and Brightline are not state entities and do not have sovereign immunity unless expressly provided by law. The bill passed 18-0. Finally, HB 1137 clarified a prior energy preemption law by adding boards, agencies, commissions, and authorities of counties and municipal corporations to the entities covered, aimed at preventing discriminatory energy-source practices by an appointed board. Public testimony included support from the Florida Natural Gas Association and the Florida Home Builders Association and opposition from Florida Student Power. Members noted the bill was a cleanup measure, and it passed favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• You will be up first in just a minute.
• and say, 'OK, that wasn't fair.
• In addition to that, to your point, it has been on the board. It's been in statute in similar form.
• Guard, so we put in a fee assessment in there to try and offset that.
• Largest in Oklahoma history.

Bills: SB1415 , SB1714 , SB1962 , SB26 , SB172

Committee: Senate Retirement and Government Resources

Keywords: nondisclosure agreements, state employment, employee rights, transparency, government accountability, employee suggestions, cost savings, state agencies, incentives, performance awards, efficiency, Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act, state procurement, state purchasing, State Purchasing Director, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, OMES, exempt entities, purchasing exemptions, state contracts

Transcript Highlights:

• If, in fact...
• And in fact, it was just strengthened in the last committee.
• in trying to help... ...in rural New Mexico families become the first responder in trying to help with
• In funding.
• We're in recess.

Bills: SB238 , HJR1 , SM21 , SM22

Committee: Senate Senate Rules

Keywords: Governor's Residence, management committee, government administration, New Mexico, advisory, commission, general services, nominating committees, boards of regents, student representation, political party registration, New Mexico constitution, overdose prevention centers, harm reduction, drug overdose, opioid crisis, substance use disorder, public health, addiction treatment, naloxone