Transcript Highlights:

• Use the Zoom chat function if you need to communicate with our technical staff for any issues, and they'll
• It's... >> Would the committee staff be reaching out to the DLNR side and asking for assistance?
• staff? staff?
• and information technology system staff and information technology system modifications,<01:13:22.680
• training, and public procedures, staff training, and public communication<01:13:26.560><c> needs,</c

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a series of resolutions and a few bills, with testimony largely in support across the agenda. Early measures included HCR 15/HR 17 supporting Kamehameha Schools’ admissions policy, and HCR 22/HR 22 urging Congress to pass federal kidney disease legislation; both drew support and no opposition. The committee also heard HCR 146 HD1/HR 138 HD1 on “excited delirium,” with testimony from advocates urging the resolutions be broadened to include related terms such as hyperactive delirium and agitated delirium, and from family members and disability-rights advocates describing the issue as harmful pseudoscience tied to police-custody deaths and calling for a ban on the term and better mental-health responses. The committee then took up HCR 123/HR 115 on creating a coordinated support and stabilization task force for Native Hawaiians experiencing homelessness or extreme low income. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands testified in support, describing its transitional housing work and saying collaboration and data-sharing with the state homelessness office would help beneficiaries and others; members questioned whether existing entities already do similar work and whether the proposal would extend beyond beneficiaries. HCR 32/HR 32, which asks the governor’s senior advisor on mental health and the justice system to develop a plan to increase access to Hawaii State Hospital for certain criminal defendants, drew support from the Department of Health, the governor’s office, and disability-rights advocates, who emphasized coordinated planning, diversion from arrest when appropriate, and matching people to the right level of care. Additional resolutions addressed a range of policy issues: renaming Leeward Community College to Puloulou Community College (with no testimony), creating an ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi pathway under the Niʻihau dialect at UH (UH noted existing courses already cover the dialect but not a degree pathway), moving to a demerit-point driver licensing system (support only), and coordinating transportation infrastructure planning for Hawaiian home lands (DHHL supported the measure and said an expired DOT memorandum of understanding had covered related collaboration). The committee also heard support for expanding DHHL financial literacy and homeownership-preparedness programs, a resolution asking the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to examine algorithmic discrimination, and a resolution urging the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Advisory Committee to follow its rules, comply with the Sunshine Law, review its executive director, and strengthen accountability; the last measure drew 11 written supports and no opposition. No final votes or decisions were taken in the portion provided, as the hearing focused on testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we understand that handling bills like this doesn't incur some staff time and so we didn't want it
• So, uh it's really to ensure that there's uh budget accommodation for that staff time and uh nothing
• So it's really to ensure that there's budget accommodation for that staff time and nothing to exceed
• So it's really to ensure that there's budget accommodation for that staff time and nothing to exceed
• from</c><00:49:10.200><c> multiple</c> CUB worked with staff from multiple CUB worked with staff from

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our staff moved there and to the SEOC in May of 2025.
• We currently have with about 20 staff.
• And then those cubicles are DNA cubicles for our staff as they're analyzing data.
• ><c> who</c><00:30:48.360><c> provide</c> We have specialized staff who provide We have specialized staff
• ,</c> which reduces our maintenance staff, which reduces our maintenance staff, reduces<00:39:50.400>

Bills: HF3599 , HF3761 , HF3523 , HF3515 , HF573

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: water treatment, infrastructure, municipal funding, bond issuance, Becker, sewer improvements, sanitation, Hibbing, state bonds, infrastructure funding, capital investment, safety improvements, mobility, U.S. Highway 12, bonds, transportation funding, trails, Prior Lake, bond funding, recreational improvements

Transcript Highlights:

• And from the organizational meetings I've been having with these staff members, I think we're going to
• </c><00:02:26.959><c> members,</c> been having with uh these staff members, been having with uh these
• We have a very approachable staff, so don't be shy.
• We have a very approachable staff, so don't be shy. I think that covers that one.
• </c> that we've talked about with staff that we've talked about with staff behind<01:12:43.120><c> the

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe that's ask staff to read that.
• </c> before we go to nonpartisan staff. before we go to nonpartisan staff.
• So, um, question for nonpartisan staff.
• Ro told us no, they're not planning to staff it on the day that it launches.
• Ro told us no, they're not planning to staff it on the day that it launches.

