Transcript Highlights:

• You had a vote tech center. Now it's changed quite a bit.
• You had a vote tech center. Now it's changed quite a bit.
• You know, I changed my vote today.
• We do not vote on this recommended budget today.
• We do not vote on this recommended budget today.

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee met during Budget Week and first considered three member bills. House Bill 1111, by Rep. Valdes, would eliminate the option for students to leave high school with a certificate of completion instead of a standard diploma. Valdes said the bill was inspired by students who met credit requirements but could not pass a required assessment, and argued the certificate does not provide access to college, trade school, or military service. The bill passed unanimously, 15-0. CS for House Bill 127, by Rep. Kendall, would support students with disabilities by using existing Florida Department of Education curriculum to create micro-credentials and coordinating with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and OSHA on workplace safety. Goodwill, the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Florida PTA, and others supported the bill, which also passed unanimously, 15-0. House Bill 1367, by Rep. Booth, addressed chronic absenteeism by requiring statewide definitions and more uniform attendance reporting, along with rules for excused and unexcused absences and early identification of chronically absent students. Testimony emphasized inconsistent district policies and the need for clearer data and interventions. The bill passed 13-0, with some members noting concerns about implementation details and future rulemaking. The committee then took up PCB-P-PKB-2501, the proposed conforming bill for the fiscal year 2025-2026 Pre-K through 12 budget. The chair said the bill was designed to align statutes with budget and scholarship funding procedures, especially around the Florida Education Finance Program and scholarship payments. The PCB would require Florida student ID numbers for scholarship students, standardize cross-checking against FTE survey data, set quarterly payment dates, and use one data source for both reporting and withholding scholarship-related FFP amounts. It also would reduce certain add-on weights by 50%, remove the budget stabilization program, and repeal the educational enrollment stabilization program. Several members raised concerns that the add-on weight reductions could hurt career and technical education, AICE, IB, and CAPE programs, while the sponsor argued the data showed too much spending in an “other” category and that the reductions were aimed at aligning funding with actual program costs. Public testimony was mixed: some supported tighter accountability and clearer payment rules, while others warned against undermining expensive career-readiness programs. The PCB passed 11-2. After the conforming bill, the chair presented the proposed fiscal year 2025-2026 Pre-K through 12 budget, totaling just under $21 billion, about $400 million below the current year. She said the budget reflects a need to slow spending growth and includes $20 million for New Worlds Scholarship Accounts, $7 million for security grants at Jewish day schools and preschools, $14 million for public school transportation stipends, an overall FEFP increase of about $747.7 million, $100 million for teacher salary increases, and increases in the base student allocation and funds per student. The committee did not vote on the budget recommendation at this meeting; it was distributed for review and will move to the Budget Committee next week.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, is the intent of this particular resolution to ask people to vote not to support the initiative?
• Is it to ask people to vote not to support the initiative?
• And actually, I would encourage that we have... ...a roll call vote. Roll call has been requested.
• He said he would vote against the measure, but not only for that reason.
• He said that sounded very different from voting against a ballot initiative if it were to pass.

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will now move into executive session, and I move that Senate Bill 937 be voted do pass.
• House Committee substitute for Senate Bill 937 be voted do pass. Any discussion?
• By your vote of 11 ayes, 0 noes, and 1 present, you have voted do pass House Committee substitute for
• I happen to have voted against that idea.
• I happen to have voted against that idea, but I lost.

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You can respectfully ask for an aye vote. What's that? You can respectfully ask for an aye vote.
• With that, I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
• Sanchez: not voting. Thank you, Madam Chair. That bill is out.
• With that, I respectfully ask when I vote.
• Eight aye, not voting one, no zero.

