Transcript Highlights:

• And this does so by tasking FDACS with launching a targeted program.
• We're not saying forever... ...by tasking FDACS with launching a targeted program.
• So when these programs— is it your understanding that right now these programs are having issues or they're
• Always volunteers are needed to make sure that a lot of these programs work.
• Always volunteers are needed to make sure that, you know, a lot of these programs work.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several gallery introductions, including family members, university guests, local officials, and student groups. The chamber then moved to special order bills, beginning with two Open Government Sunset Review measures: SB 7010, preserving a public records exemption for certain Department of Financial Services receiver information, and SB 7008, preserving confidentiality for financial technology sandbox application records. Both bills passed unanimously after brief explanations and no amendments. The Senate also passed SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings for terrorism victims, SB 910 on veterans benefits assistance, SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands, SB 796 on general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems, and SB 700, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill. SB 832 drew debate over a possible lawsuit and created a narrow strict-liability defense for landowners who survey and record notice of former phosphate property. SB 700 generated the most extended debate, especially over a provision removing fluoride from public water systems and related amendments on public health, local control, and study requirements; several fluoride-related amendments failed, while a technical amendment passed. The bill also included provisions on agricultural regulation, labeling, drones, lending, charities, housing for agricultural workers, and youth programs. The Senate then approved several claims bills, including relief for Darlene Angerville and J.R., Eric Miles Jr. and Jennifer Miles, and Marcus Button, all involving catastrophic injuries and settlements paid by the relevant public entities. SB 994 on driver’s license education requirements passed after an amendment that increased penalties for texting while driving and added a distracted-driving education component. SB 1718, preserving a public records exemption for minors seeking an abortion without parental consent or notification, also passed unanimously. Several other bills were temporarily postponed. At the end of the session, the Rules Chair moved to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, retain postponed bills on the special order calendar, and move CS for SB 7016 back to second reading; all motions were adopted. The Senate then adjourned until Wednesday, April 16, at 2:00 p.m. or upon the call of the President.

Transcript Highlights:

• I work closely with the L Center for Autism, and they have a wonderful adult training program.
• I am a huge supporter of the program.
• Two of them, teachers to be trained to validate this programming. That is fiscal.
• But this language goes silent on how the school district will implement the program.
• I do not want this to be silent as to how the school district will implement the program.