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• uh we had 154 workers and other staff uh we had 154 pole<00:29:41.440><c> workers</c><00:29:42.279><
• And as the clerk indicated, that means that I have to hire additional staff, qualified staff, to run
• I'm concerned it will require us to hire more staff and train more staff, but I'm mostly concerned that
• The concern was about having the citizens kind of bring a petition for recount, having municipal staff
• That without standards for the municipal staff to conduct a recount, we actually, instead of creating

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He said that this committee mistreated his staff member when the committee asked questions about how
• and families of staff.
• I was also there; had our staff go back out there, train that new dispatcher.
• And those can send text, emails, and alerts to parents, students, and staff during an emergency.
• So we offer a panic button, which is the mobile app that allows students, teachers, and security staff

Committee: Joint Joint Legislative Audit Committee

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee heard presentations on Arizona’s school safety interoperability communication systems, beginning with remarks from Senator Kevin Payne, who described the program as a response to school shootings and 911 overloads, and said the goal is to let schools trigger a panic-button alert that immediately shares video, floor plans, and location information with law enforcement and other responders. Several members echoed support for the concept, while also raising concerns about whether the systems are actually working as intended and whether school resource officers remain necessary or should be supplemented by technology. Auditor General Lindsay Perry summarized the JLAC-directed special audit, explaining that the office reviewed whether fund expenditures were authorized, whether purchased systems met statutory requirements, and whether procurement followed applicable standards. She said the office had tested a sample of systems with vendors, schools, and law enforcement, and that some agencies had not provided requested follow-up information. Members questioned Pinal County’s lack of response and the status of its reports and payments, and committee leaders criticized the county sheriff’s claim that the committee had treated staff unfairly. Representatives from Mutualink, Motorola Solutions, and Navigate 360 then defended their systems and described implementation challenges. Mutualink said its platform connects schools, dispatch, and responders across jurisdictions and claimed it can reduce response times, but acknowledged that implementation depends on training, infrastructure, and cooperation among schools and agencies. Motorola said it had deployed systems in Maricopa and Yuma counties and that some delays stemmed from school participation and procurement issues. Navigate 360 highlighted Cochise County as a success story, saying 60 of 69 schools were implemented and that the company had added maps, emergency management tools, and training support after audit findings. Members repeatedly pressed the vendors on statutory criteria, procurement practices, rural infrastructure, and why some counties or schools were not fully operational; the vendors generally said the biggest barriers were local readiness, training, and interagency coordination rather than the technology itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is just as staff read it. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and good morning, members.
• This bill is just as staff read it.
• Now, certainly they probably had some staff hours arranging, and they sent us a lot of documents.
• Certainly, they probably had some staff hours arranging, and they sent us a lot of documents.
• But this was more of your office asking, just basically asking staff, their staff, to provide you with

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Summary: The committee first heard HB 1076, which would repeal the sunset date for the Louisiana Behavior Analyst Board. The bill was presented as a simple continuation measure, and Rep. Stagney moved to report it favorably; the motion passed without objection. The committee then took up HB 475 on artificial intelligence in health care. The author explained that the bill was intended to require disclosure when AI or recording software is used to transcribe patient encounters, and an amendment changed the proposal from patient consent/opt-out to disclosure only. The amendment was adopted, and HB 475 was reported favorably with amendments. HB 740, dealing with Medicaid managed care, was amended with technical changes and then presented as a way to let providers in the coordinated system of care appeal claim denials through the same independent review process used by Medicaid managed care plans. The Louisiana Hospital Association supported the bill, and it was reported favorably with amendments. HB 926, which would have barred public facilities from restricting access based on vaccination status and related medical decisions, drew testimony from supporters who framed it as a medical autonomy and informed-consent measure. After questions about public versus private facilities and whether the bill could affect hospitals or disease-based restrictions, Rep. Cruz moved to voluntarily defer the bill, and it was deferred without objection. The committee then considered HB 457 on housing standards for organizations serving people experiencing homelessness. The author said the bill was prompted by concerns about unsafe and unsanitary group homes and would direct LDH and the Fire Marshal to establish minimum standards for safety, sanitation, privacy, and habitability. Supporters said the bill would protect vulnerable residents, while opponents, including Oxford House and the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center, warned it could conflict with federal fair housing protections and impose burdens that could reduce recovery housing and other services. After extensive debate, the bill was reported favorably with amendments by a recorded vote. Finally, HB 616, which would give the legislative auditor oversight of publicly funded homeless service providers, was heard with testimony from homeless service organizations that argued the bill was duplicative, costly, and could expose sensitive HMIS data; the bill remained under discussion at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Part of our staff proposed work plan is another run at understanding how this is rolling out.
• I know there'll be a lot of follow up and, um, encourage everybody to work closely with the LFC staff
• So, I'm not sure how they're gonna staff those.
• About 150 to 180 emergency hire, firefighters that we have on call, call when needed, and we staff 16
• Um, that's a lot of what our district offices, um, staff, we have 6 district offices across the state

