Transcript Highlights:

• We did receive a federal grant for that, a $16 million federal grant, where we'll be expanding the track
• We did receive a federal grant for that, $16 million federal grant, where we'll be expanding the track
• Anyone else doing natural gas? No.
• You know, things of that nature.
• You know, things of that nature.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Committee on Transportation heard SB 356 by Senator Wright, which would create an opt-in framework for counties and municipalities to allow utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs) on certain local roads with posted speed limits below 55 mph, subject to local safety determinations, licensing, insurance, and other restrictions. Supporters, including a retired sheriff and a Florida Sheriffs Association representative, argued the bill would give law enforcement clearer authority and reflect the reality that UTVs are already being used on roads, while opponents from the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association and Honda warned that UTVs are not designed for public roads and lack key safety features. Several senators raised safety concerns, especially about speed and crash risk, but the bill was reported favorably after debate, with Senators Martin, McClain, and Truenow expressing reservations. The committee then held a lengthy discussion on seaport infrastructure and funding. FDOT presented data showing Florida’s 16 deepwater seaports generate major cargo volume, jobs, and economic impact, and described state funding programs such as FSTED, SPI, and the construction aggregate grant program. Port representatives from Port Everglades, PortMiami, Port of Palm Beach, and Port Tampa Bay described record cargo and cruise activity, major capital projects, and the importance of state and federal grants, private partnerships, and long-term planning. They also discussed challenges including limited land, bulkhead and berth maintenance, channel deepening, workforce needs, fuel access, resiliency, and intermodal connectivity. Senators asked about return on investment, trade patterns, financing, cruise-versus-cargo balance, and operational risks; the ports emphasized that they are largely enterprise-funded but still depend on public investment for major infrastructure. The committee also approved a block of appointments to the Tampa Hillsborough County Expressway Authority and the Tampa Port Authority without objection. In addition, FDOT presented the statewide mapping programs work group report required by SB 1662, recommending a coordinated statewide aerial imagery and LiDAR program, shared procurement and cost-sharing arrangements, and statutory updates to improve interagency coordination and access to geospatial data. Senators briefly discussed potential uses for the data in insurance, emergency management, and property assessment, and the presentation concluded without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE CHAIR DECLARES A QUORUM.
• 57,000 FLORIDIANS WITH ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES AND PROVIDED MORE THAN 33,000 WITH REFERRALS TO OVERCOME DISASTER
• WE ARE FORTUNATE TO LIVE IN A NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL STATE.
• WHILE THE EFFORTS HAVE BEEN STRONG THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS LAGGED IN ITS RESPONSIBILITIES REGARDING
• AT THE STATE LEVEL WE HAVE UTILIZED ALL AVAILABLE LOVERS FROM THE FLORIDA DISASTER FUND TO THE FLORIDA

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair declares a quorum.
• 57,000 Floridians with essential supplies and provided more than 33,000 with referrals to overcome disaster-related
• We are fortunate to live in a naturally beautiful state.
• While the efforts have been strong, the federal government has lagged in its responsibilities regarding
• At the state level we have utilized all available levers from the Florida Disaster Fund to the Florida

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Bill 238 by Assembly Member Harabedian and others, an act relating to wildfire relief, and declaring
• Assembly Bill 238 by Assembly Member Harabedian and others, an act relating to wildfire relief, and declaring
• an efficient and reliable power source and can be easily deployed during emergency responses for natural
• disasters.
• Assembly Bill 234 by Assembly Member Calderon and others, an act relating to insurance and declaring