Committee: House Communications and Conveyance

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SP 1344, State Voting Rights Act. SB 1343, State Voting Rights Act.
• SB 1344, permanent early voting list. SB 1347, health insurance fertility preservation coverage.
• Those in favor vote aye. Aye. Oppose vote no. The ayes have it. So ordered.
• All in favor, vote aye. Opposed, vote nay. The ayes have it; so ordered. Seeing none, Mr.
• I was in favor, vote aye. Opposed vote nay. Because the ayes have it, do have it so ordered.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Announce the vote. Vice chair bracket. Yes, Democrat and ranking member. It means yes.
• Announce the vote. Vice chair bracket, yes, Democrat and ranking member. It means yes.
• I hope that you all will join me in voting. Yes, on House Bill 301.
• Nami, Florida respectfully asks you to please vote favorably on this bill.
• I respectfully urge you to vote no on HB 301. Thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote, SB 754 is reported favorably. All right, I will now turn the chair...
• I am going to vote for it today. I see it again in rules.
• Does any senator wish to be recorded as voting on a bill before committee?”
• I’d like to be recorded as voting in the affirmative for tab 1.” “All right. Any objection?
• I'd like to be recorded as voting in the affirmative for tab 1. All right. Any objection?

Bills: S0754 , S0796

Committee: Senate Regulated Industries

Keywords: heated tobacco products, tobacco regulation, vaping, definition changes, Florida statutes, veterinary medicine, telehealth, veterinary professional associate, animal health, public safety, access to veterinary services

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up two bills. First, it heard SB 754 on heated tobacco products. The bill would statutorily define heated tobacco products and exempt them from the cigarette tax. Senator Davis questioned why the exemption was needed, and Senator Bernard asked about youth access; the sponsor said the bill was limited to taxation and would look into age and regulatory issues. A Florida Retail Federation representative appeared in support. The committee voted the bill favorably, and Senator Bracey Davis later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on tab 1. The committee then considered SB 796 on veterinary medicine, after adopting a delete-everything amendment. The amended bill would create a Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) role for individuals with a master’s degree in veterinary clinical care to perform delegated tasks under a licensed veterinarian’s responsible supervision. It also would extend the time period for telehealth prescriptions for flea and tick products from one month to six months and for other medications from 14 days to 30 days. Senator Boyd raised liability concerns, and the sponsor said existing statute already places liability on the supervising veterinarian. The Florida Veterinary Medical Association testified against the bill, arguing Florida should expand and better utilize existing veterinary technicians rather than create a new mid-level role, and warning about federal prescribing restrictions and animal safety. Supporters, including the Animal Legal Defense Fund and Dr. Wayne Jensen, argued the bill would expand access to care, reduce costs, and provide a well-trained supervised workforce. Several senators said the bill balanced access and safety, and the committee reported SB 796 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• How is leadership working on getting the votes on right now?
• Representative Davids has said that he doesn't understand why any Republican would vote for the taxes
• Would you vote for it? Um, right now that taxes bill is being looked at.
• </c> understand why any Republican would vote understand why any Republican would vote for<00:05:20.560
• Would you vote for for the taxes bill. Would you vote for it?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• notes of the meeting: all members are welcome to attend, and only the executive committee members can vote
• All action items should be via roll call votes.
• All action items should be roll call votes. We had a couple last time.
• Thank you for your vote to approve the November minutes.
• All righty, put that vote, I guess we can move on.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

