Transcript Highlights:

• State law does allow us to do the 175 shift, and we're here requesting that we get a permanent opportunity
• We're here requesting that we get a permanent opportunity to get to that point and stay at that point
• my husband also worked in the famous restaurant, I just wanted to really highlight how creating opportunity
• So opportunities I can use to reduce the borrowing and reduce that debt service number have been the
• Thank you to the chairs and the committee so much for this opportunity to speak on this important matter

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on 17 miscellaneous and late-file bills, with testimony focused on several local tax and policy measures. The first major item was H. 4687 for Watertown, which would make permanent a temporary tax classification adjustment allowing the city to maintain a 50% minimum residential factor and a 175% commercial shift. Watertown officials and legislators said the change is needed because the city’s commercial growth has triggered an old statutory formula that would otherwise push a larger share of the tax burden onto homeowners, especially seniors and fixed-income residents. They said the current temporary relief expires in fiscal 2027 and warned that, without permanent action, residential tax bills could rise sharply; committee members asked about the regional business impact, commercial taxpayers such as Alexandria Real Estate, and Watertown’s stabilization and free cash balances. The committee also heard H. 4435, a Charlemont bill authorizing a tax on commercial recreation services. Town officials said the measure would help a small rural town with a large tourism and recreation economy cover increased police, fire, and EMS costs caused by visitors, while reducing pressure on local property taxpayers. A committee member questioned whether the proposal fit within existing tax law and whether it was more like a tax on entry than on services; town witnesses responded that it would apply to recreation-related services such as guides and lifts and was modeled on the meals and rooms tax. Finally, testimony was taken on H. 4722, which would promote fair tax treatment for zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, including electric school buses and trucks, by capping sales and excise taxes at the level of comparable diesel vehicles. Supporters said the bill would remove an unintended tax penalty, help school districts and transportation providers afford electrification, and remain revenue-neutral. Representative Gentile also testified in support of H. 4722 and H. 4755, a Sudbury bill to amend the town’s means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption so the local program can continue without requiring a new special act if it lapses. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded after testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I thought it was a super cool opportunity to kind of ditch school and come and serve my community.
• I thought it was a super cool opportunity to kind of ditched. filled out the form.
• We went around and did that, so we'll let you give that opportunity to. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• But this gave me an opportunity to step in and say, look, this has yield potential.
• But this gave me an opportunity to step in and say, look, this has yield potential.

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The campus completed a study about a year ago just to look for similar opportunities on campus.
• So we completed a study just to look at what those opportunities might look like across campus.
• So we completed a study just to look at what those opportunities might look like across campus.
• But we see this as a real revenue opportunity to support campus.
• We think there's an opportunity to get up to $5 million a year.

Committee: All ALC-REVIEW

Summary: The review subcommittee met to consider a supplemental agenda, methods of finance, an alternative delivery project, discretionary grants, and a large slate of construction, out-of-state, and in-state contracts. The supplemental item was a $2.6 million out-of-state contract with Tyler Technologies for a mobile app that would let citizens access state services through a single sign-on, initially for DFA vehicle and licensing services, with possible expansion to other agencies. Members also reviewed five methods of finance, including University of Arkansas projects for roof and cooling tower replacements, a new $100 million academic classroom building at U of A Fayetteville, a police department renovation at UA Fort Smith, and a boiler/chiller replacement at Hope-Texarkana. Questions focused on project timing, why some items were being reviewed after work had begun, and the high estimated cost of the Fayetteville classroom building; DFA explained that projects under $250,000 are not reviewed and that the larger project was still in design and would later seek a guaranteed maximum price. The committee also reviewed two DHS discretionary grants: one for targeted youth advocacy in southwest Arkansas and another adding $582,000 for family-centered treatment training and implementation. In the services contract section, members discussed construction-related contracts, including an ASMSA electrical scope increase tied to three-phase power requirements and the U of A Fayetteville architect contract for the classroom building. Out-of-state contracts included major items such as ACT Education’s $17 million amendment to provide required pre-ACT testing for 9th and 10th graders, a $12.5 million DFA contract for rural health transformation grant management, DHS’s $16.5 million EBT services contract with updated chip-card and fraud-prevention features, and ADH’s special procurement for the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. The committee also reviewed U of A system consulting contracts for financial advisory and sponsorship strategy work, with university officials saying the outside expertise was needed for specialized planning and revenue-generation efforts. In-state contracts covered corrections reentry services, nursing board investigations, foster care and child welfare services, DHS office janitorial work, emergency management radio system expansion, veterans’ home nursing staffing, and UAMS grants consulting. A lengthy exchange centered on the Department of Corrections’ reentry housing contract, with members pressing officials about vacant beds and urging fuller use of the program, while corrections staff said placements depend on screening and eligibility. Another discussion addressed the balance between out-of-state and in-state contracting, with a member noting the large dollar volume going to out-of-state vendors and asking whether Arkansas vendors receive any preference; State Procurement said current law does not allow an in-state preference. The committee approved the supplemental agenda, the methods of finance, the alternative delivery project, the discretionary grants, and the contract lists, and then received routine reports and an emergency action report before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Already, there was an opportunity two years ago...
• Already, there was an opportunity two years ago where the administration chose to fast-track it, and
• I think that we have an opportunity both to make that program permanent.
• The extension of the program provides an opportunity to strengthen the state's leadership on health,
• The extension of the program provides an opportunity to strengthen the state's leadership on health,

