Transcript Highlights:

• We have got solutions that will work. HB 41 is a huge mistake.
• So you decided the solution might be to shut the roadway.
• It's a new application of old technology.
• It's pretty amazing technology right now.
• Like I said, I've seen this technology. It was in Apopka.

Transcript Highlights:

• with older adults, citizens, solution with older adults, citizens, and<00:14:40.360> others.
• with buyin from systems, and solutions with buyin from Minnesota<00:14:50.279> residents.
• Together with the technology for all.
• <00:31:20.880> So new technology but no new uh FTEEs.
• So new technology but no new uh FTEEs.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• When you all have a presentation and discussion around technology and our investments, you will see how
• I just hope that we get to those solutions.
• We also have license plate reader technology in the area.
• We all recognize that technology is taking over our lives, right?
• But technology and crime fighting are making a significant difference. Great, thank you very much.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those are technological solutions included as part of the proposal based on recommendations previously
• Those are technological solutions included as part of the proposal based on recommendations previously
• We have, you know, seniors who don't like technology.
• You know, I'm not making any statements here about the technology.
• know, statements here about the technology.

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on State Administration heard presentations on the Department of Industrial Relations’ labor-related budget items, with the main focus on proposed trailer bill language to reform the Subsequent Injury Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF) and a related budget change proposal for staffing. DIR said SIBTF has grown far beyond its original purpose, citing the 2020 Todd decision, expanded eligibility based on chronic or asymptomatic conditions, and a backlog that has grown to more than 30,000 pending cases. The administration argued the reforms would restore guardrails, reduce liabilities and employer assessments, and speed processing for severely injured workers; the LAO said the proposal was largely consistent with its prior recommendations. Members raised concerns about using trailer bill language for major policy changes, the retroactive application to open cases, and the impact on workers already in the queue, while supporters from employer groups and public agencies backed the proposal as necessary to control costs and restore sustainability. Public comment was split, with injured-worker advocates opposing the retroactive changes and business/public employer representatives supporting the reforms. The committee then heard the SIBTF workload request, which would phase in 177 positions over five years at a cost of $36.5 million, including staff for the Division of Workers’ Compensation, the Office of the Director Legal Unit, and administrative support. DIR said the additional staffing is intended to address very high caseloads and reduce processing times, but emphasized that the request assumes the reform package is adopted; LAO agreed the staffing increase made sense if paired with reforms. Members asked about vacancy rates, current staffing, and whether the workload request would become the new normal, and DIR said it would monitor caseload trends and adjust future requests as needed. Finally, the committee received an update on the California Workplace Outreach Program (CWOP), which DIR described as a partnership with community-based organizations to educate workers and help employers comply with labor laws. DIR reported that CWOP has reached 1.75 million workers and employers and made 8 million touchpoints since 2020, with the current round awarding $50.7 million to 87 partners for a two-year period through June 2027. Members and public commenters highlighted the program’s role in reaching immigrant, farmworker, janitorial, nail salon, and other vulnerable communities, and several speakers urged continued funding at $30 million per year for five years. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So how do we get to the right solutions?
• LiDAR is one of the technologies we do use to create surface condition data sets, right?
• There's not going to be just one solution.
• The other thing, though, that I do want to add, There's not going to be just one solution.
• There's not going to be just just one solution.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation met to hear presentations from the Florida Department of Transportation on rural arterial roadways and transportation resiliency, followed by a panel discussion on metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs). FDOT’s Will Watts described the state’s growing population and travel demand, emphasizing that rural arterials are critical for connectivity, freight movement, evacuation routes, and congestion relief. He outlined FDOT’s project selection factors, noted thousands of identified rural arterial needs with billions in unfunded demand, and explained that the department uses community input and long-range planning to prioritize safety, capacity, and economic development. Watts then discussed resiliency planning for hurricanes and flooding, focusing on structural design, storm readiness, and drainage. He highlighted efforts such as elevated bridges, wave attenuators, coastal armoring, drainage upgrades, and materials testing at FDOT’s research facilities to extend service life and reduce storm damage. Committee members asked about local