Transcript Highlights:

• It provides relief to underground stories. tank operators who are working to upgrade to safer double-walled
• So it can be really difficult for these facilities to schedule and perform upgrades, especially in rural
• everything in their power to meet this deadline, investing significant time and financial resources to upgrade

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Transcript Highlights:

• 01:48:18.320><c> equipment</c><01:48:19.199><c> uh</c><01:48:19.280><c> and</c><01:48:19.600><c> upgrades
• </c> personnel and equipment uh and upgrades. personnel and equipment uh and upgrades.
• So, um, it is a real dire circumstance that we upgrade that software and get to a new vendor for the
• </c> request and that's for the new upgraded request and that's for the new upgraded driver's<02:00:12.560
• </c> real dire circumstance that we upgrade real dire circumstance that we upgrade that<02:00:31.760>

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• solution is in place it can be supported by state staff or by additional contracted support for upgrades
• and we're very slow of money to upgrade and we're very slow to<00:39:31.920><c> the</c><00:39:32.160
• ><c> game</c><00:39:32.400><c> to</c><00:39:32.760><c> upgrade.
• So I'd like to to the game to upgrade.
• support and upgrades down the line.<00:41:48.720><c> I</c><00:41:48.960><c> think</c><00:41:49.119><

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• government how much technology debt we have in the state, how many old systems we have that need to be upgraded
• government how much technology debt we have in the state, how many old systems we have that need to be upgraded
• that that need many old systems we have that that need to<01:43:36.480><c> be</c><01:43:37.280><c> upgraded
• <c> we</c><01:43:38.639><c> have</c><01:43:38.840><c> people</c><01:43:39.560><c> have</c> to be upgraded
• and we have people have to be upgraded and we have people have new<01:43:40.040><c> uses</c><01:43:41.040

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• the feasibility and desirability of establishing a wastewater project fund to provide grants for upgrading
• , constructing, or replacing... ...project fund and to provide grants for upgrading, constructing, or
• Since that time, the Williston water treatment plant has actually been upgraded and increased their capacity
• One of their options was to upgrade their existing facility and then purchase water from Walsh Rural
• So it would have to be upgraded and/or properly protected. So I just wanted to add that.

Committee: Joint Water Topics Overview Committee

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to review several interim studies and receive updates from the Department of Water Resources. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and welcomed Representative Hansen to the committee. Staff then reported that the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study had both satisfied the presentation requirements in their study directives, with no further required testimony unless members wanted additional information. The department’s main presentation focused on major water projects and agency operations. Reese Haas and staff updated members on the NAWS project, the Southwest Pipeline Project, Devils Lake outlet operations, low-head dam safety work, floodplain management repository implementation, data center water use, and the 2027 Water Development Plan. Members asked detailed questions about NAWS funding sources, remaining project costs, capacity concerns for All Seasons and other users, and whether current construction is being designed for future demand. The department said NAWS remains on track for substantial completion by October, that remaining NAWS funding will come from a mix of federal, state, and local sources, and that current construction is designed for ultimate capacity while some future components will be adjusted for increased demand. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to the department’s cash management, Resources Trust Fund revenues, carryover balances, and the State Water Commission’s cost-share program. The department reported $340.6 million in carryover remaining, explained that much of it is already obligated to long-term projects, and noted that oil price forecasts and stripper-well exemptions will affect future revenues. Members raised concerns about large carryovers, affordability for local sponsors, and whether the state should continue obligating money multiple bienniums ahead. The department said it is working with the commission on a revised prioritization framework, including high/moderate/low project categories and a two-tier pre-construction/construction approach, to better manage obligations and affordability. The committee also reviewed Deloitte’s finalized studies on regional governance/finance and cost-share policy. Deloitte presented options for Southwest, NAWS, and Red River governance, with stakeholders generally favoring keeping NAWS largely as is, using the current Southwest model with improvements, and pursuing a more structured governance option for Red River. On cost share, the department said Deloitte’s recommended package would cover projected needs through the 2030s, but would require policy changes such as lower percentages for some project types, a 25% replacement-project rate with a cap, and possible bonding or delayed reimbursement strategies. No votes were taken on these policy questions, and the chair indicated the committee would continue the discussion at future basin meetings and the September Water Topics meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• the 661 high hazard. dams, 517 dams do not meet the safety criteria classification and need to be upgraded
• The agency states that a high-hazard dam upgrade can range from four to eight years to complete. depending
• $10,000 was for funding provided last biennium. him to make various technology improvements and upgrades
• Our building is nearly 50 years old and is in dire need of repair. and upgrades.
• Upgrading aging information.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII

Transcript Highlights:

• If just one county was unable to pay for an upgrade, that could compromise the entire system.
• > that</c><01:58:55.320><c> could</c><01:58:55.480><c> compromise</c><01:58:56.000><c> the</c> an upgrade
• , that could compromise the an upgrade, that could compromise the entire<01:58:56.600><c> system.
• Reliability depends on continued maintenance, upgrade, and capital replacement.
• ,</c><02:01:00.000><c> and</c> on continued maintenance, upgrade, and on continued maintenance, upgrade

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• nonprofits across the Commonwealth, and $1 million for the New England Aquarium Corporation for upgrades
• A million dollars for the New England Aquarium Corporation for upgrades and other improvements, and increases

Summary: The House met in a session centered on the FY26 budget, especially the Energy and Environmental Affairs and Labor/Economic Development sections, while also taking time to recognize several championship teams and other guests. Early in the day, the chamber adopted a set of commemorative resolutions, including observances for Apraxia Awareness Day, International Celiac Awareness Day, and Jewish American Heritage Month. Members also welcomed Franklin High’s cheerleading and boys basketball champions, Winthrop boys hockey champions, St. Mary’s of Lynn girls basketball champions, Holy Trinity School students, and later Boston Celtics guard Drew Holiday and Lauren Holiday. The most contentious debate involved amendments related to Massachusetts’ climate and clean-car policies. Representative Lombardo offered amendments to delay or repeal ACC2/zero-emission vehicle requirements and to convert climate mandates into goals rather than requirements, arguing the rules were unrealistic, costly, and harmful to dealers, consumers, and the economy. Opponents said the House had already addressed the issue, and that climate and energy policy should remain under review through a public process. The House rejected Lombardo’s ACC2-related amendments, including after a ruling of the Chair was upheld by roll call, and later adopted a consolidated Energy and Environmental Affairs amendment by a wide margin. The House then adopted a consolidated Labor and Economic Development amendment and ultimately passed the FY26 budget to be engrossed. Supporters highlighted major funding for environmental protection, parks, fish and game, clean energy, food insecurity programs, agricultural support, economic development, tourism, and an immigration legal assistance fund. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for Molly McGovern, and at the end of the session adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• As part of this report, Florida Park Service conducted an analysis of repair, maintenance, and upgrades
• Over the next 10 years, DEP identified nearly $759 million in projects to repair, maintain, and upgrade

Bills: S0544 , S0636 , S0848 , S0546

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Environment and Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and took up several bills. SB 636 on beach management, by Senator Leek, would create additional pathways for counties and municipalities to obtain critically eroded beach or area of critical state concern designations, shifting the process toward a more proactive approach. Senator Smith and Senator Harrell raised concerns about local capacity and funding, and the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association said the bill was an alternative pathway but emphasized the need for more recurring funding. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 544, which transfers the Golf Course Best Management Practices Certification Program from DEP to FDACS and establishes certification and training standards there. Senator Smith and Senator Harrell asked about environmental oversight, taxation, and whether the change would affect state park restrictions; the sponsor said it would not change tax treatment or park rules and that DEP would still handle enforcement if BMPs are not followed. The Florida Springs Council opposed the bill, arguing golf courses are not agriculture and warning of weaker protections for springs, while the Florida Golf Course Superintendent's Association supported the move as a continuity and participation measure. After adopting a technical amendment, the committee reported the bill favorably, with Senator Smith voting no. SB 848 on stormwater treatment, also by Senator Trunow, was amended to clarify the role of water quality enhancement areas while stormwater rules are still being finalized and to make public-land project review forward-looking. Resource Environmental Solutions supported the amendment and bill as providing a clearer market for water quality credits, and the Florida Home Builders Association supported the measure. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 546 by Vice Chair Mayfield would require 30-day public notice before meetings reviewing the sale or exchange of state conservation lands, including at water management districts; after a technical amendment, it received support from conservation groups and was reported favorably. The committee also received a DEP presentation on the State Park Amenities Report, which said Florida’s 175 state parks drew over 28 million visitors and generated a $3.6 billion economic impact. DEP identified nearly $759 million in needed repairs and upgrades over 10 years and $1.39 billion in contemplated new construction and development in unit management plans. No votes were taken on the presentation, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• As part of this report, Florida Park Service conducted an analysis of repair, maintenance, and upgrades
• Over the next 10 years, DEP identified nearly $759 million in projects to repair, maintain, and upgrade

