Video & Transcript Research : 'distributed ledger'
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FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Mar 24th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- that in 2017, there was a settlement reached by Delaware and Florida agreeing to limit Delaware's distribution
- General from Delaware sues again, this time for breach of contract and for failure to abide by the distribution
- But the entities, in this case, we have no more that has been affected that makes distributions in Florida
- multiple other states, could find itself again one day without this bill being sued to clarify distributions
- multiple other states, could find itself again one day without this bill being sued to clarify distributions
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met and considered five bills, all of which were reported favorably. The committee first heard SB 1168 by Senator Leek, which increases the penalty for unlawfully installing or using a tracking device or app on another person’s property when done in furtherance of a dangerous crime; an amendment broadened the bill to cover both furtherance of and commission of such crimes. The bill passed unanimously. The committee then approved SB 1286 by Senator Grall, clarifying that parents allowing children to engage in unsupervised activities like biking, walking, or playing outside does not by itself constitute child harm or neglect unless the conduct is reckless and endangers the child. That bill also passed without opposition.
The committee next took up CS for SB 1198 by Senator DiCeglie, creating a new statute addressing fraudulent use of gift cards and setting penalties and guidelines for such conduct. Several organizations and businesses, including AARP, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Walgreens, and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, appeared in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 774 by Senator Wright, which requires clerks of court to electronically transmit certain involuntary mental health, substance abuse, and risk protection order paperwork to the county sheriff within six business hours after entry; the bill was presented in response to a fatal delay in serving an ex parte order in Volusia County. An amendment clarified the six-hour requirement applies to business hours, and the bill passed unanimously.
Finally, the committee considered CS for SB 806 by Senator Yarbrough, which clarifies that the Florida Attorney General is the exclusive public official with standing to assert the rights of qualified beneficiaries in Florida charitable trusts. Senator Ruson raised concerns about whether the bill could limit out-of-state attorneys general and potentially affect litigation over trust distributions, but said he would support the bill while continuing discussions before Rules. The committee adopted the bill and it was reported favorably. Senator Simon later asked to be recorded in support of SB 1168 and SB 1286, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.
OR
Transcript Highlights:
- of the messages, as all pertinent information is included in the status report, which has been distributed
- from committees, as committee recommendations are included in the status report which has been distributed
- from committees, as committee recommendations are included in the status report which has been distributed
- The Senate rule has been distributed to members' desks and will lie on the table.
- The Senate rule has been distributed to members' desks and will lie on the table.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Agriculture Mar 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Most manufacturers do not have control of their own distribution.
- The consistency is very important for both the manufacturer, the distribution, and the resale of goods
- big thing is, you know, I actually have a wholesale business here in Tallahassee, Florida, and we distribute
- to over 1,200 convenience stores, and we buy these products from manufacturers and distribute them to
- to over 1,200 convenience stores and we buy these products for manufacturers and distributed to our
Summary:
The Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum present and took up four bills. First, CS/SB 150, “Trooper’s Law,” by Senator Gates, would make it a third-degree felony to abandon or restrain an animal during a declared weather emergency, such as a hurricane or tornado. The bill was presented as a response to a widely publicized case of a dog tied to a fence during Hurricane Milton. Several speakers supported the measure, and the committee voted unanimously to report it favorably.
Next, SB 374 by Senator Trunow would refine the definition of “farm product” to include plant and plant products and bar local governments from restricting the collection, storage, and processing of farm products on bona fide agricultural land. An amendment related to food waste was withdrawn for further discussion, and public testimony came from composting, recycling, and poultry interests in support. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 560 by Senator Martin on chemical additives in food products, which would restrict a list of 10 chemicals in food. The sponsor argued the bill was aimed at serious health concerns and noted some chemicals had already been banned federally; industry and retail witnesses opposed the bill as creating a patchwork of state rules and potential market disruptions, while some senators supported the health goal but raised concerns about consistency. The committee voted to report SB 560 favorably, with one recorded no vote.
