Video & Transcript : 'coast guard authorization' :

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MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

2026 Legislative Session - Day Fifty Nine - Tuesday, April 28

Missouri House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Right now, the parent would appeal it to a higher authority.
  • But I really don't have written authorization to do that.
  • That authority rests with the parent. So we do need to be mindful of that.
  • I think they very much have the authority.
  • That a parent is the ultimate authority and the initial authority on their child's educational upbringing
Summary: The House began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal by a 123-1 roll call vote. Members then spent time introducing guests, including physicians, sheriffs, students, interns, and school groups from several districts. The chamber also heard a personal privilege statement recognizing a member’s son’s birthday. On third reading, House Bill 1758, dealing with permanent daylight saving time in Missouri, drew debate over whether ending clock changes would improve convenience or create safety and health problems by leaving more commutes in darkness. Supporters argued it would align with public preference and reduce disruption, while opponents warned of circadian and safety concerns. The bill passed 107-31 with two present. The House then moved to perfection of House Bill 3329, which repeals expired or unused tax credits, and House Bill 3405, which reclassifies SALT/pass-through entity items as deductions rather than tax credits for reporting purposes; both were described as cleanup and efficiency measures and were perfected without opposition. The chamber then took up House Bill 2426, a broad parental rights bill covering medical, educational, privacy, and related decision-making for children, and a major amendment focused on individualized education plans (IEPs). Supporters said the bill and amendment strengthen parental involvement and require stricter judicial review, while opponents raised concerns about overbreadth, school district administration burdens, transparency requirements, and possible conflicts with existing law on truancy, medical care, and records. House Amendment 1 was adopted 98-25 with six present, and debate continued on the underlying bill with no final vote shown in the transcript excerpt.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • So no... ...change requests, but change requests that are within our budget authority to handle.
  • Also, there is a department delegation authority, where... ...change is SPR.
  • DIR has nearly 4,000 authorized positions and an annual budget approaching $1.5 billion.
  • At the time, the department had roughly 4,000 authorized positions with about 1,000 vacancies.
  • At the time, the department had roughly 4,000 authorized positions with about 1,000 vacancies.
Summary: The subcommittee heard a series of budget and trailer bill presentations focused on labor and public employment programs. The first item covered EDD Next modernization, where EDD described progress on customer service improvements, fraud prevention, language access, and the Integrated Claims Management System. The LAO urged stronger legislative oversight as the project enters its most difficult phase, and members questioned the revised schedule, total cost, change orders, stress testing, SB 1090 implementation, and how race and ethnicity data will be protected. EDD said the overall project cost remains about $1.2 billion, that the work is being phased with disability insurance and paid family leave first, and that fraud has been greatly reduced since pandemic-era programs ended. Members also asked for follow-up information on SB 590 outreach and equity impacts. The committee then reviewed the California Workforce Development Board’s request to reduce staffing as one-time grant workloads wind down, along with trailer bill language to streamline reporting requirements. The board and Department of Finance said the staffing reductions reflect the end of surge funding and that the proposal would consolidate roughly 10 to 12 reports into one annual report, with additional reporting only if new funds are appropriated for certain programs. Senator Durazo questioned the policy direction of reducing workforce staffing, while the administration said the positions were tied to temporary grant programs and that current staffing is sufficient for ongoing duties. Members also asked about the board’s role in AI-related workforce planning and the rationale for using state funds for the High Road Construction Careers Program. A major portion of the hearing focused on the Subsequent Injury Benefits Trust Fund reforms and related staffing request at DIR. The administration and LAO described rapid growth in applications, backlog, and liabilities, saying the program’s eligibility has expanded beyond its original intent and that liabilities could reach about $30 billion by 2030 without reform. The trailer bill would tighten eligibility, apply the changes to open cases, and use the QME process and contemporaneous evidence to document preexisting disabilities. Members raised concerns about fairness to pending claimants, evaluator capacity, and the relationship to other SIBTF legislation, while the LAO said the proposal largely aligns with its prior recommendations. DIR also presented a request to eliminate vacant positions under a statewide vacancy sweep, which drew criticism from members who argued the cuts could weaken enforcement and backlog reduction efforts; the committee asked DIR to return with more detail on impacts and on its use of temporary-help authority. The final items addressed a request for additional Cal/OSHA investigative staff and a trailer bill to make permanent the revised Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board petition timeline. DIR said the BOI staffing would help investigate fatalities and serious injuries more quickly, while members emphasized the importance of family contact and timely investigations. For the WCAB item, the chair explained that the 2024 change to Labor Code section 5909, which starts the 60-day decision clock when a case is transmitted rather than when a petition is filed, has reduced pending cases and should be made permanent; the remaining backlog was reported at 460 cases, down from 637 before the change.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
  • to ensure... ...as the department does not have clear authority to inspect massage establishments to
  • Section 8 describes that authority to include criminal liability.
