Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 474 revises provisions of the Florida law relating to the Department of Military Affairs.
• Senate Bill 474 revises provisions of Florida law relating to the Department of Military Affairs.
• This is a zero change in senior management service positions currently allocated for the Department of
• The Department of Business and Professional Regulations subsequently adopted a process by rule.
• Specifically, the bill requires that the Division of State Lands within the Department of Environmental

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, several introductions, and an announcement that there would be no conference that weekend. The chamber then took up a long special order calendar and passed a series of bills, often by substituting House companions. Early measures included trust law modernization to create a nonjudicial trustee discharge process, military affairs changes expanding leave and retirement-related provisions, a bill to prepare for the end of penny use by standardizing cash rounding, and a podiatric medicine bill regulating cellular or tissue-based products and informed consent. The Senate also approved veterans court expansion, RV park assessment clarification, alcohol-loss tax deduction authority, bail bond and pretrial release revisions, and a military-installation jurisdiction bill to allow juvenile cases on bases to be handled in state juvenile court under certain conditions. Most bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously, with the bail bond bill passing 36-1 after questions about charitable bail bonds and confirmation that existing law on return of charitable bail funds would remain unchanged. The chamber then paused for a lengthy farewell presentation honoring Senator Lori Berman, featuring a video, remarks from many senators, and Berman’s own closing speech reflecting on her 16 years of service, her legislative priorities, and her call for civility, bipartisanship, and continued support for issues such as school safety, Israel, anti-Semitism, and affordability. After the tribute, the Senate resumed and passed additional bills, including one expanding insurance coverage definitions for portable electronics and eyewear, a workforce and nursing education funding bill broadening support for health science programs, a recovery residences regulatory streamlining bill, a felony battery enhancement bill adding resisting an officer with violence as a qualifying prior offense, and a child welfare bill extending visitor thresholds in out-of-home placements, making the Step Into Success program permanent, and creating a best-practices program. The chamber also advanced a candidate qualification bill tightening party-affiliation requirements and adding a House provision on recent legal name changes; debate began on that measure as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the insurance department is going to pay for this out of the fees that they collect.
• </c><00:27:28.159><c> of</c> Page four is for Department of Page four is for Department of Employment
• </c><00:46:17.520><c> in</c> the department of of energy's needs in the department of of energy's needs
• </c><00:56:35.680><c> of</c> till you get to the Department of till you get to the Department of Education
• DOE, Department of Education, or DOE, Department of Energy, too. Sorry. That's okay.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This would be a working arm of the Department of Juvenile Corrections.
• We approved $150,000 ongoing per fiscal year 2027 in the Department of Health and Welfare on behalf of
• Also, I think in the expected or the anticipated, you would look at the benefit costs of insurance and
• That's part of it. benefit costs of insurance and things like that. That's part of it. Yeah.
• Tomorrow we've got the Department of Fish and Game and the Office of Species Conservation, and we'll

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and first heard the Joint Millennium Fund Committee’s report. The co-chairs recommended one-time or ongoing funding for several programs: $692,200 for the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund, $1 million for juvenile safety assessment centers, $3 million for child advocacy centers, $150,000 ongoing for the Upper River Youth Leadership Council Recovery Center, $5 million for a statewide drug awareness media campaign, and $25 million one-time for Medicaid claim payments in fiscal year 2027. Members asked about the Medicaid recommendation, noting prior language against using Millennium Fund dollars to offset Medicaid; the co-chairs said the current recommendation was tied to the governor’s request and intended as one-time funding, with any unused money returned to the fund. The report was accepted by unanimous consent. The committee then reviewed the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses budget. Legislative staff outlined the division’s structure, growth, fund balances, and fee-setting framework, including the requirement to keep board balances within a range tied to a five-year rolling average of expenditures. Administrator Russ Barron said the division has reduced costs, consolidated boards, and used fee increases, fee reductions, and fee holidays to bring boards into range; he also said the division had improved retention after inspector pay increases. Members questioned rising personnel costs, the use of opioid settlement funds for DEA license reimbursements, the request to remove a 10% transfer limitation, and whether cash balances should be redistributed among boards. Barron said the transfer exemption was largely a holdover and that cross-subsidizing boards would be possible but unpopular. He also explained that complaints drive enforcement, that a universal discipline bill could improve consistency, and that vehicle replacements were still needed because the fleet is aging despite possible future legislation. Finally, the committee heard the State Lottery budget. Staff reported that the lottery continues to generate dividends for schools and public buildings, with most expenditures tied to prizes and commissions. Director Andrew Arulenandum said the lottery has reduced management layers, renegotiated major contracts, and expects significant savings beginning in fiscal year 2027. Members asked about the role of lottery detectives, advertising spending, and the need for MacBooks and iMacs; the director said detectives investigate theft and other crimes involving lottery inventory, advertising effectiveness depends heavily on jackpot size, and the Apple equipment is needed for in-house design and artwork. The meeting ended with adjournment and a reminder about upcoming budget-setting work groups and future hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Education.
• ; providing for plan structure of the group health insurance plan; providing for group insurance premiums
• of Correction, the Department of Juvenile Corrections, and the Idaho State Police for fiscal year 2027
• House Bill 773, by the Ways and Means Committee, regarding Department of Finance; House Bill 775, by
• kind of the action items of the bill.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> from the Department of Human Services. from the Department of Human Services.
• c><00:29:30.640><c> amazing</c> department of health has done amazing department of health has done amazing
• at the University of Minnesota, so that the funds cancel back in July 1 and the Department of Education
• ><c> would</c><00:48:29.599><c> complete</c> department of education would complete department of education
• of agencies increasing the department of education,<00:51:07.599><c> Pelby,</c><00:51:08.319><c> their