Summary: The Select Committee on Pension Policy executive committee met to approve the November minutes, which were adopted by voice vote. The committee then received an update from the Attorney General’s Office on two ongoing cases, Fowler and Joel Lynn, with briefing and oral argument timelines still pending. Michael Harbour of the Office of the State Actuary provided an actuarial update focused on ESSB 5357, explaining that the bill raised the assumed investment return from 7% to 7.25%, suspended UAL contribution rates for four years, and changed amortization for past benefit improvements; members asked for clarification on how those changes would affect long-term funding and contribution rates, especially for Plan 1 systems. A substantial portion of the meeting was devoted to committee discussion of interim priorities and the need for more analysis of recent pension legislation. Members emphasized the importance of understanding the fiscal impacts of ESSB 5357 and related pension changes before the September economic experience study, and several asked staff to provide a more preliminary walkthrough of the bill’s effects. The committee also discussed the LEOFF 1 study and broader questions about overfunding, including when a plan should be considered overfunded and whether overfunding should be addressed through merger or closure proposals. One member suggested reviewing the operating budget’s excess compensation proviso during the interim as well. Staff reviewed the draft 2025 interim work plan, proposing June topics including election of officers, a presentation on SB 5357 and its actuarial implications, and an initial LEOFF 1 study kickoff based on SB 5085 and HB 2034. The committee also placed excess compensation and demographic experience study items in a parking lot for possible later scheduling. The June agenda was adopted by roll call vote, with three ayes and three members absent or excused, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is our way of sending love with our yes vote today. Please support this bill. Amen.
• Vote for this bill. Thank you, Senator Harrell, for agreeing to run the bill.
• All senators voted. Okay, Secretary locked the board.
• Okay, Secretary, lock the board and record the vote. 38 yays, zero nays, Mr. President.
• The resolution was introduced; all members voted yes.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, and several introductions recognizing visitors and groups in the gallery, including Moffitt Cancer Center for “Moffitt Day,” students from Lakeland Christian School, representatives from the space industry for Space Day, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity members, licensed investigators, and local delegations from Groveland, Polk County, Auburndale, and the College of the Florida Keys. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar with Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 112, relating to children with developmental disabilities. Senator Harrell presented the bill as a major autism-focused measure aimed at earlier diagnosis and expanded services. The bill would expand autism screening and referral grants, extend Early Steps services to age four with a federal waiver, designate the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment as a coordinating research hub, create grants for autism-focused charter schools and summer programs, and establish a microcredential for teachers, health workers, and daycare workers serving children with autism. Senators Davis, Jones, Osgood, Duma, and Wright spoke in support while raising concerns about provider recruitment, Medicaid managed care coverage, the need for technology and research, and the importance of early intervention and adult services. Harrell closed by saying the bill was only “step one,” addressed provider and funding questions, and emphasized research and statewide coordination. The Senate passed CS/CS/SB 112 by a vote of 38-0 and then adopted a motion to waive the rules and immediately certify the bill to the House. Senators also co-introduced Senate Resolution 1856 honoring the life and legacy of Senator Geraldine Thompson, with 38 co-introducers recorded. In addition, Senate Bill 1324 by Senator Simon was withdrawn from further consideration, and the Senate adjourned until the following Wednesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• I stand in support of this bill, and I encourage all of my colleagues to vote on this bill.
• It is our way of sending love with our yes vote today. Please support this bill. Amen.
• Vote for this bill. Thank you, Senator Harrell, for agreeing to run the bill.
• All senators voted. Okay, Secretary locked the board.
• Okay, Secretary, lock the board and record the vote. 38 yeas, zero nays, Mr. President.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, doctor-of-the-day recognition, and a series of introductions honoring visitors and groups in the galleries, including Moffitt Cancer Center, students from Lakeland Christian School, space industry guests, Kappa Alpha Psi, the Florida Association of Licensed Investigators, and others. Senators also made announcements about local delegations visiting the Capitol and a session wellness competition. The chamber then took up CS/CS/SB 112, relating to children with developmental disabilities. Senator Harrell presented the bill as a major autism-focused measure that would expand screening and referral grants, extend Early Steps services through age four with a federal waiver, designate the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment as a statewide hub for research and coordination, create grants for autism-focused summer programs and charter school models, and establish a microcredential for workers who serve children with autism. Senators Davis, Jones, Osgood, Duma, Wright, and others supported the bill while raising concerns about provider shortages, Medicaid managed care coverage, the need for better recruitment incentives, and the importance of research into causes and treatments. Harrell responded that services would be covered under new contracts, Medicaid would provide coverage, the University of Florida would develop the online credential with a stipend incentive, and the bill was a first step in a broader effort that should also address adults on the spectrum. The Senate passed CS/CS/SB 112 unanimously, 38-0, and then adopted a motion to immediately certify the bill to the House. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 1856 by publication, honoring the life and legacy of Senator Geraldine Thompson, with 38 co-introducers recorded. In addition, SB 1324 by Senator Simon was withdrawn from further consideration, and the Senate adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Utilities will now go into executive session, and I move that House Bill 3351 be voted
• I now move that House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3351 and House Bill 3371 be voted do pass.
• By your vote of 17 ayes and zero noes, you have voted House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3351
• I now move that Senate substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 903 be voted do pass
• By your vote of 17 ayes and 0 noes, you have voted Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute

Committee: House Utilities

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, there are four votes to recommend, two votes not. Representative Peterson.
• Madam Chair, there are four votes to recommend, two votes not.
• Madam Chair, there are four votes to recommend, two votes not to recommend.
• By your vote, the conference committee has recommended the conference committee report.