Summary: The Assembly met on March 6, 2025, after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance. Members then made a series of guest introductions recognizing Vaisakhi celebrations, nonprofit leaders from San Joaquin County, immigrant and refugee advocate Liu Yang, students from Somerdale Elementary School, Trustee Sylvia Leong, and a Leadership Torrance delegation. The chamber also took up several procedural motions, including a successful motion to withdraw SB 100 from Budget Committee and send it to the second reading file, and unanimous consent to re-refer several Assembly bills to different committees. On the floor, members considered a number of bills and resolutions. AB 238 on wildfire relief, providing up to a year of mortgage forbearance for fire-impacted homeowners, passed with urgency. AB 373 on client-directed representation for non-minor dependents in foster care passed unanimously, as did AB 287 requiring accessible parking for curbside voting at vote centers. AB 628, requiring new residential leases to include a working refrigerator and stove, passed 49-8. ACR 15 designating April 15 as California Propane Day was adopted by voice vote after adding 55 co-authors. AB 483, requiring disclosure and limiting fees for early termination in fixed-term installment contracts, passed 43-11. AB 234, an urgency bill allowing the Assembly Speaker and Senate Pro Tem or their designees to sit on the Fair Plan governing committee, passed 60-0. The Assembly also heard several adjournment-in-memory tributes, including for Gustavo Camacho Lopez, retired firefighter William Brett Potter, and Rob Ashley. The day concluded with announcements of committee meetings and the next floor session schedule, followed by adjournment until April 10, 2025, at 9 a.m. A later vote change noted Assembly Member McKinnor changed her vote on AB 483 from aye to not voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• IMMIGRATION IS A FEDERAL ISSUE AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS TAKING THE LEAD . PRES.
• THE BILL REQUIRES A JUDGE TO FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT.
• Gruters: THE GOVERNOR HAS DECLARED AN EMERGENCY, YES. >> Sen.
• Pizzo: HOW LONG AGO DID HE DECLARE THAT EMERGENCY? HOW LONG AGO DID HE DECLARE THAT EMERGENCY?
• MUST DEAL WITH 30 DAYS OF BECOMING A NATURALIZED CITIZEN.

Transcript Highlights:

• So with federal disasters and the state shares, we are not certain.
• We know that we need increased authority right now because we had five declared disasters at the end
• We know that when the federal government sends us disaster funds, we have 30 days to get that to the
• We're asking for it only on the federal portion because we don't know the timing of these disaster payments
• I think everybody wants us to be able to get this federal disaster money out to the locals in a timely

Summary: Attorney General Catherine Hanaway presented the Office of the Attorney General’s FY 2027 budget request and outlined her office’s priorities: reducing violent crime, targeting illegal and unregulated activities she described as a “vice squad” focus, protecting Missourians from fraud, and improving the office’s legal work. She highlighted major cases and enforcement efforts, including litigation over insulin pricing, Dollar General pricing practices, a criminal prosecution in Hermann, the Jackson County assessment dispute, and a new lawsuit involving Misha’s board policy. Committee members asked about cybercrime enforcement, cooperation with federal authorities, VLTs, ballot and referendum litigation, and the office’s approach to diversity-related legal issues. Hanaway said cybercrime and no-call enforcement rely heavily on multi-state and federal cooperation, and she emphasized that many cases begin with citizen reports. Members also questioned the cost and scope of ongoing election-related litigation, including redistricting and referendum cases, and Hanaway said her office is defending the laws and ballot processes as required. She estimated roughly $600,000 in staff time over about six months for the referendum/redistricting work combined. Several members raised concerns about the Misha lawsuit and whether similar statutory provisions elsewhere in state government could raise the same legal issues; Hanaway responded that the case involved a board rule, not a statute, and turned on whether the requirement functioned as a quota. The committee also discussed child sexual exploitation, human trafficking, Medicaid fraud, and the use of outside counsel and pro hac vice fees. Hanaway said the office is using non-GR funds where possible and is not requesting pay increases this year. The Missouri Office of Prosecution Services then presented its budget. Officials explained that MOPS trains and supports prosecutors statewide, including on DWIs, child sex cases, and new prosecutor training, and that its budget request matches the governor’s recommendation. Members asked about support for local prosecutors, the nine counties without elected prosecutors, and the new conviction integrity unit; staff said the unit’s positions were shifted between line items and that the office can help answer prosecutorial questions through its general counsel. The committee then moved to the Department of Public Safety budget. DPS reviewed funding for crime victims notification, law enforcement recruitment and retention, drug task forces, academy scholarships, Blue Star grants, local crime prevention, school safety, World Cup security, 988 trainings, wastewater testing in schools, and other programs. Members asked about the $59 million federal FIFA World Cup grant, school safety app funding, and wastewater testing participation; DPS said the World Cup funds require no state match, the app funding is being phased out, and schools opted into the testing program. The committee recessed before finishing the DPS book, with plans to return later.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's a federal commitment; we use those federal dollars for it.
• So that's a federal commitment. We use those federal dollars for it.
• water naturally go?
• Also, if there should be some type of disaster, we'd qualify for federal money to repair.
• Also, if there should be some type of disaster, we'd qualify for federal money to repair.

