Transcript Highlights:

• this legislation seeks to do, removing regulatory barriers to private schools, we think that the supply

Summary: The Education Administration Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered several education-related bills. CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity was presented as a measure to codify an existing grant program that has helped secure more than 200 local governments, especially rural and fiscally constrained ones; Florida League of Cities supported it, and it passed 15-0. PCS/HB 371 on patriotic displays at public schools would require, subject to appropriation, display of portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in school common areas for America’s 250th anniversary; one opponent argued it would create complaint-driven enforcement and pressure educators, but the sponsor said the PCS narrowed the original classroom requirement, and the bill passed 16-0. PCS/HB 833 on private school facilities would deem small private schools of 150 students or fewer a permitted use in commercial and mixed-use zoning districts and allow use of certain existing buildings if fire and occupancy standards are met. Supporters said it would reduce local red tape and expand school choice, while opponents warned it would divert public resources and weaken public education; several members raised concerns about local traffic and safety authority. The sponsor said she was open to further amendments, and the bill passed 13-3. PCS/HB 1147 on school district unimproved real property would require districts to submit annual inventories of vacant, unimproved land to the Department of Education for transparency and planning; some members and a Monroe County school board member questioned the need for a state registry, while supporters said it would improve data and accountability. The bill passed 12-3. The committee then considered HB 615 on individualized education plans (IEPs), which would strengthen parent notification and access to service logs, require individualized orientation for newly eligible students, and standardize district service logs. An amendment removed notification requirements when a missed service was due to student absence, and it was adopted. The bill drew emotional testimony from a student and parent describing missed accommodations, along with support from Disability Rights Florida and several members who emphasized parent partnership and accountability; one ESE teacher said the bill was a good start but more staffing and support are needed. The bill passed unanimously 15-0, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is not enough land or inventory to meet the supply.

Transcript Highlights:

• waste program; HB 2485, plant resources, energy and water; HB 2513, water; HB 2514, adequate water supplies

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of Dr. Pamela Murphy as Doctor of the Day. Members also introduced a number of guests, including Deacon Ernie Gonzalez, local Prescott officials, Arizona Game and Fish commissioners, and advocates from the Alzheimer’s Association. A proclamation was read designating January 26, 2026, as Arizona Aviation Day, with remarks highlighting the aviation industry’s economic impact and the presence of airport and aviation representatives in the gallery. The clerk then read a long list of bills that had been first read or referred for printing, and a second-reading calendar covering measures on water and energy, education, elections, taxes, housing, veterans, public safety, and other topics. No floor votes on those bills were taken during this segment. Representative Gress also read a resolution recognizing National School Choice Week and praising Arizona’s school choice programs, including charters and ESAs. Much of the remainder of the session consisted of members’ personal privilege remarks responding to violence and immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota and elsewhere. Speakers from both parties and several senators and representatives condemned ICE tactics, described constituent fear and family separations, and called for constitutional rights, due process, and accountability. Representative Sandoval requested and the House observed a moment of respectful silence in memory of Alex Pretty and Renee Good. The House then received committee and caucus announcements and adjourned until 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• industry as a whole, and DNR's timber sale program is a critical part of that, including critical wood supply

Bills: HB2104 , HB2348 , HB2454

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: aviation, wildland fires, funding, disaster relief, emergency response, timber sales, land sales, process efficiency, legislation, department language, regulatory burdens, small producers, infrastructure materials, economic growth, manufacturing, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing prices stabilize, and a lot of our supplies and staffing are still elevated from several years

Committee: House A&B Health Subcommittee

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• classes available, and forcing these requirements risks losing caregivers who are already in short supply

