Transcript Highlights:

• at communities that are of that size to allow them to stay in that green belt or green space, you know
• There's probably less than 100 communities in the state of Florida that actually fit in this category
• so that in those communities there is board approval, and it does keep the ag nature of that property
• for those communities, because I've seen that impact throughout my district.
• It also supports clear communication between the district and the state by requiring the Department of

Bills: S0290 , S0320

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and first took up CS for SB 290, a broad Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill. The committee adopted a strike-all amendment that, among other things, set density requirements for certain small municipalities, delayed biosolids-related changes from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2028, required higher insurance coverage for fumigation businesses, increased fines for fumigation violations, extended the time contractors have to pay subcontractors and suppliers from 15 to 30 business days, preempted certain county agritourism permitting ordinances, and renamed the Bonifay Forestry Station. Senators raised concerns about local government preemption, the biosolids timeline, and especially the new felony penalty for nonpayment of subcontractors and suppliers. Audubon Florida testified in opposition to the state lands and biosolids provisions, while several agricultural and industry groups waived in support. The bill was reported favorably after debate, with Senator Bracy Davis voting no and Senator Jones expressing concern about the contractor penalty. The committee then heard SB 320 on administrative efficiency in public schools. The bill would reduce district-level requirements across assessments, personnel, facilities, budgeting, and early learning administration; expand teacher apprenticeship pathways; create longer instructional contracts and renewable professional certificates; simplify testing and evaluation rules; increase flexibility for Title I and discretionary capital funding; and streamline facility planning and architectural requirements. School district and education association representatives waived in support. Senators Osgood and others praised the deregulation and flexibility, while Senator Bracy Davis asked about remedies if charter schools fail to respond directly to Department of Education expenditure questions. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce administrative burden while preserving accountability. SB 320 was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• is a resident from Shelburne and a student at Brown University, where she was recently part of a community
• is a resident from Shelburne and a student at Brown University, where she was recently part of a community
• she eloquently explained earlier today, uh, there are more and more of us, more and more of that community
• </c><00:08:02.720><c> in</c><00:08:02.960><c> this</c> more and more of that community in this more and
• more of that community in this country<00:08:03.520><c> and</c><00:08:03.759><c> in</c><00:08:03.919

Transcript Highlights:

• Therefore, water, agriculture, and energy are themes that resonate with our faculty, students, and community
• These are community issues; they are New Mexico issues that we have chosen, and we've built our research
• Mesa Lands does not have a large number, but is there in terms of community colleges, as well as others
• But I specifically want to call out Cori Bergen, who is the Santa Fe Community College CIO, and she is
• Barbara Medina, the New Mexico Associated Community College Executive Director, is not here with us today

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• where we weren't able to get to anywhere where we could come to a broad agreement with the aging community
• And so the proposed that... ...to a broad agreement with the aging community.
• Becker and the agent community just decided that that was probably a little too far.
• And that is getting to be an issue, particularly with their relationship with the towing community.
• But that is where we came in with what we thought was understanding with the agent community again on

Summary: The conference committee on Senate Bill 2374 discussed proposed amendments to the insurance rebating provisions and a new study on towing and recovery issues. Deputy Insurance Commissioner John Arnold explained that, after working with industry representatives, the compromise was to remove the large commercial rebating exemption language and keep the rest of the bill intact, while also clarifying that federal crop insurance remains subject to the state’s rebating laws. Members asked several questions about how the large commercial risk definition would work, how the rules would apply to nonresident producers and border-area farm policies, and whether the changes would affect long-standing industry practices. The committee also considered Commissioner Godfrey’s request for a study on who pays to remove vehicles from the roadside when the owner has liability-only coverage, especially in cases involving totaled or abandoned vehicles. Arnold said the issue has been raised by Highway Patrol and towing interests and that the study language was intended to examine possible solutions for the next legislative session. Some members expressed concern about shifting costs to the insurance industry, but others supported the study as a way to gain clarity. The committee adopted the amendment package, including the towing study language, by a 6-0 roll call vote. It then passed Senate Bill 2374 as amended by another 6-0 vote. The committee noted that the bill would need floor carriers on both chambers, with Representative Johnson and Senator Klein indicating they would carry it.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also see the impact in our communities when we keep our young people engaged in positive activities
• and integrated in the community fabric.
• Our local workforce development boards and community organizations were able to get those additional
• Um, each of your communities have young people like me.
• Um, each of your communities have young people like me.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know what this means to me and the community of recovering people that I represent and I want to
• The values of hard work and community couple with my fundamental belief in God has led me and served
• There's an intentional activation of community and private sector resources.
• changes that made more seamless the alignment of client goals with tools that promote employment, community
• with her Florida Council for Behavioral Health Care, waiving in support violent Gonzalez Sunrise Community