Bills: S0544 , S0636 , S0848 , S0546

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Keywords: golf courses, best management practices, fertilizer regulation, Department of Agriculture, environmental protection, certification, beach management, beach erosion, beach nourishment, coastal resilience, shoreline protection, critical erosion, critically eroded beach, Florida DEP, Department of Environmental Protection, coastal flooding, compound flooding, storm surge, inlet management, coastal engineering

Transcript Highlights:

• WHAT I DID WHEN I TOOK OFFICE IS UPGRADE THIS PROPERTY AND CASUALTY DIVISION THAT SMALL UNITS RESPONSIBLE
• AND OTHER TOOL WE MENTIONED IS IN HOUSE PRODUCT THAT DFS AND ANOTHER AGENCY IS IN THE PROCESS OF UPGRADING

Transcript Highlights:

• Leader, uh, the governor floated some IT upgrades as a possible spend this year.
• Leader, uh, the governor floated some<01:23:56.719><c> IT</c><01:23:57.280><c> upgrades</c><01:23:57.920
• > as</c><01:23:58.239><c> a</c><01:23:58.480><c> possible</c><01:23:58.880><c> spend</c> some IT upgrades
• as a possible spend some IT upgrades as a possible spend this<01:23:59.360><c> year.
• </c> upgrades to that the governor. upgrades to that the governor.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> to</c> needs that the state has to needs that the state has to significantly<00:59:00.000><c> upgrade
• </c><00:59:00.480><c> the</c><00:59:00.720><c> IT</c><00:59:01.119><c> systems</c> significantly upgrade
• the IT systems significantly upgrade the IT systems that<00:59:01.839><c> DHS</c><00:59:02.400><c> is
• </c> IT upgrades. So, thank you. IT upgrades. So, thank you. &gt;&gt; Thank<01:00:45.839><c> you.
• </c><01:42:54.159><c> this</c> Um, when the topic of upgrading this Um, when the topic of upgrading this

Bills: HR1

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: January 6 insurrection, pardon, law enforcement, violent crimes, public safety, justice system, political accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• We're getting $38 million for home energy upgrades to income-eligible homeowners and renters to help
• <00:32:07.639><c> for</c><00:32:07.919><c> home</c><00:32:08.240><c> energy</c><00:32:08.639><c> upgrades
• </c><00:32:09.159><c> to</c> um for uh to for home energy upgrades to um for uh to for home energy upgrades
• well as a local developer that’s working in close partnership with Minneapolis Public Schools on upgrading
• with Minneapolis public schools<00:44:25.440><c> on</c><00:44:25.960><c> um</c><00:44:26.240><c> upgrading

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• We've been lucky enough that we have been able to upgrade 42, 46, 60, and 70, and we got this problem
• And that, in order to upgrade County Road 50, we need a larger bridge on the interstate.
• We've been lucky enough that we have been able to upgrade 42, 46, 60, and 70, and we got this problem
• And that, in order to upgrade County Road 50, we need a larger bridge on the interstate.
• And that, in order to upgrade County Road 50, we need a larger bridge on the interstate.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• A model may no longer be in production, or a homeowner may prefer to upgrade the covered appliance or
• system. ...model may no longer be in production or a homeowner may prefer to upgrade the covered appliance
• If it no longer meets building codes, if the homeowner would like to upgrade their dishwasher to a higher-end
• But these upgrades come at a cost, ranging from approximately $2,000 for basic...
• But these upgrades come at a cost, ranging from approximately $2,000 for basic upgrades to over $100,000