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on HB 2337, which would repeal the planned 2027 requirement that certain family-member long-term care providers complete annual continuing education. Rep. Barnard said the bill was intended to reduce burdens on relatives caring for one loved one and to avoid forcing them into courses that are often not relevant to the person they support. Supportive testimony from family providers and disability advocates emphasized that family caregivers already receive individualized training from doctors and therapists, that the available course library is often geared toward aging-related care rather than developmental disabilities, and that mandatory CE could create compliance barriers and risk losing caregivers. Opponents, including SEIU 775 representatives and family caregivers who support the current system, argued that continuing education improves care quality, helps caregivers stay prepared as needs change, and should remain mandatory; they also said the state had already responded to prior concerns by expanding the course catalog and allowing repeat courses for credit. No action was taken on HB 2337. The committee then heard HB 2311, a technical bill making administrative changes to the Workforce Education Investment and Accountability and Oversight Board. The bill would extend co-chair terms, allow more than four meetings per year, shift consultation on workforce investment effectiveness to the Student Achievement Council, and eliminate the requirement for a public data dashboard. The bill sponsor and supporters from WASAC, Microsoft, and the United Faculty of Washington State said the changes would improve board operations and oversight, while also raising broader concerns that WEA funds have been used to supplant general fund support for higher education. Testimony noted the dashboard had not been funded and that WASAC already tracks related metrics through other tools. No vote was taken on HB 2311 during the hearing. The committee then moved to executive action on HB 2132, which limits disclosure and retention of personally identifying information in WASFA records. An amendment by Rep. Levitt was adopted to allow the Student Achievement Council to share applicant information with entities beyond higher education institutions under binding data-sharing agreements. The committee then adopted the amended substitute bill and voted it out of committee. The final roll call was 9-8 in favor, and Substitute HB 2132 was reported out with a do pass recommendation. The committee also announced that executive action on HB 288 and HB 2148 would be delayed and that no action would be taken on those bills that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to see a lot of different places where we're going to be asked to supply money to different

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded attendance, approved the prior journal, and made temporary committee appointments. It then resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider SB 1106, a tax conformity bill tied to federal tax changes. Senators debated the measure at length, with supporters arguing it would provide tax relief, certainty for taxpayers and businesses, and conformity with federal filing rules, while opponents said it would reduce state revenue, favor wealthier taxpayers and corporations, and should be handled in budget negotiations or a special session. The bill advanced from Committee of the Whole and, on third reading, passed the Senate 17-12 with one not voting, then was transmitted to the House and later to the governor. During the floor debate, senators focused on the bill’s effects on child care deductions, senior deductions, overtime and tip income, business expensing, and a provision related to federal school voucher tax credits. Democrats argued the bill would worsen budget pressures, undermine funding for education, roads, public safety, and human services, and do little for families on child care waitlists or seniors still working. Republicans countered that the bill would keep more money in taxpayers’ pockets, support working families and small businesses, and align Arizona’s tax code with federal changes to avoid confusion for filers. After the tax vote, Senator Bolick read a proclamation honoring Arizona and U.S. law enforcement, citing fallen officers, officer assaults, and the need for training, equipment, mental health support, and tougher penalties for attacks on officers. The Senate then received and referred a large number of new bills to committees, announced upcoming committee meetings, and adjourned until Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• We talk about beef, dairy, pork, and poultry, and even introduce nutrition and the concept of the supply

Committee: House Special Committee on Rural Issues

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• challenging development, lead to higher costs, and eventually undercut efforts at addressing the housing supply

