Video & Transcript Research : 'black mangrove'
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FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 27, 2026 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Black: Here. >> Rep. Busatta: Here. >> Rep. Campbell: 11 >> Rep. Chaney: -- >> Rep.
- Black: Yes. >> Rep. Busatta: Yes. >> Rep. Campbell: Yes. >> Rep. Chaney: Yes. >> Rep.
- Black: Yes. >> Rep. Busatta: Yes. >> Rep. Campbell: Yes. >> Rep. Chaney: Yes. >> Rep.
- We know life is not black and white for our kids.
- And when you talk about Black communities, they would say they are just special.
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 245, which would replace references in Florida law to “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material.” The sponsor said the change was overdue and more accurately reflects the criminal nature of the material. There was brief supportive public testimony, no debate, and the bill was reported favorably on a unanimous vote.
The committee then took up HB 237 on the use of professional nursing titles. The sponsor said advanced practice registered nurses should be able to use earned academic titles such as DNP or PhD. Supporters testified in favor, there was no opposition or debate, and the bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably.
The longest discussion centered on HB 173, which would expand parental consent and access requirements for minors’ medical care, medical records, certain school surveys, and biomedical devices. Supporters argued it restores parental rights and keeps parents involved in children’s health decisions, while opponents—many from medical, mental health, LGBTQ, and youth advocacy groups—warned it could block access to STI treatment, mental health care, crisis hotlines, and confidential services for vulnerable youth, including those in abusive homes. After extensive testimony and debate, the bill was reported favorably on a 19-7 vote.
Finally, the committee began HB 327 on uterine fibroid research. The sponsor explained the bill would require health care providers to submit identified data so the Department of Health can build a usable de-identified research database, after prior implementation problems with duplicate or unverified data. A supportive local official testified, and members indicated support as the meeting moved toward a vote.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Jun 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- As Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, I am here to present one of the CLBC priority bills
- During that time, the system is required to report back to the California Legislative Black Caucus every
- So the reality is that many of our Black families truly cannot trace their lineage due to generations
- That is something that the California Legislative Black Caucus has stated.
- That is something that the California Legislative Black Caucus has stated.
Summary:
The committee heard several higher education bills. It first approved the consent calendar, which included SB 67 and SB 619. The main discussion centered on SB 437, which would direct the CSU system to develop a fair, evidence-based process for verifying whether someone is a descendant of a person enslaved in the United States, as part of the state’s reparations work. Supporters said the bill fills a gap left by the Reparations Task Force and would create a transparent, credible lineage-verification process; opponents argued genealogy methods already exist, the bill would waste money and delay action, and some raised constitutional concerns. The committee took a vote on SB 437, but the roll was left open after the initial tally showed three ayes and three noes.
The committee then heard SB 790, which would allow California to join the interstate reciprocity agreement for online postsecondary education. The author and supporters said the bill would improve consumer protections for California students taking out-of-state online courses and help California institutions compete more effectively by reducing the burden of seeking separate state approvals. Opponents, including University of Phoenix and other groups, argued the bill conflicted with the existing reciprocity framework, could exclude some institutions, and might not actually secure California’s entry into the agreement. The committee voted 3-1 to pass SB 790 as amended to the Business and Professions Committee, with the roll left open.
