Transcript Highlights:

• And now we'd like to hear from Valerie and Howard Rasmussen.
• </c> uh when you're ready we're ready to hear uh when you're ready we're ready to hear a<00:20:26.840
• I hear the confidential stories.
• </c> Wellness uh they open up to me I hear Wellness uh they open up to me I hear the<00:46:20.960><c>
• </c><00:58:35.319><c> my</c> country thank you for hearing my country thank you for hearing my testimony

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• And I do just want to say to the author, I hear you. I understand. I understand.
• I do just want to say to the author, I hear you. I understand.
• Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assembly Member Bonta, do you wish to close?
• Seeing and hearing no further debate. Thank you, Assembly Member Tangipa.
• Seeing and hearing none, the clerk will read the second-day consent calendar.

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. After routine procedural announcements and motions, members moved through a long concurrence and third-reading file, with many bills passing on largely bipartisan or unanimous votes. Early actions included rejecting a motion to strike SB 958 from the file, concurring in AJR 9 on national parks, and approving AB 1647 on juvenile transfer hearings, AB 1656 on human trafficking, AB 1660 on probate procedures, AB 1875 on marriage cooling-off period procedures, AB 1892 on common interest developments, AB 1908 on civil actions and urgency, AB 1954 on business reservations, AB 1957 on post-foreclosure home acquisition, AB 1977 on notaries public, AB 2001 and AB 2052 on criminal procedure, AB 2107 on pupil instruction, AB 2263 on housing, AB 2346 and AB 2595 on e-bike/vehicle issues, AB 1562 on elections, AB 2180 on local government finance, and AB 2624 on privacy protections for immigration support service providers. AB 2624 drew the most extensive debate, with supporters saying it expands Safe at Home protections for workers facing doxxing and threats, and opponents arguing it could chill speech and journalism; it ultimately passed 49-13 and was immediately transmitted to the Governor. The Assembly also adopted H.R. 134 designating November as California’s First-Generation College Celebration Month after supportive remarks about access to higher education and first-generation students. On the Senate side, the Assembly concurred in or passed measures including SB 932 on transparency in civil proceedings, SB 1400 on health authorities, SB 1154 on community college best-value procurement, SB 1264 on probate and child support notice, SB 599 on atmospheric river forecasting, SB 692 on emergency abatement of abandoned vehicles, SB 1263 on contractor accountability, and SB 1371 on solid waste service during labor disputes; SB 1371 prompted opposition over labor leverage and potential cost impacts but passed 41-14. Other notable Senate bills approved included SB 401 on emergency extensions for political reform filings, SB 945 on CPR/AED training in schools, SB 977 requiring healthier children’s meals at chain restaurants, SB 1192 on protections against abusive litigation by domestic violence abusers, SB 1194 on immigration legal services, SB 872 on water, SB 925 on a fusion energy roadmap, SB 934 strengthening conversion therapy protections, SB 1030 repealing the CalWORKs “man-in-the-house” rule, SB 1056 on protective orders for adult sexual assault materials, SB 1069 streamlining CARB approval for aftermarket auto parts, and SB 1135 creating a statewide wildlife coexistence program. The session ended with several items passed or retained on file and multiple procedural announcements, including guest permissions and adjournment-memory requests.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we will be hearing the Governor's May Revision proposals for TK through 12 education.
• I'm not really hearing specifics in terms of... Than we anticipated.
• Obviously, this hearing is related to this section of the budget.
• We talked about that a little bit in the budget sub hearing a couple of weeks ago.
• I would love to hear.

Transcript Highlights:

• Maintenance hears things out in the hallway.
• Maintenance hears things out in the hallway.
• Okay, can everyone hear me? My name's Charity Trawan.
• We look forward to hearing from you as well.
• We look forward to hearing from you as well.