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing focused on the governor’s May Revision, especially the proposed extension of the cap-and-trade program to 2045 as “cap-and-invest,” the related greenhouse gas reduction fund (GGRF) spending framework, and several trailer bill proposals. Department of Finance staff outlined budget solutions including a $1.5 billion annual General Fund-to-GGRF shift for Cal Fire that would grow to $1.9 billion by 2029-30, continued support for high-speed rail, climate bond implementation, and various environmental and water-related statutory changes. The administration also described proposals affecting the Delta Conveyance Project, water quality planning, groundwater bulletin timing, Exide cleanup funding, and other agency-specific items, though the chair repeatedly asked staff to keep the presentation high-level and save details for the next hearing. Members from both parties raised strong concerns about the cap-and-invest proposal, arguing that it could reduce or displace funding for transit, affordable housing, active transportation, wildfire prevention, zero-emission vehicles, and other previously committed programs. Several members questioned whether the administration was effectively shifting essential ongoing services like Cal Fire onto a temporary carbon market fund, how the General Fund backstop would work if auction revenues fall short, and whether the proposal would leave enough money for continuous appropriations and future awards. Members also criticized the inclusion of cap-and-invest reauthorization in the budget process and asked for clearer information on the impact to high-speed rail, transit, and other GGRF priorities. The Delta Conveyance Project and related trailer bill language drew significant opposition from members and public commenters, who argued the proposal would fast-track the project, weaken CEQA-related review, and authorize revenue bond financing without sufficient legislative oversight. Public testimony also included support for maintaining or expanding funding for transit, affordable housing, AB 617 community air protection, offshore wind infrastructure, and ignition interlock programs, while environmental and community groups opposed cuts to wildfire prevention, housing, and school climate-related programs. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and the chair said the committee would continue the discussion and receive more detailed responses at the follow-up hearing on Tuesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• But for those that didn't perform at that time, they will never have that opportunity.
• Chairman Bell, committee members, thank you for the opportunity and with that I close.
• Members, I appreciate the opportunity to lay this bill out.
• Anyway, nonetheless, I would respectfully reserve the opportunity to close.
• Thank you, Madam Chair and members, for the opportunity to lay out House Bill 5698.

Bills: HB293 , HB 1173 , HB3753 , HB4999 , HB5696 , SB2145 , HB5689 , HB5690 , HB5694 , HB5698 , HB293

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: HB 293, Texas housing tax credits, low-income housing, affordable housing, private activity bonds, PAB, qualified allocation plan, TDHCA, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, state representative objection, housing development approval, municipal notice, county commissioners court, extraterritorial jurisdiction, LIHTC, bond-financed housing, homelessness, housing services, Texas Department of Housing, municipal programs

Transcript Highlights:

• And you know, you certainly are very much a champion for your district and highlighting the opportunities
• That said, I'm not going to have... ...opportunities for tourism in our North Coast.
• So thank you for the opportunity to be at that table here today.
• Again, finding different ways to help connect a consumer to that opportunity to go see a show.
• For all genders to be able to have their sports opportunities as well.