Transcript Highlights:

• Labor and delivery is a 24-hour service that requires specialized staff, equipment, and space.
• We staff with one nurse on call.
• We staff the hospital with a nurse that is immediately available for a delivery.
• It is important for medical staff to not only be informed but to be adaptable.
• And we also have supervisors, transport personnel, and administrative staff.

Bills: HB18 , HB37 , HB116 , HB388 , HB879 , HB913 , HB1151 , HB2216 , HB2358 , HB2809 , SB577 , SB1590 , SB1782 , SB1887 , SB2744 , HB18 , HB37 , HB116

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services, financial stability, perinatal bereavement, healthcare, hospital training, bereavement support, maternal care, fetal demise, stillbirth, neonatal death, parent-child relationship, involuntary termination, family law, child welfare, child protection, HB 388, HB388

Transcript Highlights:

• concerns that have been raised by staff that I would hope you would address.
• What this... ...have been raised by staff that I would hope you would address.
• The huge amount of uncertainty creates problems with us being able to hire and retain staff.
• Chair, can we just give staff bills that we missed, or do we have to announce on the record?
• Chair, can we just give staff bills that we missed, or do we have to announce them on the record?

Summary: The committee took up several claims bills first and reported both favorably without debate. SB 20, relating to relief of J.N., a minor, would pay the remaining $400,000 of a $600,000 settlement after an 11-year-old was injured on a Hillsborough County sidewalk with a known defect; SB 14, relating to the estate of Pineal Januier, would authorize payment of the remaining $1.7 million of a $2 million settlement after a drowning at a Miami Beach youth center pool. Both bills were supported by the sponsors and the Senate Special Master’s favorable recommendations, and both passed on roll call votes. The committee then considered SJR 1510 and its implementing bill, SB 1512, both by Senator Avila, which would create a new property tax benefit for owners who lease a non-homestead residential property for more than six months in order to encourage more affordable rental housing. Local governments, the Florida League of Cities, and the Florida Association of Counties opposed the proposal, warning of major revenue losses, impacts on public safety and services, and uncertainty for local budgets; several senators also questioned whether landlords would pass savings on to renters and whether the measure would worsen density and parking issues. Despite the opposition, both measures were reported favorably after the sponsor said the bills would be refined and revised. SB 674, by Senator Wright, was reported favorably with support from property appraisers who said it would let them budget and pay hiring or retention bonuses, similar to authority already given to tax collectors, to help compete for specialized staff. CS for CS SB 268, by Senator Jones, also passed after an amendment adding congressional members; the bill would create a public-records exemption for certain home-address information for elected officials, and debate centered on balancing transparency with safety after members described death threats and harassment. The committee then approved SB 100, by Senator Fine, which would bar government buildings from displaying flags representing political viewpoints and allow active or retired military or National Guard members to use reasonable force to stop desecration of the U.S. flag; the bill drew extensive opposition from transparency, civil rights, and LGBTQ advocates who argued it was vague, unconstitutional, and aimed at pride flags, while supporters said government should not endorse political messages. Finally, CS for SB 1664, by Senator Trumbull, was reported favorably after a strike-all amendment. The bill would require voter reapproval every eight years for certain local discretionary taxes, including tourist development taxes and some local option taxes, unless pledged to revenue bonds. Cities, counties, tourism groups, and the lodging industry opposed it, saying the measure would create uncertainty, threaten tourism marketing and beach restoration funding, and make long-term infrastructure and debt planning difficult. Senator Trumbull argued the proposal simply gives voters a recurring chance to decide whether they still support the taxes and the projects they fund.

