Transcript Highlights:

• series of what we call GenAI proof of concepts, commonly referred to as POCs, designed to test the practical
• great to hear that from you, from the Department of Technology, you know, what does an at-risk assessment
• I will say that we did develop, CDT developed, when, as part of the first EO, there is a risk assessment

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• largest social media platforms on the planet for the way in which they have engaged in deceptive practices
• We have communities living with, you know, I think the Environment Department assessed in one site that
• Funds proactive measures, risk assessments, monitoring, and incident response, protecting sensitive data

Committee: Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations from the Secretary of State, the State Land Office, the Attorney General, and the State Auditor. The Secretary of State said its requested general fund budget of $15.88 million was intended to maintain baseline operations, replace lost federal cyber and election support, and address a 12% vacancy rate. Officials warned that the House recommendation still left major gaps for election security, tabulator replacement, campaign finance system upgrades, overseas and military ballot services, ballot tracking, and a new tax lien filing system. Senators pressed about the election fund, county burdens, and the risk of underfunding election administration; the office said the House had provided $15 million for the election fund for the primary and another $15 million for the general election, but not enough for operations or all capital needs. The State Land Office said it was satisfied with the House budget action and had no additional request. Staff described the office’s record revenues, low vacancy rate, clean audits, and proposed new positions tied to forestry, economic development, petroleum, geothermal, and royalty compliance work. Senators asked about long-term revenue trends, forest thinning and biomass opportunities, and bookkeeping around the land maintenance fund; the office said the new positions were intended to generate revenue and support land management, including fire mitigation. The Attorney General’s office presented a budget built around a 0% general fund increase, greater use of the Consumer Settlement Fund, and $4.5 million in special/extraordinary litigation funding. The AG emphasized active litigation and investigations involving consumer fraud, Medicaid fraud, federal funding cuts, Meta and other technology platforms, AI and child safety, gaming compacts, tobacco, and possible litigation over abandoned uranium mine cleanup. Senators asked about scam enforcement, the structure of settlement funds, and whether the office could take on uranium-related litigation; the AG said the office could prepare a litigation budget but warned such efforts would require sustained funding. The State Auditor said the House budget added only modest increases while the office faced about a 40% vacancy rate, difficulty recruiting auditors, and a shrinking pool of public accounting firms, creating risks for constitutional audit responsibilities.

Transcript Highlights:

• systematic changes, if there was anything that we need to change right this minute in statute, in law, in practice
• We have made an assessment of what are half to half.
• We were assessing gaps in funding, which included partnering with our friends here at MFA.

Bills: SB48 , SB64 , SB100

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: State Fairgrounds District, fairgrounds bonds, public financing, bond authorization, gross receipts tax, gaming tax, tax-backed bonds, infrastructure funding, Albuquerque fairgrounds, State Fair Tid, economic development, municipal bonds, revenue pledge, capital projects, New Mexico finance, special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP

Transcript Highlights:

• I have an emerging teenager, and I am practicing.
• I think we should be relying on the LAO's assessment.
• I think that we should be relying on the LAO's assessment, just personally, because I have concerns about

Committee: House Budget

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These coordinators will focus on assessing discrimination that is occurring in our school, assessing
• prevention, and then boots on the ground would be able to use restorative justice and other kinds of practices

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• they're going to go into... going to do is they're going to go into the rural counties and take an assessment
• But like with that amendment you had, because they are practicing breeding deer that is resistant to
• HB505 takes the current period of 30 days to appeal a final assessment on your taxes, fees, and stuff

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The trustee landscape is broad, but I will mention the importance of assessing, truly assessing, the
• I am a practicing attorney. I am a lifelong Miami resident.