  • The New Mexico County Insurance Authority is a self-insurance pool.
  • Lottery Authority.
  • Lottery Authority.
Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 246, which would require licensure and inspections for massage therapy establishments. The sponsor and Regulation and Licensing Department said the bill is intended to close a gap in oversight, improve sanitation and public safety, and help address human trafficking and prostitution concerns. Supporters from the massage therapy profession and industry groups said establishment licensing would create accountability and protect legitimate practitioners, while AMTA took a neutral position but supported the rulemaking process. Several senators raised concerns about privacy, home-based businesses, and whether mobile or traveling therapists would be affected; the department said the bill would apply to establishments, not individual therapists, and that home inspections would be governed by rules. The committee voted 8-0 to give SB 246 a do pass recommendation. The committee then took up Senate Bill 300, an appropriation for CYFD computer hardware and software to improve compatibility with the national child welfare management system. The sponsor said the goal was to reduce delays and improve data sharing, especially in child welfare and ICWA-related cases. Members asked about the current system and how the funding would help, and the sponsor said the bill was aimed at better interoperability. The committee voted 8-0 to send SB 300 forward with a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 146, which would amend the New Mexico Civil Rights Act. The bill and committee substitute would align the legal standard more closely with federal deliberate indifference language, reduce damages caps, shorten the statute of limitations, require 90 days’ notice, and bar double recovery under both the Civil Rights Act and Tort Claims Act. Supporters, including county and city representatives, law enforcement, AFSCME, and risk management officials, argued the changes were needed to control rapidly rising claims costs and protect public budgets. Opponents from the ACLU, civil rights, poverty, immigrant, and LGBTQ advocacy groups said the bill would weaken accountability, reintroduce qualified immunity-like protections, and make it harder for people harmed by government actors to seek justice. After a failed motion to table and a 5-5 vote on the committee substitute, the bill remained in committee and did not advance.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • This legislative initiative will codify certain activities that audiologists are already authorized to
  • </c><00:02:50.280><c> to</c><00:02:50.400><c> perform</c><00:02:50.959><c> in</c> already authorized
  • to perform in already authorized to perform in Kentucky<00:02:52.240><c> through</c><00:02:52.440><c>
  • audiologists to order aims to authorize audiologists to order radiographic<00:03:26.160><c> imaging<
  • to do in this state already authorized to do in this state in<00:13:47.600><c> the</c><00:13:47.680>
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The committee first approved the October 23 meeting minutes and then heard testimony on a planned 2026 bill to modernize Kentucky’s audiology practice act. Witnesses from the Academy of Doctors of Audiology and a Kentucky audiologist said the proposal would largely codify existing authority and add new powers to order certain imaging and lab tests related to auditory and vestibular conditions, as well as prescribe topical ear medications. They argued the changes would reduce delays, especially in rural areas, improve access to hearing and balance care, and help address provider shortages. Committee members asked about evidence for the expansion, responsibility for reviewing imaging results and incidental findings, and whether the changes might affect referrals or scope of practice. The witnesses said they could provide evidence, that the audiologist would be responsible for obtaining and reviewing radiology reports and following up with patients and primary care providers, and that the goal was to speed treatment and streamline referrals when needed. The committee then heard a separate proposal to update the Kentucky Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy statutes by licensing MRI technologists and diagnostic medical sonographers, who are not currently required to be licensed in Kentucky. The bill would create a transition period through January 1, 2028 for current practitioners, require national credentialing for new applicants after that date, expand the board from 9 to 11 members, and clarify scope and enforcement provisions. Supporters said the measure would improve patient safety, align Kentucky with most other states, and recognize national credentials. Members questioned how many workers would be affected, whether the state currently meets national standards, the cost of licensure, and whether the bill could worsen staffing shortages, especially in rural areas. The witnesses said about 800 MRI technologists and 1,600 sonographers in Kentucky are currently certified, initial licensure would cost $100, and existing licensees would not pay an additional fee. They also said the board viewed the change as a safety measure and noted increasing portability of MRI services across state lines. Finally, the committee began hearing a respiratory care interstate compact proposal. The sponsor and respiratory care representatives described the compact as a way to allow licensed respiratory therapists from member states to practice across state lines. They outlined the profession’s role in hospitals, emergency departments, home care, pulmonary labs, long-term care, and telehealth, and said the compact would help with workforce flexibility and access to care. The transcript cuts off before the discussion concluded or any action was taken on that item.