The committee also heard SB 391, which would authorize the Community College Chancellor’s Office to charge fees for research partners seeking access to data. Supporters said the office is absorbing significant unfunded workload from data requests and that fees would help recover costs; opponents, including the California Teachers Association community college association, warned the fees could create barriers for faculty and smaller researchers. Members discussed possible exemptions and implementation details. The committee voted 5-1 to pass SB 391 as amended to the Appropriations Committee, with the roll left open. Finally, the committee heard SB 685, a pilot program to provide cost-of-attendance assistance at four CSU campuses for students who experienced homelessness in high school. Supporters said it would help students cover housing, food, and transportation costs and reduce dropout risk; members asked about eligibility and implementation, and the author explained the bill would use McKinney-Vento homelessness designations and target students at risk of “summer melt” and college homelessness.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
ECD Public Hearing - Fri Jan 31, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Economic Development & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- Turning things over to a completely unregulated black market has its own set of harmful outcomes, not
- Turning things over to a completely unregulated black market has its own set of harmful outcomes, not
- Turning things over to a completely unregulated black market has its own set of harmful outcomes, not
- Turning things over to a completely unregulated black market has its own set of harmful outcomes, not
- Turning things over to a completely unregulated black market has its own set of harmful outcomes, not
Summary:
The House Committee on Economic Development and Technology heard testimony on several measures, including HB 671 on Native Hawaiian data tabulation, HB 639 on AI chatbot disclosures and consumer protection, HB 1391 on a proposed Hawaii/Irish trade commission, HB 1361, HB 1384 on an AI advisory council, HB 1292, and HB 1308 on online sports wagering. Testimony on HB 671 focused on clarifying how Native Hawaiian categories should be defined for data purposes, with Eugene Tian noting Census data can tabulate Native Hawaiians alone but not those in combination with other races without special tabulation. HB 639 drew support from DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection, which said the bill should advance but may need amendments to align with existing consumer protection law and preserve OCP enforcement authority. HB 1384 received support from ETS, which said an AI advisory council would help establish governance and standards for state AI use. HB 1391 drew comments in support from DBEDT and one testifier who urged a broader U.S./Hawaii/EU framing rather than a bill focused on Ireland. HB 1361 was heard with no testimony in the excerpt, and HB 1292 received support from the Hawaii Community Development Authority and opposition from HGA, which warned the measure could open the door to privatizing or outsourcing government services. HB 1308 drew extensive testimony both for and against, with supporters arguing legalized online sports betting could generate revenue for education, housing, health care, child care, and problem gambling treatment, while opponents raised concerns about regulation, oversight, and the social impacts of gambling. Supporters included BetMGM, DraftKings, and the Iron Workers Stabilization Fund, while the Department of Taxation and Office of Information Practices also provided comments. The committee then moved into decision-making and adopted the chair’s recommendations to pass HB 671, HB 639, HB 1391, and HB 1384 with amendments, while HB 1361 and HB 1292 were deferred. For HB 1308, the chair outlined a substantial HD1 with changes including limiting the bill to internet-connected mobile or digital wagering platforms, shifting regulatory responsibility from DBED to DCCA, adding confidentiality language tied to UIPA, and using committee notes to reference other states’ tax percentages and agency testimony; members discussed the need for guardrails, and one member changed from a no vote to reservations, but the excerpt ends before the final vote is shown.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Aug 3rd, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The relationship between Black communities and California's first people is very similar.
- And on behalf of the Legislative Black Caucus, I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- And on behalf of the Legislative Black Caucus, I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Colleagues, I rise on behalf of the Legislative Black Caucus in strong support of H.R. 102.
- And with that, on behalf of the Legislative Black Caucus, I ask for your aye vote on H.R. 102.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with a Native American song and prayer by Assemblymember Ramos, observed a moment of silence for former staff member Eric Washington, and then handled a series of procedural motions, including removing several items from consent, rescinding prior action on SB 626, returning AB 643 to the Senate, and placing SB 1294 on the inactive file. The chamber also approved a request to allow an Elections Committee informational hearing on AB 1923.
The main floor action centered on ACR 208, recognizing California Native American Day and the California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference. Ramos and several caucus leaders spoke in support, emphasizing Native history, sovereignty, cultural preservation, missing and murdered Indigenous people, and the importance of representation. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 61 co-authors were added, and the Assembly then held a Native American Day ceremony honoring several tribal leaders and elders with cultural performances and guest introductions.