Finally, SB 572, the Pam Rock Act by Senator Collins, would create a statewide dangerous dog registry and impose additional criminal penalties, permitting requirements, microchipping, sterilization, and insurance requirements for dangerous dogs. The sponsor and family members of attack victims described severe injuries and deaths to support the need for public notice and accountability. Some members questioned the usefulness of a registry and the burden of the information requirements, but the sponsor said the bill was intended to prevent repeat attacks and help victims. The committee voted to report SB 572 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We have line nine, this is section 171A.101 on civil action for distribution of abortion.
- Then yes, they would be in that chain of distribution. Exploring that with me.
- Section 171A, Civil Action for Distribution of Abortion. Abortion-inducing drugs, right?
- And the targets of this trafficking and distribution are babies and moms.
- Let's keep these drugs from being trafficked and distributed in Texas.
Keywords:
HB 229, Texas, political subdivision, local government, county dues, county association, state association of counties, lobbying, lobbyist, public funds, taxpayer lawsuit, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, Government Code Chapter 556, Local Government Code Section 89.002, legislative advocacy, municipal government, county government, city government, special district
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (03/24/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Only distribution utilities can support net metering.
- > distribution utilities can support distribution utilities can support net<00:06:40.280>
metering - they can go to their distribution they can go to their distribution utility<00:07:30.960>
and - all utility distribution customers all utility distribution customers regardless<00:14:16.320>
<01:37:35.600>Distribution an important point. Distribution an important point.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Apr 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, it's difficult at this point because it's a local decision for the LEA to distribute the funds
- And many of our schools, many of our LEAs, don't have a dramatic geographic distribution.
- And we distribute funding to address all kinds of issues.
- And that funding would be distributed after the budget is signed, and our priority would be to provide
- And distribute about $58 million to those same campuses to support growth.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance heard testimony and took up three main budget areas: the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), differentiated assistance and the statewide system of support, and universal school meals with kitchen infrastructure grants. Public commenters and agency witnesses generally supported continued or increased funding for ELOP, with several groups urging stabilization of Tier 2 rates, more support for older youth, and preservation of equity guardrails and local flexibility. On school meals and kitchen infrastructure, testimony broadly supported universal meals and additional kitchen funding, while the LAO questioned the need for a fourth round of kitchen grants and recommended rejecting it until clearer unmet-need data are available.
For ELOP, the Department of Finance described the Governor’s proposal to provide $4.7 billion ongoing for the program and $62.4 million ongoing to set a minimum Tier 2 rate of $1,800 per pupil. The LAO recommended instead fixing the Tier 2 rate at $1,579 and tying future changes to program requirements. CDE said the program is showing positive results in attendance and math, but data on enrollment patterns, TK participation, and some overlap with other programs are still being collected. Members raised concerns about possible double-funding with ACEs and 21st Century programs, the lack of site-specific data, and whether the current structure best targets students most in need; the issue was left open.
For differentiated assistance, CCEE outlined the current statewide system of support and the Governor’s proposal to shift to universal and targeted assistance with a three-year cycle. Finance said the proposal would provide more stable county office funding, broaden universal supports, and give the State Board more flexibility to revise eligibility criteria; it also proposed $131.9 million ongoing for universal and targeted assistance. The LAO objected to changing the system before the State Board finalizes the new performance criteria and recommended revisiting the proposal later, while several members worried that a three-year entry window and broader board authority could weaken subgroup-based equity protections. The committee also discussed school meal funding, with Finance proposing $1.8 billion for universal meals and $100 million ongoing plus $100 million one-time for kitchen infrastructure, while CDE emphasized ongoing needs, deferred maintenance, and the importance of flexibility for innovative strategies such as food pantries. The committee held the issues open and invited additional public comment before moving on.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Finance Division III (02/20/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- So, uh, you're<00:08:40.560>
distributing <00:08:41.039>at <00:08:41.279>this <00 - :08:41.440>
point <00:08:42.000>a you're distributing at this point a you're distributing - to each of the members, and distributed to each of the members, and an<00:08:55.360>
extra <00 - Okay,<00:09:07.120>
speaking <00:09:07.519>of <00:09:08.000>distributions, Okay, - speaking of distributions, Okay, speaking of distributions, at<00:09:09.920>
each <00:09:10.160
Summary:
The work session was limited to House Bill 1750, a supplemental appropriation for the Department of Health and Human Services’ SNAP administration. Before testimony, Representative Terski distributed a written statement from Representative Priest for the record. Department officials Karen Heert and Nathan White then walked the committee through a chart showing SNAP participation, federal benefit dollars, and state administrative costs, emphasizing that the benefits themselves do not flow through the state budget. They explained that the reported administrative cost includes overhead and cost-allocation methods used to maximize federal reimbursement, and that the current participant count is about 75,000 with the trend steady in recent years.