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Legislative Finance Nov 17th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm Carrie Armijo, the Cabinet Secretary of the Healthcare Authority.
  • The Health Care Authority is really focused.
  • The issue of poverty is not going to be solved by the Health Care Authority.
  • Our FY part of our FY 27 budget request for the Health Care Authority.
  • LFC had to IPRA the health care authority to get data on where the money should go.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/25/25

Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • Scott has also authored the same exact version this year and last year, I think so.
  • In response, the agencies observed that the bill authorizing that program had authorized certain data
  • sharing, but it had not specifically authorized data sharing of those particular kinds.
  • </c><01:19:35.320><c> so</c> there's I'll I'll talk to the author so there's I'll I'll talk to the author
  • </c><01:33:51.800><c> to</c> because cvsos aren't authorized to because cvsos aren't authorized to represent
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, January 3, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • This package extends subpoena enforcement authority for the Judiciary Committee's investigation into
  • This package extends subpoena enforcement authority for the Judiciary Committee's investigation into
  • to accept resignations and to make appointments authorized by law or by the House.
  • leader be authorized leader and minority leader be authorized to<05:29:12.040><c> accept</c><05:29:12.480
  • </c> Louisiana to exercise any Authority Louisiana to exercise any Authority regarding<05:32:36.920><
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am

Joint Committee on Public Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • And Massachusetts retains full authority to suspend or revoke compact privileges at any time.
  • as legislators and the board's authority as our regulator.
  • And lastly, the regulatory authority remains with the Massachusetts Board of Allied Health.
  • And this compact privilege becomes the legal authorization for the purchase of a compact privilege.
  • And this compact privilege becomes the legal authorization to practice in the remote state.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing to take testimony on a wide range of bills involving professional licensure, clinical practice, and public health-related workforce issues. The chair explained that no votes would be taken at the hearing and that the purpose was to gather public input. Early testimony focused on Marnie’s Law, with supporters describing the bill as a no-cost, preventive measure to require nursing education on inflammatory breast cancer after a family tragedy and arguing it could reduce misdiagnosis and save lives. A major portion of the hearing centered on bills affecting clinical decision-making and licensure compacts. Supporters of the physician ownership/clinical autonomy bills argued they would protect independent practices from corporate interference after the Steward collapse, while supporters of EMS, dental, psychology, physical therapy, and physician assistant compacts said the measures would improve workforce mobility, reduce delays, and expand access to care, especially for rural patients, military families, and telehealth users. Several witnesses emphasized that the compacts would not reduce standards and would strengthen public protection through shared disciplinary databases and streamlined credentialing. There was also testimony on bills to ensure safe medication administration and to protect the independence of complementary and alternative health care practitioners. Nursing representatives urged that only licensed professionals administer medications in hospitals, hospices, and home care settings, warning that delegation to unlicensed staff could endanger patients and nurses’ licenses. A complementary and alternative care witness supported consumer access with mandatory disclosures and limits on reserved medical acts. On the dental compact, witnesses were split: some supported portability and workforce flexibility, while others warned the compact lacked a hands-on skills exam and could weaken Massachusetts’ regulatory authority and patient safety. The hearing concluded with continued testimony on the psychology compact, physical therapy compact, and physician assistant bills, with most speakers favoring expanded interstate practice and reduced administrative barriers.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • , but we have authority to disapprove as we see with regulations.
