Video & Transcript : 'surplus hardware' :

Page 49 of 168
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • But more can be done, particularly at the juncture when school districts access surplus property.
  • But more can be done, particularly at the juncture when school districts access surplus property.
  • Thank you. districts um access Surplus property in districts um access Surplus property in the<00:02:
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: The committee heard House File 1340, authored by Chair Lee, which would expand the use of housing infrastructure bonds to support the adaptive reuse or conversion of buildings into affordable housing. The author described the bill as a way to help nonprofit and other affordable housing developers compete for surplus buildings, especially when school districts are selling unused properties on the open market. Tom Parent of Minneapolis Public Schools testified in support, explaining that school districts manage facilities through separate capital budgets and that selling surplus property at fair market value helps offset future property tax burdens. He said districts often face tension between maximizing sale proceeds and meeting community needs, and pointed to Minneapolis examples where former school buildings are being converted to housing, including projects serving youth experiencing homelessness. He argued the bill could better align reuse of school properties with community housing needs while protecting local taxpayers. In response to a question from Representative Scraba, the author confirmed the bill does not allocate new dollars but instead expands eligible uses under the statute for housing infrastructure bonds. No vote or formal action was taken during the exchange, and the bill was presented as part of a broader bipartisan discussion about reuse of vacant buildings for housing and other community purposes.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Currently, local government code mandates that counties manage surplus or salvage property, including
  • current statute details the circumstances in which a commissioner's court of a county may donate surplus
  • HB 3335 amends the local government code in regards to the disposal of a county surplus or salvage property
  • and allow for a broader reach of donations of county surplus property, thereby helping maximize the
  • We joke that we are a victim of our purchasing agents success in getting our surplus property sold off
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • But I will note that the surplus, that's $3.8 billion, is about 70% non-recurring dollars.
  • This budget amendment places an overall surplus of $4.7 million into unbudgeted reserve in multiple appropriation
  • All surplus of $4.7 million into unbudgeted reserve in multiple appropriation categories and fund sources
  • This budget amendment also places an overall surplus of $452 million into unbudgeted reserve to conform
  • The amendment also places an overall surplus of $452 million into unbudgeted reserve to conform to the
Summary: The Legislative Budget Commission met with a quorum present to hear the constitutionally required Long-Range Financial Outlook and consider a series of budget amendments. Amy Baker of the Office of Economic and Demographic Research presented the outlook, describing Florida’s continued population growth, strong wage growth, an aging population, housing-market softening, and low consumer sentiment. She said the general revenue forecast was largely unchanged from March, but the state’s funds available had improved because of legislative actions in 2025 that increased the balance forward. She also noted strong reserves, a projected current-year Medicaid deficit of about $125 million, and a three-year outlook that remains positive in the first year but turns negative in years two and three. She highlighted the risk of co-occurring catastrophic events, using a normalized Great Miami Hurricane scenario to illustrate potential state losses. The outlook was adopted after brief comments from House and Senate members emphasizing fiscal restraint and efficiency. The commission then approved multiple budget amendments, mostly without objection. The Agency for Health Care Administration received amendments to realign funding for Florida KidCare based on estimating conference results, to provide $85 million in budget authority for disproportionate share hospital payments, and to adjust Medicaid and long-term care appropriations, including placing surplus funds into reserve. The Department of Health received $6.3 million in additional authority for newborn screening. The Department of Corrections and the Department of Management Services each received $2.2 million in Private Inmate Welfare Trust Fund authority for repair invoices and pending projects. The Department of State was authorized to release $2.5 million in nonrecurring general revenue for cultural and museum grants and America 250 commemorative grants. The Department of Transportation received approval for a project roll-forward and for work program changes, including advancing I-95 widening in Duval County and the I-4 corridor in Polk and Osceola counties. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • So in the case of a surplus, OE could recognize below that new floor.
  • So in the case of a surplus, OE could recognize below that new floor. legislatively named grants to be
  • the</c><00:10:50.560><c> case</c><00:10:50.640><c> of</c><00:10:50.720><c> a</c><00:10:50.880><c> surplus
  • So in the case of a surplus uh now350.
