Video & Transcript : 'JROTC programs' :
Page 473 of 500
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- It requires UH to establish an NIL program, as well as criteria and a formula for the distribution of
- <00:14:34.200><c> establish</c><00:14:34.839><c> an</c><00:14:35.000><c> NIL</c><00:14:35.360><c> program
- ,</c> Requires UH to establish an NIL program, Requires UH to establish an NIL program, as<00:14:36.640
- example of this being successful in terms of NIL being applied to a team with our men's basketball program
- Uh, I'm just upset how the NCAA, when released this program, they should have set standards for linemen
Committee:
House Education
Summary:
The committee heard SB 3263 SD2, which would create a University of Hawaii NIL (name, image, and likeness) endowment trust fund, require UH to establish an NIL program and distribution criteria, allow student athletes to be compensated through registered athlete agents, permit parents or guardians to assist in some areas by agreement, require annual reporting to the legislature, and appropriate funds. UH Athletics Director Matt Helliot testified in strong support, saying NIL funding is critical to recruit and retain athletes and keep UH competitive, especially as the program moves into the Mountain West Conference. He cited the men’s basketball team’s success and said UH had already raised private NIL money for that team.
The Iron Workers Stabilization Fund also supported the bill, calling it a modest but important investment in UH athletics and a way to help keep local talent in Hawaii. One supporter said the bill would help UH compete with larger schools and retain athletes amid rising costs and large NIL deals elsewhere. Another supporter, Cliff LaBoy, said the current NIL environment makes funding essential and argued UH needs more money than the bill’s structure provides. A testifier noted the Senate version’s corpus may be insufficient and said they preferred the House version.
During questioning, Helliot said UH’s private fundraising target for the current year was $3 million and that the department was already more than two-thirds of the way there. In decision-making, the chair said the committee would move the bill forward as an HD1 replacing the contents with the House version, remove the blank appropriation section because $5 million had already been inserted into the UH budget through HB 1800, and focus the bill on the framework rather than the funding amount. The committee then voted to pass SB 3263 SD2 with amendments, with all voting members present voting in favor and one member excused.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Assisted living dementia programs.
- HB 21, program language acquisition, grain. HB 2239, child kill great, crampton fund.
- HB 2960, Veterans Court Fund program. HB 2968, family court administrative evidence.
- H. 3.2960 Veterans Court Fund program. H. 3.2968, family court administrative evidence.
- I am so, so disappointed to see SB 1275 get completely changed to this diversion program, not because
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a proclamation declaring March as Sleep Apnea Awareness Month. Guests recognized included ACLU of Arizona volunteers for Lobby Day, a student intern, a doctor of the day specializing in dementia care, and members of the Arizona chapter of the American Institute of Architects for Architecture Advocacy Day. The chamber also received several appointments to committees and a series of House messages and bills for introduction and first reading.
The main floor action was third reading votes on multiple measures. The Senate passed SB 1011, SB 1017, SB 1170, SB 1173, SB 1234, SB 1275, SB 1332, SB 1544, SB 1557, SB 1585 on reconsideration, SCR 1022, SB 1273, and SB 1274, with most votes falling along a 17-9 or 16-10 split. Several senators explained their no votes, raising concerns about mandatory minimum drug penalties, juvenile court changes, diversion policy, and the light rail feasibility study; supporters argued for public safety, judicial discretion, or the need for updated studies and voter review. On SCR 1022, which would refer a constitutional amendment on legislative member districts, supporters argued Arizona’s House is too small for its population and should be expanded, while opponents said the idea needed more study before going to voters.
The Senate also heard committee announcements for the next day, including meetings for Health and Human Services, Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency, Education, Judiciary and Elections, and Public Safety. The body then adjourned until Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Finance Committee in Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 03:25 pm
Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- for an approved industrial development site as defined for the West Virginia Business Ready Sites Program
- My employer has current grants under the Industrial Access Road program and could apply for more under
- This bill creates the Airport Hangar Grant Program and the Airport Hangar Development Fund, which is
- This bill creates the Airport Hanger Grant Program and the Airport Hanger Development Fund, which is
- The bill authorizes the division to set up a pilot program, subject to the availability of funds, and
Committee:
Senate Finance
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- We went out to bid three times. ...program, which we had not had prior to that.
- So rather than being now our block grant being based on an entire school transportation program, we are
- As you heard earlier, Answer launched this full first transportation program in 2022-2023 to improve
- Today, we are simply asking to be treated the same as other schools operating transportation programs
- Please let me As other schools operating transportation programs.