  • </c> indicating that we don't have authority indicating that we don't have authority to<00:03:45.599>
  • to approve, but we have have authority to approve, but we have authority<00:04:05.599><c> to</c><00:
  • </c><00:20:57.520><c> The</c> licensing authority of that country.
  • The licensing authority of that country.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 173 from Senator David Givens, which would create a legislative review process for the state health plan and state plan amendments, modeled after the administrative regulations process. Givens argued the legislature should have a stronger policy role in reviewing the plan, saying the bill would allow lawmakers to find components deficient rather than approve them outright. He tied the proposal to Medicaid spending growth and projected enrollment changes, saying the state needs a new oversight tool. Committee members generally supported the concept, though Senator Berg expressed concern that the legislature lacks the executive branch’s healthcare expertise. The bill was reported favorably on a unanimous roll call vote. The committee then took up Senate Bill 137, sponsored by Chairman Meredith, which would create a pathway for certain internationally trained physicians to practice in Kentucky without repeating residency in the United States. Supporters said the bill is aimed at addressing Kentucky’s physician shortage, especially in rural areas, and cited projections of a statewide shortage of about 3,000 physicians by 2030 and a shortage of primary care doctors in particular. Testimony from Cicero Action and Baptist Health emphasized that many foreign-trained physicians are already fully trained, that residency slots are limited, and that the bill could help fill shortages in underserved counties while preserving quality through existing exams, ECFMG certification, English proficiency requirements, primary source verification, and mentoring/oversight. Several members raised questions and concerns. Senator Berg asked about verification, required exams, and oversight, and Senator Tishner raised concerns about fraudulent credentials in some countries and whether the bill could admit underqualified physicians. Witnesses responded that applicants would still have to pass the same exams, obtain ECFMG certification, and undergo primary-source credentialing and employer oversight. Supporters also argued the bill would not displace U.S.-trained physicians because it would use otherwise limited residency capacity more efficiently. After discussion, the committee adopted the bill and reported it favorably by unanimous vote.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/22/2026 - House Health & Human Services

Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • In an urban area, there's often multiple linear accelerators, hundreds of patients, multiple authorized
  • Right now, they don't even have the authority to have that conversation.
  • Right now, they don't even have the authority to have that conversation.
  • They're often looked at as the authorities, which in fact is not true. ...not true.
  • Authoring these recommendations, and then there are physicians.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Nov 5th, 2025

Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • That was the direction that at the time, the HST, now the Healthcare Authority, asked us to build.
  • One of our customers is now part of the Health Care Authority.
  • We also are able to provide our data streams that are certified by the appropriate authorities.
  • For Medicaid, we currently provide an extract to the MCOs as well as the healthcare authority.
  • Lange said, his office does not have that authority.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • This includes establishing delegation authority for hiring, procurement. Facilities contracts, etc.
  • The federal government has said the state agency must have specific statutory authority to do so.
  • Housing body authority offer of cost effective way to mitigate VMT.
  • Of which only about one-fourth are authorized, so that would.
  • We strongly oppose the expanded... enforcement authority.
Keywords: 988, house, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • But I am looking forward to working with the author, but I want to put the three issues that we have
  • Committee members, are there any questions for the author? Seeing no questions.