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the Executive Director of the Texas Veterans Commission, and I'm here with my Communications Director
• I'm the Director of Communications and Veteran Outreach.
• So we create those within the communications department.
• We send that through our mass digital communications platform and we send...
• To date we have served over 6,000 members of Texas's military and veteran community.

Bills: SB651 , SB897 , SB1814 , SB1818

Committee: Senate Veteran Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Item number four, Senate Communications. Mr. Clerk, are there any Senate Communications?
• our environment truly is: what happens in the upper reaches of Manoa Valley affects surrounding communities
• our environment truly is: what happens in the upper reaches of Manoa Valley affects surrounding communities
• our environment truly is: what happens in the upper reaches of Manoa Valley affects surrounding communities
• our environment truly is: what happens in the upper reaches of Manoa Valley affects surrounding communities

Transcript Highlights:

• Community resources. These, again, are broad enough areas that gives us some flexibility.
• And not only the Marshallese community, but even some African-American communities: how do you find those
• So that means 30% of the funds had to go to rural communities.
• But any nonprofit or any program that's providing service to aging communities is In Northwest Arkansas
• But any nonprofit or any program that's providing service to aging communities is represented in that

Committee: All ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA ADVISORY COUNCIL

Summary: The Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Advisory Council met to approve the August 12 minutes and then reviewed an updated Arkansas state plan for dementia. David Cook of the Alzheimer’s Association explained that the plan reflects newer research and treatments, and the council discussed adding objectives related to insurance coverage for diagnostics and therapies, access to specialists, provider education, and the use of biomarker testing. Members also raised concerns about low reimbursement rates, hospital financial strain, and the need to recruit and train more neurologists and advanced practice providers, especially in rural areas. The council approved the general outline of the state plan, with objectives to be refined later. The meeting then moved through proposed priority areas for the next state plan: dementia risk reduction and brain health, caregiver support, access to diagnostics and treatment, and access to quality care. Testimony emphasized integrating brain health messaging into existing public health efforts, reducing stigma by framing outreach around “brain health,” expanding education in underserved communities including Marshallese speakers, and improving referral networks and dementia resource centers. Members also discussed the need for more caregiver respite support, broader caregiver navigation services, and possible future legislation to strengthen those programs. Under access and quality of care, participants discussed gaps in Medicaid and other payer coverage, the need for rural telehealth and specialist networks, and the importance of training first responders, home care workers, and other direct care staff. Concerns were raised that some training requirements apply only to licensed providers, leaving private-pay home care outside the same standards. The council also reviewed membership participation and discussed possible changes to the statute to replace inactive members. No additional votes were taken beyond approving the state plan outline, and the council scheduled its next meeting for September 22 at 10 a.m. to focus on finalizing the state plan before the October 1 report deadline.

Transcript Highlights:

• And from the clinician community, there's a lot more excitement over donanemab, the second drug, than
• So, you know, one thing I have learned over the last few years, we've done a lot of community forums
• One thing I have learned over the last few years is we've done a lot of community forums in different
• We did a community forum down there, and there were physicians there.
• Physicians in my community just did not know because they're not connected to major health systems.