Committee:
House Education
Summary:
The committee first disposed of Senate Bill 1291 with a due-pass recommendation to the floor. It then took up House Bill 816, which would adjust Idaho’s career ladder rules for career technical education and pupil service staff so prior relevant experience can count toward movement on the ladder, rather than leaving many employees stuck for years at the same level. The bill’s sponsors and LSO staff explained that the career ladder is an apportionment model, not a salary schedule, and that the change is intended to help recruit and retain educators who come from industry or clinical settings. Testimony in support came from a school psychologist, a school nurse, school administrators, and a CTE representative, all emphasizing shortages, recruitment problems, and the cost of contracting for these services. Despite support, a motion was made and approved to hold HB 816 in committee.
The committee then considered House Bill 815, a narrow fix for Answer Charter School’s transportation block grant funding. Sponsor Sonia Galavis and Answer representatives explained that the school began full busing only in 2022-23, but its transportation funding was still being calculated from a small 2010 pilot program, leaving it far below comparable schools despite running multiple buses and transporting students daily. Testifiers, including a parent and the school’s executive director, said the current formula creates an unfair funding gap and limits access for families. The committee heard that the bill would correct an unintended anomaly without affecting newer charter schools, and it voted to send HB 815 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation.
The committee also adopted an RS for House Bill 816, with a technical correction to the language, and sent it to the second reading calendar. Representatives Diger and Galavis were named to carry that measure on the floor. The meeting then adjourned after completing its work for the day.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Public Safety Mar 2nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And as recollection serves, that's a voluntary program. Yes, it is. Employees don't have to do it.
- and whether there are similar programs available.
- Also, if they’re continuing in them, we try to delay their transfer if they can complete that program
- Absent state funding, counties are unable to deliver the necessary programs, services, and treatment,
- offering rehabilitative programming through the right grant.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a contract for the used tire program for District 4 of Arkansas.
- This is an amended federal grant for the Senior Community Service Employment Program.
- It is for payment for children in foster care and in a community reintegration program.
- waiver program.
- waiver program.
Committee:
All ALC-REVIEW
Summary:
The subcommittee first considered a used tire program contract for Arkansas District 4, an $88,000 one-year contract with LTR Intermediate Holdings. Senators raised concerns that the tire district’s revised business plan had not yet been approved and that the contract could leave the district unable to pay. Questions also focused on solicitation language that excluded bidders under corrective action plans. On motion, the committee held the contract until next month and encouraged the tire board to appear.
Members then reviewed and, without objection, moved forward a series of methods of finance, alternative delivery projects, and discretionary grants. These included multiple university and college projects such as renovations, roof replacements, a new UCA multipurpose arena, and a revised financing package for UA Fayetteville’s Maple Hill residence hall. The committee also reviewed DHS and Department of Health grants for aging services, substance abuse prevention, mental health, nutrition outreach, hearing-loss follow-up, HIV services, maternal health, and rural hospital quality improvement.
The committee next handled contract items, including a UAMS ratification for FMLA Source after an amendment was not submitted for review and payments continued past expiration; UAMS said it had retrained staff and would review for other missed contracts. Members also reviewed numerous construction, intergovernmental, out-of-state, and in-state contracts across state agencies and universities. Questions were raised about an out-of-state aeronautics study, a U of A Fayetteville parking guidance system, and a Veterans Affairs nursing contract. Most items were reviewed without objection, and the meeting adjourned after informational reports on contract amendments and minor contracts.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- We get a program going. It lasts four or five years. It's time to just say no.
- Before I talk about programs and funding, I briefly want to talk to you about why this matters to me
- We support early learning and after-school programs.
- If funding collapses, the program collapses.
- If we do that, we could not offer the programs we currently do.
Committee:
Senate Education
Summary:
The Senate Education Committee began by approving a change to the agenda and then approved the minutes from a prior meeting. It then took up House Joint Memorial 11, which urges Idaho’s congressional delegation to fully fund the federal IDEA commitment for special education. Senator Burtenshaw argued that Congress promised up to 40% of national average per-pupil spending but has never met that threshold, leaving Idaho districts to cover large shortfalls through local funds and levies. A representative from Fruitland School District testified in support, describing a nearly $790,000 local gap and saying the memorial would send a unified message to federal lawmakers. Senator Zito opposed the memorial, saying the federal government has failed to meet its commitment for decades and that Idaho should stop relying on federal promises, though he emphasized his support for special-needs students. The committee voted to send H.J.M. 11 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation, with Senator Zito requesting to be recorded as voting no.