Committee: Joint Water Topics Overview Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• By State Affairs Committee, Agriculture and Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee, Representative
• By Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee, Representative Mooney and others, CS for House Bill 755
• By State Affairs Committee, Natural Resources and the Disaster Subcommittee, Representative Connerly
• disasters.
• He's a naturalized citizen.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum calls, and introductory remarks, including recognition of former Representative Ardian Zika and law enforcement officer of the day Representative Chuck Brannan. Members also unveiled a portrait of Speaker Daniel Perez, with extended remarks praising his leadership and the institution of the House. The Speaker then explained the process for taking up returning messages from the Senate, noting that the House would consider Senate amendments to bills already passed by both chambers. The House first concurred in Senate amendments and passed CS/CS/HB 1503 on computer science education and certification, which adds computer science and artificial intelligence content to high school instruction and creates a teacher certification program, with implementation delayed to give the Department of Education time to develop curriculum. The chamber then considered CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, adopting a House amendment to allow local governments to buy into the cyber grant program whether or not they receive a grant, add a five-year sunset, and keep the program under the Florida Digital Service rather than a university. The House concurred in the Senate amendment and passed the bill 104-1. Members also refused to concur in Senate amendments to CS/HB 351 on concurrent legislative jurisdiction over military installations and HB 6011 on reporting gifts or honoraria, sending both bills back to the Senate. The most extensive debate centered on CS/CS/HB 1471, which would create a process for designating domestic terrorist organizations and related restrictions. Supporters said the Senate amendment clarified the definition of “promote,” refined notice and timeline requirements, and aligned the bill with federal-style procedures; opponents argued it lacked due process, could chill speech, and gave the governor and cabinet unprecedented power without adequate evidentiary standards or judicial review. Members also debated a related public records bill, CS/CS/HB 1473, which would exempt certain records tied to the designation process; critics said the exemption would further reduce transparency and due process. Despite objections, the House adopted the amendments and passed HB 1471 by 80-25, while the public records measure was taken up as a technical companion to align with the newly amended bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Third, the Mass Ready Act protects water and nature.
• Third, the Mass Ready Act protects water and nature.
• some ...in some meaningful way, noting the unknown nature of some of the predictions.
• So the federal government has been an important partner in the past. Great.
• The community can use funding too, much any federal grant.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets

Summary: The committee held a hearing on S.2542, the Mass Ready Act, a $3 billion environmental bond bill aimed at climate resilience, water infrastructure, conservation, and related permitting reforms. Secretary Rebecca Tepper and administration officials described the bill’s major investments in flood control, coastal resilience, DCR roads/bridges/dams and parks, drinking water and wastewater upgrades, PFAS remediation, land conservation, food security infrastructure, and expanded Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness funding. They also explained proposed streamlining measures for environmental permitting, flood risk disclosures, a Connecticut River Resilient Commission, and a new Resilience Revolving Fund to provide low-cost financing for municipal resilience projects. Committee members asked about affordability, useful life of projects, how the revolving fund would be capitalized, and how the bill would help communities such as Lawrence, Methuen, and coastal towns; officials said the fund would initially use existing trust resources, not new fees, and could later support special obligation bonds once it has a track record. Several witnesses supported the bill but urged larger authorizations or additional provisions. Boston Harbor Now asked for more funding for MVP and the state’s resilient coast plan, and supported permitting reforms for nature-based and hybrid solutions. The Massachusetts Rivers Alliance urged inclusion of drought-management language from separate bills, plus a statewide flood buyout program and a water reuse commission. Green Roots called for dedicated funding for outdoor and indoor air quality monitoring and indoor air quality improvements, especially in environmental justice communities affected by traffic and airport pollution. Conservation and forestry advocates requested more funding for urban tree canopy, local nurseries, and workforce training, while also raising concerns about PFAS impacts and the need for clearer municipal reforestation language. Agriculture and water infrastructure groups focused on food security and drinking water needs. The Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership and the Mass Food System Collaborative backed the food security infrastructure grant program and farmland protection funding, warning that the program needs continued support in fiscal 2027 and that farmland loss is accelerating. The Massachusetts Waterworks Association said the bill does not go far enough on drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, citing large statewide capital needs and PFAS compliance costs, and asked for recurring funding and broader eligibility for climate resilience grants. A Product Stewardship Council representative also urged funding for a waste reduction needs assessment, citing growing landfill constraints and rising disposal costs. No votes were taken during the hearing."}{

Transcript Highlights:

• Northrop Grumman and a myriad of federal and Department of Defense contractors for human capital.
• And I want to touch just very briefly on the competitive nature.
• We are competing with Miami; Miami is competing with Atlanta, Phoenix, and Houston for federal funding
• for transportation projects, and those projects typically have, as you all know, a federal, state, and
• I've yet to see evidence that we would be at a competitive disadvantage in competing for federal grants

Committee: Senate Finance and Tax

Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee met and first heard SB 674, which would allow county property appraisers, like tax collectors already can, to budget for and pay hiring or retention bonuses if approved in their Department of Revenue budget. Support came from property appraiser representatives, who said the bill would help them compete for specialized staff without requiring new funding. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SJR 318, a proposed constitutional amendment on tangible personal property used on agricultural land, along with an amendment clarifying the exemption’s scope and allowing the Legislature to set conditions by general law. Farm Bureau and the Florida Chamber supported the measure, and the committee adopted the amendment and reported the joint resolution favorably. Members also took up CS for SB 1664, which would require voter reapproval of local discretionary taxes when they expire; an amendment changed the bill to require expiration dates and tied reapproval to tax expiration rather than a fixed eight-year cycle. Local government and tourism groups raised concerns about impacts on tourist development taxes, transportation surtaxes, beaches funding, and long-term financing, while supporters argued voters should periodically affirm local taxes. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee considered SJR 1510 and its implementing bill SB 1512, both dealing with a homestead-style property tax benefit for certain long-term leased residential properties. After multiple amendments narrowed the proposal substantially, limiting it to one qualifying property and then to single-family homes, mobile homes, and condominium units, counties and cities still opposed the measures as a tax shift to other taxpayers. The sponsor said the changes reduced the scope and fiscal impact, and both measures were reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SPB 7034, the Senate tax package, which includes permanent sales tax exemptions, multiple tax holidays, motor vehicle fee reductions, a property tax study, rural investment tax credits, a freeze on local communications services tax rates, and other tax changes, with an estimated $2.1 billion revenue reduction. Testimony was mixed: property appraisers supported the property tax study, while many public commenters opposed the firearm and ammunition tax holiday and urged inclusion of gun safes and locks instead. County, city, tourism, and lodging representatives raised concerns about tourist development tax limits and other local revenue impacts, while supporters emphasized tax relief and the study’s value. After debate, the committee adopted a motion to submit SPB 7034 as a committee bill and reported it favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is not about nullifying federal law.
• . law where it declares that Congress must make that declaration first and then after that in Article
• The last time we declared war was in 1942.
• This is why declarations of war are essential.
• But title 32 funding comes federally as well.