Committee: All ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA ADVISORY COUNCIL

Summary: The Arkansas Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Advisory Council met to introduce members, adopt its rules and procedures, approve prior minutes, and authorize the co-chairs to approve special expenses. The main discussion focused on updating the Arkansas State Plan for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, with David Cook of the Alzheimer’s Association outlining major changes in prevalence, caregiving burden, diagnostics, and treatment since the prior plan. He noted rising disease and caregiver numbers in Arkansas, the expansion of amyloid PET access, the growing use of blood-based biomarkers, and the availability of FDA-approved treatments such as Leqembi and Kisunla, while emphasizing that access, insurance coverage, and provider education remain major barriers. Members and presenters also discussed the need to better reach rural primary care providers, who may not be aware of new diagnostics and therapies, and the bottlenecks caused by limited specialists and infusion capacity. There was concern about overreliance on blood tests without confirmatory evaluation, and several members stressed the importance of collaboration, public education, and promoting brain health through exercise and diet. The council also heard about existing programs such as the dementia services coordinator, the BOLD grant, caregiver respite grants, workforce training, and a pilot dementia resource center with UAMS Centers on Aging. The council approved a new four-part outline for the next state plan: advancing risk reduction and brain health/early detection, strengthening family caregiver support, improving access to diagnostics and treatment, and supporting access and quality of care, including workforce and crisis response. Members also agreed to consider future agenda items on new treatments, brain health and lifestyle prevention, workforce training, and possible legislative changes to the enabling statute. The meeting ended with discussion of scheduling the next meeting, tentatively set for August 12 in Hot Springs, and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• More than one-third cannot communicate basic information like their name or phone number or address.
• More than one-third cannot communicate basic information like their name or phone number or address.
• cannot communicate basic information like their name or phone number or address.
• I would recommend communication with the Florida High School Athletic Association so you can make sure
• Or you can also have a conversation during pickup or drop-off that communities are always accessible

Committee: House Education & Employment Committee

Summary: The Education and Employment Committee heard and voted on several education-related bills. HB 129 on Florida Virtual School was presented as a cleanup bill responding to audit-related statutory updates; it would remove priority language, allow all Florida students and eligible overseas military dependents access, clarify teacher employment/retirement status, permit local schools to administer required exams, and authorize direct support organizations. The bill drew support from Seminole State College and Florida Virtual School and was reported favorably 15-0. HB 423 on student elopement, sponsored by Reps. Eskamani and Tramont, would require schools to establish safety teams and procedures to prevent and respond to elopement by students with autism or similar needs. Testimony from the Autism Society of Greater Orlando and a student advocate emphasized safety risks and the need for clear school protocols. Members spoke strongly in support, and the bill passed unanimously 16-0. CS for CS for HB 753 on school counselors removed two certification barriers, kept the master’s degree requirement, and aligned evaluations with Florida school counseling standards; school counselor groups and several members argued it would help address counselor shortages and workload issues. It also passed unanimously 16-0. The committee also approved CS for CS for HB 1253, which would let school-employed coaches use up to $15,000 per team per year of personal funds to support student-athletes with items like food, transportation, therapy, and rehabilitation, with an amendment requiring written parental consent. Several members raised concerns about liability, fairness, and guardrails, but the bill passed 17-0. PCS for CS for HB 833 on private school facilities would allow small private schools of 150 students or fewer to locate in commercial or mixed-use zoning without rezoning and to use certain existing buildings if fire and life-safety standards are met; members discussed traffic, school zones, and proximity to dispensaries, and it passed 15-0. PCS for CS for HB 1325 on the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund clarified matching contributions, allowed use of funds for expansion or modernization of existing space, and permitted two-year awards; it passed 16-0. Finally, CS for HB 1437 on conversion charter schools created dispute-resolution options over facility maintenance and, via amendment, allowed capital outlay funding if the charter assumes full maintenance responsibility; despite some opposition, it passed 13-3. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House will now advance to the 14th order of business: presentation of petitions and communications
• This could be community service nearby. It could be community service in another country.
• This could be community service nearby. It could be community service in another country.
• So what this bill proposes to do is to simply maintain... ...their community or religious service.
• This will have about a $5 million impact to our local community and is an outstanding example of private

Transcript Highlights:

• If there's only one road that goes to the polling place in a community and federal agents block that
• they had to go through the existing parameters. ...is that yes, there were sort of needs of the community
• You can block that one road, the only road in that community that leads to the polling location.
• , which you serve in a non-rural community, in an urban community, Madam Chair, in rural communities
• I live in a rural community, so I may have to disagree with your point on that.