Summary: The Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee met on April 8, 2025, and heard three bills. AB 666 would designate Bigfoot as California’s official state cryptid, with the author arguing it would recognize North Coast history and support local tourism; there was no support testimony, one opposition witness said the bill was a distraction from more serious issues, and the chair ultimately held the bill for lack of a motion. AB 1349 addressed speculative ticketing in the live entertainment market by requiring sellers to own or have a contractual right to tickets before listing them, along with disclosure, recordkeeping, anti-spoofing, and refund provisions. The author and supporters from music venues, artist groups, and sports organizations said the bill would protect fans and artists from deceptive resale practices and price gouging. Opponents from consumer and resale groups argued the measure was overbroad, could restrict legitimate resale and concierge services, and might favor primary ticketing monopolies. The committee members who spoke generally supported the consumer-protection goals, and the bill passed out of committee on a 7-0 vote, with two members not voting. AB 932 would require local education agencies that rent facilities to third-party youth sports clubs to provide gender-equitable access, closing what the author described as a loophole affecting girls’ club sports. Supporters, including the California Department of Education and youth sports advocates, said the bill would improve access for girls and address examples of unequal field and gym use. Opponents argued it could conflict with Title IX and raised broader objections to gender identity language in sports policy. The committee approved the bill on a 6-0 vote, with three members not voting, and sent it to Judiciary.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I really want to thank you for making sure that we have an opportunity to do that right now in this
• This is our opportunity to do better and to do right.
• I appreciate the opportunity to be here with you today and speak to these serious issues.
• Thank you for this opportunity to speak with you. Thank you.
• And to provide the opportunity to provide healing to others.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think this is an important opportunity for us to think.
• Thank you so much for this opportunity to speak to you this morning.
• It's not a missed opportunity to think about something deeper.
• I wanted to give you an opportunity.
• So I just want to give you the opportunity to respond to his suggestions.

Committee: House Corrections

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to come here to speak today.
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify in opposition to House Bill 1482.
• Thank you so much for this opportunity to speak to you this morning.
• It's not a missed opportunity to think about something better, deeper.
• I wanted to you an opportunity.

Bills: HB1482 , HB2017 , HB2103 , HB2341 , HB2756

Committee: House Corrections

Keywords: community supervision, repeat offenders, intoxication, Texas Penal Code, criminal justice reform, intoxication manslaughter, criminal penalties, mandatory supervision, parole eligibility, Grayson's Law, mental health, trauma, jailers, law enforcement, occupational health, diligent participation, state jail felony, time credits, rehabilitation programs, de-escalation

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity.
• This just expands the opportunity for more companies to provide these services.
• The intent is to provide opportunities to provide more options in the market. ...opportunities to provide
• I appreciate the opportunity to bring this good bill in front of you.
• So I appreciate the opportunity, and thank you very much. Thank you, Amy.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and heard several insurance- and financial-services-related bills. HB 315 was temporarily postponed. The chair also noted that, following the speaker’s remarks, members should expect additional special meetings as the committee investigates insurance-related issues and seeks transparency and the truth. HB 497, relating to nonprofit agricultural organization health coverage, was presented as a way to give Florida Farm Bureau members—especially farmers, ranchers, and small business owners—more affordable health coverage options. An amendment added statutory placement changes, disclosures that the product is not commercially sold, and annual financial audits. Members discussed ACA-related protections, fraud, and insolvency concerns, and the bill received support from Florida Farm Bureau and was reported favorably 16-0. HB 379, the annual securities package, updated exemptions, foreign jurisdiction rules, the Florida Invest Local Exemption, merger-and-acquisition broker rules, fingerprinting requirements, and technical issues in the Securities Guarantee Fund. Three amendments clarified entity definitions and fingerprint/live-scan requirements; the bill drew support from industry and OFR and passed favorably 17-0. The PCS for HB 147 on consumer debt collection clarified prohibited communications during nighttime hours, with the sponsor and supporters explaining the intent was to allow email while restricting other forms of contact and reduce litigation over passive communications. Members and public witnesses discussed ambiguity in the wording, and the sponsor said further cleanup language may still be needed; the PCS was reported favorably 17-0. HB 655 on pet insurance and wellness programs created a regulatory framework for pet insurance, drew support from industry and humane society representatives, and passed favorably 17-0. HB 367 on home and service warranty association financial requirements allowed financial compliance through multiple contractual liability insurance policies and alternative parent-company documentation; an amendment corrected cross-references and duplicative language, and after questions about consumer protections and insolvency, the bill was reported favorably 17-0. Finally, HB 7003 preserved a public-records exemption for sensitive financial technology sandbox application materials; members discussed the sandbox concept and possible future issues, but no amendments were taken and the bill passed favorably 17-0. The meeting adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of our opportunities. But thank you.
• this affidavit with the court that says, look, we notice them for this hearing and they have an opportunity
• And the reason for that is to give ample opportunity that if this is an abused process, if someone's
• Thank you for the opportunity to be here today.
• And we ask for the opportunity to gain some additional perspective in clarity on one or 2 items of the