The committee next considered RS 33-392, a proposal to create regional service centers so school districts and charter schools can share specialized services that are difficult or costly to provide independently, especially in rural areas. Burtenshaw said the measure would help districts share staff such as speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, school psychologists, and business managers, with no new ongoing funding required beyond a one-time $1 million startup amount already reflected in the governor’s budget. The committee voted to send the proposal forward for a full hearing.
The remainder of the meeting was devoted to informational presentations. Jason Sevy, president of the Idaho School Board Association and chair of the Marsing School Board, described Marsing’s community schools model, which partners with nonprofits and service providers to address food insecurity, health needs, mental health, and attendance barriers. He said the model improved student engagement and attendance and asked policymakers to remove funding barriers so districts can use resources more flexibly. The committee then heard from Meridian Technical Charter High School leaders and students, who described the school’s career-and-technical education model, internships, high graduation rates, industry credentials, and student leadership opportunities. Students said the school helped them find career direction and build confidence, and the school leader discussed possible expansion through hybrid models and the need for continued advocacy for school programs.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- We get a program going. It lasts four or five years. It's time to just say no.
- Before I talk about programs and funding, I briefly want to talk to you about why this matters to me
- We support early learning and after-school programs.
- If funding collapses, the program collapses.
- If we do that, we could not offer the programs we currently do.
Committee:
Senate Education
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 11, 2026 - 09:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- The Health Professions and Program Subcommittee will come to order, and Ola, please call the roll.
- Good morning, Madam Chair, Vice Chair, and members of the Health Professions and Program Subcommittee
- HB 497 creates the neurofibromatosis disease grant program.
- HB 497 creates the neurofibromatosis disease grant program within the Florida Department of Health.
- I hope he's asking for the support of this incredible program, which will put Florida at the forefront
Summary:
The Health Professions and Program Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered seven bills, all of which were reported favorably. HB 497 would create a neurofibromatosis research grant program within the Department of Health; an amendment removed automatic recurring funding and made the program subject to annual appropriations. Proponents described the disease burden and the need for Florida-based research support. The bill passed 14-0.
The committee also approved HB 223, which creates a licensing and regulatory framework for naturopathic medicine, including a Board of Naturopathic Medicine under the Department of Health. Supporters argued licensure would improve patient safety, transparency, and access, while the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association and Florida Medical Association waived in opposition. The bill passed 15-0. HB 683 modernizes physician assistant and APRN prescribing rules by removing certain administrative notice and prescription-labeling requirements and allowing a 30-day course of psychotropic medication; an amendment removed language that would have allowed practice without physician supervision during declared emergencies. It passed 15-0.
The committee then approved CS for HB 121, which updates Florida’s seizure action plan law by extending protections to charter school students, requiring schools to accept physician-submitted plans, clarifying training duration, expanding training to regular bus drivers, and requiring seizure-response posters in schools. HB 353 adds sickle cell disease education to existing pain-management continuing education for health professionals, prompted by extensive testimony from patients and advocates about bias, delayed treatment, and lack of provider knowledge; it passed 15-0. HB 1175 directs the Florida Building Commission and State Fire Marshal to develop updated safety design standards for office surgery suites, with an amendment delaying the effective date to January 1, 2027; it passed 14-0. Finally, HB 251 creates a public records exemption for current emergency physicians and their families, narrowed by amendment to current physicians and children up to age 26 and made subject to sunset review; it passed 15-0. The meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture and Wildlife Feb 9th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Agriculture and Wildlife
Transcript Highlights:
- I guess my question is though we're kind of creating a whole new program with the Department of Ag.
- And that program, there are ways for that particular program to also be encompassed in this.
- I personally am not aware of any particular program or counsel other than the one that I spoke about
- We have that division also encompasses our Ag in the classroom program, the Farm to School program that
- and then our smaller companies that make up our Just Made in Oklahoma program.
Committee:
Senate Agriculture and Wildlife
Keywords:
feral swine, nuisance control, wildlife management, hunting permits, agriculture, cultivated meat, food safety, public health, misbranding, advertising, food labeling, food distribution, state regulations, hunting licenses, fishing licenses, veterans, controlled hunts, deer population, wildlife conservation, food policy
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- collected through fees or permits, and the money is used to fund operations for the corresponding program
- requesting 621,100 ongoing from dedicated and federal funds for replacement items across budgeted programs
- Or it can identify any policy decisions, whether you think a program like the quagga mussels...