Bills: SJR37 , SJR57 , SCR8 , SB8 , SB108 , SB125 , SB251 , SB318 , SB378 , SB379 , SB396 , SB472 , SB487 , SB503 , SB533 , SB565 , SB583 , SB608 , SB650 , SB686 , SB689 , SB707 , SB710 , SB763 , SB854 , SB875 , SB916 , SB924 , SB925 , SB958 , SB961 , SB965 , SB987 , SB988 , SB1006 , SB1019 , SB1021 , SB1024 , SB1026 , SB1038 , SB1146 , SB1185 , SB1194 , SB1202 , SB1252 , SB1253 , SB1330 , SB1343 , SB1362 , SB1497 , SB1498 , SB1499 , SB1527 , SB1547 , SB1596 , SB1697 , SJR36 , SJR12 , SJR57 , SJR37 , SCR22 , SCR12 , SCR8 , SB925 , SB1362 , SB565 , SB765 , SB62 , SB666 , SB707 , SB888 , SB687 , SB847 , SB1248 , SB504 , SB857 , SB305 , SB296 , SB284 , SB1497 , SB1499 , SB1498 , SB241 , SB304 , SB621 , SB1023 , SB1024 , SB686 , SB371 , SB204 , SB609 , SB670 , SB850 , SB854 , SB413 , SB1346 , SB1033 , SB1220 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1539 , SB447 , SB875 , SB406 , SB985 , SB965 , SB1119 , SB1505 , SB1194 , SB1253 , SB1215 , SB1302 , SB856 , SB583 , SB673 , SB681 , SB1172 , SB1252 , SB378 , SB608 , SB955 , SB957 , SB988 , SB1019 , SB1021 , SB1120 , SB251 , SB541 , SB379 , SB1737 , SB266 , SB1415 , SB1527 , SB125 , SB599 , SB1330 , SB53 , SB916 , SB1352 , SB785 , SB710 , SB472 , SB1450 , SB1502 , SB1566 , SB414 , SB1062 , SB961 , SB1038 , SB578 , SB711 , SB746 , SB942 , SB1404 , SB1448 , SB1738 , SB108 , SB8 , SB318 , SB507 , SB533 , SB689 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1355 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1596 , SB1403 , SB1146 , SB763 , SB667 , SB1059 , SB617 , SB1567 , SB503 , SB16 , SB310 , SB311 , SB396 , SB505 , SB1209 , SB1210 , SB1470 , SB264 , SB924 , SB1029 , SB1185 , SB1202 , SB1358 , SB1364 , SB1569 , SB1697 , SB1376 , SB1228 , SB519 , SB878 , SB1350 , SB462 , SB1535 , SB827 , SB1585 , SB207 , SB1207 , SB1619 , SB1396 , SB920 , SB1484 , SB1273 , SB1741 , SB7 , SB927 , SB1227 , SB1229 , SB1353 , SB1366 , SB1464 , SB1709 , SB1729 , SB1733 , SB1744 , SB1772 , SB1816 , SB1841 , SB2188 , SB1147 , SB879 , SB1008 , SB378 , SB710 , SB916 , SB1019 , SB1146 , SB1194 , SB1253 , SB1499 , SB213 , SB925 , SB1362 , SR263 , SR311 , SR333 , SCR8 , SB2407 , SB2722 , SB2949 , SB2407 , SB2722 , SB2949

Keywords: voter ID, citizenship, election integrity, constitutional amendment, voting rights, central bank digital currency, CBDC, Federal Reserve, digital dollar, digital currency, cashless payments, financial privacy, cybersecurity, government surveillance, financial surveillance, money laundering, terrorism financing, illicit finance, banking policy, monetary policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:46:22.240><c> is</c><00:46:22.560><c> brought</c> the Okamaya arrival program is brought the
• Okamaya arrival program is brought online<00:46:24.160><c> um</c><00:46:24.319><c> and</c><00:46:24.640
• that include the intent of and programs that include the intent of this<00:46:31.960><c> resolution<
• </c><00:46:53.920><c> Is</c><00:46:54.079><c> there</c><00:46:54.240><c> any</c> Okami arrival program
• Is there any Okami arrival program.

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Supervised agricultural experience is a component that is not new to our program.
• That are happening in our agriculture programs today.
• also the medical cannabis program multiple times during my process.
• So, as a consumer, a lifelong consumer, I went to the medical marijuana program.
• program ever.

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture heard a presentation from Florida FFA state officers Gabby Howell and Macy Jordan, who described FFA and agricultural education as a three-part model of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and leadership development. They highlighted FFA membership growth, Florida’s more than 60,000 members, industry certifications, and state funding that allows all agriculture education students to participate at no cost. Members praised the students and the organization’s role in developing future agricultural leaders. The committee then took up SB 438, which would regulate hemp and hemp extract products, including THC-infused beverages, by adding testing, labeling, retail location, age, and event restrictions, along with penalties and $2 million for testing equipment. Senator Burton said the bill is intended to address public safety, prevent products with illegal THC levels from reaching consumers, and respond to the governor’s prior veto concerns, especially store location and regulation. An amendment clarifying final batch testing was adopted without objection. Testimony was mixed. Supporters, including beverage distributors, law enforcement, and some hemp beverage businesses, backed regulation and said the bill would improve safety and clarity, though some asked for changes to avoid treating specialty beverage retailers like liquor stores. Opponents and some hemp industry representatives argued the bill was too restrictive, would hurt small businesses, and could push products into the black market; they also objected to THC limits, event restrictions, and the proposed regulatory structure. After debate, the committee voted 6-0 to report CS for SB 438 favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• was this a cheap program that perhaps we should not have invested in 10 years ago?
• “So, you know, APD has what's called a single sign-on program.
• So, yeah, as the I-Connect program manager, I am on the IT side of it.
• How is that viewed upon when you're looking at enhancing this program? Mr. Tebeck.
• Jackson, I echo as far as technology and technology programs of work.