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our heavenly Father, we are grateful for this opportunity to gather this morning.
• This actually opens up an opportunity for them to use different sources of funding to pay for something
• I know I spoke about this last year, and this is just an opportunity to give an update...
• Just an opportunity to give an update.
• This, if we have the opportunity, Um, if we have the opportunity to continue this program, there's a

Bills: HB205 , HB226 , HB234

Committee: House Ways and Means Education

Keywords: sales tax, use tax, exemption, tax conformity, tangible personal property, Alabama Department of Revenue, retail tax, consumer use tax, nonresident, religious publications, church magazines, Bible class materials, Sunday school materials, tax administration, indirect tax, state revenue, HB226, homestead exemption, ad valorem tax, property tax

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> THANK YOU FOR HAVING US HERE TODAY, WE ARE EXCITED TO HAVE THIS OPPORTUNITY ... >> Chair McClain
• FEDERAL RESOURCES, STATE RESOURCES, RENTAL HOUSING, HOMEOWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS.
• IS DEVELOPMENTS THAT ARE LARGE-SCALE AND THEY HAVE AN ACCESS TO EDUCATION, HEALTHCARE OR CIVIC OPPORTUNITIES
• THAT IS A STATUTORILY DESIGNATED TERM, RURAL AREAS OF OPPORTUNITY AND IT COINCIDED WITH THE IMPACTS OF
• THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT OUR REPORTS ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• calls for the removal of California from the proposed plan, stronger environmental review, and opportunity
• I can honestly say that the opportunity for meaningful participation has historically been non-existent
• I can honestly say that the opportunity for meaningful participation has historically been non-existent
• I truly appreciate this opportunity, and for these reasons, I respectfully oppose SB 675.
• I truly appreciate this opportunity, and for these reasons, I respectfully oppose SB 675.

Summary: The committee considered several coastal, climate, and air quality measures. Senator Laird presented SCR 136 marking the 50th anniversary of the Coastal Act and Coastal Conservancy Act, and SJR 12 opposing the federal offshore oil and gas leasing program; both drew broad support from environmental groups, local governments, and other advocates, with no opposition heard. Senator Padilla presented SB 10, requiring state climate plans to include gender impact assessments, with supporters arguing climate harms fall disproportionately on women and LGBTQ+ people; the bill also drew no opposition in the hearing. Senator Padilla also presented SB 675 to restructure the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District board and expand public transparency, while supporters cited severe air quality problems and opponents raised concerns about unfunded mandates, consultation, and impacts on local permitting and economic development. Senator Allen presented SB 1229 to limit disaster-rebuild coastal permit exemptions when replacement structures would newly impede coastal access or sensitive protections, with supporters saying it would prevent investor abuse of post-disaster rebuilding rules. After testimony, the committee took up the measures and recorded votes. SCR 136, SJR 12, SB 10, SB 675, and SB 1229 all advanced on party-line or near-party-line votes, with some members voting no on the more regulatory measures. The consent calendar was also approved, including ACR 157, SB 899, SB 949, SB 963, SB 1008, SB 1207, SB 1428, and SJR 5. All of the listed measures were sent onward, generally to Appropriations, and the committee concluded its hearing after the roll calls.