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several education bills. SB 5841 would require students’ high school and beyond plans to show completion of at least one FAFSA or WASFA application, or a parent/guardian opt-out. The sponsor and supporters said it would reduce barriers to postsecondary education, improve financial aid completion, and bring more students and federal dollars into the state. School groups opposed it, warning it would add an unfunded administrative burden and create verification challenges, especially for small districts and families with undocumented students. Senators discussed data-sharing from the Washington Student Achievement Council and noted the bill’s connection to existing FAFSA outreach efforts. The committee then took testimony on SB 5922, which would let districts petition OSPI to transfer money from transportation vehicle funds to other district uses if they reduce their fleet because of enrollment declines. The sponsor said the bill would free up unused bus funds for other pressing needs. Members asked about whether districts could shift to smaller vehicles and how the funds could be used. The committee also heard SB 5858, which would move the pupil transportation safety net for special passengers into statute. Supporters from OSPI, districts, school directors, and PTA said the program is essential for transporting students with disabilities, homelessness, or foster care needs, and that current funding is far below demonstrated need. No votes were taken on these bills. Finally, the committee heard SB 5943, which would allow limited use of school impact fees for modernization and, in districts under binding conditions or enhanced financial oversight, for up to 25% of operations and maintenance. The sponsor and one superintendent argued it would help districts with aging buildings and new state mandates like safety and energy-efficiency requirements. Builders, business groups, and school coalition representatives opposed the bill, saying impact fees should remain tied to growth-related capital costs and warning it could worsen housing affordability and weaken the nexus required for impact fees. The chair closed by noting the session’s budget constraints and the committee adjourned after the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• M2 money supply over the last 5 to 10 years, and I think it averages about 7%.

Committee: House Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Samantha was selected among 55 candidates across the country as the winner of the National FFA Tractor Supply

Summary: The Assembly met with a quorum present after a roll call and prayer, then proceeded through routine journal, procedural, and guest-introduction business. Members recognized several guests, including local district officials, Japanese business leaders, and students/interns, and the chamber also observed remarks about the Texas flooding tragedy during the prayer. The body then moved through the daily file, including second-reading items and concurrence votes on AB 390, which expands the slow-down/move-over law to stationary vehicles, and AB 1478, which allows retailers to absorb mattress recycling fees; both measures had Senate amendments concurred in by recorded vote. The Assembly adopted AJR 12, a bipartisan resolution recognizing Head Start Month and urging Congress and the President to protect and increase Head Start funding. Multiple members spoke in support, emphasizing the program’s role in early education, health, nutrition, and family support, especially in rural and low-income communities; the resolution received 70 ayes and no noes after 69 co-authors were added. The chamber also adopted ACR 96, designating a portion of Highway 101 in Humboldt County as the Patty Berg Memorial Highway, and SCR 50, which calls for state review of climate adaptation and maladaptation criteria to improve climate resilience planning; both measures passed without opposition. On the consent calendar, the Assembly added co-authors to ACR 81 and adopted the second-day consent calendar and remaining consent items, all by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The body also approved a motion to return AB 529 from engrossing and enrolling to the Senate for further action. The session concluded with numerous adjournment-in-memory tributes, most notably for Rincon Tribal Council Chairman Bo Mazzetti and former legislative secretary George Steffes, followed by a moment of silence for each and adjournment until Monday, July 14 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 1661, by Representative Vo, sponsored by our colleague, Senator Bettencourt, about election supplies

Bills: HB223

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: municipal budget, county budget, local government finance, spending cap, expenditure limit, inflation plus population growth, taxpayer impact statement, budget transparency, property tax, fees, Legislative Budget Board, voter approval, disaster spending, fiscal restraint, Texas Local Government Code, city budget, county expenditures