  • Section 6276B7 appears to use the capital of the FAIR Plan and the earthquake authority to capitalize
  • I want to thank the author for bringing this bill forward. Thank you.
  • I want to thank the author for bringing this bill forward.
Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee met and first approved the consent calendar, which included AB 2028, AB 2425, and committee bill AB 2795, all sent to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee also noted that AB 2558 and AB 2746 had been pulled from the agenda. The chair reviewed hearing procedures, including acceptance of written testimony and rules against disruptive conduct. The committee then heard AB 2116, which would require registration and basic conduct standards for certain small-business financing providers, including merchant cash advance companies, and prohibit confessions of judgment and power-of-attorney provisions before default. Supporters argued the bill would close an oversight gap and improve transparency for small businesses; a small business owner testified that a purported 13% loan turned out to have a 235% APR. Opponents said the bill mixed consumer and commercial regulation and could restrict access to capital, though they supported banning confessions of judgment. The bill passed on a roll call vote and was sent to Appropriations. AB 2243, by Assembly Member Haney, proposed creating a state bank commission to study whether California should establish a state bank or other public financing tools. Supporters said a public banking model could reduce borrowing costs, keep more public money in-state, and better finance housing, infrastructure, and other public priorities; opponents from banking groups raised concerns about taxpayer exposure, deposit guarantees, and the use of public funds and existing lending structures. The bill passed and was sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 2350, which would set guardrails on rent-now-pay-later products for rental housing; supporters said these products can lead to high fees, debt, and eviction risk, while industry groups opposed the bill unless amended. AB 2350 passed as amended and was sent to Appropriations. At the end of the meeting, the committee completed roll calls for absent members and adjourned.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Banking and Finance Committee Apr 23rd, 2026

Banking and Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • But I am looking forward to working with the author, but I want to put the three issues that we have
  • Committee members, are there any questions for the author? Seeing no questions.
  • Section 6276B7 appears to use the capital of the FAIR Plan and the earthquake authority to capitalize
  • I want to thank the author for bringing this bill forward. Thank you.
  • I want to thank the author for bringing this bill forward.
Keywords: 988, house, all
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • We are recommending they be given the statutory authority to reallocate those funds to obligated projects
  • We are recommending they be given the statutory authority to reallocate those funds to obligated projects
  • We are recommending they be given the statutory authority to reallocate those funds to obligated projects
  • Motion to authorize the Healthcare Workforce Training Commission to reallocate as many remaining ARPA
  • to accept up to $16,200,000 in excess funds appropriated to the Oklahoma State University Medical Authority
Summary: The Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding met for what leaders described as likely its final meeting, with a quorum present from both chambers. Chairs reviewed the ARPA/SLFRF process, noting the large volume of requests received, the need to meet Treasury’s December 31, 2026 paperwork deadline, and the committee’s role in reallocating excess or at-risk funds to projects that can be completed in time. Working groups reported on progress across education/economic development, transportation/rural development, government transformation, and health and human services, with most projects on track but some funds needing to be reclassified or redirected. The committee approved a series of motions, generally by unanimous or near-unanimous votes, to reclassify excess funds and appropriate interest earnings to existing obligated projects. Actions included reallocations from the Department of Commerce and the Office of Emergency Management, and interest-fund appropriations for wastewater and water infrastructure, Boys & Girls Clubs, the YWCA, the Office of Juvenile Affairs, and the Department of Human Services. Members also authorized the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and the Healthcare Workforce Training Commission to reallocate remaining funds to existing projects. In the health and human services portion, the committee approved funding for the Oklahoma Healthcare Workforce Training Commission, the OSU Medical Authority’s Human Performance Project and Pharmaceutical Expansion Program, the University Hospitals Trust Authority’s Child Behavioral Health Project, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for Griffin Memorial bed replacement, and the State Department of Health for the Rural Hospital Rebuild Program. Members asked questions about whether funds were going to new or existing projects and about broadband progress, and staff explained that the reallocations were intended to fill gaps in already obligated projects. The meeting ended with closing remarks thanking members and staff for their work and noting the measures would continue through the appropriations process before final action by the full chambers.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Mar 2nd, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so I had a chance to be able to talk to the author ahead of time and after looking at the statutory
  • Is that the intention of the author. Thank you for that question. No, that's not the intention.