Transcript Highlights:

• from Cambodia at age 11 after fleeing the Khmer Rouge, I could never have envisioned the profound opportunity
• Chair, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the family and friends of Colby Lifnett, who
• Chair would like to take this opportunity to introduce guests of the Second Assistant Majority to Frank
• I would like to take this opportunity to introduce guests of Representatives Tyler, John Moran, and the
• This will help the Commonwealth achieve the 75% reimbursement rate required by the Student Opportunity

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• have students who have to miss part of their education and as part of that they are offered the opportunity
• </c><00:04:33.759><c> to</c><00:04:33.919><c> withdraw</c> offered the opportunity to withdraw offered
• the opportunity to withdraw um<00:04:36.240><c> in</c><00:04:36.560><c> particular</c><00:04:37.040>
• Um, thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of House File 3540.
• </c><00:11:14.640><c> to</c><00:11:14.800><c> testify</c> thank you for the opportunity to testify thank

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , and it would cost $160,000. ...grant opportunities, and it would cost $160,000 in the first biennium
• But uh— Give you the opportunity just in case. So if you want to defer, go for it.
• So the opportunities we have before us to build out ST3 are before us.
• It would also push the burden of repayment onto future generations that had no opportunity to vote on
• Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today in support of Senate Bill 6148.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Second Substitute Senate Bill 5690, which would require WSDOT to improve coordination with utilities on fish barrier removal projects and utility relocations, provide advance notice when feasible, and seek to maximize federal funding for relocation costs. Staff described the bill’s background, including the federal culvert injunction and WSDOT’s fish barrier work, and noted fiscal impacts tied to grant monitoring and possible revenue changes. Senator McEwen said the bill was narrowed from a prior version to reduce fiscal concerns and cited a district example where poor coordination allegedly wasted public and ratepayer funds. Utility representatives from PUDs testified in support, emphasizing better communication, advance notice for budgeting, and access to federal funds; no opposition was presented on this bill before the public hearing was closed. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6148, which would extend the maximum term for regional transit authority bonds from 40 years to 75 years and remove eligibility for regional mobility grant funds if an RTA uses bonds longer than 40 years. Staff and committee fiscal discussion focused on how longer terms reduce annual debt service but increase total interest paid over time, with examples comparing 25-, 40-, 50-, and 75-year bonds. Supporters, including Sound Transit board members, local officials, labor, and transit advocates, argued the bill would give Sound Transit flexibility to manage inflation, preserve project schedules, and align financing with long-lived infrastructure and the federal TIFIA loan program. Opponents argued the bill would increase long-term costs, shift burdens to future generations, and is premature because Sound Transit is still revising its plan and already has substantial cash and bonding capacity. The hearing ended after questions about debt safeguards, refinancing, and how the proposed authority would interact with TIFIA loans.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, and thank you for the opportunity to speak.
• Thank you, Chairman Gruders and senators on the committee, for the opportunity to present SB 760.
• Good afternoon, and thank you for the opportunity to speak on sickle cell. I am Rev. Dr.
• Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for this opportunity to speak. Thank you.
• I had the opportunity of carrying this bill for Orlando to be expanded, I guess, my freshman year in