Summary: The subcommittee heard a lengthy presentation on the Agency for Persons with Disabilities’ I-Connect system, based on an ILAB assessment of the platform’s performance and requirements. ILAB said the system provides useful centralized records, reporting, compliance support, and audit trails, but users described it as cumbersome, outdated, and inefficient, with excessive manual entry, weak navigation, limited notifications, no mobile app, poor printing/export options, and performance issues. ILAB also said the original 2013-era requirements were too high-level and that only a portion of the requirements could be verified, with some features de-scoped or never implemented. Their recommendations included better integration with electronic health record systems, improved performance monitoring, electronic signatures, OCR, and more modern export and verification tools. Public testimony from providers and advocates echoed those concerns. A support coordination provider said the system is nicknamed “I Disconnect,” described problems with EVV/GPS sign-ins, lengthy support plans, lack of a phone app, and possible HIPAA concerns. Another advocate said the system should have preserved family access to records and criticized the need for providers to use workarounds and additional software. APD staff said the agency has spent about $19.7 million through FY 2023-24, has regular build updates under the current contract with WellSky, and uses an internal help desk and vendor ticketing process to triage bugs versus enhancement requests. They said some issues are handled case-by-case, critical tickets have SLAs, and the agency is working on interoperability and other requested improvements. Members questioned whether the system should be fixed or replaced, whether the original contract and SaaS arrangement were sufficient, and whether the state received value for the money spent. APD said the system went live in phases and that all functionality was in place by June 2024, while ILAB and members noted significant technical debt and unresolved gaps. The committee also discussed record retention, provider access to records after a consumer changes providers, and whether federal funding or compliance could be affected. The meeting ended with broader budget remarks emphasizing completion over expansion, stronger upfront planning for technology projects, and more accountability before funding new systems or major enhancements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Programs and initiatives.
• And we do this through the Best Practices Accreditation Program.
• We also run programs, LECOP is a law enforcement command officer program. program to help develop young
• We also have a program called Vinceable.
• We're asked for some help in funding those programs to help agencies do that.

Bills: HB214 , HB626 , HB647 , HB658 , HB668 , HB674 , HB908 , HB214

Committee: House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: firearm acquisition, gun smuggling, criminal offenses, ammunition, terrorism, public safety, Texas criminal procedure, federal law enforcement, state arrest authority, search and seizure, felony offenses, federal air marshal, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Defense police, military police, Homeland Security, Public Safety, veterans affairs, federal officers, joint law enforcement authority

Transcript Highlights:

• depict a child. to criminal justice. under and the administration of the Texas Compassionate Youth Program
• We're also creating, for the first time, a liability protection program. for our Texas teachers that
• it's not a bringing new teachers into the fold program because there's no pay increase for years one
• I think it's a great program.
• This program. is so robust that we're looking at billions of dollars of teacher pay. additional money

Bills: SB26 , SB28 , SJR36 , SB26 , SB616 , SB565 , SB384 , SB28

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement

Transcript Highlights:

• Housing Finance Law in relation to establishing an affordable independent senior housing assistance program
• the Private Housing Finance Law in relation to establishing the New York State First Home Savings Program
• to amend the Private Housing Finance Law in relation to a mobile and manufactured home replacement program
• amend the Private Housing Finance Law in relation to establishing the New York State First Home Grant Program
• the Labor Law in relation to establishing a New York State Public Housing Painters Apprenticeship Program