Summary: The committee heard three major insurance-related bills. SB 1209 by Senator Allen would give the Insurance Commissioner new authority to require insurers to implement corrective actions found in market conduct and financial exams, with penalties for failure to comply. Supporters, including Commissioner Ricardo Lara and his deputies, said current law leaves CDI without a direct way to compel remediation of repeated violations or obtain needed financial information, while opponents argued the bill expands CDI authority too far, could duplicate existing penalties, and should be limited to legal violations rather than recommendations. After discussion, members and the author agreed to narrow the bill through amendments, including tying it to legal violations, applying penalties per exam rather than per policy, and clarifying accounting language; the committee then passed the bill 5-1 to Appropriations, with one member on call. SB 1301, also by Senator Allen, would reform residential property insurance non-renewals by requiring clearer written explanations, giving homeowners a chance to mitigate correctable issues, and prohibiting certain unfair non-renewal bases such as claims below deductible or claims not paid by the insurer. The author and supporters said Californians face unusually high non-renewal rates and often receive vague notices that make it hard to keep coverage, while opponents warned the bill’s original 180-day notice period and reporting requirements were too burdensome and could worsen availability. Senator Richardson said he would support the bill after the author agreed to reduce the notice period to about three months and continue working on a mitigation-based process; the committee then approved the bill 4-1, with one member on call. The committee also considered SB 1026 by Senator Gonzalez, which would strengthen regulation of bail fugitive recovery agents by allowing CDI to suspend or revoke licenses without a criminal conviction, expanding prohibited conduct, and tightening insurance and appointment requirements. Supporters, including Commissioner Lara, said the 2022 licensing law left loopholes that allow misconduct to continue and that the bill would improve public safety and accountability. Opponents from the bail industry and crime victims groups argued the bill requires unavailable or impractical insurance coverage, including coverage for willful acts, and could reduce the number of recovery agents and delay justice. Members raised concerns about the insurance language and availability, and the author said the bill was still being worked on with opposition; the committee passed it 4-1, with one member on call. Finally, the committee heard SB 982 by Senator Wiener, the Affordable Insurance and Recovery Act, which would let the Attorney General seek recovery from fossil fuel companies for climate-related costs affecting the Fair Plan and private policyholders. The author said Californians are paying rising insurance and disaster costs while fossil fuel companies that contributed to climate change are not, and witnesses from flood and wildfire communities and climate policy experts supported the bill as a way to fund recovery and resilience. Opponents, including business and labor representatives, argued the bill would impose broad liability, invite litigation, and harm jobs and energy affordability. The hearing included extensive testimony, but no vote was taken on SB 982 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This reform simply allows smaller projects and more routine system upgrades to proceed without all the
• This reform simply allows smaller projects and more routine system upgrades to proceed without all the
• This reform simply allows smaller projects and more routine system upgrades to proceed without all the
• Uh, maintaining oversight while also modernizing and allowing upgrades to proceed without red tape, bureaucracy
• </c><00:34:04.640><c> to</c> Modernizing and allowing upgrades to proceed without red tape, bureaucracy

Committee: Senate Natural Resources & Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• new compatible equipment, but it's unclear whether the agency should have had to pay for such an upgrade
• With our center, the county is looking at upgrading our computer systems.
• Those have been some external factors, but like I said, we are doing what we can to upgrade and work
• And number two, it seems like there need to be funds in order to upgrade the computer system.
• And I don't know if there's anything that flows through... ...to upgrade the computer system, and I don't

Committee: Joint Joint Legislative Audit Committee

Summary: The committee began with opening remarks about moving to a monthly, two-hour schedule for more timely and focused oversight of Auditor General findings. Members also recognized Melanie Chesney for 32 years of service to the Office of the Auditor General, with several speakers praising her work and her role in strengthening the relationship between the Auditor General’s office and J-LAC. The main agenda item was the Auditor General’s December 2025 special audit on the school safety interoperability fund and interoperable communication systems. Staff reported that about $26 million had been allocated to 14 law enforcement agencies for systems intended to improve real-time communication between schools and first responders. The audit found that all 14 agencies used the money for interoperable systems, but four agencies allowed private or tribal schools to participate contrary to statute, and several agencies failed to submit required annual expenditure reports. It also found that none of the three systems reviewed met every statutory requirement as written, in part because some requirements were vague or interpreted differently by vendors and agencies. The audit recommended that agencies recover and report any improper benefit to non-public schools, avoid using fund money for ongoing costs tied to non-public school participation, submit missing reports, and improve cost planning and contract monitoring; it also recommended that the legislature clarify eligibility for private and tribal schools and revisit unclear system requirements. The audit further found procurement and contracting problems at nine of 14 agencies, including weak or missing sole-source justifications, contracts that lacked accountability and termination provisions, and poor documentation of pricing and deliverables. Several agencies had not planned for ongoing annual costs, which the audit estimated could range from about $16,000 to $382,000 per rural county depending on the system. In the discussion, members expressed frustration with sole-source contracting and lack of documentation, and some said they would oppose future vendor bills without competitive bidding and stronger payment controls. The auditor also described mixed system performance: some agencies reported useful features such as panic alerts, camera access, and map sharing, but other systems were not fully functional or had never been implemented. The committee then heard from the Arizona Sheriffs’ Association, whose president said sheriffs support the goal of improving school safety, described county implementation challenges, and defended the use of local staff to manage the projects, while acknowledging that smaller counties face staffing and connectivity limits.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just overall infrastructure itself, so those upgrades are pretty competitive, as many of you attend events
• Just overall infrastructure itself, so those upgrades are pretty competitive, as many of you attend events
• Just overall infrastructure itself, so those upgrades are pretty competitive, as many of you attend events
• Just overall infrastructure itself, so those upgrades are pretty competitive, as many of you attend events
• Just overall infrastructure itself, so those upgrades are pretty competitive, as many of you attend events