Summary: The Committee on State Affairs heard several House bills, with most measures left pending after testimony and later taken up in a batch of votes. Early in the meeting, HB 5624 on liability protections for motocross/off-road vehicle tracks, HB 223 on requiring competitive procurement for municipal lobbying contracts, HB 3709 on post-election audit procedures, and HB 5081 on protecting personal information of judicial officers and court staff were all discussed and left pending after testimony. Witnesses on HB 223 supported greater transparency in municipal lobbying contracts. HB 3709 drew sharp opposition from an election integrity advocate who argued the bill would reduce precinct-level granularity and make it harder to detect ballot errors, while a Secretary of State resource witness said the bill would simplify and standardize the audit process by location. HB 5081 received strong support from court administration and a district judge who described prior threats and an attack tied to publicly available personal information. The committee also heard HB 3546 on allowing school districts to move elections to November, HB 493 on barring certain felony offenders from serving as poll watchers, HB 5115 on increasing penalties for election fraud and related conduct, HB 4081 on trade secret filing procedures, HB 3909 on limiting restrictions on wireless devices at polling places, HB 2702 on limiting gubernatorial closure authority for certain veterans organizations during pandemics, HB 119 on foreign adversary lobbying, and HB 5138 on the Attorney General’s authority to prosecute election crimes. Several of these bills were explained with committee substitutes and then left pending before final action. Testimony on HB 493 and HB 5115 came from an election integrity advocate who supported both bills, saying the poll watcher restriction was appropriately narrowed and that the election fraud bill would help address invalid votes and refusal to count valid votes. Later, the committee took up pending business and voted out a large number of bills, generally along party lines or with broad support. HB 186 on minors’ social media use, HB 229, HB 2885, HB 3909 as substituted, HB 4285, HB 1661, HB 2820, HB 3181, HB 4157, HB 223, HB 521, HB 640, HB 1234, HB 2253, HB 2294, HB 3053, HB 3697 as substituted, HB 4281, HB 4463, HB 4995, HB 5081 as substituted, HB 5624 as substituted, HB 119 as substituted, HB 3225, HB 5138 as substituted, HB 5115, HB 481 as substituted, HB 3546, HB 493, and HB 4145 were reported favorably to the full Senate, with several also placed on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also adopted committee substitutes for multiple bills, including HB 3909, HB 5081, HB 5624, HB 119, HB 5138, and HB 481. At the end, the chair noted another committee meeting would likely be needed before deadlines, possibly on a weekend, and recessed the committee subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will be taking public testimony after the presentation, and staff have supplied information on registering

Committee: Joint JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits

Summary: The I-900 Subcommittee held a public hearing on the State Auditor’s performance audit, Community Engagement During Contaminated Site Cleanups. Auditors said Ecology directly conducts or supervises cleanup at only about 8% of active contaminated sites, while most sites are handled by third parties or have no cleanup plan yet. The audit found that Ecology generally met legal requirements at the sites it oversees, but community engagement varied, was not consistently tailored to local needs, and lacked a systematic “lessons learned” process. Auditors also found inconsistent coordination between Ecology and the Department of Health, and limited guidance for staff on when to collaborate. Tribal feedback was mixed: some tribes said engagement met their needs, while others wanted earlier and more tailored outreach. Committee members pressed the auditors on why many third-party-managed sites appeared to have little or no public involvement, and whether Ecology has broader authority to require public engagement and oversight. The auditors responded that their review focused on community engagement requirements, not the full cleanup permitting process, and said the gap they identified was the lack of required oversight for third-party engagement. Members also asked about tribal engagement, exposure scenarios, and the meaning of “active” and “planless” sites. Ecology officials said they agreed with many of the findings, were already taking steps to improve community research, lessons-learned reviews, tribal guidance, and coordination with Health, and had recently launched a public email notification system for site status changes. They also said some recommendations would require additional funding or staff resources. Public testimony supported stronger community engagement and more resources for Ecology. Washington Conservation Action said contaminated sites disproportionately affect communities of color and low-income communities, praised the audit for highlighting the need for better site-specific engagement, and urged full funding for MTCA-related work. The hearing ended with the chair inviting written comments and adjourning the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• In terms of operational enhancements, it removes the sunset on the aggregate supply chain grant program