Bills: HB39 , HB227 , HB930 , HB 1078 , HB39 , HB227

Committee: House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: highway designation, veteran recognition, commemorative, transportation, Brazoria County, Texas National Guard, combat duty, military activation, state requirements, emergency response, active combat duty, military service, Congressional action, Governor responsibilities, Congressional declaration, state law, conflict, armed forces, congressional approval, war declaration

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal disaster assistance programs are available, and I want to ensure that support is received for
• </c><00:36:31.440><c> In</c> has declared is a good thing. In has declared is a good thing.
• So why not our federal government?
• So why not our federal government?
• HR556 imposes a federal gun lobby.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a law enforcement agency with the federal government engaged in enforcing federal law.
• Government, engaged in enforcing federal law.
• It's kind of a recipe for disaster. I'm quoting here.
• It's kind of a recipe for disaster because you have mass federal officers with very little identification
• And prosecuted by the federal government for inciting violence and murder against federal law enforcement

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, approval of the prior journal, and several guest introductions, including Arizona agricultural producers and suppliers and sixth graders from James W. Rice Elementary School. The chamber then moved through a lengthy calendar of first- and second-reading bill references and committee reports, with no substantive debate on those items recorded in the transcript. The main floor action centered on Senate Resolution 1036, which was converted from a concurrent resolution to a Senate resolution and brought forward under a suspension of rules. The resolution condemned Attorney General Chris Mays for public comments about the use of force and law enforcement, and called on her to retract, clarify, and resign. Senators debated whether the resolution was a necessary public safety response or a politically motivated stunt, with supporters arguing Mays’ remarks endangered officers and opponents saying the resolution misquoted her and was being rushed without committee review or public input. A floor amendment was adopted, and after extended debate the Senate passed SR 1036 on a 17-13 vote. After the resolution vote, the Senate briefly returned to personal privileges, including an introduction of visitors connected to civics education, and then recessed and adjourned until Monday, February 2, 2026. The transcript does not show any other bill final actions beyond the SR 1036 vote and the routine referral and reporting of other measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've worked on land grants for a number of years for our federal delegation in a previous life.
• From their resilience in the face of natural disaster recovery.
• Naturally, some of those were specialists, OBGYNs, surgeons, etc.
• The federal government cannot do that; that's a state power.
• What they were more familiar with was the Federal Township Act of 1845.

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• It is federal money that's spent by parishes all over the state.
• These are federal funds. I think you've already answered that.
• So this is basically to urge them to look at disaster resiliency services.
• Removal and Disaster Resilience Services. Okay.
• So this is basically to urge them to look at disaster resiliency services. Board's clear?

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first considered H.C.R. 89 by Representative Charles Owen, which directs the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study, with the Louisiana State Museum and the World War II Museum, the feasibility of a museum and trail dedicated to the Louisiana Maneuvers. Owen described the historical significance of the maneuvers and said the proposal would mainly involve markers and a modest museum. The committee moved the resolution favorably to the floor without objection. Members then debated H.R. 179 by Representative Marcel, which would create a study of neighborhood crime prevention and security districts and their effectiveness in reducing crime. Several members raised concerns about the number of study groups and the breadth of a statewide review, while others supported gathering data on crime trends, cameras, and district performance. Marcel said the study was intended to collect information, not mandate changes, and the resolution was moved favorably to the floor. The committee next took up S.B. 228 and S.B. 268 by Senator Duplessis, both related to replacing lead and copper water service lines. S.B. 228 was a constitutional amendment allowing public funds to be used on private property for replacement of lead-based and copper pipes, and S.B. 268 set out the process for municipalities or parishes to implement the program, including notice to homeowners and an inventory/testing process. Members questioned homeowner rights, the seven-day notice period, emergency entry language, contracting, and whether the work would fully address hazards inside homes; Rainwater said the program was narrowly tailored, federally funded through the EPA and LDH, and intended to replace lines from the main to the shutoff valve. Both measures were moved favorably as amended. Finally, the committee approved S.B. 283 by Senator Barrow, creating the Boulevard at Harding Area Special District in Baton Rouge to encourage development in a food desert near Southern University, and moved H.R. 225 by Representative Eccles, which urges study of parish-wide solid waste, debris removal, and disaster resilience services in Ouachita Parish. H.R. 223 by Representative Walters, urging Shreveport to partner on the Southern Soul City Initiative, was also moved favorably. The chair noted it was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session, and members and staff were thanked for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• You're recognized to explain amendment this technical in nature.
• disaster that live in a hotel or vacation rental short term.
• disaster.
• They declared it to be there. So residents they registered for school there.
• I just I couldn't do it for my natural life. I just couldn't do it.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 291, an act relating to recyclers and declaring an emergency.
• </c> those schools that would receive federal those schools that would receive federal tax<00:22:26.000
• And it could be because of war, it could be because of natural disaster, all sorts of things.
• </c> war, it could be because of natural war, it could be because of natural disaster,<00:44:10.880><
• So for disaster, all sorts of things.