Bills: HF2433 , HF2434

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: education funding, children with disabilities, transition aid, special education, school district consolidation, healthcare, personal care assistance, worker retention, disability services, state funding, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• friends at the LAO and the Department of Finance, who helped to ground those conversations in facts
• of when.
• Lisa Rosenzinski with the Department of Finance.
• money, and adds unemployment insurance fund loans to that list of eligible debts.
• who are paying higher insurance costs because of these revenue cuts from the federal government and

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is determined by a vote of a majority of all employees in the unit rather than a majority of only those
• It requires the Department of State to publish on its website a list of all sister city and sister state
• So I reached out to the Department of State and they said they have no concerns regarding any of the
• We have Doug Bell, Progressive Insurance is a proponent of the bill.
• Department of Labor.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Company 5 of the Nasha Fire Department Company 5 of the Nasha Fire Department who<00:23:48.960><
• Today, I am directing our Department of Energy to build pathways to foster the next generation of nuclear
• ><c> Health</c> were made to the Department of Health were made to the Department of Health and<01:03
• Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD Section 542(c), already exists, and, Mr.
• </c><05:39:24.000><c> of</c><05:39:24.160><c> State</c> According to the US Department of State According

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the Department of Health to complete on this topic, and the resulting PFAS removal report is, I believe
• Health insurance is necessary and a costly fact of life. However, should it be?
• According to the Department of Revenue's 2024 tax incidence study, 77% of the corporate franchise tax
• ><c> Revenues</c><01:16:16.159><c> 2024</c><01:16:16.800><c> tax</c> to the Department of Revenues 2024
• tax to the Department of Revenues 2024 tax incident<01:16:17.679><c> study,</c><01:16:18.520><c> 77%

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, we have Alex Haley from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, waiving
• Some of them even only allow a UTV to go a max of 50 on a road.
• And I like, of course, Senator Martin, all of his recommendations.
• The Department of Transportation is directed to erect suitable markers designating Harris Rosen Way.
• Rosen was also a charter member of UCF's Board of Trustees, served on the board of directors for the

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met with a quorum present and considered two bills. The first, CS for SB 88 by Senator Wright, would create a framework for local governments to allow or prohibit utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) on certain low-speed roads, define UTV equipment and driver requirements, and make violations noncriminal traffic infractions. An amendment was adopted to correct the insurance requirement to match automobile-style minimums of $10,000 personal injury and $10,000 property damage liability. Testimony on SB 88 was divided. The Florida Justice Association and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association opposed the bill, arguing UTVs are designed for off-road use, do not meet federal safety standards, and could increase crash risk on public roads; Honda’s letter was cited as opposing road use. Supporters, including the sponsor and agencies waiving in support, argued the bill would address an existing loophole, provide insurance and licensing requirements, and help rural users and law enforcement by creating a clear legal pathway. Senators raised concerns about nighttime visibility, taillight spacing, speed limits, and whether the bill should be more restrictive, but the committee ultimately voted to report CS for SB 88 favorably. The committee then heard SB 274 by Senator Arrington, which designates a portion of International Drive in Orange County as Harris Rosen Way in honor of hotelier and philanthropist Harris Rosen. The sponsor and several senators praised Rosen’s business success, philanthropy, and support for education, cancer research, veterans, and the Central Florida community. There was no opposition, and the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also noting that the Department of Health Care Services and Department of Social Services are here to
• Hi, Laura Yala, Department of Finance.
• Department of Finance The Department of Finance or LAO doesn't have a breakout by gender or race.
• I'm the Director of the Department of Social Services.
• I'm the Director of the Department of Social Services.