Summary: The subcommittee heard a bill aimed at protecting New Mexico elections from outside interference and codifying emergency election procedures. The sponsor argued New Mexico already ranks first nationally in election administration, but said the bill was needed in response to threats of federal interference, including possible deployment of federal agents at polling places. The bill would create state prohibitions on stationing troops or armed federal personnel at polling places, interfering with election workers or voters, or changing voter qualifications or election rules contrary to state law. It would also create civil enforcement authority for the Attorney General, Secretary of State, county clerks, or affected voters, with injunctions and civil penalties, and make violations a fourth-degree felony. A second major section would allow emergency changes to polling locations and voting procedures during declared disasters such as wildfires or floods without first obtaining a court order, including use of mobile voting units and secure online ballot return options for some voters. The Secretary of State’s office said these procedures were already largely in rule and that the fiscal impact would be minimal, with existing voter education materials and law enforcement guides covering implementation. The office also said the bill would extend who may request law enforcement assistance and strengthen existing election offenses by adding “under color of law” language and a new offense for intentionally obstructing access to a polling place. Committee members raised concerns about definitions, possible effects on military personnel, police, federal officers, county clerks, tribal jurisdictions, and polling places on federal property, as well as the scope of civil penalties and how intent would be proven. Several members questioned whether the bill was rushed, whether all analyses had been received, and whether the emergency provisions could disadvantage rural communities if notice requirements could not be met during disasters. The sponsor and Secretary of State representative responded that the bill would not prevent qualified voters, including military members, from voting, that local police were treated differently from federal personnel, and that courts would determine intent and appropriate defendants. No vote was taken; the chair said the hearing was being held as a subcommittee and would reconvene later, likely the next day, for a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rafael Vasquez said he got involved with Florida A&M in 2019 through community involvement as a local
• Linda Stock said she has also worked alongside the Haitian community, raising funds and volunteering
• I've been involved with the FAU community since about 2013, 2014.
• I've been in the community for about 25 years, almost the same time that FGCU has been a university.
• That's really very important to your community. We appreciate that greatly.

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to continue confirmation hearings, but the chair announced the committee would not present its budget that day and would instead roll it out the following week in coordination with House partners and Senate notice requirements. After a quorum was confirmed, the committee discussed how it would handle a large number of university board appointments, noting that some reappointments would be grouped for a block vote while others could be heard individually if members requested it. The committee then heard testimony from a series of appointees and reappointees to university boards. Florida A&M University nominees Roderick Harris, Victor Young, and Rafael Vasquez emphasized service to FAMU, student success, and support for the university’s national standing; Harris highlighted his FAMU background and faculty experience, Young cited his business and health care leadership, and Vasquez described scholarship support through his company. Florida Atlantic University appointees Linda Stock and Thomas Mersh focused on servant leadership, research growth, entrepreneurship, and FAU’s recent R1 designation and quantum computing initiatives. University of Central Florida reappointee Alex Martins discussed UCF’s preeminence goal, workforce needs, and strong nursing outcomes. The committee also heard from Florida Gulf Coast University appointees James Gris-Mall, Douglas Van Orte, Robert Rommel, Sarah Partial Perry, and reappointment Joseph Fogg, who spoke about workforce development, affordability, student success, water and nursing programs, and FGCU’s role in regional economic growth. University of South Florida reappointee Rogan Donnelly highlighted USF’s AAU status, research growth, and workforce-focused programs. Members and the chair responded positively throughout, praising the universities’ achievements and the nominees’ qualifications. At the end of the hearing, the committee voted by block on all nominees in tabs 2 through 13 and recommended them for confirmation without objection. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's 24-7, and we really appreciate all the hard work to keep the community safe. Thank you, Mr.
• It's 24-7 and we really appreciate all the hard work to keep the community safe, Keep him.
• And we really appreciate all the hard work to keep the community safe, keep the drugs out of our communities
• Communications from the governor.
• Without objection, the following communications from the governor listed on the calendar will not be

