Transcript Highlights:

• Quite frankly, we were keeping track of some of these billions of dollars.
• This project is, I guess, sort of the poster child for a shift in how the university is thinking about
• The university has kind of changed tacks on this project, and they are now looking at not building new
• At the University of New Mexico, and I'm here on behalf of the New Mexico Consortium of Academic Libraries
• This is kind of coming out of years of program events.

Transcript Highlights:

• This week marks the legacy of the Battle of Puebla.
• This bill is a product of the Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color.
• the meaning of Section 3 of Article 1 of the California Constitution.
• The Star Wars universe offers a new way of telling these old myths. Its narratives are mirrored...
• At the center of this universe is the Force, a concept that mirrors the Brahman, the all-pervasive reality

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• K-12 schools and agricultural university, maintaining the grounds of the capital, and other reasons.
• And because the Admissions Act of 1890 did not direct the state on management of any lands outside of
• state lands and potentially put the state on the hook for tens of millions of dollars of ongoing costs
• of time.'
• of federal delegates to oppose the sale of those lands as well. ...of federal delegates to oppose the

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 20 and February 23, 2026. It then introduced several RS measures, including RS 3313-C-1 on Idaho Housing and Finance Association reporting and transparency, RS 33525 relating to an Idaho Department of Fish and Game gun club-related alternative, and RS 3344-1, a trigger bill concerning machine guns if the federal ban is repealed or overturned. Each of those motions passed without opposition. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1326, a private property/warrant bill sponsored by Senator Harris. The bill would generally require government agents to have a warrant, exigent circumstances, or consent before entering private land not open to the public, while preserving certain exceptions for law enforcement, water rights, drones, weed control, and abatement districts. Supporters, including landowners and the Idaho Farm Bureau, described experiences with government officials entering private property without permission; Fish and Game and the Idaho Association of Counties opposed the bill, arguing it would hinder routine compliance checks and enforcement. After testimony and questions, the committee voted to send SB 1326 to the 14th order for possible amendment. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 1286, sponsored by Senator Nichols, which would regulate paid non-accredited assistance for veterans’ federal benefit claims. Supporters said the bill would protect veterans from aggressive marketing, unclear fees, and misuse of personal information while preserving access to free help and allowing contingent-fee arrangements under set rules. Some veterans testified in favor of consumer protections, while one veteran said the bill could limit his ability to choose paid help that had worked for him. The committee approved a motion to send SB 1286 to the floor with a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard Senate Joint Resolution 103, sponsored by Senator Adams, proposing a constitutional amendment to create a trust for certain lands granted or acquired from the federal government and to bar their sale, with revenues used for land management, county payments, and education-related purposes. Supporters framed it as a way to protect public lands from sale and preserve access, while opponents from Conservation Voters for Idaho and the Wilderness Society warned it could create financial uncertainty, wildfire costs, and management problems without a clear state structure. The transcript ends during continued testimony on the resolution, with no final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Hawaii because the University of Hawaii has a mandate to reach 100% net zero before the state.
• of Hawaii because the University of Hawaii has a mandate to reach 100% net zero before the state.
• </c> consumer Advocate heo and the University consumer Advocate heo and the University of<01:41:04.119
• <01:41:06.119><c> of</c> of Hawaii because the University of of Hawaii because the University of Hawaii
• <01:41:17.000><c> of</c><01:41:17.119><c> Haw</c> University of Haw University of Haw monoa<01:41:19.159