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of insurance.
• of insurance.
• </c><00:34:59.359><c> So</c><00:34:59.520><c> in</c> from the department of insurance.
• So in from the department of insurance.
• </c><00:58:09.760><c> of</c> consultation with the Department of consultation with the Department of

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Division 3 work session focused largely on amendment 1176 to HB 2, which would have incorporated the substance of HB 548FN, a House-passed bill creating a direct-pay or membership-based model for health care facilities. Representative Mlan described the proposal as a way to increase competition in health care by extending the direct-care model used in primary care to facilities, arguing it could encourage innovation and that concerns about widespread harm to critical access hospitals were overstated. He pointed to Oklahoma’s long-standing Surgical Center model as evidence that the approach had not spread broadly or displaced hospitals there. Several members and witnesses raised concerns. Representative Stringham questioned whether the model would shift profitable services and patients away from existing hospitals, potentially worsening their finances and affecting Medicaid-related funding. David Ross, speaking for county nursing homes, opposed the language because it also removed moratoriums on nursing home, skilled nursing, inpatient rehabilitation, and self-pay beds, warning that it could increase pressure on Medicaid rates and undermine community-based care. Ben Bradley of the New Hampshire Hospital Association said the proposal appeared to create a separate regulatory framework for direct-pay facilities and raised concerns about patient safety, CMS participation rules, and a separate patient bill of rights. The chair concluded that, because HB 548 was already moving through the Senate, the HB 2 process was not the best vehicle for the policy and that the issue should be left to the Senate’s more deliberative committee process. Representative Ferski moved to not accept or remove amendment 1176 from the agenda, and the committee approved the motion by roll call, 9-0, withdrawing the item from HB 2.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are six education regions in the state that are established by the Department of Education.
• directs the Department of Education to assume that 6% of elementary school students and 5.5% of secondary
• I believe the Department of Education has said if charter schools were to be included in this figure,
• So this $119,000—some of it is allocated to specific purposes, such as the health insurance portion of
• Department of Education.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 2 and 3. It then introduced RS 3-1308, sponsored by Representative Raymond, which would change public school digital content and curriculum funding from a first-come, first-served process to an as-needed, scored application process so districts with greater need would receive funds. The motion to introduce passed without opposition. The committee next heard a presentation from the Office of Performance Evaluations on its K-12 district characteristics and funding study. Casey Petty explained that Idaho’s support unit funding model tends to provide more state funding per student to smaller districts and less per student to larger districts, but that funding does not consistently rise with higher proportions of high-need students such as special education or English learner populations. He said Idaho’s special education formula assumes only about 5.8% of students are in special education, while actual enrollment was about 11.5% in 2023, contributing to an estimated $37.7 million gap in support-unit funding for special education. Members asked about the support unit model, district size effects, charter school data limitations, Medicaid, and whether the formula should be revised. The committee then considered House Joint Memorial 11, which urges Congress to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act at the promised 40% level. Representative Furman and several educators and administrators testified in support, describing the strain on district budgets and citing large local shortfalls in Boise and Fruitland. Witnesses said districts are covering mandated special education services with local and state funds, and that increased identification, early intervention, and behavioral needs are driving costs. Some members raised questions about over-identification, eligibility criteria, and behavioral issues, but the memorial was ultimately sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation by voice vote. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
• I believe that the Department of Labor said, well, you can do the accrual first, and then you can do
• I believe that the Department of Labor said, well, you can do the accrual first, and then you can do
• I believe that the Department of Labor said, well, you can do the accrual first, and then you can do
• of unemployment insurance for because of unemployment insurance for hourly<01:04:28.119><c> School</