Summary: The committee first took up a confirmation for UCF trustee reappointment candidate Mr. Christie, who described his long service on the board, his UCF business-school background, and his focus on strengthening UCF’s financial foundation, workforce alignment, and engineering and technology programs. Members praised his service and asked about UCF’s future direction, including its role in Florida’s space and engineering sectors. He was allowed to leave early for a meeting with the governor. The committee then heard the Higher Education Appropriations budget presentation for fiscal year 2025-26. The chair outlined a proposed $11.5 billion higher education budget emphasizing workforce education, Florida College System operations, career and technical education, the GATE program, nursing education through the Florida Center for Nursing, UF/IFAS agriculture technology, tutoring, autism and neurodevelopment services, student financial aid, and $250 million for state universities through the Board of Governors. Senator Davis asked about line grant flexibility, and the chair said a conforming bill would address details. The committee adopted a motion allowing technical corrections and then adopted the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Appropriations Committee. The remainder of the meeting focused on confirmations for university boards, especially the University of West Florida, where several nominees were questioned about Title IX compliance, free speech, workforce readiness, military/veteran ties, and prior statements about privatization and higher education. Rebecca Matthews, Rachel Moyah, Ashley Ross, and Adam Kessel each described their backgrounds and goals for UWF; Kessel faced extensive questioning about his past writings on privatization, the GI Bill, and speech suppression, and said he would not recommend privatizing Florida universities and supported veterans’ education benefits. Public testimony on UWF was largely opposed, with speakers arguing the nominees lacked local ties and warning the slate would harm the university and community. The committee also heard from FAMU reappointment nominee Judge Belvin Perry, who emphasized student success, workforce quality, and FAMU’s continued rise, and from UCF nominee Mark Philburn and FSU nominee Peter Jones, both of whom highlighted their professional experience and commitment to student success and prudent stewardship. The meeting extended its time to 6:30 p.m. to continue hearing nominees and public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• The trustee landscape is broad, but I will mention the importance of assessing, truly assessing, the
• I am a practicing attorney. I am a lifelong Miami resident.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The committee first heard a confirmation from UCF trustee reappointee Mr. Christie, who described his background in medical devices and prior board service and said he wanted to help UCF strengthen its financial foundation, workforce alignment, and engineering and technology pipeline. Members asked about UCF’s direction, and he emphasized the university’s role in producing engineers and supporting Florida’s space and technology sectors. The committee then moved to the higher education budget for fiscal year 2025-26, which was presented as an $11.5 billion total budget including local funds and focused heavily on workforce education, nursing, agriculture technology, tutoring, student aid, and university initiatives. Chair Harrell highlighted increases for school district workforce education, Florida College System operations, career and technical education grants, the GATE program, nursing education through USF’s Florida Center for Nursing, UF/IFAS rural and agricultural programs, UCF’s Community School Grant Program, UF’s literacy and tutoring initiatives, autism and neurodevelopment services, full funding for major scholarship programs, and $250 million for state universities through the Board of Governors. Senator Davis asked about line grant flexibility, and Harrell said a conforming bill would address the details. The budget proposal was adopted as a recommendation to the full Appropriations Committee, with staff authorized to make technical corrections. The committee then took up a series of confirmations, beginning with Florida State University reappointee Peter Collins, who emphasized his long FSU ties, leadership on the board, and goal of keeping FSU on a path toward top-10 status and AAU membership. Rebecca Matthews, a new University of West Florida appointee, discussed her education-related volunteer work, Florida Education Foundation service, and interest in supporting UWF’s continued excellence; senators questioned her on Title IX and she said she would support student protections and compliance. Rachel Moyah, another UWF appointee, highlighted her education, school board experience, and priorities of student safety, fiscal discipline, and workforce readiness; she also said she would comply with Title IX and other applicable rules. Ashley Ross, also nominated to UWF, said she would focus on university advancement, military ties, cybersecurity, civil engineering, and strong governance, and agreed that Title IX protections should be preserved and advanced. The most extensive questioning came during the confirmation of Adam Kessel, a UWF appointee and Heritage Foundation fellow, who was asked about prior writings on privatizing public universities, his comments about the GI Bill, and his views on free speech and Project 2025. Kessel said he did not recommend privatizing Florida universities, clarified that his comments about the GI Bill and over-enrollment were about broader higher education policy, and said he supports veterans and the GI Bill. He described his higher education work as focused on civic education, accreditation, student success, tenure, and free speech, and said trustees should improve campus culture through policies, training, and institutional neutrality. Public testimony on UWF was sharply divided: former UWF leaders and community members warned that the new slate of trustees and their vote to make Scott Yenor chair had chilled donations, enrollment, and community trust, while a James Madison Institute representative praised Kessel’s scholarship and thoughtful approach. The committee also heard from FAMU reappointment Belvin Perry, who cited his judicial career and board service and said his goal is to support student success, retain strong faculty and staff, and help FAMU continue rising in national standing. Finally, the committee began hearing from remote appointees, including UCF nominee Mark Philburn, who emphasized his construction, affordable housing, and higher education board experience, and FSU nominee Peter Jones, who described his finance and investment background and long service to FSU boards and committees. The last nominee heard before the transcript ended was Florida Gulf Coast appointee Paul Applegarth, whose audio issues delayed his remarks; he began by noting his prior federal confirmation, military service, and GI Bill-supported education.