project selection, materials research, LiDAR use, and legislative support; Watts said local coordination drives project priorities and asked lawmakers to protect the Transportation Trust Fund. The MPO panel, led by FDOT’s Kim Holland, explained that MPOs are federally required in urban areas over 50,000 population and that Florida has 27, the most in the nation. Holland said MPOs identify and prioritize transportation needs through long-range plans and public engagement, and she noted that several regions are exploring consolidation after the 2020 Census, especially in Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida. Representatives from MetroPlan Orlando, Forward Pinellas, Pasco MPO, and Hillsborough discussed their structures and the potential benefits and challenges of merging, including representation, governance, funding, and maintaining local voice. Members generally supported regional collaboration, urged patience as studies continue, and emphasized the need for transparent public engagement, while the committee adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:16:26.199> that science or the grown technologies that science or the grown technologies
• new and Innovative Healthcare solution new and Innovative Healthcare solution and<01:35:51.320><
• Fortune 500 companies technology Fortune 500 companies technology startups<01:36:16.960> nonprofit
• improvement and innovation of that technology system.
• country cited for technology country cited for technology commercialization<01:41:35.239> uh<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The solution seems really simple.
• They are not a solution to stopping the fly.
• We know the solution.
• Rather than later, we need to come up with solutions.
• Perhaps we can come up with a Texas-based solution as well.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I have Cecilia Ducet, Massachusetts for Safe Technology.
• And I have Cecilia Ducet, Massachusetts for Safe Technology. Welcome. Thank you.
• And I know that the public is tired of all the technology... ...exposure.
• And I know that the public is tired of all the technology being pushed.
• However, this approach is a patchwork solution and leaves us with too many gaps.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing focused on children’s health, disease prevention, screening, treatment, and pharmacy-related bills. The chair explained that the session was for public testimony only, with no votes or decisions taken that day, and outlined the three-minute limit for individual testimony. The committee then heard testimony on a range of bills, including H. 2413 on adding electromagnetic sensitivity to the state’s MAVEN registry, S. 1508 and H. 2433 on creating an amputation prevention task force, H. 2535 and S. 1551 on establishing a naloxone purchase trust fund, S. 1635 on authorizing pharmacists to provide opioid use disorder treatment, H. 2385 on creating a special commission on avian influenza, and S. 1497 on patient safety and non-FDA-approved compounded drugs. Testimony on H. 2413 came largely from advocates and individuals who described electromagnetic sensitivity as a real health condition and argued that adding it to the registry would improve data collection, provider education, and public awareness. Testimony on the amputation prevention task force bills came from the American Diabetes Association and podiatry groups, who said diabetes-related amputations are often preventable, disproportionately affect people of color, and could be reduced through earlier screening, better care coordination, and improved insurance coverage for preventive foot care. On the naloxone trust fund bills, a representative, emergency physician, and nurse testified that hospitals often cannot reliably send overdose patients home with naloxone because of billing and reimbursement barriers, and that a bulk-purchase fund would expand access at no added cost to payers or providers. The committee also heard strong support for S. 1635 from pharmacists and public health researchers, who said community pharmacists could safely initiate and maintain buprenorphine treatment and help close gaps in opioid use disorder care. On H. 2385, a local board of health chair supported a special commission on avian influenza, citing gaps in emergency preparedness and the need for clearer coordination across agencies. On S. 1497, a pharmacy representative opposed restrictions on compounded drugs from outsourcing facilities, warning that changes could reduce access to life-saving medications and harm patient safety. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I think that, no matter what happens with the commission, the solution that you come up with for
• <00:15:28.560> correct we can come up with a solution correct we can come up with a solution
• It's the miracle of modern technology, Mr. Chairman. It's cooler. I'll wait. It's all after this.
• It's the miracle of modern technology,<00:27:27.679> Mr.<00:27:28.000> Chairman.
• <00:27:28.559> It's<00:27:28.720> cooler Technology, Mr. Chairman.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Data centers will be critical infrastructure for the innovative technologies of the future, and innovation
• Data centers will be critical infrastructure for the innovative technologies of the future, and innovation
• Data centers will be critical infrastructure for the innovative technologies of the future, and innovation
• Data centers will be critical infrastructure for the innovative technologies of the future, and innovation
• that were both Equitable and solutions that were both Equitable and effective<00:09:56.040> um