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee met on March 19, 2025, and first heard SB 137 SD2 HD1 relating to electric utilities. The Division of Consumer Advocacy and the Public Utilities Commission said they stood on their written comments, IBEW Local 1260 supported the bill, and Ulupono Initiative also supported it. Hawaiian Electric supported the intent but asked for an amendment, saying the bill’s definition of “acquiring entity” was too broad and could unintentionally cover purely local utility transactions. A later witness from Life of the Land supported the bill only if the merger/acquisition language were removed, arguing the PUC would not have a workable mechanism to let a cooperative intervene in a utility sale process. Committee members questioned whether the bill could still work without that section, and Ulupono said it was open to clarifying language but did not seek to remove the provision; the discussion ended without a vote in the excerpt provided. The committee then took up SB 1220 SD2 relating to a renewable gas tariff. The Division of Consumer Advocacy and the PUC again stood on written comments. HGas strongly supported the measure, saying it would create a faster, more cost-effective path for a voluntary renewable gas tariff without requiring a full rate case, while preserving PUC oversight and consumer protections. The Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas also supported the bill, emphasizing that it would expand consumer choice and help Hawaii’s clean energy goals while keeping the program voluntary and shielding non-participating customers from costs. Henry Curtis of Life of the Land opposed the bill, arguing that HGas already had an active rate case and could have raised the issue there, and that the proposal did not increase renewable gas supply or speed up acquisition; he called it a gimmick. In response, HGas said the bill was mainly a mechanism to speed filing and that the details would be worked out in a PUC docket. Committee members pressed HGas on whether the measure would actually add renewable gas, what source would be used, and whether customers would simply be paying more for the same gas; HGas said it had two projects in development, including banagrass and hydrogen-related work, and that the tariff would be a voluntary opt-in rate for customers seeking renewable natural gas to meet sustainability goals. No vote was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Center out of, I believe, George Mason University.
• University of Texas research estimates that the existing and planned solar, wind, and storage projects
• Imagine, you know, a doctor at one of our state universities is performing surgery on a patient and is
• University hospitals have a cap of $250,000—not a cap on pain and suffering, a cap of $250,000.
• of the citizens of Texas.

Committee: House Governmental Oversight, Select

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• funds because of lack of local?
• at the University of North Dakota.
• we can perhaps include notice to the State Board of Higher Education or the university system to let
• North Dakota State University elected to discontinue participation in the City of Fargo's building permitting
• I've never heard of a university having state sovereignty. Mr.

Committee: Joint Government Finance Committee

Summary: The committee first received a general fund and revenue update from the Office of Management and Budget. Staff reported that the state started the biennium about $176 million above prior estimates, but year-to-date revenues were now running below legislative forecast, mainly due to lower individual income tax and sales tax collections. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap, the legacy fund continued to grow, and oil revenues were slightly above forecast overall. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing variability, and OMB said agencies would be asked to address potential federal reductions case by case during budget preparation. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analysis materials, followed by a bill draft for a fixed-route city transportation grant program. Testimony from transit officials in Fargo and Minot supported the proposal, saying state aid would help match federal transit funds and support operations, but members raised questions about the funding source, fare structures, and whether the program should be limited to the current four fixed-route cities or allow future eligible cities. Several members asked for more time to study the formula and possible funding options before moving the bill forward. Next, the committee approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to a proposed North Dakota-South Dakota bi-state authority. Staff explained the provision had been unused for about 30 years and that existing law likely already allowed joint powers agreements without the specific language. The committee voted to adopt the repeal bill draft. The Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site then provided an update on uncrewed aircraft system initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and future revenue models. Officials said North Dakota had received FAA approval to operate the radar data pathfinder, had begun replacing non-compliant drones from restricted foreign sources, and was working on phased procurement and cost-recovery plans. Members asked about deadlines, funding, supply-chain issues, and how the system would be used; staff said the federal restrictions were already in effect and that Vantis was being positioned as infrastructure for future beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. Finally, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and on a reentry housing task force. The new facility is planned for the penitentiary grounds, with a reduced estimated cost of about $263 million, 600 beds initially, possible expansion to 732 beds, and completion projected around 2031 if funded in 2027. The reentry housing task force described a data-driven effort to identify housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with the goal of reducing homelessness and recidivism through targeted housing support and possible subsidies. Members asked about staffing, site selection, housing duration, and whether employment and transportation needs would be included in the assessment.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1732 is supported by the University of California, the School Employees Association, and the Faculty
• Tyler Iular, on behalf of the University of California.
• At the UC, student housing remains a top priority for the University of California system, and to further
• the needs of our universities, our students, our faculty, our staff, and also give the tools needed to
• Jason Murphy on behalf of the University of California. We have support for a position.