Summary: The first meeting of the Human Trafficking and Emergency Department Task Force focused on implementing Act 267 of 2025, which created the body to develop a statewide human trafficking protocol to be incorporated into regional sexual assault response plans. Chair Rep. Kelly Hennessy Dickerson and Office of Human Trafficking Prevention Director Mary Kate Andrepont outlined the task force’s goal of producing a practical, transferable protocol for hospitals and emergency departments across Louisiana, with help from Heal Trafficking. Members and presenters repeatedly emphasized that the protocol should be trauma-informed, survivor-centered, multidisciplinary, and adaptable to different regions and health systems. Hospital, SANE, and advocacy presenters described current practices and gaps. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport’s Operation Rahab and FMOLHS’s policies highlighted staff education, badge buddies, private screening, reporting pathways, and coordination with the National Human Trafficking Hotline, law enforcement, DCFS, and local advocates. SANE nurses and forensic staff stressed that most trafficking victims pass through emergency departments and that subtle behavioral indicators, rapport-building, and broad staff education are critical. LaFASA described statewide sexual assault advocacy services, emphasizing 24-hour crisis response, legal support, and the role of advocates in helping survivors understand options and regain control. Child and youth trafficking specialists from DCFS-contracted programs, including Unbound Now and BCFS/Common Thread, explained Louisiana’s Act 662 response for minors, which routes reports into coordinated advocacy and care coordination. They said their teams respond statewide within 90 minutes, provide crisis support, and work with CACs, hospitals, and law enforcement. Members raised concerns about major service gaps, especially for adults, transportation, safe housing, and specialized placements for survivors with disabilities. Presenters also noted that male survivor housing remains limited, though Eden Centers now offers some beds. The task force also reviewed a needs assessment showing many hospitals lack mandatory trafficking training, screening practices, written protocols, and confidence in identifying victims. Members discussed expanding education beyond ED staff to residents, nursing schools, student health, mental health, housekeeping, maintenance, and law enforcement. No formal votes were taken, but the chair said the survey results and testimony would be used to draft a protocol before the next meeting, with a final draft to follow after further review and feedback.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, because this was an amendment on a Senate bill, we never had a hearing on it.
• So I thought it was very important that we have at least a conversation and a hearing on this.
• But occasionally, we hear of circumstances where someone has been in an agreement.
• Hearing none, amendment adopted. A quick... Quick summary now of what the bill does.
• And thank you for hearing us and listening to us.

Committee: House Natural Resources & Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you guys hear me? Chair, members, thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
• And as it was mentioned, we did host an outcomes review hearing a couple of weeks ago.
• My wife, Rachel, testified before you last month at the AB-238 outcome hearings.
• And so I just follow what I'm hearing from survivors.
• And so I just follow what I'm hearing from survivors.

Committee: House Banking and Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• I ask all members of the subcommittee to be present in Room 2200 so we can begin the hearing, but we're
• All items are being held open and will be voted on at a future hearing. Let's call the roll.
• I hear what you're saying.
• I hear what you're saying.
• We'll first hear from Deputy Director Bigelow. Thank you.

Summary: The subcommittee met to discuss several California Conservation Corps (CCC) and Cal Fire budget proposals, with no votes taken and all items held open for a future hearing. The CCC overview highlighted the program’s 50th anniversary, its statewide conservation, disaster response, education, and workforce development work, and its funding mix of General Fund and fee-for-service reimbursements. Members praised the program’s impact on young adults and communities, and asked about revenue sources, partnerships, recruitment, and outcomes for Corps members after service. A major CCC item was reopening and staffing the Greenwood Residential Center in El Dorado County. The department said the center is needed to restore local wildfire and fuel-break capacity, especially when winter road closures limit access to other facilities. The LAO said the proposal has merit but suggested the Legislature consider lower-cost alternatives, such as using fewer new Corps members or delaying opening, given the budget condition. The committee also discussed a proposal to move CCC hand crews to a seven-day wildfire readiness schedule; the department argued this is needed to match Cal Fire’s year-round operations and reduce chronic staffing gaps, while the LAO recommended considering partial funding or other cost-saving options. Cal Fire’s department overview focused on year-round wildfire response, vegetation management, community preparedness, and the 66-hour workweek rollout. Members asked about contract counties, federal partnerships, reforestation capacity, and the use of cap-and-invest and General Fund dollars amid structural deficits. Cal Fire said its nursery capacity is far below reforestation needs and relies on public-private partnerships, and it described reimbursements for work on federal lands. The committee also discussed defensible space inspections, with Cal Fire seeking permanent staffing to replace temporary positions and maintain its goal of 250,000 inspections annually; the LAO suggested alternatives such as different funding mixes, a reinstated SRA fee, or one-time funding. Finally, the committee heard a request to increase Cal Fire’s fixed-wing pilot and mechanic contract. Cal Fire said the larger, more complex aircraft fleet and year-round fire season require more pilots and maintainers, and that contracting provides flexibility and avoids some benefit costs. The LAO said the proposal addresses significant health and safety concerns and merits consideration, while members questioned whether in-house staffing or longer contract terms might be more cost-effective. Throughout the hearing, members emphasized wildfire risk, budget pressures, and the need to balance public safety with fiscal discipline.

Transcript Highlights:

• be present in Room 112 so we can establish a quorum and begin our hearing.
• We will take public comment on all items at the end of the hearing.
• First we're again going to hear from Director Steve Gordon and Mr.
• The other day we had a hearing. I think you remember the hearing.
• We have concluded the agenda for today's hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We hear from our local partners regularly about the impact of their preservation efforts, but we also
• hear about the missed opportunities because there are not resources sufficient to do this work.
• Guerra, can you hear me or do I grab it? Okay. Can you hear me or do I grab it? Good afternoon.
• At some point, hopefully soon we'll hear the Wicks bill so we can keep moving that forward.
• And also meeting with the opposition and trying to hear their concerns.