- Whether you think a program like the quagga mussels, my favorite talking point in JFAC, you know, if
- you want to add funding for the quagga mussel program, the quagga mussel treatment program, and really
Committee:
Senate Agricultural Affairs
Summary:
The Senate Agricultural Committee met to receive a JFAC budget update focused on the Idaho Department of Agriculture. Budget analyst Morgan Poloni reviewed the department’s structure, staffing, dedicated-fund reliance, and several 2027 enhancement requests, including a CEC adjustment for fruit and vegetable inspectors, replacement items, IT hardware, reappropriation authority for a federal Resilient Food Systems Grant, a 2026 deficiency warrant for exotic species response, and a supplemental for quagga mussel treatment costs. She also described 2026 and 2027 holdbacks that were largely absorbed through dedicated funds and reductions to noxious weed pass-through money. Senator Lent raised concerns that budget cuts should follow policy priorities rather than broad reductions, and committee members discussed the exotic species and invasive species funding needs.
Keith Bybee then gave a broader JFAC update on state revenue, structural balance, and the budget outlook for 2026 and 2027. He said Idaho is facing uncertainty in revenues, with recent forecasts below earlier expectations, and explained that the legislature is considering whether to use one-time money, restructure spending, or both to restore structural balance over the business cycle. He noted that many budget pressures come from statutory or population-driven obligations in education, Medicaid, corrections, and health and welfare, while higher education is more discretionary. Senator Groh added that the state is not structurally balanced and emphasized the need for policy bills to align with budget decisions; he also said recent tax payment timing helped revenues in December and that January numbers looked promising but were still preliminary.
The committee then turned to administrative rules and approved a large group of Agriculture Department dockets by motion and voice vote. One docket, 0206-01-2501 on seed production and distribution rules, was held back after questions about incorporation by reference and publication dates. Mr. Knight explained that the referenced seed standards change frequently for export and testing purposes, and he said the department would work with DFM and legislators to find a better approach. Senator Lakey moved to hold that docket subject to call of the chair, and the motion carried. The meeting adjourned after the remaining rule dockets were approved.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Banking and Insurance (1-14-26)
Banking & Insurance
Transcript Highlights:
- But this bill ensures that a go-karting or an exemption program is put in place.
- Again, insurers set the terms of the exemption program.
- </c><00:02:39.840><c> This</c> exemption program is put in place.
- This exemption program is put in place.
- It does terms of the exemption program.
Committee:
House Banking & Insurance
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Tobacco Settlement Revenue Oversight Nov 14th, 2025
Tobacco Settlement Revenue Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- In addition, program manager Chelsea Meyer and I had the opportunity to attend and gain insights into
- Chair, committee members, thank you for having me today and for your support of the NUPAC program.
- And I think, you know, a program that is targeted toward stopping an unhealthy habit, right, whether
- Chair, but I stopped my dad from smoking when I was like six years old from a program coming into Jose
- I don't think there's a direct program that may be able to help stop using, right?
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Insurance Committee Jul 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 429 would establish the Wildfire Safety and Risk Mitigation Program.
- SB 429 would establish the Wildfire Safety and Risk Mitigation Program and allow the department to pursue
- public and private university system, charging the department with initiating a competitive grant program
- Our current family leave program fails to meet the needs of California's diverse families.
- That means expanding our paid family leave insurance program to cover chosen family will represent less
Summary:
The Assembly Insurance Committee met to hear several bills related to insurance coverage, wildfire risk, workers’ compensation, and paid family leave. SB 8 by Senator Ashby would extend workers’ compensation and disability protections to Sacramento County park rangers, with testimony emphasizing that they perform law-enforcement-like duties and should receive the same protections as comparable officers. SB 429 by Senator Cortese would create a public wildfire catastrophe model and related wildfire safety program, with support from the Department of Insurance and consumer advocates who said public access to modeling data would improve transparency and help evaluate private insurance risk models.
The committee also heard SB 525 by Senator Jones, which would require the FAIR Plan to offer coverage options for manufactured and mobile home owners, including replacement cost coverage. Supporters said the bill would help lower-income residents obtain meaningful insurance protection, while no opposition testified. SB 495 by Senator Allen, as amended, would require insurers to provide a larger contents-coverage advance after a total loss during a declared emergency without requiring an immediate itemized inventory, extend proof-of-loss deadlines, and require insurers to provide catastrophe modeling and reinsurance data to the Department of Insurance. Several insurers withdrew opposition after amendments, and the Department of Insurance and United Policyholders supported the measure.