Transcript Highlights:

• And next, we have the statewide housing needs assessment. With Stephanie Gonzalez and Sonia Umrao.
• Today, we are here to present the 2025 New Mexico Housing Needs Assessment.
• The four topics are disability relief, needs assessment, homeownership, building and permitting, and
• Please see the full housing needs assessment on the Housing New Mexico website for a complete breakout
• So the 2025 Housing Needs Assessment. is based on the American Census survey, and that trails behind

Committee: House Mortgage Finance Authority Act Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• This is our Extended Producer Responsibility Needs Assessment Bill.
• All right, if not, we will move on to House Bill 750, the EPR needs assessment.
• </c> on to house 750 the epr needs assessment on to house 750 the epr needs assessment first<01:17:43.600
• This is the extended producer responsibility needs assessment.
• </c> producer responsibility needs assessment producer responsibility needs assessment we<02:00:42.159

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection opened its first hearing of the session and heard testimony on several energy and environmental bills. On HB 470, relating to noise and leaf blowers, the Department of Health supported the bill’s intent to reduce noise pollution but raised concerns about using decibel limits alone and suggested using dBA measurements; testimony also noted the bill would regulate future sales rather than current use, and there were three additional testimonies, two in support and one in opposition. No questions were raised before the committee moved on. The committee then heard HB 742 on transit-oriented development, which would require HCDA to prepare a programmatic EIS for Ewa, Kapalama, and West Oahu improvements. UH supported the bill, HHFDC said it was already preparing a master plan and programmatic EIS for the Ewa area, and HCDA explained that the projects are already underway or completed, including infrastructure work funded by prior appropriations. Supporters said the bill would streamline environmental review and potentially reduce costs for future housing, while HCDA emphasized the work is already in progress. On HB 340, concerning a streamlined grid-ready home interconnection process and related cost recovery, DCCA provided comments, the Attorney General suggested changing a deadline to a specific date, and the PUC said it wanted to study the matter further while still meeting the 180-day reporting requirement. Solar and clean energy groups strongly supported the bill as a way to speed interconnection and advance grid-interactive technologies, while Hawaiian Electric supported the goal of more DERs but opposed the process, saying its interconnection performance has improved and that collaboration would be preferable to legislation. Members asked about newer technologies, UL 1741, and ratepayer impacts, and the Consumer Advocate said removing the cost-recovery section would alleviate its concerns. The committee also heard HB 243, requiring PV- and EV-ready new residential construction, which the Hawaii State Energy Office described as a cost-saving no-brainer because installing these features during construction is much cheaper than retrofitting later. The hearing then shifted to HB 350, expanding the water-heater systems that can satisfy building-permit requirements to include heat pump water heaters alongside solar hot water systems. The Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray supported the concept but asked for amendments to align efficiency standards and noted the bill’s removal of a 15-year lifespan limit for solar thermal systems, and Hawaii Solar Energy Association raised questions about how heat pump performance should be measured and whether PV-plus-heat-pump combinations should qualify. Committee members asked about impacts on smaller homes and ADUs, and the discussion remained focused on technical standards and possible amendments; no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> doesn't necessarily tie to the practices doesn't necessarily tie to the practices that<01:50:46.840
• If I just look at the assessment law and I don't look at the full picture, I can go ahead and go collect
• them because I would say I'm following the law, and my assessment team, who really just concentrates
• on the special assessment law, might think that they have the authority to do addresses.
• everything that had you know practically everything that had to<02:19:50.359><c> do</c><02:19:50.520