Summary: The committee heard a long housing agenda with several bills presented before quorum was established. AB 1725, as amended, would require disclosure of nearby oil wells and methane monitoring issues in a specific district; the author and community witnesses described serious health and safety risks in Vista Hermosa Heights, while the California Apartment Association, California Building Industry Association, and California Chamber of Commerce opposed, arguing the bill targeted the wrong industry and that the state should instead fix abandoned wells directly. AB 2110, a local finance tool to create tax increment districts for workforce housing for education, health care, manufacturing, and public safety workers, drew no witnesses in support or opposition and was presented as a way to help workers live closer to jobs. AB 1732 would expand CEQA streamlining for public university and college housing projects; UC and several housing and labor groups supported it, while housing advocates raised concerns about amendments affecting existing 100% affordable housing exemptions. AB 1771, amended into a study bill, would direct HCD to report on the long-standing resident manager requirement for apartment buildings with 16 or more units; the rental housing industry supported studying the issue, while the chair emphasized the need to consider tenant protections and the impact on current resident managers before changing the law. The committee also heard AB 2185, which would direct state affordable housing programs to update guidelines to better support factory-built housing; it drew broad support from housing, labor, technology, and local government groups, with no opposition. AB 2748 would delay new EV-readiness requirements for 100% affordable housing developments, keeping the prior 40% standard through 2035; supporters said the higher standard would add significant costs and threaten project feasibility, while clean air and transportation advocates argued the code changes are modest, important for equity, and should not be rolled back. Members split along those lines, with some emphasizing housing production and others urging more public subsidy for EV infrastructure rather than delaying the code. SB 417, a proposed $10 billion affordable housing bond for the November ballot, received extensive support from housing organizations, local governments, labor, and business groups, but Habitat for Humanity and the Los Angeles mayor’s office asked for specific allocations for CalHome and interim housing; the bill was ultimately moved to Appropriations on an 8-0 vote, with members noting ongoing negotiations over funding priorities. Finally, AB 1740 would create an urban multimodal community designation for Santa Monica, allowing local approval of certain low-impact coastal-zone activities—such as some housing, bike and bus lanes, outdoor dining, and building changes—without Coastal Commission review. The author and Santa Monica officials said the bill would reduce delays and uncertainty for infill housing and local economic recovery while preserving protections for sensitive coastal resources; supporters included housing, business, and city groups. The Coastal Commission and environmental organizations opposed, saying the bill would carve out broad exemptions, weaken public access and appeal rights, and bypass the local coastal program process that Santa Monica has not completed. Committee members debated the Commission’s role, with some criticizing it for opposing legislation and others arguing the bill was a common-sense way to modernize coastal permitting. A motion and second were made on AB 1740, and the bill was left pending with the committee’s action to be taken when appropriate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is the Chair aware that this university campus is one of the most diverse university campuses?
• The University of Houston is one of the most diverse in the country.
• The Chair is a graduate of this institution. You are the University of Houston Law Center as I.
• I'm also a 1993 graduate of the University of Texas at Austin.
• I'm a student here at the University of Houston.