Summary: The conference committee met on engrossed House Bill 1217 and received a staff briefing on the proposed conference striking amendment S-3395.2. Staff explained that the amendment would set rent increase limits under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act at 7% plus CPI or 10%, whichever is less, retain and modify various exemptions, update notice requirements, add a July 1, 2040 expiration date, and require the Department of Commerce to create an online landlord resource center. For manufactured/mobile home tenancies, the amendment would limit rent increases to 5% in any 12-month period, adjust exemptions and notice provisions, and align enforcement language with the RLTA changes. The amendment also removes certain miscellaneous provisions from the Senate version, including a social vulnerability assessment and a JLARC review requirement. Representative Lowe raised a procedural point of order about whether the landlord resource center could be added in conference, but the chair ruled the point not well taken under Joint Rule 18. Senator Gainer asked for clarification about the landlord resource center and the referenced RCW 43.31.605; staff explained it would direct landlords to existing Commerce resources, including the landlord mitigation program and related subprograms, and noted that the resource center language was originally in the House bill. A motion was made to reject prior amendments, adopt striking amendment S-3395.2, and give the bill a do pass recommendation. Senator Gainer and Representative Lowe spoke in opposition, citing concerns about the bill’s balance, the landlord provisions, and the speed of the process. The committee then voted 4-2 to recommend the conference committee report, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• They can go to a vote for an additional 5%, which equals 10%, of course.
• If you go to a vote of the people, it would be $10 million, and that would be their debt limit.
• And so that takes a vote also at the primary and general.
• If they go to a vote of the people, they can get an additional 5%.
• If they go to a vote of the people, they can get an additional 5%. So now they can go to 10%.

Bills: HB1428

Committee: Senate Finance and Taxation

Keywords: HB 1428, North Dakota sales tax, sales tax exemption, thrift store, nonprofit corporation, 501(c)(3), charitable organization, used clothing, clothing exemption, retail tax, Century Code 57-39.2-04, charity shop, secondhand clothing, taxable events, nonprofit retail, 908, all

Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee met with a quorum and took up House Bill 1482, which would require certain municipal bond elections to be held on primary or general election days rather than at special elections. Senator Rummel walked the committee through a proposed amendment from Representative Wagner that would remove special-election language, align ballot timing requirements, and make related cleanup changes. Members discussed the distinction between constitutional debt limits and the bill’s election-timing requirements, with Senator Powers seeking clarification that the measure did not change levy or bond limits themselves. The committee also discussed whether the amended language would comply with the Secretary of State’s requirements. Chairman Weber and Senator Rummel said they had consulted legislative council and wanted a further check before the bill moved forward, and the chairman said he would hold the bill until that review was complete. The amendment was approved unanimously, 6-0, and the bill as amended was then adopted unanimously, 6-0. After passage, the committee discussed who would carry the bill, eventually settling on Senator Rummel as carrier. The chair also said several other bills, including gas tax and property tax measures, would be held for the time being while the committee waited for developments in the House. The committee announced it would not plan to meet the next day unless called from the floor, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I now move that the House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2708 be voted do pass.
• By your vote of seven ayes, no nays, we have passed House Bill 2708.
• I now move that House Bill 3038 be voted do pass. Any discussion?
• By your vote of 12 ayes, no nays, you have passed House Bill 3038.
• By your vote of 12 eyes, zero, no, you have passed House Bill 3038.

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tamara, will you call the vote? Representatives Black? Yes. Campbell? Chamberlin? Yes. Cobb? Yes.
• By your vote, this bill is recorded favorably. Vice Chair Griffith. Yes. Thank you. Fifteen yays.
• By your vote, this bill is recorded favorably. Thank you, Rep. Thank you. Have a good day.
• Tamara, will you call the vote? Representatives Black? Yes. Chamberlain? Yes. Yes. Dunkley? Gant?
• By your vote, this bill is recorded favorably. Thank you. Enjoy your afternoon. Thank you.