Transcript Highlights:

• that is with them Becky trale staff that is with them Becky trale Katherine<00:20:32.200><c> Salazar
• It is my pleasure to introduce my dedicated staff.
• I'd like to introduce my office staff that are here.
• I'd like to introduce my office staff that are here.
• This is for legislators and staff who would like to get creative with us.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, similar to how your committee is assisted by nonpartisan staff, the LCCMR is also assisted
• by nonpartisan staff, including Mr.
• :12.240><c> is</c><00:22:12.360><c> also</c><00:22:12.679><c> assisted</c><00:22:13.039><c> by</c> staff
• the lccr is also assisted by staff the lccr is also assisted by nonpartisan<00:22:13.880><c> staff</
• </c> taken advantage of the time of the staff taken advantage of the time of the staff at<00:35:15.119

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the chief of staff at the Department of Justice, and I'm here with our chief medical examiner, Dr
• </c> name is Sean Gil I'm the chief of staff name is Sean Gil I'm the chief of staff at<00:17:16.319>
• A staff appraiser from the Department evaluated the property based on its contributory value, which was
• A staff appraiser from the Department evaluated the property based on its contributory value, which was
• </c> and state approvals before closing staff and state approvals before closing staff appraiser<00:41

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Long Range Capital Planning and Utilization Committee met in organizational session and first elected Representative John Cluder as clerk. A nomination of Senator Mark Makoni as vice chair was made but not voted on because he was absent; it was carried over to the next meeting. The committee also reviewed its guidelines and procedures, including how it handles property-disposal requests, late items, and informational materials, and then approved the November 12, 2024 minutes with one abstention from a member who had been absent. The committee then considered several state property and lease requests. It approved a 50-year, $1-per-year ground lease for about 5.66 acres at Berlin Regional Airport in Milan for a New Hampshire Army National Guard hangar/support facility, after hearing that the project is federally funded, intended for training and search-and-rescue support, and would have no permanent full-time staffing. The committee also approved a 30-year lease for the Department of Justice to move the chief medical examiner’s offices, morgue, and autopsy suite to 279 Pleasant Street in Concord, with testimony that the current Concord Hospital space is inadequate and that the new site would double body-storage capacity. Several Department of Safety and Department of Transportation property items were approved as well. Safety received approval for a 10-year lease, with renewal options, for the State Police aircraft hangar at 91 Airport Road in Concord. Transportation was authorized to continue disposal efforts for remnant parcels in Concord, Conway, Lisbon, Effingham, and Mount Vernon, with testimony explaining market conditions, appraisals, access limits, and easements; members asked questions about access and buildability, but each item was approved. During the Berlin lease item, the committee was told the FAA objects to any lease longer than 50 years at that airport, so the request was revised from 55 years to 50 years on the record before approval.

Transcript Highlights:

• This incredible work is done every single day by our investigators, staff, and assistant attorneys.
• This work is done every single day by our investigators, staff, and assistant attorneys general in our
• So a couple weeks ago, staff from your office were able to attend a meeting with federal officials that
• So a couple weeks ago, staff from your office were able to attend a meeting with federal officials that

Keywords: 907, all

Summary: Oregon Attorney General staff held a press event on National Health Care Fraud Take Down Day to announce new Medicaid fraud enforcement actions and highlight the work of the state’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The attorney general said the unit, created in 1986, has secured 348 criminal convictions, 156 civil settlements and judgments, and significant recoveries since 2010, and noted the legislature recently approved additional staffing. She framed the work as protecting vulnerable Oregonians and taxpayer dollars, and said the unit is a small multidisciplinary team of investigators, auditors, attorneys, data analysts, and a nurse investigator. The office announced criminal filings in four cases involving alleged fraud by providers or public employees, including charges against a Beaverton man tied to housing assistance funds, a Corvallis provider and company accused of billing Medicaid for services not provided, a former Lane County employee accused of improper personal purchases on a government credit card, and a Tigard man in a medical transportation-related case. The attorney general also cited recent outcomes in other cases, including a Portland nurse who pleaded no contest and was sentenced to jail, probation, and restitution for billing for services not provided. She emphasized that the defendants are presumed innocent. In response to questions, the attorney general said Oregon staff attended a recent federal meeting on Medicaid fraud despite late notice to many Democratic states, describing the issue as bipartisan even amid broader disagreements with the Trump administration. She said federal staffing cuts have made state enforcement more important and that Oregon is already evaluating how to adapt to a more complex fraud landscape. She also said the cases announced are primarily against providers and entities rather than Medicaid recipients, and that Oregon’s managed care system is not currently a major barrier to investigations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I accept the committee amendments to this bill and appreciate the work put in by committee staff.
• Also would like to add that. ...and appreciate the work put in by committee staff.
• And a special thank you to the committee staff for their work on this bill.
• legislation, you know, it's one I think is important, both of us, but the engagement from the committee staff