SB 590 by Senator Durazo would expand paid family leave to cover care for designated persons or chosen family members, with strong support from AARP, labor, civil rights, caregiving, and health organizations, and testimony from a parent describing the need to care for a non-legal family member during surgery recovery. The committee also took up consent items SB 230 and SB 854. After roll calls, SB 8, SB 429, SB 495, SB 525, and SB 590 all received do-pass votes, with SB 429 sent to the Committee on Emergency Management, SB 495 to Judiciary, and SB 525 and SB 590 to Appropriations. The consent calendar bills were also approved, and the committee adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee May 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Sharon Fendarvis, I'm an advocate for patients of the MMIC program, compassion program.
- In the day and age of fentanyl, these programs save lives.
- I would not be here without these programs and these fundings, and I am also in opposition to AB 564.
- I would not be here without these programs and these fundings, and I am also in opposition of AB564.
- AB 1265 gives the state program a real chance to work.
Summary:
The Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee met with a delayed start while waiting for quorum, then heard several bills before moving to the suspense file. AB 564 by Assemblymember Haney would freeze the planned cannabis excise tax increase at 15% rather than allow it to rise to 25%; supporters argued the legal cannabis industry is struggling against the illicit market and high taxes, while opponents said the measure would reduce funding for children, youth programs, environmental restoration, and enforcement promised under Prop. 64. The bill was sent to suspense during regular order and later approved out of suspense on a 6-0 vote with amendments, including a five-year sunset and a reduced rate. AB 1265, also by Haney, would extend and expand the state historic tax credit to encourage rehabilitation of vacant historic buildings for housing and mixed-use projects; preservation and housing advocates supported it, and it was also sent to suspense rather than voted on immediately.
The committee then heard AB 1377 by Assemblymember McKenna, which would require studios seeking optional diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility film tax credits to complete the plans they submit to the California Film Commission. Labor supporters said studios should do more than make good-faith efforts, and the bill passed 5-1 to Appropriations. AB 1416 by Vice Chair Ta would clarify disaster-related property tax deferrals for homeowners who have requested installment plans, and it passed 7-0 to the Assembly Floor. Afterward, the chair gave a general warning that the bills on suspense represented large revenue losses and emphasized the committee’s need to weigh tax expenditures against other state priorities.
On the suspense file, the committee approved AB 27, AB 53, AB 97, AB 231, AB 232, AB 429, AB 613, AB 984, and AB 1485, mostly on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, while AB 547 passed 5-1. Several other bills, including AB 386, AB 389, AB 490, AB 6991, AB 814, AB 1057, AB 1219, AB 1282, AB 1354, AB 1431, AB 1435, and AB 1481, were held in committee. The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning after completing the suspense-file actions.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee Apr 30th, 2025
Finance and Taxation Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Numeracy still, as we do the statewide build-out of that program, that's still in Out of that program
- Higher education has agreed to provide oversight for these programs.
- They have to meet at least three times and establish two programs.
- They have to establish two programs. They have to have an action plan to be successful.
- —16 million gone. ...in the breakfast program—16 million gone.
Committee:
Senate Finance and Taxation Education
Keywords:
rural health, hospital funding, tax credits, qualified donations, Alabama Department of Revenue, HB273, Hunger-Free Campus Act, hunger free campus, food insecurity, college hunger, student hunger, campus pantry, food pantry, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, basic needs, student food assistance, meal vouchers, meal credits, food vouchers
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- This is one of the 10 states that participates in this program in which the state on behalf of the FAA
- This makes reliever airports eligible for the program and makes current statutory language outdated and
- And this would direct the use of appropriations to establish the revolving loan program.
- This new loan program complements Tiles existing efforts and excludes projects limited to commercial
- So mainly what it's doing is if you are a general aviation airport, you would qualify for this program
Committee:
House S/C on Transportation Funding
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AEN-HHS, AEN, AEN-EIG Public Hearings 04-11-2025
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, however, there are no state level programs to address invasive plants that are already present in
- Um, however, there are no state level programs to address invasive plants that are already present in
- Um, however, there are no state level programs to address invasive plants that are already present in
- Um, however, there are no state level programs to address invasive plants that are already present in
- Um, however, there are no state level programs to address invasive plants that are already present in
Committee:
Senate Agriculture and Environment
Summary:
The joint Health, Human Services, Agriculture, and Environment hearing first took up HTR 28, which would reconvene the working group created under House Resolution 18 to continue addressing water and air contamination and remediation issues tied to the Pua Range Training Facility. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with speakers describing long-standing community concern and alleged lead contamination near the shooting range and nearby beach areas. One testifier urged passage as a critical mechanism for protecting the community. The committees then voted to recommend passage of HTR 28 as is, and the motion was adopted.