Members questioned whether the reported costs were stable, how much of the administrative expense was directly tied to SNAP, and whether reducing overhead would lower the need for the appropriation. The department said the cost per participant and per dollar distributed would be lower if SNAP were isolated, but that the broader allocation system also supports federal claiming across multiple programs. Officials said SNAP eligibility is redetermined every six months, that the department processes nearly 50 eligibility programs with about 250 field staff, roughly 70 unfunded positions, and a vacancy rate around 25%. They also said most errors in the program are unintentional and can come from either staff or participant mistakes, and that the department reviews errors to identify systemic fixes.
The committee discussed the fiscal impact of the bill and related budget issues. DHHS said the current adjusted authorization for 2026 is about $31 million, but actual spending is expected to be closer to $25–26 million because of vacancies and unfilled positions. Members asked whether the $4.4 million shortfall identified in the fiscal note would come from the rainy day fund; staff said it would not be taken directly from that fund, but would reduce the amount available to flow into it at the end of the biennium. The committee also reviewed Senate Bill 603 FN, which was described as an alternative approach that would require DHHS to transfer funds within its existing budget rather than provide new money; officials said it would simply codify an option the department already has. No vote or final action on House Bill 1750 was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health Mar 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- To support the Naloxone distribution project and distribute it to communities in need of the medication
- Determined that the naloxone distribution project is an administration priority.
- So in plain speak, we are prioritizing naloxone distribution over other aspects of the COFRE program
- More doses of naloxone on the shelves of the naloxone distribution program (NDP) wouldn't have helped
- In particular, we urge DHCS, when deciding how to distribute funding in the primary and specialty care
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Coatings the city's water distribution Coatings the city's water distribution system<00:51:01.480>
- The Minneapolis Division of Water Treatment and Distribution Services treats and distributes over 57
- It carries about 15% of the water we treat and distribute daily, based on how the distribution system
- on the Water and Sewer distribution on the Water and Sewer distribution lines<01:09:01.640>
on - distribution distribution system<01:11:38.880>
um <01:11:39.159>Tracy <01:11:39.560>
Bills:
HF458, HF459, HF461, HF449, HF450, HF965, HF1280, HF612, HF615, HF616, HF622, HF650, HF651, HF1045, HF972, HF851, HF644, HF1050
Keywords:
HF458, Henderson, water treatment facility, drinking water, municipal water, public infrastructure, capital investment, state bonds, bonding bill, Public Facilities Authority, water distribution system, well connection, local government grant, Minnesota capital budget, HF459, Carver levee, City of Carver, levee restoration, flood control, flood mitigation
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources Jan 27th, 2026 at 09:05 am
House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- beneficiaries of these appropriations in the past, and we think this is a very good system for distributing
- It prioritizes the distribution of high-quality, diverse, culturally relevant, and nutritious foods to
- The distribution of high-quality, diverse, culturally relevant, and nutritious foods to regions where
- At the same time, food banks received products that they could reliably distribute, and the communities
- We look forward to having our food distributed in our community and through these programs.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Dec 9th, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- We're acclimating corals at our facility, picking them up and distributing them to our partners so they
- them around the state to moat's facility waters, distribute them around the state to Moats facility
- Corals have been collected from as wide a geographic distribution as possible to capture genetic diversity
- rates allow for reaching planting size within two years, and wild populations are or were well distributed
- The distribution of Class AA went up by 43%, and then landfill increased by 52%.
Summary:
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard a series of presentations focused on coral reef restoration, artificial reefs, biosolids management, and a proposed biosolids processing facility. Mote Marine Laboratory described the severe decline of Florida’s coral reefs, its restoration methods using microfragmentation, genetic banking, selective breeding, nurseries, and outplanting, and asked for a long-term state commitment to help restore reef areas. The Keys Marine Laboratory and Florida Institute of Oceanography highlighted their role as a hub for coral rescue, holding, propagation, and research, including emergency response during the 2023 bleaching event. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission discussed the scale of reef loss, the state’s coral rescue and propagation efforts, and the economic and habitat value of artificial reefs, while noting permitting delays and material-selection concerns for reef projects.