Summary: The Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee met on April 21 and heard three bills. AB 1819 by Assemblymember Sanchez would require buildings serving 50 or more people to have an automated external defibrillator on site. Sanchez said the bill is intended to protect older adults and other community members by improving access to life-saving emergency equipment; supporters included recreation and park districts and respiratory care professionals. The committee members present voted in favor, and the bill was passed as amended and re-referred to Appropriations, with the roll held open for absent members. AB 1983 by Assemblymember Blanca Rubio would create an optional sequential repayment method for continuing care retirement communities, allowing entrance fee repayments to be made in the order residents leave rather than waiting for a specific unit to be reoccupied. Rubio and Erickson Senior Living argued the change would make repayments more predictable and equitable while preserving consumer protections. Support also came from LeadingAge California and the California Assisted Living Association. The committee approved the bill and sent it to Human Services, again holding the roll open for later votes. AB 2037 by Assemblymember Patterson would establish a pilot grant program to help seniors and people with disabilities harden their homes against wildfire risk, with Patterson describing it as a way to support property maintenance and reduce wildfire spread. The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, AARP California, and local officials testified in support, and committee members accepted amendments to add another county to the pilot. The committee voted to pass the bill as amended and re-refer it to Appropriations. After the initial votes, add-on votes were recorded and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Co-chairs will each designate a staff person as secretary for the purpose of taking minutes and do so
• COCHAIRS WILL EACH DESIGNATE A STAFF PERSON AS SECRETARY FOR THE PURPOSE OF TAKING MINUTES AND DO SO
• We are in consultation with each other as well as staff.
• WE ARE IN CONSULTATION WITH EACH OTHER AS WELL AS STAFF THE.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Joint Budget Subcommittee on Health convened as part of the 2026 Annual Budget Committee, with Senate and Assembly co-chairs introducing members, alternates, and the meeting rules. The chairs reviewed subcommittee procedures, including limits on alternates’ voting rights, no proxy participation, germane-topic restrictions, and the requirement that any report receive an affirmative majority vote from each house’s delegation. The co-chairs outlined the main health budget issues under discussion: the global cap, capital funding, hospital and safety-net hospital funding, early intervention, reproductive health, the Medical Indemnity Fund, aging issues, insurance prior authorization, EMS biomarkers, and nursing home funding. The chair emphasized the state’s responsibility to families affected by the Medical Indemnity Fund. Minority members raised support for restoring the full 15 percent capital Medicaid reimbursement for nursing homes, increasing aid for financially distressed hospitals, and addressing home care funding shortfalls. They also urged stronger measures against Medicaid waste, fraud, and abuse, warning against budget gimmicks and emphasizing long-term fiscal sustainability, including careful use of any Medicaid savings tied to the federal 1331 health program. The meeting ended with members saying they would continue consultations with each other and staff to work toward a final, on-time budget.

Transcript Highlights:

• I won't, at least for this committee, I won't sing, but I do want to sing the praises of our staff.
• It is our staff that really puts the spotlight on us. And so Matt, Alex, where are you?
• We want to sing the praises of our staff. This doesn't happen. I see our students over here.
• It is our staff that really puts the spotlight on us. And so Matt, Alex, where are you?