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed HB 443, which would change terms and vacancy language for members of a higher education commission. Members raised concerns that the bill was too narrow to address broader issues with commission membership, including expired appointments, attendance expectations, and whether the Department of Education could replace the commission’s role. Several members suggested the bill was not ready for action and favored holding it for further work, possibly through a subcommittee or work session. One member suggested that if attendance standards were added, no more than two unexcused absences should trigger removal, given the commission’s meeting schedule. The chair said he would defer action and form a small subcommittee to report back before the committee deadline. The committee then moved to HB 484, dealing with repurposing Career and Technical Education classroom space after 20 years of exclusive use. The chair explained that the bill was aimed at the Milford CTE project, where shared use of space could allow a school to repurpose part of a CTE facility while still using it for CTE-related instruction. Members discussed other possible situations around the state, including Claremont, North Conway, and Jaffrey/Rindge, and whether the bill should be limited to Milford or broadened to allow local districts more flexibility. Some members favored passing the bill now to help CTE projects move forward, while others argued for an amendment removing the requirement that the space be vacated specifically to expand the CTE program occupying it. Testimony and discussion emphasized that the Milford project had state approval but reduced funding, requiring a smaller scope and repurposing of existing space. Supporters said the bill could help preserve CTE programs while also benefiting general education space needs, and that local districts should have flexibility after 20 years. Opponents or cautious members noted that the language might not fit every district situation and asked for feedback from Director Beard and Steve Rothenberg before final action. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, and instead discussed waiting for an amendment and additional input before acting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Respondent: ...to be a good business practice. That's where we want it. Yes, sir.
• Is it sentencing practices, parole decisions, changes in crime rates, what?
• Is it sentencing practices, parole decisions, changes in crime rates, what?
• The juvenile projections utilize the same methodology and assumptions regarding current practices as
• It's something we've been paying close attention to as we assess their needs more thoroughly.

Bills: SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It will clarify the existing ADU law by ensuring local governments assess impact fees only on the portion
• It will clarify the existing ADU law by ensuring local governments assess impact fees only on the portion
• of ADU law by ensuring local governments assess impact fees only on the portion of an ADU exceeding
• upper limits are already established and you're talking about a differential here in terms of what's assessed
• upper limits are already established and you're talking about a differential here in terms of what's assessed

Committee: Senate Housing

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They are our first responders from the standpoint that they go out and do the initial damage assessment
• So the next step in the process, as soon as those subject matter experts are done making assessments,
• contractor on... next step in the process, so as soon as those subject matter experts are done making assessments
• So more to come on that, but we wanted to share with you at least our initial assessment of what the
• So more to come on that, but we wanted to share with you at least our initial assessment of what the

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think something like that should be assessed by some health care providers that they have a doctor-patient
• relationship with to assess it and determine before prescribing something like that. ...assess it and

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Summary: The Committee on Health and Mental Health met with a quorum and took up several measures in executive session. The committee first considered Senate Bill 878, a pharmacy-related bill. Members adopted a committee substitute and amendment that added language previously seen in other bills, including pseudoephedrine and 340B provisions, and language matching Senate floor changes on ivermectin. One member raised concerns about making hydroxychloroquine available over the counter and about pharmacists prescribing class II devices such as CPAP machines, but the substitute ultimately passed by a vote of 13-2. The committee then considered House Bill 3457, Representative Burns’s medically complex patients bill. A substitute was adopted that narrowed the definition of “medically complex patient,” changed one provision from “shall” to “may,” and required primary care physician approval of a care plan before it could be entered into the alert system. The substitute passed unanimously, 15-0. Finally, the committee approved two resolutions sponsored by Representative Harbison. House Resolution 538, on ALS awareness, was amended to add more emphasis on assistive technology and augmentative/alternative communication, then passed 15-0. House Resolution 4661, on chronic kidney disease, also passed unanimously, 15-0. The meeting concluded with brief closing remarks and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• authority to recover these assessment authority to recover these costs<00:08:36.959><c> back</c><00:
• back and so they're on the net assessed back and so they're on the net side<00:10:06.240><c> there</
• Again, those all go to Commerce and PUC through assessments.
• Again, those all go to Commerce and PUC through assessments.
• On line 149, they collect that back through assessments.

Bills: HF2438

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• program requirements each<00:47:40.640><c> audit</c><00:47:40.960><c> shall</c><00:47:41.200><c> assess
• </c><00:47:41.520><c> whether</c><00:47:41.720><c> funds</c> each audit shall assess whether funds each
• audit shall assess whether funds were<00:47:42.079><c> used</c><00:47:42.280><c> for</c><00:47:42.400
• collection</c><00:54:58.520><c> reporting</c> The reports shall include, but not be limited to, assessment
• to assessment of the benefits and<00:55:14.079><c> drawbacks</c><00:55:14.520><c> of</c><00:55:14.640