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met with a quorum present and took up a long agenda of House and Senate bills, many of them conforming or “orphan” measures that were amended with delete-all or strike-all amendments to place them in conference posture. Among those reported favorably were HB 5015 on the State Group Insurance Program, HB 5009 creating the Florida Accountability Office, HB 5013 on state-funded property reinsurance, HB 5201 on state financial accounting, HB 5203 on the Capitol Center, and HB 5501 on documentary stamp tax distributions. The committee also approved SB 1292 on public records exemptions for certain email addresses, SB 1290 on highway safety and motor vehicle agency changes, SB 26 on an uncontested claims settlement, SB 176 and SJR 174 on homestead property assessment for flood-mitigation improvements, and SB 1122 on Florida Virtual School procedures. Several substantive bills drew discussion. SB 924, covering fertility preservation services for cancer patients under the state health plan, received supportive comments from members and was reported favorably. SB 1160 expanded health insurance premium coverage for law enforcement officers and their families when catastrophic injury or death occurs in the line of duty or during official training, and it also passed. HB 1662, the Department of Transportation package, established or revised programs involving the Florida Transportation Academy, transportation research, rural transit, airport and seaport accountability, advanced air mobility, landscaping, and HOV lane changes; it was amended after testimony from the Florida Airports Council about landing-fee language and questions from members about AAM and HOV lane implementation, then reported favorably. The committee also heard and approved SB 600, which codifies a statewide manufacturing office and creates a Florida manufacturing promotional campaign and grant framework, and SB 602, the fee bill tied to that campaign. That pair prompted the most extensive debate, with members asking about grant structure, eligibility, oversight, and whether the program could become a “slush fund”; the sponsor and Florida Makes said the program is aimed at small manufacturers, would be subject to rulemaking, and is intended to support training and modernization. SB 602 passed on a mostly party-line vote with Senator Pizzo voting no. At the end of the meeting, members recorded additional votes on selected bills, and the committee adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, you can't build as easily a stronger economy if you don't have natural gas supply, which we

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs appropriation. Representative O’Brien explained the House changes, including funding for a restored Veterans Benefits Specialist FTE, salary equity adjustments for the commissioner and veterans service officers, one-time funding for veteran homelessness services, carryover authority for the Fargo Fisher House, and a highly rural transportation grants program. Members also discussed the commissioner’s prior salary increase and the use of transportation grant funds for administrative costs, as well as the status of the Fisher House project. The committee adopted amendment 25.092.0203 and then gave SB 2025 a do pass recommendation as amended, with Representative O’Brien as carrier. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2307, the library bill. Members debated a proposed amendment that would have removed the fiscal note, but several members objected on policy and process grounds, citing constitutional concerns, potential costs to counties and state’s attorneys, and the fact that the bill had not been heard as a full policy hearing. The amendment failed 4-19. The committee then voted do not pass on SB 2307 as introduced, and Representative Murphy was named carrier. The committee also briefly discussed House Bill 2188 on the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority. Representative Bosch described the program’s grant and low-interest loan authority and the Senate’s reduced funding levels. The committee amended the bill to restore the Senate funding amounts in Section 3, then passed the bill as amended, with Representative Kempenich carrying it. Finally, the committee considered two rural development bills and chose Senate Bill 2097, the rural endowment fund bill, for do not pass while advancing House Bill 2390, which uses regional councils to distribute rural development grants. The committee amended HB 2390 to lower the population threshold from 4,500 to 3,000, kept the 50% set-aside for communities under 1,500, and then passed the bill as amended, with Representative Mitskog as carrier.

Transcript Highlights:

• I remain focused on ensuring our schoolhouse supply chain is ready to receive this influx of motivated

Committees: Senate Cybersecurity Subcommittee , Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: NDAA, military recruitment, personnel readiness, testimony, military leaders

Summary: The committee meeting focused on pressing issues related to the U.S. military's recruitment and personnel strategies, especially in light of the upcoming NDAA for fiscal year 2026. Chairperson expressed appreciation for the service of witnesses including senior military leaders from different branches, emphasizing the importance of personnel as the backbone of national defense. Discussions revealed concerns regarding the recent lowering of recruitment standards across military branches, which could potentially affect the quality of service members and long-term military readiness. Witnesses were asked to address the implications of these changes on military health and efficiency.