The Assembly also adopted HR 102 recognizing Filipino American History Month after extensive support from multiple caucuses, with members highlighting Filipino American history, labor activism, healthcare, public service, and community contributions; 64 co-authors were added before the voice vote. ACR 213 designating September 2026 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month also passed by voice vote after 62 co-authors were added, with testimony focused on pediatric cancer research, treatment access, and personal stories of loss and survival. ACR 230 proclaiming California Firefighter Appreciation Month and California Firefighter Memorial Day likewise passed unanimously after 66 co-authors were added, with members citing firefighters’ emergency response work, wildfire service, and occupational health risks. Several concurrence items also passed, including ACR 126 on Captain Vidar Anderson Memorial Highway, AB 1651 on AI disclosure in the bar exam, AB 2789 on mediation, AJR 27 urging federal disaster aid for Eaton and Palisades fire victims, and AB 2134 on parental leave protections for local officials.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works Jun 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Beau Black, Deputy Secretary of DOTD. Well, appreciate it. Thank you for Mr.
- Yeah, Bo Black, Deputy Secretary. ...little bit of a reorg.
- Yeah, Bo Black, Deputy Secretary. So our legislative team, we have Mr.
- Black want to mention a couple others. I do think you’re right.
- So where are we with Black Bayou Pontoon Bridge?
Summary:
The committee met for an information-only hearing with no votes or other action items. DOTD Secretary Glenn LaD and Deputy Secretary Beau Black gave an update on the department’s transformation efforts, focusing on faster project delivery, improved construction administration, and new technology. They said monthly contractor payment approvals have been reduced from roughly 35 days to 15 days or less, change orders from about 40-45 days to around five days, and that DOTD delivered 86% of its advertised projects in the last fiscal year. They also described new tools such as Headlight for field inspections, Smart PM for schedule tracking, Hall Hub for e-ticketing and work-zone mapping, and a pilot using advanced sensors on district vehicles to identify potholes, guardrail damage, and other asset issues. The department also outlined a district reorganization that replaces the area engineer model with dedicated district points of contact for construction, maintenance, and operations, with no increase in total staff.
Members raised concerns about local maintenance issues, especially mowing, drainage, culverts, potholes, and communication with district offices. Several members asked for clearer coordination on jurisdictional questions, more frequent meetings with district administrators, and better public updates on long-running projects. LaD said DOTD would schedule follow-up meetings, use the coming customer service portal to track complaints, and improve public communication through project information officers, social media, and other outreach. Questions also covered contractor accountability, utility relocations, road transfer maps on the DOTD website, and whether maintenance work adjacent to capital projects should be handled by district crews or through new IDIQ contracts.
The secretary also reviewed the Highway Priority Program process, saying DOTD will work between June and September to review projects not included in the prior program, explain why, and refine a five-year fiscally constrained plan before the fall road show. He said the department is using IDIQ authority to award bridge maintenance and other task-order work, and that this should help address a two-year bridge repair backlog. Members discussed whether current funding levels are enough to reduce the statewide backlog, and DOTD said the current program likely maintains rather than eliminates it absent new revenue. The hearing ended with a project-specific update that a barge struck the Black Bayou Pontoon Bridge that morning, causing significant damage; DOTD said divers and staff would inspect it and determine emergency repairs. After DOTD’s presentation, Archie Chesson of the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction gave a brief update on that office’s first year, describing its use of consultant pools, master service agreements, a public GIS map, and a data tool to prioritize rural road and bridge projects, with several early projects already completed or under construction.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Black, would you like to discuss that bill? Thank you very much.
- Representative Black, would you like to discuss that bill? Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
- Black. Boykin. No. Boiko. No. Kosslo. Aye. Fowler. Aye. Kosslo. Aye. Baller. Aye. Ingall. Lewis.
- Representative Black was recognized to speak.
- Representative Black thanked the Chair and the gentlemen for their effort on the bill.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 32 (2-23-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> I want to do a little-known Black history fact. >> Yes, sir. >> A gentleman that we know, and the
- Morgan was the first black man in his adopted hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, to own a car.
- Morgan was a member of the newly formed NAACP, donated to Black colleges, opened an all-Black country
- </c><00:33:25.800><c> colleges,</c><00:33:26.680><c> opened</c><00:33:26.960><c> an</c> donated to black
- colleges, opened an donated to black colleges, opened an all-black<00:33:27.560><c> country</c><00:33
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Elementary and Secondary Education Feb 4th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Elementary and Secondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Christensen is House Bill 1698, and Representative Black is House Bill 2120.