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Pre-K through 12 considered three bills and reported each favorably. SB 1318, by Senator Rodriguez, made a technical clarification to the Florida tax credit scholarship program so that when a scholarship account is closed, any remaining funds revert but do not revert to the state. The bill was passed without debate or amendments. The committee then heard CS for SB 1690, by Senator Claudio, which updates child care and early learning laws, including transparency, accountability, terminology, and regulation of before- and after-school programs. An amendment was adopted to clarify rulemaking authority by specifying the State Board of Education rather than the Department of Education. Senator Berman raised a concern about the bill’s removal of a parent-notification requirement related to leaving children in vehicles, and the sponsor said she would follow up. The committee then voted the bill favorably. Finally, the committee considered CS for SB 182, by Senator Jones, on school teacher training and mentoring programs. A strike-all amendment was adopted that refocused the program on schools with D or F grades, allowed districts and charter schools to place mentors, tightened mentor qualifications, authorized stipends up to $3,000, and directed the Department of Education to set standards and create a contract template. Supportive appearance forms were filed by Nancy Lothar and Orange County Public Schools. The bill was reported favorably, and the meeting ended with remarks thanking staff and recognizing Kathy Missouri for her service.

Transcript Highlights:

• I won't, at least for this committee, I won't sing, but I do want to sing the praises of our staff.
• It is our staff that really puts the spotlight on us. And so Matt, Alex, where are you?
• We want to sing the praises of our staff. This doesn't happen. I see our students over here.
• It is our staff that really puts the spotlight on us. And so Matt, Alex, where are you?

Bills: S0182 , S1318 , S1690

Committee: Senate Education Pre-K - 12

Keywords: education, Florida schools, charter schools, private schools, school choice, Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, FTC scholarship, scholarship accounts, fund reversion, public school curriculum, cursive writing, handwriting, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, patriotic programs, In God We Trust, teacher mentoring, teacher training, new teacher support, classroom management

Summary: The Senate Education Pre-K through 12 Committee considered three bills and reported all of them favorably. SB 1318 by Senator Rodriguez made a technical clarification to the Florida tax credit scholarship program so that when a scholarship account is closed, any remaining funds revert but do not revert to the state. The bill was taken up without debate and passed on a favorable roll call vote. The committee then heard CS for SB 1690 by Senator Calatayud on child care and early learning services. The bill updates child care laws, improves transparency and accountability, clarifies terminology, and aims to avoid over-regulating before- and after-school programs. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying rulemaking authority, shifting it to the State Board of Education. Senator Berman questioned a provision related to information on leaving children in vehicles, and Senator Calatayud said she would follow up. The committee then voted the bill favorably. Finally, the committee considered CS for SB 182 by Senator Jones on school teacher training and mentoring programs. A strike-all amendment aligned the bill with the House companion, limited mentor placements to D- and F-rated schools, expanded participation to districts and charter schools, tightened mentor qualifications, authorized stipends up to $3,000, and allowed use of educational enrichment funds. The amendment was adopted, supportive appearance forms were waived in, and the bill was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, members recognized committee staff and applauded Kathy Missouri for her last committee meeting, and senators later recorded additional affirmative votes before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I won't, at least for this committee, I won't sing, but I do want to sing the praises of our staff.
• It is our staff that really puts the spotlight on us. And so Matt, Alex, where are you?
• We want to sing the praises of our staff. This doesn't happen. I see our students over here.
• It is our staff that really puts the spotlight on us. And so Matt, Alex, where are you?

Committee: Senate Education Pre-K - 12

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Pre-K through 12 considered three bills. SB 1318, relating to the Florida tax credit scholarship program, made a technical clarification that any remaining funds in a closed scholarship account revert but do not revert to the state; it passed favorably without debate. The committee then took up CS for SB 1690 on child care and early learning services, which updates child care laws, improves transparency and accountability, and clarifies rulemaking authority through an adopted amendment shifting rulemaking language to the State Board of Education. During discussion, Senator Berman raised a question about removing a parent-notification requirement related to leaving children in vehicles, and the sponsor agreed to follow up. The committee reported the bill favorably after the amendment was adopted. The committee also considered SB 182 on school teacher training and mentoring programs. A strike-all amendment aligned the bill with the House companion and narrowed mentor placements to D- and F-rated schools, expanded participation to districts and charter schools, tightened mentor qualifications, authorized stipends up to $3,000, and allowed use of educational enrichment allocation funds. Two appearance forms were filed in support, and the bill was reported favorably after the amendment was adopted. At the end of the meeting, the chair thanked staff and recognized Kathy Missouri for her last committee meeting, with members applauding her service. Senators later requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on the bills, and the committee adjourned.