The committee then received a DEP update on the Osborne Reef tire cleanup. DEP explained that the original tire reef was a failure, that nearly 500,000 tires had been removed by 2024, and that the current effort is funded at $5 million for the fiscal year, with cleanup now shifting from large tire clusters to more difficult individual tires and coral relocation. Members asked about the future of the site after cleanup; DEP said that phase two decisions, such as whether to restore or monitor the area, have not yet been made. DEP also presented on biosolids rules, explaining that the 2021 rule tightened nutrient management, groundwater, and surface water protections, reduced the number of active land-application sites, and contributed to a shift away from Class B land application toward Class AA, landfill, or out-of-state disposal. Senators raised concerns about PFAS, nutrient loading, and the loss of disposal options, and a public speaker warned of a statewide septage disposal crisis.
Finally, Sedron Technologies presented its VARCOR system and a planned Indiantown facility that would process dewatered biosolids into clean water, ammonia, and a dry Class AA product or fuel, with the company saying the process can destroy PFAS and help relieve regional disposal pressure. Senators expressed support for the technology as a potential solution to Florida’s biosolids challenges. No formal votes were taken on the presentations themselves, and the only action at the end of the meeting was adjournment after Senator Polsky moved to do so.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 20, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- The I-4 corridor is almost half a billion square feet of warehouse distribution.
- So our strategy is to have a port that also addresses consumer products, containers, food distribution
- A lot of the beverages that come into our state and food distribution also come in.
- Yes, and it's, of course, we have the fuel distribution, and I know...
- And it's, of course, we have the fuel distribution and the airports that we reach, and there is also
Summary:
The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee held a panel discussion focused on Florida seaports and their role in the state economy. Florida Ports Council CEO Mike Rubin opened with statewide figures from a 2023 economic impact study, saying Florida seaports support about 1.2 million jobs, generate roughly $195 billion in economic value, and produce about $7.4 billion in state and local taxes. He emphasized that ports are critical for fuel, food, medical supplies, construction materials, and hurricane response, and argued that continued state and federal investment is needed to expand capacity and move projects forward faster.
PortMiami Director Heidi Webb described Miami’s cruise and cargo operations, noting the port generated about $61 billion in economic impact and 334,000 jobs. She highlighted record cruise activity, major private investment by cruise lines, the launch of shore power at cruise terminals to reduce emissions, and ongoing capital projects including a new Royal Caribbean terminal, berth reconstruction, and an inland port concept to reduce congestion. Members asked about security, hurricane procedures, AI use, infrastructure planning, collaboration among ports, and smuggling prevention; Webb said the port uses layered security with local law enforcement, CBP, Coast Guard, and radiation monitors, and that hurricane planning is coordinated in advance with county and federal partners.
Port Tampa Bay’s Raul Alfonso said Tampa is the state’s largest port by land area and a major energy hub for Central Florida, with an estimated $34.5 billion economic impact. He discussed diversification into containers, food distribution, fertilizer, and construction materials, along with major needs such as a deep-dredge project and more warehouse space. He also addressed resilience and fuel distribution during hurricanes, and said the port is preparing for future LNG and alternative-fuel demand through partnerships, land planning, and education. Jaxport’s Nick Primrose then described Jacksonville’s container, auto, breakbulk, aggregate, military, and LNG businesses, including 1.3 million TEUs last year, major state-funded crane purchases, harbor deepening, auto-processing expansion, and its role as a strategic military port. He said Jaxport is a leader in marine LNG and has trained all employees on human trafficking awareness. The discussion ended with Port Panama City being introduced as a smaller but important Panhandle economic engine, with Rubin noting its cargo, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects and its continued need for state and federal support.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources, May 27, 2026 - AM
Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- expendable fund to be distributed expendable fund to be distributed directly<01:05:44.160>
to - distribution is table two on page four. distribution is table two on page four.