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We at the chamber seek to be part of the solution.
• that represents the U.S. consumer technology industry.
• that represents the U.S. consumer technology industry.
• We’ve had so much technology change.
• about how much technolog has mean think about how much technolog has changed<01:20:07.600> in

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Time to negotiate a real and meaningful solution.
• Our number one budget request is to work on a health care solution.
• , and we are eager. ...that we provide real structural solutions.
• And we wouldn't want to risk discouraging technological innovation in New Jersey.
• labels. ...of a variety of retail technology, including electronic shelf labels.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the kind of solution. Reduced broadcast operating costs by more than 30%.
• That’s been proven technology. It’s been funded and rolled out across the state.
• My production company specializes in science and technology stories.
• We live in a world that's increasingly shaped by science and technology.
• However, that is not a long-term solution. It is a one-year solution.

Summary: The hearing focused on the impact of the federal rescission of Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding on California public media, with Assemblymember Chris Ward and Senator Akilah Weber Pierson framing public media as essential civic infrastructure for education, local news, arts, emergency alerts, and underserved communities. Local officials from San Diego and La Mesa voiced support, emphasizing public media’s role in trusted information, children’s programming, and community arts access. Panelists from PBS SoCal, KCRW, Rebuild Local News, NPR, KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR described significant budget losses, layoffs, reduced programming, and threats to rural and specialized services. They highlighted impacts on children’s educational content, local journalism, arts coverage, science and documentary production, and emergency alert systems. Several speakers noted that smaller stations in rural or low-broadband areas are especially vulnerable, while larger stations are also cutting staff and delaying projects. They also discussed possible responses such as shared services, cost reductions, philanthropy, and state support, while warning that one-time bridge funding is not a long-term fix. Committee members asked about operational changes, alternative revenue sources, the role of state programs, and whether public pressure could restore federal funding. Witnesses said the loss is already being felt, that restoration appears unlikely in the near term, and that any state support should be structured to protect editorial independence and provide stable, timely funding. The hearing concluded with a shift to labor and production testimony and then to station-specific testimony from KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR, followed by public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We understand that there isn't a cookie-cutter universal solution.
• Technology is an ever-increasing demand. Our lives are shaped by technology.
• Technology is an ever-increasing demand. Our lives are shaped by technology.
• And it comes with technology costs.
• But it's all going to center around technology.

Summary: The committee held its first meeting of the session, with members introducing themselves and expressing support for veterans, military families, first responders, space industry growth, and domestic security. The first presentation was from the Florida Division of Emergency Management on the 2024 hurricane season and recovery efforts. Officials described response and recovery operations for Hurricanes Debbie, Helene, and Milton, including sheltering, meals, water, tarps, power restoration, flood control, debris removal, and public assistance funding. They emphasized that recovery is ongoing, that mitigation and resiliency investments are critical, and that Florida’s shelter space remains in deficit in many counties, especially for special needs populations. Senators asked about improving logistics capacity, technology for grant processing, HOA/private property debris issues, drainage and culvert maintenance, and ways to expand shelter capacity; the witness said more technology, better local coordination, and county-by-county planning would help, while noting limits on state authority over private property and county emergency manager qualifications. Committee members praised FDEM’s response and asked how the Legislature could help, including whether more logistical hubs, pumps, and flood-control equipment were needed. The witness said technology investments could reduce fatigue and improve grant and recovery processing, but that manpower would still be necessary. The committee also discussed the statewide emergency shelter plan, the use of schools as shelters, and the need to identify vacant commercial space and other facilities for future sheltering and special-needs needs. The witness said FDEM works with counties and commerce partners to identify available space and uses legislative funding for shelter retrofits and new construction when needed. The second presentation was from Blue Origin on its Florida operations. The company outlined its work in New Glenn, New Shepard, Blue Ring, lunar landers, and engine production, highlighting its Space Coast presence, more than 3,600 Florida employees, and over $3 billion invested in facilities. Blue Origin also described partnerships with Space Florida, public school Space Academies, internships, SkillBridge, and STEM outreach through Club for the Future. Members asked about the upcoming New Glenn launch window, which the company said was targeted for later that week, and the committee expressed interest in Blue Origin’s role in Florida’s space economy. The meeting ended with no further business and a motion to adjourn, which was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Technology is not a fix for this; we all know that you need in-person contact.
• not being a solution in and of itself.
• institutions to figure out the right way to teach this technology.
• So I'm looking for some solutions right now.
• If you're going to use technology and AI to do.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• reports fully set up in their technology reports fully set up in their technology platforms<00:59
• <01:07:54.640> systems<01:07:55.240> that technology systems that technology systems that
• <01:09:24.480> partners those technology partners those technology partners Senator<01:09:
• This is a part of that solution.
• solution solution this is a part of that solution um<01:28:01.199> that<01:28:01.320> doesn't