  • So in the case of a surplus uh uh<00:10:53.440><c> OE</c><00:10:54.000><c> could</c><00:10:54.320><c>
Keywords: 1183, house
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House/Senate Republican Media Availability 4/10/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Democrats over the last two years have raised taxes by $10 billion, spent down the budget surplus.
  • And again, $18 billion of surplus was spent. Taxes and fees were raised by another $10 billion.
  • again,<00:07:47.280><c> $18</c><00:07:47.680><c> billion</c><00:07:48.319><c> of</c><00:07:48.560><c> surplus
  • </c> again, $18 billion of surplus was spent. again, $18 billion of surplus was spent.
Keywords: 1183, house
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Omnibus tax finance and policy bill, HF9, passed in Minnesota House 6/9/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We had the opportunity in the tax committee to give the surplus back. It's not our money.
  • committee<00:19:18.880><c> to</c><00:19:19.120><c> give</c><00:19:19.280><c> the</c><00:19:19.440><c> surplus
  • It didn't make the cut. surplus and they raised taxes between 10 surplus and they raised taxes between
  • c><00:38:22.320><c> an</c><00:38:22.480><c> $18</c><00:38:22.800><c> billion</c><00:38:23.640><c> surplus
  • ,</c> burned through an $18 billion surplus, burned through an $18 billion surplus, raised<00:38:24.960
Keywords: 1183, house
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • So it is an FTE, and it is mainly a bunch of subscription and some hardware and software subscription
Summary: The House convened, took a roll call, and heard the daily prayer and Pledge of Allegiance before several special presentations. Members recognized recipients of the Oklahoma Seal of Biliteracy, the Fort Gibson High School wrestling team, the Doctor of the Day Dr. Jason Lees, the Nurse of the Day Teddy Cole, and the 32nd Annual Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy group. The chamber then stood at ease while awaiting the Senate and later convened a joint session with the Senate to honor the Oklahoma National Guard. In the joint session, Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell presided over Oklahoma National Guard Appreciation Day. Chaplain Josh Byrd delivered the invocation, Major General Thomas Mancino and Representative Hildebrandt spoke in praise of the Guard’s service and history, and Lieutenant Colonel Neil Harvey read the proclamation. Speakers highlighted the Guard’s deployments, disaster response, and the commemorative arch and museum projects. The joint session was then dissolved. Back in the House, members considered Senate Bill 2060, the Build Act, which would authorize master development districts and alternative infrastructure financing for residential and other developments. Supporters said it would help finance roads, water, sewer, and other infrastructure without creating public debt, while opponents argued it created an unelected quasi-government entity with strong lien powers, limited local control, and similarities to State Question 833, which voters had rejected. After debate, the House passed SB 2060 by a vote of 54-40. The House also adopted and passed several committee reports and bills with emergency clauses: House Bill 4042, appropriating funds to the Department of Commerce for census-related technology and staffing, passed 90-6 with the emergency approved; House Bill 4037, increasing the Ethics Commission revolving fund cap as its oversight duties expand, passed 91-0 with the emergency approved; and House Bill 4043, appropriating resources to Oklahoma Task Force One and the Department of Emergency Management, passed 93-3 with the emergency approved. The House then recessed until 12:30 p.m.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 9th, 2026

Business

Transcript Highlights:
  • I believe that both practices address doors and hardware.
Summary: The House Business Committee heard several bills, beginning with House Bill 529, which would let insured Idahoans negotiate a lower cash price for covered medical services and have that amount count toward deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. Sponsors described the bill as a patient-centered cost-saving measure and offered friendly amendments to clarify terms and make the bill operational. Testimony included support from a policy advocate and a physician who warned the bill could lead insurers to lower reimbursement rates over time. After questions about prior authorization, billing, and fraud concerns, the committee voted to send HB 529 to general orders. The committee then advanced House Bill 775, which would allow a bankruptcy debtor’s one exempt motor vehicle to qualify for the exemption regardless of whether it is operable, registered, or insured. The sponsor said the bill addresses cases where a debtor’s only transportation was denied exemption because the vehicle was not currently functional. After brief questioning, the committee voted to send HB 775 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 773, a code cleanup measure removing obsolete provisions related to corporate credit unions and cemetery statutes, also received a due pass recommendation. House Bill 787, which merges the Board of Podiatry into the Board of Medicine and moves some podiatry rules into statute, was likewise sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 790, a contested bill creating a voluntary certification for qualified interior designers to sign and seal limited non-structural, non-seismic interior plans. Supporters said it would reduce costs and delays and help retain Idaho graduates, while opponents from the architecture profession argued the bill lacked clarity, could create unintended consequences, and should not bypass architect oversight. After extensive testimony and debate, the committee voted to send HB 790 to the floor with a due pass recommendation and adjourned at the floor deadline.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 9th, 2026

Business

Transcript Highlights:
  • I believe that both practices address doors and hardware.