- <01:07:37.440>
funds Heritage Fund, which distributes funds Heritage Fund, which distributes - for distribution, also turns red. red. red.
- , funds available for distribution, funds available for distribution, the<02:19:11.160>
only
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Human Services and Agriculture Committee Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- There are predatory distribution companies that take advantage of small farmers, often...
- Predatory distribution companies take advantage of small farmers, often paying them well below market
- We started going to the events, we started going to the distributions, and we started seeing the impact
- Currently, 10% of Californians are reporting that they're getting free groceries from a food distribution
- is a federal entitlement program that provides commodity food to food banks that then they can distribute
Summary:
The joint oversight hearing focused on food insecurity in California and how state and federal nutrition programs, agricultural production, and food distribution systems intersect. Assemblymembers emphasized that many Californians, including farmworkers, seniors, children, and communities of color, remain food insecure despite California’s agricultural abundance. Panelists and members discussed CalFresh, WIC, school meals, Sun Bucks, food banks, and the impact of federal policy changes, including possible nutrition cuts, tariffs, and immigration enforcement, on access to food and the agricultural workforce.
Secretary Karen Ross described CDFA programs aimed at improving access to fresh food and supporting local agriculture, including the senior farmers’ market program, California Nutrition Incentive Program, Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program, Community Food Hubs, Farm to School, urban agriculture, and a proposed tribal food sovereignty program. She said these efforts help connect local producers to consumers, expand healthy food access, and build infrastructure such as refrigeration, mobile markets, and aggregation hubs. Department of Social Services Deputy Director Alexis Fernandez Garcia outlined CalFresh, CFAP, Sun Bucks, CACFP, emergency food programs, and tribal nutrition assistance, noting that CalFresh and related programs significantly reduce poverty and food insecurity, but participation gaps remain for non-English speakers, some Asian American communities, and undocumented households.
PPIC researcher Tess Thorman presented data showing that 13% of California households experienced food insecurity in 2023, with higher rates among households with children and Latino, Black, and other households. She said nutrition programs reduce poverty and food hardship, but federal rules, income thresholds, immigration restrictions, and high living costs limit their reach. Members asked about simplifying applications, improving call center access, increasing outreach in multiple languages, and adjusting benefits for inflation. Officials said the state has used available federal options to streamline enrollment, improve customer service, and target outreach, but many core rules and benefit levels are set federally.
The second panel shifted to food production and market access. A farmer, a UC food systems leader, and a produce distributor described efforts to connect small and medium farms with food banks, schools, universities, and Medi-Cal food-as-medicine programs. They highlighted programs such as Farms Together, the USDA Southwest Regional Food Business Center, Farm to School, food hubs, and climate-smart infrastructure grants as ways to create stable markets for local growers while improving food access. Speakers also raised concerns about land tenure, consolidation, regulatory burdens, labor constraints, and the loss of federal funding, and members discussed whether state investments and Prop. 4 funds could help sustain and expand these efforts.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 6, February 16, 2026-AM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, direct distribution is ... the amendment. What I'm struggling to the amendment.
- legislature that the funds distributed legislature that the funds distributed under<01:59:01.280
- the body really how direct distribution the body really how direct distribution why<02:00:33.840
- This amendment only deals with distribution in HB 107, and it ensures that the money will stay in distributions
- But public funds within the distribution But public funds within the distribution bill<02:24:51.120
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- That ultimately leads to decisions by the president and the Board of Regents on the distribution of those
- The specials are distributed internally consistent with designations in law or, for some of the state
- of those onm dollars we the distribution of those onm dollars we work<00:03:21.760>
hard <00:03 - and the specials are distributed and the specials are distributed internally<00:03:52.519>
consistent - <00:07:11.639>
of colleges also receive a distribution of colleges also receive a distribution
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 2/20/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:39:02.680>
of includes the process for distribution of includes the process for distribution - It's a very distributed budget management model with a good deal of consultation.