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation met on March 18, 2025, to hear several measures and later take up amendments and votes. Early items included a budget measure to increase the mass transit special fund expenditure ceiling, a bill extending lapse dates for drug and alcohol toxicology testing laboratory funds, and a measure creating buffer zones for parking near crosswalks and intersections. Testimony on the crosswalk-parking bill was broadly supportive from transportation, law enforcement, planning, bicycling, public health, and advocacy groups, with the Department of Health emphasizing visibility and roadway safety. The committee also heard a bill establishing the Mokai air carrier subsidy program for Molokaʻi, which drew support from the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii and comments from the Department of Transportation. The committee then heard SB 106 on pedestrian rules, which generated mixed testimony: the Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Workers Center, and the Department of Health supported it, while the Honolulu Police Department and Kīpuka Injury Prevention Coalition opposed it. Supporters argued the bill would reduce inequitable jaywalking enforcement and reflect a broader safety culture; opponents warned it could create confusion and risk. Members also discussed whether the bill would affect other traffic-code provisions and asked about crash data in other jurisdictions; the Department of Health said crashes had not increased in other places and cited California data showing decreased crashes and fatalities. In decision-making, the committee voted to pass SB 934 SD2 with amendments, with Representative Miyake reserving and Representative Cochran excused. It then passed SB 1526 SD2 with amendments. SB 1195 SD1 was also passed with amendments after the chair proposed adding language tying fines for illegal parking near crosswalks and intersections to the Safe Routes to School special fund and establishing a fine range of $100 to $500 per violation, with collected fines dedicated to pedestrian safety improvements. Members voiced support for the dedicated revenue source and community safety rationale. The committee next passed SB 1638 SD2 with amendments to strengthen the constitutional/public-purpose findings for subsidizing air carriers serving Molokaʻi and to add annual audit requirements and penalties for misuse of funds. The amended findings emphasized that affordable air service is essential for health care, employment, education, and overall well-being in remote island communities, and that the subsidy program is intended to improve access and competition while lowering costs for residents. The chair then recessed the meeting after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, how does this money that the counties get work in practice?
• Like, practically, where does this fall in how they're helping with the other programs that we already
• is a historical practice that does not match<01:17:28.560><c> our</c><01:17:28.680><c> modern</c><01
• And this seems like a starting practice because even as a politician, I'm going to get taxed on this
• <01:31:13.720><c> cuz</c><01:31:13.920><c> I</c> practice cuz I practice cuz I uh<01:31:15.160><c> even

Bills: HF4561 , HF4343

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: homeless prevention aid, homelessness, housing stability, rental assistance, family homelessness, unaccompanied youth, housing navigation, legal representation, family outreach, county aid, Tribal governments, local government aid, general fund appropriation, unspent funds, aid redistribution, sunset repeal, Minnesota property tax aid, services for persons experiencing homelessness, sales tax, use tax

Transcript Highlights:

• On that same page, lines 1 to 23, I'm assuming there's a practical reason why that's been put in there
• </c> 123 I'm assuming there's a u practical 123 I'm assuming there's a u practical reason<00:27:25.919
• Seeing none, and I agree with your assessment, Representative Bixby. Thank you so much.
• </c><01:25:45.600><c> point</c><01:25:45.760><c> of</c> from a practicality point of from a practicality
• He said his first point was a practical one.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting covered two main items. First, the solid waste subcommittee reviewed draft language for HB 707, focusing on landfill siting and permitting standards. Members and the Department of Environmental Services discussed replacing repeated references to “aquifer” with “drinking water well,” clarifying that aquifer is a broad term, and considering whether a statutory definition was needed. They also debated the bill’s setback and time-of-travel provisions, including the 10^-5 standard, a 1,500-foot distance, and whether the bill should rely more on performance-based criteria than prescriptive distances. Another major topic was permit denial language tied to applicants with significant histories of repeated serious violations or landfill-related litigation; the department said it already has related authority in current rules, but noted some wording was still too vague and could be tightened. No vote was taken, and the chair closed the hearing with plans to continue work later. The second item was a work session on HB 424, which would direct the Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food to create forms for businesses to request information about service animals and establish a study committee on fraudulent or untrained service animals. Several members said the problem raised by the bill was real but expressed concern that the legislature may be limited by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Others argued that a study committee would likely not produce a workable solution and might conflict with leadership’s direction to avoid unnecessary study committees. Members discussed whether the bill should be retained, amended, or instead replaced with a letter or resolution to the federal delegation. The committee appeared to lean toward ITL and possibly pursuing a letter to federal officials, but no final vote is reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• California offers a reduction in assessed value, as does Alaska.
• As a in assessed value as does Alaska.
• But if I get into a home that was much more expensive or much more assessed, the assessment is much higher
• </c><01:09:49.359><c> the</c><01:09:49.600><c> assessment</c><01:09:50.080><c> is</c> much more uh assesses
• the assessment is much more uh assesses the assessment is much<01:09:50.640><c> higher.

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all