Transcript Highlights:

• Number one is with Department of Corrections, Division of Community Corrections.
• Number one is with the Department of Corrections, Division of Community Corrections.
• Jim Cheek, Director, Division of Community Correction.
• Jim Cheek, Director, Division of Community Correction. Chad Brown, CFO, Department of Correction.
• correction Jim Cheek, Director, Division, Community Correction.

Committee: All ALC-REVIEW

Summary: The review subcommittee met to consider a supplemental agenda, methods of finance, an alternative delivery project, discretionary grants, and a large slate of construction, out-of-state, and in-state contracts. The supplemental item was a $2.6 million out-of-state contract with Tyler Technologies for a mobile app that would let citizens access state services through a single sign-on, initially for DFA vehicle and licensing services, with possible expansion to other agencies. Members also reviewed five methods of finance, including University of Arkansas projects for roof and cooling tower replacements, a new $100 million academic classroom building at U of A Fayetteville, a police department renovation at UA Fort Smith, and a boiler/chiller replacement at Hope-Texarkana. Questions focused on project timing, why some items were being reviewed after work had begun, and the high estimated cost of the Fayetteville classroom building; DFA explained that projects under $250,000 are not reviewed and that the larger project was still in design and would later seek a guaranteed maximum price. The committee also reviewed two DHS discretionary grants: one for targeted youth advocacy in southwest Arkansas and another adding $582,000 for family-centered treatment training and implementation. In the services contract section, members discussed construction-related contracts, including an ASMSA electrical scope increase tied to three-phase power requirements and the U of A Fayetteville architect contract for the classroom building. Out-of-state contracts included major items such as ACT Education’s $17 million amendment to provide required pre-ACT testing for 9th and 10th graders, a $12.5 million DFA contract for rural health transformation grant management, DHS’s $16.5 million EBT services contract with updated chip-card and fraud-prevention features, and ADH’s special procurement for the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. The committee also reviewed U of A system consulting contracts for financial advisory and sponsorship strategy work, with university officials saying the outside expertise was needed for specialized planning and revenue-generation efforts. In-state contracts covered corrections reentry services, nursing board investigations, foster care and child welfare services, DHS office janitorial work, emergency management radio system expansion, veterans’ home nursing staffing, and UAMS grants consulting. A lengthy exchange centered on the Department of Corrections’ reentry housing contract, with members pressing officials about vacant beds and urging fuller use of the program, while corrections staff said placements depend on screening and eligibility. Another discussion addressed the balance between out-of-state and in-state contracting, with a member noting the large dollar volume going to out-of-state vendors and asking whether Arkansas vendors receive any preference; State Procurement said current law does not allow an in-state preference. The committee approved the supplemental agenda, the methods of finance, the alternative delivery project, the discretionary grants, and the contract lists, and then received routine reports and an emergency action report before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2023, we supported House Bill 8, which incentivizes community colleges to expand dual credit programs
• It also supports rural communities by aligning local talent with the jobs that exist in their regions
• , helping students stay and thrive in their local communities.
• We collaborate with community partners, including our veterans and the military.
• You also have it at some of the community colleges here as well. It was also in process control.

Bills: SB1998 , SB646 , SB2786 , SB2076 , SB2615 , SB1961 , SB1418 , SB2647 , SB1322 , SB2788

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:

• Strengthen the bonds of respect and community.
• Their work touches every corner of our community, supporting jobs, growing opportunity, and making sure
• During which she helped transform the library into a vital community resource.
• They are the first to make you feel at home in a new community and always the last. say goodbye.
• Texas Realtors are, in many ways, the foundation that keeps our communities together.