Committee: House Congressional Redistricting, Select

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c> cost of insurance. the the cost of cost of insurance. the the cost of insurance<00:04:02.799><c>
• </c> Um, one of the one of the big takeaways Um, one of the one of the big takeaways for<00:05:24.560
• ><c> or</c> that part of the control of any fraud or that part of the control of any fraud or any<00:
• our homeless shelters at a cost of, according to University of Louisville, $58,000 a year per homeless
• </c> of that of the state funds. of that of the state funds.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services heard a presentation on Kentucky personal care homes from representatives of the Kentucky Association of Healthcare Facilities, Management Systems of Kentucky, and Elder Care Partners. Witnesses described personal care homes as a lower-cost, 24/7 residential option for adults with serious mental illness who do not qualify for nursing home care but need structured support, medication assistance, meals, housekeeping, transportation, and supervision. They said the homes are regulated by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, are not Medicaid-funded, and rely on a state supplementation rate of about $50.70 per day, which they argued no longer covers operating costs because of rising food, labor, insurance, and maintenance expenses. The presenters said the sector has shrunk significantly over time, citing a drop from 64 homes in 2002 to 34 today among the homes serving this population, with 30 closures over 23 years and two more closures since August. They argued that the closures have contributed to homelessness, hospital overcrowding, and longer stays in psychiatric hospitals, and they gave examples of residents who had spent many months in hospitals before stabilizing in a personal care home. One provider also described spending more than $800,000 on capital improvements after acquiring Kentucky facilities and said reimbursement is too low to sustain safe operations. They asked for an incremental reimbursement increase over two years and said they have also proposed an assisted-living model for people with mental illness. Members asked about staffing, reimbursement, and the number of people still needing placement. The presenters said there is no requirement for licensed or certified staff in these facilities, though some homes use medication technicians and occasional LPNs. They estimated they are currently serving about 2,000 residents and said they receive roughly 30 referrals for every one person admitted, with many referrals involving people whose needs exceed the personal care home level. Senator Meredith and Representative Fleming said any funding request would need documentation of savings and corresponding budget offsets, while Representative Duval expressed support and asked about possible staffing and program improvements. The witnesses also compared Kentucky’s flat-rate reimbursement to a more individualized reimbursement model in Minnesota, saying a needs-based system would better match staffing and reduce hospitalizations.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:44:34.000><c> of</c> have is a uh is a rainbow of of have is a uh is a rainbow of of compliance
• </c> rate of of non um payment. rate of of non um payment.
• > of</c><01:36:16.960><c> big</c> billions of dollars of budget of big billions of dollars of budget
• CSU Founders Day celebrates the history and impact of our state's land-grant university system, have
• of our state's<01:51:55.520><c> land</c><01:51:55.840><c> grant</c><01:51:56.239><c> university</c><

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for bio monitoring, and/or transfer to the Board of Regents to University of Minnesota to develop rapid
• The top right of page R23, there's a Senate-only transfer to the Southwest Minnesota State University
• Then there's a House-only transfer to the University of Minnesota for research into crop contamination
• The top right of page R23, there's a Senate-only transfer to the Southwest Minnesota State University
• </c><00:37:05.040><c> of</c><00:37:05.240><c> Minnesota</c> transfer to the University of Minnesota transfer

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Agriculture Conference Committee met for an initial organizational and comparison session on House File 2446, the agriculture broadband and rural development bill. Members introduced themselves, noted that no conference target had yet been set, and agreed to begin with a side-by-side review of House and Senate positions. No oral testimony was taken; instead, the chair listed written testimony submitted by a wide range of agricultural, environmental, local government, food bank, and industry groups. Nonpartisan fiscal staff walked through the major funding differences. Both bills included some shared items such as operating adjustments, wolf and elk damage compensation, and certain technical changes, but they differed on several major appropriations. The House generally proposed larger increases for meat inspection, local food purchasing, and the Board of Animal Health, and added items such as county inspector grants, biofertilizer innovation, a biosolids/PFAS-related study, a soil health study, broadband installation study funding, an Agri Works program, an Agri Support program, a milk grant program, and several House-only transfers and grants. The Senate included items such as a climate coordinator position, biofuel-related reductions and policy changes, livestock processing funding, farm-to-school and urban agriculture changes, MARL funding, cottage foods licensing updates, and several Senate-only pass-through grants and transfers. Staff also noted differences in the agriculture emergency account transfer approach and in how the two bodies handled the Second Harvest Heartland and related food distribution provisions. House Research then reviewed the policy language differences in the bill. The House language included provisions allowing more flexible use of grant administration funds, unpaid prior-year claims, county inspector grants, and updates tied to its own policy article, while the Senate language included the climate coordinator, PFAS-related commercialization language, cooperative development grant permissive language, and other Senate policy changes. The committee did not take any votes or final actions at this meeting; the session was informational and focused on identifying differences for later negotiation.