- The state specials are distributed internally consistent with designations in law or consistent with
- <01:18:23.199>
as allocations are then distributed as allocations are then distributed as - That way, we know the distribution matches the law in total and by unit, as required.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 18th, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Ward Johnson relates to requiring a warning on the labeling of certain consumable hemp products distributed
- No. 80 by Toth, relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing
- activities, referred to the Committee on State Affairs. to abortion, including civil liability for distribution
- Gonzalez of Dallas relating to the regulation of the cultivation, processing, packaging, labeling, distribution
- Gonzalez of Dallas relating to the regulation of the cultivation, processing, packaging, labeling, distribution
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We spent a lot of time in this committee discussing the grid and, more specifically, distribution and
- We've had policies that have been proposed in this committee to build more transmission and distribution
- On the existing grid, both on transmission and distribution. Thank you for the opportunity.
- So we need to figure out how to create more electrons and how to distribute more electrons effectively
- While we can build a lot of transmission and distribution, which I'm totally for, that's going to take
Bills:
HB551, HB 1281, HB1378, HB1617, HB2868, HB2881, HB3374, HB4439, HB4726, HB4732, HB4878, HB4914, HB4921, HB4958, HB5200, HB5318, HB5360, HB5402, HB5568, HB5573, HB5623, HJR218
Keywords:
political contributions, address privacy, Texas Ethics Commission, election transparency, campaign finance, international organizations, World Health Organization, jurisdiction, state law, enforcement, United Nations, World Economic Forum, attorney general, Texas attorney general, state sovereignty, legal enforcement, Texas Attorney General, electric energy storage, municipal regulation, county regulation
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 25, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, last week I distributed preliminary Members, last week I distributed preliminary language that
- Members, last week I distributed preliminary Chair.
- Members, last week I distributed preliminary language that we've been working on to address and remedy
- At this time, I would ask staff to distribute. Thank you, Vice Chair.
- At this time, I would ask staff to distribute the budget spreadsheets. Here we go. Let's go.
Summary:
The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee met during Budget Week and first considered three member bills. House Bill 1111, by Rep. Valdes, would eliminate the option for students to leave high school with a certificate of completion instead of a standard diploma. Valdes said the bill was inspired by students who met credit requirements but could not pass a required assessment, and argued the certificate does not provide access to college, trade school, or military service. The bill passed unanimously, 15-0. CS for House Bill 127, by Rep. Kendall, would support students with disabilities by using existing Florida Department of Education curriculum to create micro-credentials and coordinating with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and OSHA on workplace safety. Goodwill, the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Florida PTA, and others supported the bill, which also passed unanimously, 15-0. House Bill 1367, by Rep. Booth, addressed chronic absenteeism by requiring statewide definitions and more uniform attendance reporting, along with rules for excused and unexcused absences and early identification of chronically absent students. Testimony emphasized inconsistent district policies and the need for clearer data and interventions. The bill passed 13-0, with some members noting concerns about implementation details and future rulemaking.
The committee then took up PCB-P-PKB-2501, the proposed conforming bill for the fiscal year 2025-2026 Pre-K through 12 budget. The chair said the bill was designed to align statutes with budget and scholarship funding procedures, especially around the Florida Education Finance Program and scholarship payments. The PCB would require Florida student ID numbers for scholarship students, standardize cross-checking against FTE survey data, set quarterly payment dates, and use one data source for both reporting and withholding scholarship-related FFP amounts. It also would reduce certain add-on weights by 50%, remove the budget stabilization program, and repeal the educational enrollment stabilization program. Several members raised concerns that the add-on weight reductions could hurt career and technical education, AICE, IB, and CAPE programs, while the sponsor argued the data showed too much spending in an “other” category and that the reductions were aimed at aligning funding with actual program costs. Public testimony was mixed: some supported tighter accountability and clearer payment rules, while others warned against undermining expensive career-readiness programs. The PCB passed 11-2.
After the conforming bill, the chair presented the proposed fiscal year 2025-2026 Pre-K through 12 budget, totaling just under $21 billion, about $400 million below the current year. She said the budget reflects a need to slow spending growth and includes $20 million for New Worlds Scholarship Accounts, $7 million for security grants at Jewish day schools and preschools, $14 million for public school transportation stipends, an overall FEFP increase of about $747.7 million, $100 million for teacher salary increases, and increases in the base student allocation and funds per student. The committee did not vote on the budget recommendation at this meeting; it was distributed for review and will move to the Budget Committee next week.