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we see a lot of potential in technology.
• And so we have fully embraced emerging technology at FDOT.
• We have all this new technology coming into our state, like flying cars.
• That is kind of a multifaceted challenge with a multifaceted solution.
• We know the solution, and the next step is resources to actually deliver that solution. Follow up.

Summary: The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee heard an overview from FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue on the state’s transportation work program, with emphasis on the Moving Florida Forward initiative, major roadway projects, workforce needs, seaports, airports, spaceport infrastructure, and the role of MPOs/TPOs in planning. He said the $4 billion general revenue investment in Moving Florida Forward has been leveraged into a roughly $7 billion-plus program, with 20 projects underway and about 70% of the initiative expected to be under construction by year’s end. He highlighted I-4 as the centerpiece, describing a new procurement approach, phased delivery, and added lanes intended to provide congestion relief during construction. He also discussed a projected 38% growth in transportation workforce needs and proposed a Florida Transportation Academy and a research institute to support training and innovation. Tiffany King of the Florida Airports Council said Florida’s 128 public-use airports have about $5.7 billion in unfunded projects through 2029, and stressed that airport priorities include not only terminals and passenger capacity but also safety, security, gates, and environmental work. Michael Rubin of the Florida Ports Council said Florida’s 16 deepwater seaports now have a $195.9 billion economic impact, support about 1.2 million jobs, and generate $7.4 billion in state and local taxes; he noted that ports still have about $4 billion in project needs, including dredging and intermodal connections. Jeff Sheffield of the North Florida TPO described the value of regional, community-based planning and said his four-county TPO has helped align local priorities with FDOT funding. Members asked about whether the state is planning for advanced air mobility and “flying cars,” whether Moving Florida Forward bypassed MPOs, how long major projects take, cost escalation, regionalization of MPOs, port governance, airport governance, and the contractor qualification system. FDOT and the witnesses said the state is working on policy and planning for advanced air mobility, that Moving Florida Forward did not bypass MPOs because the projects were already locally prioritized, and that the main delay is funding rather than the planning process. They said long-range plans are updated regularly and can be amended when priorities change, and that regional MPO structures can improve coordination. The committee took no formal vote; the meeting concluded after questions and comments, including discussion of workforce training opportunities for incarcerated individuals and a motion to adjourn by the ranking member.

Transcript Highlights:

• Caitlin Johnson with Political Solutions. Good afternoon, Chair and members.
• These are sort of future technologies. We have not seen these in practice.
• These are a proven technology. There are built-in safety standards.
• Oh, I'm sorry—and Pete Jackson with UL Solutions. UL is the national certifying body.
• for these inverters, and that technology has been flawless over the last 40 years.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on utility affordability, transparency, and clean energy. SB 327 would bar investor-owned utilities from using ratepayer funds to oppose municipal utility formation and would clarify the Public Advocates Office’s authority to inspect utility books; supporters framed it as a ratepayer protection measure, while utilities and telecom/broadband interests opposed it unless amended, citing concerns about scope and participation in regulatory proceedings. After questions about how it differed from AB 1167 and how PAO discovery disputes are handled, the committee passed SB 327 as amended to Appropriations on an 11-2 vote, later reopening the roll to 12-2. SB 1350 would allow renewable portfolio standard credit for power plants using green hydrogen, with the author and supporters emphasizing hydrogen’s role in decarbonization, grid reliability, jobs, and the Lancaster/ARCHES project. Environmental groups opposed the bill unless amended, warning about NOx emissions, paper transactions, and the need for stronger safeguards on hydrogen sourcing and delivery. The committee discussed amendments, including a minimum 20% hydrogen blend and emissions-related guardrails, and passed the bill to Natural Resources on a 14-0 vote, later reopening the roll to 18-0. SB 868, the Plug and Play Solar Act, would create a framework for small plug-in balcony solar devices for renters and others without rooftop solar access, while setting safety standards and limiting system size. Supporters said it would lower bills and expand access to solar; utilities and some public power entities raised safety and backfeed concerns, arguing interconnection review under Rule 21 remains necessary. After extensive discussion of safety, certification, and export limits, the committee passed SB 868 as amended to Appropriations on a 17-0 vote, later reopening the roll to 18-0. SB 1233, a transparency bill requiring additional disclosure about utility cash on hand, capital structure, and related reporting, drew utility opposition over duplicative processes and possible delays, but was passed as amended to Appropriations on a 10-3 vote, later reopened to 11-3. The committee also approved the consent calendar unanimously and adjourned after reopening the rolls for absent members to add on.

Transcript Highlights:

• expands income verification technology expands income verification technology and<00:05:23.320><
• service delivery through technology service delivery through technology modernization modernization
• <00:09:37.920> systems and alignment of technology systems and alignment of technology systems
• sustain cross-agency technology sustain cross-agency technology modernization<00:09:49.720> work
• We have additional ones in our CCAP proposal. in solutions that are Minnesota in solutions that are Minnesota

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're working with NTIA to find a solution for those locations... ...NTIA to find a solution for those
• It's from the Department of Shared Administrative Services, Office of State Technology.
• It's from the Department of Shared Administrative Services, Office of State Technology.
• It's from the Department of Shared Administrative Services, Office of State Technology.
• Jay Harton, Director of the Office of State Technology.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, opened with a prayer recognizing the death of Reverend Jesse Jackson, and then worked through a series of appropriation and transfer requests. In Section B, it approved a $273,000 temporary appropriation for the Department of Labor and Licensing. In Section C, it approved two Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requests: $280 million for the Department of Transportation and $195 million for the State Broadband Office to support Arkansas BEAD broadband grants, including an extra help position. Members questioned the broadband awards, provider amendments, buildout timelines, accountability, and the status of unawarded locations; the broadband director said no provider had requested speed changes, awards would be monitored with milestone-based payments, and remaining locations would be addressed later as federal guidance is received. The committee also approved transfers in Section D, including $458,000 for the Department of Correction, $25 million for Department of Education programs such as declining enrollment and teacher incentive funding, and $229,000 for Shared Administrative Services project management support. In Section E, the committee considered a $4.7 million budget stabilization trust fund loan for the Office of State Technology to implement ServiceNow and related IT modernization, cybersecurity, and governance tools. Members pressed agency officials on repayment, cost savings, and whether the loan would simply roll over existing costs; officials said repayment would come through agency rates over a five-year period and that the new payment would be lower than the current loan being retired. The committee voted to give favorable advice to the Governor on the loan request. In Section F, the committee reviewed cash fund requests for wage and hour claims, unclaimed property, and a heritage grant; in Section G, it reviewed a $1.1 million federal grant to expand college and career coaching in rural districts; in Section H, it reviewed pay plan and performance fund requests totaling millions across multiple agencies; and in Section I, it reviewed budget manual formatting changes. The latter part of the meeting focused on reports, especially the Medicaid trust fund. DHS and DFA officials reported the fund balance had declined from prior years and was down to about $394 million after seven months, with further decline expected by year-end. Senators and representatives asked about the appropriate reserve level, the impact of pending Medicaid rules and legislation, FMAP changes, and whether additional funding would be needed in the upcoming budget. Officials said projections are updated regularly, more than 10 rule packages remain pending with CMS, and the governor and legislative leaders will discuss additional capital needs during budget development. Members also discussed the importance of balancing Medicaid spending with new federal funding and maintaining flexibility for critical areas such as labor and delivery. The committee then adjourned without further action on the reports.