Keywords: 989, all
Summary: The House Business Committee heard House Bill 529, which would let Idahoans who pay cash for covered, medically necessary health care services negotiate a lower price and have that payment count toward their deductible and annual out-of-pocket maximum. The sponsors said the bill is intended to curb health care costs and improve patient choice, and they offered friendly amendments to clarify definitions and use the insurer’s allowable amount rather than an average amount. Supporters said it would reward price shopping and noted similar laws in other states, while one physician testified it could raise long-term costs if insurers begin tracking discounted cash rates. The committee moved HB 529 to general orders. The committee then considered House Bill 775, which would allow a bankruptcy debtor to claim the motor-vehicle exemption even if the vehicle is inoperable, unregistered, uninsured, or otherwise not currently functional. The sponsor said the bill responds to cases where a debtor’s only vehicle was denied exemption despite being needed for transportation to work. There was no public testimony, and the committee sent HB 775 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 773, a code cleanup measure, repealed outdated provisions related to corporate credit unions and cemetery statutes that sponsors said had not been used for many years. The committee also advanced HB 787, which merges the Board of Podiatry into the Board of Medicine and moves some podiatry rules into statute; the sponsor said the smaller board had been running a deficit while the Board of Medicine could absorb the cost. Both bills received due pass recommendations. The committee spent the most time on House Bill 790, which would create a voluntary certification for qualified interior designers so they could sign and seal limited, non-structural, non-seismic interior design drawings for permits. Supporters said the bill would reduce costs and delays, keep talent in Idaho, and recognize existing professional training; opponents, including architects and the AIA Idaho representative, argued that the bill could blur scope-of-practice lines and create unintended consequences without clear oversight. After extensive testimony and questions, the committee sent HB 790 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Feb 11th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • They only have the one request for hardware replacement of a computer.
Summary: The committee first received an Idaho State Department of Agriculture update on quagga mussels, with Director Chanel T. Wall reviewing the history of Idaho’s response, the spread and ecological damage caused by mussels in the Great Lakes, and the state’s legislative and operational efforts since the species was first detected west of the 100th meridian in 2007. She described the 2024 and 2025 Mid-Snake treatment efforts using chelated copper, noting a more than 50% reduction in the impacted footprint in 2025 compared with 2024, while emphasizing that the goal remains eradication. Members asked about the treatment method, the difficulty of keeping copper in the deep-pool water column, fish mortality, the reproductive capacity of mussels, and whether other states are using Idaho’s approach; Wall said Idaho’s work is being watched closely, but few states have shown the political will to attempt similar eradication efforts. No votes were taken during this presentation. The committee then heard a budget overview for natural resources from Legislative Services budget analyst Janet Jessup. She summarized the agencies under the natural resources budget area, explained JFAC’s recent actions on a 3% rescission, an additional 1% rescission, and a 5% ongoing base reduction for fiscal year 2027, and noted that many agency enhancements remain pending. She highlighted that DEQ’s requested enhancements are tied to dedicated and federal funds, Fish and Game’s budget is entirely dedicated/federal, Lands has a fire suppression deficiency fund that can be drawn into the negative and later repaid by the legislature, and Water Resources has a recurring transfer request. Members asked about the fire deficiency fund’s limits and how it is funded, and Jessup explained that it is typically preloaded by legislative appropriation. Finally, Keith Bybee of Legislative Services gave a broader general fund and revenue outlook. He said the legislature’s adopted revenue forecast is higher than the governor’s, but the budget remains tight because of lower-than-expected cash balances and the effect of policy changes and rescissions. He noted that the current-year ending balance is small relative to the size of the budget, while the projected fiscal year 2027 ending balance improves under the legislature’s forecast. Committee members discussed uncertainty around future fire suppression costs, Medicaid, corrections, and school enrollment, and the meeting concluded with no further action beyond the informational presentations and prior JFAC budget decisions.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Feb 10th, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Computer hardware, technology.