Committee: Senate Housing, Construction, and Community Development

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development met on February 10 and reviewed a largely recurring housing agenda, with the chair noting the meeting had been moved to Tuesday because of train delays and that a housing budget hearing was scheduled for February 25. Several bills were taken up that had passed the Senate in prior sessions or had been reported before, including measures on manufactured home park rent increases, first-home savings and grant programs, a mobile/manufactured home replacement program, closing-cost assistance for low-income tenants, protections against eviction for certified medical marijuana use, senior and disabled persons protections, fire code and housing standard penalties, a Manufactured Home Community Preservation Act, a public housing painters apprenticeship program, veterans with service-related disabilities receiving preferences in affordable homeownership programs, and a senior housing task force. One bill on an affordable independent senior housing assistance program was held at the sponsor’s request. Testimony and discussion were limited, with most bills moving on sponsor motions and seconded by other senators. There was brief clarification on the closing-cost assistance bill that it was intended for renters in public or subsidized housing, not people living with parents. Senators generally supported the measures, though some members voted in the negative or to advance without recommendation on several bills. Actions taken included reporting multiple bills either to the floor or to the Finance Committee. Among those reported to the floor were the manufactured home park rent bill, the medical marijuana eviction protection bill, the senior/disabled persons bill, the fire code and housing standards penalties bill, the veterans homeownership preference bill, and the senior housing task force bill. Bills on first-home savings, manufactured home replacement, closing-cost assistance, the first-home grant program, the Manufactured Home Community Preservation Act, and the public housing painters apprenticeship program were reported to the Finance Committee. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• At this time, we're going to take up tab 2, SB 1318 on the Florida tax credit scholarship program by
• Let's take up tab 1, SB 182 on school teacher training and mentoring programs by Senator Jones.
• aligns the bill with the House companion and refocuses the school teacher training and mentoring program
• It also authorizes the use of educational enrichment allocation funds for this program.
• I'll be very brief in just making it clear that professional learning certification programs is what

Committee: Senate Education Pre-K - 12

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Pre-K through 12 considered three bills. SB 1318, relating to the Florida tax credit scholarship program, made a technical clarification that any remaining funds in a closed scholarship account revert but do not revert to the state; it passed favorably without debate. The committee then took up CS for SB 1690 on child care and early learning services, which updates child care laws, improves transparency and accountability, and clarifies rulemaking authority through an adopted amendment shifting rulemaking language to the State Board of Education. During discussion, Senator Berman raised a question about removing a parent-notification requirement related to leaving children in vehicles, and the sponsor agreed to follow up. The committee reported the bill favorably after the amendment was adopted. The committee also considered SB 182 on school teacher training and mentoring programs. A strike-all amendment aligned the bill with the House companion and narrowed mentor placements to D- and F-rated schools, expanded participation to districts and charter schools, tightened mentor qualifications, authorized stipends up to $3,000, and allowed use of educational enrichment allocation funds. Two appearance forms were filed in support, and the bill was reported favorably after the amendment was adopted. At the end of the meeting, the chair thanked staff and recognized Kathy Missouri for her last committee meeting, with members applauding her service. Senators later requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on the bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Services to update and maintain its provider search website for home and community-based services programs
• Do we currently have a rating system for our ATB programs? No, not that I'm aware of.
• We have a mid-range program called PACE.
• It's a federal program that Oklahoma participates in, and that is a facility that actually transports
• And these programs, the Home and Community-Based Services and the PACE program, are underutilized because