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 1325 and adopted the author’s A2 amendment before hearing testimony. Representative Schultz presented the bill as a set of bipartisan changes to make Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time law more workable for small businesses, public employers, and taxpayers, arguing the current law is an unfunded mandate that increases costs and property taxes. The bill’s supporters said it would add flexibility, including changes affecting coverage for certain workers, employer size thresholds, front-loading, weather-related exceptions, and a delay on penalties. Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach of the Department of Labor and Industry opposed the bill, saying it would exclude about 800,000 workers, or roughly 30% of the workforce, from earned sick and safe time protections and create confusion and enforcement problems. She also objected to the proposed penalty delay, saying the department already uses compliance assistance and needs penalty authority for serious violations. The Minnesota Chamber supported modifications to the mandate, saying businesses—especially small ones—have struggled with compliance and that the law has had unintended effects on PTO policies and leave use. The League of Minnesota Cities supported parts of the bill, especially changes affecting more generous city leave policies and weather-event exemptions, saying current language creates confusion and can interfere with emergency staffing. Opponents from Education Minnesota, SEIU Minnesota, TakeAction Minnesota, and a nurse from Unity Hospital argued the bill would strip protections from part-time workers, minors, and workers with family caregiving needs, and would weaken a law they said has helped workers avoid discipline or lost wages when sick. Supporters from counties and an HR consultant emphasized administrative burdens, emergency staffing needs during weather events, and the difficulty of applying ESS rules to existing leave policies. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the bill was laid over for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• of over $362 million and about $4.3 billion annually from the United States Department of Defense.
• My name is Seth Reeve with Reeb Government Relations, representing the American Legion Department of
• And while the Department of Finance tracks the cost of these programs, tax credits created before 2014
• And while the Department of Finance tracks the cost of these programs, tax credits created before 2014
• So the potential penalties would go into that fund for the Department of Public Health to utilize.

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Summary: The committee heard several tax and revenue-related bills. SB 1277, by Senator Grove, proposed a California Cost of Living Tax Credit modeled on the 2022 middle-class tax refund to provide direct relief to low- and middle-income Californians facing high housing, fuel, and utility costs. Supporters argued it would help families struggling with affordability, while opponents, including the California Tax Reform Association and CTA members, said California’s tax system already provides relief and that the bill would reduce General Fund revenue and harm schools. After extended debate, the bill was put on call and later failed on a 1-4 vote, though reconsideration was granted. SB 1287, by Senator Retado, would create a performance-based tax credit for short-line rail investments; supporters said it would improve freight efficiency, safety, emissions, and rural access, while opponents preferred direct grants. The bill was placed on call and later passed 5-0 to Transportation. SB 1407, by Senator Archuleta, would exempt military retirement pay and survivor benefits from state taxes; the author, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and veterans’ groups said it would help retain veterans and their economic contributions in California, while CTA and CTRA opposed on General Fund grounds. The bill passed 5-0 to Military and Veterans Affairs. SB 1349, by Senator Gonzalez, would direct the LAO to review major tax expenditures for effectiveness and impacts on schools and the budget; CTA and CTRA supported it as a way to increase accountability, and it passed 4-1 to Governmental Organization. SB 1120, by Senator McNerney, would extend the California Competes Tax Credit through 2035 and make credits refundable for certain strategic industries; business and industry witnesses said this would help startups and manufacturers monetize credits and attract investment, and it passed 5-0 to Appropriations. SB 1275, also by Senator McNerney, proposed converting the state sales tax on vehicle purchases into a deductible vehicle license fee to reduce Californians’ federal tax burden; the LAO provided technical testimony, and the bill passed 4-0 to Transportation. The committee also heard SB 1078, by Senator Laird, to let Santa Cruz County voters consider a temporary local tax increase for health and safety-net services, but it was put on call. Later, the committee returned to SB 1314, by Senator Min, addressing youth tobacco and illicit smoke shop sales, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• How we would do this, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education would receive and vet lessons
• Would there be an opportunity to explore with insurance agencies that pool some sort of a fund together
• And then a little bit later on there, 11 and 12, it is a, you know, the Department of Elementary and
• Brandon Koch, from the Missouri Insurance Coalition, just going in support of the bill.
• I think one of the main reasons is just the insurance gap process influences that decision of when a