Summary: The Fiscal Policy Committee met and first adopted a late-filed amendment to SB 774, which expands enhanced workers’ compensation coverage to 911 public safety telecommunicators for mental or nervous injuries. The bill drew supportive testimony from a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher and others, and was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably SB 770 on forensic services for certain defendants, which would allow the Agency for Persons with Disabilities to consolidate secure forensic services for individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism whose charges were dismissed after incompetency findings. Members then considered several public safety, family, and workforce bills. CS/SB 86, which declares unauthorized aliens operating commercial vehicles an imminent safety hazard and imposes vehicle impoundment and a $50,000 penalty on motor carriers, was reported favorably after questions about impound procedures and cargo handling; one speaker opposed it. SB 1594, protecting veterans’ benefits for foster youth so the funds are reserved for postsecondary education, training, and after-care services, was reported favorably with supportive testimony from a former DCF attorney. CS/SB 760, creating a new offense for willful violations of no-contact pretrial release conditions in violent crime cases, was reported favorably despite criminal defense attorneys’ concerns about a provision allowing warrantless arrests without officer observation. The committee also approved a complete rewrite of the nonprofit corporations chapter in SB 554, a sickle cell continuing education bill (SB 844) after extensive emotional testimony from patients, advocates, and family members, and SB 1022 adding two children’s initiative programs in Bay County and Broward County. CS/SB 1246 broadened the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund to include health science education programs and related workforce needs and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved CS/CS/SB 1230 restricting use and sale of certain firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS, and CS/CS/SB 128 directing DEP to mark Red Harris Spoil Island; both passed with favorable votes. Several senators later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on specific tabs, and the meeting adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, and thank you for the opportunity to speak.
• Thank you, Chairman Gruters and Senators on the committee for the opportunity to present SB 760.
• Good afternoon, and thank you for the opportunity to speak on sickle cell. I am Reverend Dr.
• Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for this opportunity to speak. Thank you.
• I had the opportunity of carrying this bill for Orlando to be expanded, I guess, my freshman year.

Bills: S0086 , S0554 , S0760 , S0774 , S0778 , S0844 , S1022 , S1230 , S1246 , S1594 , S1630

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Keywords: unauthorized aliens, commercial motor vehicles, safety regulations, civil penalties, law enforcement, nonprofit, corporation, Florida Nonprofit Corporation Act, membership, articles of incorporation, governance, pretrial release, bond conditions, violations of release conditions, violent crimes, victim safety, public safety, warrantless arrest, probable cause, pretrial detention

Summary: The Fiscal Policy Committee met and first reported favorably SB 774, which extends enhanced workers’ compensation benefits to 9-1-1 public safety telecommunicators for mental or nervous injuries, after adopting a late-filed amendment declaring an important state interest. The committee also heard supportive testimony from a Palm Beach County dispatcher. SB 770, which updates the definition of forensic clients so certain individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism can be housed with other Chapter 916 residents in secure forensic settings, was reported favorably as well. Members then approved CS/SB 86, which declares unauthorized operation of a commercial vehicle by an unauthorized alien an imminent safety hazard and imposes driver, carrier, and enforcement consequences, despite questions about vehicle impoundment and cargo handling and one appearance in opposition. SB 1594, which protects veterans’ benefits received on behalf of foster youth from being used as reimbursement and instead sets them aside for education and transition services, was reported favorably after supportive testimony. The committee also approved CS/SB 760, creating a new offense for willful violations of no-contact pretrial release conditions in certain violent crime cases, though the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers raised concerns about expanded warrantless arrest authority in one section. The committee next reported favorably CS/SB 554, a complete rewrite of Chapter 617 governing nonprofit corporations, after a technical delete-all amendment. It also approved CS/SB 844, requiring continuing education on sickle cell disease care for certain health care professionals; the bill drew extensive supportive testimony from advocates and patients describing pain management gaps and health disparities. SB 1022, expanding Florida Children’s Initiatives by adding programs in Bay County and Broward County, and CS/SB 1246, broadening the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund to include health science workforce programs and related uses, were both reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved CS/CS/SB 1230, which restricts the use, sale, and distribution of aqueous film-forming foam containing intentionally added PFAS and requires inventory and disposal reporting, after adopting amendments that removed airports from one provision. It also approved CS/CS/SB 128, directing DEP to erect markers for the Andrew Red Harris Spoil Island water body designation. Several senators requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on specific bills, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, and thank you for the opportunity to speak.
• Thank you, Chairman Gruters and senators on the committee for the opportunity to present SB 760.
• Good afternoon, and thank you for the opportunity to speak on sickle cell. I am Reverend Dr.
• Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for this opportunity to speak.
• I had the opportunity of carrying this bill for Orlando to be expanded, I guess, my freshman year.

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Keywords: 999, senate, all