Summary: The House Education Committee approved the minutes from February 4 and 5, 2026, then heard RS 3327 on Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA). The sponsor said the proposal would reduce state funding for several areas viewed as scope creep or double funding, including private school, homeschool, and some virtual school enrollments, LaunchPad literacy, urban custom sections, and a limit of three IDLA enrollments per student per year, along with a per-enrollment reduction. Members raised concerns about impacts on rural schools, the three-course cap, and whether the bill would hurt IDLA’s core mission, but the RS was introduced and sent to print. The committee then heard RS 33027, a proposal for a moment of silence in schools. The sponsor said it was intended to improve classroom behavior and could include prayer, meditation, or quiet reflection. Members debated whether the silence should be required at the beginning of the school day or left to teacher discretion. Two substitute motions to alter the timing language failed, and the committee then approved the original RS to be printed and introduced. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 588, a virtual education bill for Idaho Home Learning Academy and similar programs. Sponsors and supporters said it would codify standards for virtual schools, require board approval of education service provider contracts, clarify residency and curriculum requirements, require Idaho teaching certificates, and define supplemental learning funds and eligible expenses with local control and State Board guidance. Testimony from virtual school leaders and district superintendents generally supported the bill as improving transparency and accountability, while one former legislator cautioned that it could limit innovation. After discussion, the sponsor asked to hold the bill in committee while a clarifying RS was introduced; the committee agreed to hold HB 588, then introduced RS 33283 and sent it to second reading.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House DFL Media Availability 5/14/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • $50 million if would uh take up to $50 million if there's<00:13:50.960><c> a</c><00:13:51.040><c> surplus
  • ><c> end</c><00:13:51.840><c> of</c><00:13:51.920><c> a</c><00:13:51.960><c> budget</c> there's a surplus
  • at the end of a budget there's a surplus at the end of a budget year.<00:13:52.680><c> Up</c><00:13:
  • We make sure that there's a surplus both at the end of the current biennium and the next biennium.
  • uh both at sure that there's a surplus uh both at the<00:20:16.080><c> end</c><00:20:16.320><c> of</
Keywords: 1183, house
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Conference Committee on HF3900 5/13/26

Transcript Highlights:
  • We did in 2023 and we went from an $18 billion surplus to a huge deficit.
  • We did in 2023 and we went from an $18 billion surplus to a huge deficit.
  • We did in 2023 and we went from an $18 billion surplus to a huge deficit.
  • </c><00:21:12.000><c> Where</c> billion surplus to a huge deficit.
  • Where billion surplus to a huge deficit.
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: The conference committee on House File 3900 met with a quorum, introduced members and staff, and received a nonpartisan walkthrough of the bill. Staff explained that the proposal would change the permanent school fund’s distribution formula from interest and dividends to a statutory payout based on 4.5% of the fund’s average value over the previous three fiscal years, with the Commissioner of Management and Budget responsible for determining and transferring the distributable amount. The Senate version differed by adding language requiring a two-thirds vote of each legislative house to change the distribution policy or apportionment. Members then debated whether a future legislature could increase the payout and whether the constitutional language would sufficiently protect the fund’s purchasing power. Senator Farnsworth argued that a supermajority requirement would help prevent politicization and lock in the fund’s purpose, while Representative Long, Senator Kunesh, Representative Youakim, and Representative O’Driscoll opposed the supermajority as unnecessary and potentially politicizing, emphasizing existing constitutional protections, fiduciary duties, and the legislature’s track record of stewarding school trust lands for students. Staff indicated the language requiring preservation of purchasing power would be a strong safeguard, though the exact legal remedy was unclear. Senator Kunesh moved to adopt the House File 3900 second engrossment as the conference committee report. The committee took a roll call vote and approved the motion 7-1, with Senator Farnsworth voting no. After the vote, Senator Swedzinski offered brief remarks about the historical importance of school trust funds and public education.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 19th, 2026

Business

Transcript Highlights:
  • , excluding surplus notes.