- John Black, District 129, which is Webster County.
- And Representative Black, you are free to go. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Often these policies are tested on low-income Black and other minority communities.
- Often these policies are tested on low-income black and other minority communities.
Summary:
The committee met in executive session and first adopted a substitute and passed House Bill 2115 and House Bill 1876, which were combined into a committee substitute encouraging cursive instruction and setting a future assessment timeline without penalties. Members discussed concerns about teacher training, costs, and whether the measure should be mandatory, but the substitute was adopted and the committee substitute was voted do pass by roll call.
The committee then took up House Bill 2776, a teacher certification and staffing bill. After adopting an amendment allowing mentor compensation to include release time, members debated the bill’s tiered certification structure, salary differences, retirement system participation, and limits to pre-K through elementary grades. Supporters said it would help address teacher shortages and provide a quicker pathway into classrooms; critics raised concerns about lowering standards and the quality of instruction. The House Committee substitute for HB 2776 was ultimately voted do pass.
In open session, the committee heard testimony on House Bills 1698 and 2120, related anti-bullying measures that would strengthen reporting, parent notification, school board awareness, and immunity for good-faith reporting. Sponsors and witnesses described serious bullying incidents and argued for quicker notification and stronger accountability, while some members raised concerns about immediate reporting, school board procedures, and protecting sincerely held beliefs. No vote was taken on those bills in the portion provided.
The committee then heard extensive testimony on House Bills 2230 and 2978, the Hands-on Learning Restoration Act, which would limit screen time and one-to-one device use in elementary grades and promote paper, books, and cursive. Sponsors, educators, physicians, parents, and advocates testified that heavy device use has harmed literacy, attention, and child development, while some witnesses and members noted the need for flexibility, special education exceptions, and practical implementation. The discussion was lengthy and largely supportive, but the transcript ends before any committee action on those bills.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Oct 7th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Black, correct. I appreciate your presentation.
- Thank you, Madam Chair and Professor Black. I just came from Lubbock.
- Thank you, Professor Black. Thank you.
- Black over 40 insurance providers, and they were only able to find two.
- Thank you so much, Professor Black, for making time to fly to New Mexico.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 28th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Black and Jewish communities have a deep history.
- And the conversation came up about how excellent America had figured out how to deal with their Black
- And the conversation came up about how excellent America had figured out how to deal with their Black
- And the Nuremberg laws were drafted after the Black Codes and the Jim Crow laws of the South here in
- It's why the Black Caucus has always felt a deep kinship with the Jewish Caucus. Thank you.
Summary:
The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. Members then handled several procedural motions, including suspending rules to allow committee hearings and guest access, re-referring bills, and removing one bill from the consent calendar. The chamber also observed Holocaust Remembrance Day with a lengthy ceremony and remarks from many members across caucuses, emphasizing the importance of remembering the Holocaust, combating antisemitism and other forms of hate, and supporting survivors and descendants. ACR 59, the California Holocaust Memorial Day resolution, was adopted by voice vote after 76 coauthors were added.
After the ceremony, the Assembly took up the daily file. AB 390, which strengthens California’s “slow down, move over” highway safety law, passed 64-0. AB 439, making small changes to the Coastal Act and reporting requirements, passed 44-11 after debate over Coastal Commission oversight. The body also approved a rules waiver to allow the Education Committee to meet on AB 1468. Later, AB 50, allowing Medi-Cal enrollees to access over-the-counter contraceptives without a prescription, passed 67-0 urgency and 67-0 overall; AB 55, streamlining alternative birth center licensing, passed 68-0; AB 596, protecting workers’ right to wear masks or respirators unless there is a direct safety hazard, passed 53-8; AB 631, requiring animal shelters to post intake and outcome data, passed 60-0; and AB 792, allowing consolidated negotiations for court interpreter contracts, passed 52-1.