Committee: Senate Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, it’s upsetting to me to hear as well. That was very traumatizing for her.
• Oh, it’s upsetting to me to hear as well.
• I'm glad that I got to be here today to hear your answers, Dr.
• And I was glad to hear you mention the peer support network.
• and hear the to hear Secretary Hatch answer the questions today in our committee and hear the frustrations

Summary: The committee first considered the confirmation of Dr. John Lattell to the Board of Medicine. In questioning, senators focused heavily on his views about abortion, vaccines, ivermectin, and the role of CDC/FDA guidance in board discipline cases. Dr. Lattell said the board applies Florida statutes and works through probable cause panels and legal counsel, but he also expressed strong pro-life views, skepticism of federal health guidance, and criticism of vaccines and some medical practices. Supporters praised his long medical career, military service, and family medicine background, while opponents argued his views could prevent him from being objective in disciplinary matters. The committee voted to recommend him for confirmation to the full Senate, with Senators Polsky and Ruson voting no. The committee then took up the confirmation of Taylor Hatch as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. Hatch described her background in state human services and outlined priorities centered on accountability, data, lived experience, and improving service delivery. Senators asked about SNAP error rates, Hope Florida, legislative analyses, staffing, and the department’s handling of child welfare and medically complex cases. Hatch said the department was reducing SNAP error rates, that Hope Florida uses navigators to connect people with community resources and self-sufficiency supports, and that DCF is working with the Department of Health and other partners to improve investigations and accountability in child welfare. She also said the agency is reviewing medically complex cases and strengthening oversight of community-based care providers through contracts, audits, and proposed funding-model changes. A substantial portion of the Hatch discussion centered on whether the department had been responsive to legislative requests and whether it had provided timely bill analyses. Senators also pressed her on Hope Florida staffing, the number of participants served, and the Hope Florida Foundation’s compliance and legal oversight. Hatch said the foundation is undergoing a financial audit and that the department is relying on required reports and ongoing investigations. The transcript ends amid continued questioning about a community-based care contractor’s finances, related-party transactions, and whether further forensic audits or repayments are needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you hear me? Hello? Okay. Well, let's get started.
• We're going to hear the presentation on the whole thing.
• That's refreshing to hear.
• You know, we hear, we hear we're doing this, this, and this, and it's great.
• That's great to hear. Okay. Thank you. Any other discussion?

Committees: House Commerce , House House Commerce Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm very happy to hear the response.
• For FY27, as well as on Line 102 for the Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons.
• So you'll hear that from Joey as well in the next one.
• So basically, This board hears labor relations complaints from Public Employee Unions.
• We're sort of going through to be able to hear all the requests.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to take up committee business right after this hearing so that we make sure and get that
• and then it's released to the public as you hear the the report, um, at your public hearing.
• , hear the presentation of the report.
• Hear the public presentation of the response from the agency to the report and then the committee has
• So, uh, You know, I can already hear my guys back home raising Cain with me, uh, on the deal.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair hears none. Substitute is adopted.
• Chair hears none. Substitute is adopted.
• Chair hears none, the motion prevails.
• Chair hears none. Adopted.
• Every day we hear from.

Bills: HB3772 , HB1656 , HB4504 , HB1896 , HB4420 , HB4421 , HB4076 , HB3708 , HB2806 , HB3540 , HB1586 , HB5459 , HB4553 , HB4535 , HB3811 , HB3749 , HB4255 , HB4051 , HB5098 , HB3554 , HB4539 , HB5274

Committee: House Public Health

Keywords: e-cigarettes, health and safety, regulations, directory, penalties, regulation, certification, compliance, manufacturers, FDA, nicotine, mental health, emergency detention, paramedic authority, mental illness, healthcare facility, public health, covenants not to compete, health care practitioners, physicians

Transcript Highlights:

• I hear you landing it.
• And so I wanted to let you know that it's not just you hear the money, you hear all this other stuff,
• I hear speaking the Senate of a rural renaissance in agriculture.
• I'm sorry you're just hearing about it now.
• I'm sorry you're just hearing about it now.