Summary: The committee met to hear several House bills related to aging services, child care, and transparency in human services. At the start, the chair announced House Bill 2949 would be laid over until the following Monday and said the committee should expect one additional meeting before deadline. The committee also adopted PCS versions of the bills presented. House Bill 3390, by Rep. Clinton, would require the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to maintain a more detailed provider search website for home and community-based services, including ratings, inspection reports, substantiated complaints, and administrator information. Clinton said the goal was greater transparency and consumer protection, but noted a fiscal impact estimate of about $244,000, with roughly $126,000 affecting the state budget. After a question about whether a rating system already exists, he said he was not aware of one and suggested scaling back the proposal if needed. The bill passed 4-0. House Bill 4199, by Rep. Schreiber, proposed a limited pilot program to help employers and the state share child care costs for workers in a specific income band, with the state matching up to one-third of employer contributions. Schreiber described it as a public-private approach to rising child care costs. The committee passed the bill 4-0. House Bill 4407, by Rep. Blancett, aimed to prevent a future senior services waiting list by encouraging better use of home and community-based services and PACE instead of more expensive long-term care, and House Bill 4412 would create a revolving fund tied to those senior service programs. Blancett argued both bills could improve care and save state money; both measures passed 4-0. The chair then announced the committee had finished its agenda and adjourned, with one more meeting scheduled for the following Monday at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1602 creates the Homes for Veterans Property Management Incentive Pilot Program within the
• The pilot program provides that landlords may apply to the FHFC to receive funds from the vacancy relief
• Senate Bill 1602 creates the Homes for Veterans Property Management Incentive Pilot Program within the
• The pilot program provides that landlords may apply to the FHFC to receive funds from the vacancy relief
• funds for the purpose of implementing the Homes for Veterans Property Management Incentive Pilot Program

Bills: S1512 , S1602 , S1604 , S1656

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

Keywords: Space Florida, tax exemption, governmental purpose, aviation, defense industry, space exploration, semiconductor technology, veterans, housing, property management, incentives, Florida Housing Finance Corporation, vacancy relief, risk mitigation, housing finance, trust fund, Homes for Veterans, S1656, SB 1656, official state flagship

Summary: The Committee on Military Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum and considered several memorials and bills. It first passed Senate Memorial 1714, urging Congress to support the “No Tax Dollars for Terrorist Acts” measure to prevent U.S. funds from benefiting the Taliban in Afghanistan. The committee then favorably reported SB 1512, which expands tax exemptions and procurement flexibility for Space Florida, and SB 1656, which designates the SS American Victory as Florida’s official state flagship in place of the Western Union. The committee also favorably reported SM 1186, which urges Congress to increase the Florida National Guard’s force structure, with supporters citing Florida’s large population and disaster response needs. Senator Sharif voiced support for the effort. Next, the committee took up SB 1602, creating a Homes for Veterans Property Management Incentive Pilot Program in selected counties to help landlords house veterans through vacancy relief and risk mitigation funds; two amendments were adopted, and the bill was reported favorably as committee substitute. SB 1604, which creates the associated trust funds within the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, also received one technical amendment and was reported favorably as committee substitute. Throughout the meeting, several measures drew supportive testimony or comments, including representatives from Space Florida and the Florida Chamber on SB 1512 and a supporter on SB 1602. Multiple members offered to co-sponsor or support veterans-related measures. No bills were opposed in debate, all amendments were adopted without objection, and each item was reported favorably before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• from a very smart legislator, who is our chair, who passed AB 1332 and established a pre-approval program
• Angeles County, in response to the Palisades and Eaton fires, has actually launched a pre-approved program
• They want to do it in a cost-effective, time-effective way, and this program But I come here with good
• Angeles County, in response to the Palisades and Eaton fires, has actually launched a pre-approved program
• And this program shouldn't just be for fire survivors.

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 5013, a bill to be entitled an act relating to state-funded property reinsurance programs.
• This is the House bill relating to state-funded property reinsurance programs. Thank you.
• House Bill 5013, a bill to be entitled an act relating to a state-funded property reinsurance program
• We authorized some reinsurance programs that were funded and were time-limited anyway.
• No more can come in because it was a sunsetted program.