The Assembly also passed AB 867, banning cat declawing, by 68-0 after bipartisan support; AB 1089, expanding local permitting authority for Western Joshua Tree projects, by 16-0; and AB 1154, clarifying ADU rules, by 63-1. SCR 57, proclaiming Dolores Huerta Day, was adopted 66-0. The second-day consent calendar was then adopted 71-0. The session concluded with adjournment-in-memory remarks for Mary Hammer, a longtime San Lorenzo Valley community leader and environmental advocate, followed by recognition of her family and friends in the chamber.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the Semiannual Monetary Policy Report to the Congress, including S.257, to improve the resilience of critical supply chains. Feb 11th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- For too long, bank regulators have followed ...a black box regulatory framework with little to no recourse
- In my experience, the Fed is a black hole. It consumes information, but it Never releases it.
- policy report states that the tight labor market has allowed employment and earnings gaps between Black
- Specifically, the employment gap for Black workers and White workers is near its lowest point in almost
- You see, generally, just take the Black unemployment rate.
Bills:
SB257
Keywords:
supply chain resilience, critical supply chains, critical goods, manufacturing, domestic manufacturing, reshoring, nearshoring, supply chain security, supply chain shock, supply chain disruption, critical infrastructure, emerging technologies, semiconductors, microelectronics, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, advanced manufacturing, blockchain, cybersecurity
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 27th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This sorority, incorporated as the first Greek-letter college organization founded by Black women.
- When I think about 1908, a group of Black women at Howard University staring down segregation, exclusion
- were women who not only pursued higher education, they created space for themselves and for every Black
- woman to be who she wanted to be. ...every Black woman to be who she wanted to be and to build the world
- that vision, a sisterhood grounded in service and scholarship, and deep commitment to uplifting the Black
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Human Services Committee Mar 24th, 2026
Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Black and Native American children account for 50% of child welfare investigations, and Black and Native
- American and Latino families are more 50% of child welfare investigations, and Black and Native American
- Black and Native American children account for 50% of child welfare investigations, and black and Native
- American and Latino families are more 50% of child welfare investigations and black and Native American
- The idea is that we have too many Black and Native American families being caught up in this system only
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- If you see anybody selling illegally, selling out there in the black market, you call the tip line, and
- You know, selling out there in the black market, you call the tip line, and that would go right to ABC
- what's the practical punishment for that individual he cited that would be down on the corner dealing black
- Black-on-Black crime, under the age of 25, in impoverished communities.
- which happens all over this commonwealth. ...and just so he wants to, the delegate wants to portray Black
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Government Efficiency Jan 15th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- It's still in effect because Black and brown motorists are pulled over sometimes, for example, in Colombia
- And as long as we know that Missouri drivers who are out there on the road, who are black and brown,
- It wouldn't be complete, but it would begin to address it so that black and brown people would not be
- And as long as we know that Missouri drivers who are out there on the road, who are Black and Brown,
- It wouldn't be complete, but it would begin to address it so that Black and Brown people would not be
Summary:
The Committee on Government Efficiency held its first hearing of the session and opened with instructions on amendment procedures, witness forms, and possible time limits. The committee then heard House Bill 1790 from Rep. Jim Murphy, which would require more neutral and transparent ballot language, address a Hancock Amendment loophole involving tax sunsets, require levy rollbacks after reassessment even when a ballot measure passes, and express tax levies in terms of cost per $100,000 of assessed value. Murphy said the bill is meant to prevent misleading ballot titles and make tax impacts clearer to voters. There was no opposition testimony; the Missouri Association of Counties and Election Authorities spoke in informational support, and the bill drew some questions about ballot-letter coordination across jurisdictions.
The committee next heard House Bill 2189 from Rep. Bromley, which would eliminate the odd/even model-year registration rule and allow five-year vehicle registrations for qualifying vehicles. Bromley argued the current system is confusing and burdensome for citizens and businesses, and he described his own difficulty obtaining a two-year plate. Americans for Prosperity and the Missouri NAACP supported the bill, citing convenience and reduced traffic stops, while the Department of Revenue said the odd/even rule is confusing and that the agency would implement whatever policy the legislature adopts. DOR also noted a new uninsured motorist program and said county tax data is now being shared more regularly.