Summary: The Senate convened, opened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, excused absent members, and approved the journal. The House clerk then announced that the House had passed several bills and requested concurrence. The chamber also received second-reading reports for a number of bills and resolutions, which were referred to the Rules Committee, and committee reports from the Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor Committee and the Judiciary Committee recommending passage of several measures. New resolutions were also introduced, including one honoring Michael Mingi, Amanda Maize, and Senator Maize Bledsoe, and another designating March 31, 2026, as Kentucky Transitional Science Day. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 145, relating to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The chamber concurred in House Committee Substitute 1 and House Floor Amendment 1, then passed the bill as amended by a roll call vote of 35 yeas and 2 nays. The Senate next considered Senate Bill 59, relating to prohibited uses of tax dollars and resources. After adopting Senate Committee Substitute 1, members debated whether the bill’s enforcement provisions were needed to prevent public funds from being used to influence ballot questions; supporters cited prior school-related advocacy, while one opponent raised concerns about possible uneven treatment of schools receiving federal funds. The bill passed 28-9. Finally, the Senate took up Senate Bill 137, relating to a provisional license to practice medicine. Supporters described Kentucky’s physician shortage, especially in rural areas, and argued the bill would help recruit foreign medical graduates by allowing a path to licensure based on prior residency and work experience. A floor amendment was offered to preserve standards by emphasizing U.S. residency pathways and cautioning against lowering the standard of care, but the amendment was withdrawn after discussion. The bill remained under consideration at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's been my nature.
• I think it's unfortunate that when natural disasters strike Arizona, I'm just so...
• Unfortunate that when natural disasters strike Arizona, the federal government's not stepping up and
• disasters strike Arizona that the federal government's not stepping up and doing its part, I think over
• when natural disasters strike our state.

Committee: House House Government Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2825, which would replace criminal enforcement for unpaid court fines, fees, restitution, and incarceration costs with a civil collection framework and end arrest warrants and contempt proceedings for nonpayment. Representative Chris Lopez said the bill would let people keep working and repay debts through wage garnishment and other civil tools, while a Justice Action Network representative testified in support. The committee adopted the Blackman amendment limiting challenges to a second default judgment entered within one year of a prior one, then passed HB 2825 with a 7-0 due pass recommendation. The committee then took up HB 2070, an emergency appropriation of $25 million for Gila County flood relief. Gila County supervisors, mayors from Globe and Miami, the county emergency manager, and public works staff described severe flooding, deaths, major debris and sediment removal, damaged roads and utilities, and the county’s inability to meet matching-fund requirements for federal or state grants. Members discussed FEMA denials, federal review, and the need to act before monsoon season. HB 2070 passed unanimously with a due pass recommendation. Next, HB 2129, which moves the deadline for municipal library trustees’ annual report from the first Monday in July to the second Monday, was supported by the Arizona Library Association as a simple timing fix for smaller and rural libraries. It passed 6-1. HB 2439, exempting public and semi-public cold plunges from ADEQ water pollution rules, was presented as a way to reduce regulatory confusion and costs for small businesses; it also passed 6-0 with one member absent. The committee then approved HB 2773, barring Arizona and its entities from assisting the International Criminal Court, after debate over sovereignty and constitutional authority, by a 4-3 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
• disaster.
• Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
• Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
• Referred to the Subcommittee on State and Federal Relations.