Transcript Highlights:

• strives to promote the development of Portugal, the Portuguese, and the Portuguese descendants in our communities
• strives to promote the development of Portugal, the Portuguese, and the Portuguese descendants in our communities
• <c> in</c><00:09:27.200><c> our</c> Portuguese descendants in our Portuguese descendants in our communities
• through</c><00:09:28.519><c> the</c><00:09:28.720><c> cooperation</c><00:09:29.440><c> with</c> communities
• through the cooperation with communities through the cooperation with the<00:09:29.640><c> United</c

Summary: The Senate convened, called the roll, and approved the previous day’s journal. Members then made several introductions recognizing visitors in the gallery, including staff and guests connected to tourism, a group from the Luso-American Development Foundation from Portugal, and students and administrators from Kahakai Elementary School. Senator Kim also introduced four University of Hawaiʻi Shidler College of Business Travel Industry Management students and their academic advisor and professor. Senator DeCoite spoke about Tourism Day at the Capitol, thanking HTA, HBCB, CNH, and Kilohana for their participation and youth-focused tourism programs, and later introduced the FLAD visitors from Lisbon, Portugal. The clerk reported Governor’s Message Nos. 713 to 717 transmitting nominations to boards and commissions, and Governor’s Message No. 718 withdrawing a nomination to the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund board. The Senate also received Senate Concurrent Resolutions 51 to 67 and Senate Resolutions 33 to 51 for referral to committee, which were ordered referred. The Chair announced that the deadline to file Senate Concurrent Resolutions and Senate Resolutions with the Clerk’s Office was 4:30 p.m. that day. At the close of business, Senator Wai moved that the Senate stand in recess, leaving the journal open until 4:30 p.m. for receipt of resolutions and reconvene at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 10. Senator Dort seconded the motion, and the Senate recessed without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> school and community ser uh nutrition. school and community ser uh nutrition.
• . community. community.
• It's going to take time, and it's going to take community, and our community is fantastic.
• It's going to take time, and it's going to take community, and our community is fantastic.
• </c> stakeholder uh community farm alliance. stakeholder uh community farm alliance.

Summary: The task force met with a quorum, approved the minutes from the August 20 meeting, and then heard testimony from Representative Steven Doan on House Bill 439, a school nutrition bill aimed at restricting certain ultra-processed foods in schools. Doan said the bill was inspired by his own health journey and his work in agriculture, and he described the measure as targeting specific chemical additives in foods served during the school day, not concession sales or after-hours activities. He said the bill would phase in later to give schools time to adjust and noted that the list of restricted additives was drawn from efforts in other states and advocacy groups. Members asked about the chemical abstract numbers, fiscal impact, summer meal programs, fundraisers, and whether the bill would affect parent-provided items; Doan said he had not done a fiscal note and explained that the bill was intended to apply only during instructional time on school property. Committee members generally reacted favorably, with some raising practical concerns about cost and implementation. One member asked about high fructose corn syrup, which Doan said was not included because it is too pervasive in the food system. Another member noted that schools already limit some homemade items and asked about the line between school-provided and parent-provided food. Doan also said the list was based in part on Turning Point USA materials and similar laws in other states, and he referenced federal efforts to define ultra-processed foods. The committee then heard from Kentucky Department of Education officials Matt Ross, Lauren Moore, and Katie Embry on school meals and nutrition programs. They outlined Kentucky’s school lunch, breakfast, summer meals, and other USDA child nutrition programs, including participation and reimbursement figures, and explained how community eligibility provision schools, meal patterns, offer-versus-serve, smart snacks, and local wellness policies work. They said USDA and FDA are currently seeking public input on a uniform definition of ultra-processed foods, that there are no current USDA requirements specifically on ultra-processed foods, and that schools already operate under federal and state rules governing competitive foods, including a state time restriction on smart snacks. They also discussed local purchasing, noting its benefits but also the procurement and staffing challenges schools face. No votes or final actions on the bill were taken in the portion provided.