The committee then took up a combined package of bills, including House Bills 1692, 1695, 1838, 1983, 2036, and 2662, all aimed at eliminating or sharply reducing vehicle safety inspections for personal vehicles, with exceptions discussed for prior salvage vehicles, certain accident-related inspections, and commercial vehicles. Sponsors and supporters argued inspections are outdated, costly, hard to access in rural areas, and create unnecessary burdens on drivers and repair shops; several members also raised concerns about inspection costs, shop shortages, and the role of law enforcement and modern vehicle technology. Opponents and skeptics pointed to safety data, including a study cited by Rep. Boyko suggesting states with inspections have fewer fatalities, and the Highway Patrol said it has a study on its website concluding inspections reduce fatal crashes. No votes were taken, and the chair explained that the various bills would be combined and amended to use the same language before further action.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy Jun 6th, 2025
Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And what you can see is our current trajectory in the black line as of April, and it looks like we are
- So right below the black line is $60 a barrel oil.
- So what were, what were to happen, I should take a step back, the black line here represents revenues
- And you can see the gap between the black and the green represents what is available for non-recurring
- It's a black publication that LFC produces every year.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- products banned, especially in the hemp industry, I feel like it just drives those customers to a black
- The hemp industry, I feel like it just drives those customers to a black market.
- And I believe it just will grow the black market in Florida, which is not something that we want.
- And I believe it just will grow the black market in Florida, which is not something that we want.
- And it's going to allow for those same packages that are packaged for children to be on the black market
Summary:
The Committee on Fiscal Policy considered several bills and reported all of them favorably. SB 70-24, on state planning and budgeting, was presented as a modernization of the long-range planning program to simplify reporting, remove outdated measures, and focus on key data points and outcomes; it passed without opposition. CS/SB 166, on administrative efficiency in public schools, made broad changes to school accountability and operations, including lowering the stakes of certain student assessments, giving districts more flexibility on evaluations, contracts, certification, calendars, facilities, and VPK oversight. Two amendments were adopted: one clarifying that Title I funds may be used for STEM services, and another refining how advanced degrees count on salary schedules. The bill passed favorably after testimony both supporting and opposing the changes, with supporters emphasizing flexibility and opponents raising concerns about teacher evaluation and instructional practice.
CS/SB 164, on vessel accountability, was described as a measure to address derelict and at-risk vessels by improving owner identification, creating a free long-term anchoring permit program, increasing penalties, and authorizing grants for local governments in the FWC prevention program. It received support from marine industry groups and was reported favorably. CS/SB 472, on education and correctional facilities for licensed professions, would allow inmates to receive credit toward licensure for qualifying coursework; a strike-all amendment added coordination with DBPR and professional boards. The bill drew support from criminal justice, business, and policy groups and passed unanimously.
The committee spent the most time on CS/SB 438, on food and hemp products. Senator Burton and co-sponsor Senator Davis argued the bill was needed to regulate intoxicating hemp products, restrict child-appealing packaging and signage, ban synthetic hemp products, cap THC content in edibles and beverages, and require hemp beverages to be sold through alcohol-style distribution channels. Supporters, including alcohol distributors and some public safety advocates, said the bill would improve testing, labeling, and consumer protection. Opponents, including hemp retailers, farmers, and libertarian advocates, argued it would harm small businesses, reduce consumer choice, and push sales to the black market. After extensive debate, the bill was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on tab five, and the committee adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 25, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- And that is right here, black and white.
- As a Black American, as a descendant of the enslaved, I could not separate my lived experience as a Black
- person or a Black woman in America.