  • So my question is whether or not the author would be amenable to perhaps considering language.
  • With the author agreeing, Mr. President, thank you for the question. I think I understand the.
  • The author says he doesn't see it that way.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Feb 18th, 2026

Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • Under the bill, Florida Digital Service is authorized to contract for information technology commodities
  • It's just excess authority was reduced, and so it felt that it wasn't needed.
  • It's fully funded, even though the excess authority was reduced; it's still fully funded. Okay.
  • Yeah, so part of that was the salary and personnel themselves and the authority to do that, as well as
  • And what this bill does is it authorizes the creation of a specific type of captive insurance company
Bills: S0314 , S0530 , S0576 , S0800 , S0990 , S1078 , S1440 , S1568 , S1588 , S1614
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Feb 5th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • And then on the right, you see those authorized five-year averages.
  • So authorized FTP averaging at 1,636, with an average fill rate of 97%.
  • And then on the right, you see those authorized five-year averages.
  • So authorized FTP averaging at 1,636, with an average fill rate of 97%.
  • In fact, we had all of those projects contracted within three years of the authorization.
Summary: The Senate Finance and House Appropriations committees heard the Idaho Transportation Department budget presentation from Legislative Services Office analyst Brooke Dupree, who reviewed the department’s four divisions, staffing levels, major funds, and recent appropriation trends. She highlighted the department’s large reliance on reappropriation, the continuous appropriation of the Strategic Initiatives Program Fund, and several enhancement requests, including $15.5 million for deferred maintenance, funding for State Highway 16 operations and maintenance, $4.9 million for roadside tree removal, $4.7 million for new equipment, a $275 million general fund transfer for safety/capacity and road/bridge maintenance, and smaller requests for aeronautics improvements and replacement items. She also noted the governor’s recommendation differed from the request, especially by not recommending the $275 million transfer and by proposing cash transfers back from the Strategic Initiatives Fund. Members questioned the analyst and then Director Scott Stokes about the impact of the proposed reductions, the continuous appropriation language, and whether general funds were being eliminated in the transportation budget. Stokes explained that the governor’s recommendation would pull back $45 million in FY 2026 and eliminate the FY 2027 transfer, and that the continuous appropriation language was a request to keep the fund continuously appropriated. He also said ITD would adjust project schedules if funding changed and would provide a list of affected safety and capacity projects to the committee. During questions to the director, members asked about workforce retention, the State Street property/disaster cleanup project, ITD’s delayed full transition to Luma, the TechM/TECM bonding program, and the mix of in-house versus contracted work. Stokes said retention had improved after pay adjustments, the State Street project had spent only a few million so far with hazmat removal bid under $1 million instead of the earlier $8 million estimate, and the project’s total cost was now estimated at roughly $60 million to $70 million with about $41 million appropriated. He said ITD remains on its existing finance system for now because of federal reimbursement needs, that prior TECM projects were fully bonded and contracted and the next bonding decision would come in July, and that ITD contracts out larger projects while using its own crews for smaller maintenance tasks like tree removal. The meeting ended with general comments about the importance of transportation investment and notice that the committee would meet the next day on rescissions, cash transfers, and statewide decisions.
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

February 3, 2026 - 11:00 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • And it authorizes an athletic coach who has not been screened to work if he or she is under the direct
  • And it authorizes an athletic coach who has not been screen 198 to work if he or she is under the direct
  • Little League would be an independent sanctioning authority. Follow-up, you're recognized.