Summary: The House met briefly to read a large number of first-reading bills, joint resolutions, and concurrent resolutions and refer them to the appropriate committees. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including public health, education, criminal justice, taxation, transportation, water and natural resources, elections, housing, veterans issues, local government, and constitutional amendments. Several bills focused on school policy, health care regulation, property tax and sales tax changes, criminal penalties, and local or state agency authority. Among the notable items were proposals on name and sex changes on birth records, college admissions inquiries into criminal history, foster care contractor liability, school nutrition and assessment policy, election procedures, homestead and franchise tax exemptions, public retirement system reporting, and numerous transportation and infrastructure measures. The House also received resolutions designating local honors and observances, including Brownsville as the bicycling capital of the Rio Grande Valley, Port Aransas as the fishing capital of Texas, and Selena Quintanilla Perez Day. Some measures proposed constitutional amendments on legislative procedure, homestead taxation, and election-law enforcement authority. No debate or testimony occurred in this segment; the action was limited to first reading and referral. The session also referred several resolutions to the Local and Consent Calendars. At the end of the proceedings, the House adjourned without objection until 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is not just strictly county, state, federal money.
• We did receive a federal grant for that, a $16 million federal grant, where we'll be expanding the track
• We did receive a federal grant for that, $16 million federal grant, where we'll be expanding the track
• Anyone else doing natural gas? No.
• You know, things of that nature.

Summary: The Transportation Committee heard SB 356 by Senator Wright, which would create an opt-in framework allowing counties and municipalities to designate certain roads for utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs) under local conditions, including driver licensing, insurance, and speed-limit restrictions below 55 mph. Senator Wright said the bill would give law enforcement clearer authority and mirror the local-option approach used for golf carts. Supporters included a retired Volusia County sheriff and county commissioner, who argued UTVs are safer than golf carts and are already being used on roads, while opponents from the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association and Honda warned that UTVs are designed for off-road use, lack federal safety standards, and pose crash and tire-blowout risks on public roads. Several senators raised safety concerns, especially about speed and crash severity, but the committee ultimately voted to report SB 356 favorably. The committee then held a lengthy discussion on seaport infrastructure and funding, beginning with a moment of silence for JaxPort COO and former FDOT employee James Bennett. FDOT presented data showing Florida’s 16 deepwater seaports generate major cargo volume, jobs, and economic impact, and described state funding programs such as FSTED, SPI, and the construction aggregate grant program. Port representatives from Port Everglades, PortMiami, Port Tampa Bay, and the Port of Palm Beach described record cargo and cruise activity, major capital projects, and the need for continued state and federal support for dredging, bulkheads, cranes, rail, and terminal expansion. Senators asked about ROI, trade shifts, intermodal connections, fuel and LNG availability, leverage and reserves, and operational risks such as flooding, sea level rise, and channel depth; port officials emphasized resiliency, private partnerships, and long-term master planning. The committee also confirmed appointees to the Tampa Hillsborough County Expressway Authority and the Tampa Port Authority in one vote, with no objection. Finally, FDOT presented the statewide mapping programs work group report required by SB 1662, explaining that coordinated statewide use of LiDAR and aerial imagery could reduce duplication, improve emergency management and planning, and support insurance and storm-damage assessment. FDOT recommended a formal statewide coordination program, shared procurement and cost-sharing agreements, dedicated staffing, and statutory updates to Chapter 334 to support interagency agreements and recurring funding.