Transcript Highlights:

• situation, the staff was able to help this student transition to virtual Edmond by securing the device, supplies

Committee: Senate Indian Affairs Committee

Keywords: Native education, Department of Education, federal funding, testimony, treaty obligations, public schools, educational policies, Indigenous students

Summary: The meeting focused on the responsibilities of the U.S. Department of Education towards Native students, highlighting the importance of federal education programs that satisfy treaty obligations to Native communities. Various witnesses testified about the impact of educational policies designed to support Native students who primarily attend public schools. Concerns were voiced over recent proposals that could potentially undermine these programs, citing the role of federal funding in ensuring successful educational outcomes for Native youth. The chair of the committee emphasized the need for continued federal support and attention to the unique educational challenges faced by Indigenous populations.

Transcript Highlights:

• IT SERVED IN WORLD WAR II, KOREAN WAR, AND VIETNAM WAR BY TRANSPORTING TROOPS AND SUPPLIES AND PLAYED

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• officers within those agencies from doing this because it's another step that the agency would have to supply

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met to review its fiscal year 2025-2026 budget proposal and several bills. The chair outlined a roughly $18 billion budget area, including major funding for the Department of Transportation work program, Visit Florida, library/cultural/historical initiatives, affordable housing, National Guard tuition assistance, and Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles needs. The committee adopted a motion allowing technical adjustments and then approved the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The committee next heard and approved CS/SB 666, creating a Miami Northwestern Alumni Association specialty license plate, with proceeds supporting scholarships, academic, athletic, and arts programs at Miami Northwestern Senior High School. Members praised the school’s academic and athletic achievements, and the bill was reported favorably without opposition. The committee also heard extensive testimony on CS/SB 1318, which would rename Florida’s texting-while-driving law as the hands-free driving law and expand the prohibition to handheld use of wireless devices, including in work zones. Supporters, including law enforcement, health care, bicycling, and crash victims’ advocates, argued it would save lives and make enforcement clearer; some senators supported the goal but raised concerns about enforcement, privacy, and impacts on drivers with older vehicles. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then approved SB 1408, designating memorial highways in Hillsborough and Charlotte counties for Master Patrol Officer Jesse Madsen and Sergeant Elio Diaz, and SB 1516, creating the International Aerospace Innovation Fund to be administered by Space Florida to support partnerships between Florida and international aerospace companies. Both bills were reported favorably with little debate. Senators also requested to be recorded in the affirmative on selected bills, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• infrastructure and hydrolysis applications have the potential to increase our state and our nation's energy supply

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary heard a presentation on Florida’s maritime and ocean economy from Florida Atlantic University, the College of the Florida Keys, and Star Center. Speakers emphasized the importance of maritime industries such as aquaculture, marine engineering, shipbuilding, transportation, coastal resilience, and offshore renewable energy, and described workforce programs, certifications, and partnerships designed to train students and workers for these fields. They also highlighted federal and state initiatives supporting ocean economy research and commercialization, including tech hubs and innovation programs. The committee then considered SB 312 relating to the Florida Institute of Human and Machine Cognition. Senator Gates explained that the bill would allow IHMC to create a subsidiary to commercialize research, similar to Moffitt Cancer Center. Senator Fine offered and the committee adopted a friendly amendment addressing board membership concerns tied to a University of West Florida trustee. However, after questions arose about whether the bill and analysis aligned on whether subsidiaries would be for-profit or not-for-profit, the bill was tabled. Finally, the committee took up SB 270 on the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The bill would extend eligibility for students in certain military/public-service family situations, giving families more time to establish Florida residency after returning to the state. Senator Fine’s amendment was adopted to add AP Capstone Diploma students to the automatic Bright Futures eligibility provisions, alongside IB and Cambridge AICE students. The committee then reported the bill favorably as amended by a vote of 7-0, and adjourned.