- My lived experience as a Black person or a Black woman in America and being a history professor and an
- remember this woman because of the way that she taught The Diary of Anne Frank to a predominantly Black
Summary:
The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee met with a quorum and took up four bills. The first, HB 875 on educator preparation, would align teacher-prep programs under a uniform core curriculum, create a competency-based coaching program (CERT), standardize mentor and clinical educator requirements, allow certain certification waivers, and establish a Florida Institute of Teaching Excellence at Miami-Dade College subject to appropriation. Debate focused heavily on language in the bill related to systemic racism, identity politics, privilege, and historical distortion, with supporters saying the bill is about pedagogy and opponents warning it could limit discussion of important historical and social topics. The committee adopted a strike-all amendment and then reported the bill favorably, 12-4.
The committee then considered PCS for HB 541 on minimum wage requirements, which would allow employees to knowingly and voluntarily waive the state minimum wage for up to 12 months in certain structured work-based training settings. Supporters argued it would expand access to training and career pathways for inexperienced workers and help address labor shortages, while opponents said it could depress wages, invite coercion, and conflict with the state constitution’s minimum wage provisions. Public testimony included opposition from workers and labor groups and support from NFIB. The bill was reported favorably, 12-4.
Next, PCS for HB 681 on apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship program funding was presented as a transparency and accountability measure to improve funding reporting and address bargaining issues between education agencies and program providers. Support came from industry groups and the ranking member, and the bill was reported favorably without opposition, 16-0. Finally, PCS for HB 1105 on education and Bright Futures would broaden Gold Seal Vocational eligibility, align CTE diploma requirements with Bright Futures, add AP Capstone as an automatic qualifier, and remove barriers for certain military and public service families. The committee supported the bill, which was reported favorably, 15-0. The meeting ended after a correction to the record on one public comment card and adjournment.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- We received several comments that that was not the intention of the law and that if you read the black
- That is not our black-letter reading of the law, and we can't guess at legislative intent.
- We received several comments that that was not the intention of the law and that if you read the black
- That is not our black letter reading of the law and we can't guess at legislative intent.
- was just a mishap that happened, but here we are today where the rules have to follow the language, black
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Mar 26th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- It was sponsored by Representative Antonin and Senator Powell, which created a nine-member Black History
- Black History Task Force, appointed by the Governor, President, and Speaker, for the purposes of providing
- recommendations for the planning, construction, operation, and administration of a Florida Museum of Black
- state that I was one of the original five county commissioners that unanimously voted to support the Black
- Senator Rousan and a number of members of the Black Caucus who have joined me in supporting this.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard a presentation on its 2025-2026 budget recommendations and adopted the proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The chair highlighted major funding items including more than $1.2 billion for water quality and Everglades work, citrus recovery, food bank and pantry grants, wastewater and drinking water loans, beach restoration, flood and sea level rise projects, rural land protection, disaster loans, state facilities repairs, SLERS, accounting system replacement, and continued funding for My Safe Florida Home. Staff were authorized to make technical adjustments, and members were told final proviso project lists would be printed later in the week.
The committee then considered several bills and reported them favorably, including SB 796 on DEP general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems to help local governments address failing septic-related water quality problems; SB 1162 expanding boating improvement and water access facilities programs; SB 466 implementing the Florida Museum of Black History task force’s selection of West Augustine as the museum site; SB 178 creating a FAMU agronomic study on viable crops for land taken out of production; CS/SB 678 allowing pawnbroker transaction forms to be printed or digital; and CS/SB 736 updating the Brownfields program, with a technical amendment adopted. Testimony on these bills was generally supportive, with speakers from affected industries, local governments, and advocacy groups.
The committee also took up CS/CS/SB 700, the comprehensive Florida Farm Bill, which included technical agency changes and major policy provisions such as restrictions on additives to public water supplies, labeling requirements for meat, milk, poultry, and eggs, drone-related protections for farmland, disaster recovery loan updates, an honest services registry for charities, FFA scholarship and school infrastructure provisions, and a mechanism for state purchase of former solar-converted agricultural land. The water-additive provisions drew extensive debate and testimony from supporters and opponents, including dental professionals, public health advocates, and groups arguing for medical freedom and local control. Despite the controversy and a no vote from Senator Arrington, the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1226 creating a regulatory framework for pet insurance was also reported favorably, and the committee adjourned after members recorded additional votes on several bills.