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2, which would address the taxation of currency and bullion and was presented as a response to last session’s dispute over whether a line-item veto could be applied to a revenue measure. The sponsor said the bill, as amended by Committee Substitute 2, was largely technical but also made the tax exemption retroactive to August 1, 2024 while making the $1,000-per-day penalty prospective only. Members asked about fiscal impact, possible legal liability for executive branch officials, and whether the issue should instead be resolved by the courts. The sponsor argued the Constitution limits the governor’s line-item veto power to appropriations, not revenue bills, and said the bill would create a judicial remedy and refund process if the executive branch continued collecting the tax. The committee approved the committee substitute and then passed House Bill 2 by a vote of 19-1, with two members passing; the bill was reported favorably to the floor. During discussion, Representative Bojanowski voted no, saying he could not support removing taxes on gold bars while parents pay taxes on diapers. Representative Gentry passed, saying he supported the original intent but was not yet convinced and wanted more time to review the issue. The sponsor also clarified that any liability would be joint and several and could involve executive officials or their budgets if the tax collection continued despite the exemption. The committee then heard a discussion-only presentation on the Kentucky Exposition Center Redevelopment Plan Phase 2. Facility representatives described Phase 1 and the planned Phase 2 expansion, saying the center had record attendance and needed more space to remain competitive and meet client demand. They said Phase 1 was about 20% complete, with completion now expected in October 2026 and an opening target of December 31, 2026 after a short testing period. Phase 2 would follow, including demolition of the West Wing, utility work, and improvements to food service and circulation areas. They said the project would be funded without federal dollars and estimated that, once complete, it could generate about $683 million in annual economic impact, $302 million in state sales tax, and 850,000 room nights in Jefferson County.

Transcript Highlights:

• What are the code upgrades that a homeowner might have to make? And I want to commend the county.
• Hopefully, people have some insurance coverage for the code upgrades for those improvements.
• Hopefully, people have some insurance coverage for the code upgrades for those improvements.
• The state also lacks a dedicated, consistent financing mechanism to support these upgrades at scale.

Summary: The hearing focused on lessons from the 2017 Tubbs Fire and how Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, and local partners have changed wildfire prevention, recovery, and rebuilding practices since then. Assemblymembers emphasized that the region has become a model for the state, with a shift from suppression to prevention, and panelists described improvements in defensible space, home hardening, vegetation management, alerting, and community coordination. The discussion also highlighted the continuing importance of sharing Sonoma County’s experience with other wildfire-impacted communities across California and beyond. Fire officials and local leaders described specific prevention measures now in place, including Santa Rosa’s vegetation management ordinance, ignition-free/Zone Zero requirements in rebuilding, restrictions on certain mulches, removal of dead and dying trees near roads and defensible space zones, and expanded prescribed burning authority. They also stressed the importance of community organization through block captains, Firewise/COPE-style networks, and the Mark West Area Community Fund. Speakers said these networks helped residents navigate recovery, avoid fraud and bad contractors, coordinate with local agencies, and support neighbors, but they argued that such efforts need more formal structure and stable funding. Water and permitting officials discussed how the fires changed their work. Santa Rosa Water described new regional coordination, generator and backup power upgrades, emergency training, and lessons learned about wildfire-related contamination in water systems, including the need to restore pressure, flush, and test quickly after a fire. Permit Sonoma said rebuilding was balanced by streamlining permits while still requiring safer, more resilient construction, and noted that reduced fees and one-stop permitting helped speed recovery. United Policyholders described helping residents maximize insurance proceeds, organize information, and avoid scams, while warning that insurance availability and affordability remain major barriers and that insurers are increasingly rewarding risk-reduction measures. Across the panels, the main policy requests were for faster and more flexible grant processes, more stable long-term funding for prevention and community programs, stronger support for home hardening and defensible space, better training and tools for local governments and legislative staff, and continued attention to insurance and utility-related resilience. No formal votes or actions were taken in the transcript excerpt; the hearing was informational and ended with a transition toward public comment and further discussion of remaining statewide wildfire policy needs.