Committee: Senate Regulated Industries

Summary: The committee first handled Senate confirmations, hearing two support waivers from the Florida Swimming Pool Association, and then voted to recommend confirmation of all appointees in a block vote. It then took up several bills, adopting amendments and reporting each measure favorably: CS/SB 462 on transportation, which included FDOT authority over speed limits, EV-related funding, MPO changes, workforce grants, and an I-4 widening report; SB 1574 on energy infrastructure investment, creating a PSC mechanism for renewable natural gas infrastructure cost recovery; SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, limiting local government energy-source restrictions; and SB 726 on swatting, adding liability for prosecution/investigation costs and restitution for injuries or property damage. The committee also approved CS/SB 496 on timeshare management and CS/SB 1076 on roof contracting, both with technical or clarifying amendments. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 408 on thoroughbred permit holders and decoupling live racing from gaming licenses at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs. Senator Burgess presented a strike-all amendment that would delay decoupling for seven years, with a three-year notice period and a four-year guarantee of racing and current purse/breeder award structures. The sponsor and supporters said the longer runway was intended to create room for negotiations and align Florida with other pari-mutuel operations. The committee heard extensive public testimony, overwhelmingly opposed, from horsemen, breeders, veterinarians, farm owners, sales companies, and related businesses who warned the bill would reduce racing, depress breeding, threaten tens of thousands of jobs, and harm a major agricultural industry. A few speakers, including representatives of the Miccosukee Tribe, opposed the bill as a casino expansion that would benefit out-of-state interests and undermine existing gaming arrangements. No final vote on SB 408 was taken in the portion provided, and the committee continued public testimony after a recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing will be invited testimony only.
• Before us today, we'll close upon adjournment of this hearing.
• And this hearing is being live streamed.
• Can you hear me? Yes, sir. Can you hear me? Yes, sir. Mr. Chairman? Yes.
• Hearing none, that'll... 153.

Committee: House Energy Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> much appreciate his help at the hearing much appreciate his help at the hearing for<00:03:04.400
• Happy to hear that.
• Do I hear a motion for 179?
• We have a hearing.
• Do I hear a second?

Summary: The Solid Waste Subcommittee met to discuss proposed amendments to HB 171 and HB 215. For HB 171, Representative Gerna outlined technical changes to a landfill moratorium bill: DES would be allowed to accept applications only to review them for completeness, a notwithstanding clause would override automatic approval timing rules, the word “fully” would be removed, and an unnecessary reference to perennial water bodies would be deleted. Members raised concern about whether applications deemed complete during the moratorium would still have to comply with later changes in law or rule. Director Mike Whap of DES said applicants would likely need to amend applications if policy changes occurred, and suggested the bill could explicitly state that later changes apply to pending applications. The subcommittee generally supported the revised language and agreed the amended bill could go directly to executive session, though one member said the underlying legislation was ill-advised but preferred the amended version over the original. The committee then turned to HB 215, which would create a two-stage landfill siting review centered on a “net public benefit” determination before full technical review. Representative Gerna explained that the amendment would define net public benefit, require an independent third-party assessment paid for by the applicant, and set up a process for selecting the contractor from a list submitted by the applicant, with DES and the host community involved and the commissioner choosing if no agreement is reached within 60 days. Members asked how “host community” would be defined; DES said it would generally mean the municipal governing body, though that body could appoint others. The amendment also broadened the factors considered in both harms and benefits, including human health, property values, tourism, recreation, wildlife, local economic benefits, and infrastructure improvements. The discussion also added a provision directing DES to consult with the Department of Transportation, the Department of Business and Economic Affairs, and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources as needed when reviewing the third-party assessment. Director Whap said interdepartmental consultation is normal and that DES would likely adopt rules to guide the process. Members questioned whether the new framework would be too vague or burdensome for applicants, but Whap said it would not be designed to stack the deck against applicants and that the process should provide clearer, more balanced criteria. No votes were taken during the meeting, and the subcommittee appeared to continue refining the amendment language before further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, if you can hear me, clap once. If you can hear me, clap twice.
• I think hearing each other and really hearing<03:19:50.280><c> each</c><03:19:50.480><c> other's</c><
• ><04:30:18.720><c> people</c> And so when I hear people And so when I hear people say<04:30:21.000><c
• We hear the words slippery slope often. We hear the words slippery slope often.
• </c><05:33:40.840><c> I</c> And so, yeah, I hear the stories. I And so, yeah, I hear the stories.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing none, all right, we'll move to open public testimony on the committee substitute to House Bill
• Hearing none, public testimony is closed.
• Hearing none, so ordered.
• Hearing none, public testimony is now closed.
• Hearing none, so ordered.

Committee: Senate Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Senator Scott. >> I hear that.
• >> I hear that.
• And I think that's why we hear<01:02:04.400><c> a</c><01:02:04.440><c> lot</c> hear a lot hear a lot
• Good to hear.
• Good to<02:03:52.000><c> hear.</c> to hear. to hear.

Committee: Joint Education