Transcript Highlights:

• of our licenses are out of vast majority of our licenses are out of state.<00:02:50.879><c> So</c><00
• </c><00:08:10.000><c> our</c> bottom of the reverse side of our bottom of the reverse side of our executive
• c><00:17:00.880><c> and</c><00:17:01.120><c> our</c> of the waiver of that and our of the waiver of that
• c><00:38:18.160><c> regulatory</c> review of um some of the regulatory review of um some of the regulatory
• </c> that they're aware of some of the common that they're aware of some of the common scams<00:48:11.920

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 22 January, 2026; 8:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> parents, all of our stories are a lot of parents, all of our stories are a lot of the<00:08:59.839
• </c> at risk of closure and the risk of at risk of closure and the risk of losing<00:57:04.240><c> 33,000
• How are we working with our partners at Northern Kentucky University and the Department of Exercise Physiology
• </c> University and the Department of University and the Department of Exercise<01:00:11.520><c> Physiology
• Um, because of all of our assessments.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Families and Children met with a quorum, approved the August minutes, and received an update that the number of children in out-of-home care with active placements was 8,647 as of September 7, 2025. The first presentation was from Isaiah 117 House, a nonprofit that provides a home-like setting for children on removal day so they do not have to wait in a state office. Speakers described the mission as reducing trauma for children, lightening the burden on case workers, and easing transitions to foster or kinship placements. They said the Kentucky home in Logan County opened on August 15 and had already served 10 children in its first six days. Committee members asked about logistics, including whether children placed with kinship caregivers would still come to the house, how long children can stay, who remains responsible for them, and how volunteers are screened. The presenters said children are brought to the house regardless of whether they are headed to kinship or foster placement, that 72 hours is not a hard cutoff, and that a case worker remains in charge at all times while volunteers provide support. They also said volunteers undergo background checks, trauma-informed training, confidentiality instruction, and annual continuing education. In response to questions about funding and expansion, they said Isaiah 117 House is community-funded without state or federal money, and that new homes are opened only when fully funded, with construction costs typically ranging from $80,000 to $150,000 and first-year budgets around $180,000. The committee then heard a presentation from Remy Eastep Homes on its Family Centered Integrated Healthcare and related services. Leaders described the organization’s history from its origins as separate orphanages in Boyd County to residential treatment, treatment foster care, prevention services, and outpatient behavioral health. They said the organization shifted about 15 years ago toward engaging families more directly because family involvement improves outcomes and helps keep children safely at home when possible. The presentation continued into program details, but no votes or formal actions were taken on either presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Calling the 11:15 calendar of Health and Human Services for decision-making only on HCR 33, and currently
• Hawaii County in collaboration with the Pūpūkea community, Department of Health, and other stakeholders
• Um, A&S recommendation, which HHS agrees with, is to pass with amendments to include the University of
• for research, environmental monitoring, and technical assistance in the planning and implementation of
• A&S recommendation, which HHS agrees with, is to pass with amendments to include the University of Hawaiʻi

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee met for decision-making only on HCR 33, which concerns the Pūpūkea sewage project. The resolution recognizes ongoing collaboration among Hawaiʻi County, the Pūpūkea community, the Department of Health, and other stakeholders to complete the project. The A&S recommendation, which the Health and Human Services committee supported, was to amend the resolution to add the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo as a stakeholder and resource for research, environmental monitoring, and technical assistance in planning and implementation. There was no discussion or opposition raised before the vote. The committee voted to pass the resolution with amendments, with the chair, acting vice chair, and Senator Fevella voting aye; the vice chair and Senator Keohokalole were excused. The chair’s recommendations were adopted, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> members</c><00:34:57.160><c> of</c> Education some of the members of Education some of the members
• of the stages of visual representation of the stages of human<00:53:09.160><c> development</c><00:53
• </c><00:57:41.160><c> when</c> University the majority of people when University the majority of people
• ><c> that</c> the tens of thousands of dollars that the tens of thousands of dollars that this<00:58:
• I'm sure you're well aware that New Hampshire's university system is the least funded out of 50 states