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee met with a quorum present and considered two local bills. Rep. Trabulsy presented HB 4011, which would expand the St. Lucie County Mosquito Control District service boundary by 326 square miles, subject to a referendum. The bill received supportive public testimony from Ken Pruitt on behalf of St. Lucie County, drew no amendments or opposition, and was approved favorably by a 15-0 vote. Rep. Botana presented HB 4005 concerning the City of Naples Airport in Collier County. The bill would shift appointment authority from the City Council to a voter-approved structure with three members from Naples and two from the county. Joseph Salzberg, representing the City of Naples, testified that the city was respectfully opposed while it continued reviewing possible unintended consequences, though he said discussions with the sponsor were ongoing. There was no further public testimony or debate, and the committee passed the bill favorably by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk voted yes. Representative Pearson voted yes. Representative Bailey voted yes.
• Representative Schmidt voted yes. Representative Davis voted yes. Representative Dary voted yes.
• Vice Chairman Leon voted no. The clerk voted yes. Representative Pearson voted yes.
• Representative Bailey voted yes. Representative Shi voted yes. Representative Sloty voted yes.
• Representative Groda voted yes. Representative Schmidt voted yes. Representative Davis voted yes.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused on House Bill 610, which would fold the Office of the Consumer Advocate into the Department of Energy rather than fully eliminate consumer advocacy functions. The prime sponsor argued the current office is small, funded by a special assessment on ratepayers, and duplicative of DOE work. He said moving the function to DOE would streamline energy policy review, reduce bureaucracy, and better focus the larger agency on lowering residential energy costs. He also disputed claims that the Consumer Advocate is independent, saying the office is appointed through a political process similar to DOE leadership. Committee members and the sponsor discussed whether the bill would actually relocate existing positions or replace them, and whether the Department of Energy would absorb the cost of the transferred staff. The sponsor said the fiscal note shows roughly a million-dollar reduction in both revenue assessment and spending, and that the bill would effectively reduce the office from five positions to three. He also defended his cost estimates for energy-code-related housing impacts and said the Consumer Advocate has sometimes supported policies he считает increase costs, such as energy-efficiency measures and building code changes. He argued the office should focus more on energy supply and generation, including natural gas and nuclear, rather than efficiency alone. Representative Wendy Thomas testified in opposition, saying the Consumer Advocate is an important, fair, and impartial voice for ratepayers and warning that the bill was fiscally irresponsible because the incumbent could still be owed salary and benefits if the office were repealed. She also said the bill’s drafting was confusing and that the Consumer Advocate’s role is to push back on utilities on behalf of consumers. Other members raised questions about whether the DOE would simply inherit the same political appointment structure and whether the bill would meaningfully lower bills. No vote was taken in the excerpt; the chair indicated additional testimony would follow, and the Department of Energy was present to answer questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> because it can't get 60 votes. because it can't get 60 votes.
• </c> this bill to the floor for a vote today. this bill to the floor for a vote today.
• </c><02:48:55.920><c> by</c> those in favor of taking this vote by those in favor of taking this vote
• I yield back the vote yes on HR 655.
• And I ask this Chamber's yea vote on H.R. 1461.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Vote yes.
• By your vote.
• By your vote. signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed.
• Opposed by your vote.
• We strongly support passage of SP6355 and urge a yes vote.

Bills: HB1069 , HB2091 , SB6355 , HB2104 , SB6003 , HB2441 , HB2124 , HB2610 , HB2338

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: collective bargaining, retirement benefits, employee rights, public sector, supplemental benefits, public employers, employee information, bargaining representatives, labor relations, union representation, electric transmission, energy policies, infrastructure, regulatory framework, transmission systems, aviation, wildland fires, funding, disaster relief, emergency response

Transcript Highlights:

• clerk loine court vote 103 i z nay vote clerk loine court vote 103 i z nay BR has been adopted chairman
• cler lock machine record votes 9i Z vote cler lock machine record votes 9i Z na HP 233 has passed thank
• lock mchine the core of the votes vote lock mchine the core of the votes 93 A's three nay six extensions
• have all the members voted clerk vote have all the members voted clerk will Locker machine record the
• votes 96 will Locker machine record the votes 96 will Locker machine record the votes 96 y three Nays

Keywords: 1136, house, all