  • But what this does is, first of all, it allows these independent sanctioning authorities to be part of
  • First of all, it is common 270 practice or the independent sanctioning authorities to do 271 the level
Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard and advanced four member bills. CS/HB 303 would require nurses to complete the existing two-hour human trafficking prevention course before initial licensure, rather than waiting until renewal; the sponsor said this closes a gap for new nurses, and supporters from the Florida Nurses Association and other groups said it would improve early identification and reporting of trafficking victims. Members asked whether the bill changed reporting duties, and the sponsor said it did not. The bill passed unanimously, 24-0. PCS/HB 1069 would treat independent sanctioning authorities as qualified entities for background screening purposes and allow an unscreened athletic coach to work only if directly supervised by a screened coach. The sponsor said the measure is intended to help families and youth sports organizations while keeping children safe, and members discussed how it would apply to Little League and whether disqualifying offenses would still bar work with children. The bill received support from several organizations and passed 25-0. HB 491 would allow batterers intervention programs to offer voluntary faith-based content alongside required cognitive behavioral therapy, without mandating participation. Supporters argued the bill restores options for clients seeking faith-based counseling and said it does not use taxpayer funds or impose religion; members emphasized the voluntary nature of the program. The bill passed 24-0. HB 569 would change how the Agency for Persons with Disabilities organizes forensic client services by grouping clients based on clinical needs rather than legal charges, which the sponsor said would improve efficiency and reduce duplication. The agency and Florida Smart Justice Alliance supported the bill, and it also passed unanimously, 24-0. The committee then adjourned.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Regulated Industries Feb 3rd, 2026

Regulated Industries

Transcript Highlights:
  • be very helpful, especially when the legislation, the bill that you just heard, would eliminate authority
  • That you just heard would eliminate authority to impose that surcharge.
  • Contracts and legal counsel have consistently been paid without proper board authorization, and when
  • Contracts and legal counsel have consistently been paid without proper board authorization, and when
  • Contracts and legal counsel have consistently been paid without proper board authorization, and when
Bills: S0936 , S1724 , S1014 , S1498
Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up four bills. First, it considered SB 1724 on municipal utility services. Senator Martin offered a late-filed delete-everything amendment that would require annual customer meetings for extraterritorial utility customers, cap use of gross utility revenues for general government at 10%, eliminate a 25% surcharge on customers outside city limits, reduce the rate differential cap from 50% to 25%, remove municipal natural gas utilities from the bill, and preserve certain existing bond-related surcharges until debt is retired or refinanced. The League of Cities raised implementation concerns about the July 1, 2026 effective date and the need for rate studies and budget adjustments. The amendment was adopted and the committee reported CS/SB 1724 favorably. The committee then heard SB 936 on temporary door locking devices from Senator McLean. The bill would define temporary door locking devices, allow them to be installed at any height, require the Florida Building Commission to add standards to the Florida Building Code, and require their use to be incorporated into safety plans, drills, and training. With no opposition or amendments, SB 936 was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered SB 1014 by Senator Mayfield, which would prohibit municipalities from refusing water or wastewater service solely because a property owner will not annex, and would require service expansion when a property is near a municipal main line, not served by another utility, and the utility has capacity. A committee amendment narrowed the bill to properties near a main line and reduced the distance threshold from 2,000 meters to one-half mile. The Florida League of Cities opposed the bill as amended, citing concerns about property size, annexation conflicts, enclave creation, and possible revenue impacts, but the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 1498 on community associations from Chair Bradley. A strike-all amendment revised technical provisions on video conference recordings, turnover inspection reports, SIRS references, and electronic voting, and added two major policy changes: requiring associations to provide records to law enforcement and prosecutors and creating a second-degree misdemeanor for willful refusal, and prohibiting mandatory club or amenity fee schemes controlled by developers or third parties that generate profit beyond proportional expenses. Testimony in support described homeowner disputes involving concentrated board control, lack of transparency, and mandatory fees in communities such as Rosedale. The amendment was adopted and CS/SB 1498 was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, Senator Bracey Davis asked to be recorded voting in the affirmative on tabs 1, 2, and 3, and the committee adjourned.