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 662, which would require public schools to include discussion of abortion procedures and show specified videos in health education classes. The prime sponsor argued the bill would ensure students receive medically accurate, age-appropriate, and nonpolitical information about abortion, saying the topic is important for informed decision-making and should be taught consistently statewide. He said the videos were intended for grades 9-12, that parents could opt out, and that the requirement was meant to supplement, not sway, students’ views. He also acknowledged the bill could be seen as limiting local control over curriculum and said the intent was to prevent the topic from being missed due to scheduling disruptions. Committee members questioned the sponsor about local control, the need for a video mandate, the source of his statistics, whether the bill could be biased or inflammatory, and whether the requirement should apply every year in high school. The sponsor said the videos were only a starting point, could be replaced by others, and were meant to be informational. He also said the bill was not intended to influence students’ decisions about abortion. Several supporters testified in favor, including representatives of New Hampshire Right to Life and others who said students should be told the “truth” about abortion and its consequences. They emphasized graphic or emotionally difficult aspects of abortion and argued that young people need this information to make informed choices. Opponents and skeptical witnesses raised concerns about prescribing curriculum, eroding local control, and the appropriateness of the material for younger high school students. The New Hampshire School Administrators Association said the bill was overly prescriptive, that health education standards are already set by the State Board of Education, and that the topics in the bill are not part of the current standards. That witness recommended the committee consider retaining the bill for further work or making it less prescriptive. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Member of the board of trustees for the University of Northern Colorado effective January 1st, 2026,
• Members of the board of governors of the Colorado State University system effective January 1st, 2026
• Members of the board of governors of the Colorado State University system effective January 1st, 2026
• Members of the board of trustees of the Colorado School of Mines for a term expiring December 31st, 2028
• Members of the board<00:27:57.919><c> of</c><00:27:58.000><c> trustees</c><00:27:58.320><c> of</c><00

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He trained in surgery at the University of Arizona in Tucson, and he has practiced plastic surgery in
• McAfee holds a Doctor of Ministry degree and has taught courses in the university. Dr.
• the House of Representatives of the 57th Legislature, second regular session, request the consent of
• the House of Representatives of the 57th Legislature, second regular session, request the consent of
• of Tulsa.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day. Members then introduced a number of guests and delegations, with a major theme being Arizona Creative Economy Day and the presence of artists, arts advocates, and cultural organizations at the Capitol. Several members highlighted the economic and community value of the arts, and other personal privilege remarks recognized farm workers, Women’s History Month honorees, and Transgender Day of Visibility. The House then resolved into Committee of the Whole and considered several Senate bills. SB 1113, SB 1165, SB 1477, and SB 1479 were each reported out with do-pass recommendations, with amendments adopted on SB 1113, SB 1477, and SB 1479. Members described SB 1113 as supporting a City of Phoenix police crisis team, SB 1165 as removing financial barriers to breast cancer testing and diagnosis, and SB 1477 as adding transparency and accountability for senior referral agencies. SB 1479 was also advanced after a floor amendment was adopted. On third reading, the House passed SB 1092 on probation by a vote of 39-17, with supporters emphasizing protections for child victims and opposition to probation for child sex offenders. SB 1181, relating to certified public accountants, passed 47-9 after concerns were raised about delegating key licensing requirements to rulemaking. SB 1473, concerning municipal and county zoning, passed 49-7. The House also adopted a motion to request Senate consent to adjourn after Thursday, April 2, 2026, until Tuesday, April 7, 2026, and then adjourned until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• We were established in 1976, and we've always been at the University of West Florida.
• We were established in 1976, and we've always been at the University of West Florida.
• Office of Small Business Programs underneath the Secretary of Defense.
• We have two of those.
• Got one of those.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Tourism

Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Tourism convened with several members present and Senators DiCeglie and McClain excused. The committee first heard a presentation from Greg Britton, State Director of the Florida Small Business Development Center Network, who described the network’s statewide small-business assistance, including startup support, export and contracting help, disaster recovery, and rural outreach. He highlighted reported 2023 impacts such as $3.9 billion in sales generated, $575.9 million in government contracts, $346.2 million in capital, and support for 2,009 new businesses, including 130 manufacturing firms over the past two years. Members asked about comparisons with SCORE and about measuring rural success, with the chair suggesting jobs and wages in rural areas would be useful metrics; Britton said he could provide job data but was unsure about wage information. The committee then took up SB 320 by Senator Gates, which creates a five-year demonstration project for an alternative licensure pathway for surveyors and mappers. The bill would allow a “first-step” probationary license based on industry certification, apprenticeship, recommendation from a licensed Florida surveyor, and passage of the Department of Agriculture exam within the five-year period, without requiring a four-year degree. Senators asked about the labor shortage, education requirements, foreign workers, and moral character standards. Gates said the shortage is chronic and worsening, the bill has no degree requirement, and anyone meeting the qualifications could proceed regardless of visa status. The committee voted to report SB 320 favorably. Next, the committee considered SB 316 by Senator Berman, which authorizes series limited liability companies in Florida and sets rules for how Florida and foreign series LLCs may operate and transact business in the state. Berman explained that the bill is intended to let businesses isolate liabilities across separate series while providing clearer rules for Florida citizens and businesses dealing with such entities. There were no substantive questions, one appearance form in support, and the committee voted to report SB 316 favorably before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• kind of my question.
• Fines are not a substantial amount of any of this revenue. And so we also have free...
• It's a little bit of... Concrete structures, it's a little bit of everything.
• of volunteer hours in.
• Last but not least, yes sir, I'm Nicole Robinson, Chief of Staff of the Board of Accountancy.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the assets and distributes the proceeds in order of priority for the benefit of the assignor's creditors
• PII pieces of information.
• list of persons to be notified by ASLD of certain covered federal designations and allows those same
• Madam Whip and members, Senate Bill 1078 stipulates that the standard of review for a question of law
• Copper is one of the five Cs of Arizona, and we have a plethora of copper and subsurface minerals.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Republican caucus reviewed a long list of Senate bills and one House concurrent memorial, most of them described as third-read consent items. Topics included claims against the state, CPA licensing, creditor assignments, insurance adjuster licensing, school equivalency instruction, extending a credit enhancement board, firearm safety instruction in schools, student eligibility restrictions for school activities, Celebrate Freedom Week, release-time courses, voter registration roll access, campaign and disclosure mailing addresses, federal land designation tracking, public records review standards, workers’ compensation burial and death benefits, condominium flag displays, restrictions on sexually explicit material in schools and libraries, agency guidance posting, standardized state hiring, mental health court-ordered treatment procedures, autopsy supervision, tribal MOUs, controlled substance scheduling, emergency medical technician data privacy, dense breast tissue notice repeal, assisted living referral agency requirements, attorney disciplinary claims, fentanyl penalties, campus firearms rules, suppressors, defamation standards, mandatory reporting, attorney licensing, emergency service fee limits, forcible detainer changes, utility worker assault penalties, water basin reporting, small modular nuclear reactors, water recovery assumptions, ICE notification after arrests, military police certification pathways, and scholarship organization tax credits. Most bills were presented without debate and were noted as available for questions, with no votes taken in the caucus itself. A few items drew discussion. On SB 1040, members asked what information would be redacted from voter registration rolls; staff said existing statutory redactions such as voter registration numbers, ID numbers, Social Security numbers, and other personal identifying information would remain. SB 1193 prompted comments that EMT data being open source was surprising and that the issue might be expanded to paramedics. SB 1243 was described as strengthening guardian notification rights in court-ordered treatment, and SB 1318 was characterized as a cleanup measure to remove redundant state notice requirements for dense breast tissue. The most extended exchange came on SB 1148, which would require the Arizona Supreme Court to directly license attorneys rather than delegate that function to another organization; members asked whether the bill was shifting responsibility away from the State Bar, and staff explained that the court already has the duty but currently staffs part of the process out. SB 1418, which limits county regulation of certain small modular nuclear reactor projects, drew criticism from one member who argued it would reduce local control. The caucus also heard a sponsor presentation on H.C.M. 2009 urging Congress and the President to amend the Antiquities Act, compensate states for subsurface minerals, and streamline mining permits, with the sponsor emphasizing Arizona’s mining history and the need to access mineral resources more easily.