Transcript Highlights:

• It includes the creation of the Sunshine Genetics Pilot Program, which will be a program that will provide
• It includes the creation of the Sunshine Genetics Pilot Program, which will be a program that will provide
• We're looking at this pilot program to last five years at this point in time.
• So currently they've received an appropriation in 2023 to create the program.
• There is an appropriations request this year for additional funding to sustain the program going forward

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Postsecondary met with a quorum present and first considered CS/SB 1356, relating to the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases. Senator Burton explained a delete-all amendment that would create the institute at Florida State University, establish the Sunshine Genetics Pilot Program for newborn screening at select sites, and form a Sunshine Genetics Consortium to coordinate researchers and clinicians. The amendment also included $5 million in recurring funding for the institute and $2 million in nonrecurring funding for the pilot program. The committee heard supportive testimony from Gavin Lambert and his mother, who described the benefits of earlier diagnosis for Friedreich’s ataxia, along with support from representatives of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, FSU, BioFlorida, and the Biotechnology Innovation Organization. Senators Berman and Harrell spoke in favor of the bill, emphasizing early detection and collaboration. The amendment was adopted, and CS/SB 1356 was reported favorably on a roll call vote. The committee then took up SB 892, which would codify the Florida State University Election Law Center in statute and make it eligible for recurring funding. Senator Simon said the center was created in 2023 with a $1 million nonrecurring appropriation and that the bill would help sustain its work and attract talent in election law and related fields. Senator Berman asked about current funding and whether the center would be supported through recurring General Appropriations Act funding in the future; Senator Simon responded that the bill would allow it to compete for recurring dollars. Jack Rowan, an FSU law student, testified in support and highlighted the center’s work, including a Bush v. Gore 25th anniversary conference. Professor Michael Morley and Lena Rojas also supported the bill. No opposition was presented, and SB 892 was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• 500 local CASA program members.
• Every single day local CASA programs and CASA volunteers provide effective and compassionate advocacy
• CASA has a strong powerful program recruiting volunteers from across the states just by being you.
• In the gallery, there are also additional representatives from the nearby CASA programs, Sacramento,
• Placer, and Yolo CASA programs.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The wolf livestock conflict prevention grant program at MDA.
• And I found out recently, a couple years ago, that, you know, we had these programs that would enable
• that would enable someone these programs that would enable someone to<00:45:27.359><c> buy</c><00:45
• </c> context for this prior existing program context for this prior existing program that<00:45:45.840
• Increasing funding for wolf and elk depredation programs is a common-sense step that protects family

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I won't the safe at home program is.
• </c><00:07:19.599><c> program</c> definition of program program definition of program program participant
• It would require judges to receive training on the Safe at Home program.
• I believe Chair Scott, you've done things at the Safe at Home program.
• It's a really wonderful program.

Bills: HF3676 , HF2959 , HF3233

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: Safe at Home, address confidentiality, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, victim privacy, survivor protection, confidential address, protected address, secret address, identity protection, residential confidentiality, program participant, nondiscrimination, court disclosure, protective order, service of process, driver's license, state ID

Transcript Highlights:

• This comes off the heels of 2024, where the two chambers worked together to create a program for local
• assistance on priority projects, and this is a round of funding pursuant to that program.
• We will work out the kinks as we move along this session and next session, and hopefully the program
• $47 million from the state-supported construction program back to the priority projects.
• Then we'll continue to work on this program as a local assistance for road planning.