Committee: House Elementary and Secondary Education

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Adjutant General, Department of Emergency Affairs, Johnny Conley.
• Director of Affairs, Department of Housing, Judith Ruby. Dylan Williams.
• SB 1296, health insurance, private employers coverage. SB 13... Second reading of bills continued.
• Introduction of first reading of bills.
• I serve, a little bit of Tucson as well, so the betterment of both of our communities.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the journal and recorded attendance. Members observed a moment of silence for former Representative Noel Campbell, and several guest groups were recognized in the gallery, including Greater Phoenix school district leaders, GCU Government and History Club students, Arizona Food Bank Network representatives, and local and tribal officials visiting for appropriations and transportation-related discussions. The chamber also adopted a proclamation recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Senators and guests offered remarks about the Holocaust, rising antisemitism, and the importance of education and remembrance, followed by a moment of silence. Later, the Senate received and unanimously adopted House Concurrent Resolution 2045 honoring the life and public service of former Congressman Raul Grijalva, with members of the Grijalva family present on the floor and several senators sharing personal tributes. The Senate then processed a long list of governor’s nominations, first readings, and second-reading bill referrals, including measures on natural resources, education, health, public safety, elections, taxation, utilities, and appropriations. Senator Bolick also read a proclamation for National School Choice Week. The body recessed briefly, returned to consider SCR 1036 on Attorney General public statements, and then received committee announcements before adjourning until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:34:24.800><c> of</c> please don't hold the Department of please don't hold the Department of
• </c> Department of Early Childhood. Department of Early Childhood.
• </c> Department of Local Affairs. Department of Local Affairs.
• Department of Natural Resources. Department of Natural Resources.
• </c> Department of Transportation. Department of Transportation.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the Department of Revenue, and this is strictly the impact to JLARC as an agency of the legislation
• The next and final section of this presentation will cover ways that the Department of Licensing and
• It's really beneficial to both us and the Department of Licensing as well.
• Department of Licensing.
• “The Department of Health administers the program.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee met on January 7, 2026, approved the December minutes, and adopted an amended work plan. Staff proposed moving the drug take-back program sunset review up to 2026 and delaying the thermal energy network pilot review to 2028, which would free capacity for new studies. Members also discussed active bills that would eliminate two recurring JLARC reports, including one on lodging tax revenue data collection, and the committee adopted the work plan without objection. JLARC staff then outlined new performance measures for the committee itself, covering effectiveness, efficiency, and quality. The measures include member and legislative satisfaction surveys, presentations to other committees, recommendation follow-up, staff retention, on-time report delivery, peer review results, and national recognition. Members praised the effort and did not take formal action, treating the measures as an ongoing process. The committee also heard a proposal to improve JLARC’s review of tax preference performance statements by adding a standard rubric in fiscal notes to assess whether a metric matches the policy objective, is measurable, uses reliable data, and allows enough time for evaluation. Members supported the pilot approach. Staff also described planned changes to public records reporting guidance, including opt-outs for low-volume metrics, better validation, targeted outreach to nonreporting agencies, and a survey of records officers. Two preliminary reports were presented. On ignition interlock devices, JLARC found that only 41% of drivers with a requirement had installed a device, with installation rates rising sharply with income; financial assistance reaches only about 11% of users, and JLARC recommended clearer program goals and stronger coordination between the Department of Licensing and State Patrol. On the drug take-back program, JLARC found that the fee structure tied to operator expenditures limits the Department of Health’s ability to recover oversight costs and recommended public reporting of oversight spending and a statutory change to better align fees with actual costs. Agency representatives generally agreed with the findings, described current coordination and administrative changes, and said they would consider the recommendations. No formal votes were taken on the reports, which will return in final form later in the year.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here on behalf of the Division of Insurance.
• just as an update in case members of the commission were not aware that the Department of Public Health
• I am a commissioner representing the Division of Insurance, and I'm very happy to have with me today
• I am at the Department of Public Health.
• I am at the Department of Public Health.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission met to reopen its work for the year, with roll call and attendance confirmations followed by remarks from the co-chairs and members. Senator Liz Miranda stepped down as co-chair, citing multiple responsibilities and personal losses, and Senator Adam Gomez was welcomed as the new Senate co-chair. Gomez said he would listen and learn from commissioners and advocates, and both outgoing and incoming leaders emphasized continuing the commission’s work on maternal health, postpartum depression, and equity. Members discussed several current policy and implementation issues. The Department of Public Health reported a new regulation to implement the 2024 midwifery access law, including temporary licenses for licensed certified professional midwives. Commissioners also raised concerns about birthing hospital and inpatient obstetric unit closures, OB-GYN workforce shortages, reimbursement changes, and the need to expand midwifery, doula, and birth center capacity. Other topics included substance use and perinatal mental health supports, the limited $220,000 appropriation for community-based perinatal mental health organizations, and the need for stronger funding in the budget to implement the maternal health law. The commission also focused on future priorities and information sharing. Members suggested more presentations from clinicians, regulators, infant and early childhood mental health experts, and PSI of Massachusetts; greater attention to parent-child relational health and postpartum screening in pediatric settings; and possible commission action such as a letter to the governor on workforce and access issues. The group agreed that there was not enough time to plan a May event and instead would use the commission to publicize related events, including Black Maternal Health Week activities. Commissioners voted to create a biweekly digest for sharing updates, with urgent items to be sent by email, and then adjourned the meeting.