The committees next considered HCR 25 HD1, asking the Department of Agriculture to add a statement on desecration laws to the plant and animal declaration form, and HCR 200, concerning the Maui axis deer control and venison initiative. The Department of Agriculture and DLNR offered comments on HCR 25 HD1, and HCR 200 drew support from the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council and others, who said axis deer pose economic and environmental threats. Both measures were advanced with technical amendments, and both recommendations were adopted.
The hearing then moved to HCR 27, which asks Hawaii’s congressional delegation to petition USDA to address disparities affecting Hawaii’s agricultural exports, and HCR 42 HD1, encouraging each county to develop its own biosecurity plan. The Department of Agriculture supported HCR 27, and testimony on HCR 42 HD1 emphasized county-level invasive species prevention, the need for local biosecurity planning, and gaps in state and county authority over noxious weeds and invasive plants. After a brief recess to regain quorum, both committees voted to pass HCR 27 with technical amendments and HCR 42 HD1 as is; all motions were adopted and the hearing adjourned.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means General Fund Committee Apr 9th, 2025
Ways and Means General Fund
Transcript Highlights:
- is still available. road, this program is still available.
- Those are all hallmarks of a good wellness program.
- But along with that, we want to look at how we can instill a better emphasis on the wellness program
- Mirror the wholesaler to retailer accountability program (RAP) already in place, and monthly returns
- .. retailer accountability program that are already in place.
Committee:
House Ways and Means General Fund
Keywords:
firefighter benefits, occupational disease, line of duty, disability pension, death benefits, retirement benefits, hypertension, heart disease, respiratory disease, cancer presumption, HIV, hepatitis, municipal firefighters, state firefighters, fire districts, workers' compensation, public safety employees, post-retirement benefits, benefit eligibility cutoff, occupational illness
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 7, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- So since 2012, we've had a water quality and level program that coordinates with our county governments
- We are in the unique position of facilitating a wide variety of programs and attracting outside funding
- We participated in our county serve program.
- We participated in our county serve program. Um, we... our county serve program.
- Florida Forever Program for land acquisition to Florida Keys for another 10 years.
Summary:
The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee met and first took up CS/HB 973, a broad special districts bill focused heavily on soil and water conservation districts. The bill would dissolve 35 soil and water districts effective December 31, 2025, based on an OPAGA review that found widespread problems such as lack of revenue, inactive boards, poor notice practices, public records issues, and late financial reporting. It also would let special districts use state contracts, authorize FDLE background checks for district employees, preserve fire district taxing/service authority after annexation, extend liability protections for outdoor recreation on certain district lands, tighten eligibility for soil and water supervisors, and shift complaint review to the Commission on Ethics. Supporters argued the districts are often inactive, duplicative, and costly to review, while opponents said many districts provide local conservation, water quality, outreach, and volunteer services and should be given more time to remediate.
Public testimony on HB 973 was mixed. Several soil and water district chairs and related advocates opposed the bill, saying their districts provide local conservation, flood, invasive species, education, and coordination services at little or no taxpayer cost, and that abolishing them would remove local representation and collaboration. The bill’s proponent, the Florida Association of Special Districts, supported the measure as a limited-government and accountability reform, arguing that districts with no revenue or contracts should not continue. Members debated whether the bill was relying on the OPAGA report while also eliminating future performance reviews, whether the Department of Agriculture could absorb the added responsibilities, and whether the districts should have been given more time to correct deficiencies. The committee ultimately voted the bill favorably, with one no vote from Representative Hinson.
The committee then considered CS/HB 995, which applies to Monroe County and the Florida Keys. The bill would exempt Habitat for Humanity in the Keys from construction performance bond requirements for affordable housing, extend the Florida Keys land acquisition/set-aside authority in Florida Forever for 10 more years, and extend the hurricane evacuation time frame from 24 hours to 24.5 hours to allow up to 825 additional residential permit allocations, phased in over 10 years and directed largely toward vacant buildable lots and workforce housing. An amendment was adopted to codify the 825-unit allocation and the distribution framework. With no opposition offered on the bill, the committee reported HB 995 favorably by unanimous vote.