Keywords: Roll Call 00:15 HJR 46 Discussion 00:43 HJR 46 Vote 2:58 HB 546 Discussion 04:10 HB 546 Vote 06:00 HB 443 Discussion 07:30 HB 443 Vote 09:35 HB 783 Discussion 10:29 HB 783 Vote 15:29, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first considered House Joint Resolution 46, a county priority projects resolution. Members approved a committee substitute that added $1.47 million and included Butler, Carroll, Casey, Cumberland, McGoffin, Monroe, and Nicholas counties. The resolution was then reported favorably with a title amendment and an expression of opinion that it should pass. The committee next took up House Bill 546, which creates the local assistance road program and related rules. The committee substitute moved $47 million from the state-supported construction program back to priority projects and amended the Transportation Cabinet budget to unlock I-69 funding tied to Garvey bonds. After discussion about continuing to refine the program, the committee approved the substitute, adopted a title amendment, and reported the bill favorably with an expression of opinion that it should pass. House Bill 443 was then heard, extending the Hal Rogers Parkway from Hazard along Kentucky Route 80 to Perry and Floyd to support future federal funding and four-laning of the corridor. The committee reported it favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass. Finally, House Bill 783 was presented as a response to temporary tag fraud in auto sales, with testimony from Representative Jackson, Warren County Sheriff Brad Hightower, and the Kentucky Auto Dealers Association. Supporters said the bill adds enforcement tools, including felony penalties for serious violations and discretion for the Motor Vehicle Commission so mistakes are not treated the same as deliberate fraud. The committee voted to report the bill favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• for postsecondary school education commitments. ...school education commitments, apprenticeship programs
• Several from Montgomery County, and I think Elmore County had a pilot program going on.
• I'm aware of that pilot program; it was a good program, but it didn't ban them totally.
• The program will be administered by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education...
• We're trying to get more programs and more people in these areas. Are there any questions?

Bills: SB92 , HB9 , HB9

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: K-12 education, wireless communication devices, digital safety, social media education, classroom distraction, three-cueing system, reading instruction, structured literacy, scientific strategies, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Only about 40 people who enter this program successfully completed.
• We want to keep this all together in one program.
• And fourth, the House bill sunsets the program at 2031.
• She joined our office through the FSU Legislative Intern Program.
• That's the reason why the Guardian program, That's the reason why the Guardian program, where it works

Summary: The Florida Senate convened with a quorum, heard an opening prayer and pledge, and included a series of member introductions recognizing guests, interns, firefighters, a doctor of the day, and a resolution honoring Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza for winning the Heisman Trophy. The chamber then moved to special order business, with several bills temporarily postponed before taking up a series of measures on health care, public records, cybersecurity, court clerks, trademarks, septic permits, and elections. The first major bill, CS/HB 355 on health care patient protection, would require hospitals with emergency departments to adopt evidence-based pediatric emergency care policies, train staff, designate a pediatric emergency care coordinator, complete the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment, and have AHCA publish scores and adopt minimum standards. Senator Harrell said the bill was intended to ensure emergency rooms are prepared for children, and it passed 36-0. The Senate also passed CS/HB 1113 on public records, which protects victim identities and temporarily exempts the name of a law enforcement officer who is a victim from disclosure, after questions about access for victims of police misconduct; it passed 33-4. The chamber then approved CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, after adopting an amendment and an amendment to the amendment that kept the program within Florida Digital Service and extended the grant-award timeline; Harrell said it would help local governments defend against ransomware and hacking, and it passed 37-0. CS/HB 925 on clerks of court passed 38-0 after amendments that let clerks retain more excess revenue and adjusted related fee distributions, though Leader Berman warned it would shift revenue away from municipalities and law enforcement. CS/HB 679 on trademark registration and CS/HB 589 on septic system permits also passed unanimously after technical amendments, with the septic bill intended to reduce permit delays and clarify liability if construction begins before a permit is issued. The most extensive debate came on the elections bill, CS/HB 991, which incorporated citizenship verification using Real ID data, changed candidate-qualifying rules, altered acceptable voter IDs, and added other election-related provisions. Multiple amendments were offered and rejected, including proposals to preserve student and senior IDs for voting, exempt some seniors from citizenship-document requirements, rely on human review rather than automated systems, and delay implementation. Supporters argued the bill would improve election integrity and address non-citizen registration and voting, citing state reports and examples of prosecutions; opponents argued it would disenfranchise eligible voters, especially students and seniors, and create barriers based on access to documents. The amendment package was adopted, and debate on the underlying bill continued with questions about federal law, documentation, and whether voters could still participate if state verification failed.