  • Could you define for me the term surplus notes? Mr. Newmeyer. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
  • A surplus note is a debt instrument that, for insurance company accounting purposes, is treated as surplus
  • as surplus, but when this bill was updated and I was involved in this update several years ago, the
  • insurance department wanted that addition of reducing the amount by any surplus notes that an insurance
Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 19 and March 11. It then heard Senate Bill 1285, which would make high school diplomas from non-public schools, including homeschool, equivalent to public school diplomas or GEDs for Idaho occupational and professional licensing. The sponsor and supporters said the bill removes a barrier for homeschool and private-school graduates without changing other licensing requirements. After brief questions and supportive testimony from Homeschool Idaho, the committee voted to send the bill to the House floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee next considered House Bill 841 on prior authorization in health insurance. The sponsor said the bill would add transparency, predictable timelines, qualified clinical review, stability once authorization is granted, and reporting requirements, while preserving fraud protections and not dictating prices or coverage design. Testimony from the Idaho Medical Association, a migraine patient, and the Idaho State Dental Association supported the bill as a way to reduce delays and administrative burden. Representative Harris raised concerns about complaints and fiscal impact, but after debate the motion to send the bill to the floor failed on a 9-5 roll call, with four absent. Senate Bill 1262 followed, a narrow insurance code change that removes a confusing “lesser of” investment limit and leaves a 10% asset cap for certain insurer investments. The sponsor and a domestic insurer said the change would simplify the code and improve portfolio flexibility, and the committee approved it for the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 898, which moves the State Historic Preservation Office from the Idaho State Historical Society to the new Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination. Supporters argued the move would streamline permitting and keep federal historic-preservation duties intact, while opponents warned of conflicts of interest, loss of independence, and possible funding and efficiency problems. After extensive testimony from preservation professionals, water users, and others, the sponsor closed by saying the budget and staff would follow the office and that the change would improve permitting efficiency; the transcript cuts off before the final disposition of the bill.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • So there is time in that time surplus.
  • We have advocated reserves and surplus.
  • We have done a return of surplus.
  • Uh because we had unrestricted surplus.
  • </c><05:54:44.480><c> specifically</c> from earnings and surplus specifically from earnings and surplus
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Senator Regina Birdsell at the request of the Insurance Department. The bill would clarify that a birth mother’s health insurance is the primary policy for a newborn’s care unless the mother has no coverage or no employer-sponsored coverage. Birdsell and Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the measure simply codifies the department’s long-standing interpretation of existing law. Representative Miles asked whether the coverage would extend to a grandchild if a young woman on her parents’ plan had a baby, and Birdsell said it would. The hearing on SB 47 was then closed. The committee next heard Senate Bill 121, introduced by Grant Bosi for Senator Kevin Avard. The bill requires insurers to notify the Insurance Department when they stop writing an entire line of business or, in some cases, when they change Medicare Advantage offerings. Benton Court said the bill was prompted by disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, where consumers and the department were confused by carriers exiting, changing plans, or narrowing offerings. He said the department does not regulate Medicare Advantage itself, but does license the carriers, and the notice requirement would help the department advise consumers; he also said noncompliance could affect a carrier’s license and could lead to fines. Members discussed the notice period, and the department and AHIP indicated support for changing it from 120 days to 90 days to align with federal timing. The hearing was closed with plans to work on an amendment in subcommittee. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 247, introduced by Representative Brian Cole, which would prohibit network exclusion for pharmacies that refuse to dispense prescriptions when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost. Cole said the bill is meant to stop pharmacies from being forced to sell at a loss. Members questioned whether pharmacies voluntarily enter PBM contracts, whether the bill would raise consumer prices, and whether it would mainly affect independent pharmacies. Cole and others said the issue has changed over time because PBMs now control a much larger share of the market, and that the bill would let pharmacies refuse loss-making fills and direct patients to mail order instead. The discussion also noted that the bill excludes Medicare and Medicaid and that the current proposal does not create a middle-ground option for patients to pay a premium at the counter.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Fiscal Policy Feb 12th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • can to place business in the admitted market with regulated insurers and only resort to going into surplus
  • And that's a voluntary process where if an agent identifies a policy through a broker in the surplus
  • lines... ...process where if an agent identifies a policy through a broker in the surplus lines market
  • why it's not a bad option, but please be advised that there are certain things that don't apply to surplus
  • We're seeing it in surplus lines. We're seeing it in the admitted market.
Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and reported favorably a series of bills after hearing sponsor presentations, public testimony, and roll-call votes. Among the health and public safety measures, CS/SB 68 would require pediatric readiness standards in hospital emergency departments; CS/SB 340 would require nursing students to complete human trafficking identification training; CS/SB 32 and SB 210 would create a new injunction process and related public records provisions for victims of serious violence by a known person; and SB 418 would add autism-focused law enforcement training and a voluntary Blue Envelope Program for drivers with ASD. Each of these bills received supportive testimony and passed the committee. The committee also approved several child safety and community protection measures. CS/SB 606 would add drowning prevention and safe bathing education to postpartum materials, and SB 428 would expand the state swim lesson voucher program to older children, with strong support from advocates and families concerned about drowning risks, especially for children with autism. CS/SB 302 would streamline permitting and incentives for nature-based coastal resiliency projects, and SB 636 would create an alternative beach management pathway for coastal communities, though beach preservation advocates warned about perpetual easement language and funding concerns. SB 628, designating Warrior Sacrifice Way in Pensacola, also passed unanimously. In addition, the committee advanced CS/SB 1734 on juvenile justice, with a late-file amendment updating definitions for juvenile probation and detention officers and codifying detention cost-share language. It also reported favorably CS/SB 246, a specialty license plate bill that was amended to include the UFC plate and an additional first responders resiliency plate, and CS/SB 1028, which revises Citizens Property Insurance Corporation clearinghouse procedures and related insurance market rules. Several witnesses testified in support or with technical concerns on the insurance bill, and members discussed competitive safeguards, clearinghouse scope, and Citizens’ assessment risk. At the end of the meeting, members requested to be recorded on specific bills, and the committee adjourned.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Fiscal Policy Feb 12th, 2026

Fiscal Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • That is a voluntary process in which the agent explains the surplus lines policy, why it may be a good
  • option, and the limitations that do not apply to surplus lines, including FIGA backing and rate regulation
  • Murphy said rates are going down across the board, including in surplus lines and the admitted market
  • the diversion of commercial residential and commercial non-residential risks from Citizens into the surplus
  • the diversion of commercial residential and commercial non-residential risks from citizens into the surplus
Keywords: 999, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Mar 5th, 2025

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • Clear rules for surplus funds distribution also remain.
  • Clear rules for surplus funds distribution also remain.
  • Homeowners or lien holders entitled to surplus funds must file a claim before the funds are reported
  • This amendment warns homeowners about scams where third parties attempt to claim surplus funds.
  • This amendment warns homeowners about scams where third parties attempt to claim surplus funds on their
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum and first approved SPB 7014, which terminates the state court system’s mediation and arbitration trust fund; staff noted the fund has no current balance and that filing fees were already redirected in 2011. The bill was reported favorably as a committee bill without objection. The committee then took up CS/SB 48 on alternative judicial procedures for foreclosure sales. Senator Garcia described it as a response to reported abuses in Miami-Dade County, adding longer sale timeframes, stronger notice requirements, rules for alternative sale methods, online auction authorization, and consumer protections for surplus funds. After adopting a technical amendment, members raised concerns about whether the bill was codifying a process they believed should remain with clerks of court and about the new online auction provisions; Senator Garcia ultimately moved to temporarily postpone the bill. Members also approved CS/SB 322, creating a nonjudicial process for sheriffs to remove unauthorized persons from commercial property, and CS/SB 138, which revises DUI-related language from “intoxicating” to “impairing” and allows judicial circuits to create DUI diversion programs. CS/SB 138 drew opposition from some members and testimony from cannabis advocates and defense lawyers who argued the catch-all language was too broad and could sweep in lawful medications or create testing and expungement issues, but it still passed. The committee further reported favorably SB 130 on wrongful incarceration compensation, extending filing deadlines and removing restrictive bars to compensation, and SB 234, which strengthens penalties for violent resistance against law enforcement officers and clarifies that such resistance can lead to life imprisonment if it results in an officer’s death. Both bills received supportive testimony, though SB 234 also drew concerns from defense lawyers about removing language tied to lawful duty and good faith; the sponsor said the bill preserves defenses while focusing on violent resistance. The meeting then adjourned.